The Shadows of the Past

by Golden Flame 611

When 17-year-old Riza, recently enrolled in the military academy, gets pregnant by Roy, she must make the difficult decision to separate from her baby to protect him from the military and the consequences of breaking the anti-fraternization law. Years later, unaware of her son's whereabouts, he would return to her as the Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric. (Parental, Royai, EdWin)

27. Family Ties Part 2

A/N: Hello! :)

Now it's turn to see how the talk between Ed and Roy will go. Will they listen each other like they should or will the continue to suppose what the other really wants to say? D:

We hope you enjoy this chapter and as always thank you very much for reading and commenting.

Special thanks to shinho4869, Drumboy100, dragonball256, Lady Rini and Elvenstar146!

See you in two weeks!

Golden and Flame

Disclaimer: Fullmetal Alchemist characters do not belong to us. We're just having fun with them.

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Chapter 27. Family Ties Part 2

Roy was sitting on his bed idly looking around the room he was in. He didn't know what to do. Knowing Riza he was sure she was upset with herself and not him and that made him feel bad. He would rather Riza be upset with him if it meant she could fully enjoy her reconciliation with her son. Yes, it hurt him to know that he wouldn't be able to aspire to something similar but that didn't mean he wasn't happy for her. The problem was that Riza felt guilty about the estrangement he himself had caused so he wasn't sure what words he could say to her without running the risk of creating conflict between them.

He sighed and ran a hand over his eyes. The hot shower had relaxed his muscles but his eyes had resented the steam from the water a little. It was only a slight discomfort so he wouldn't have to worry about it as he could notice how every day his eyes bothered him less and less, a situation that was corroborated by the satisfied smile of the ophthalmologist who had checked him that day.

Roy pulled his hand away from his face and dropped it in his lap as he stared at the door. What should I do? Should I go look for Riza? ... Or maybe I should go visit Ed? Roy shook his head a couple of times. Idiot, just because he realized what a wonderful person Riza is, it doesn't mean you have a chance. After all, now he's got his mother back and he's chosen his father. What have you done to earn his affection? Nothing! So accept your fate and stop deluding yourself.

Roy's thoughts were interrupted when he heard the sound of the doorknob turning slowly. The sound was almost imperceptible but, perhaps due to the temporary loss of one of his senses, lately Roy easily detected sounds around him. Figuring it was Riza, he kept his eyes in front of him as he thought about what he would say to her. However, that wasn't necessary. Out of the corner of his eye he could see that it was actually Edward. Roy froze so he didn't move his face fully towards the boy, which would probably make the blond think he was still blind. Damn it! He was so resigned to the high possibility of never speaking to his son again that he hadn't even thought through what he would tell him about the philosopher's stone.

Ed closed the door behind him, forgetting to lock it when his eyes detected the figure of Roy Mustang. The Colonel was sitting on his bed leaning against the thin headboard. His face seemed to be looking straight ahead but the boy knew his eyesight must not have distinguished the dull gray color of the wall in front of him. Now that Riza wasn't with him and Fuery was out busy with paperwork, how was he spending his time? The Colonel might lounge around constantly but surely being idle without even being able to roam the place safely must be driving him crazy. Ed swallowed hard. Surely the Colonel's unjust fate was something he wished on no one and, witnessing it first hand with his progenitor was something that caused an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach.

Moving forward as slowly as he could so that his automail would not give him away. Ed approached Mustang's bed, watching at all times that his face did not stray in his direction. It might not be very pleasant in his current condition, but perhaps startling him with his unexpected presence beside him would be a perfect way to break the ice between them.

Ed positioned himself to the left of Roy's bed, thinking of what to say to announce his presence. As he did so he took the opportunity to do a quick check up on the Colonel's condition. From the reports he had gotten over the last few days, Roy had only a few scratches and superficial wounds discounting the sword wounds he had on his hands. He didn't need to ask for the boy to figure out who had done them to him. Ed smiled as he realized that the information he had been given was correct. His blindness aside, the Colonel seemed to be recovering beautifully. His hands were still bandaged but the skin around the bandages did not look red or swollen indicating that they had prevented some sort of infection.

Ed returned his gaze to Roy's face and was surprised to find a slight stubble forming on it. Perhaps it was because of his reputation as a womanizer and his own ego but since he had known him he had never seen the Colonel not perfectly shaven, so he was faced with a frankly unusual sight. Almost immediately he remembered the state of his hands. They might be healing but it was likely that, for the moment, they did not have the same mobility as before.

Roy, for his part, did his best not to turn his face to follow Ed's lead. First of all, he didn't know what he should say to him, and secondly, he didn't quite understand what his son was doing there. From his abrupt departure earlier, he had convinced himself that the boy wanted nothing to do with him and now he was examining him? The Colonel could feel his son's curious gaze on him surely focusing on the bandaged hands resting on his lap. While this was going on, Roy kept thinking of a thousand and one ways to address him but none seemed to satisfy him. However, when he could see out of the corner of his eye that the boy seemed to be looking at his face, he could contain himself no longer and the words slipped out of his mouth.

"Do I have something on my face?" Roy asked as he turned his face to his left.

Ed jumped back and his cheeks flushed slightly at being caught in his "silent and discreet" inspection. "Why would I have to be looking at your ugly face?!" He exclaimed.

Getting carried away with the way they used to treat each other in the past, Roy replied. "I don't know, you tell me. If you like it so much I can give you a picture of me to look at as many times as you like."

"You smug fucking bastard." Ed said through his teeth. After a few seconds, his eyes widened more than normal. "Wait a minute, can you see me? No, rather did you regain your sight?" He asked as he passed his hand in front of Roy's face and let out a gasp of surprise as he realized that the Colonel was following the movement of his hand with his eyes.

Roy clenched his hands on the bed sheets as his gaze began to be covered with guilt and shame. "Yes, I can see."

Noticing the change in Mustang's expression, Ed asked. "So, how did you manage that?"

Although he was uncomfortable about having to confess the truth to him, Roy stared him straight in the eye. His son deserved to know the truth. "It was Dr. Marcoh. He offered to cure me with the philosopher's stone he had and I took him up on the offer."

Ed was quiet for a few seconds before he stepped back a little and turned so he could lean against the edge of the small window in the room. "Wow." He said in a puzzled tone as he looked up at the ceiling.

Roy sighed. "I knew perfectly well what the philosopher's stone was made of and still agreed to use it. I understand you're upset... I know it's something you wouldn't have done."

Ed folded his arms. "No, I wouldn't have."

"That's why I don't blame you for being upset. If you already hated me this must only make it worse right?"

Ed turned to look at Roy with a frown. "Who the hell do you think you are to tell me how I should feel?" He put a hand to his forehead trying to control his temper. "Wait." He inhaled deeply. "I'm not mad at you for using the philosopher's stone." Roy was speechless at the confession. "Rather, I don't feel very comfortable knowing you used it but... I can't blame you for doing so either. I wish there had been another way to restore your sight but that bastard Truth doesn't exactly give options." He sighed. "I don't agree with your decision but I can't judge you for it. After all you were forced to see the Portal so I'm glad you can get back what was taken from you."

Roy cracked a slight smile. He had thought of so many scenarios about the moment he told Ed about the philosopher's stone and none were remotely close to the real thing. "Thanks, Fullmetal."

Ed snorted. "I didn't do anything."

"But the only opinion that really mattered to me was yours. I'm glad to know I have your understanding."

"At least I hope you're using that view to work hard and not to go around seeing women."

Ed's tone reminded Roy that there was still a lot of things he still needed to make clear to him. Snorting, he said. "Fullmetal, the only woman who has ever caught my heart and my eye is Riza."

Though hesitant at the sincerity reflected in Roy's gaze, Ed said. "Oh yeah? What are your conquests going to think when they hear you say that?"

"They'll probably tell me there's no need for me to state the obvious." Roy smiled at the boy's puzzled expression. "There's a lot you don't know about me."

"I think I know enough." Ed said in a defiant tone.

"At least let me tell you that many of the women I've dated are actually my informants. My mother has a network of information all over the country and it is precisely those women who are responsible for gathering and passing on the information. So they are my informants, friends and I would even define them more like my sisters."

Ed's mouth dropped open for a few moments. "How do I know you're not just bullshitting me?"

"I'm not trying to make excuses, Fullmetal. I'm just telling the truth."

Ed was silent as he lowered his gaze and took in what Roy had told him. Lately the expression the Colonel used with him gave him the impression that it was so sincere that he wanted to believe everything he told him but there was a stubborn part inside him that wouldn't let him accept his words so easily. It was as if his heart knew that what he was telling him was true while his mind was screaming at him not to fall into the trap.

Feeling Roy's gaze on him, Ed snorted and said. "Whatever."

An awkward silence began between the two of them. Up until that point they had both ignored the big issue they had pending between them and both were aware of it but neither dared to venture into that territory.

After a brief time in silence that seemed like an eternity, Roy realized that, as the adult he was, he had to set the example so, after a sigh, he cleared his throat and said. "And...?"

"And what?"

Come on, Roy. Apologize! Talk to him! Are you really completely resigned to lose your son? This may be your last chance! Roy thought as he unconsciously fiddled with the hem of his hospital T-shirt. "You're going back to Resembool, right?"

Though it was for a brief moment, Roy could have sworn the boy's expression had turned surprised and somewhat disappointed before he covered it with a huge grin.

"Of course! As soon as Al can get out of here we'll leave on the first train headed for Resembool."

Roy faked a smile. "I'm happy for you guys. I guess my office door will appreciate the respite." Idiot! Is that the best you've got to say?

"I guess you're anxious to get rid of me." Roy wanted to interject but Ed wouldn't let him. "So tell me, what do I have to do to leave the military?"

"So you're really going to leave the military then."

"Al's back so what reason do I have to stay in the military?" Motivated by Roy's "apparent" detachment from him, he hastened to add. "Besides, it's not like I want to keep seeing your face every day."

"I understand." Roy said in a resigned tone. "You may not believe me, but I'm really glad you can get out of this world. I know I recruited you but the military was never the place for a kid like you."

"I'm not a kid!"

Roy took a long look at Ed and realized, with a bit of surprise, how much the boy had grown. He was still shorter than he was but it was undeniable that he had gained several inches in the last few months. His shoulders had become broader and his face was becoming more defined leaving behind the slightly plump cheeks characteristic of his childhood. In addition the premature glow of maturity he had gained from his past experiences now stood out more intensely than before.

Unable to help himself Roy looked at him with a mixture of fondness and pride as he smiled. "You're right, you're becoming quite the man." It's been so many years already?

Ed didn't know what to say. Why is he looking at me like that? What kind of bipolar is this bastard?

Roy cleared his throat a couple of times but that couldn't wipe away his smile. "Don't worry, Fullmetal. I'll take care of everything. I can't assure you that the process will be very fast considering the general situation the government is in right now but I'll do my best to get you released as soon as possible. Anyway, I've already asked Breda and Fuery to make sure you don't get assigned any missions or investigations."

Ed snorted. "Geez, missions? But I'm in the hospital!"

"Technically not, considering you decided to discharge yourself early." Roy reprimanded him lightly.

Ed shrugged and decided to ignore the subtle concern that could be guessed in Roy's tone. "Either way if I can't accomplish my missions it will be easier for the military to get rid of me, won't it?" Roy nodded somewhat confused. "Then I have another reason for you to speed up my process: I can't be a state alchemist anymore."

"What are you talking about? You're one of the most talented alchemists in the entire country."

"I may have the knowledge of an alchemist but I can't do alchemy anymore." Ed said in a casual tone.

"What do you mean you can't do alchemy anymore?" Roy asked.

"How do you think I got Al back?"

Roy was silent for a few seconds as he pondered Ed's words. After a few moments of remembering his own experience at the Portal of Truth he finally got an idea of what was actually the equivalent exchange Ed had made to bring Alphonse back.

"I see... I'm sorry."

"Why? I have my brother with me and that's all that matters to me."

"I know that, but it must be hard, almost all your life you've been practicing alchemy and now that you can't use it anymore-"

Misreading the direction Roy was taking the conversation, Ed replied. "Gee, I'm sorry, Colonel." He said sarcastically. "I know I won't be of any use to you anymore but you'll just have to learn to live with it."

"Use you?!"

"Yes! If you're already eager to get rid of me, now that I won't be able to help you do alchemical work for you, it should make everything easier!"

"Are you serious?!" Roy asked without realizing that his voice volume was increasing.

"Why are you so insistent, you bastard? I'm no longer of any use to you. Period." Ed replied undeterred by Mustang's growing annoyance.

Roy slammed a fist on the small nightstand next to him to take out some of his frustration. "You really think that's what I'm worried about? You think you've just been a goddamn pawn to me? Hell, Ed! You're so much more than that. I don't care if you can do alchemy or not, or if you decide to go to the other side of the world. You are my son and you, along with Riza, are the most precious thing life has given me. And even if you were not my son, you are an extraordinary boy, who always cares about doing the right thing and of whom I am extremely proud. I'm not going to lie to you, maybe when I went to recruit you I had in mind to use your entrance as a boost in my career but that changed the moment I saw the determination that shines in your eyes. You may be a rowdy, stubborn and impulsive boy but since you joined the unit everything changed. You were not just a simple employee who was assigned to our unit, you and your brother became part of our little family. I know you had to do several missions since you joined but that was part of your job and something I couldn't control no matter how much I wanted to. All I could do was make sure I gave you as many opportunities as possible for travel and research that might give you a clue as to how to get your bodies back." Roy concluded breathing heavily after the frantic speech he ended up giving.

Ed lowered his head and replied quietly. "Al has always insisted that you really cared about us... at some point I think there was a part of me that believed it but with what happened with Envy I got the idea that I never really should have fallen for that lie."

Roy's gaze was filled with regret. "Full-" Cut the crap and stop calling him by his nickname already. "Ed, I don't blame you for thinking that way about me. I... I wasn't in a good frame of mind." He sighed as he massaged the bridge of his nose. "I got carried away with my desire for revenge and it clouded my mind. As much as I want to I can't take away the words I said to you in those moments but I can apologize. Ed, look at me please." Reluctantly the boy focused his golden orbs on Roy's black ones. "I'm really very sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. You don't know how much I wish I could turn back the time and do things differently... not to have given in to my desire for revenge, not to have upset you so much that you thought I didn't care about you... I would have loved to have made a family with you and your mother."

Ed remained for a few moments examining Mustang's gaze intently. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't find anything other than sincerity. Ever since after the encounter with Envy, when talking to the Colonel, Roy had worn that clean, open expression, which was causing Ed to seriously consider that the last four years he had dealt with Mustang's professional mask... but that wasn't entirely true. Perhaps he hadn't given them a thought at the time but, if he was honest with himself, Roy had been completely honest and serious with him on several occasions, this phenomenon increasing as the years went by.

"It can't be..." Ed put a hand to his forehead. "You're telling the truth."

A spark of hope appeared in Roy's eyes.

"In case this is a time-limited thing... tell me the truth, when did you know about my existence? Did you really not know that I was precisely your son?"

Roy sighed heavily. "Unfortunately Riza and I had grown apart so I didn't hear from you until after the Ishval war ended. I was shocked to learn that I had a son and that I wasn't there during Riza's pregnancy, when you were born, when you took your first steps..." He ran a hand over his face. "I'm sorry, I was rambling. Riza and I had some trouble getting back to fully trusting each other but gradually we did. It was so that Riza told me more about you. She even showed me the picture she kept of you." He smiled slightly as he remembered how small and innocent Ed looked in the photo. "And regarding your other question, no, when I was attacking Envy I didn't know you were my son. Though that doesn't excuse me for the cruel way I treated you. With Selim and Bradley's vigilance it was very difficult to get together these last few months so I realize now that I can't blame Riza for not telling me sooner. We had both decided that, at the end of the day, it was best for you to stay away from the military to protect you, so she couldn't risk revealing our parentage in an environment where it could easily be overheard by unwanted people." Roy let out a sudden laugh that puzzled Ed. "Damn irony. We wanted to protect you from the military and at the end of the day I dragged you into it myself."

Ed clenched his hands into fists. Everything the Colonel was telling him was the same thing Riza had told him earlier and now he could see that Mustang's gaze left no doubt that everything he was telling him he meant it, from the heart. It was amazing how, by paying attention to him, Ed could easily perceive the transitions between each of his emotions, from affection to regret to guilt.

Inhaling deeply, Ed responded. "You didn't force me into anything, you just gave me a choice and I decided to take it."

"Still, what the hell was I thinking when I recruited a kid? Besides I simply left you there without caring how you managed to get to the city. I took you away from the only place you knew at the time and most of all I separated you from the people who were there for you when Riza and I weren't." Roy said in a self-deprecating tone.

"I told you-"

Roy interrupted him. "You'd already been through hell when I met you, and what did I do about it? I induced you into the military by exposing you to a world where dangers are just around the corner! I should never have recruited you."

"Wait-"

"I'm a damn fool. Instead of keeping you out of danger I myself pushed you into situations where you even got hurt. I could have lost you forever and it would have all been my fault."

"Will you fucking let me talk already?!" Ed exclaimed, not caring how loud he could get.

Stunned, Roy nodded his head as his mouth hung open at the words he had been about to say.

"Damn, you're going to give me a headache with all your stupid speech." Ed complained before turning serious. "Listen well, you bastard. Believe it or not I'm fully capable of making my own decisions. You didn't force me into anything and even if you want to feel like a superior being to all of us whatever happened to me in the military was not within your control. You make too much drama over a couple of minor injuries." Roy wanted to protest about the severity of the aforementioned injuries but Ed indicated with a frown that he had better let him finish. "Everything that happened these past few years allowed Al to get his body back so I have no regrets. You hear me? No regrets. Besides..."

At Ed's unexpectedly embarrassed expression, Roy couldn't help but be curious as to what the boy might be about to say. "Yeah?"

"Impatient bastard." Ed muttered grumpily before averting his gaze to the side as his cheeks flushed slightly. "Maybe you didn't realize it but it was your words that helped me get back on my feet. Before your arrival I had no reason to live. My guilt was so great that I was convinced I would be doing the world a favor if I could rid it of my existence. I was so deep in my depression that I couldn't see beyond it and think of any way to give back to Al what I caused to be taken from him. So..." He returned his gaze to Roy. "I think I should thank you, bastard."

A lump formed in Roy's throat. After his mistakes, his harsh words, and his bad example as a father figure, Ed was thanking him?

Doing his best to keep his voice from cracking, Roy asked. "Are you serious?"

"How smug you are!" Ed exclaimed with mock annoyance. "Although maybe age is getting to your hearing." Ed's features relaxed as a smile began to make its appearance on his face. "If you didn't hear right it's not my fault. I don't plan on repeating myself. Besides, now that I remember, you should improve your greetings. I was still sore, you know?"

Remembering the way he had lifted him out of his wheelchair, Roy gave him a regretful look. "You're right, I shouldn't have done that. I'm so sorry."

"Hey, I was just kidding. It wasn't meant to make you feel bad." Ed said with a slightly nervous tone as he noticed the Colonel's dejected state.

"I deserved it anyway. I should have treated you better."

"A couple less jokes wouldn't have hurt but at least that way you gave me enough reason to be able to screw things up in your office." Ed said with a shrug.

"So..." Roy gulped not being able to believe what he was inferring from the blond's words. "You forgive me?"

"I guess there wasn't really anything I had to forgive you for until you acted like a real jerk in the tunnels of the homunculus lair. But if you really care to know if I forgive you for that..." He sighed. "Okay, I forgive you."

Roy stared at Ed causing the boy to feel uncomfortable at the close observation so he turned his face to the side.

"You don't know how proud it makes me to have a son like you." His voice cut off at the end so he had to take a deep breath before continuing. "Thank you, Ed... thank you... son."

At the immense relief and affection evident in the Colonel's tone of voice, a lone tear escaped Ed, which he scrambled to quickly wipe away with the sleeve of his T-shirt.

"Are you crying?"

"Why would I be-!" Ed abruptly cut off his retort as he turned and stared at something that left him frozen for a few moments: Roy was crying. Tears ran freely down his cheeks failing to hide the sincere smile on his face.

"Uh... bastard?" Was all Ed managed to say not knowing how to react to the situation.

Roy ran a hand over his face but the tears wouldn't let up so he turned on his bed so he could sit up placing his feet on the floor and, taking advantage of the fact that Ed had taken a step towards him, he took his left hand and pulled him completely towards him to hold him tightly in his arms. After so much pain, regret and indecision about what to do with his son, Roy could finally hold him. The wish he had had for as long as he had known of his existence had come true after living several years sadly resigned to never being able to meet him.

Surprisingly, Ed didn't feel the urge to pull away from Mustang. It had been an unplanned move on the Colonel's part so at first he had been unresponsive but, after a few seconds, he slowly brought his arms around Roy's back and returned the embrace not caring that a few tears spilled from his golden orbs. It had been many years since he had had the love and protection of parents and now, almost miraculously for him, he had his father and mother with him. In his eyes, Trisha and Hohenheim would always be his parents but Riza and Roy had been with him supporting him over the last few years so the idea of acknowledging them as his parents was no longer far-fetched. In fact, he felt a warmth at the thought of it. Fate had taken many complicated turns in the lives of the three of them but now, finally, they were reunited as the family they were always meant to be. There were still many things to deal with and fix but they would have time for that. What mattered now was giving themselves the opportunity to accept and embrace the connection that bonded them together.

After a few minutes, Ed decided to break the silence. "Hey... this is getting a little awkward."

Roy laughed lightly and broke the embrace realizing how bright his son's eyes were and the subtle trace of tears on his cheeks. "I'm sorry, I had to take the opportunity. I've long wished I could hug my own son."

"Tch, who the hell are you and what did you do with the Colonel bastard?"

Roy smiled. "The same could be said for you. I've never seen you cry before."

Ed blushed a little. "Technically you didn't see me cry."

"I know, but you're not going to tell me the wetness on your cheeks is sweat are you?"

"Bastard." Ed grumbled before grinning mischievously. "Hey, Colonel, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course." Roy said unfazed by the way Ed had referred to him. It would be premature to assume that the boy would start calling him 'father' or 'dad' at the drop of a hat but that didn't matter to him at that instant, after all the way the blond had so often referred to him now seemed to have some sort of hidden fondness in it.

"Didn't you ever get the talk you gave me years ago?"

Roy raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on. You know perfectly well what I mean." Noticing that the Colonel was still at a loss, he clarified. "The talk you gave me after you thought Winry was my girlfriend." He snorted hoping that would help drive away the slight heat that wanted to make itself felt in his cheeks. "You and mom were very young when you had me, didn't you know that's what protection is for?" He concluded with a somewhat teasing smile.

"And here I thought you didn't pay attention to me." Roy said with a sigh. "But well, you're right, we were very young but what we did was the fruit of our love and even though we had to go through so much to finally get together, I don't regret it." He smiled and a special gleam came into his eyes. "Thanks to that moment I have you in front of me today and I feel extremely grateful and proud that you are my son."

Ed's smirk disappeared from his face and he stood with his mouth open for a few seconds before responding. "Damn, I'll have to think of other ways to annoy you."

"It would seem so." Roy's smile turned slightly mocking. "At least I still have material to annoy you with, don't I, my brave little son?"

"You're a goddamn pain in the ass! Focus your gaze properly, you bastard! I've grown!"

---

True to his word, Fuery continued to sit on the bench reviewing documents while keeping an eye out for anyone approaching the room. His gaze only traveled from the documents to the door of Roy and Riza's room until, after a few minutes, it drifted to the left of the hallway when someone greeted him.

"Hey, Sergeant Fuery." Kain turned to Breda as he stood up to do the military salute. "Look who's coming with me." Breda said as he pointed with his thumb over his shoulder.

A few steps behind Breda was Havoc following with a smile on his face and a toothpick between his lips.

"Lieutenant Havoc! What a joy to see you back on your feet."

"Come on, Fuery, it's no big deal." Havoc said with a huge smile on his face, which made it clear how happy he was to have left his wheelchair behind. "I've been able to stand up for a couple of days now, but I had to pretend for a little while to give Marcoh enough time to hide."

"Either that or you simply wanted to take advantage of that pretty brunette nurse's attentions." Breda said with a smile as he nudged him lightly in the ribs.

"What can I say? I was just pitching in so Margaret could do her job properly. I didn't want to disappoint her by making her lose her favorite patient."

"Isn't Margaret the nurse who was assigned this morning to the Colonel and Lieutenant's room?"

"Why do you think here our friend finally decided to leave his room?" Breda asked with a smirk.

"Hahaha how funny." Havoc grumbled.

Breda tapped Havoc on the shoulder before looking at Fuery. "Well, your relief has arrived, Fuery."

Fuery checked his watch. "Thank you, Lieutenant." He said as he began to collect and store the documents in a folder.

"Are those the documents for the Social Development office?" Breda asked.

"Yes, the Colonel signed them this afternoon so I want to take them on the way home." Fuery said as he tucked the folder under one of his arms.

"That part of the paperwork I definitely don't miss!" Havoc exclaimed as he placed his arms behind his head in a nonchalant gesture. "I'll have to enjoy my days off before I rejoin the unit."

"You bet." Breda said.

"Well I may as well take the opportunity to annoy the Colonel. After all, at the moment he can't threaten me with extra work or a court martial." Havoc said with a mischievous grin as he took a couple of steps towards the room where Roy was.

Fuery exclaimed. "Wait!" Havoc turned around with a raised eyebrow. "Lieutenant Hawkeye went out to the cafeteria and asked me to watch the Colonel while Lieutenant Breda arrived. Besides-"

"Yes, yes, I will try to bother him sparingly." Havoc said as he waved a hand dimly.

"Stop!" Fuery exclaimed as he saw that Havoc intended to resume his path. "Edward is inside and he asked me to make sure no one enters or overhears what he is talking about with the Colonel."

"The Fullmetal Chief?" Havoc asked in a confused tone. "That's strange."

"Stranger that those two aren't causing a ruckus in the room considering Hawkeye isn't inside." Breda said.

"True." Fuery confirmed. "But on this occasion they must be talking about something serious because Edward seemed a bit nervous before he entered the room."

"Even if they are talking about something serious it's not for them to be so quiet. I'll go find out." Havoc said

"But Edward asked me to make sure no one overheard them!"

"Take it easy, Fuery. Stealth is my specialty." Havoc said as he pointed his thumb at himself.

Before Fuery could refute his words, Havoc grabbed the doorknob and turned it and then opened the door slightly. The image that greeted him made him blush and close the door quickly though in a surprisingly silent manner. With wide eyes he leaned back against the door and said. "It can't be..."

"What was that you heard?" asked Breda who was watching him intently as was Fuery, who's curiosity made him momentarily forget the mission Ed had assigned him.

Havoc put a hand to his forehead. "You're not going to believe this."

"Stop beating around the bush and tell us what you heard." Breda insisted.

"I didn't hear anything."

"Then?" Fuery asked curiously.

"It's just that they..." He gulped as he ran a hand over the back of his neck. "I think the Colonel just declared himself to Ed."

"You mean like a confession of love?" Fuery asked in confusion.

Havoc nodded which caused Breda to close the distance between them so he could smack him in the head.

"Hey! What was that for?" Havoc protested as he rubbed his head.

"Don't be an idiot Havoc, we're talking about two men with about 20 years of difference between them! That's not to mention that the Colonel prefers women considering the romantic history he has." Breda ran a hand over his face as he snorted. "Gosh, I think I should check what you've been smoking lately."

"Just tobacco!" Seeing the gesture Fuery was making asking them to keep it down, Havoc lowered his tone of voice. "Ok then, how do you explain the Colonel drawing Ed into his arms so he could hug him while he was crying?"

"What?! Sorry, Fuery." Breda said as he saw the look of shock on the Sergeant's face at his loud exclamation being so close to the door of the room. With a more normal tone, he added. "That doesn't make any sense. First of all I've never seen the Colonel cry, and secondly, when have you ever seen him hug anyone but a woman?"

"Why do you think I think he declared himself to him?"

Breda rolled his eyes but Fuery beat him to talking. "But, Havoc, that's not possible. Even if the Colonel had embraced him we'd be hearing Edward screaming and complaining by now."

Havoc folded his arms. "Well if you don't believe me, go ahead and see for yourselves."

"I think we'd better get on with our activities, right, Lieutenant Breda?" Fuery said, trying to find a way to dissuade them from further eavesdropping.

"Hmmm, I think we'd better get to the bottom of this. Then we might have an excuse to take those cigars away from Havoc." Breda said as he motioned Havoc with his head to move away from the door.

"But-" Fuery tried.

"Shhh, I'm going to open the door." Ignoring Fuery, Breda opened the door and saw the precise moment when the Colonel and Ed parted. What the hell? Were they really hugging each other? However what really made his eyes widen wildly was what he heard shortly thereafter. Mouth slightly open, Breda closed the door and turned to look at his companions.

"So?" Havoc asked.

Breda turned to either side and placed an arm around the shoulders of each to lead them to the bench where Fuery had been moments before. Once they were seated he began to speak. "I'm afraid Havoc was right about something. Those two were hugging."

Fuery adjusted his glasses. "Those two hugging... wow."

"Hey! Why do you believe Breda right away and not me?" Havoc complained.

"Well..." Fuery laughed nervously.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence." Havoc grumbled.

"Stop fighting, that's not the most surprising thing." Breda interjected.

"There's more?" Havoc asked.

"Oh, of course there's plenty more." Breda motioned for them to come closer so he could speak to them in as quiet a voice as possible. When they did, he continued. "The Colonel was hugging him because Ed is his son." Havoc and Fuery's mouths dropped open in a clear show of disbelief, whereupon Breda added. "I'm serious! I heard the Colonel apologize for hugging him but he said he was doing it because he had long wanted to hug his own son."

The three pulled away and Fuery put a hand to his mouth. "My God! The Colonel and Edward being father and son?"

Havoc stood up as he spat out his toothpick then grinned like a maniac. "I told you. Pay me!"

"What the hell are you talking about, Havoc?" Breda asked.

"Come on, don't play dumb. That's not going to save you from paying me the bet." Noticing their faces of confusion, Havoc snorted and continued. "Don't you remember the day we met Ed?"

"I guess." Fuery said.

"There's your answer." Havoc said, recovering his smile. "That day I told you that Ed was most likely the Colonel's son."

"Now I remember, you're right." Said Breda after pondering for a few seconds.

"Good, then proceed with the payment." Havoc said as he held out one of his hands to them.

"Lieutenant, as surprising as it may seem, we didn't gamble that day." Fuery said.

Havoc stood with his mouth open for a few seconds before abruptly closing it as he slapped his forehead. "Damn! The only bet I've ever won and I didn't even make it? Why is life so unfair?" He whined.

"As much fun as it is to contemplate your misery..." Breda said in a mocking tone earning a scowl from Havoc. "It seems to me that we're getting away from the real important point of this whole affair." Lowering his voice, he continued. "How is it possible that Ed is the Colonel's son? And also very importantly, who is the mother?"

"Oh my God! He slept with Mrs. Elric!" Havoc exclaimed.

Fuery blushed at the thought. "But... but... the Colonel didn't seem to know Resembool until he went to recruit the Elrics."

Havoc patted Fuery on one shoulder. "My innocent little Fuery, in all these years haven't you noticed the Colonel's acting skills? He could easily have feigned ignorance when he received the report from the Elric brothers."

"Besides that, because of Ed's age, there are several years of backstory we don't know about the Colonel's life." Breda said, holding a hand to his chin. "But don't you think it's very strange that we haven't learned about all this in the four years Ed has been in the unit?"

"It certainly is strange." Havoc conceded. "Could it be that those two didn't know who they were?"

"Could be but in that case how did they discover their connection? If Mrs. Elric was Ed's biological mother then how would it be possible for the Colonel to discover her paternity if she died years ago?" Fuery said with a slightly sad tone as he recalled the Elrics' past.

"Then we could assume that Al is not the Colonel's son, couldn't we? With one son it could become the case but to have two sons and not know of your paternity? Frankly that strikes me as unlikely." Breda said.

Concerned, Fuery asked. "So Edward and Alphonse really aren't brothers?"

Breda pulled his hand away from his chin and sighed. "Most likely."

"Jeez..." Havoc exclaimed. "So we're back to square one, who is Ed's birth mother?"

Breda and Fuery shrugged.

"In that case we'll have to find out." Havoc said animatedly. "With all the conquests the Colonel has under his belt it's going to be a difficult thing to track down but we can do it. What's more, we can ask Falman for help, he's very good at tracking information."

"Do you really plan to go through that whole process to find out a truth that we really shouldn't have known about?" Breda asked.

"Of course! I'd like to just go in and ask those two but knowing you guys you're not going to let me do that so I'll have to resort to other means."

"At least it looks like your brain still works occasionally." Breda said. "But I insist that we shouldn't meddle in this."

"Besides..." Fuery interjected sheepishly. "Don't you think we should keep this to ourselves? I have a feeling that Lieutenant Hawkeye wouldn't take too kindly to the idea of the Colonel having a child."

"You may have a point there, Fuery." Breda said.

"Why?" Havoc asked naively.

Breda looked at him in disbelief. "Havoc, tell me the truth. Haven't you ever felt on some occasion a sort of romantic tension between the Colonel and the Lieutenant?"

"Ehhh... No?"

Breda sighed. "You're hopeless."

Havoc pondered his friends' last words for a few seconds until his eyes widened in surprise, before he spoke again. "Are you trying to tell me that Lieutenant Hawkeye...?"

"That Lieutenant Hawkeye what?"

The three men jumped slightly and let out a short, high-pitched scream that could easily have passed for a woman's scream. Turning around they were met by the friendly but serious presence of Riza.

Raising an eyebrow, Riza asked. "What were you gentlemen talking about?"

The three babbled unintelligible words for a few moments until Breda cleared his throat and managed to form a few coherent words. "We were talking about Havoc's nurse. Margaret."

"Oh, really?" Riza asked incredulously as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Because I'm sure I clearly heard my name before you screamed like little girls."

Breda gave Havoc a discreet nudge to prompt him to speak. "Uh, yeah... it's just that you know, the Colonel took my nurse from me and well... you should punish him... shouldn't you?" Havoc said without making eye contact with Riza at any point.

"And why should I? I have no reason to get involved in your childish squabbles." Riza said dubiously at the "truth" she was being told.

"Right... I forgot." Havoc said as he scratched his neck not knowing what else to say.

Taking advantage of the fact that Riza hadn't asked him any questions, Fuery saw the perfect opportunity to get out of that awkward situation. "Well, look at the time, I'd better get going or I won't be able to deliver these documents."

"Sergeant Fuery." Riza said in a serious tone. She knew that of the three men Fuery would be least likely to be guilty of anything inappropriate but she also knew that, even if he wasn't most at fault, Fuery was the most likely to tell the truth.

Fuery gave the collar of his shirt a tug with one finger. "Yes, Lieutenant?"

"Could you explain if I missed anything interesting while I was in the cafeteria?"

"Uh... well... um..." Noticing that Riza's gaze never left him at any point, Fuery sighed and decided to give the full context of the situation despite the startled looks Breda and Havoc were giving him. "You see, Lieutenant, I was out here standing guard while Lieutenant Breda arrived. When Lieutenant Breda arrived he came accompanied by Lieutenant Havoc and it didn't take long for Havoc to decide he was going in to see the Colonel but I had to stop him because Edward asked me to make sure no one entered the room-"

Riza interrupted him, clearly interested in the answer to the question she was about to ask. "Are you telling me that Edward is inside talking to the Colonel?" Fuery nodded and, to the surprise of everyone present, Riza suddenly smiled and her features relaxed completely. "Well, that's all I need to know. Thank you for your cooperation, Fuery. Sorry for making you late in delivering those documents."

The three men had to make a great effort not to open their mouths in surprise at what was going on. Was Riza just letting them go just like that when it was obvious that moments before she was bent on getting the truth out of them?

Fuery smiled sheepishly before giving the military salute. "Don't worry, Lieutenant." Figuring it best to get out of the place before Riza got cold feet or the others goaded him into further eavesdropping, Fuery waved goodbye and took off with hurried steps trying to keep his speed closer to a brisk walk than a run so it would look as little like he was running away as possible.

"Well, Havoc." The alluded peeled his gaze from the path Fuery had taken to turn to look at Riza. "Looks like everything is going as expected, right?" She said in reference to the healing Dr. Marcoh had done on Havoc's legs.

"Oh, yes." Havoc said in an unsure voice still confused by Riza's sudden change of focus. He cleared his throat a couple of times before continuing. "If it were up to me I'd leave today but the doctors are so surprised they want to run a couple more tests." He shrugged. "I guess I'll have to wait a little longer to smoke all the cigarettes I want."

"You're hopeless." Riza said with a sigh. "Regarding what Fuery said..." Both men were slightly startled but she decided not to point it out to them. "I think the Colonel will be glad to have you visit him but do you think you can wait until tomorrow? Who knows how long it will take Edward talking to him."

Havoc had intended to say that he would wait until Edward came out but Breda seemed to read his mind as he gave her a discreet stomp before interjecting. "Actually, Lieutenant, I had just convinced Havoc to stay and keep me company for a while. With all the mess these days I haven't had a chance to really catch up with him, right, Havoc?"

Havoc nodded with his jaw clenched to control the cry of pain that wanted to escape him.

"Sounds perfect to me." Riza said with a smile. "Lieutenant Breda I ask you, please, to continue respecting Edward's request. As long as he is inside no one can hear or enter the room. If anyone asks, tell them the Colonel is getting some rest after his check up of the day, okay?"

"Understood, Madame." Breda said as he performed the military salute.

Riza returned it and gave them both a smile before heading for the door to the Colonel's room and then, strangely, quietly entering the room as if she didn't want Roy and Ed to notice her.

As soon as the door was completely closed, Breda and Havoc breathed a sigh of relief.

After a couple of minutes of waiting to make sure Riza wouldn't come out to give them a last minute warning, Breda stretched out on the bench he'd been sitting on again and began to speak. "Geez, I thought we wouldn't be spared from that one."

"No kidding."

"And what are you still doing here, pal? Didn't you want to go ask about the Colonel and Ed's blood relationship?" Breda asked with a smirk.

"Do you see me looking suicidal?!"

Breda laughed at Havoc's startled face. "Well, at least you still have your limits."

Havoc watched him with a pouty face until he remembered something and became serious again. "Hey, would you mind explaining about that Lieutenant and Colonel thing?"

Breda snorted as he ran a hand over his face. "I can't believe that in all this time working with them you don't have at least a slight suspicion."

"What? you think those two have a romantic relationship?" Havoc asked, trying to at least lower his tone of voice a bit so that his conversation wouldn't be overheard by third parties.

"To that extent? Nah, they're both very dedicated to their work so they wouldn't risk breaking the anti-fraternization law. Especially the lieutenant. The Colonel might play around a bit but I'd like to believe he's not such an idiot as to overstep the boundaries."

"So?" Havoc asked, still confused.

"I don't think they have a relationship but I have a feeling there is some attraction between them. Kind of like a crush."

"Mutual?"

"Hmmm probably. But like I tell you, I think it must just be a crush. We know the Colonel is widely liked in the female community so it's not hard to believe that the Lieutenant has fallen for him a bit. Although that's all it is. The Lieutenant is too bright for her to even consider the possibility of a serious relationship with someone like the Colonel. And the Colonel... well, he's the Colonel. There's nothing more I have to say about that, is there?"

Havoc nodded his head before letting out a whistle. "Who would have thought it? The Lieutenant in love... well at least with a crush. That's the most I've heard from her in the love department."

"True, that's surprising in itself but now, with what we found out, I have another question. Is the Lieutenant aware that the Colonel is Ed's father?"

"You mean because of the sudden change she had when she found out Ed was with the Colonel?" Breda nodded. "Everything would seem to indicate a yes. If Fuery hadn't mentioned it surely she would have gotten the whole truth out of us by now about what we were doing." He said with a shudder.

"She even smiled when she found out." Breda put a hand to his chin as he thought. "Then perhaps I should reconsider my opinion of her feelings for the Colonel. If she's willing to accept him with a child of his own then maybe this is more than just a crush."

Havoc mimicked Breda's gesture until an idea popped into his mind causing him to bump his right fist into his left palm. "Got it! The Lieutenant is Ed's birth mother."

Breda stared at him for a few seconds in silence until he couldn't take it anymore and began to laugh out loud. It went on like that for several minutes until an extremely annoyed nurse invited him to shut up unless he wanted to be kicked out of the hospital.

Breda wiped a tear from the contour of his right eye. "Jeez, Havoc, how do you even think of that?"

A little flushed at being the object of such intense teasing from his friend, Havoc grumbled. "Hey, you don't have to be so over the top. My hypothesis is likely after all Ed is blond just like the Lieutenant. What's more, the kid definitely looks more like the Lieutenant than the Colonel himself."

"Well, at least you did some thinking before you made a comment like that." Breda said letting out a much quieter chuckle than the previous ones. Placing a hand on the blond's shoulder, he continued. "Havoc, the Lieutenant is too young to already have a child Ed's age. That's not to mention that for that we'd have to assume she fell for the Colonel's wiles and that's even harder to believe."

"Well, I may not have noticed the romantic connotations between them but I did see that the Colonel procures her a lot. Don't you think that might be because he wants to keep the mother of his child safe and sound?"

"And why wouldn't she raise her own child?" Breda asked with a raised eyebrow. "If she's gifted as a nanny she could easily do mothering."

Havoc tapped his chin with a finger before raising said finger a little shakily at his own hesitation at what he was about to say. "Because of the anti-fraternization law?"

Breda smacked him on the back of the head. "Cut the crap already and let's think about serious possibilities."

Havoc rubbed the sore spot. "For the welfare of my physical integrity I guess I'll have to take your advice." He grumbled. "Well, then who do you think it is? I don't remember seeing the Colonel dating any blondes. It almost looked like he was afraid of them."

"Not recently, but we have to go back about seventeen years. Maybe, because of what happened with Ed's birth mother, he was left with a bad experience with blondes."

"Or maybe all the women he's dated are actually blondes but he asks them to wear wigs so he doesn't have to remember Ed's mother." Seeing Breda raising his hand to take another swipe at him, Havoc backed away to the edge of the bench as he brought his hands to his front to protect himself. "Just kidding."

"Sometimes I don't know whether to believe you're just joking or if in reality your brain is so damaged that what you say you believe it to be true." Breda said earning a scowl from Havoc.

A few minutes passed in silence as they each did a mental tally of Mustang's known dates trying to locate some woman who looked a little like Ed.

"Hey, I've got a candidate." Havoc said. "But first let me tell you everything before you chime in okay?"

"Okay." Said Breda as he rested his face in one of his palms in a bored gesture.

"Well, we're looking for a woman who looks like Ed. Considering Ed's eye color is highly unusual I think we can rule out that characteristic."

"I agree with you. The only ones we know who might have that eye color are the Elrics, except for their mother. Remember once when we gave them a lift Al told us that his eyes were taken from his father."

"Yeah and Ed spent the rest of the trip sulking because his father was mentioned once in conversation." Havoc said with a smile. "Ok now shhh let me finish." Breda rolled his eyes and Havoc continued. "So our main reference is a blonde woman who knows the Colonel. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't remember any blonde girls from Mustang's dates buuuut if we change our focus we'll find our answer." He paused dramatically before continuing. "General Armstrong! Remember you agreed to let me finish." Havoc threatened him with a finger as he saw that Breda was about to retort. "I know we're talking about a woman colder than the Briggs Mountains themselves but think about it, what if a love disappointment turned her that way? It's more than obvious that she despises the Colonel but what if that's because the Colonel got her pregnant and then abandoned her? Or maybe they both decided to put Ed up for adoption and then she regretted it and that's why she became bitter? Or!" He emphasized as he saw Breda massaging the bridge of his nose. "What if it was a one-night thing and she hated Mustang for not using protection? Think about it! The possibilities are endless."

Breda exhaled heavily before speaking. "Are you done?"

"Wait." Havoc focused his gaze on his hands as he did a sort of counting with his fingers. Then he nodded his head and replied. "Yes, I think that was it."

"Cut the crap already! Just because she's blonde doesn't automatically make her Ed's mother. If it did we'd never come up with the answer."

"But it's not just that. She also knows the Colonel." Havoc said stubbornly.

"Havoc!" Breda scolded him, causing the blond to grimace. "You're just spouting a bigger idiocy than the last one. Use some of that stuff that's supposed to be inside your head. Neither the Lieutenant nor the General can be Ed's mother because in either case they would be breaking the anti-fraternization law since, if we consider Ed's age, both were already involved in the military. The General must have been in for a couple of years already and the Lieutenant was probably already graduating from the military academy. Do you think either of them would take that kind of risk? Or if they had, how the hell do you think they would keep Ed's existence hidden when they were all inside the lion's den?"

"She may have had connections. The Armstrong family are among the most influential in all of Amestris." At Breda's exasperated look, Havoc folded his arms and stretched out on the bench as if throwing a tantrum. "Okay, I get the point. I won't say anything about the General anymore."

"About time, you were about to give me a headache." Breda said as he leaned back on the bench. "Let's drop the subject shall we? We shouldn't have found out in the first place anyway."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."

"Okay, so tell me, how are your parents, didn't we deplete their business stock with our 'small' order?"

"Ha! You wish. Not for nothing have we been in business for so many years." Havoc said before he began to recount his adventures of the past few months. The mood between the friends became more relaxed and casual as the conversation progressed, though the blond couldn't forget about the day's discovery. Perhaps Breda was content with knowing a half-truth but that wasn't going to stop Jean Havoc. Maybe the hypothesis regarding General Armstrong seemed crazy but he would have to start somewhere wouldn't he?

---

Riza quietly made her way into the room, taking care to lock the door once she was inside. She would have preferred to stay outside to give Roy and Ed more time alone but, after the emotions of the day, she wasn't entirely confident in her ability to maintain her professional facade when she was sure the members of the unit might notice something strange about her. That was even why she was only in the cafeteria for a couple of minutes, her intention was to order a tea but she just sat at one of the small tables until she realized that she couldn't be there exposed with so many people hanging around the place.

Finally, she decided to go back into the room after seeing Breda, Havoc and Fuery acting suspiciously so she preferred to be inside the room to discourage them from prying into private matters. One of the advantages of having been babysitting Roy for years was that the other members seemed to obey her orders even though the real boss was the Colonel.

The sight that greeted her in the room was priceless. Roy and Ed seemed to be talking as if the whole incident with Envy had never happened and, for a change, they were picking on each other. Despite the small argument they both had a relaxed and friendly expression and, much to Riza's relief, the veil of confusion, sadness and remorse that had covered their eyes for the past few days had finally been lifted.

Riza leaned against the bedroom door as she smiled while a couple of tears spilled from her brown eyes. The two people she loved most in the world were together with no apparent tension between them and obvious signs of relief. She could almost feel her heart was going to explode from the sheer happiness she was feeling at that moment.

"You're a goddamn pain in the ass! Focus your gaze properly, you bastard! I've grown!" Ed exclaimed.

Roy put a hand to his chin and furrowed his brow slightly in an exaggerated gesture of concentration and observation. "Right, maybe my eyesight is failing. Let me get a good look at you." After a few seconds, he nodded and smiled a fake smile of innocence. "You're right! You're not wearing those awful platform boots. You seem to have grown up... a little." He said with a tone full of fake surprise.

"What do you mean it seems?! And why do you say that with such surprise?!" Ed said with a frown. "Besides... don't mess with my boots! You're envious because they're cooler than your silly army boots!"

"Oh, you think so?" Roy said as he brought his hands to his lap and smiled smugly. "Wouldn't it be more like you're just jealous because there are no uniforms in your size?"

"You fucking bastard, why would I want to wear that stupid uniform?!"

With an amused grin, Roy said. "That vocabulary, son."

Ed kept opening and closing his mouth several times until he could articulate words again. "You can't correct my way of expressing myself when you're the same or worse!"

"Hmm, I don't know. Maybe I'm entitled to do it because the uniform gives me power and, honestly, I look fucking great in it."

Ed pointed a finger at him as he exclaimed. "That's not fair! I'll keep talking however the hell I damn well please!"

In other circumstances, Riza would have already stepped in to scold them both but she was so relieved and happy that, on this occasion, a light chuckle escaped her.

Although discreet, the Lieutenant's laughter was enough for Ed to notice. He had been so engrossed in his discussion with the Colonel that his sight had not seen beyond the bed where the black-haired man was but the sound made him move his head a little more and spot Riza. When he did, Ed stopped his protests and directed a smile at Riza, a gesture that Roy mimicked after discovering that the boy's gaze was focused on the bedroom door.

Realizing that she had been discovered, Riza wiped away the tears that had escaped her earlier to then focus her gaze on Roy's. Noticing visible joy in his black orbs, she smiled and said. "I'm so glad you've given each other a chance to talk."

"Too bad this bastard won't miss a chance to show off his big ego." Ed said pointing at the Colonel with his thumb.

Riza walked over and sat down next to Roy. "Edward, maybe you shouldn't refer to him that way." She said in a casual tone so as not to force the boy to treat the Colonel with more familiarity.

Ed folded his arms. "What should I call him?" Noticing Roy's interested look, Ed smiled mischievously and added. "Old man?"

Roy frowned. "What do you mean by 'old man'? Who do you think you're talking to?"

"With you, idiot. I guess 'old man' is familiar enough isn't it? Besides, it's perfect for your age."

Throughout his life Roy had heard teenagers and young adults refer to their parents as 'old man', so should he consider this an advance?... No. No one had the right to exaggerate his age when he was still in the prime of his youth.

Keeping his brow furrowed, Roy grumbled. "You're completely insane if you think that term describes me in any way."

"Denial."

"I'm not in denial! Look at me, I don't have any gray hair and if I have any wrinkles it's your fault for all the stress you exposed me to on your missions."

"Don't blame this YOUNG and peaceful boy for something that was caused to you by the simple passage of time." Ed said with a smile.

"Didn't you rather mean unruly and minuscule boy?"

"I've grown up, you fucking bastard!"

Riza sighed. In a way what she had once told Roy had come true: She would have to deal with two kids because they were both behaving that way.

Although she was glad that Roy and Ed were slowly getting back to normal regarding the way they were treating each other, Riza preferred to stop them since those two had no limits and, even if they were already physically better, it was better that they didn't overexert themselves. Therefore, Riza moved a little to one side of the bed and then sat up causing both Roy and Ed to stop their discussion for a moment to watch her.

Realizing that she had attracted their attention, Riza smiled at Ed as she patted the space she had left on the bed between her and Roy a couple of times. "Why don't you sit down, Edward? I see Roy forgot his manners and has left you standing all this time."

Roy pouted as Ed smiled in satisfaction. If there was one thing he was sure of, it was that he had always enjoyed Riza's subtle yet direct way of putting Mustang in his place.

Without much thought, Ed did as instructed. As he sat down he felt a strange combination of emotions. He felt safe having his birth parents by his side but at the same time that closeness made him feel a little nervous and uncomfortable. Apparently he would still need some time to get used to it.

Knowing that the situation they were in was something new for all three of them, Riza patted Ed's leg to distract him from his thoughts. "I'm sorry, Edward. I imagine this is a little awkward but I think it's better if we're together now that we have to talk about what we're going to do."

"Oh, yes..." Ed said vaguely still a little nervous.

"Edward, are you okay with our acquaintances knowing the truth?" Riza asked.

Ed shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose. If you're the one who decides who's going to know our secret I think we can be sure everything will be okay."

Riza looked at Roy when she saw that he wanted to protest at the slight hint Ed had sent her way. "Okay, so when are we going to tell the members of the unit?"

Roy waved a hand dismissively. "We can wait. They're reliable men but they're not going to give me a break until they get the whole story about us out of me."

"I think the sooner the better. I don't think we can keep the truth from them any longer."

"Come on, Riza, in all the years we've worked together none of them suspected that you and I had a history before the military."

"Maybe it's because it's hard to believe that someone as smart as the Lieutenant would have fallen in love with you." Ed muttered.

"What did you say?" Roy asked.

"Nothing." Ed said with a fake smile of innocence.

Riza cleared her throat. "As I was saying, we'd better tell them soon. When I was coming into the room I saw them looking very suspicious as they were talking in hushed tones. I got the impression that Ed's visit unsettled them in some way."

Roy and Ed turned to look at each other, confused.

Ed asked. "Why? It's not the first time I've talked to the Colonel."

"But it is the first one where the room is completely quiet with you two in it." Riza said with a slight smile.

"Well, that may be true." Roy confessed. "But I still think we can tell them later. Now what interests me most..." He looked at Ed, who raised an eyebrow. "What are we going to do about the military?"

"What do you mean? No one else knows about this so we should be fine." Ed replied.

Roy shook his head. "We can't get too confident." He sighed. "During the Promised Day Bradley told us that he was aware that you were our son."

"But how?" Ed asked in alarm.

"It was my fault." Riza said in a regretful tone. "When I called Pinako I was careless and allowed Pride to overhear our conversation."

Ed smiled sympathetically at her. "You don't have to blame yourself. That bastard Pride fooled us all. He could have been following us for a long time before that."

Riza directed a grateful smile at him. "Thank you, son." Ed blushed a little, still not used to the term. "I guess we'll have to wait and try to find out if anyone else knows about us."

Roy nodded. "We don't have any other choice. We can't go around with a direct investigation because we might give ourselves away by trying to find out who's in the loop on this."

Ed put a hand to his chin. "What if only the homunculi were aware of this?"

"That would be very optimistic to think so." Riza said.

Roy mimicked Ed's gesture. "We can't be confident but what Ed says is possible. Remember the encounter I had with Bradley a few months ago?" Riza nodded her head. "Bradley had no regrets about keeping his identity hidden even from his wife, in fact he was extremely proud to be a homunculus. In his view, we humans were just pathetic inferior beings who served as nothing more than pawns to carry out Father's plan. If that was their mentality, I don't think they would consider sharing all their hidden plans with anyone who wasn't a homunculus. You see, the higher ups were not fully aware of his entire plan. It was enough for them to be 'assured' of being the masters of the world at Father's side."

Riza was quiet for a few seconds before responding. "It's a possibility. After all they were probably hoping to use the information Pride gave them to keep the three of us in line but..." He looked at Ed intently. "Maybe your disappearance at Baschool discouraged them from bringing our relationship out in the open."

"Probably." Agreed Ed as he put his hands to the back of his neck and averted his gaze straight ahead.

"Edward, what happened?" said Riza.

"I just wanted to reposition myself."

"Edward." Riza said with a more serious tone. "Why did you get separated from Al at Baschool? Where were you all that time?"

Ed kept his gaze straight ahead as a couple of beads of sweat ran down his forehead. Feeling Roy and Riza's stares on him, he sighed and said. "It's a long story." He paused but his parents' interest in him didn't wane, so he had to continue. "Long story short, Al was the only one who could walk through a storm to alert Winry, May, Marcoh, Scar and a couple of chimeras that Briggs' fort wasn't safe. That's when the guys from Central went to replace General Armstrong."

"I hope you can tell us more about your Northern adventures later." Roy said.

Ed shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe."

"What about my other question, Edward?" Riza asked.

Ed ducked his head and put his hands in his lap. "Do you really want to know?"

"Of course, you had me worried sick."

"I made a mistake in confronting Kimblee. After that I ended up traveling with Darius and Heinkel."

Riza raised an eyebrow. It was a very vague answer but it was obvious Ed didn't want to elaborate. After a sigh, she put a hand on the boy's knee and said. "Edward, I'm not going to push you but if you want to talk later we're here for you, okay?"

Ed crossed his gaze with Riza's and gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Mom."

Riza smiled at the term. Edward naturally changed the way he referred to her a lot so every time she heard him call her 'mom' she felt immense happiness. After a few seconds, she gently pulled him to her to hug him.

Roy smiled. Seeing that exchange between the love of his life and his son was simply priceless.

When Ed and Riza parted, Roy could notice the boy grimacing slightly.

"Are you okay, Ed?" Roy asked.

"Yes. I just need a surgery." He said casually.

"What?!"

"Hey, I don't like them much either so don't freak out."

"Edward was worried about leaving Al alone the day of his surgery but I think we could both go keep him some company, right Roy?" Riza said.

"Sure." Said Roy without hesitation.

Ed smiled until, all of a sudden, he jumped out of bed. "Geez, how long has it been? Al must be worried." Without waiting for an answer he headed for the door. Standing there he turned around and gave them a broad smile. "Uh... I'll see you later, Mom, old man." He said with a slight nod directed at each of them before unlocking the door.

"We'll be over to see you soon, runt." Roy said

"Watch out for Havoc and Breda. They probably want to ask you why you were talking to Roy alone." Said Riza.

"Alright." Said Ed making an effort not to retort at the word Roy had used. If he did Al would be alone longer.

As soon as Ed left the room, Riza gave Roy a warm smile and he wasted no time in pulling her to his chest.

Riza tensed slightly. "Roy... Havoc or Breda could walk in at any moment."

"We've got a couple of minutes while they try to get the truth out of Ed."

Though still a bit worried, Riza relaxed into the embrace as she inhaled Roy's scent.

"We got our son back, Riza." Roy said with a tone that denoted the great happiness and relief he was feeling.

Riza just nodded against his chest feeling a lump form in her throat at the tears of happiness that wanted to escape her.

They both stayed like that for a couple of minutes enjoying each other's company and remembering the moments they had just spent with their son. Some fear was still present in their minds about what they would do to keep the military from finding out about their connection (that is if the homunculi didn't share their discovery with someone else) but the joy of having back the son they had at some point resigned themselves to never finding, was simply wonderful.