My goodness. I apologize sincerely for this update being so late, I know I've been taking longer with these last couple of chapters, but I'd like to remind that I'm writing them about 3,000 words longer than usual, each chapter seems to get longer than the last. Anyways—longer chapters coupled with copious amounts of school work led to the delay of this chapter, but without further ado, I give you the next installment
p.s. I really wanted to get this upload and edited it a few times, I apologize for any errors, I do periodically go back through and edit old chapters.
Disclaimer: I don't own FMA or its characters.
Chapter 30
Four days after Hughes visits…
Ed stood at the counter, with Milo who stood on a chair.
"Two eggs mommy?" He asked
Ed nodded, "Just two." Milo cracked each egg on the edge of the bowl and clumsily pulled apart the two halves with clawing fingers.
"Do you want to mix it too?" Ed asked.
"I wan!" Louisa called from the living room. She ran to the kitchen.
"Okay Lulu, you can mix." Ed handed her a spoon. She stood waiting patiently for her brother to finish his job and get down, so she could get on the chair and mix away.
"Mommy." Milo said seriously, he looked at his mother.
Ed raised his eyebrow questioningly. "Milo?" He answered, trying to imitate his son's same serious tone.
"You asked me if I could mix first befo' Lulu…" He said, keeping a straight face and making eye contact.
"Well Milo, you've already had a turn now Lulu gets to help me with breakfast… and where's your sister?" Ed asked looking between his kids.
"Dunno…" Milo shrugged.
"Okay, go find her please." Ed said, trying to keep from sounding annoyed.
Milo crawled down from the chair. Ed helped Louisa to climb up.
She stood, wooden spoon in hand, ready to mix.
"First we wash our hands." Ed said, kindly reminding his daughter. He sat her on the edge of the sink since he couldn't really hold her and turned the water on to a moderate temperature and rubbed some soap into her hands. He held onto her and watched as she washed and rinsed.
"Okaay." Ed put her back on the chair and Lulu began to stir the contents of the bowl together.
"Mommy." Milo entered the kitchen holding Ollie by the hand. "She was with daddy… sleeping."
"Is daddy still sleeping?" Ed asked
Milo hummed in thought, then nodded, "Yes."
"I thought he was working he came down here earlier for coffee." Ed grumbled talking mostly to himself. He pulled Lulu off the chair.
"Mahma…" Louisa protested, Ed set her on the floor and put the bowl down beside her. Lulu went back to stirring contently, squatted on the floor.
"Do you want chocolate chip pancakes?" He asked the kids. Stupid question, Oliver and Milo nodded, "Yesss…" Louisa squealed. "Ollie sweetie are you still sleepy? Do you want to go back to sleep?"
She shook her head yawning.
He poured a small bowl of chocolate chips and gave it to Ollie, "You're in charge of that Oliver." Ed bent down to kiss the top of her dark head, "No eating them…" He said sternly, giving each of his children a warning point.
"I'll be right back." Ed said. He made his way upstairs and opened the door to his bedroom.
Roy laid in bed, his cup of coffee, untouched on his nightstand.
"Get up, Roy." Ed said sternly, he didn't move. He made his way to his bedside and shook him. "Hey, get up."
Roy rolled over onto his back, his eyes still closed, obviously, awake and listening.
"I thought you were working…" Ed said with a sigh.
Roy didn't move.
Ed scoffed and leaned down to hesitantly give him a kiss. Roy's arms snaked around him and their kiss deepened, Ed's tongue began to wander, Roy's tongue followed suit and Ed opened his eyes, mid-kiss, only to see Roy staring back at him with low lidded eyes.
Ed turned red, and he pulled away breaking their kiss immediately.
"Good morning." Roy said.
"I thought you were working you asshole!"
"I'm sorry." Roy said, "Your little escapades last night kept me up." Roy brushed his cheek with his knuckles gently.
Ed smacked it away scoffing. He tried to stand up and pull out of Roy's arms, but he tightened his grip
"What's wrong? I'm sorry. I was tired… I was gonna get up but then Ollie came in here and she wanted to snuggle and I just fell back asleep cuddled up with her…"
"I've been up all morning watching the kids, making them breakfast… It's tiring," Ed fought against all his hormones blinking away tears. "You always say you're working… but you can't forget our kids… what are we going to do when this baby gets here? I can't deal with five children by myself."
Roy rubbed his shoulders comfortingly. "I'm sorry. I've been trying to balance work with you and the kids…" He kissed Ed's face. "I didn't realize you were struggling so much. Is it this bad when I'm away?"
Ed felt panic grip him as he realized this was only temporary. Roy would have to go back to work eventually and he'd be left alone with five kids at home. Now he couldn't keep it under. Ed began to sob, he dropped his head in his hands.
"What's wrong hon?" Roy placed a kiss on his forehead.
Ed shook his head, "n-nothing…"
Roy gave him a questioning look, placing soft kisses on his face. "Did you take your blood pressure medicine?" He ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah." Ed nodded.
"Good." Roy pulled the covers off and he got out of bed stretching. "Thanks for letting me sleep in."
"If I'd known I wouldn't have let you." Ed responded.
Roy placed a kiss on Ed's nose before he got up, "I owe you…"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ed sat on the couch gently rocking Greyson back and forth trying to soothe him. He was upset about something, gas, or a headache, something imperceptible to the boy's parents.
Roy was on the edge of his chair, fiddling with the radio, grumbling under his breath in frustration.
"What channel did Hughes say it was on?" Ed asked
"Three" Roy answered shortly. He didn't look up and continued to fiddle with the channel knob and volume.
"If you're getting frustrated, maybe I should take a turn."
Roy sighed in dismay, "yeah." He said calmly, "you should…" He held out his arms towards his infant son and Grey shook excitedly, wiggling in his mother's arms as he got closer to daddy.
Ed began to fiddle with the machine, it whistled loudly before voices came through.
"Then attacked the family… taking their infant son. The son of the Fullmetal Alchemist Edward Mustang and Brigadier-General Roy Mustang. No doubt trying to take or harm him, remove him from his family in some way shape or form. He stole and vandalized private property, going out of his way to torment these men. Important men, historical figures." He paused, "and not just them, their children. Innocent children, his actions were intentional and aimed to hurt this family. We the prosecution ask you find him guilty of vandalism, theft, breaking and entering, kidnapping, and assault… Thank you."
There was silence.
"That must've been the prosecution's closing statement…" Ed mumbled.
Roy cooed to Greyson, peppering his face with kisses. He gradually began to calm down, wispy whimpers coming from the back of his throat.
"Can't wait to hear what the defense has to say... He shouldn't even be on trial… It's—" Roy pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
Ed gritted his teeth. "I hate this… I hate him… I hate those pictures you took." Ed whimpered and took a calming breath swallowing down angry tears.
"I'm sorry. Let me say it's not ever happening again." Roy said apologetically. "I've learned my lesson."
Ed was snarling, He stayed silent resisting the urge to snap at his husband. Then he remembered the kids. They had put them down early so they could listen to the verdict. Greyson was the only one who clung to consciousness.
"Defense. Your closing statement please."
There was a long pause over the radio, before finally a voice came over.
"Ladies and Gentlemen… All who care for justice… This was an act of passion."
"I'm gonna be sick." Ed said shaking his head.
"Colonel Gideon Barnabe had so many emotions, so much love and admiration for the married Edward Mustang, he could not keep his self-composure. He may have physically hurt Mr. Mustang, but it was merely an accident, when he trying to get him to listen to his plea."
"This is bullshit." Roy was almost growling. He shook his head in irritation.
"He was filled with jealousy and envy, for the husband, Brigadier General Roy Mustang. Nasty and petty emotions, they took hold of him and wouldn't let go, until he had what he needed, wanted most in the world. When the Fullmetal alchemist was unresponsive to his advances, he was driven mad, and took drastic measures, trying to keep their attention as best he could… a way he knew they couldn't ignore, he took their son."
"Why is he trying to justify this?" Ed grimaced, he glanced at Grey, slowly nodding off in his father's arms.
"And so it was not this man, merely his emotions. Colonel Barnabe, this noble, honorable, man. Was not in his right state of mind when pursuing the Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Mustang."
"That sounds like total crap… doesn't it? I'm not the only one?" Ed asked
Roy shook his head, "I can't believe he's defending this sick fuck."
Ed noticed Roy's hold on Grey became more protective and he held him closer to his body.
"I don't think they'll let him off." Ed grumbled. "They better not."
"Are there any further questions from the panel?"
A woman's voice came over, "Yes," she cleared her throat, "were any of the um, Mustangs hurt? I think this is in reference… to the infant son… in particular?"
A man's voice again, "Unfortunately… They are not here but—" he was cut off, a minute of silence passed "Brigadier General Hughes, will reread the written testimony of Brigadier General Roy Mustang."
A man—Roy and Ed could only assume it was Hughes cleared his throat, but before he even spoke he was interrupted by screaming and yelling coming over the radio. It sounded more muffled than the rest of the voices, so the person yelling must not have been speaking into a microphone.
"Where are your fucking friends?! WHERE ARE THEY?! TOO AFRAID TO SHOW THEIR DAMN FACES?!"
The abrupt noise from the radio caused Greyson to wake up from his light slumber in a fit. Roy rocked him, "That sounds like Barnabe…"
Ed turned the volume knob down, sucking in a sharp breath.
"WHAT? Is Brigadier-General Mustang afraid to face me…?! You and your pretty little fuck-toy are probably listening at home." Barnabe growled through the radio. Roy turned the volume down even more. Still finding it far too loud.
Ed turned red with rage, "A 'fuck-toy?' Are you kidding me? That asshole—bastard—disgusting—" Ed couldn't even get the words out to express his rage.
Grey wailed wispy and raspy screeches, almost silent. Roy rocked him, "Shh." He cooed "it's alright Grey…. Shh." He held his son's tiny hands keeping them from shaking in his fit.
"You still don't—" Barnabe's voice yelled again, then it was silent and there was a sound of a door slamming loudly.
There was a very long pause, Ed almost thought the radio had turned off.
"I will quickly remind you, Brigadier-General Mustang fractured two ribs. The son unharmed, the details are in the written testimony from Roy Mustang himself, it will be disclosed to you so you may examine it."
Another long pause, then the same man's voice, "While the panel is out, the court is on break." There was a loud bang then silence.
Roy turned the radio off, and avoided making eye contact.
"Why didn't you tell me you were hurt?" Ed whined, his eyes pleading and desperate, upset his husband would keep such a thing from him.
"I think— I might know, why Barnabe has this vendetta against us…"
Ed sat up "What?"
"Hold on." Roy placed their whimpering and sniveling son in Ed's arms. Ed cooed and smoothed over his blonde hair pressing his lips to his forehead in a kiss. He swayed from side to side, trying to get their restless son to sleep.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"You're sure you could recognize him?" Roy asked
Louis cocked an eyebrow, "My captor for fifteen years?"
Roy shook his head, "Stupid question… sorry."
Louis only chuckled. He held his hand out expectantly, waiting for Roy to hand him the folder.
"Are the kids all asleep?" Oliver asked, looking between Roy and Ed.
Ed nodded distractedly, "I'm sure they'll be up soon…"
Louis opened the folder and began to flip through pages, each one with one of Roy's subordinate's paperwork and a picture, black and white, and sort of grainy, but it was the best they could do… for now.
Oliver watched person after person go by, pictures of straight faced men and women.
Louis paused on a page with the Sergeant who was rude to Ed. He kept flipping, two files later, he was in the officer section. The profiles weren't extensive, just a way for transfers and new hires to familiarize themselves with their superiors and comrades.
He flipped to Barnabe's page, his gaze hardened in concentration, "this is the warden." Louis said with conviction.
Roy looked over Louis' shoulder, "That's also the so-called 'colonel'."
"So you were right Roy?" Ed asked looking up at his husband.
"I'm gonna kill him." Oliver was snarling, and practically growling. It was the angriest Ed had ever seen him, and certainly Roy as well.
Louis merely smirked, seeing his beloved so upset. He rubbed his back in a slow circular motion, "We won't need to, he just had a trial today with a plethora of charges against him." Louis said reassuringly. He placed a kiss on his boyfriend's nose. "His military trial is the day after next, Hughes is testifying we will too."
"So…" Ed began. "Barnabe is the warden? And he came after us because we blew up and exposed his operation…?"
"Right" Roy nodded, "he might've recognized you, our name, me… he probably didn't know how to track down Louis and Oliver… you guys just… flew off the grid."
They both nodded in agreement.
"Oh!" Ed said rounding on his husband, "Roy has fractured ribs." He said taking hold of Roy's wrist with a death-grip.
"I know." Oliver bobbed his head in acknowledgement. "How do you think he's been withstanding the pain?"
Ed scowled, "why didn't you tell me?" He glared at Roy.
"You've hidden two of your pregnancies from me… I think it's fair."
"That—" Ed scoffed, "fine." He crossed his arms over his chest.
Roy wrapped an arm around his waist and kissed his temple. "I'm fine. I didn't want you to stress."
"Yeah… well… don't push yourself." Ed mumbled.
"Did you hear the outcome of the trial today?"
Ed shook his head, "The panel is still out… hopefully tomorrow or else they'll have to postpone his next trial."
"Are you going to the next one?" Oliver asked, looking between the two of his friends.
Ed glanced at Roy, and then dropped his gaze, "I don't think… that'd be the best idea…" he answered hesitantly
"Why not?" Louis asked, sounding rather baffled and a bit disappointed.
"We'll give our testimony… of course," Roy said, "but I think us being there would just make things worse…"
"How could it make things worse?" Oliver asked.
"If you'd heard him today… yelling and screaming…" Ed started.
"He said some nasty things…" Roy said in verification.
"He… he called me a fuck toy…" Ed mumbled.
Roy raised his eyebrows, in shock of Ed's bluntness, then cleared his throat. "Yes… so…"
Louis gave Oliver a knowing look and in response, the doctor gave the slightest nod.
"What?" Ed asked, he couldn't keep the annoyance from seeping into his voice.
"Nothing," Oliver shook his head, "we just figured you'd wiggle out of it."
Louis cleared his throat, and ran his fingers through his long dark hair. "Be polite dear." He chided.
"It's a little insensitive, don't you think?" Oliver began, his tone nonthreatening and calm, "I mean we're your friends… This man has hurt a lot of people including yourselves…"
Louis shushed him.
Ed rubbed his belly, avoiding their gazes.
"I think we'll be leaving now." Louis said standing up, "Roy I'll get back to you"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roy was in the kitchen working, he was doing the dishes, cleaning the stove, sweeping and the likes. Ollie sat on her knees wiping the table, 'helping' her father with the chores.
Ed sat on the couch holding a mug of tea and staring at the radio as if that would will the panel to make their decision faster. He sighed and distracted himself by taking a swig of tea. The flavor was familiar in his mouth, to the point where it was almost dull. Ginger, and peppermint mostly, he was used to drinking it. It soothed him somewhat, if only for the habit.
"Mommy…" Milo walked over to his mother, "Look." He held up a paper with 'M-i-o' written on it. There was a big tree scribbled in the center of the page.
"That's good sweetie, but you forgot the 'l'"
Milo looked at his paper examining it closely. "Oh yea." He said and he wandered back to where he was coloring on the floor. Greyson was sitting with him, chewing on his teething ring.
Louisa screeched with laughter as Cal relentlessly kissed her face, she was pinned to the floor by the dog. "Cal…. C-Cal!" She giggled… patting the dog in defeat. Calces relented before nuzzling her wet nose between Lulu's neck making her erupt into a fit of laughter all over again.
Roy tousled his daughter's hair as he left the kitchen. Oliver continued to work, watching as her father disappeared through the doorway.
"Hey, Ed…" Roy said walking into the living room.
"What do you want?" Ed asked with a sigh, recognizing Roy's tone as the same one he used when he was nervous or walking on eggshells around Ed.
"Well… I've been thinking…" Roy said plopping down on the couch beside the pregnant alchemist, "I think we—I need to go to South City for the trial…"
Ed was silent, he finished off the remaining tea in his mug.
"So?" Roy asked, when Ed didn't answer.
Ed shrugged, "I mean, if you feel like you need to go, then I'm not gonna stop you… go ahead… I think it's a good idea…"
"Daddy I done wit da table!" Oliver yelled.
"Okay baby, start on the floor. I'll be in to help in a minute." Roy called to her, his gaze shifted back to Ed. "Will you be alright with the kids?"
"I'll probably just go stay with Al and Win… it's too much strain to be on my own… there are some things I just can't do on my own in this state."
Roy smiled and kissed Ed on the nose. Proud and happy his husband was being so rational. "I know… you're pretty far along now…" He gently stroked his belly, "So if you really don't want me to go… just say the word."
Ed shook his head, "No I'll be fine… just as long as you hurry back…"
Roy smiled and kissed Ed again, "Of course, you know I can't stay away for long…" He purred.
Ed rolled his eyes, and went to take a sip of tea only to be reminded that his cup was empty. He pushed himself up using the back of the couch for support.
"Need some help?" Roy asked, his eyes were glued to Ed's bum.
"No." Ed scoffed noticing his husband's gaze. Finally he managed to steady himself and so he made his way to the kitchen to pour more tea.
He stepped over Ollie who was on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor with a wash cloth. "Sweetie, why don't you go play?" Ed asked, as he picked up the teapot.
She looked up at her mother, "Mm heping daddy." She hummed and went back to work.
"Why don't you go spend time with daddy since he'll be leaving in a couple of days…"
"Wha—?" She whimpered, "W-why mommy?" She asked sniffling, wiping her nose and eyes of the tears and snot before they could even drip.
"Why don't you go sit with daddy?" Ed urged her kindly. She got to her feet and left the kitchen in search of her father.
Ed smiled, watching as the small figure of his daughter disappear into the hallway. He sighed as he realized he had to bend down to pick up the washcloth she had been using. He could hardly keep from groaning in pain as he rose back to his feet.
He made his way to the counter and filled his cup with tea. This time it smelled a lot stronger, since the tea had had more time to steep. From the kitchen he could hear Oliver's cries beginning to fill the little remaining silence in the house. He took a deep breath, trying to keep himself from stressing out at the sound.
He set his cup down and began to rifle through cabinets looking for his medication that was supposed to help lower his blood pressure.
Then suddenly there was more crying… Ed could tell it was Milo, then he heard Lulu. No doubt the news had just been broken to them.
"Ed…" Roy called.
"Huh?" Ed answered standing on his toes trying to reach the taller shelves, he couldn't really see what was up there, but that's where he suspected Roy put the bottle of pills he was searching for.
"Come here for a second please…"
At his husband's request Ed abandoned his task. He wandered out of the kitchen pulling down his shirt which had inevitably risen when he'd been reaching.
"Can you tell the kids I'll be home in a few days…?"
"What you don't believe Daddy?" Ed asked looking at his children. They were all on the couch, surrounding Roy. Louisa sat on his lap, Milo stood beside him on an unoccupied section of the couch and Oliver was leaning against him, her hand resting on his shoulder.
Oliver wiped her nose with her hand. Louisa sniveled, still whimpering softly. Milo's eyes were red and swollen obvious evidence of his breakdown.
Realizing their smallest child wasn't among them, he glanced around the room nervously for Greyson, who was sitting on the floor observing his father and siblings from a distance. Ed hurriedly scooped him up into his arms, "Milo you can't just leave him on his own like that…"
"He's right there mommy…"
Ed sighed, somewhat out of annoyance "kids, daddy isn't going to be gone for very long… only a few days."
"How many?" Oliver asked looking at her father.
Roy shrugged, "I can't give you an exact number because I don't know how long the trial I'm going to is going to last… hopefully only three." He held up his fingers to show her.
Milo started to tear up again and wiped at his eyes with the heels of his hands.
"Milo it's okay to cry sometimes..." Roy said pulling his hands from his face.
Milo shook his head, "You never do daddy…"
Roy chuckled and shook his head, not really sure how to respond to that, "I'm not going to be gone for anymore than three days…"
Louisa nodded in understanding, "Okay…"
He looked at Milo and Oliver, "Okay?"
Oliver nodded.
Milo averted his gaze, his head was dropped, "Okay daddy." He said quietly.
"Good." Roy said cheerily. His kids didn't share in his enthusiasm, the three of them looked glum.
Ed smiled at Grey in his arms and kissed his forehead. "Roy, can you help me find the bottle of Lisinopril in the kitchen?"
"Yeah." Roy patted Ollie's back and she moved off his lap and onto the couch cushion.
The pair of parents left the living room, heading to the kitchen.
"You'd think they'd just found out I'm dying with the way they reacted…" Roy said with a chuckle.
"They love you." Ed responded, his voice not reflecting the same joking tone as his husband's.
"I know that." Roy went to the cupboard above the sink and opened it. He reached the top shelf with ease and pulled down an orange bottle rattling with pills.
"You have to stop putting them so high up…"
"Right. I forget you can't reach." Roy said with a smirk.
Ed felt himself beginning to fume. "I don't need any backhanded remarks from you." He said with a scoff. He held Greyson on his hip.
Roy smiled at his infant son, and placed a kiss on his forehead, he straightened up and opened the bottle giving Ed one of the blue pills.
"Daddy!" Louisa said loudly, entering the kitchen. Calces followed behind her.
"Hmm?" Roy hummed in response.
"You can' go!" She protested.
"Oh? And Why not?" He asked, amused by his small daughter.
She shook her head. "Because if you go… um nobody will be here to ta'e care of mommy."
"That's not true, Uncle and Auntie are going to help take care of you kids…"
"Who ta'e care of mommy?" She asked, her hands on her hips.
"Your Uncle and Aunt." Roy reiterated.
She whimpered at this.
Ed put the pill in his mouth and washed it down with the tea. He shuddered, and then spoke, "I can take care of myself, Lulu…"
"What's wrong sweetie? Are you scared that someone will break into our house while I'm gone? Because the man that—"
"Daddy I'm worried fo' mommy…" she sobbed
"What?" Ed asked confused. "Why?"
"Sweetie, I have to go." Roy said, he crouched down to her height and kissed her forehead, "It's only a couple of days I'm sure you'll keep mommy safe while I'm gone."
"Why are you worried about me hon?" Ed asked their daughter.
She met her mother's gaze briefly, then looked back at her father. "Daddy please don' go!"
"Why are you guys freaking out?" Ed asked, "It's kind of scaring me…"
"Because Mommy!" Milo said, stomping into the kitchen. "Daddy has been takin' care of you while… F-For a while." He stuttered.
Ed started to laugh, "Milo, I've been taking care of myself for a lot longer… I know you don't want your daddy to go, but he needs to. Stop looking for excuses…"
"I Nah Mommy!" Milo stamped his foot.
"If you can't give us a real reason…" Roy said, Grey was reaching up towards his father's stubbly face.
Roy held out his hand, hovering over his son, still content on his mother's hip. The little boy reached towards his father's hand clasping his pinky finger tightly, Roy let him and seemingly ignored his baby, licking and biting, just messing with his finger.
"'M afraid tha' mommy is gonna have the babies withou' you…"
"What?" Roy chuckled and then finally started to laugh.
"Stop laughin' dadee… is' nah funny." Louisa sniveled.
Oliver made her way into the kitchen with Cal. Patting the shiba inu on the back as they walked.
"I'm sorry baby," Roy took a breath, still chuckling to himself, "I don't know when you all became so concerned. Your mother isn't going to go into labor. He's only about five or six months along… Grey was an exception… and you girls were… also…" Roy cleared his throat. "My point is, you kids don't need to worry."
"Daddy won't be leaving for a few days… until this trial is over… until the jurors have decided…" Ed said, "I know I look really big and I'm having a hard time… but I'm gonna be just fine for a couple of months." He stroked his belly gingerly. "He's only going to be gone for a couple of days we're going to be fine."
Milo sighed and hung his head.
"Okay?" Ed asked.
"Okay…" Louisa answered quietly.
Roy chuckled under his breath and wrapped his arms around Ed's back, hooking his fingers together.
"You gon' make out now?" Oliver asked, contorting her face into a twisted look of disgust.
"Yeah, we are." Roy answered he kissed the corner of Ed's mouth before leaning over and planting another one on his lips.
"Eww." Milo whined. He watched his parents for a few seconds. His mother's free hand was tangled in his dad's dark hair. He saw just a flash of tongue when they opened their mouths for air. Embarrassed he hid his face in his hands, "Gross, Daddy… thas' disguss-ting."
"If you don't like it, don't watch…" Roy chuckled and placed another kiss on Ed's lips, prying open his mouth with his thumb.
Ed tsked, "Roy…"
"One more kiss." Roy murmured, before their lips were locked again. Ed fought against the trance he was being pulled into and placed his hand on the side of Roy's face, so he could pull their lips apart.
He patted Roy's cheek affectionately and then refocused his attention on Greyson who was slipping in his arms. Ed adjusted his hold, smiled at his son, but before the baby boy could even react he was pulled into his father's arms.
"Hey…" Ed pouted.
"What? I'm not so sure it's a good idea for you to be holding him he's kind of heavy…" Roy placed a kiss on top of the blonde fuzz covering his son's head.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ed had been so focused on hearing the panel's decision (which had actually been made later that evening) that he forgot about the repercussions. He said he was fine with Roy leaving but now that the moment was approaching, his throat dropped into his stomach.
In the last trial Barnabe had been found guilty of all charges, and now Roy was leaving for South City on the first train in the morning, with Oliver and Louis to make sure that the same happened for his next trial.
"Do you have to go tomorrow? I bet you'd get there before the lawyers and even Barnabe…" Ed complained from where he laid on their bed spread out on his back, his belly bulging upwards.
Roy was transferring clothes from his closet into a bag he'd set on the bed by Ed's feet, "I'm going tomorrow." He said finally, "I want to get this over and done with… besides the trial is scheduled to start in two days… so the sooner I can get there the better… it takes a whole day to travel…"
"I know…" Ed sighed. He was silent in thought trying to think of excuses to get Roy to stay. "Ugh." Ed groaned, it sounded more forced and theatrical than he'd have liked.
"What's wrong?" Roy asked glancing at Ed.
"My back…" Ed whined. "It's killing me…" It wasn't a total fakery, he was always aching.
"Sit up…" Roy said, tossing a shirt onto the bag at the foot of the bed.
Ed did as he was told and Roy sat behind him, lifting up Ed's shirt, he began to knead his knuckles down his spine. In response his pregnant husband would groan, or shift slightly— that was completely genuine.
"Better?" Roy asked getting up off the bed.
"I guess…" Ed murmured
Roy went back to packing, finally he grabbed his uniform from its hanger and folded it neatly, placing it in his bag.
"So… this trial is for military fraud?" Ed asked.
"Yeah." Roy answered facing the closet once again doing a onceover to see if there was anything he'd forgotten.
Fidgeting with his wedding ring, Ed took it off and read the engraving on the inside of the band, 'To my one and only'. He teared up at the sentiment and sniffled loudly trying to catch Roy's attention.
He slid the ring back on his finger and wiped at his eyes, taking a deep breath through his nose.
"Are you alright?" Roy asked, moving around the side of the bed so he was standing in front of Ed.
Ed dropped his head back, staring up at his husband, giving him what he hoped was a pathetic look.
"Why—when were you crying?" Roy asked.
"Mm." Ed shook his head, "s'fine." He mumbled, dropping his gaze.
"Ed… we've been over this, if you have something to say, just say it outright. It's better to be honest."
He was silent reflecting on Roy's words. "F-fine." Ed sighed, "I don't want you to go. I hate it when you're gone, I miss you so much, and the kids are hard enough to deal with when there's two of us…" he choked up a bit, "I'm scared just thinking about being alone with them when I can hardly bend over. I'm scared I won't be able to deal with them… Roy, I can't do it… I can't—" He was tearing up now, his hand was stuck nervously in his bangs. "When this baby gets here—" Ed lost his voice, "Roy…" he whimpered.
"Shh." Roy crawled onto the bed and wrapped his arms around Ed in a tight hug, "Hey… it's fine…" Roy kissed the top of Ed's head, "why do you do this to yourself Ed? You let this all build up inside until you have a breakdown."
Ed shook his head, unable to speak as he stifled his cries.
"You've been worrying too much…" Roy stated…
Ed nodded ever so slightly "…I-I guess…" he choked out.
Roy sighed, "what do you want me to do?" He asked locking eyes with Ed.
"I don't know… I don't—" Ed teared up again, wiping his eyes.
"Ed. I can't help you if you don't tell me what you want…"
"I want to go home…" Ed whimpered.
"We are home…" Roy said, he held Ed against his chest and leaned back against the headboard.
Ed shook his head, "I want to go back to Central…"
"You know we can't do that…" Roy said kissing Ed's temple and cheek, "I know… things are rather tense and stressful right now… but Barnabe is—"
"I don't care about Barnabe!" Ed cut-in loudly.
"Shh. The kids are asleep…" Roy reminded him.
Ed fell silent. He sighed and leaned back into Roy. He was nestled between his legs, his head resting on his chest, "I like seeing you every night… I want you to come home… I don't want to be alone for two weeks…"
Roy rubbed his shoulder and kissed his temple.
"I'm sorry…" Ed said, "but I'm freaked out about having this kid… Roy… we screwed up this time… we should've been more careful…" Ed was fighting against his tears, his throat was tightening.
"We didn't screw up… this child is a good thing…"
"Is it? When you're gone for half the month… and we already have four kids to take care of… one of whom needs to have a constant eye kept on him…"
Roy kissed Ed's temple and the shell of his ear. "Everything is going to be fine."
"That's not the reassurance I need right now…" Ed whimpered.
Roy chuckled at his hysterical husband "I'm here now." He said calmly, "when this baby comes I'm not gonna be anywhere but right here… right beside you or where ever you need me."
Ed sniffled feeling slightly better. He wrapped his arms around Roy's mid-drift, snuggling into his husband.
"And…" Roy started, "We can't rule out the possibility that these babies… either of them… might not be ours…"
Ed nodded in agreement, "But—" he paused uncertainly.
"What?" Roy asked.
"I want one of them to be."
"I know." Roy said, "so do I…"
"You promise you're gonna be here after the babies are born?"
"You think anyone would be able to keep me away?" Roy asked with a chuckle.
Ed shook his head, "No… but… It's not up to you… what if your boss declines your request for a leave of absence…"
"I just told you, no one is going to be able to keep me from my baby…" Roy smiled which was reassuring to Ed.
"I believe you…" Ed said quietly.
Roy could hear something falter in his voice, "What?"
Ed sighed, "Don't… just make this decision based on what I want… don't give up your job just to stay home for a couple of months."
"A job that doesn't let me put my family first, isn't a job I want… and don't feel like you're putting pressure on me Ed, I'm big enough to make my own decisions now…"
This made Ed chuckle, "I know… but before…" he paused in consideration of his words, "All of this, before all the kids and before we were married… all you wanted was to advance in your job… it's all you talked about."
"It was?" Roy asked he was trying to think back which he found rather hard, considering it was over four years ago.
"It was." Ed confirmed with a nod.
Roy glanced down and their eyes met. Charcoal and gold bore into each other, until Ed pulled the brigadier-general's head down to his own and their lips locked in a kiss. It wasn't rushed, they let it happen, and slowly the kiss grew deeper. Ed's hand came to rest on the back of Roy's neck, which his husband recognized as a sign that his beloved was feeling rather heated.
In response to their make out session, Roy's hands slid underneath Ed's shirt and circled his stomach, eventually slid down Ed's sides.
"A-are you still going to leave in the morning?" Ed asked, his voice wavering, as he tried to keep from whimpering at the ticklish sensation.
"I'd like to think so… yes." Roy said sounding quite unsure.
Ed raised an eyebrow, "you're allowed to do whatever you want… you don't need my permission."
Roy chuckled and pecked him on the lips.
"Can you tell me why though? Why you really need to go?" Ed asked.
He sighed, a rather hefty one at that, and his dark head hung. "This is all my fault in the first place."
"Roy—"
"All of it…" Roy said firmly. "I want to make this right… I want him to disappear from our lives forever… I want the kids to forget this ever happened…"
Ed opened his mouth to speak but then swiftly closed it. He hugged Roy tightly "I love you… don't go getting this hurt alpha, dominant mentality and think you can't protect us… don't start doubting yourself… I mean I love you and all… but you can be a bit stupid sometimes…"
Roy chuckled, "you can be quite stupid sometimes too." He stole a kiss from Ed's lips.
"When?" Ed asked doubtfully.
Roy smirked "hm. When you have unprotected sex, then act surprised when you find out you're pregnant."
Ed scowled, "That's not wholly my fault. I swear to go—" he quieted himself, remembering the walls were rather thin. "Don't act like you didn't want all these children, you were the one advocating to conceive most of them!" Ed threw his hands up in exasperation.
Roy smiled and pressed a kiss to Ed's lips, "I was, I wanted, every single one of them… the only ones who caught me off guard were Milo and this little girl… or I guess… possibly a boy."
Ed shook his head, "would you prefer a girl to a boy?"
Roy shrugged, "I've never really cared… I like to guess, plus it always gets you so worked up."
"Do you—"
Roy stole another kiss from Ed, "no more talking let's make out, or have sex, or something…"
"Wait… I have one more question…" Ed said, pulling away from the lips that so often held him captive.
"Fine." Roy sighed through his nose.
"Do you have any names that you really love, that you think are more beautiful than anything?"
"Hmm." Roy hummed in thought. He took Ed's hand and kissed his palm. "Louisa, Greyson, Milo, Oliver, and Edward."
Ed turned the brightest shade of red in the rainbow. "You're tooth-achingly sweet." He said, clearing his throat.
Roy chuckled, "A romantic, a poet…"
"And always so humble." Ed said flatly.
Roy smiled, and laughed, "Well, I've been thinking about the name Violet."
Ed's face broke out into a grin, "that's really pretty. I like that a lot."
"You do?"
"You sound surprised?" Ed said.
Roy shrugged, "Normally you reject my first choice…"
He shrugged, "sorry" Ed said. There was a minute or so of silence, "Okay." Ed said.
"Okay what?" Roy asked.
"That's all I wanted to ask… we can have sex now…"
Roy smirked and leaned down locking lips once more with his small husband. His arms tangled around his swollen midsection
Eventually, Ed was crawling on top of Roy, his belly squishing up against his husband's abdomen. Ed arms were strewn around Roy's neck and Roy's hands were now sneaking under the waistband of Ed's pants.
"Strip," Ed huffed, breaking away breathlessly from their kiss.
Roy chuckled and then sat up. Ed sat back, straddling Roy's thighs.
He tugged off the t-shirt he was wearing, Ed was entranced, watching as more muscle was revealed.
"Now your pants." Ed said, meeting eyes with his husband.
"You're on my legs."
"oh." Ed said quietly. He crawled off Roy's legs, then the bed. He quickly took off his own clothing and slipped under the covers of the bed. He looked away as Roy removed his last layer of clothing.
He felt a rush of cool air as Roy got under the covers.
He could feel Roy looking at him, in turn Ed hardly met his gaze, only glancing up at him.
"Well, how did you want to do this? Do you want to ride me?" Roy asked
Ed blushed up to his ears and shook his head, "L-last time, my back hurt too much."
Roy's arm snaked around Ed's back, "okay well… lets just let… whatever happens happen…" He pulled Ed close into a kiss and let his hands wander his partner's body.
Ed shuddered at the tingling sensation, breaking away from their kiss temporarily.
Roy pressed the back of Ed's head forwards so their lips were locked once again. Ed started to squirm uncomfortably, he pulled away from Roy a panting mess. His lips were swollen from his husband's rough kisses. He fought for air.
"You alright…?" Roy asked, relenting slightly.
"If you let me breathe, I'll be fine." Ed huffed, he shuddered as he felt Roy's fingers dancing along the inside of his thighs. Instinctively he closed his legs, "That tickles."
Roy sighed, "Alright how about you tell me what to do and I'll do it…" He said crawling over Ed now so he was straddling him.
Ed hummed in thought, "kiss my neck?" he asked.
Roy smirked and leaned down placing a line of kisses on Ed's collar bone.
He closed his eyes enjoying the sensations, he made a couple more requests and before Roy knew it Ed was snoring softly, fast asleep.
"Ed." Roy sighed, and then laid down beside him. He placed a kiss on his temple before he laid down on his side and willed himself to sleep.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ed woke up fairly early—or was it late? It was still dark outside his window. Roy was breathing softly beside him. His back was turned and he couldn't bring himself to turn over and look at Roy, it'd probably make him cry. He cursed his hormones for making him such a needy mess all the time.
As it got gradually lighter outside Ed became more emotional. Now, the sky was a dark lilac, clouds were pink in the sky, and Ed was a sobbing mess. He was silent, but he couldn't hold back his tears and his nose was running. He kept wiping it on his sleeve, something he'd normally scold his children for doing.
Roy's alarm began to ring and Ed swiftly closed his eyes pretending to be asleep. He could feel Roy sit up quickly beside him, the alarm was silenced. "Damn thing…" Roy mumbled, barely awake.
Ed could feel his heart quickening, as Roy leaned right beside him, he wiped Ed's cheek with his thumb, removing the trails of his tears. "Ed?" he asked quietly, "are you awake?" When he didn't stir, Roy placed a kiss on his temple and got up out of bed.
Ed listened to him changing, keeping his eyes shut. Roy picked up his bag and wandered over to Ed's side of the bed, taking one last look at his husband he leaned down and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. He left the room letting Calces in, he left the door open only a crack, so if need be, the kids could go in to wake him up.
Calces snuggled up to Ed's back and again he stifled his whimpers, tears flooded his eyes. He listened as Roy closed the opened the doors to their children's rooms, visiting each one in their sleep. Then he heard the front door close, rattling the house slightly as he did so.
Ed finally let out a choked sob, he sat up and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. Calces cocked her head at him. Ed patted his lap and she crawled closer, resting her front paws and head on Ed's thighs, he stroked her soft white fur, feeling slightly better.
After about twenty minutes Ed got out of bed and changed into a pair of shorts and Roy's stupid and ugly sweater, he had worn so often when pregnant with Milo so long ago. It was still large and came down mid-thigh, you could see the curve his belly under the fabric.
He tied his hair up and then washed his face in the bathroom. He looked at his reflection in the mirror, His yellow eyes were swollen and red, from crying all morning. He splashed water in his face to keep from breaking down again.
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the front door close, rattling the house slightly once again. Claces went crazy, she barked, fiercely, standing in front of the bedroom door. Ed's heart was pounding, he was scared, there was talk of more infiltrators within the military perhaps they were friends with Barnabe. Ed wasn't sure what to do, but he was ready, he held his hands up, ready to perform alchemy if need be.
The bedroom door opened and Ed's arms fell to his sides. Claces ceased barking. "Wh-What are you doing back?" Ed asked breathlessly
Roy smiled and put down his bag, he wrapped his arms around Ed in a hug, "I figured… that the previous trial was that one that concerned me, and I didn't go to that one… there's lots of people to testify against his false claims as a military official."
Ed kissed his cheek and wrapped his arms around his neck, "Thank you for staying…"
Roy chuckled and kissed the top of Ed's head. The two of them crawled back into bed, snuggled close, Ed managed to fall into a deep calm sleep.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Okay. So I just really want to reassure you guys and tell you you're not being abandoned, if you stick with me, I promise the updates will become more frequent, I just happen to be very busy at the moment. Anyways, good chapter, they're finally communicating! That's great! Bet they won't be sleeping very long before one of the kids wakes them up. Love you all, See you next chapter. Imma go to bed now for like an entire day.