The next morning, Ed sat up in bed and sighed as he glanced at the stack of paperwork that littered his desk. Now that the first day of exams was said and done, the monumental task of grading those exams loomed over his head. He pulled a face, already imagining the crap that he was going to have to read through. He had skimmed a few papers the day before, and the first few sentences he saw were enough to make him groan.
He pulled on his favorite wool sweater, a deep vermillion, and a smart sweater vest over top. Ed hesitated before picking up a warm yet smart-looking coat, shrugging it on. Ice still lingered on the streets of Cambridge, though it had melted some, but Ed was not about to be caught in another flurry of snow without a coat.
Another class of students had their exams today, and that meant Ed had nothing to do but bide his time until the bell rang. He had grabbed a small sheaf of exams to grade; he figured that he could get some grading done during the next class's exams. His classroom had a better view than his bedroom at home, and Ed found it rather calming to grade the papers while watching the delicate snowflakes dance down from the sky.
He had left home early today, remembering that he had agreed to have a cup of coffee with the stranger from yesterday - Roy Mustang, his mind supplied helpfully. He had had excuses ready, but it seemed the mysterious man was one step ahead of him, offering to bring him a cup of coffee on the go.
Still, Ed mused, that did not mean that Mustang would actually show up. In fact, he would be shocked if the man stuck to his word. Not many people around the Cambridge area were willing to go out of their way for acquaintances, let alone strangers. The ice crunched beneath his boots as he pondered the peculiar situation.
His brows rose and a flicker of surprise crossed his face as he spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Waiting on the corner where their impromptu meeting had happened the previous day, was Roy Mustang, two coffees in hand.
He stood there, poised as ever, his body language confident and casual as he waited. He was slowly scanning the cobbled street, and Ed couldn't help but notice how other people looked at Mustang. He had to admit, the man wasn't bad-looking. Far from it, actually. From his midnight black hair to the sweep of his jaw, Roy Mustang was quite handsome.
Two women, walking together, passed by Roy, who gave them a nod and friendly half smile. They giggled as they strolled past, whispering to each other excitedly. He rolled his eyes just as the older man caught his gaze. Roy smirked softly and watched intently as Edward approached him; he watched him as if he were studying something fascinating, and Ed inwardly preened.
"You actually came," Ed remarked, his voice thick with disbelief.
"I always keep my promises," Roy replied smoothly. "I wasn't about to miss the chance to make amends."
Edward raised an eyebrow as he took the coffee that Roy offered. "This doesn't mean I've forgiven you."
Roy's eyes glinted with amusement, but he did well to keep the grin off his face, instead twisting it into something more of a sincere chuckle. "Fair enough."
They picked their way carefully through the melting snow, heading toward campus as they chatted amicably.
"So, tell me, Professor…?" Roy trailed off.
"Elric. Edward Elric," he quipped, trudging along.
The taller man's eyes flashed warmly as he grinned at the admission.
"Professor Elric. What's your area of expertise, if I might ask?"
Ed hesitated, studying Roy carefully. There was something disarming about him. A warmth that didn't quite match the polished exterior. "Chemistry and cellular biology," he said at last.
Roy's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "That's impressive for anyone to be well-versed in, but especially someone your age."
Ed took a sip of his coffee, the warmth pooling in his stomach and spreading heat throughout his body. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all, he thought to himself.
"And here I thought you were just a pretty face."
Ed spluttered, his coffee dripping from his cup as he faltered.
Roy's deep yet soft laugh cut through the litany of Ed's indignant objections and noises. He bristled at the laugh and let out a huff of annoyance; he knew he was being teased, but how Mustang knew how to press his buttons already was beyond him.
"Maybe you'll teach me a thing or two," Roy said, his smile turning charmingly lopsided.
Ed shook his head, crossing the street without waiting to see if his companion would follow. "Doubt you're the type to sit and listen to a lecture."
"Maybe I'll surprise you," Roy stated with a mysterious look on his face.
As the conversation flowed, Edward found himself relaxing despite his initial wariness. Roy was persistent, yes, but there was a genuine curiosity beneath the charm - a sharp wit that matched his own. By the time they reached the building, his coffee cup was empty, and his flesh limbs were tingling with warmth. As they parted ways, Mustang slipped Edward his business card with a promise to meet again. Ed couldn't quite suppress raising an amused brow at the gesture. But he stuffed it in his pocket all the same.