A/N: I couldn't think of a good summary for this story, so bare with me. So, this story isn't really going to have a HUGE main plot. Just the gradual progression of Roy's and Ed's relationship, hence the title. I'm so glad you guys liked my last story so much. I hope you enjoy this one as well. Thanks.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Fullmetal Alchemist or any of it's characters.

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A Gradual Progression

By: DudeGetATree

Chapter 1

A Memory

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Roy's eyes opened slowly, stretching the muscles that haven't been opened in months. All he could see was light at first, he shut his eyes instantly.

"Colonel," Roy heard Dr. Marcoh. "No need to rush, your eyes just need to get used to the idea of seeing again."

Roy tried again, opening his eyes slowly. The rays of light burned, but not nearly as much as the first time. He squinted, making out a few silhouettes. "Who's all there?"

"Me, Lieutenant Hawkeye, and Edward Elric," Marcoh stated.

'Ed...' Roy thought, a warm feeling fluttering throughout his veins. The boy came to make sure he was okay. He didn't know why, but the feeling comforted Roy.

Roy's vision unfolded slowly, but surely. It took a while, a few hours, but by the end of the day he was able to see some of the minor details of his surroundings that he had missed so dearly. Ed and Riza stayed by his side the entire time, but by nine that night, even the blonde woman decided to call in for the night.

"Ed, you coming," Riza asked.

"No, I'll stay awhile longer." He smiled at her, reassuring her he was fine. Riza nodded and waved goodbye.

"I can see now, Fullmetal. You don't have to stay by my side the entire night." Ed yawned.

"I just want to make sure you won't have any setbacks...besides, I think I've finally gotten used to sleeping in this stupid hospital chair." Ed stretched out in the chair he was speaking of.

'Used to?'

"Why would you be used to it," Roy inquired.

Ed shrugged. "I've been here every night for the past week as Dr. Marcoh made his preparations to use the stone on you. I may not be able to use alchemy anymore, but I wanted to make sure that doc knew what he was doing."

"What about Alphonse? Isn't his body still in bad shape?"

Ed knitted his eyebrows together. "Ya, but...Winry has been taking care of him. He's in good hands." The blonde man looked away, but Roy's eyes were fine enough to see the small blush cross his face.

"Fullmetal..."

"Yes, Colonel?"

"Thank you."

Roy snapped his eyes open, waking from an unexpected slumber. The memory of that day seemed to reappear in his dreams more often as the day of Ed's arrival approached. Roy sighed. He wished he could have explored that warming feeling with Ed more. He wished he could have searched the meaning behind Edward's concern. However, once Al got better, the two of them took off on separate journeys. Roy hadn't seen Edward in over a year, and he was sure Roy wasn't going to be the first on Ed's list of people to see once he arrived back home.

Nonetheless, Roy marked the day on his calendar. November 14th. Today was the day, and whether he saw Ed today or a week from now, his heart fluttered slightly.

Roy felt the unfamiliar feelings for Edward even before he was blind. He felt his heart drop every time the young alchemist faced trouble. He felt his eyes widen in fear every time the boy put himself into dangerous situations, felt his ears grow hot every time the blonde was close enough to where his breath tickled Roy's face.

However, it wasn't until that day, he realized just how deeply his feelings for the blonde had grown over the years. Yet, he never told him. Now, he had lost an entire year, and wasn't sure what to expect once Fullmetal had returned.

Roy only hoped Ed hadn't found his own love interest.

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Edward stretched as he got off the train in Central. He looked at the time. '4:45? Already?' Ed looked around, he hated this train station. No matter what part of the week or what time of the day, the place was always crowded. He just wanted to get into a hotel and figure out what his next plan was. Going to Resembool wasn't an option at this point. Al had come home from his travels to Xing two months ago, and from the sounds of it, Winry and he had finally made some progress. Ed didn't want his presence to ruin whatever flow of their relationship they had going for them.

To be honest, as much as Edward wanted to see Al, he was glad he hadn't gone to Resembool. The whole idea of Al not needing him anymore sort of shook him up. All he had left now was himself.

'Not entirely.' Ed sighed at the thought of the raven haired man.

Would Roy even want to see him? Ed wasn't sure. He had up and left two weeks after the man had received his eye sight back. Sure, the two had became close, but that didn't mean anything….did it? Maybe something could have happened between the two if he hadn't left. "Who am I kidding," Ed asked himself, walking out of the train station.

"Ed…" The young man looked up to see Riza Hawkeye.

"Lieutenant?"

"I almost didn't recognize you, Ed. You've gotten taller since I saw you last."

Ed smiled proudly. "How did you know I was going to be here?"

"I wasn't sure. But, I bet you're glad I stopped by to check."

The car ride was talkative. Ed spoke a lot of his studies and research of alkahestry. Riza spoke of her reasons of cutting her hair once again.

Finally, Ed had to ask. "How's the bastard?"

Hawkeye smiled. "He's doing fine, Ed. He grew a mustache." Ed made a weird face. "You'll get used to it, I promise….Would you like to go see him?"

Ed paused. How should he answer? Before his brain could register what to see, he found himself agreeing and the two set off to Central.

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Roy blinked. "Fullmetal…you've gotten taller." Ed smiled.

"I kno-"

"You're still pretty short though. I still have to look down at you." Roy laughed as Ed's smile dropped.

"You bastard!" The two stood in Roy's office, Roy leaning against his desk and Ed sitting on the arm of a chair a few feet away. "And what's with the mustache? You look like a creep."

Roy smirked. "Well then, the ladies must love creeps."

"Pfft. You wish."

"Are you trying to say you don't like it?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying."

Roy stared at Ed with a gaze that, for some reason, made Edward blush. "Alright then, I'll shave it." Ed's jaw dropped. Before he could question, the colonel asked, "Where are you staying tonight," his voice dropping to a soft tone. Ed's eyes widened as Roy took a few steps closer.

"Uh, I was probably going to get a hotel room."

"Don't. Stay with me, I have an extra room." Roy smiled softly. "Stay as long as you'd like."

"A-are you sure?"

"Ya, it's fine." Roy paused. His onyx eyes scanned the blonde's gold ones. "Edward…I've m-" Riza busted through the door, gun in hand.

"Edward's presence is no excuse for your paperwork to go uncompleted, Colonel."

"Lieutenant," Roy stepped away from Ed, clearing his throat. "No need to threaten me." He sat back down behind his desk.

Ed stood up. "I'll go say hi to everyone else. I'll come back before your day is over."

"I'm off at-"

"Seven." Ed turned and smiled at the colonel. "I remember."

"See you then," was all Roy could get out before the younger man left. He smiled to himself as he continued his paperwork.

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A/N: Catch me next time! Review too, if you can!