A silky braid slid lazily over a strong shoulder to rest midway down a toned back, the golden blonde of the hair contrasting nicely against the crimson of a long, baggy coat. Equally golden eyes glanced between the many books surrounding him and the paper he was writing on. Edward Elric had always liked the heaviness of hardcover texts and the smell that accompanied rarely opened books. It made him feel safe.

A current senior in Central's Academy for Alchemists, Edward lived far from an easy life. His father had abandoned him nearly too far back for him to remember, and his mother had fallen ill and died what seemed like an incredibly short time later. Now, normally this would have been heartbreaking but not a terrible issue. Edward could take care of himself better than most adults. No, the problem was his younger brother Alphonse. Not to say that Edward didn't love his little brother with every fiber of his being and probably some fibers out of other people's beings, too- Ed's world revolved around the boy. That overflowing love didn't change how much harder it was to support two people rather than one.

Al was one of the reasons that Ed had advanced himself so quickly. At eighteen, Edward was preparing to graduate with a college degree, probably at the top of his class. He had worked hard for it, too.

Ed had never finished high school, instead becoming a State Alchemist when he turned twelve. He had hated becoming a dog of the military, but it was necessary to put his brother through school. Besides, he had done plenty of reading on the long, lonely train rides. In his mind, that more than made up for the schooling he had missed.

He was known as the Fullmetal Alchemist, sometimes called the Alchemist of the People, but not by his choice. Most of his left leg and all of his right arm were automail, which he assumed was the reason for his first nickname. The second one came only because he rarely bowed down to his superiors.

One might say he had a problem with authority.

If helping the people along with (in a roundabout way) completing his missions pissed the higher ups off then who was he to disappoint?

He had thought that maybe he would be stuck doing stupid missions forever, constantly forced back to Winry when he got into situations too dangerous for his automail, but he had been ordered to go on leave for bonding preparation.

"Bonding preparation" (at least to the military) being synonymous with "college."

When he had taken a placement test for the academy, it put him well above the high school level, and he flew through the first three and a half years worth of school in a little under two, making sure to take spare missions over the summers so that Al could have whatever he needed. Or wanted, for that matter. Thankfully, it was much easier now that Al had gotten a full ride to Resembool's Academy for Alchemists.

The State wasn't about to argue over this, knowing that the faster he fully understood bonding (as though he didn't already), the faster they would get him back. In one more semester, he would be done with it and ready to return to his old lifestyle. And by the time his contract ran out – which would have been now instead of when he was twenty if they hadn't forced him into the Academy – Al would probably be ready to stand wholly on his own. Ed would decide what he wanted to do with his life then.

For now though, he had to focus on bonding: the reason he was still on the government's leash and the reason he was currently pouring over so many books. Only alchemists bonded, and it was a tricky process, so all alchemists had to attend an academy for alchemists, though they didn't actually have to study alchemy.

Ed was in Central's Academy because the State had insisted, while Al had chosen to attend school in Resembool because that was where Winry went and, unbeknownst to her, she was his intended bonding mate. She had an Energy Steel Core so weak that she couldn't even perform alchemy, but to bond, all she needed was to have a Core.

Ed didn't doubt that Winry would agree, but Al was just as in love with Winry as he was brilliant, and he wouldn't risk messing anything up until he was completely sure she would agree.

Ed wasn't jealous that his younger brother had found his intended at such a young age. He was actually very happy. After all, Al had an extremely strong Activation Steel Core, and people would want to take advantage of him for that.

There were five types of Cores, split into two groups: Energy and Activation. Activation Core types, in order of both rarity and strength, were Fire, Steel, Water, Wind, and Earth. Energy Core types, in order of both rarity and strength, were Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, and Steel.

Most people with Cores could do alchemy, though the opposite wasn't uncommon, but people with Activation Cores had a natural affiliation for alchemy relating to their Core's type. Their alchemic prowess in their particular field could be legendary.

Energy Cores were what Activation Cores drew off of, allowing them even more power and ability depending on how well their Cores combined. It was best, of course, if matching Cores bonded, but it wasn't necessary. Steel bonded well with Wind and Earth; Wind with Steel and Water; Water with Wind and Earth; Earth with Steel and Water. Fire bonded well with everything.

Well, Activation Fire Cores did.

Activation Fire Cores were incredibly rare- there were only four or five known ones in existence, and Energy Fire Cores were even rarer. While most Cores could bond with any Core, no matter their affinity, Energy Fire Cores had to bond with Activation Fire Cores. To prevent there being an un-bondable, Nature made sure that there were always one or two fewer Energy Fire Cores than there were Activation Fire Cores.

This gave Energy Fire Cores great sway in the world because those with Activation Fire Cores were usually fairly powerful people who would fight to have such a strong bond-mate. Even weak Energy Fire Cores were extremely valuable, which brought Ed to his current predicament.

Ed had an incredibly powerful Energy Fire Core. It was so powerful, in fact, that he could actually manifest fire as though he had an Activation Core, just not as strongly.

If people knew that, everything would change. A political battle over his bonding would break out, no doubt dragging Al down with him. To protect both himself and his brother, Ed hid his knowledge, focusing on Alchemy as a whole. He could perform alchemy without a transmutation circle, something which was nearly unheard of, and he could do it with nearly any type of alchemy.

Ed had been careful not to specialize in anything. People suspected that he had a weak Energy Steel Core and a lot of natural talent because of his relation to his brother, but there was nothing solid. Most people at his stupid school didn't even realize that he had automail.

Not that people usually got close enough to him to tell or that he ever left his automail uncovered for people to see, but still. Two years of being studious, antisocial, and rude left people with a dull impression, dissimilating him from the famed image of the Fullmetal Alchemist and leaving them doubting the rumors they had heard when he had first arrived and breezed through nearly every course, many times without even attending the classes.

Now there were only three courses left: Advanced Construction of Transmutation Circles, Theoretical vs. Practical Transmutations, and An In-Depth Understanding of Core Bonding. Ed rarely attended his Advanced Construction class both because attendance wasn't required and the professor was halfway to incompetent. The test dates and homework were in his syllabus, so he could afford to show up only when necessary.

The Theoretical vs. Practical Transmutations professor had a soft spot for Ed's natural talent for the subject and only required him to come on test days; granted, they would talk for hours on the subject whenever they met outside of class. Thanks to that, Ed was probably learning more than he would have otherwise.

An In-Depth Understanding of Core Bonding required much more of his time and attention. It wasn't as though Edward was struggling in the subject- far from it. Professor Armstrong was insistent on his attendance, though. The extremely large, extremely muscular, extremely emotional man wanted nothing more than to create a family environment in his classroom, and to achieve that, he was sure that all members of the "family" had to be there.

He technically had the option of taking three courses on bonding or just this one. The deal had sounded too good to be true when he'd found out, though, and he was right. Armstrong's course had classes Monday through Friday for an hour and a half each along with a two-month period where a person with an Energy Core had to live with someone with an Activation Core, showing them a glimpse of what life might be like after bonding.

His immediate reaction had been to opt out and take the three courses. They were nothing he couldn't handle, and the only person he could stand to live with was Al. But time had gotten away from him, and the next thing he knew he was taking the last spot in Armstrong's class.

Ed put the finishing touches on his essay for said blonde man, knowing that it was his own fault for not signing up for the other, less strenuous classes beforehand.

A gloved hand ran lightly over the large book he had just closed, admiring the knowledge it offered. At least he would get to see what being bonded to someone might have been like though. Ed knew all of the theories on bonding, but actually being in the midst of it was a different story.

He would rather lose his other arm than bond to someone because of the power he could offer them instead of actual affection. He was already a dog for the military. He wouldn't be a bargaining chip for some high-end politician, too.

Activation Fire Cores were well-known for being arrogant assholes, after all.

"Hey, Pipsqueak, do we have anything due for Armstrong tomorrow?"

Ed's lips curled downwards at the comment, facial features reconstructing his usual scowl. The comments didn't bother him nearly as much now that he had grown to a respectable 5'7, but the Devil still towered over him at 6'2", so Ed couldn't say much in defense.

Besides, as much as the other man liked procrastinating, he was never late. That made the question nothing more than an excuse to rile him up.

Golden eyes rose to glare at the mirthful obsidian eyes in front of him.

"Fuck off, Mustang."

Roy Mustang's lips curled into a perfectly egotistical smirk, intentionally letting Ed know that that reaction was exactly what he was going for and sparking pointless irritation deep within Ed's chest.

Ever since Ed's forced enrollment in Central's Academy for Alchemists, Mustang had been trying to tug at his strings left and right. Unfortunately for Mustang, Ed had always lived not to get over it but to get even. After all, there had been enough shit he couldn't do a thing about in his life. No reason to let what he could affect skate by unscathed.

Too bad he could never seem to scathe Mustang.

The man had the ability to seem insufferably perfect all the damn time. He had thick black hair worn in a casually unkempt manner, giving the impression of carefree trustworthiness. Edward knew the truth though. Mustang was as manipulative as they came.

It was no surprise he was already ranked Colonel at the young age of 25. And, with the ability to play men who are fully used to the calculating dance with ease, it couldn't have taken much effort to become the most sought after man in the school.

Aristocratic features, dark-as-night eyes, full lips and ink-black, seemingly feather soft hair were only the tip of the iceberg. He was tall with broad shoulders and a body other military men worked hard for. His long, elegant fingers were hidden beneath white gloves, a red transmutation circle helping to further focus his power standing out on the back.

Mustang usually wore his State Alchemist's uniform proudly (as did the few other State certified alchemists in the Academy), without a crease or wrinkle to be found. He was brilliant at nearly everything. Popular, smart, strong, talented, attractive, and high-ranked, Roy Mustang got whatever he wanted. He was charming, and he knew it.

Mustang had people at his beck and call throughout the school, despite the fact that all of his actual friends- none of which were alchemists- were in his unit of the military.

Yet the masses fought for his attention. Maybe because it was obvious that his dream of one day becoming Führer would come true. Maybe because he was one of the only Activation Fire Core holders in existence. Maybe because he was so mind-blowingly powerful even before coming into his Inheritance and people were desperate to be the one he decided to bond with.

Ed could nearly scoff at the last one. Mustang was a womanizer if Ed had ever seen one. Well, more of an anyone-izer. Mustang liked beautiful people, and that wasn't restricted by gender. The day Mustang settled down and committed himself to just one person was the day Ed put on his regulation uniform and literally kissed the Führer's ass.

Ed himself didn't think that the man was all that great, but a bitter sense of disappointment had a lot to do with his opinion. Ed first met Mustang during orientation week, and there had been a dastardly combination of the junior being smug (rightfully, considering his recent promotion) and Ed being slightly star-struck.

Ed had been excited about meeting someone with an Activation Fire Core, maybe someone who would understand a little of what he was going through; someone he could relate to. He had walked over and cleared his throat, sure to stand tall and present himself as not-a-sixteen-year-old. Mustang proceeded to look at him with a helpful smile and a silky "May I help you?" but not quickly enough to hide the calculating look.

Ed had seen it enough in his days as a military dog. Mustang would use him just as quickly as anyone else, perhaps even quicker. Ed's features had twisted into a scowl, hopeful golden eyes turning cold, and Ed forced himself to just walk away. He thought that would be the end of their interactions.

He was, of course, wrong. Mustang, with his connections in the military, followers in the academy, and best friend at the head of the Investigations Unit, chose to personally irritate Ed on a daily basis.

The smug bastard.

"I see you're as rude as usual. Tell me, Fullmetal, why do you dislike me so much?"

Ed frowned more fiercely at the apparent sincerity that he was sure had been carefully weighed out beforehand.

Since Ed wasn't nearly as quick to flash his watch as he had been when he was younger, Mustang was one of the few people who both knew of and believed Ed's status as the Fullmetal Alchemist.

Ed knew that Mustang knew because Maes Hughes wouldn't lie to the Colonel, and the man had met Ed on multiple occasions. Not that meeting was necessary for Maes to have information on him, but it certainly helped.

"Because you're a bastard. Do I need another reason?" Ed's voice was naturally gruff with irritation and a practiced intimidation factor that he didn't even think about using anymore. Mustang's smirk widened marginally. He found Ed's resistance to his charm amusing.

"Crass words for a kid your age."

Two years ago, Ed would have taken that bait. Now he only gathered his papers and stood to walk away. Being ignored tended to get to Mustang. Not very much, but more than anything else.

Ed's black-clad legs carried him towards Mustang and thereby the exit, muscle memory keeping his left leg from hitting the floor more heavily than his right. For a seemingly long moment, Ed felt the urge that he hadn't been able to read about in any book: the urge to lean in and get as close to Mustang – as close to the flames burning brightly inside of the man – as possible.

He could feel the heat the older man was made of, knew that he could spark whatever was between them and that it would be all-consuming. He prided himself on being smart enough to ignore the seductive promises that the Colonel wasn't even aware he was making and continue to walk towards the library's exit.

(***Intertwined***)

Truthfully, Ed paid a lot more attention to the other students than he did his professors. He wasn't delighted to admit that a lot of his people-watching revolved around Roy Mustang. Not like he had a large amount of control over that; Mustang was in all three of his classes by the devil's luck alone, and he was always the center of attention. Men and women flocked to him, and professors loved to call on him. He always had the answers, too. Maybe not as in-depth as Ed would have given them, but still correct.

Ed could appreciate intelligence even in arrogant bastards like Mustang.

It likely changed from class to class, but in Armstrong's course, Mustang was always surrounded by the same four people: Solaris Homunculi (also known as "Lust the Lascivious"), her brother Gerard (who Ed liked to call Greeling for his greedy nature), Russell Tringham (who thought Ed was all flash and no action), and Sheska (who had Ed's love for books along with everyone else's love for Mustang).

The Homunculi siblings were irksome at best. Tringham enjoyed taunting Ed about how professors played him up too much and insisting that there was nothing special about him. Sheska was good for the occasional conversation but usually got off topic, and the new topic usually ended up somehow being related to Mustang. They positioned themselves around the Flame Alchemist as though they were all trying to gain more access to him than anyone else, and Ed liked to think about how terrible they would be at chess.

Well, that was what he liked to do whenever he had no books and decided to attend class simultaneously, anyway.

Armstrong usually allowed him his reading days – three or four a week – after Ed's insistence that every family had a bookworm, on the condition that Ed could properly answer any and all questions.

He could, of course.

Golden eyes roamed over his classmates, knowing that in just two weeks he would be living with one of them. Not Sheska or Tringham, obviously, but maybe Lust, Greeling or, God forbid, Mustang.

At that, Ed's lips upturned ever so slightly. He wouldn't be paired with any of those three, he knew. Armstrong had been gracious enough to have Activation Core holders choose which Energy Core to live with, highest grades first.

When Mustang would have eleven other Energy Core holders to choose from, why in the world would he stick himself with Ed? And Ed was almost positive that Lust and Greeling would rather chew their own arms off than live with him, so there were no worries there, either.

It was much more likely that Ed would end up with Envy, another of the Homunculi siblings, or even Scar. Edward wasn't actually sure what Scar's real name was, but he had a bit of an unhealthy obsession with Ed and his grades weren't terrible. Ed was seventy percent sure that Scar was who he would go home with.

Then again, it was no secret that Envy genuinely wanted to bond with Ed, making him incredibly likely to gun for the position of Ed's partner. It was an overall ridiculous notion, since Envy had an Activation Wind Core, which Ed couldn't work with, and it didn't help that Envy was just plain annoying. Also, Ed liked taller guys, when men were the gender in question. He preferred women to be shorter than he was.

Misogynistic? Maybe. Ed wasn't too concerned about it; Winry had clomped him with a wrench far too many times for him to actually think women were the weaker sex.

"Five minutes to chat! Being social is an important part of a healthy bond, and, much like sleep and food, is necessary to grow strong!"

There almost seemed to be glitter dancing behind Armstrong's head, his bulging muscles ready to rip through his regulation military uniform at any moment. Ed was almost positive the man had taken the job to be sure that Mustang got the best instruction, as Armstrong had already confirmed that he would be rejoining the military full time once the year was up.

Ed turned his head to stare out the window, not really caring what was going on around him. Armstrong always gave them a five minute period in the middle of the class to socialize. Sometimes Scar would sit beside him, just as content with staring at Ed as Ed was with staring out the window, or one of Mustang's cronies would find it fun to taunt him, but most of the time Ed spent it alone. Contentedly alone.

Weren't you listening?

Being social is an important part of your growth.

The words scrawled themselves elegantly in the air in front of Ed, the flames easily distracting Ed from his view of the window. The blonde offhandedly batted the fire into nothing, not bothering to turn towards its obvious source.

Mustang liked to pull these little tricks, but he rarely actually approached Ed. Not in public settings, at least. It didn't really matter why. Ed didn't concern himself with the whys of pointless social situations often.

Come be social with me.

Ed glared at the words in front of him.

Was it really so hard for Mustang to accept that someone didn't like him? Lightly clapping his hands together for show, as he was using Core Energy instead of conventional alchemy, Ed tapped his hands on his desk and sent a message back to the beloved Colonel.

From the reflection on the window, Ed watched as Mustang lightly touched the flames roughly spelling out "Fuck off, Mustang." seemingly fascinated. Golden eyes then moved their attention to the people walking about on the sidewalk, once more unconcerned with the activity within the classroom.

Mustang didn't bother Ed for a more than a week after that, but Ed wasn't complaining. Even when he had to go to class after the nice, refreshing weekend, there was only light reluctance. It was one of his reading days, and only a few days beforehand he had stumbled upon the art of combining transmutation circles.

It was one thing to create them; combining circles was an entirely different matter. The non-reading days had been torture; Ed had skipped more than a few meals over things less interesting than this. Today though, Ed's attention was drawn from his book to the other members of the class.

The Colonel was absent.

Ed's brow scrunched, trying to remember if Mustang had ever missed a day before. He was coming up empty. Everyone was entitled to a sick day or two, but it was odd that Mustang would take it, especially on such an insignificant day.

It was obvious that he couldn't form deductions out of thin air and that thin air was what he was working with, but Ed's mind still focused on it. Well, it bounced between combining transmutation circles and wondering what Mustang was playing at. By the end of class, Ed was more focused on his circles than anything else. His mind was lost to the information the texts offered him, and it was pure instinct that had Ed looking up when he exited the classroom.

"Maes." Ed quickly ran his eyes over the Lieutenant Colonel, immediately on guard by the lack of a happy smile and pictures of Elicia.

The fluorescent lights above glinted off Maes' glasses as he nodded at Ed, silently requesting they speak in private. Ed pursed his lips before nodding, closing his book before leaning against the wall and waiting for the last of his classmates to vacate the classroom. Armstrong was the last to leave, and Ed watched as the hallway emptied as well, everyone scurrying to their next classes or home. As soon as they were alone, truly alone, Maes started walking.

"Ed, I've had my suspicions for a while now, but I've kept quiet out of respect. You have to know that I wouldn't question you if it wasn't absolutely necessary; someone's life is on the line."

He was more serious than Ed ever liked to see him, and Ed's bangs fell into his eyes when he nodded. Maes stopped and moved extremely close to Ed, his breath hot against Ed's ear.

"Do you have an Energy Fire Core?"

Maes quickly moved back to watch Ed's reaction, but other than the widening of golden eyes, he was proud to say there were none. Normally, Ed would have glared and moved on, letting the other party know that the mere suggestion was stupid, but this was Maes, and Maes would never knowingly do anything that could bring harm to Ed. After a slow minute, Ed nodded.

Maes looked torn and relieved at the same time. They kept walking.

No other words were necessary, despite Ed's burning curiosity. They had risked enough by speaking in public about something that was clearly not for common ears. They paused outside of the infirmary, Ed's mind racing a mile a minute, and a singular nod of confirmation had Maes' hand reaching forward to open the door, the other pushing Ed into the room before too many of the pained gasps and grunts could escape into the hallway.

Ed knew that the three doctors weren't usually at the academy; they were trusted medics of the military. Trusted by Maes, in fact, and that meant trustworthy in general. Their attention was completely focused on the thrashing figure on the bed.

"His Inheritance."

Only people with Activation Cores went through Inheritance, though when they would do so was unpredictable, and the stronger the Core, the more dangerous the Inheritance. Most people got someone else of the same Core type to perform the alchemy that would allow their body to better adjust to the new power of the Core.

Fire Cores though… Any non-Fire Core holder would get burned, and fast.

No one would be able to touch him, which meant no one would be able to help him. Even if there were a Fire Core holder close enough to Central's Academy to help, they would probably rather let the younger man die. Activation Fire Core holders were naturally competitive, and Mustang was a formidable opponent before coming into his Inheritance. If he made it through this process, Ed couldn't even imagine just how much power and influence the Colonel would have.

Which was where Ed came in. If Ed could draw enough power from Mustang's Core towards himself, the doctor could perform the alchemy and save the Colonel.

Or Ed could walk away and let him die.

Golden eyes trailed up from Mustang's unnaturally pale, sweaty chest, noting the large burn wound on his left side and abdomen, to a no-longer controlled expression. Mustang's mouth was twisted into a grimace and his teeth were grinding together. His eyes screwed shut while sweat drenched black hair, causing it to stick to an equally pale forehead.

If Ed saved Mustang, he would not only be extremely close to Mustang physically, his Core would recognize the power as a request. They would have a partial bond (on Ed's side, as Activation Core holders had to be consciously aware of bonding for it to occur) that would have Ed effectively going through withdrawal afterwards. It wasn't natural to start to bond and not complete the process. He might, in fact, experience as much pain as the Colonel was currently in.

But he would live through it.

A soft breath escaped Ed's lips as he gently sat his book down on a bedside table that had been haphazardly shoved against the wall in the medical team's haste to stabilize Mustang. He pulled off his gloves and coat, placing them with the book before approaching his superior.

Maes watched him, concern, relief, worry, regret, and care all fighting for a spot in his eyes.

Ed's slightly loose, sleeveless black shirt almost felt like too much with the heat that Mustang was putting off, but he didn't dare shed more. Ed's hand reached out, hovering slightly above the (admittedly attractive) black curls of hair on Mustang's chest before pressing down.

Three things happened simultaneously: Mustang's eyes and mouth flew open, a breathless gasp escaping his lips; a doctor shouted, "Stop! He'll burn you alive!" her hand reaching forward to stop him; and Ed's eyes momentarily fluttered shut, the pleasure from their Cores being so close rushing through his veins like hot lava.

Then Ed pulled away and held both his hands out, palms up.

"C'mon, Mustang, we don't have all day."

Probably having no idea what was going on but needing to feel that relief again, Mustang's hands reached forward blindly, searching for Ed's with the innocent want of a newborn. Ed's hands clasped Mustang's, and the blonde quickly pulled the older man into a sitting position, maneuvering to sit on the bed with Mustang between his legs a moment later.

He let go of his superior officer's hands before taking them again, this time holding onto the backs and pulling the older man's hands up to furl themselves in Ed's hair. Well, they did that on their own, no doubt messing up his braid in the process. Despite the amazing feeling that came with being so close to Mustang's Core, Ed frowned.

His automail leg positioned itself over Mustang's leg, and he decided that he couldn't pin the man any better and still give the medics access to the necessary area. Mustang pressed himself harshly against Ed, searching for more contact and trying desperately not to feel the pain of his overloading Core again.

Golden eyes looked up to meet light, intelligent brown ones, and Ed nodded as best he could against Mustang's steel grip (Good God the man was fucking sleeping and still strong as hell). Maes nodded as well, to the doctors though, and they immediately set to work.

Ed watched them closely, never having seen this procedure before, while trying to ignore the way Mustang was snuggling against the crook of his neck, practically breathing him in. The bastard was tying knots in Ed's stomach without his consent, and not for the first time, the blonde cursed his Core.

He didn't want to know how good it could feel to bond with someone, even the smug bastard Mustang, only to have it ripped away from him. Golden eyes traced over every line of the transmutation circle on Mustang's chest with an intensity he didn't feel. He wanted this to be over with already.

Then a too-bright glow filled the room, and Mustang was peaceful. His grip slackened (though he didn't let go, and his hands were still tangled in blonde locks), his breathing evened out, the harsh lines of his face eased, and Mustang all-around stopped struggling to use the same space that Ed was currently taking up.

He was just asleep.

Ed carefully removed Mustang's hands from his hair, baring his teeth slightly when the Colonel's grip tightened again before doing what Ed wanted, and gently slid out from beneath the prone body. The medics immediately started making the Flame Alchemist comfortable. Maes put his hand on Ed's shoulder in a silent 'Thank you,' and Ed gave a rare, genuine smile in return. After that, the pain consumed him, and Ed was out before he could hit the floor.