Shield

Characters: Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric, Maes Hughes

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the FMA universe. Not even a piece of dust.

II: Edwards feels.

"What do you mean we have to go to the courtyard?" Edward growled out. He had far more important places to go and things to do, not be dragged around headquarters doing who knows what.

"A punishment is being held." Hughes hesitated, and Edward could almost see the man's nervousness. It was odd to see the usually happy go lucky man so… Shaken. "It is a public flogging; for soldiers' eyes only of course."

"So we have to watch some poor sod get a public punishment? What did they do?" He inquired, as he crossed his arms in a defensive stance. He had only heard about the punishments that floated around headquarters, but truth be told he didn't listen to them much. Alphonse might have heard more about them because he was a bit more aware when Ed got into the books.

"Ah…" Hughes rubbed the back of his neck. "You'll see."

Edward gave the man a sharp look and narrowed his eyes. Alphonse shuffled nervously but remained quiet off to his side.

"I have to go?"

"Order by the Fuhrer himself." Hughes said as he relaxed a little. Edward tried to get a feel for the man, though Hughes obviously had felt uncomfortable talking about who or why. It was certainly out of character, but he shrugged and nodded.

"Fine lets head out there. Al, you don't have to go."

Al rubbed his hands together but stood up tall as he decided.

"Of course I will Brother. I won't let you watch alone." He said resolutely, answering Ed's earlier thoughts about how much Al was aware of.

Hughes looked relieved and terribly torn all at once, but walked down the halls out to the courtyard. There were a lot of people there already but Hughes lead them to the front with little effort. Edward took a glance around and noticed that the Generals stationed in Central were all there, and every single officer, besides Mustang. He looked at Hughes and grabbed his attention.

"Why are so many officers here? I mean barring Colonel Bastard but he is probably taking a nap." He asked and Hughes looked a bit more pained for a second before he turned away.

"Because-" He started but another officer interrupted.

"Oh, you don't know? I find that hard to believe." The officer, Colonel Davidson whom Edward hated with a passion, laughed. He constantly made fun of him for being short and for having automail so Edward sneered back at the man.

"Of course I don't know why." He ground out. Hughes put a hand on his shoulder to try and calm him, but the smug attitude that Davidson put off along that almost disbelieving stare made Edward want to punch the man's lights out.

The officer laughed in pure disbelief.

"I don't believe it. There is no way that you don't have an inkling of what's going on today." The man scoffed and Hughes interrupted before Edward could get another word out.

"He isn't aware, Sir." Hughes said, then tightened grip a warning to keep his mouth shut.

"Well Lieutenant Colonel. Maybe you should enlighten the cripple. He should know that he got what he wanted after all. I mean if he was my subordinate I would make sure he was kept on a tight leash. Mustang must be a masochist or something to keep the Major around." The man said, and briefly turned to look over at the doors when they opened, but it was only Mustangs other subordinates. They made their way over, close enough to see each other plainly, but not enough to hear them speak.

The man grinned and then looked over back at Edward and Maes. Edward was seething, and he was ready to pound the man into the ground but with so many people there, it wouldn't be an intelligent thing to do. He scoffed in his head, who says he think first before swinging?

"Why don't you put that head of yours to use and think about every time you turn in a report, what happens to the people around you?" The man said a bit too cheerily.

A soldier stepped forward and coughed, dragging everyone's attention to the center.

"The punishment of Colonel Roy Mustang, Flame Alchemist, will commence in a few moments. Forty Five lashes by his direct superior officer, our Fuhrer." The man said his voice cutting through the silence.

Edward felt the need to either laugh at the absurdity of Mustang actually getting punished, satisfied that the smug bastard was finally getting what he deserved, or go a sense of numbness of cold disbelief and worry. The Fuhrer was a homunculi, but he didn't think forty five was such a bad deal. It could have been worse… right?

His head whipped around to look at the Lieutenant Colonel, but the man had his eyes closed as though he was trying to block out the world. He then glanced over Mustangs other men, Hawkeye pale with shock but still stoic. The others were obviously shell shocked and Havoc had pulled out his pack of smokes, already almost done with the one he had just put in his mouth.

Edward turned to look at Alphonse who stood as still as a statue, not moving an inch in his shock. Perhaps it was that which alerted Edward to how the people around Mustang actually felt about him. How could such good people follow or care about such a smug man who thought he was Gate's gift to man? Even Alphonse was distressed and Alphonse followed him.

The doors opening a second time sent the area into complete silence. The Fuhrer was first with several soldiers, and then came Mustang who had his head held high.

Smug bastard.

Davidson sighed from beside him, a bit too cheerfully, which earned a glare. The man looked down at him and grinned.

"I have to thank you though; if it wasn't for you I wouldn't be able to see Mustang in a position like this. Ha, the Flame Alchemist on his knees, taking punishment, practically willingly. Who would have thought?" He said quietly, smirking as he could see the gears in Edwards head started to turn.

"That smug bastard wouldn't do anything like that." Edward said vehemently. "I mean come on, he sends everyone else to do his dirty work while his lazy ass sits behind a desk all day."

Alphonse gave a quiet "Brother" to get him to shut up but he ignored it. Davidson silently laughed in response.

"Come on kid, everyone knows you don't get any punishments. I mean we all know you don't like Mustang, but this is a bit of an extreme to get the upper hand. Though I'm sure you needed the boost." The man teased, a knowing glint in his eyes that hid more secrets that Edward would have been happy to rip from him.

It felt like a joke if he was being honest, his feelings overriding the fact the man insulted his height. When he looked back at Mustang they were putting a blindfold on the man. He saw a quirk of Mustangs lips and they both probably had the same thought. How clever, or perhaps cruel would have been a better word.

Edward was entranced in his thoughts that he missed the glare that Hughes sent to Colonel Davidson, and the way that he glanced back at Edward. He also missed the way Alphonse froze, Hughes stifled a gasp, and the others retreated behind blank masks after the first lash hit.

Edward wasn't sure just how to feel, finally someone was pulling the bastard with a god complex down to earth, so he should feel a bit happy, but to watch as Mustangs body contorted with every hit, each of the nine cords hitting in different places, made his lip curl in disgust.

He was impressed though, Mustang never yelled out, only small, barely audible, moans of pain dribbled out of his mouth just like the blood that had started to flow off his back and arms. Mustang counted out each number impressively, but something seemed terribly wrong.

"Lieutenant Colonel Hughes?" Alphonse prodded, interrupting the silence around them, tearing both Edwards and the older man's eyes from the display.

"Yes Alphonse?" Hughes asked, his voice tight, flinching as the sound of another whitash echoed in the yard.

"Is this because of brothers' last mission? Brother tends to be pretty destructive and we haven't had to pay for anything, monetarily or physically besides the tongue lashing he gets from the Colonel." Alphonse asked and the proud yet wide eyes look from Hughes was the answer.

The man looked down and back over to Roy, gasping as he did so. A low distressed moan came from his throat, a hand over his mouth as he watched. Edward glanced back over and his golden eyes widened as he saw the sharp red mark over his throat, skin already bruising from the force of the hit.

Edward felt something in his chest constrict from annoyance to anger for Mustang. It was a unique feeling that he had never felt for smug bastard for sure, but when he glanced at the others they were just as shocked.

Hawkeye had a hand to her mouth, and the other on her gun. She was obviously restraining herself from jumping in between Mustang and the whip, but it was nothing compared to the tears that flowed from Feury and the open mouthed, cig hanging, blank shock that Havoc had across his face. Edward's eyes moved over to Falman and Breda, one extremely still and the other shaking in hardly contained fury.

His eyes snapped back to Hawkeye as he noticed a tear that dripped down her face. His stomach clenched in small horror at the sickening realization that he had made Hawkeye cry. It was his fault, not Mustangs as his previous thoughts might have said, but his. Mustang took his punishments so he wouldn't have too, thus making Hawkeye cry. He was a terrible person, making yet another woman cry, and at the same time he felt angry at Mustang for the unsettling realization.

His fingers clenched so hard they started to cramp until whip stilled and an obviously delirious Roy Mustang giggled. Giggled. It was mind blowing and the words that came through delirious lips made him want to laugh with a touch of hysteria or just face palm. He was leaning towards both but it was so typical Mustang.

"Is there something funny Mustang?" Bradley asked and Mustang gave that delirious giggle again.

"I don't have to do any more paperwork for the rest of the day~" The words were laced with pain and exhaustion, but Edward didn't watch Mustang slump into unconsciousness, but he watched as Hawkeye seemed to visibly relax, pull herself together and slip on that impenetrable mask. It was impressive but Hughes quickly ushered them away and back into the halls of Central.

Before Edward could yell out in anger or frustration, Hughes gripped his shoulder and kept him walking, Alphonse trailing after him silently, obviously feeling bad for what Mustang had been put through. He wanted to comfort Alphonse, but he also couldn't lie to his brother and say it wasn't their fault.

They all quickly got to Mustang's office, the other five trailing in after to sit down and do paperwork. It was obviously going to be unsuccessful signing until news was heard about

"Why would he do that?" Ed exploded in anger and frustration.

Hughes gave him a pitying look, laced with amusement.

"You can't get slowed down by punishments Edward. Unfortunately for you, every time you do something like… oh let's say destroy an aqueduct that has been around for a while, it looks like it's done on purpose. The Flame, Fullmetal spats are legendary you know." Hughes said while Edward looked sheepish.

"He doesn't blame you though. He has done it to protect you after all, though I need to go meet them at the hospital, can't let Roy wake up alone." Hughes gave a little wave and walked out, sharing a look with Hawkeye, before disappearing out the office door.

Edward flopped down onto the couch and growled, but he quickly stomped out in a flurry before anyone else could speak to him.

He stalked down the halls, soldiers kept their distance from the tiny hurricane though his brother followed behind like a steady shadow. He slammed his door open ever so aggressively and walked him, Alphonse shutting it quietly behind him not to make any more noise.

Edward seethed and Alphonse sat waiting for the explosion that was bound to happen.

He wasn't disappointed.

"What gave that stupid egotistical bastard a right to do that!? Make decisions for me!? Treats me like a fucking kid, when I get a chance I am going to pummel the bastard."

Edward heard Alphonse sigh in frustration.

"What?" He snapped.

"Brother, you can't expect to be treated like an adult when you continuously act like a child. The Colonel takes your punishments, protects us, gives us leads and doesn't try to stop you from our search, yet you lash out when he doesn't have something for you, or does anything nice for you. Mr. Hughes tried to get us away." He scolded and then said quietly. "I don't think we were ever supposed to find out about it."

Edward gave out a frustrated sigh and went to argue, but the words caught in his throat. He wanted to deny his brothers claims but he couldn't. Damn his brother. Alphonse always saw things he didn't but Gate above he was not going to accept it quickly.

Alphonse silence was telling and cut through Edwards's frustration faster than any knife. He sat up from his spot on the bed.

"Are you okay?" He pressed.

Alphonse stayed silent for a few more moments and sighed.

"No, no I am not brother. Once the Colonel is better I will be, but it is a lot to think about."

Edward cursed, feeling worse than he did before. Guilt rolled over him in another wave and pushing the anger away as it settled. He upset his brother on top of his friends. He had a lot to think about.

"We can visit later." He mumbled as he laid his head down and drifted off to sleep.

The next time Edward saw the Colonel was when Alphonse had managed to get him to go. He was rather reluctant to go, guilt still curled in his gut but he wanted Alphonse to be happy.

When they arrived at the hospital, Hughes looked happy to see them, but rather distressed.

"How is he?" Alphonse asked nervously, both noting the man's look.

He sighed, rubbed a hand over his face and frowned. "Not well, he has a terrible fever, a bit delusional as well, but the doctors say the infection is healing nicely."

Alphonse made a sad noise and Edward felt apprehensive. Seeing Mustang fall from a distance was one thing, but to see him up close and recovering was startling uncomfortable. He was reminded that he was a human as well.

Edward got a sick feeling in his gut at the realization that he had viewed Mustang as inhuman, unable to have human flaws besides being useless in the rain and a womanizer. He was put on an unconscious pedestal that Edward didn't recall setting up, but he had fallen down to the rest of the mere mortals that Edward belonged too, and it hurt.

Suddenly, Edward didn't want to go into the room anymore. He couldn't hate a man who was out to help them, and seeing Mustang would only cement that it was his fault he was in a fevered delusional state of being due to the infection.

"Ah… maybe I should come back?" He murmured, eyes darting to the exit which let both Alphonse and Hughes know that he was trying to escape.

If Alphonse could narrow his eyes, he would have, though he probably would have cried as well, but that was irrelevant at the moment.

"Brother, don't you dare. This is our fault, the least we can do it is visit." He said, putting his foot down.

Edward groaned, which alerted Hughes just how Edward could be feeling.

"Fine, let's go in and see the Bastard." He grumbled and Hughes kindly opened the door.

Mustang was on his stomach, bandages covering his back and shoulders, though the sheets covered anything lower than his hips. Edward's eyes traced every detail, absorbing the fact the man was covered in a thin sheen of sweat and his eyelashes fluttered occasionally. Nightmares and who knew what else.

Damn, now he had proof that the bastard really was human.

A quiet squeal off to the side let Edward know that little Elicia was there, happy to see him.

"Little big brother!" She exclaimed and jumped into his arms for a hug. Edward smiled at the littlest Hughes, appreciation for the distraction away from Mustang.

"Hi there, how are you?" He asked as she moved away and went to go give Alphonse a hug as well.

"I'm okay. Daddy says that Uncle Roy should be getting better soon." She babbled and then proceeded to tell him all about the time he missed away from her. She certainly took after her father.

He looked at Mustang again and Hughes was running a hand through his hair, whispering words that Edward would have sworn was intimate if he didn't know the man. Hughes turned his head towards him and gave him a smile.

"Your face gives you away Edward. I do love him as he is very much my best friend, closest thing to a brother I could ever have. I am sure that both you boys would do the same to one another." Hughes gave a weak smirk.

"Uncle Roy is as accurate as can be for my darling Elicia, every way but blood. Though in a way, I could suggest that you could call me Uncle Maes." He gave a wicked grin at Edwards squawk and Alphonse gave a laugh,

"That's right, Roy views you two like sons, rebellious teens of course, but sons nonetheless. It's a deep dark secret though! Pretty sure his sister would defenestrate him if she ever found out and then she would yell at him till his ears bled that he didn't show more affection! That lady is certainly frightening!" He laughed and Roy whimpered, missing the hand that stopped moving through his hair in his unconscious state, but perhaps out of fear for his sister.

Edward felt a shiver run down his spine at the mention of a sister; another Mustang seemed like a nightmare. One was certainly more than enough.

Elicia gave Edward a wide smile that seemed to melt away Edwards angry reaction.

"Though… don't tell him I said anything. Elicia tell your mother and Uncle Roy that he said it when he wakes." Hughes bribed and Elicia's grin turned positively wicked, reminiscent of her father's.

"Of course, daddy!"

Edward gaped at both the Hughes's. He never expected that and he turned to his brother.

"You think so?" Alphonse asked, his voice wavered and it was clear that if he could shed a tear, Alphonse would.

Hughes gave Alphonse a soft look as Elicia sat on his lap, holding onto his arm.

"Yes. It didn't start that way, but he certainly didn't expect it. He cares deeply when he lets himself and you boys bulldozed right into his heart, planting yourselves there as though you were there all along. I don't think he minded all that much, although he might curse your names up and down while he is in physical therapy."

Another blow to Edwards rather fragile psyche and he stood up, furious with himself at this reaction, flustered at the way that conversation made him feel, and stomped out. He had a lot to think about.

The next time he visited was when both Gracia and Elicia was there and Roy had woken up properly. Elicia's little plan had worked and Mustang had gained some color at the admission, though he never denied it.

Edward had left once again, angry at the Jerk for playing with his emotions and he didn't even realize that he did. It was frustrating and he hated feeling in debt so he went and found out just what he owed from Hawkeye, flinching at the amount of money and her sharp look of both disappointment and pride.

The amount would heavily dig into his research funds, but Mustang had probably done the same. He would pay back as much as he could, he would not be in debt to the bastard that played with his feelings like he was the best musician in the world.

The day that Mustang got back he decided to write his letter, and give it to him. He stomped into the office, slammed down the letter and money before leaving just as quickly. Edward smirked as he walked down the hall thinking about the letter itself.

Dear Colonel Bastard,

Here is your money back because I can't stand to be in your debt you egotistical bastard. You need parenting 101 tips. Don't lie to your kids, and you better fucking take care of Al especially if something happens to him. He is my life, my everything, and strangely you and the rest of the are quickly becoming something close.

I can't promise that I won't leave a mess behind, it's not my fault those bastards always run and shit, but I do promise not to do it often. We don't want that (indecipherable scribble) thing to take it out on you again, who knows maybe it'll make you older. Then you really will be an old man. Maybe Al and I can make you go bald first?

I think that was a bit extreme you know, getting a homunculi to beat you almost to death just to get yourself out of paperwork. I hope it swallows you whole and your fingers fucking bleed for the next week. I bet they gave you more just to punish you.

I don't regret that part bastard. You deserve to sign paperwork till your hands fall off and you'ill be completely useless. Hughes said you had a sister, maybe we should find out who she is and sic her on you.

Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric.

P.S I would like to see you thrown out of a window by this sister of yours.

P.S.S We found out through Hughes. Blame him.

P.S.S.S Al sends get well wishes, I hope you do get better soon so I can pummel you into the ground at a later date, wipe that cocky smirk off your smug face.

~Fin~

A/N: If you spot the headcanon I eluded to, you are awesome, if you aren't sure who or what I am speaking of, feel free to PM me. This is actually my favorite story I have written!

I hope I made it sensible. I had several people read it and they seemed pleased enough. Don't forget to review and favorite~

What I am working on next is my Wild King series, my very own take at a young Major Mustang crossover with Harry Potter, Unforeseen Circumstances, a Familiar AU, and yeah. Whatever pops in my head next between studying and stuffs.