I was really surprised by the number of reviews I received for that last chapter… oO I guess long drabble works well these days, right? But anyway, thank you all who reviewed! Reviews make me work faster… most of the time. ;)
I guess this is a late update for me, and I apologize but I'm still knee-deep in coursework, urgh. Nasty stuff. T-T
I'll spare you all from my endless hours of whining and get on with it. Enjoy! ;)
Concealing thriving feelings was a very difficult thing to do, Ed had recently learned. At that precise moment the young alchemist had decided that distraction was the most efficient way of avoiding any unwanted emotions breaking out. The view from outside seemed to be doing the job; he was mesmerized with the rapidly passing distorted images. His eyes drifted from one scene to the next, a slideshow of desolate countryside and abandoned farm buildings quickly whirling by. Of course, it was difficult to distinguish some of the smaller structures as the unruly downpour had returned once more. Already sending flurries of penetrating hail and battering sheets of icy droplets, which merged together in a rampant typhoon. Ed sighed in dismay. Ever since this bizarre weather began he'd had the most strangest or problems. Some he'd never dream about having; they were just downright impossible. But still, they were with him now, refusing to just fade regardless of how much he willed them away. His main problem sat in the passenger seat, dozing gently in a somewhat subdued manner.
"Ahhh." The Fuhrer said suddenly. 'We're almost there now, just a little further." He turned around and gave Ed a reassuring smile.
"That's good." The blonde replied halfheartedly, his gaze still fixated upon the unwavering outside world. Mustang merely grunted.
It was already becoming obvious Mustang wasn't his normal arrogant self. Ed had noticed his strange body language, and how he treated the Fuhrer with so little respect. Normally he'd go all out just to impress his superior, but today was different, very different. The way he'd acted before, had only just registered in Ed's troubled head. He'd never seen Mustang react so violently, and it was strange; when Ed had stared into those obsidian eyes, which were normally filled with amusement and untamed wildness, he saw no anger or grief, just simple disgust.
It had been a foreign look in Ed's opinion. One he'd never expect to see in the Colonel's eyes, especially after the past few weeks. Had this whole relationship been some kind of joke? Some kind of sick plot that he'd developed instead of doing paperwork? Ed grimaced, placing his scratch-ridden hand against the cool surface of the window. He closed his eyes, feeling the condensed water play against his fingers gently. Surely the Colonel wouldn't sink that low?
Their relationship hadn't exactly been perfect even before the whole hospital incident. Ed remembered dreading every Thursday morning, knowing what Mustang would have in store for him. For the first couple of weeks everything had run smoothly; Ed reported, Mustang congratulated him and handed out his next mission. However, Mustang started to become more annoying as the weeks passed by. Teasing the short-tempered blonde about his height and desperation to complete all missions. As expected, Ed had reacted angrily and thrown a brief tantrum. Mustang had laughed from behind the safety of his desk, amusement sparkling in his dark eyes. Several times Hawkeye had been forced to take matters into her own hands, and remove a flailing Ed from the snickering Colonel's office.
After a few months, Ed found himself reluctant to attend Thursday morning sessions. He'd feigned illness, overslept or gone into hiding just to miss them. Unfortunately, Al, who knew his brother far too well for his own good, had always found and convinced him to go in the end. He couldn't let Al down now, or else everything they'd done would go to waste. He wouldn't allow that to happen. So, he continued to attend, gritting his teeth throughout the whole process. Never really sure of the reason why Mustang teased him so relentlessly, Ed often left the office fuming, hissing, muttering and even one time blushing.
That time he'd left blushing had been by far one of the worst. Upon entering the office that particular day, Ed had taken a few steps back in shock. The office was unoccupied, no sign of the meddling Colonel, or so he thought. He'd jumped abruptly in response to a smooth touch ran roughly against his shoulder. There he stood, smirk widening, eyes slanted in a malicious motion.
Surprised, Ed had fallen back, astonished and irritated by the Colonel's surprise attack.
"Watch your step, Fullmetal." He'd remembered Mustang say, mischief flickering vaguely in his eyes. "Now, have you got this week's repot?" Ed had nodded dumbly, still recovering from the shock. "Good work. Are you planning on staying the floor? Might make things a bit difficult." He had then extended his hand towards the bewildered blonde, smirk still present. Ed hesitantly accepted, noticing the Colonel's firm grip, while allowing himself to be pulled up by the older man.
Silence.
Then, quite abruptly, Mustang had leant forward, much too close for comfort. There had barely been a breath of space between them; Ed had bitterly remembered the embarrassing blush appearing on his face. The Colonel's eyes had wandered solicitously beyond the madly blushing blonde, and onto something of greater interest. A long moment had passed, and Ed had remained in the same position, frozen in uncertainty.
"Ah. Here it is." Mustang said finally, as his leaned even further forward to retrieve a document. Recounting his whole world suddenly closing in on him, Ed remembered falling backwards for the second time that day. "Oh, Fullmetal, really! You're doing this on purpose." Once again, Mustang had helped him up, passing him a document. "Your new mission. There's no rush, just take your time on this one." Ed had mumbled in response, attempting to hide the distinctive red spreading across his face. He'd quickly scurried out of the office, hoping to escape another wrath of humiliation. "Oh, and Fullmetal?" Ed twitched. "I suggest you head over to the infirmary, you seem rather flushed."
A small smile escaped the forlorn alchemist's lips, as he gingerly ran his fingers along the iced window. He felt better somehow remembering all the awkward times they'd spent together. His finger wound round in circular motion, a clear path forming. As soon as they got back to HQ he planned on taking serious action. Determined not to sulk and separate himself from the rest of the world, Ed began to devise a plan. The Colonel was a stubborn man, possibly more stubborn than Ed himself, and that was saying something. The thought of a stubborn Mustang didn't motivate Ed's planned actions any further. He wasn't planning on doing anything too affectionate just a casual chat, nothing more.
Sweeping down gracefully, Ed's hand came to a halt, final strokes completed. A small transmutation circle shone lightly, picking up the rays of passing headlights. Cocking his head, Ed admired his creation; the surrounding droplets made it appear quite beautiful, precisely drawn out in crystallized magnificence. He touched it delicately with the edge of his finger, tracing the definite outlines carefully.
He hastily drew back his hand in disappointment; as the sudden force of the car stopping had caused him destroy the watery spectacle.
"Alright, we're here." Said the Fuhrer cheerily. Ed peered through the empty void in which is treasured creation used to occupy. His eyes widened.
"Hey, this isn't HQ…"
"Colonel?" Hawkeye began, approaching Mustang's slumped form cautiously. He grunted, acknowledging her presence. "With all due respect, why on earth are you here?"
For a few moments she thought he'd fallen asleep; he didn't move from his arched position, leant against rusty piping for support. As she opened her mouth to speak again, a raspy, strained voice cut in.
"…Long story."
She moved in closer, her eyes swiftly surveying the bedraggled Colonel in worry and uncertainty. Grimacing as her eyes fell upon the mess of hardened blood and shattered glass covering his hand, she gently lifted the bloody mess into her own freezing hands.
"Sir, what happened? Your hand-"
He hastily pulled it out of her grasp, with a sharp grunt of disapproval.
"Its nothing, really, just a scratch." He said apologetically, straightening up suddenly.
"A scratch indeed." She replied, as an unconvinced frown appeared on her displeased face. Judging by the dishevelled state of his uniform, and the weary troubled look in his eyes, he'd obviously been up to something serious. She couldn't help but feel a little hurt by his behaviour; she'd never expected him to keep anything from her, especially when it concerned work. Recently he'd seemed different, more distant and aloof, kept to the secrecy of his office most days. It pained her to see him acting this way, she'd never realised just how insecure he may be beneath that strong and cocky attire.
He momentarily struggled to stand, avoiding using his bad hand. Stumbling slightly, he quickly regained his balance with the help of a large sealed container, which by the looks of it contained some sort of acidic liquid. Ignoring the exasperated sighs being targeted at him, he snapped his fingers together, effortlessly, peering down into the green substance. Hawkeye followed his lead, enticed by the emerald radiance before her.
"What do you think it is?" She said, glancing around the dimly lit room for any sources of information. The room itself looked like some sort of abandoned lab. Cages, some of them destroyed occupied most of the walls, and smashed vials littered the floor, whilst torn documents lay abandoned atop dusty tabletops. Mustang mumbled in contemplation
"I'm not sure. Looks dangerous, whatever it is." He said finally, running his hand along the rimmed container. Hawkeye nodded in agreement. She was relieved to hear speak more than a word this time, and pushed for more conversation, but he got there before her.
"Hmm… should we open it?" He said, a familiar smirk tugging at his lips. Scarlet eyes widened in astonishment, as he began carefully unscrewing the lid.
"I don't think that's a very good idea, Sir." She replied, folding her arms in disagreement.
"Oh, why not?"
"That stuff is harmful for sure. Just look at what its done to the container!"
Mustang pressed his head up close against the surprisingly warm glass, and glimpsed briefly into the bubbling substance. He caught his breath as his eyes fell upon the savage corrosion that spread along the bottom of the container.
"Heh…" Mustang breathed, backing away from the hazardous green substance hastily. "Guess you were right, but still…" he paused, turning to face Hawkeye. "We ought to find out what's in there – no one else will. Heck, this may even by the cause of the infection, you never know. What do you say?"
"So that's why you came here? To investigate?" said Hawkeye, tenaciously digging for answers. Mustang bowed his head, taking a sudden interest in the floor.
"No, not quite."
"Then what?" Hawkeye demanded, not giving in.
"Let's just say Fullmetal and I haven't had luck on our side today."
"Oh?"
Mustang sighed, he'd have to tell her; there was no other way. He didn't necessarily have to tell her about their relationship. Surely it was normal for a superior officer to show concern for a lower, right? Hawkeye glared at him impatiently awaiting her answer. He swallowed, a lump in his throat forming.
"Well, it all started when…"
"Why have we come here? Where is this place!" Ed yelled, his emotions already flying. He quickly corrected his tone of voice, remembering he was in the presence of the Fuhrer. "Sorry, but really, why are we here?"
"Ahh…" the Fuhrer began, ceaseless smile ever-present. "I have brought you here for a special reason, Mr Elric. Just you wait and see." Ed tilted his head in puzzlement, why would the Fuhrer bring him into the middle of the countryside at this time of night? Did he know about what had happened between himself and Mustang before? Had he actually been watching? No, that wasn't possible- it couldn't be. Ed wondered silently, his eyes pinned on Mustang, awaiting his reaction. However it never came, instead he remained unaffected by the sudden change in plan, casually stepping out of the car and adjusting his uniform. "I hope you'll join us, Mr. Elric." Said the Fuhrer, who was now waiting outside patiently.
"Ah yeah, sorry." Ed apologised, hobbling out of the car. His body was still exhausted and longingly pleaded for rest. Ed suspected he wouldn't get any for quite a while, unfortunately. He reluctantly followed both older men, gazing around his new surroundings, although, since it was so dark he could barely see anything. The rain had finally stopped, thankfully, for good, Ed hoped.
"This way, Mr Elric." Said the Fuhrer, noticing the blonde was straying off. "We're almost there now, quite a walk, isn't it?" Nodding and forcing a slight smile, Ed began to quicken his pace, the mud squelching frantically from underneath his feet. Once or twice he felt himself sinking beneath its resolute pull, and hurriedly yanked both feet out of the ground almost falling over in the process. He could hear Mustang snickering in front, occasionally turning his head to sneer at the younger alchemist. His behaviour today was unexplainably weird, Ed thought returning the stare levelly.
"Here we are! Welcome, Mr. Elric!" The Fuhrer said excitedly, pulling open a rickety door, which looked like it was barely capable of staying on. One by one they entered, with the Fuhrer leading, and Ed hanging back anxiously. There was no light in the room they entered, save the faint glow of the moon streaming in through a broken window. A musty smell of mould and decay drifted unpleasantly in the air, causing Ed to cough in repulsion. He'd never smelt anything quite like it before; the nauseating scent was abominable.
Stumbling slightly as something splashed lightly against his forehead, Ed gazed up, shielding his eyes from the incessant drip-drop of leaking rainwater; at least he hoped that's what it was. He'd been far too busy taking in the dank atmosphere to notice how close behind he wandered from the moody colonel. It was only a matter of time before an inevitable snarl of protest interrupted the perturbed quietness.
"What did I tell you before!" Ed shot a sideways glance over to the taller man. He wondered whether he'd be hit again, and stepped back in preparation. "Didn't you hear? What did I tell you? Answer me or I'll-"
"Let's leave it there, Colonel. We wouldn't want anyone getting hurt, would we?" The Fuhrer interrupted, putting an arm around Mustang and directing him towards the beginnings of a stairwell. Ed breathed a sigh of relief, and followed keeping a good distance between himself and Mustang.
He was soon panting for breath after climbing what felt like the hundredth flight of steps. The two older men climbed higher without any problems, no real signs of exhaustion showing. Ed frowned, not understanding how both of them could have such inexhaustible stamina. His legs began to shake weakly, he worried if they'd even manage the next few steps.
"Do hurry up, Mr Elric. We don't have all day!"
"Yeah, hurry up brat."
The final few steps seemed to go on forever. Ed pushed himself on harder, flinching as pain caressed his body. He'd gone all out just to keep up and now he was paying the price. Equivalent exchange is never very fair, Ed had come to realise as he gritted his teeth, stifling countless mourns of pain.
The Fuhrer and Mustang waited impatiently beside another door, this one looking to be in much better shape. Decorated in an intricate thread of carvings, with a golden handle polished to perfection, Ed began to wonder if this door actually belonged in such a derelict building. The Fuhrer began to twist the handle, still smiling, as always. It opened easily enough, revealing what appeared to be a room of the purest silver. Ed's jaw hit the floor with a loud thud; he couldn't believe it. How could such a regal room be hidden in the attics of an old farmhouse? It just didn't make sense. Everything was silver; the walls, the floor, the countless ornaments scattered everywhere, the elegantly sculpted chairs which surrounded a silver encrusted table. Absolutely everything held mystic silvery feel that set Ed's hopes alight.
Mustang took a seat beside a vicious looking griffin sculpture, while the Fuhrer rummaged through a silver-coated chest of drawers.
"Take that dumb look off your face and sit down, brat!" Mustang hissed, growing very irritated.
"Yes, do take a seat, Mr Elric. I won't be a minute." The Fuhrer said, continuing his search.
He chose to sit as far away from the fuming Colonel as possible, which was beside a strange looking cabinet covered in detailed etchings. They seemed somewhat familiar although he couldn't recall from where… Maybe from an alchemy book, but he'd read that many he could barely remember.
"Ahh, here it is." Said the Fuhrer taking the chair beside Mustang with a clutch of papers in hand. "Nothing to worry about, I just wanted to ask you a few questions."
Ed gulped. A few questions were something to worry about, depending on what they concerned. He sat straight in his chair trying to look relaxed and calm, possible excuses busily streaming through his head.
"I'll get right to the point. Do you still have 'it'? Ed fidgeted a little, playing with his hands nervously. He couldn't possibly be referring to the ruby coloured stone hidden beneath the mangled remains of his pocket, could he?
"Have what?"
"Don't play dumb, Mr Elric. I know you have it."
"I-I don't know what you're talking about." Ed cursed himself for stuttering so soon, he'd promised to keep his cool and maintain a relaxed attitude. The Fuhrer's smile faltered, his one eye darkened casting a sinister stare over the anxious blonde.
"Do I need to force it out of you, Mr Elric? I thought you were more mature than this." Ed stiffened, wondering what he meant by 'force.' That stone was supposed to be kept secret from everyone. Sloth hadn't told him what it was exactly, she'd merely told him to keep it safe until she called upon him again. He'd been excited at first; it looked remarkably similar to the Philosopher's Stone. However later on, he'd attempted to perform alchemy with it and failed miserably, setting fire to his test subject. He was glad he hadn't tried it out for real on Al.
"Uh…" Ed hesitated, as he dipped into his pocket cautiously. "How did you know?" He hated to give in, but there wasn't anything else he could do. This was the Fuhrer after all.
"Well, Mr Elric." A smile crept over the Fuhrer's wrinkled face, his expression becoming menacing. "We're not who you think…" Mustang got up and walked towards the doorway, locking it firmly with a sharp click.
Riza Hawkeye nodded, watching her superior in concern.
"So, that's how it happened."
"Yeah, pretty much."
"You should have told me earlier, I would have been more than happy to help."
Mustang smiled weakly in the scarlet-eyed blonde's direction, appreciating her loyalty and understanding. He hadn't told her everything. Not a word about his relationship with Fullmetal, he'd be hung drawn and quartered for sure.
"Oh, and by the way; where is he now?" Jumping up suddenly, the flame alchemist darted back into the dark tunnel. Hawkeye followed, looking slightly confused.
"Sir, where are we going?"
"No time, just follow me!"
And done! Much shorter than the last due to my short attention span this week.
Be sure to leave a review. ;)