Chapter 9

Ed stared in the mirror for a long time. Even two months after receiving his new arm and leg, it felt odd to see his reflection, and the formal attire he was wearing tonight only added to the surreal feeling. He smirked at the boy staring back at him, and slid a white glove over his immobile right hand. What would Winry say if she could see him now? Time was flying, it seemed. Ed felt like he had grown up a lot since he'd come to Central.

"Edward?" Hughes called from the other side of the door. "We're going to be late if you don't hurry."

"I'm coming," Ed assured him. With one final look in the mirror, Ed was on his way out the door.

That night was the fourth annual military charity ball. Ed's attendance was more or less one way of answering all of the questions his arrival had brought up among the higher ups. Though the Ed had wisely discarded the name Elric--as Hughes had told him to--his appearance didn't go unnoticed. The major had told everyone that Ed was Mustang's younger cousin from the country. Ed had bristled at the idea of being supposedly related to Colonel Tight-Ass, but in the end he relented to reason.

Hughes and Gracia were waiting in the living room when Ed came out. Gracia looked stunning in a delicate violet dress that complimented Hughes blue uniform. The couple looked like they belonged together, and the very thought sent a pang of longing through Ed.

"You look very handsome, Ed," Gracia told him as she gave his jacket a motherly tug.

"Thanks. I've never worn a tux before," he admitted sheepishly

Hughes pushed his glasses up. "I assure you it will be over soon enough," the Major quipped. "Can we get going?"

The ball that night was amazing. Every inch of the grand ballroom was sparkling with gold and crystal. Waiters circled the room carrying trays of hors d'oeuvres and flutes of champagne. Ed's eyes went large when he noticed that even the chocolate covered strawberries were dusted with specks of gold, but even that paled in comparison to the finery the party goers wore. In all of his life, Ed had never seen so many elegantly dressed people. And that was when Ed saw HIM.

Roy Mustang was impossible to miss. He stood surrounded by adoring young women like some kind of reigning god. True to form, his dress uniform fit as though it were designed for him alone. Somehow, he managed to outdo every man in the room. Ed felt a surge of jealousy as he watched a debutante tap Mustang on the arm with her fan coyly. The Colonel kissed her hand and gave the twit a wry smile.

"Edward?"

Damn Mustang for distracting him! Ed's attention snapped back to reality, and he accepted the punch Hughes offered him. "Thanks."

"You know, Ed, if you really don't want to be here, I'll call a cab for you in a little while," the major suggested with a frown.

Ed shook his head. "I want to be here. Why wouldn't I?"

"You were frowning."

"My phantom knee hurts," he lied. It was a common enough problem, and luckily Hughes seemed to buy it.

That evening, Ed met what seemed like an endless stream of people. A few of them came over to see the Hugheses, but most of them were just plain nosey. They'd all heard the tale of Mustang's poor, crippled cousin. One woman even went as far as to peer down at Ed through pair of lorgnettes.

"My, my," the old bat declared to Gracia. "It is such a terrible thing to see a child so maimed."

Gracia had the decency to blush, but gave Ed a look that said "be quiet." "Edward is quite a capable young man, Mrs. Humphrey. How is the General?"

Thankfully, Gracia's ploy worked and the woman began to let one and all within ear's shot just how much of a genius her husband was. It gave Ed just enough time to limp away to find a seat in the corner. By now, he was actually giving Hughes' offer of a cab some thought.

A beautiful, blonde in a black gown took the seat beside him. "Well, Ed, it seems you enjoy these things just as much as I do."

Ed was about to ask how she knew his name when it hit him. "Lieutenant Hawkeye?" he stammered.

"Do I really look that different in a dress?" she demanded.

Ed shook his head mutely.

"I hate these things," Hawkeye groaned. "I think the only one who hates them more than I do is the colonel."

"Really? He looks like he's enjoying kissing ass." Ed clenched his teeth, trying desperately not to say more.

Hawkeye blinked. "You really don't know a thing about him." The blonde shook her head. "He plays the game to get the job done."

From across the room, someone caught Hawkeye's attention and she excused herself. Truth be told, Ed was relieved to see her go. Having a heart to heart about Roy was the last thing he wanted. He would much rather be alone. Luckily, everyone at the ball respected his wishes. Ed was free to sulk as he wanted. Occasionally--or rather not so occasionally--he would take a champagne glass from the passing waiters and drain the contents in one gulp. The liquid made the night bearable.

Ed watched the dancing pairs float passed him from his chair. Adoring wives and girlfriends stared up lovingly at the men who held them. They were all so graceful. They waltzed as if it was what they were born for. Each step seemed to be instinct. For a second, Ed wondered what it must feel like. He tried to picture himself--whole--with Winry in his arms, but the fantasy seemed wrong. From the mists of his mind, Mustang's image took form. In Ed's minds eye, he could see the strong Colonel take him in his arms. Roy was a wonderful dancer! The pair moved across a moonlit floor, effortlessly putting all of the other couples to shame. God, how Ed wished it could be real!

"How many glasses of champagne have you had?" A rough voice asked.

Hazily, Ed let his eyes focus as he came out of his dream. It took a moment for him to gather his wits enough to recognize Roy. "What does it matter?" Ed snapped.

"Making a drunken fool of yourself is not a joke, Edward," the Colonel admonished.

"No one notices me." Ed half complained. The world seemed to be moving slower. "If I'm so much of a bother, I'll just go home."

Ed tried to stand, but he couldn't seem to find his bearings. A firm hand caught him. "You're drunk. Lean on me."

Roy led him out to a secluded balcony. The cool air helped bring Ed somewhat out of his stupor. The stars were shining above them and the delicate scent of roses drifted up from the gardens below. Inebriated as he was, Ed realized how romantic the setting was.

"Feeling better?" Mustang asked.

"A little."

"Drinking so much was foolish," Roy said with a snort.

"I've been nothing but foolish since I started this whole mess," Ed murmured bitterly. "It's all your fault. I was doing fine and then you come and drop this...all of this on me. Don't you see that it only makes it worse?"

Confusion spread across Roy's handsome features. "Makes what worse? Ed you living in a god damn orphanage when I found you and you would have stayed there for the rest of your life. Is that what you want?"

Ed shook his head. "No, but when I was there. I didn't want more. I didn't look around and think of all of the things that were just out of my reach!"

Roy grabbed Ed by the shoulders. "What do you want? What the fuck is so impossible that makes you get wasted like this?"

It was the alcohol talking. There was no way that he would have ever said what did next had he been sober. Yet, Ed was far from sober that night. "I want to dance with you."

"Now, that," Mustang said softly, "I can make happen."

"Don't patronize me!" Ed pushed Roy's hands away.

"I'm not patronizing you, Ed. I wish to god that I was, but I'm not. Stop complaining and dance with me," the Colonel snapped.

In his current state, Ed could barely walk. Between the drinking and his disability, his lopsided gate was more unsteady than ever before. Didn't Roy see how useless it was? He'd never be one of those graceful people on the floor out there. Suddenly, Roy put his arms around Ed and swept the boy off the ground so that his shoes hung inches above the ground. Mustang began to dance slowly at first, but then he moved into a perfect waltz.

For once, reality out did dreams. Ed laid his head on Roy's chest and breathed in his scent. He felt like he was flying. Nothing mattered, but this wonderful feeling. Was this how it was supposed to feel with a woman? Wasn't it wrong that he wanted Roy so much? No, Ed decided as held tight, this was too perfect to be wrong. Ed savored each moment and every step. He prayed that god would let this last forever, but all too soon the music stopped.

Mustang set Ed back down, and the blonde looked up at him, hoping... Ed felt dazed. He could feel himself leaning in, but he was helpless to stop himself. He only need one kiss...

Roy pulled back. "It was only a dance, Ed."

Ed nodded. "Thanks."

"I'll tell Maes that you're ready to go home." With that, Roy left him on the balcony.