Violent Leisure ch 6 1/2
Title: Violent Leisure
Co-written with severed_sanity
Pairings: This chapter is Roy-centric, again, we’re going to ultimately end up with at least a GreedxKimbleexRoy
Warnings: Head games, Rape, torture This chapter: getting into after affects and mindsets
Rating: NC-17 without a doubt, this chapter? PG
Notes: This is the last chapter before we skip back to Kimblee people. Everyone hear that? Last Roy-centric chapter for a while.
Chapter one
Chapter two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter six
She heaved a painful sigh, clutched the covers to her chest, then pushed herself back to her feet and went out of the bedroom. She glided down the hallway with light steps and rounded the corner only to stop in shock. Fortunately, it was one of those happy shocks. One that almost had her laughing. The warm feeling bubbling through her chest made her feel ten times better than she had been just moments before. With a smile, she padded over. "Looks like someone decided to get comfortable. Now where is that infamous camera of yours husband dear? This scene is too cute to pass up."
The words earned Gracia a muted glare, as Roy muttered low enough only Maes could hear him. "If she starts taking random pictures of me too, I'm going to raid your house and pick apart every single camera I can get my hands on."
Maes grinned cheekily back at Roy. "You'd still never find the negatives!"
"Oh I see, whispering among yourselves so I can't hear. Two against one... how unfair." She plopped the covers over both their heads before straightening them out on Roy's body, tucking it around his chest and feet. "I think some tea is in order."
Roy wiggled closer, settling the covers a little as he put his face against Maes' throat. "Tea is good. And I didn’t say anything about the pictures, just the cameras. There is a limit to how many cameras I can have pointed at me."
"Ack! Gracia! He's threatening my cameras." He whined immaturely. "Make him stop."
She rolled her eyes at her husband's antics and shook her head as she swept towards the kitchen again. She braced herself to suffer the smell of cleaning products and called back, "Roy, don't threaten your best friend. It's not nice to break someone's toys."
"Just take apart, not break." He sulked down, hiding in Maes' lap, nuzzling a little as he resettled himself. "And you aren't supposed to tell on me Maes, honestly, what if I told Hawkeye on you when you did something that bugged me?" He smirked a little.
"She'd probably just stare at you in disapproval then shoo you away to do more paperwork." Honestly, did he think he was afraid of Hawkeye? Damn skippy he was but he knew her well enough to know that something as childish as this little game would get Roy nothing more than a whack over the head.
"She's not that dry... I mean, well, you didn't get to see the Hayate thing, did you?" He huffed a little, closing his eyes as he curled his hands loosely into Maes' shirt. He stopped just shy of actually kneading at him a bit in content at feeling warm and safe for the moment.
"Hayate... Hayate. Oh! You mean her little dog companion? Hmm no, not see but hear. Was kind of a surprise to be told that Riza had taken in a pup. Not that she couldn’t or shouldn’t... but weird all the same."
"The dog peed on the floor almost right after she got him. She shot a round at the poor thing that had him pinned to the wall, and said, with quotes mind, 'Hayate has a strict mommy now'." He snickered softly.
What he would have paid to be able to witness that first hand. But the visual the statement brought up was nearly as good as the real thing. Maes chuckled. "Poor mutt."
Gracia managed to work her way through the bleach, barely gagging at all this time around, to make the tea. She found some honey and sugar cubes in the pantry and hoped that they wanted cream as well since she placed all the gatherings onto a tray she'd found underneath the sink. When the water was boiled she poured it into the serving pot, gathered the cups and went back into the living room.
"I'd have to agree. I'd be scared to even consider what she'd do to potty train any offspring she has if she's that harsh on a puppy." He shook his head, then settled, making a soft hum in the back of his throat. He'd calmed almost back to where he'd been before Gracia showed up.
"Here we are gentlemen. I brought out sugar, honey, and cream. I know how Maes takes his tea but I'm unsure of your preferences Roy. You don't come over nearly enough." She sat the tray on the coffee table then quickly grabbed up the empty bowls and glasses from earlier. She hated going back into the kitchen but she was only there a moment before retaking her seat in the chair. She sat at the edge of the cushion and prepared three cups, waiting for what Roy would like.
Roy blinked at her a couple times, more or less still tucked against Maes. "Sugar and honey." He made no move to free himself from the cocoon, nor to free a hand so that he'd be able to get the cup in a moment.
She gave him a pleased smile and proceeded to mix in the honey, then the sugar atop it. It was almost like her cup except she preferred three teaspoons of cream as well. She set the steaming cups on the table in front of the two men then took up her own so she could lean back into the chair. She stared at them over the rim of her cup with a dreamy smile. They looked so cute together. Kind of like Elysia and Maes when they camped out on the couch in the den after a long day of work and play. How she wished for that camera.
Roy considered the cup seriously, and it was almost as though he were trying to think it to himself. He didn't very well want to actually go get it. After a moment, he turned his look on Maes, clearly expecting him to collect both cups.
"Oh you are hopeless Mustang. Utterly hopeless." Maes huffed with a quirk of his lips. Of course he went after the cup anyway... when the hell did he turn into the sop here? Oh well, so he was trained. Gracia had done it before and now Roy. What was next? "Drink your damn tea then."
Gracia snickered in her cup but didn't say anything. She thought this was perfect material to use later when she wanted to get something out of her husband that he wasn't readily willing to give up... like his knives in the bedroom for the night. Or maybe something a little less obvious. Useful information indeed.
Roy unraveled his fingers from Maes' shirt and cupped the glass in his hands, giving his friend this half smirk, half smile. Then he sipped at his glass. "You like me hopeless, admit it. You wouldn't know what to do if I was actually not lazy."
"Die of shock probably. The day Roy Mustang is productive is the day I'll keel over." Maes declared and reached for his own cup, mindful not to upset Roy or his cup. "Actually, I think maybe you should shock poor Hawkeye one of these days. I'd like to see her flustered, just once."
"Well if you're going to keel over, then I can't do it, can I?" He shook his head a little, tisking softly as he sipped his cup, peering into the dark liquid. "And that simply wouldn't do at all, I like you around, thank you very much."
"How about if I promise not to actually die? Just maybe faint or something. After, of course, I get to see the startled look on Riza's face. Poor woman is too stern." He sat back taking a sip of his own tea. Rich and full of cream, just perfect. He sent his wife a warm smile and took another pull of the slightly chilled liquid. Another reason he loved cream in his tea, it made the tea just right for sipping.
And that would be the reason that Roy wouldn't put cream in his tea. It brought the liquid down from scalding, and that was simply unacceptable to him. Even if it tasted better that way. "She'd be worse if she knew I could handle it. She doesn't know I actually get the paperwork done within two hours usually... I just don't organize it."
"Organization was never your cup of tea. If you'll pardon the phrase." Maes shot him a cheesy grin as he waggled his eyebrows. He was hoping to keep the comfortable atmosphere for as long as possible. If he could get Roy to actually accept his wife into his safety net, then them taking care of him wouldn't be so stressful later when Gracia would have to start patching him up again.
Roy snickered. "It can be... if I cared. I know where every book in this building is, thank you." Yes... and it really didn't look like much either, more or less a glorified mess.
Gracia hid her quiet laughter behind her hand. It was the same for all men everywhere, except for those rare cases. Organization was never a strong suit in any of the ones she knew. Maes especially. He had his own filing system and it baffled her how he could wade through the shear volume of junk. Men... of course she knew quite a few women that weren't exactly great in that field either. She would often find many of them in the military too... which was hilarious.
Roy leaned closer to Maes, tilting his head so he could talk in his ear softly. "I do believe she's laughing at me. Possibly you as well. After all, you and I have the same method of organization last I checked." A little smirk crossed his face.
Maes glanced over at his wife and noted that she was indeed laughing, albeit quietly and trying valiantly not to let them see her. He didn't see what was so funny now that he was the one being laughed at. He felt kind of indignant and wanted his revenge, or at least to make her stop laughing at them. Well, him. Okay so maybe he was being childish, but who likes being laughed at bar a comedian? He gave his friend a conspiratorial smirk. "Seems that isn't fair. Think we should remind her about the maid outfit? Would get her to be quiet." He was going to pay dearly for this when he got home.
Roy finished the last of his tea, then laughed quietly and shook his head, resting his cheek against his shoulder. "No, no, best to just let her now that we know that she is laughing at us. No need to remind her of any of that." He made sure she could hear him this time.
"Remind me of what exactly gentlemen?" She asked narrowing her eyes. "And at least I tried to be discreet about it. But surely you can't expect me to keep a straight face when you both talk of organization. Neither of you have it or are extremely inept in the art."
“There is more than one form of organization." He huffed, nuzzling into Maes as he somehow got the man to take the cup so he could slide his hands back down to the sides of his shirt, where he moved a bit until the cloth was sufficiently caught around his fingers.
"Yes, but organization itself has to be represented in a more organized manner. Not that deathtrap you two call your filing systems. It's amazing you can find anything. I came by Maes office a few years ago and thought I was in the mailroom. There were papers and books everywhere and his desk was swamped with files. It was quite a sight actually." She laughed. "More tea anyone? I could use a refill."
Maes grumbled about two cups and one very lazy best friend but shook his head. "No thank you love. One cup is good for me... if I could ever finish it."
Roy shook his head a little, somehow ruffling the blankets up higher around his shoulders without using his hands, though Maes could feel him squirming lower under them, considering the man was also plastered to him.
"Hopeless I tell you!" It was a joking declaration. Maes wasn't complaining about the level of comfort the whole scene had created for him. Whether it was the same for everyone else he didn't know. He hoped so because he enjoyed it. Probably because it just showed that Roy would be Roy no matter what happened to the man. Nothing, it seemed, was going to keep his spirits down for long. It was just going to take a while for them to be fully restored.
"You two remind me of my sister's little boys. Inseparable I swear." Gracia commented after drinking down the last of her tea.
For some reason Gracia's comment sent Roy off into laughter. He hid his face against Maes' neck and just helplessly snickered it out. He was a complete pervert, but the earlier conversation had made him wonder just how many ways that could be taken and even with the recent... mess, he was ignoring thoughts about that at the moment, so it was okay.
Maes held onto Roy but squeezed his shoulders. He gave the man an arched eyebrow in question and waited. What was so funny? Gracia's little nephews were practically inseparable and did kind of remind him of Roy and his relationship. They'd been friends for how many years now and were still going strong in the buddy department? Through thick and thin you'd always find them together. For a moment he wondered if it would always be like that... and sent out a silent plea for it to be that way.
He shook his head a little, still snickering softly as he took a couple breaths, feeling his lips twitch. Why did he think of that? Why? That would be like thinking of the Elrics that way... Which immediately set him off again just as he calmed down.
"Alright... share the joke or I'm throwing a pillow at your head Roy." Surprisingly it was Gracia that said this. She was giggling lightly already for having watched the man crack himself up. It was a funny sight really. And add in that he was currently practically in her husband's lap using him as a human pillow... well it was quite a sight. But she wanted to know what was so funny because the curiosity was killing her.
"I'd like to know too you know. No fair keeping the good stuff to yourself."
He shook his head quickly, managing to compose himself. Must not think dirty thoughts. Especially not that kind. He hummed a little, a small grin on his face. "It wouldn't be funny if I explained."
"Insufferable brat, that is what you are Mustang." Gracia pouted but let it at that. She got her chuckle in watching him so she could let the joke pass. Maybe he'd tell her husband and she could sweet talk it out of him later. For now she contented herself with another steaming cup of tea.
"You can say that again. Now it's going to be bothering me all day."
Roy huffed and looked to Maes, lips still twitching. "Okay, okay. The earlier conversation we had somehow ended up in there in my head and the Elrics somehow entered into that mess." He looked at him, seeing how long it would take him to work out the cryptic clues.
"The Elrics... and what about our conversation. What do the Elrics have to do with... oh." Maes was a bit ruffled around the edges when he didn't get something right away but the confused expression soon turned to surprise then abject embarrassment to finally settle into humor. "OH! Oh. That's bad Roy. Very, very bad. Funny as sin, but bad." He snickered and shook his head. Definitely not something his wife should have running about in that pretty little head of hers. She might get ideas. He sent her a cheeky grin.
"You. Will. Pay." Was mouthed over her cup.
"Thus why I was set off when she mentioned her nephews." He nodded a little bit and settled down, feeling better than he had all day. A little perversity was simply the perfect uplift to his mood.
Maes couldn't help but shudder at the implications of that statement from his wife. This would not end well for him... or it might. According how he played his cards when they were alone this could go one of two ways. In order to appease her and not say anything about what Roy was thinking he could A) Deny everything and probably end up on the couch for a week. Or B) Offer her something far better to think about and suffer being her good little slave for a few days. He liked the second option far better than the first. He stretched his legs out slightly and sank further into the cushions. "Well... now I'm going to be forced to wash my mind out before I see those two again." He nudged Roy's side. "I blame you of course."
"How do you think I feel? I almost got the thought out of my mind before that. And you know what my next immediate thought was, that wouldn't leave me to stop laughing? How?" He shook his head, tucking his face under Maes' chin with a bemused sigh. "I feel better."
"ARG!!" Came the muffled cry before Maes hand shot to his eyes, scrubbing wildly. "Stop. The. Images." The immediate thought was of Gracia's two fourteen year old nephews and it was not pleasant. They were cute and all but for the love of all that was right in the world they were family. The next set to assault him were of the Elric brothers. Now that was both funny and mind boggling. Edward was like a son to him but Maes still thought he made a nice image to look at. He'd probably burn in hell for just thinking that but he never thought of the boy as anything more than a son, so no harm no foul he supposed, though he was aware it was twisted logic.
Roy snickered softly. "Now you understand!" A wicked grin was easily felt against Maes' throat. "I'm sure I could easily scar your brain if we continued on this topic, but that wouldn't exactly be nice would it?" He snickered softly. "And you wondered why I cracked up."
"I'm already scarred. Believe me, I am."
"I think I am now rather glad I do not know what you two find so funny. Not sure I would like to have the same reaction as my husband. Besides, I prefer an un-scarred brain thank you." Gracia commented after watching the little scene with her husband. She found guilty humor in that and thought it made up for the inside joke those two shared.
"Lucky woman... My mind hates me. Giving me a visual like that... Though..." He snickered a little and shook his head, closing his eyes. "No, I'll just stop there. Just, yes. Distract me now please."
"Well there's your problem. Not enough distractions around the place to do the job effectively Roy dear." Came the sing-song retort. Oh yes, now she was having fun at his expense. Something she could get used to so long as they didn't laugh about her again... which she just knew was the case earlier.
"I'd get a book, but that would require moving, and I'm warm right now." Roy huffed, flipping the blankets so she couldn't see him at all but for the blanket covered, Roy-shaped lump that he was in Maes' lap.
She snickered at the pair, getting up to take the dishes to the kitchen. "Has anyone ever compared you to a house cat Roy?" The words were tossed over her shoulder when she was partly to the kitchen.
Maes was barely containing his laughter. Roy was being such a brat it was cute. This was, by far, better than the despondent suffering man from earlier that morning. Gracia might not have helped the situation as much as he hoped but at least they were all getting along just fine. So far so good in his books. He was comfortable, a bit too warm, and suffering because he was the pillow damn it. He sighed dramatically and bopped Roy's nose lightly. "You need a hobby."
"I have a hobby, it involves seeing how complicated I can make dinner without actually needing to use the stove. As I've been fed, this is moot, and I'd much prefer to stay where I am." He looked like he was seriously considering biting the offending finger.
"You need a hobby that doesn't involve annoying your friends then." Maes smirked and bopped the nose again. If Roy could annoy him then he had the right to annoy right back. "Besides you don't eat dinner anyway. You're still to thin."
"I do so..." He continued to eye the finger. Next time he did that he'd actually try for it. "At least five times a week even." He rolled his hands a little in a vague pawing motion. "And I'm not like a cat."
Maes burst out in laughter. "You're kidding me right?! You're pawing Mustang, pawing for cripes sake." He titled his head upwards and called out, "Gracia? Do you have any string in your purse? I think I found Roy a hobby!" He couldn't let this pass by. It was beyond hilarious and was so going to get used later for blackmail. And if not blackmail, then annoyance value would just have to work.
Roy looked incredibly insulted, and he tugged Maes' shirt flat with a little affronted look. Then he moved a hand up and clapped it over Maes' mouth. "Would you stop? I was not doing any such thing. Besides... I don't really care for string."
His eyes shone in mirth and told the alchemist that he clearly didn't believe him, and that he would argue the point as soon as he had his mouth free. Of course, he could get his mouth free by prying the hand away... but licking it was more fun. So he did, one good long lick followed by a chuckle.
He pulled his hand back and gave Maes the ultimate affronted look. "You licked me!" As though he'd never done it before... yeah right. This was how Roy knew to keep his mitts to himself.
Maes stuck his tongue out with a mock-disgusted look. "Annn I shhhoulen’t haavve." He drew his tongue back in and shook his head. "Tastes like soap I swear! BLAG. But did get your hand off didn't it? No force needed. I am a genius."
Roy did the most childish thing in reply. He bit the finger that was still hovering in the air before tucking his face firmly out of poking range. They'd make with the bandages soon, he was sure of it.
"Aeeeee! Hey!! You bit me!" The man growled waving his finger around after the bite. Never did any good to wave it around, but come on, that's what people did. The little brat bit him! All he did was lick the little bastard and Roy hauled off and bit him. Oh that called for retaliation. He didn't know when or even how but he would get him back.
"Children, play nice." Gracia chided from her position on the wall. She'd been leaning there watching the two almost immediately after she'd taken the things to the kitchen. They were big babies, the both of them. But she loved them the all the same... even when they did stupid things. "Otherwise I might need to put you in time out."
Roy nuzzled at Maes a little, making sure the other man could feel the smirk that was adorning his face. "Quit acting like I bit it off Maes." He curled his fingers back into his shirt subtly, a small insecurity that came out and made it obvious that he was a bit wary of upsetting him even in play.
"Play nice my arse, the boy bit me." He laughed toward his wife. "Plays dirty… and if you were feeling better I'd show Gracia exactly how I won our last argument." He referred to the one they had over one of the Elric's missions. He was angry that Roy kept sending the poor boys out into the worst possible areas the military had to offer and Roy was angry that he didn't see that he was keeping them away from the actively dangerous areas. It almost came to blows but Maes didn't want that to happen... so he did the most unexpected thing. He tickled the bastard. Worked too.
"I was caught off guard." He sighed and drooped a little. The exposed cuts were starting to sting too much to ignore. "I need to get bandaged up."
That effectively sapped the amusement right out of Maes. He returned to his worried state and gently moved Roy up on his chest so he could move the covers back and look at the injuries on the man's chest. "Are you okay?"
Gracia quickly moved back over to the couch to retrieve her ‘purse’. She rummaged in it until she found the topical pain reliever and some of the pain pills she thought would be strong enough for Roy.
"The stinging sensation from the finer cuts is getting a bit much for me to ignore." He sighed out a breath, calmly letting Maes examine him. "I don't think I've started bleeding anywhere, but I don't think it would be good to leave them either. They aren't nearly as bad feeling as when you got here though." And he was tipping back towards babble mode.
"Okay dunderhead, why didn't you tell me you were hurting earlier?! Gracia would have given you this stuff earlier." Maes sounded more worried now that a moment ago. He knew his friend was a bit achy from all the moving around but he didn't think it was too bad since Roy hadn't complained. He could pop him one for being so stubborn. If it wasn't one thing it was another with this guy and frankly Maes was having a hard time keeping up with them all. He gave his wife a thankful smile when he seen the topical spray. He turned Roy slightly to his side so his back was now against his chest.
"Let's get some of these before we start to bandage you up, alright?" The woman asked quietly, the concern clearly written in her warm eyes.
Roy nodded a little, tipping his head back against Maes' shoulder. "I didn’t say anything because I was feeling better. I don't like where I was very much... I don't like following those threads very much, and it's so terribly easy with that kind of web."
Gracia promptly tuned her friend out as she applied the medicine to the injuries along the chest. He wasn't talking to her anyway and she worked so much better if she could focus primarily on what she was doing. Her additions to their conversation were minor at best so she didn't feel at all miffed over being left out of them. Happened on a regular basis on those rare occasion when Roy would show up for dinner or a casual visit. Though, as she spread the mixture over a particularly bad area, she had to agree with what her husband said earlier. Roy was definitely too thin. He needed good square meals and plenty of rest if he was going to heal quickly.
Maes shifted himself more comfortably against the couch's arm so he could cradle Roy and help his wife if need be. Roy went still under the contact, dark eyes watching her move over one wound after another. He continued talking to Maes. "I mean, it's so terribly easy for me, and I just want to relate this or that, to another thing until it centers back... and I know I shouldn't do that."
"It's what you do... you might not want to do it but you do anyway. Basically could be said about most of what makes you, you. You do things you shouldn't because you do them." Maes paused a fraction of a second. "Does that make any sense?"
"Of course it makes sense. You basically said that because I think in circles you’d be shocked if I didn't think back to what I wasn't supposed to because my track circled me around even though what I picked shouldn't have taken me there."
"And since I can follow that statement with relative ease... I think it's official that we spend way too much time together. Not that I'm complaining. It's like we have our own little language that only we can understand. Useful, if not just a tad weird."
"Just a tad? We've been over this today already, you are outright bizarre, yet you fit in perfectly with the rest of the rather outlandish people I chose to spend most of my life around." He twitched as Gracia moved over a particularly long cut.
"Nice to know I belong somewhere then." He snickered into Roy's ear. His chin came to rest on the man's shoulder and though that was a bit uncomfortable, he was all right with that slight pain. He watched his wife work and wondered if she was ignoring them. She usually did.
"Though, you're the only one that understands me when I talk, on the first try, most of the time. I'm not sure if I should be worried or pleased about that fact." He paused for a long, long moment, and his thoughts took off in a direction he didn't like as he remembered something. "Maes?"
He tilted his head away from Roy's to look at him. "Yes?"
"I really want to talk to you about something after we're done taping me back together." He flexed his hands a little.
Maes was slightly puzzled but agreed readily. "Alright. Now the task of actually getting you taped back together. That's not going to be fun for any of us."
"And that's why I'm saving it for after." He let out a breath. "I'm going to have to lose my blankets, aren't I?"
Gracia had finished a few moments before and had moved away from the two. She needed to prepare for the heavier of the injuries so that meant dumping the contents of her purse onto Roy's dinning table. The application of all the medical creams wouldn't take long, but she needed to dose them all with the same pain killer she'd used on Roy's chest so that would tack on at least half and hour's worth of work. Then there was getting him to take the sleeping pills and some painkillers before she could deal with the major injury. He probably wasn't going to like that one bit, but she saw it as her only course of action. He'd probably hate her when he woke up for lying to him about the little blue and red capsules she held in her hand. She didn't really see a problem with that if it would keep from causing him more pain... though it'd probably kill her heart.
Maes nodded on Roy's shoulder. "Afraid so... and the boxers. She'll have to patch everything up."
He shivered with that, then let out a deep breath. "Right... Well, this is going to not be any fun at all. At least I managed to calm a bit... I don't think another person other than your Gracia would have managed to not get me to overreact again."
"Let's just say it was a long process to this point. Remember you almost toasted her earlier. Not that she's said anything, but I can imagine what she was thinking when she fled the bathroom. But it is nice to see that you're more comfortable with her now." Maes was watching his wife with a slightly curious look. She seemed to be debating with herself over some matter. Could be something to do with whatever was in her hand. He wasn't exactly sure, nor concerned, really. His wife knew what she was doing and he would trust her to make the best decision.
"Yes, I did notice that Maes. In fact, I'm sure I nearly had a breakdown just because of that." He grimaced a little, then started to tug at his blankets a bit. "Worse than anything else, that."
Maes gave the man a gentle squeeze, pressing him against his chest. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I was a bit upset but I'm over it. You've done your level best to work through this and I'm not only proud, but impressed. Don't let me be an idiot and ruin your good mood."
The decision wasn't easy to reach but in the end Gracia knew it was the only way to get them all through this. She would put Roy to sleep and have Maes help her with the difficult areas while he slept. If she was lucky, Roy would remain asleep until long after she left to restock. Then he couldn't glare at her with mistrustful eyes and she wouldn't have to break down. Maes would understand and she knew Roy would eventually, that didn't mean she had to forgive herself.
He leaned into the contact, sighing out a breath. "I know, but it's still true. I mean, at this point having control of myself is more reassuring than anything, and that rather shook it. Unfortunately, I can't live in a huddle of blankets, so it seems that I'll have to learn to live with just control."
Gracia plastered a cheerful smile on her face and turned back to the pair on the couch. She was careful not to think about what she was doing because if she did her resolve would crumble. If that happened then Roy wouldn't get the sleeping pills, he'd be in far more pain than he had to be, everyone would get frustrated and worn out, and it would more than likely take twice as long. She didn't think she'd be able to work quite as effectively hearing Roy's muffed cries of pain.
"You should take these straight away, Roy. They'll help dull most of the pain and make it easier on both of us during this process. I don't want you in anymore than is necessary." Gracia explained as her hand opened to reveal the five pristine pills. "You can take them with your tea or I can get you some water if you like."
Roy blinked at her, then shook his head. "No, I know you mean well, but it'll make it more obvious for me, not less. I won't be able to ignore it with the pills." He gave her a faint smile and a differing action.
NO! No no no no no. Roy was supposed to take the pills and she'd be able to work. He didn't understand how important this was, he needed to take the pills. If he didn't then... then she'd have to listen to him being hurt and worse yet he might transfer some of his distrust and anger towards her. This was not how it was supposed to happen. But she couldn't force him to take them. Damn it. "I un... understand. I just don't want you to have to experience all of the pain that this will likely bring. I'm not sure of the extent of your biggest injury and don't want you to be hurt when I have to examine then patch that area. I wish you would take them." She was going to try one last time. If it didn't work, well she’d have to work through it somehow.
Maes gave his wife an encouraging smile, thanking her for her thoughtfulness in this situation. He really wished Roy would take them as well. His friend had suffered enough and even if it wouldn't take all the pain away it would give him some sort of buffer against more to come. Sometimes he thought the alchemist was stubborn just to have something to do.
Roy shook his head firmly. "It's easier to ignore at these levels. Thank you though. I know you mean well... but I can't." He knew he was going to seriously unnerve Maes, but he would do better to just flat out pretend there was no pain, as he had in the bathroom. Besides, he really hated pills.
She hoped that neither caught the fleeting look of panic that had showed in her eyes. It wouldn't be good for Roy to see it especially. He wouldn't understand it unless she told him about the pills and she was not going to do that. Let him ask all he wanted but she was steadfast in that respect. Best not break the trust she had with him now... until it was necessary. They were going to have the worst time of this. "Alright Roy. I can't make you after all. But this will hurt a considerable deal." She quickly supplied trying to cover her worry. She pushed the pills into her pocket before her hands began to tremble. "Would you mind helping him into the bedroom love? We'll need the extra space."
"This will certainly be interesting... Maes, I'll tell you now that I don't mean to unnerve you." He turned a little to look at him lips curled into a slight half smile. Then he moved a bit, untangling the blankets so he'd be able to get to his feet.
"Don't worry about it Roy. We've been through too much for me to stay iffy with and around you. We'll both get over it and work through it. Besides, you always do things to unnerve me... never bothered me before."
"Still, I know how little you care for it when I do that, especially given how you've reacted to it in the past, and I don't want you getting overly upset about it." He shook his head, gesturing for Maes to help him get to his feet. It was almost amusing him that he was more or less reassuring Maes.
"Well, then and now are different. Sort of." He answered back as he pushed to his feet. He had to stretch a moment before turning to offer Roy his hands again. Seemed he was always doing that. Offering his best friend his hands... in some form or fashion he was always there for the younger man when he needed him the most. And he always would be. "Alright then... to the bedroom with you then."
He nodded, taking the offer and pulling himself to his feet, and he didn't waver anywhere nearly as he had been before. He couldn't help a relieved sigh. "I'd thought the dizziness was because I hadn't eaten, good to know I was right." He quirked his lips and leaned against Maes. "Get me to the other room then."
Maes chuckled light wrapping his arm around Roy's small waist. "As you command. But really, we're going to have to work on this arrangement. I feel like you're attached to my side. Hmm, do I actually mind that?"
"That is the question, isn't it? I see nothing wrong with the current organization at the moment, since that means I get to spend all my time with my favorite person, lovely, isn't it?" He smirked, amused as they started to walk, though he closed his eyes as they passed the kitchen, the action more or less becoming a reflex.
"Oh yeah, lovely. 'Cept I’m the one doing the carting around. I think once you get better you should have to be the lean-to once in awhile." The bedroom was slightly lighter than they'd left it earlier. The sun was shining at just the right angle in the sky to fill the interior with warmth and light. Didn't hurt that it was nice out either. Maes smiled, "Glad it's warm. Hate to have you complaining again."
Roy quirked his lips, clacking open his eyes as his smirk widened. "Since when did you like warmth? Finally seeing the error of your ways and coming over to the side of comfort?" He let himself be led in. "And you're too bulky to cart around."
"I should take that as a personal affront to my size." He chuckled. The bed was a little worse for wear since it looked a bit bare and bedraggled without it's covers adorning the mattress top. Eh, it was still comfortable. Maes helped Roy onto the surface then sat beside him, slinging his arm around the man's shoulders gently. "I'll have you know it's all muscle."
Roy smirked a little then. "I'll have you know that I don't care for you giving me bald-faced lies." He looked sideways, clearly amused. He sobered up quickly enough though, taking a deep breath as he considered his garments.
Maes glared at his friend from the corner of his eyes with a small huff. Alright, so maybe it wasn't all muscle but there was some there. He ran a hand over his tummy and considered that he might need to lay off a few home dinners for awhile. Gracia would probably smack him for being silly but he needed to loose a few pounds. She'd understand at some point. Another huff escaped his lips. "You should learn to just let me have my moments."
Second part
Co-written with severed_sanity
Pairings: This chapter is Roy-centric, again, we’re going to ultimately end up with at least a GreedxKimbleexRoy
Warnings: Head games, Rape, torture This chapter: getting into after affects and mindsets
Rating: NC-17 without a doubt, this chapter? PG
Notes: This is the last chapter before we skip back to Kimblee people. Everyone hear that? Last Roy-centric chapter for a while.
Chapter one
Chapter two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter six
She heaved a painful sigh, clutched the covers to her chest, then pushed herself back to her feet and went out of the bedroom. She glided down the hallway with light steps and rounded the corner only to stop in shock. Fortunately, it was one of those happy shocks. One that almost had her laughing. The warm feeling bubbling through her chest made her feel ten times better than she had been just moments before. With a smile, she padded over. "Looks like someone decided to get comfortable. Now where is that infamous camera of yours husband dear? This scene is too cute to pass up."
The words earned Gracia a muted glare, as Roy muttered low enough only Maes could hear him. "If she starts taking random pictures of me too, I'm going to raid your house and pick apart every single camera I can get my hands on."
Maes grinned cheekily back at Roy. "You'd still never find the negatives!"
"Oh I see, whispering among yourselves so I can't hear. Two against one... how unfair." She plopped the covers over both their heads before straightening them out on Roy's body, tucking it around his chest and feet. "I think some tea is in order."
Roy wiggled closer, settling the covers a little as he put his face against Maes' throat. "Tea is good. And I didn’t say anything about the pictures, just the cameras. There is a limit to how many cameras I can have pointed at me."
"Ack! Gracia! He's threatening my cameras." He whined immaturely. "Make him stop."
She rolled her eyes at her husband's antics and shook her head as she swept towards the kitchen again. She braced herself to suffer the smell of cleaning products and called back, "Roy, don't threaten your best friend. It's not nice to break someone's toys."
"Just take apart, not break." He sulked down, hiding in Maes' lap, nuzzling a little as he resettled himself. "And you aren't supposed to tell on me Maes, honestly, what if I told Hawkeye on you when you did something that bugged me?" He smirked a little.
"She'd probably just stare at you in disapproval then shoo you away to do more paperwork." Honestly, did he think he was afraid of Hawkeye? Damn skippy he was but he knew her well enough to know that something as childish as this little game would get Roy nothing more than a whack over the head.
"She's not that dry... I mean, well, you didn't get to see the Hayate thing, did you?" He huffed a little, closing his eyes as he curled his hands loosely into Maes' shirt. He stopped just shy of actually kneading at him a bit in content at feeling warm and safe for the moment.
"Hayate... Hayate. Oh! You mean her little dog companion? Hmm no, not see but hear. Was kind of a surprise to be told that Riza had taken in a pup. Not that she couldn’t or shouldn’t... but weird all the same."
"The dog peed on the floor almost right after she got him. She shot a round at the poor thing that had him pinned to the wall, and said, with quotes mind, 'Hayate has a strict mommy now'." He snickered softly.
What he would have paid to be able to witness that first hand. But the visual the statement brought up was nearly as good as the real thing. Maes chuckled. "Poor mutt."
Gracia managed to work her way through the bleach, barely gagging at all this time around, to make the tea. She found some honey and sugar cubes in the pantry and hoped that they wanted cream as well since she placed all the gatherings onto a tray she'd found underneath the sink. When the water was boiled she poured it into the serving pot, gathered the cups and went back into the living room.
"I'd have to agree. I'd be scared to even consider what she'd do to potty train any offspring she has if she's that harsh on a puppy." He shook his head, then settled, making a soft hum in the back of his throat. He'd calmed almost back to where he'd been before Gracia showed up.
"Here we are gentlemen. I brought out sugar, honey, and cream. I know how Maes takes his tea but I'm unsure of your preferences Roy. You don't come over nearly enough." She sat the tray on the coffee table then quickly grabbed up the empty bowls and glasses from earlier. She hated going back into the kitchen but she was only there a moment before retaking her seat in the chair. She sat at the edge of the cushion and prepared three cups, waiting for what Roy would like.
Roy blinked at her a couple times, more or less still tucked against Maes. "Sugar and honey." He made no move to free himself from the cocoon, nor to free a hand so that he'd be able to get the cup in a moment.
She gave him a pleased smile and proceeded to mix in the honey, then the sugar atop it. It was almost like her cup except she preferred three teaspoons of cream as well. She set the steaming cups on the table in front of the two men then took up her own so she could lean back into the chair. She stared at them over the rim of her cup with a dreamy smile. They looked so cute together. Kind of like Elysia and Maes when they camped out on the couch in the den after a long day of work and play. How she wished for that camera.
Roy considered the cup seriously, and it was almost as though he were trying to think it to himself. He didn't very well want to actually go get it. After a moment, he turned his look on Maes, clearly expecting him to collect both cups.
"Oh you are hopeless Mustang. Utterly hopeless." Maes huffed with a quirk of his lips. Of course he went after the cup anyway... when the hell did he turn into the sop here? Oh well, so he was trained. Gracia had done it before and now Roy. What was next? "Drink your damn tea then."
Gracia snickered in her cup but didn't say anything. She thought this was perfect material to use later when she wanted to get something out of her husband that he wasn't readily willing to give up... like his knives in the bedroom for the night. Or maybe something a little less obvious. Useful information indeed.
Roy unraveled his fingers from Maes' shirt and cupped the glass in his hands, giving his friend this half smirk, half smile. Then he sipped at his glass. "You like me hopeless, admit it. You wouldn't know what to do if I was actually not lazy."
"Die of shock probably. The day Roy Mustang is productive is the day I'll keel over." Maes declared and reached for his own cup, mindful not to upset Roy or his cup. "Actually, I think maybe you should shock poor Hawkeye one of these days. I'd like to see her flustered, just once."
"Well if you're going to keel over, then I can't do it, can I?" He shook his head a little, tisking softly as he sipped his cup, peering into the dark liquid. "And that simply wouldn't do at all, I like you around, thank you very much."
"How about if I promise not to actually die? Just maybe faint or something. After, of course, I get to see the startled look on Riza's face. Poor woman is too stern." He sat back taking a sip of his own tea. Rich and full of cream, just perfect. He sent his wife a warm smile and took another pull of the slightly chilled liquid. Another reason he loved cream in his tea, it made the tea just right for sipping.
And that would be the reason that Roy wouldn't put cream in his tea. It brought the liquid down from scalding, and that was simply unacceptable to him. Even if it tasted better that way. "She'd be worse if she knew I could handle it. She doesn't know I actually get the paperwork done within two hours usually... I just don't organize it."
"Organization was never your cup of tea. If you'll pardon the phrase." Maes shot him a cheesy grin as he waggled his eyebrows. He was hoping to keep the comfortable atmosphere for as long as possible. If he could get Roy to actually accept his wife into his safety net, then them taking care of him wouldn't be so stressful later when Gracia would have to start patching him up again.
Roy snickered. "It can be... if I cared. I know where every book in this building is, thank you." Yes... and it really didn't look like much either, more or less a glorified mess.
Gracia hid her quiet laughter behind her hand. It was the same for all men everywhere, except for those rare cases. Organization was never a strong suit in any of the ones she knew. Maes especially. He had his own filing system and it baffled her how he could wade through the shear volume of junk. Men... of course she knew quite a few women that weren't exactly great in that field either. She would often find many of them in the military too... which was hilarious.
Roy leaned closer to Maes, tilting his head so he could talk in his ear softly. "I do believe she's laughing at me. Possibly you as well. After all, you and I have the same method of organization last I checked." A little smirk crossed his face.
Maes glanced over at his wife and noted that she was indeed laughing, albeit quietly and trying valiantly not to let them see her. He didn't see what was so funny now that he was the one being laughed at. He felt kind of indignant and wanted his revenge, or at least to make her stop laughing at them. Well, him. Okay so maybe he was being childish, but who likes being laughed at bar a comedian? He gave his friend a conspiratorial smirk. "Seems that isn't fair. Think we should remind her about the maid outfit? Would get her to be quiet." He was going to pay dearly for this when he got home.
Roy finished the last of his tea, then laughed quietly and shook his head, resting his cheek against his shoulder. "No, no, best to just let her now that we know that she is laughing at us. No need to remind her of any of that." He made sure she could hear him this time.
"Remind me of what exactly gentlemen?" She asked narrowing her eyes. "And at least I tried to be discreet about it. But surely you can't expect me to keep a straight face when you both talk of organization. Neither of you have it or are extremely inept in the art."
“There is more than one form of organization." He huffed, nuzzling into Maes as he somehow got the man to take the cup so he could slide his hands back down to the sides of his shirt, where he moved a bit until the cloth was sufficiently caught around his fingers.
"Yes, but organization itself has to be represented in a more organized manner. Not that deathtrap you two call your filing systems. It's amazing you can find anything. I came by Maes office a few years ago and thought I was in the mailroom. There were papers and books everywhere and his desk was swamped with files. It was quite a sight actually." She laughed. "More tea anyone? I could use a refill."
Maes grumbled about two cups and one very lazy best friend but shook his head. "No thank you love. One cup is good for me... if I could ever finish it."
Roy shook his head a little, somehow ruffling the blankets up higher around his shoulders without using his hands, though Maes could feel him squirming lower under them, considering the man was also plastered to him.
"Hopeless I tell you!" It was a joking declaration. Maes wasn't complaining about the level of comfort the whole scene had created for him. Whether it was the same for everyone else he didn't know. He hoped so because he enjoyed it. Probably because it just showed that Roy would be Roy no matter what happened to the man. Nothing, it seemed, was going to keep his spirits down for long. It was just going to take a while for them to be fully restored.
"You two remind me of my sister's little boys. Inseparable I swear." Gracia commented after drinking down the last of her tea.
For some reason Gracia's comment sent Roy off into laughter. He hid his face against Maes' neck and just helplessly snickered it out. He was a complete pervert, but the earlier conversation had made him wonder just how many ways that could be taken and even with the recent... mess, he was ignoring thoughts about that at the moment, so it was okay.
Maes held onto Roy but squeezed his shoulders. He gave the man an arched eyebrow in question and waited. What was so funny? Gracia's little nephews were practically inseparable and did kind of remind him of Roy and his relationship. They'd been friends for how many years now and were still going strong in the buddy department? Through thick and thin you'd always find them together. For a moment he wondered if it would always be like that... and sent out a silent plea for it to be that way.
He shook his head a little, still snickering softly as he took a couple breaths, feeling his lips twitch. Why did he think of that? Why? That would be like thinking of the Elrics that way... Which immediately set him off again just as he calmed down.
"Alright... share the joke or I'm throwing a pillow at your head Roy." Surprisingly it was Gracia that said this. She was giggling lightly already for having watched the man crack himself up. It was a funny sight really. And add in that he was currently practically in her husband's lap using him as a human pillow... well it was quite a sight. But she wanted to know what was so funny because the curiosity was killing her.
"I'd like to know too you know. No fair keeping the good stuff to yourself."
He shook his head quickly, managing to compose himself. Must not think dirty thoughts. Especially not that kind. He hummed a little, a small grin on his face. "It wouldn't be funny if I explained."
"Insufferable brat, that is what you are Mustang." Gracia pouted but let it at that. She got her chuckle in watching him so she could let the joke pass. Maybe he'd tell her husband and she could sweet talk it out of him later. For now she contented herself with another steaming cup of tea.
"You can say that again. Now it's going to be bothering me all day."
Roy huffed and looked to Maes, lips still twitching. "Okay, okay. The earlier conversation we had somehow ended up in there in my head and the Elrics somehow entered into that mess." He looked at him, seeing how long it would take him to work out the cryptic clues.
"The Elrics... and what about our conversation. What do the Elrics have to do with... oh." Maes was a bit ruffled around the edges when he didn't get something right away but the confused expression soon turned to surprise then abject embarrassment to finally settle into humor. "OH! Oh. That's bad Roy. Very, very bad. Funny as sin, but bad." He snickered and shook his head. Definitely not something his wife should have running about in that pretty little head of hers. She might get ideas. He sent her a cheeky grin.
"You. Will. Pay." Was mouthed over her cup.
"Thus why I was set off when she mentioned her nephews." He nodded a little bit and settled down, feeling better than he had all day. A little perversity was simply the perfect uplift to his mood.
Maes couldn't help but shudder at the implications of that statement from his wife. This would not end well for him... or it might. According how he played his cards when they were alone this could go one of two ways. In order to appease her and not say anything about what Roy was thinking he could A) Deny everything and probably end up on the couch for a week. Or B) Offer her something far better to think about and suffer being her good little slave for a few days. He liked the second option far better than the first. He stretched his legs out slightly and sank further into the cushions. "Well... now I'm going to be forced to wash my mind out before I see those two again." He nudged Roy's side. "I blame you of course."
"How do you think I feel? I almost got the thought out of my mind before that. And you know what my next immediate thought was, that wouldn't leave me to stop laughing? How?" He shook his head, tucking his face under Maes' chin with a bemused sigh. "I feel better."
"ARG!!" Came the muffled cry before Maes hand shot to his eyes, scrubbing wildly. "Stop. The. Images." The immediate thought was of Gracia's two fourteen year old nephews and it was not pleasant. They were cute and all but for the love of all that was right in the world they were family. The next set to assault him were of the Elric brothers. Now that was both funny and mind boggling. Edward was like a son to him but Maes still thought he made a nice image to look at. He'd probably burn in hell for just thinking that but he never thought of the boy as anything more than a son, so no harm no foul he supposed, though he was aware it was twisted logic.
Roy snickered softly. "Now you understand!" A wicked grin was easily felt against Maes' throat. "I'm sure I could easily scar your brain if we continued on this topic, but that wouldn't exactly be nice would it?" He snickered softly. "And you wondered why I cracked up."
"I'm already scarred. Believe me, I am."
"I think I am now rather glad I do not know what you two find so funny. Not sure I would like to have the same reaction as my husband. Besides, I prefer an un-scarred brain thank you." Gracia commented after watching the little scene with her husband. She found guilty humor in that and thought it made up for the inside joke those two shared.
"Lucky woman... My mind hates me. Giving me a visual like that... Though..." He snickered a little and shook his head, closing his eyes. "No, I'll just stop there. Just, yes. Distract me now please."
"Well there's your problem. Not enough distractions around the place to do the job effectively Roy dear." Came the sing-song retort. Oh yes, now she was having fun at his expense. Something she could get used to so long as they didn't laugh about her again... which she just knew was the case earlier.
"I'd get a book, but that would require moving, and I'm warm right now." Roy huffed, flipping the blankets so she couldn't see him at all but for the blanket covered, Roy-shaped lump that he was in Maes' lap.
She snickered at the pair, getting up to take the dishes to the kitchen. "Has anyone ever compared you to a house cat Roy?" The words were tossed over her shoulder when she was partly to the kitchen.
Maes was barely containing his laughter. Roy was being such a brat it was cute. This was, by far, better than the despondent suffering man from earlier that morning. Gracia might not have helped the situation as much as he hoped but at least they were all getting along just fine. So far so good in his books. He was comfortable, a bit too warm, and suffering because he was the pillow damn it. He sighed dramatically and bopped Roy's nose lightly. "You need a hobby."
"I have a hobby, it involves seeing how complicated I can make dinner without actually needing to use the stove. As I've been fed, this is moot, and I'd much prefer to stay where I am." He looked like he was seriously considering biting the offending finger.
"You need a hobby that doesn't involve annoying your friends then." Maes smirked and bopped the nose again. If Roy could annoy him then he had the right to annoy right back. "Besides you don't eat dinner anyway. You're still to thin."
"I do so..." He continued to eye the finger. Next time he did that he'd actually try for it. "At least five times a week even." He rolled his hands a little in a vague pawing motion. "And I'm not like a cat."
Maes burst out in laughter. "You're kidding me right?! You're pawing Mustang, pawing for cripes sake." He titled his head upwards and called out, "Gracia? Do you have any string in your purse? I think I found Roy a hobby!" He couldn't let this pass by. It was beyond hilarious and was so going to get used later for blackmail. And if not blackmail, then annoyance value would just have to work.
Roy looked incredibly insulted, and he tugged Maes' shirt flat with a little affronted look. Then he moved a hand up and clapped it over Maes' mouth. "Would you stop? I was not doing any such thing. Besides... I don't really care for string."
His eyes shone in mirth and told the alchemist that he clearly didn't believe him, and that he would argue the point as soon as he had his mouth free. Of course, he could get his mouth free by prying the hand away... but licking it was more fun. So he did, one good long lick followed by a chuckle.
He pulled his hand back and gave Maes the ultimate affronted look. "You licked me!" As though he'd never done it before... yeah right. This was how Roy knew to keep his mitts to himself.
Maes stuck his tongue out with a mock-disgusted look. "Annn I shhhoulen’t haavve." He drew his tongue back in and shook his head. "Tastes like soap I swear! BLAG. But did get your hand off didn't it? No force needed. I am a genius."
Roy did the most childish thing in reply. He bit the finger that was still hovering in the air before tucking his face firmly out of poking range. They'd make with the bandages soon, he was sure of it.
"Aeeeee! Hey!! You bit me!" The man growled waving his finger around after the bite. Never did any good to wave it around, but come on, that's what people did. The little brat bit him! All he did was lick the little bastard and Roy hauled off and bit him. Oh that called for retaliation. He didn't know when or even how but he would get him back.
"Children, play nice." Gracia chided from her position on the wall. She'd been leaning there watching the two almost immediately after she'd taken the things to the kitchen. They were big babies, the both of them. But she loved them the all the same... even when they did stupid things. "Otherwise I might need to put you in time out."
Roy nuzzled at Maes a little, making sure the other man could feel the smirk that was adorning his face. "Quit acting like I bit it off Maes." He curled his fingers back into his shirt subtly, a small insecurity that came out and made it obvious that he was a bit wary of upsetting him even in play.
"Play nice my arse, the boy bit me." He laughed toward his wife. "Plays dirty… and if you were feeling better I'd show Gracia exactly how I won our last argument." He referred to the one they had over one of the Elric's missions. He was angry that Roy kept sending the poor boys out into the worst possible areas the military had to offer and Roy was angry that he didn't see that he was keeping them away from the actively dangerous areas. It almost came to blows but Maes didn't want that to happen... so he did the most unexpected thing. He tickled the bastard. Worked too.
"I was caught off guard." He sighed and drooped a little. The exposed cuts were starting to sting too much to ignore. "I need to get bandaged up."
That effectively sapped the amusement right out of Maes. He returned to his worried state and gently moved Roy up on his chest so he could move the covers back and look at the injuries on the man's chest. "Are you okay?"
Gracia quickly moved back over to the couch to retrieve her ‘purse’. She rummaged in it until she found the topical pain reliever and some of the pain pills she thought would be strong enough for Roy.
"The stinging sensation from the finer cuts is getting a bit much for me to ignore." He sighed out a breath, calmly letting Maes examine him. "I don't think I've started bleeding anywhere, but I don't think it would be good to leave them either. They aren't nearly as bad feeling as when you got here though." And he was tipping back towards babble mode.
"Okay dunderhead, why didn't you tell me you were hurting earlier?! Gracia would have given you this stuff earlier." Maes sounded more worried now that a moment ago. He knew his friend was a bit achy from all the moving around but he didn't think it was too bad since Roy hadn't complained. He could pop him one for being so stubborn. If it wasn't one thing it was another with this guy and frankly Maes was having a hard time keeping up with them all. He gave his wife a thankful smile when he seen the topical spray. He turned Roy slightly to his side so his back was now against his chest.
"Let's get some of these before we start to bandage you up, alright?" The woman asked quietly, the concern clearly written in her warm eyes.
Roy nodded a little, tipping his head back against Maes' shoulder. "I didn’t say anything because I was feeling better. I don't like where I was very much... I don't like following those threads very much, and it's so terribly easy with that kind of web."
Gracia promptly tuned her friend out as she applied the medicine to the injuries along the chest. He wasn't talking to her anyway and she worked so much better if she could focus primarily on what she was doing. Her additions to their conversation were minor at best so she didn't feel at all miffed over being left out of them. Happened on a regular basis on those rare occasion when Roy would show up for dinner or a casual visit. Though, as she spread the mixture over a particularly bad area, she had to agree with what her husband said earlier. Roy was definitely too thin. He needed good square meals and plenty of rest if he was going to heal quickly.
Maes shifted himself more comfortably against the couch's arm so he could cradle Roy and help his wife if need be. Roy went still under the contact, dark eyes watching her move over one wound after another. He continued talking to Maes. "I mean, it's so terribly easy for me, and I just want to relate this or that, to another thing until it centers back... and I know I shouldn't do that."
"It's what you do... you might not want to do it but you do anyway. Basically could be said about most of what makes you, you. You do things you shouldn't because you do them." Maes paused a fraction of a second. "Does that make any sense?"
"Of course it makes sense. You basically said that because I think in circles you’d be shocked if I didn't think back to what I wasn't supposed to because my track circled me around even though what I picked shouldn't have taken me there."
"And since I can follow that statement with relative ease... I think it's official that we spend way too much time together. Not that I'm complaining. It's like we have our own little language that only we can understand. Useful, if not just a tad weird."
"Just a tad? We've been over this today already, you are outright bizarre, yet you fit in perfectly with the rest of the rather outlandish people I chose to spend most of my life around." He twitched as Gracia moved over a particularly long cut.
"Nice to know I belong somewhere then." He snickered into Roy's ear. His chin came to rest on the man's shoulder and though that was a bit uncomfortable, he was all right with that slight pain. He watched his wife work and wondered if she was ignoring them. She usually did.
"Though, you're the only one that understands me when I talk, on the first try, most of the time. I'm not sure if I should be worried or pleased about that fact." He paused for a long, long moment, and his thoughts took off in a direction he didn't like as he remembered something. "Maes?"
He tilted his head away from Roy's to look at him. "Yes?"
"I really want to talk to you about something after we're done taping me back together." He flexed his hands a little.
Maes was slightly puzzled but agreed readily. "Alright. Now the task of actually getting you taped back together. That's not going to be fun for any of us."
"And that's why I'm saving it for after." He let out a breath. "I'm going to have to lose my blankets, aren't I?"
Gracia had finished a few moments before and had moved away from the two. She needed to prepare for the heavier of the injuries so that meant dumping the contents of her purse onto Roy's dinning table. The application of all the medical creams wouldn't take long, but she needed to dose them all with the same pain killer she'd used on Roy's chest so that would tack on at least half and hour's worth of work. Then there was getting him to take the sleeping pills and some painkillers before she could deal with the major injury. He probably wasn't going to like that one bit, but she saw it as her only course of action. He'd probably hate her when he woke up for lying to him about the little blue and red capsules she held in her hand. She didn't really see a problem with that if it would keep from causing him more pain... though it'd probably kill her heart.
Maes nodded on Roy's shoulder. "Afraid so... and the boxers. She'll have to patch everything up."
He shivered with that, then let out a deep breath. "Right... Well, this is going to not be any fun at all. At least I managed to calm a bit... I don't think another person other than your Gracia would have managed to not get me to overreact again."
"Let's just say it was a long process to this point. Remember you almost toasted her earlier. Not that she's said anything, but I can imagine what she was thinking when she fled the bathroom. But it is nice to see that you're more comfortable with her now." Maes was watching his wife with a slightly curious look. She seemed to be debating with herself over some matter. Could be something to do with whatever was in her hand. He wasn't exactly sure, nor concerned, really. His wife knew what she was doing and he would trust her to make the best decision.
"Yes, I did notice that Maes. In fact, I'm sure I nearly had a breakdown just because of that." He grimaced a little, then started to tug at his blankets a bit. "Worse than anything else, that."
Maes gave the man a gentle squeeze, pressing him against his chest. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I was a bit upset but I'm over it. You've done your level best to work through this and I'm not only proud, but impressed. Don't let me be an idiot and ruin your good mood."
The decision wasn't easy to reach but in the end Gracia knew it was the only way to get them all through this. She would put Roy to sleep and have Maes help her with the difficult areas while he slept. If she was lucky, Roy would remain asleep until long after she left to restock. Then he couldn't glare at her with mistrustful eyes and she wouldn't have to break down. Maes would understand and she knew Roy would eventually, that didn't mean she had to forgive herself.
He leaned into the contact, sighing out a breath. "I know, but it's still true. I mean, at this point having control of myself is more reassuring than anything, and that rather shook it. Unfortunately, I can't live in a huddle of blankets, so it seems that I'll have to learn to live with just control."
Gracia plastered a cheerful smile on her face and turned back to the pair on the couch. She was careful not to think about what she was doing because if she did her resolve would crumble. If that happened then Roy wouldn't get the sleeping pills, he'd be in far more pain than he had to be, everyone would get frustrated and worn out, and it would more than likely take twice as long. She didn't think she'd be able to work quite as effectively hearing Roy's muffed cries of pain.
"You should take these straight away, Roy. They'll help dull most of the pain and make it easier on both of us during this process. I don't want you in anymore than is necessary." Gracia explained as her hand opened to reveal the five pristine pills. "You can take them with your tea or I can get you some water if you like."
Roy blinked at her, then shook his head. "No, I know you mean well, but it'll make it more obvious for me, not less. I won't be able to ignore it with the pills." He gave her a faint smile and a differing action.
NO! No no no no no. Roy was supposed to take the pills and she'd be able to work. He didn't understand how important this was, he needed to take the pills. If he didn't then... then she'd have to listen to him being hurt and worse yet he might transfer some of his distrust and anger towards her. This was not how it was supposed to happen. But she couldn't force him to take them. Damn it. "I un... understand. I just don't want you to have to experience all of the pain that this will likely bring. I'm not sure of the extent of your biggest injury and don't want you to be hurt when I have to examine then patch that area. I wish you would take them." She was going to try one last time. If it didn't work, well she’d have to work through it somehow.
Maes gave his wife an encouraging smile, thanking her for her thoughtfulness in this situation. He really wished Roy would take them as well. His friend had suffered enough and even if it wouldn't take all the pain away it would give him some sort of buffer against more to come. Sometimes he thought the alchemist was stubborn just to have something to do.
Roy shook his head firmly. "It's easier to ignore at these levels. Thank you though. I know you mean well... but I can't." He knew he was going to seriously unnerve Maes, but he would do better to just flat out pretend there was no pain, as he had in the bathroom. Besides, he really hated pills.
She hoped that neither caught the fleeting look of panic that had showed in her eyes. It wouldn't be good for Roy to see it especially. He wouldn't understand it unless she told him about the pills and she was not going to do that. Let him ask all he wanted but she was steadfast in that respect. Best not break the trust she had with him now... until it was necessary. They were going to have the worst time of this. "Alright Roy. I can't make you after all. But this will hurt a considerable deal." She quickly supplied trying to cover her worry. She pushed the pills into her pocket before her hands began to tremble. "Would you mind helping him into the bedroom love? We'll need the extra space."
"This will certainly be interesting... Maes, I'll tell you now that I don't mean to unnerve you." He turned a little to look at him lips curled into a slight half smile. Then he moved a bit, untangling the blankets so he'd be able to get to his feet.
"Don't worry about it Roy. We've been through too much for me to stay iffy with and around you. We'll both get over it and work through it. Besides, you always do things to unnerve me... never bothered me before."
"Still, I know how little you care for it when I do that, especially given how you've reacted to it in the past, and I don't want you getting overly upset about it." He shook his head, gesturing for Maes to help him get to his feet. It was almost amusing him that he was more or less reassuring Maes.
"Well, then and now are different. Sort of." He answered back as he pushed to his feet. He had to stretch a moment before turning to offer Roy his hands again. Seemed he was always doing that. Offering his best friend his hands... in some form or fashion he was always there for the younger man when he needed him the most. And he always would be. "Alright then... to the bedroom with you then."
He nodded, taking the offer and pulling himself to his feet, and he didn't waver anywhere nearly as he had been before. He couldn't help a relieved sigh. "I'd thought the dizziness was because I hadn't eaten, good to know I was right." He quirked his lips and leaned against Maes. "Get me to the other room then."
Maes chuckled light wrapping his arm around Roy's small waist. "As you command. But really, we're going to have to work on this arrangement. I feel like you're attached to my side. Hmm, do I actually mind that?"
"That is the question, isn't it? I see nothing wrong with the current organization at the moment, since that means I get to spend all my time with my favorite person, lovely, isn't it?" He smirked, amused as they started to walk, though he closed his eyes as they passed the kitchen, the action more or less becoming a reflex.
"Oh yeah, lovely. 'Cept I’m the one doing the carting around. I think once you get better you should have to be the lean-to once in awhile." The bedroom was slightly lighter than they'd left it earlier. The sun was shining at just the right angle in the sky to fill the interior with warmth and light. Didn't hurt that it was nice out either. Maes smiled, "Glad it's warm. Hate to have you complaining again."
Roy quirked his lips, clacking open his eyes as his smirk widened. "Since when did you like warmth? Finally seeing the error of your ways and coming over to the side of comfort?" He let himself be led in. "And you're too bulky to cart around."
"I should take that as a personal affront to my size." He chuckled. The bed was a little worse for wear since it looked a bit bare and bedraggled without it's covers adorning the mattress top. Eh, it was still comfortable. Maes helped Roy onto the surface then sat beside him, slinging his arm around the man's shoulders gently. "I'll have you know it's all muscle."
Roy smirked a little then. "I'll have you know that I don't care for you giving me bald-faced lies." He looked sideways, clearly amused. He sobered up quickly enough though, taking a deep breath as he considered his garments.
Maes glared at his friend from the corner of his eyes with a small huff. Alright, so maybe it wasn't all muscle but there was some there. He ran a hand over his tummy and considered that he might need to lay off a few home dinners for awhile. Gracia would probably smack him for being silly but he needed to loose a few pounds. She'd understand at some point. Another huff escaped his lips. "You should learn to just let me have my moments."
Second part