The Seed of the Fire-- Chapter 15: "Shattered Pieces" (Mustang x Hughes)
Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist
Title: Shattered Pieces (The Seed of the Fire- Chapter 15)
Author: SeaweedOtter
Pairing: Roy Mustang x Maes Hughes
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: AU, Set before the anime started, while Maes and Roy were roommates at the military academy.
Author Note: The story is going to start following a bit more of the manga, although it may have elements of both later.
Summary: Even in the darkest of times, sometimes there is a little tiny gleam of hope.
Read all of the chapters so far HERE!
Maes wished that he had brought more than just a couple of rather small books on the military history of Amestris by the end of the evening. He had already devoured both of them and was holding the first book in his hand again, contemplating how boring it would be to start to read it a second time when Roy broke him out of his thoughts.
"Hungry?" Maes sighed. All day Roy had been reduced to saying as little as he could to him, mostly one syllable sentences when he needed to ask Maes something.
"Not really." He answered. He was actually pretty hungry, considering he hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch, but he still wasn't sure if he would even be able to keep any food down, and he certainly didn't want a repeat of the night before. He put down the book and heaved himself out of the chair that he had settled in long before the sun had set hours ago. His joints creaked angrily at him, but he ignored them.
"Roy, look. We really need to start talking, about something. Anything. We leave the day after tomorrow, and I don't know how much I am going to see you once we get there."
"Well, you can always write her." Roy spat back. Immediately his face softened a little, and he bit his lip. As soon as the words had left his mouth he regretted saying it, but it was too late. The damage had already been done. "Maes, I am sorry. I didn't mean it like-"
"No, you are right. I deserved it." He flopped back into the chair, his legs becoming mostly useless. "I still don't know what I am going to do, Roy. I don't know if you even want me any more. I don't know if I will come back alive and get to see either of you again. I don't know.... anything."
Roy sat up from the couch that he had been draped over for a while. "I don't know either, Maes." He rubbed his had over his face. "I already told you not to write her and break it off, and I stand by that. But I just need a little time, that is all. I know we don't have much time right now, but something like this doesn't just go away."
"I know, Roy. I know. I just wish I hadn't fucked everything up and we could still be happy together. Now we are going into a war and who the hell knows what is going to happen?"
Roy bit his lip. He swallowed hard, keeping the snide comment that had almost fallen from his lips to himself. 'Well, you could have not talked to her'. But it didn't really make sense anyways. None of this made sense. Maes had already said that he had had no intention of falling for her, that it just happened. And Roy believed him. Even though he had.. almost.. cheated on him, (does a couple of little kisses mean cheating?) he still believed the man. He wasn't even sure why. After all this if Roy didn't believe him, there was probable cause. So then why did he feel almost.. sorry for Maes?
Roy blinked, then noticed that Maes had been staring at him the entire time. How long had he been lost in his thoughts? Well it didn't matter anyways. "What?" he asked, slightly annoyed.
"Nothing. Sorry." Maes said gloomily. He opened the first book again and started to read like the wind.
__________________________________________________________________________
Roy yawned loudly, waking Maes from the soft nap that he had taken on his book with a start. He sputtered and raised his head, the book following him for just a moment before it unstuck from his cheek and fell back into his lap.
"I am going to sleep here, Maes. You are more than welcome to the bed, but I would... rather not..." he trailed off.
Maes sighed and closed the book, putting it on the small coffee table. He stood up, his stiff muscles arguing for a brief moment before giving into his request for movement. "Okay, Roy. I.. I love you." Roy made a noncommittal grunt and rolled over so his back was facing outwards from the couch.
He took a blanket that had been folded up neatly on the back of one of the chairs and unfolded it, laying it softly on top of the man on the couch, who had his eyes closed. "Goodnight, Roy." he whispered, and headed quietly towards the bedroom, alone.
_________________________________________________________________________________
It had been a fitful sleep at best for Roy Mustang, for the second night in a row, and it was starting to take a toll on him, although at this point sleep was about the last thing he was thinking about. Even though his body ached for it, he hesitated going to the bathroom. It would take him past the bedroom, and past *him*.
He groaned and rubbed his eyes, standing up and stretching his arms. After trying to ignore it for a few minutes, he padded as quietly down the hallway as he could, hoping that the creaky old floorboards didn't give him away. Even with that, he found himself pausing at the door to the bedroom, which was surprisingly open. He peered in, thinning his eyes to try to see through the darkness.
The bed was empty. He could tell it had been slept in, or at least attempted to be slept in. The covers were thrown wildly about, like the occupant had been thrashing around, but it was quiet and still now. Roy tried to not care, but worry set in. What if Maes tried to do something stupid, like go out drinking.. or worse? His stomach sank, and he ran to the bathroom to vomit out an empty stomach.
A few minutes later he walked back out of the bathroom and searched the house, finding no one. When he walked into the kitchen, there was a hastily scribbled note on the counter. He picked it up, reading it out loud. "Roy- went out to get something. Will be back soon. Maes."
He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. If he hated Maes so damn much, why had he been worried when he wasn't here? And why had he felt so.. good when Roy knew that he was alright? He thought about the other night, when he had gone out to the bar and not come home. Was that how Maes had felt when he woke up and he wasn't there? Did he feel sick to his stomach? Did he search frantically for someone who wasn't there?
"God, I need a drink." He walked over to the cabinet and pulled out the scotch that he had started on the day before, this time taking the time to at least pour it into a glass- or attempt to with his shaking hands. He sat on the chair, the one that Maes had occupied yesterday. It was long since cold, devoid of his body heat, but his smell was still there. That particular brand of soap that the goofball loved so much, the aftershave that had a slightly fruity lingering scent to it. He closed his eyes and took in a few deep breaths.
"Maes."
___________________________________________________________________________
That was how Maes found him, his hand curled around an empty glass of scotch, his head lolling to the side. His eyes were shut in sleep, but he twitched and groaned. It was anything but a peaceful sleep. For a moment, he didn't want to wake the man. It was so rare that he saw Roy raw and unguarded. When he was asleep he was not the mighty Roy Mustang, flame alchemist, lady killer, loyal military dog. He was just his lover, Roy. A sad smile broke across Maes' face as he took the small bag with his purchase and put it in the bedroom.
He knew that Roy had slept more than himself the night before, although he was pretty sure it hadn't been a restful slumber. Maes had watched him for part of the night. He tossed and turned, thrashing off his blanket more than once. And every time, Maes would quietly sneak to the couch and drape it back over him, silently praying that he wouldn't wake the man. He never did.
Maes let him sleep for a little while longer, while he made a hasty breakfast of cereal with bananas and buttered toast, and using up the last of the fresh orange juice that was left in the icebox. Roy seemed to be more relaxed now. He wasn't moving around, and his face looked almost... peaceful. He really didn't want to do it, but he gently laid a hand on Roy's shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze. "Roy. I have breakfast."
As soon as Roy's eyes opened, the older man took his hand off of his shoulder and stood up, letting him wake up gradually.
"Hmm.. wha?" Roy asked, his voice thick with sleep.
"Breakfast. I have breakfast for us."
"Oh.. hmm.. okay.. jus' gimme m'second."
He had to smile. Roy had never really been much of a morning person, and it had always amused Maes in the past how cute he was when he was just trying to wake up. He had to wonder if he would ever get to see that again?
It wasn't long before Roy joined him in the kitchen, and they started to eat. Neither of them had eaten much the last couple of days, and the food didn't last long. The breakfast, as short as it was, was still quiet and awkward. Maes kept trying to figure out something that he could start a conversation with, but nothing came to his mind.
When it was done, Maes silently took their plates and started to wash them in the sink. Roy sat at the table, his fingernail digging softly into the wood. "Thank you." Roy said.
Maes stopped and turned around, a confused look etched onto his features. "For.. what?"
"Last night. It was cold, and I kept finding the blanket back on me."
"Oh." Maes scratched at a non existent itch on the back of his neck. "Okay. I.. didn't think you saw me. I didn't.. want to get too close. I wasn't sure you wanted me to."
"I... don't know." Roy admitted, rubbing his hand through his hair.
It was silent again for a while. Maes quickly finished up the plates and put them on a towel to dry. "Please, stay there, Roy. I want to go get something from the other room. I will be right back." Roy nodded. In only a moment he was back with a small box. He sat down at the table opposite from Roy and opened the small dark blue felt box, and pulled out a well worn, tarnished silver ring on a much newer looking chain.
He dangled it in the air for a moment. It twirled and glistened as it caught the light and the air patterns, showing off the intricate inlay designs and the small onyx black stone set at the top. "This was my grandfather's ring." Maes started. He gave it to my dad.. and... and before my dad died he gave it to me. He wanted me to pass it down. But I want to give it to you. It has always been a source of good luck for me. Hell, I had it in my pocket the night in the dorms rooms, when I admitted that I liked you. I guess I should have carried it with me more the last few months."
Roy looked at it, reaching out a hand to take it. Maes let it go, and it fell, the chain pooling in the palm of the young alchemist's hand. He grasped it with two fingers, turning it around and over, inspecting every millimeter of its surface. "Onyx stone. That is very rare." He observed. "It is silver, but someone didn't take good care of it. It is dirty and tarnished, but it could be cleaned."
His eyes thinned, and the worry lines came to his face when he started to study it more intensely than before. He brought it closer and strained to look at the inside of the band. "There is something written inside, but I cant read it. 'Amor vincit omnia'. What strange language is that?"
"My grandfather told me it was an ancient language from a land far away that has since faded only into memory. I don't remember what he called the language, but it translates into 'Love Conquers All'."
"Love conquers all, huh?" Roy took the ring and tried it on his ring finger, very surprised to see that it fit fairly well. It was a bit loose, but his joint kept it from falling off totally. He took it back off and held it aloft, letting it hang from the chain again. "It is a very nice ring, Maes. I don't want to take it away from your family."
"I know you probably hate me right now, but you are family, Roy. I don't want to see you mad, or hurt. I love you. I don't know how you feel, but I do. I can't just stop. I want you as a part of my life. The ring isn't leaving the family, as far as I am concerned."
Roy sighed, but didn't give the ring back. "I would be lying if I said I didn't still love you. But I can't just pretend that this didn't happen." Maes smiled slightly when Roy put the chain around his neck and dropped it. He heard the soft clink as the ring hit the metal of the dog tags that he was still wearing around his neck. There was an awkward silence for a moment before Roy re-started the conversation. "I guess you went out and got the chain this morning then?"
"Yeah. I had just been keeping it loose in my pocket. It is a miracle in itself that I never lost it. But this way, at least it is in better hands." Maes nudged Roy gently, making him rock to the side. He didn't miss the tiny smile that worked its way up one corner of Roy's mouth.
"You were always the more responsible one, Maes. I would go out with girls, drinking and procrastinating on studying, and you would always have your damn head in one book or another. If you were done with your studies you would read ahead, or read those massively boring books for fun. I never understood that." he sighed. "I guess.. maybe that is part of the reason why this whole thing shocked me so much. That it was so irresponsible, so unlike you."
Maes ruffled his already tussled hair and pushed his glasses back up his straightened nose. "I know. And I will do whatever it takes to earn your trust back, Roy. If it takes the rest of my life I will do it."
"Well, let's just get through today. We have less than 24 hours before we are shipped out. I don't know about you, but this place is depressing. I think I just want to take a walk. If you want to come with me, you can, though I'm not sure how talkative I will be."
"Sounds good. I know there is a little park near the barracks that I used to love to take my books and study under the trees. I'll show it to you." Roy nodded, and swept his hand forward, indicating for the older man to lead the way.
Maes smiled wider. Maybe things were getting just a little bit better.
_________________________________________________________________________________
The day moved fairly quickly. Things were still a bit awkward between the two, but for the most part they managed some polite and intelligent conversations, even getting into a heated debate about the future of the country.
"I still think Fuhrer Bradley is a good man. We are in a war, and he is doing the best he can to end it. That is why he is sending in you alchemist freaks."
Roy cringed slightly. He never really liked it when Maes called all alchemists freaks, even though he knew he did it mostly just because it got under Roy's skin. "I don't know. There is something I don't like about the man. I can't place it, but he just seems... off." He shrugged. "Ah, what do I care. I am just another 'freak alchemist', like you said."
They got back to the house late in the evening. They weren't even sure where the time had gone, but the sun was setting on their last day in Central, for who knew how long. Even though they knew it was their last meal, neither of them were very hungry, and a lack of sleep was catching up with them.
"I think I am going to turn in early." Roy said, stretching his arms. He looked at the couch, then looked back towards the bedroom. Maes followed his eyes and sighed.
"If you want the bed, I can take the couch tonight- "
"I do want the bed, but I don't think I want to sleep alone. I haven't forgiven you, but this is the last night we have, together, before we go. I.. just want to feel a little warmth. I am so cold."
"Okay." Maes nodded and headed towards the bedroom, taking off his button up shirt and pants, leaving his boxers and white sleeveless undershirt. Roy came in a few moments later and stripped down to only his own boxers, climbing into bed beside Maes.
As usual, Roy rolled to his side, and Maes spooned up behind him, draping an arm loosely over his torso. The older man bit his lip, holding himself back. Here was, finally close to his lover again, and he was too afraid to do anything. What did he want? Did he want anything? Softly he started to trace his index finger around the alchemist's chest.
"Maes, just sleep." Roy said with a mix of sleepiness and grumpiness. Maes groaned and stilled his hand, keeping it against Roy's chest. He closed his eyes and eventually fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Title: Shattered Pieces (The Seed of the Fire- Chapter 15)
Author: SeaweedOtter
Pairing: Roy Mustang x Maes Hughes
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: AU, Set before the anime started, while Maes and Roy were roommates at the military academy.
Author Note: The story is going to start following a bit more of the manga, although it may have elements of both later.
Summary: Even in the darkest of times, sometimes there is a little tiny gleam of hope.
Read all of the chapters so far HERE!
Maes wished that he had brought more than just a couple of rather small books on the military history of Amestris by the end of the evening. He had already devoured both of them and was holding the first book in his hand again, contemplating how boring it would be to start to read it a second time when Roy broke him out of his thoughts.
"Hungry?" Maes sighed. All day Roy had been reduced to saying as little as he could to him, mostly one syllable sentences when he needed to ask Maes something.
"Not really." He answered. He was actually pretty hungry, considering he hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch, but he still wasn't sure if he would even be able to keep any food down, and he certainly didn't want a repeat of the night before. He put down the book and heaved himself out of the chair that he had settled in long before the sun had set hours ago. His joints creaked angrily at him, but he ignored them.
"Roy, look. We really need to start talking, about something. Anything. We leave the day after tomorrow, and I don't know how much I am going to see you once we get there."
"Well, you can always write her." Roy spat back. Immediately his face softened a little, and he bit his lip. As soon as the words had left his mouth he regretted saying it, but it was too late. The damage had already been done. "Maes, I am sorry. I didn't mean it like-"
"No, you are right. I deserved it." He flopped back into the chair, his legs becoming mostly useless. "I still don't know what I am going to do, Roy. I don't know if you even want me any more. I don't know if I will come back alive and get to see either of you again. I don't know.... anything."
Roy sat up from the couch that he had been draped over for a while. "I don't know either, Maes." He rubbed his had over his face. "I already told you not to write her and break it off, and I stand by that. But I just need a little time, that is all. I know we don't have much time right now, but something like this doesn't just go away."
"I know, Roy. I know. I just wish I hadn't fucked everything up and we could still be happy together. Now we are going into a war and who the hell knows what is going to happen?"
Roy bit his lip. He swallowed hard, keeping the snide comment that had almost fallen from his lips to himself. 'Well, you could have not talked to her'. But it didn't really make sense anyways. None of this made sense. Maes had already said that he had had no intention of falling for her, that it just happened. And Roy believed him. Even though he had.. almost.. cheated on him, (does a couple of little kisses mean cheating?) he still believed the man. He wasn't even sure why. After all this if Roy didn't believe him, there was probable cause. So then why did he feel almost.. sorry for Maes?
Roy blinked, then noticed that Maes had been staring at him the entire time. How long had he been lost in his thoughts? Well it didn't matter anyways. "What?" he asked, slightly annoyed.
"Nothing. Sorry." Maes said gloomily. He opened the first book again and started to read like the wind.
__________________________________________________________________________
Roy yawned loudly, waking Maes from the soft nap that he had taken on his book with a start. He sputtered and raised his head, the book following him for just a moment before it unstuck from his cheek and fell back into his lap.
"I am going to sleep here, Maes. You are more than welcome to the bed, but I would... rather not..." he trailed off.
Maes sighed and closed the book, putting it on the small coffee table. He stood up, his stiff muscles arguing for a brief moment before giving into his request for movement. "Okay, Roy. I.. I love you." Roy made a noncommittal grunt and rolled over so his back was facing outwards from the couch.
He took a blanket that had been folded up neatly on the back of one of the chairs and unfolded it, laying it softly on top of the man on the couch, who had his eyes closed. "Goodnight, Roy." he whispered, and headed quietly towards the bedroom, alone.
_________________________________________________________________________________
It had been a fitful sleep at best for Roy Mustang, for the second night in a row, and it was starting to take a toll on him, although at this point sleep was about the last thing he was thinking about. Even though his body ached for it, he hesitated going to the bathroom. It would take him past the bedroom, and past *him*.
He groaned and rubbed his eyes, standing up and stretching his arms. After trying to ignore it for a few minutes, he padded as quietly down the hallway as he could, hoping that the creaky old floorboards didn't give him away. Even with that, he found himself pausing at the door to the bedroom, which was surprisingly open. He peered in, thinning his eyes to try to see through the darkness.
The bed was empty. He could tell it had been slept in, or at least attempted to be slept in. The covers were thrown wildly about, like the occupant had been thrashing around, but it was quiet and still now. Roy tried to not care, but worry set in. What if Maes tried to do something stupid, like go out drinking.. or worse? His stomach sank, and he ran to the bathroom to vomit out an empty stomach.
A few minutes later he walked back out of the bathroom and searched the house, finding no one. When he walked into the kitchen, there was a hastily scribbled note on the counter. He picked it up, reading it out loud. "Roy- went out to get something. Will be back soon. Maes."
He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. If he hated Maes so damn much, why had he been worried when he wasn't here? And why had he felt so.. good when Roy knew that he was alright? He thought about the other night, when he had gone out to the bar and not come home. Was that how Maes had felt when he woke up and he wasn't there? Did he feel sick to his stomach? Did he search frantically for someone who wasn't there?
"God, I need a drink." He walked over to the cabinet and pulled out the scotch that he had started on the day before, this time taking the time to at least pour it into a glass- or attempt to with his shaking hands. He sat on the chair, the one that Maes had occupied yesterday. It was long since cold, devoid of his body heat, but his smell was still there. That particular brand of soap that the goofball loved so much, the aftershave that had a slightly fruity lingering scent to it. He closed his eyes and took in a few deep breaths.
"Maes."
___________________________________________________________________________
That was how Maes found him, his hand curled around an empty glass of scotch, his head lolling to the side. His eyes were shut in sleep, but he twitched and groaned. It was anything but a peaceful sleep. For a moment, he didn't want to wake the man. It was so rare that he saw Roy raw and unguarded. When he was asleep he was not the mighty Roy Mustang, flame alchemist, lady killer, loyal military dog. He was just his lover, Roy. A sad smile broke across Maes' face as he took the small bag with his purchase and put it in the bedroom.
He knew that Roy had slept more than himself the night before, although he was pretty sure it hadn't been a restful slumber. Maes had watched him for part of the night. He tossed and turned, thrashing off his blanket more than once. And every time, Maes would quietly sneak to the couch and drape it back over him, silently praying that he wouldn't wake the man. He never did.
Maes let him sleep for a little while longer, while he made a hasty breakfast of cereal with bananas and buttered toast, and using up the last of the fresh orange juice that was left in the icebox. Roy seemed to be more relaxed now. He wasn't moving around, and his face looked almost... peaceful. He really didn't want to do it, but he gently laid a hand on Roy's shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze. "Roy. I have breakfast."
As soon as Roy's eyes opened, the older man took his hand off of his shoulder and stood up, letting him wake up gradually.
"Hmm.. wha?" Roy asked, his voice thick with sleep.
"Breakfast. I have breakfast for us."
"Oh.. hmm.. okay.. jus' gimme m'second."
He had to smile. Roy had never really been much of a morning person, and it had always amused Maes in the past how cute he was when he was just trying to wake up. He had to wonder if he would ever get to see that again?
It wasn't long before Roy joined him in the kitchen, and they started to eat. Neither of them had eaten much the last couple of days, and the food didn't last long. The breakfast, as short as it was, was still quiet and awkward. Maes kept trying to figure out something that he could start a conversation with, but nothing came to his mind.
When it was done, Maes silently took their plates and started to wash them in the sink. Roy sat at the table, his fingernail digging softly into the wood. "Thank you." Roy said.
Maes stopped and turned around, a confused look etched onto his features. "For.. what?"
"Last night. It was cold, and I kept finding the blanket back on me."
"Oh." Maes scratched at a non existent itch on the back of his neck. "Okay. I.. didn't think you saw me. I didn't.. want to get too close. I wasn't sure you wanted me to."
"I... don't know." Roy admitted, rubbing his hand through his hair.
It was silent again for a while. Maes quickly finished up the plates and put them on a towel to dry. "Please, stay there, Roy. I want to go get something from the other room. I will be right back." Roy nodded. In only a moment he was back with a small box. He sat down at the table opposite from Roy and opened the small dark blue felt box, and pulled out a well worn, tarnished silver ring on a much newer looking chain.
He dangled it in the air for a moment. It twirled and glistened as it caught the light and the air patterns, showing off the intricate inlay designs and the small onyx black stone set at the top. "This was my grandfather's ring." Maes started. He gave it to my dad.. and... and before my dad died he gave it to me. He wanted me to pass it down. But I want to give it to you. It has always been a source of good luck for me. Hell, I had it in my pocket the night in the dorms rooms, when I admitted that I liked you. I guess I should have carried it with me more the last few months."
Roy looked at it, reaching out a hand to take it. Maes let it go, and it fell, the chain pooling in the palm of the young alchemist's hand. He grasped it with two fingers, turning it around and over, inspecting every millimeter of its surface. "Onyx stone. That is very rare." He observed. "It is silver, but someone didn't take good care of it. It is dirty and tarnished, but it could be cleaned."
His eyes thinned, and the worry lines came to his face when he started to study it more intensely than before. He brought it closer and strained to look at the inside of the band. "There is something written inside, but I cant read it. 'Amor vincit omnia'. What strange language is that?"
"My grandfather told me it was an ancient language from a land far away that has since faded only into memory. I don't remember what he called the language, but it translates into 'Love Conquers All'."
"Love conquers all, huh?" Roy took the ring and tried it on his ring finger, very surprised to see that it fit fairly well. It was a bit loose, but his joint kept it from falling off totally. He took it back off and held it aloft, letting it hang from the chain again. "It is a very nice ring, Maes. I don't want to take it away from your family."
"I know you probably hate me right now, but you are family, Roy. I don't want to see you mad, or hurt. I love you. I don't know how you feel, but I do. I can't just stop. I want you as a part of my life. The ring isn't leaving the family, as far as I am concerned."
Roy sighed, but didn't give the ring back. "I would be lying if I said I didn't still love you. But I can't just pretend that this didn't happen." Maes smiled slightly when Roy put the chain around his neck and dropped it. He heard the soft clink as the ring hit the metal of the dog tags that he was still wearing around his neck. There was an awkward silence for a moment before Roy re-started the conversation. "I guess you went out and got the chain this morning then?"
"Yeah. I had just been keeping it loose in my pocket. It is a miracle in itself that I never lost it. But this way, at least it is in better hands." Maes nudged Roy gently, making him rock to the side. He didn't miss the tiny smile that worked its way up one corner of Roy's mouth.
"You were always the more responsible one, Maes. I would go out with girls, drinking and procrastinating on studying, and you would always have your damn head in one book or another. If you were done with your studies you would read ahead, or read those massively boring books for fun. I never understood that." he sighed. "I guess.. maybe that is part of the reason why this whole thing shocked me so much. That it was so irresponsible, so unlike you."
Maes ruffled his already tussled hair and pushed his glasses back up his straightened nose. "I know. And I will do whatever it takes to earn your trust back, Roy. If it takes the rest of my life I will do it."
"Well, let's just get through today. We have less than 24 hours before we are shipped out. I don't know about you, but this place is depressing. I think I just want to take a walk. If you want to come with me, you can, though I'm not sure how talkative I will be."
"Sounds good. I know there is a little park near the barracks that I used to love to take my books and study under the trees. I'll show it to you." Roy nodded, and swept his hand forward, indicating for the older man to lead the way.
Maes smiled wider. Maybe things were getting just a little bit better.
_________________________________________________________________________________
The day moved fairly quickly. Things were still a bit awkward between the two, but for the most part they managed some polite and intelligent conversations, even getting into a heated debate about the future of the country.
"I still think Fuhrer Bradley is a good man. We are in a war, and he is doing the best he can to end it. That is why he is sending in you alchemist freaks."
Roy cringed slightly. He never really liked it when Maes called all alchemists freaks, even though he knew he did it mostly just because it got under Roy's skin. "I don't know. There is something I don't like about the man. I can't place it, but he just seems... off." He shrugged. "Ah, what do I care. I am just another 'freak alchemist', like you said."
They got back to the house late in the evening. They weren't even sure where the time had gone, but the sun was setting on their last day in Central, for who knew how long. Even though they knew it was their last meal, neither of them were very hungry, and a lack of sleep was catching up with them.
"I think I am going to turn in early." Roy said, stretching his arms. He looked at the couch, then looked back towards the bedroom. Maes followed his eyes and sighed.
"If you want the bed, I can take the couch tonight- "
"I do want the bed, but I don't think I want to sleep alone. I haven't forgiven you, but this is the last night we have, together, before we go. I.. just want to feel a little warmth. I am so cold."
"Okay." Maes nodded and headed towards the bedroom, taking off his button up shirt and pants, leaving his boxers and white sleeveless undershirt. Roy came in a few moments later and stripped down to only his own boxers, climbing into bed beside Maes.
As usual, Roy rolled to his side, and Maes spooned up behind him, draping an arm loosely over his torso. The older man bit his lip, holding himself back. Here was, finally close to his lover again, and he was too afraid to do anything. What did he want? Did he want anything? Softly he started to trace his index finger around the alchemist's chest.
"Maes, just sleep." Roy said with a mix of sleepiness and grumpiness. Maes groaned and stilled his hand, keeping it against Roy's chest. He closed his eyes and eventually fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.