Pawns Chapter 36

Jul 31, 2005 14:29

Beta'd by circe67 This is it. The end. All done. Pau. Finito.


FOUR YEARS

Al touched the pages. He could see the words, he could even read the words, but he couldn't quite wrap his mind around them.

"There has to be a loophole," he said. He looked up at Lt. Colonal Avery Dunn.

The older man looked sympathetic, but shook his head. "If you were let out of your contract, there would be THOUSANDS of recruits wanting to be let out of theirs."

"Four years?" said Al, feeling the words in his mouth. "I signed on for FOUR YEARS?"

"That's your signature. I even recall you doing it."

"Four years," muttered Al. "I was under DURESS when I signed this!" He stood and slapped the contract against Avery's desk. "That is… that's… That's UNFAIR. It shouldn't count."

Avery smiled sadly. "Well, yes. But when has the Military ever been fair?" Avery sighed. "I did get a note from the Fuhrer about your case though. You must have impressed him on his visit."

Al felt his heart pound with sudden hope. Yes. Roy. Roy will get me out of this. "What does it say?"

"Hmmmm," He pulled the letter from the rather large file (I should find out what's in that file some time, is there really that much to know about me?) and then passed it over to Al. "It's says that the National Alchemist Exam are coming up in 3 weeks, and that you really should consider signing up for it."

Al snatched the note. "Apparently, the Fuhrer thinks you are a shoo in for passing," said Dunn.

As it is in the best interests of the State that Specialist Elric passes the exam, he is to be given the time and resources to create a practical demonstration of his skills.

"Not exactly vacation," said Dunn. "But close enough, considering we are at war. Good luck on the practicum. I don't suppose you can just hand in what you've been doing at the lab."

Offer up to the military the slavery array as my practicum? Al couldn't help but laugh. "No. That wouldn't work."

Dunn shrugged. "Well, then I suggest you start hitting the library and studying up."

APPEASEMENT

"He owes me," said Al. "I don't see how he can say no."

Ed felt Al's pain. He'd felt the same thing when he'd discovered his retirement was retroactively denied. But if anything, Al had even less reason to think that the Military was just going to let him go. They were in the middle of a war and Al had volunteered as regular military, not as a civilian adjunct.

But, there really wasn't much to do about it. "He said no to me too, and I'm sleeping with him. I don't see how you think you can do me better."

Al put a hand to his face. Ed laughed. It still made Al a bit twitchy when he mentioned his relationship with Roy, but Al was getting used to it.

"Listen, I risked my butt for him. I arrayed people for him. I sold my soul and self-respect to get him out of prison. I deserve SOMETHING in return."

Ed heard a bustling from the bathroom and Roy emerged, patting his hands on his slacks. "What exactly do you think I can do, Al?" He raised an eyebrow. "I can't array people anymore. It will look very suspicious if I order the Fuhrer to do something so uncharacteristic. So," he shrugged his shoulders and raised his hands, "How can I make it up to you."

Al opened his mouth and shut it.

"Unless," said Roy, "That is you ARE willing to use the array again. If that's the case…"

Al raised his hand. "NO!" said Al. "That's ok."

Roy nodded.

"I think both of you need to rethink your situation a bit. Ed, what in the world were you wandering around the countryside for when you got called back up. Surely raising rabbits wasn't your ultimate goal?"

Ed automatically closed his automail fist. "We were going to… never mind, it's not important."

But Roy seemed to already know the answer. "Get your arm and leg back. Or at least an arm and leg, if not the originals. Medical Alchemy. I can see that as a military worthy project for the two of you. I believe you would probably need to be stationed near a good sized hospital for convenience. A hospital that, I imagine, would have an automail clinic attached. I can see that happening -- if, that is, you can pass that exam."

Al began to perk up. Roy continued, "And as State Alchemist, you would of course be able to get a stipend for an apartment. I imagine Winry would like that."

"Yeah we both would."

Roy sat down on the couch next to Ed and wrapped an arm over his shoulders. "Would that make you happy?"

Al was grinning. "I can live with that. Oh, my fiancé says you owe her a coat."

"I haven't forgotten," said Roy.

"Going to tell Winry," said Al, grabbing his jacket. "I think she'll be happy, too." Ed watched Al leave, smiling. Roy really did have a talent for getting his way, didn't he.

"Well, I guess you got us both in your camp now," said Ed. "That was pretty clever."

Roy smirked.

Ed mused over the plan. Even though Roy had directed it at Al, it was as much a promise and an appeasement for him. His heart hammered at the thought: perhaps there was no need to split up the team after all. Perhaps, with some time, this rift that had grown up between Al and himself could be healed, and the camaraderie and closeness that had made up most of their lives could be recaptured.

Continuing to work at the 5th Lab wouldn't be that hard. He was used to it already. Ed would miss the excitement of going to new places and getting into trouble, but now that he was attached to someone, the idea of settling down wasn't that bad. Besides, there was no way Al would be joining him on long missions anymore. Marriage plans required him to stay home.

Maybe he didn't have to choose between Al and Roy after all. Yes. If Roy could arrange that, it would more than make up for not being let out of his contract. It would indeed.

Ed snuggled into Roy's arms. He could have it all, Living in an apartment rather than a jail cell, working with his brother on a project to get back his limbs. Winry's company. Roy. It was almost too good to be true.

There had to be a catch somewhere.

Ed felt Roy's arms tighten around him, and then he was released. "I got a letter today. I was expecting it. I thought I'd share it with you."

He reached into his pocket and pulled it out. Ed took it from his fingers and unfolded it.

"They found you not guilty," said Ed. "They expunged your record and have returned you to the rank of Brigadier General, hey you WERE promoted. And…" Ed's mouth went dry. His heart skipped a beat. "So they want you on the Advisory board for War Affairs."

"The panel meets in Dunsk." Ed felt his body tighten up. "How far away is that?"

"About a day's travel North West of Central."

"How long will that board be meeting?"

"I imagine until the war is over, and perhaps during the reconstruction."

Ed's heart sank. "Ah. I suppose you'd have to live there wouldn't you."

"Yes. I will." Roy stroked Ed's hair. "It would be a really hard commute from here."

"I guess."

Of course it was too good to be true. But at least, as a way of parting, it wasn't as painful as it could be. It was nice of Roy to see that he'd be with Al, and the work would probably keep him too busy to think about romance anyway. Really, he'd rather suspected this would happen at some point anyway. The job was a good way to save face for both of them. There would be no need to talk about it; no risk of a scene that would leave a lingering bad taste. They could pretend a while that they could hold a long distance relationship, then let it die a quiet, natural death.

Then Roy would go back to what he truly wanted. And Ed? Well, there was a chance he'd find someone else, too. Ed could accept that. He really could. But, he didn't feel much like cuddling anymore -- it just felt too false.

Ed pulled himself free of Roy, only to find his lover's hands drawing him firmly back.

Roy suddenly seemed to catch Ed's thoughts. "Oh, for heaven's sake, man, there is more than one lab out there, and large hospitals are fairly common. You didn't think I'd leave you here, did you?"

Ed didn't move. All his presumptions fell apart.

Roy laughed. "There's a hospital and a Lab in Dunsk. I would hardly offer Al that proposition if I didn't know a way it could work out for the two of us."

He pulled Ed into a kiss and then whispered in his ear "You can't get rid of me that easy."

Ed melted, but a piece of his heart still waited for the axe to fall.

ACCEPTENCE

Well, thought Winry, this sure wasn't Rush Valley. The house wasn't terra cotta, and it had no archways, nor a yard, nor a pool -- in fact strictly speaking, it was a one bedroom apartment in a four story walk up. But the curtains WERE blue, just like her eyes, and the view onto the park was worth the extra money they paid for it.

Winry liked to sit in the window, afternoons after her shift at the hospital, and watch the sun go down over her new home town. The dogwoods were in full bloom, and above that were the tops of charming old style buildings, dating back a century or more.

While Dunsk was neither a sleepy quiet burg like Rizembul, nor was it a bustling center of action like Rush Valley, it did have a certain charm. It had history and an intellectual flare that she really could get used to fast. She could like it here… which was good, because it looked like this is where they would stay for the foreseeable future.

So long as Ed lived here, Al would be here, too. And as long as Al was by her side, she was content. She didn't need to compete for Al's affections. He had enough love for both of them.

"After dinner, do you want to take a walk in the park?" she asked.

"Sure, "said Al. She looked over to see him lying on the couch, idly teasing the kitten with his alchemist's pocket watch.

She noticed the letter next to his other hand. "Who was that from?"

Al put down the watch and sat up. He looked down at the letter. "Midnight. I don't know if I should answer it or not. He was just writing to say 'hi.'"

"What's up with him?"

"He's in Xing right now, as some sort of alchemical exchange thing. He's sharing our alchemical tricks with them in return for learning their alchemical medicine. It's going well. He spends half the time teaching, half the time learning. He says he has a student that reminds him of Ed. I'm not sure if that's good or not."

Winry considered. "The array is off of him. You might as well write back. Maybe that Xing Medicine will be useful to you."

Al stood up joined her on the window seat. His arms were warm around her, but embrace was a bit jerky. "I'm afraid I might hurt him," said Al. "I've already hurt him so badly."

"And maybe you won't." Winry eased herself into a more comfortable position against his chest. She reached up and brushed away the bangs from his eyes "Maybe if get to know him, you will be able to see you didn't ruin his life." She kissed him. "And then maybe you will be able to let the guilt go."

Al still seemed uncertain. Winry continued, speaking into the curve of Al's shoulder. "You don't have to burn EVERY bridge you cross you know. Some things you are allowed to keep. In the end, he was your friend, wasn't he?"

"Yeah," Al rewarded her with a laugh. "I guess he was."

"Well then, perhaps he can be again."

Winry enjoyed the way his arms felt around her shoulders, and the feel of his pulse against her cheek. She took in the small apartment and the things they'd chosen to furnish it with. Yes, I can definitely live here, she thought. This may not be our dream, but so long as Al's happy, it's just as good.

SETTLING OUT

The papers never ceased to be upbeat, no matter what they covered, but in this case the news was good:

DRACHMA ENTERS NEW DIPLOMATIC TALKS. WILL THE WAR END SOON?

The media didn't cover the other noteworthy news, but word of it spread like wildfire anyway: The Fuhrer had put a temporary halt to the conscription gangs. The fronts had grown quieter and people were returning from their rotations alive and unharmed.

Still other news only traveled as far as the break rooms in military headquarters around the country. There was a new voice in the Fuhrer's ear, and these days it was speaking reason.

While many in the Military wondered at Mustang's spectacular comeback, it was dangerous to question it too closely. He was untouchable again; one of the Fuhrer's inner circle, and the Fuhrer was still quite ruthless when it came to those who threatened him or his favorites. While there was quite a bit of resentment, there was grudging respect as well. Mustang was able to do what none of the other brass had the courage to - give the Fuhrer much needed strategic advice. The fact that the Fuhrer TOOK the advice just heightened Mustang's reputation more.

Mustang himself was a fairly private man, surrounding himself with a clique of soldiers from his days as a Colonel. He rarely attended the parties and functions that he was invited to, but when he did, he was usually in the company of an attractive and brilliant young research alchemist. Although the two rarely showed affection towards each other in public, and though Mustang was quite handsome, the regulars learned quickly that flirting with the Brigadier General would earn a hard glare (and an occasional clenched fist) from the smaller blond.

Flirting with the blond was an even greater faux pas.

HEALING

The arm was not the one Ed had lost. Without a stone there was simply no way to get that back. But it looked like his, and felt like his, and it functioned seamlessly. There was faint line of scar where it attached at the shoulder - far less of a mark than the automail had produced.

He showed it off at the weekly poker game. Al and Roy, who had both seen it before only gave it the briefest glances, but Hawkeye and Havoc examined it with great attention.

"We ended up using Tucker's old chimera research. I thought, well if you can combine different animals, why not two humans, they are closer. From there we refined it with some Xing healing techniques. Then Al cooked up this amazing cosmetic array to smooth out the looks. Finally, I came up with the array on my shoulder."

Hawkeye put a tentative finger on the design. To a layman's eye, it could have been a decorative tattoo, but of course, anything even vaguely shaped like a circle was apt to be an array of some sort. "What does it do?"

"Prevents rejection," said Ed. "The hard part was finding a donor arm the right size. We ended up having to… and don't tease me… use the arm from a woman. Not that you can tell after Al's array."

Hawkeye brought the two hands together. They matched perfectly. "The woman was dead?"

"Yeah, that parts a bit sad, but we didn't kill her. She'd been hit by a car. Anyway, it may take a little while before we get a good enough match on the leg, but I'm patient, so my sister-in-law still has a job for now. Honestly, for as much work as this is, and the time, luck, and skill involved, I suspect that the automail business won't be too badly impacted."

"Do you think you'll miss the automail?" asked Havoc. "I mean, it was pretty nifty in a fight."

Ed closed his fist. "Yeah, well, these days the most action I see is when one of my student's arrays blows up. I miss the missions some times, but… I have too much going on here to want to be away. Besides they wouldn't be any fun without Al."

"As fetching as you are without your shirt," called Roy. "I'm afraid you are being a distraction. These cards won't play themselves."

Ed laughed and the game resumed.

LETTING GO

Roy ran a finger over Ed's right hand, feeling the way the skin moved, it's warmth. He traced the small veins with the light touch of his finger. You can't undo the past, but sometimes with enough work and a little luck, you can make up for it. Ed continued to read his book, as though he didn't notice.

"Remember Midnight," said Ed out of the blue.

Roy raised his brows. "Of course."

"Apparently he and Al have been mailing each other long arguments over theology. Midnight actually wrote he thought Al was full of crap. Al was so excited about that you'd think that he'd just adopted a new kitten or something."

Roy snorted.

"Anyway, Al seemed to think you'd want to know."

"The mind has an amazing ability to heal." He traced the veins again. "He's no longer Al's slave."

Ed pulled his right arm away, and pulled himself up to kiss Roy. "So when are you going to make your move?"

Roy blinked, caught off guard again by the abrupt question.

"Make my move towards what?"

"Fuhrer."

Roy shook his head and laughed. "My love, haven't you noticed? I already AM Fuhrer. I've BEEN Fuhrer for quite some time, at least in every way that counts."

Ed smiled. "You… I thought you…"

Roy continued. "Well, I seem to recall you having serious doubts about being the spouse of a Fuhrer. You were afraid you would come under too much scrutiny. So, here you are. I have what I want, and you have what you want. Everyone is happy." He went back to playing with Ed's arm while he waited.

Ed relaxed. Then his eyes widened and he stared straight at Roy. Roy didn't suppress the smile. Sometimes the kid was just a little slow on the uptake.

"Did you say 'spouse?'" For a second Ed seemed happy, but then that damnable doubt crept into his eyes.

There was nothing, Roy realized, he could do about that. The only one who could comfort those demons away was Ed. Still, Roy had to make one more try.

"It's been almost 18 months since that day in jail when I smashed the microphones and we had our first true kiss. I've been around women on a regular basis for 16 months. Tell me, do you believe me when I say I love you and I'm not going to dump you for the next girl?"

Ed slouched in his arms. "There is really no way to prove you won't, is there." He sighed.

"No. You'll just have to trust me."

Then it seemed as if Ed let something go, for his face grew soft and placid and a smile formed across his lips. "Then, " he breathed. "I trust you."

Back to Chapter 35
Omake

THE END
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