Chapter Text
Roy let out a heavy sigh, the kind that carried the weight of guilt and helplessness pressing hard on his chest. It was clear Edward wasn’t going to talk. His small, bare chest jerked with every hitch of breath as he fought to keep his emotions at bay, his golden eyes glossy and full of unspoken pain. The sight of him like this made Roy feel like the worst kind of Caregiver—the kind who failed to see the signs before they snowballed into moments like this. But wallowing wasn’t an option. If nothing else, Roy knew how to channel his feelings into action.
“Come on, little bear,” he murmured softly, keeping his voice steady as Edward twisted away from his open arms. Roy let him go, instead gently guiding him down to the living room, where Maes had already lit a fire. The warmth of the flames chasing away some of the cold dampness that clung to them both.
Roy quickly retrieved the Little supplies he always packed -- a precautionary habit that now felt more necessary than ever. Spreading out a folding changing mat, he turned back to Ed with a quiet determination. “Lie down for me, baby,” he coaxed, his voice firm but gentle.
Edward didn’t resist, and that wasn’t a good sign. His small frame was limp as Roy helped him onto the mat, his gaze fixed on the ceiling with a scowl that did little to mask the tears welling in his eyes. As Roy peeled away the soaked pull-up, his heart felt heavy at the sight. It was close to leaking, and worse, the raw rash spread across Ed’s skin told a deeper story. This hadn’t happened overnight.
“I’m sorry,” Roy whispered, his voice thick as he worked quickly and efficiently to clean the boy’s tender skin. Each swipe of the wipes made Ed flinch, and every wince pulled at Roy’s heart. He was apologising for lots of things.
By the time Roy finished, he caught Riza’s sharp intake of breath. She stood in the kitchen doorway, her expression a mix of surprise and concern as her eyes flicked over Edward’s state. The weight of her gaze only deepened Roy’s guilt. He didn’t need to hear her say it. He was already berating himself for letting things get this bad.
Maes crouched down beside him, breaking the silence with a low whistle of concern. “Oh, boy. That’s a nasty rash, sweetie.”
Edward didn’t respond. He lay still, his muddy thumb twitching toward his mouth. Roy gently caught the hand before it could reach his lips. “That’s dirty, baby,” he murmured. “Let Daddy get your binky.”
Before Roy could move, Edward’s wide eyes snapped to his, and his voice cracked as he stammered, “N-no!”
The raw emotion in Ed’s voice stopped Roy in his tracks. This wasn’t just a boy being fussy or stubborn. This was a Little overwhelmed by a month of bottled-up feelings finally spilling over. Roy didn’t push. Instead, he scooped Ed into his arms, cradling him close despite the weak squirming.
“It’s okay,” he soothed, pressing a soft kiss to Ed’s hair. “Daddy’s got you.”
Maes moved quietly to the suitcase and retrieved the pacifier.
Without a word, he gently popped it into Ed’s mouth. For a moment, Ed froze, as if unsure whether to accept the comfort. But then, as Roy tapped a rhythmic pattern on the front of the pacifier—a trick that rarely failed—the boy began to suckle, the noisy sound filling the room. Slowly, his breathing evened out.
“Good boy,” Roy murmured, his voice brimming with warmth. “Daddy’s very good boy.”
Ed’s eyes fluttered closed for a moment, his small frame relaxing slightly against Roy. Riza, ever efficient, had already gathered towels, soap, and shampoo, handing them off without a word. Roy nodded his thanks and carried Ed toward the small bathroom, Maes trailing behind. Inside, the steam from the bath rose in soft, curling wisps. The warm, lavender-scented water looked inviting, and Roy felt a small measure of relief knowing Ed would feel better after this.
“Pass him over, Roy,” Maes said gently. “You’re not getting in like that, and he won’t want to be left alone.”
Roy hesitated, his arms instinctively tightening around Edward, who clung to him like a lifeline. “I wasn’t planning on—”
“Two birds, one stone,” Riza’s voice floated in from the living room. Ever practical.
Roy sighed, conceding. Edward did look too unsteady to be sat upright in water alone. Carefully, he passed Ed to Maes, who held him as though he were made of glass. The boy whimpered softly, his pacifier bobbing furiously, but Maes’s calming touch worked wonders.
“Maesy,” Edward sniffled.
“That’s right,” Maes whispered, cradling Edward gently. “Uncle Maesy’s got you. Are you going to have a nice warm bath with Daddy?”
Meanwhile, Roy worked quickly, stripping off his muddy uniform and kicking the filthy pile to the corner of the bathroom. The moment he stepped into the warm, steaming bath, the tension in his body began to ease, though the ache in his chest lingered. When Maes carefully handed Edward back to him, Roy felt a small wave of relief as the Little immediately clung to him, his tiny hands clutching at Roy’s chest hair as if anchoring himself.
This was not how he wanted their first bath to be together. Eddie, when in his Little headspace, loved bath time, and this was far from the playful, giggly moments they’d shared before. Edward was quiet, his pacifier bobbing as he sucked on it fiercely, his golden eyes unfocused and rimmed with tears.
Maes gave Roy a knowing look before quietly slipping out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him. The small room grew still, save for the gentle slosh of water and the soft, rhythmic sound of Edward’s pacifier. Roy didn’t move for a long moment. He simply held Edward close, their skin warm against each other, letting the quiet comfort of the bath settle over them.
Edward’s small frame felt fragile in Roy’s arms, his earlier tension slowly melting away as the warm water swirled around them. His breathing was still uneven, punctuated by the occasional hitch, but the steady presence of Roy’s arms seemed to ease some of the storm inside him. Roy pressed his cheek against the damp mess of Edward’s golden hair, closing his eyes. The guilt was still there, a sharp pang that hadn’t dulled, but he pushed it aside. This wasn’t about him. This was about Edward—the boy who had become his entire world.
Ed’s pacifier slowed, the frantic sucking softening into a calmer rhythm. Roy’s hand moved in slow circles along Edward’s back, the motion as much for himself as it was for the boy. For a while, Roy simply worked quietly, using his free hand to rinse away the grime clinging to Edward’s small body. He was meticulous, careful to avoid the angry red rash on Edward’s skin. Each pass of the washcloth was accompanied by soft murmurs of reassurance, even though Edward’s eyes had slipped closed, his exhaustion finally overtaking him.
The boy hiccupped suddenly, the sharp sound breaking the quiet. Roy glanced down just as Edward trembled, his small body curling tighter against him. Then, without warning, the hiccups turned into raw, choked sobs, breaking free in uncontrollable waves.
“Oh, baby boy,” Roy murmured, his chest tightening at the sound.
Edward buried his face against Roy’s chest, his sobs coming fast and hard, his small hands clutching at Roy like he was the only thing keeping him afloat. Roy didn’t try to hush him or tell him to stop. He held Edward tighter, his hand stroking slow, soothing circles on the boy’s back.
“It’s okay,” Roy murmured over and over, his voice steady and warm. “Let it out, sweetheart. Daddy’s sorry. I’ve got you.”
The water swished gently as Roy adjusted his hold, cradling Edward closer. The boy’s tears soaked into Roy’s skin, his hiccupping breaths loud in the small bathroom, but Roy didn’t care. All that mattered was being there for Edward, letting him release every pent-up emotion in the safety of his arms.
As the sobs gradually subsided into soft whimpers, Roy continued his gentle ministrations, using the washcloth to clean Edward’s arms and legs with careful precision. He worked slowly, his touch light around the tender rash, his movements deliberate and soothing. The rhythmic motions, coupled with the warmth of the bath, seemed to help, and Edward’s cries eventually quieted to the occasional sniffle as he peeked up at Roy.
Roy made quick work of washing himself before climbing out of the tub with Edward still clinging to him, their movements uncoordinated but efficient. He swaddled Ed in a large towel, tucking it snugly around the boy’s small frame before awkwardly trying to wrap another towel around his own waist with one hand. Modesty wasn’t the priority, warmth was.
As steam trailed around them, Roy headed straight for the living room, drawn by the warmth radiating from the fire Maes had stoked earlier. There, he found Riza kneeling on the rug, a blanket spread out in front of her. She was carefully laying out items that made Roy’s heart swell with gratitude.
“I think I’ve found everything you need,” she said with a small, knowing smile. “I’m impressed by how much you packed considering you didn’t anticipate this.”
Roy adjusted Ed in his arms, cradling him tighter. “He might’ve been Big when we left Central, but it’s always good to be prepared.” His voice dropped, tinged with guilt. “I should’ve noticed him struggling before now. I should have been more assertive —”
“Pass me the baby, Roy,” Riza interrupted firmly, cutting off his spiraling thoughts. “Get dressed while I get him dry.”
Roy hesitated, reluctant to let Edward go, but Riza’s calm assurance left little room for argument. Carefully, he handed the boy over. Edward whimpered softly at the transition but settled quickly as Riza began patting him dry with a gentle precision born of experience. She was always happy to help him when it came to Ed, almost as much as Maes did.
Roy turned away, hurriedly drying himself off and pulling on a fresh pair of underwear, sweatpants, a t-shirt. By the time he was done, Riza had expertly tended to Edward. The boy’s golden hair was brushed and re-braided, his skin soothed with cream, and a fresh diaper snugly in place.
Roy crouched down on the rug beside them, smiling softly. “That’s going to make your hair so wavy when it dries,” he said, his voice warm as he gently touched the damp braid. “You’ll be a fluffy boy thanks to Riri.’’
Edward breathed wetly around his pacifier, his lashes still clumped with the remnants of tears. He didn’t respond, but the slight shift in his posture as he leaned toward Roy filled him with hope.
“Maes has gone to collect some more essentials from the general store,” Riza said, rising gracefully to her feet. “I’m going to make use of that hot water.”
Roy met her gaze, recognizing the unspoken question in her words: Are you okay? Do you need me to stay? Holding Edward’s wide-eyed stare, he answered softly, “You do that, Riza. Thank you.”
Riza nodded, her expression understanding, before retreating toward the bathroom, but not before she pressed a kiss to Ed’s cheek. The Colonel picked up one-piece sleeper dotted in blue and yellow bunnies, quickly threading metal and flesh limbs into the soft cotton. He picked Ed up, blanket and all, and felt small hands twist and pull at the fabric of his t-shirt.
“Daddy’s got you, baby boy,’’ Roy swayed as he moved towards the plush armchair. He settled Ed in his lap, letting the Little’s legs settle on the side of his hips as Ed burrowed face-first into his chest. His baby always liked being chest to chest, his ear always pressed to Roy’s chest. “Daddy’s here. Daddy’s not going anywhere.”
“D-Daddy is,” Edward choked out between a fresh batch of hiccups.
Roy tilted his head, his voice calm and patient. “And where is Daddy going?”
“Away from Eddie,” Edward mumbled, his small voice cracking.
Roy’s chest ached at the words, and he leaned in closer, his thumbs brushing away the fresh tears trailing down Edward’s flushed cheeks. “That’s silly talk, baby boy. You’re Daddy’s little bear. Unless you don’t want me, you’re stuck with me. What’s got you thinking this way?”
Edward’s sobs broke free again, muffled slightly by the pacifier in his mouth as he babbled incomprehensibly. Roy couldn’t make sense of half of it, but he didn’t try to stop him. He let Ed cry, rubbing his back soothingly and murmuring soft reassurances.
When the tears finally slowed, leaving Edward hiccupping softly and clinging to him with trembling fingers, Roy brushed his thumb against the pacifier. “Can Daddy take the binky away so he can hear you better, baby boy?” he asked gently. “Or shall we save talking for later?”
Ed didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he shakily pulled the pacifier from his mouth with a soft pop, holding it close to his face like a shield. His golden eyes, puffy and red, looked up at Roy as he whimpered, “Daddy gonna get a better baby.”
Roy’s heart cracked wide open, and his frown deepened. “And what makes you think I can get a baby better than the one I’ve got here?” he asked, his voice soft and encouraging.
Edward sniffled, his small teeth nibbling anxiously at the edge of the pacifier shield. “Eddie heard Daddy…” he started, his voice trembling. “Heard D-Daddy say he c-can’t p-put up with me no mores”
“What? No. I would never…’’ Roy failed in masking his shock and calm tone.
The baby flinched, and Roy felt more of a waste of space.
“Sorry,’’ Roy muttered. “Daddy’s not mad at you, baby. When did I say this?’’
Even when Little or very very close to it, Ed was a brave boy. He sucked in a wet breath, pacifier held near his lip as he whimpered. “L-Last month. Eddie heard you… Dadda – Daddy said, can’t c-continue wiff the kid anymores.’’
Roy felt as if he has been doused in cold water. “A month?’’ he racked his brain. “Oh. I was speaking to Aunt Chris while you napped,’’ he recalled aloud. “She was asking about… you.’’
It was the wrong thing to confess to. Ed’s entire face became pinched. Roy tried not to panic when Edward let out a sob.
“See Eddie right,’’ Edward blubbered. “Eddie saw… in… in Dadda’s desk, too,” he mumbled, his words barely above a whisper. “The papers… the p-profiles… Littles… better Littles…”
Roy’s stomach twisted painfully as realisation dawned on him. His boy had overheard a conversation and misunderstood it. Combine that with the old brochures Roy had long forgotten about in his desk and it created an ugly conclusion. Edward had been carrying the crushing belief that he was replaceable, temporary, an obligation Roy had taken on out of duty rather than love.
“My baby…” Roy whispered, his voice cracking as he kissed Edward’s damp hair. “Oh, my sweet boy. I think you misunderstood.”
Edward sniffled again, his wide eyes filled with uncertainty as he looked up at Roy, his lip trembling.
Roy took a deep breath, his hands cradling Edward’s face as he looked at him with all the love and sincerity he could muster. “Those brochures are old, Eddie-Bear,” he explained gently. “I’ve had them longer than I’ve known you. Uncle Maesy and Riri would sneak them on my desk all the time. They stopped after the first year of having you in the military. Having you about, even before you got Classified, helped my Caregiver instincts. I’ve honestly forgotten about then in my desk.”
Edward’s sniffles grew quieter, his gaze searching Roy’s face for any sign of deception.
“And what you heard…” Roy continued, his voice thick with emotion. “Baby, I wasn’t talking about not wanting you. I was talking about not wanting things to stay temporary. I know exactly what I said. I said: I don’t think I can continue like this with the kid anymore. I then went on to explain how I didn’t want a foster contract, I wanted to adopt you.’’
Ed was red-faced and teary, but he was all shock.
Roy chuckled with relief. ‘‘I was saying I can’t keep putting up with things being uncertain. I want more, Edward. I want us to be permanent, not temporary. Do you understand?”
Edward blinked, his golden eyes filling with tears again, but this time they weren’t from hurt. “Keep Eddie?’’ the boy slurred around his pacifier. “Keep?’’
“Permanent. Adopt. Yes, keep,” Roy confirmed, his voice firm but soft. “You’re my baby, Eddie. You’re not an obligation. You’re not replaceable. You’re mine, and I’m yours, for as long as you’ll have me.”
Edward’s lip quivered, and then he burst into fresh tears, but this time he buried his face in Roy’s chest with a wail that spoke of relief rather than despair. Roy held him close, letting his own tears slip free as he rocked his boy gently, murmuring soft reassurances.
“I’m sorry you ever thought otherwise, cubby,” Roy whispered, his voice breaking slightly. “But Daddy’s not going anywhere. Never, ever.”
Roy watched Edward sob into his chest, the boy’s little body trembling as he released the weight of a month’s worth of anxieties and fears. Edward’s cries softened as exhaustion caught up with him, his breathing evening out against Roy’s chest. Roy pressed a tender kiss to the top of his boy’s head, holding him close as they settled into the armchair. In that moment, Roy vowed to himself—and to Edward—that he would spend the rest of his life proving to his Little just how irreplaceable he was.
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Edward stirred slowly, his senses coming back to him one by one. His legs were still tucked snugly on either side of Roy's hips, his small body cradled securely in his Caregiver’s lap. His face was pressed against Roy’s neck, the comforting scent of him grounding Edward even as he felt a stuffy tickle in his nose. His cries earlier had clogged him up, but his face didn’t feel itchy or sticky anymore, a sure sign that someone—Roy—had gently wiped him clean while he slept. The thought made his cheeks flush with heat, a mix of shame and residual embarrassment from the misunderstanding that had overwhelmed him.
He wanted to disappear and never face the world again. But he couldn’t. Not when he was exactly where he’d longed to be for weeks, in the one place he’d denied himself out of fear and doubt. Roy’s arms. His Caregiver’s arms. The weight of that realisation pressed on him even as a flicker of comfort began to soothe the edges of his embarrassment.
Edward shifted slightly, but the hand on his diapered bottom stayed firm, warm, and grounding. Roy’s large palm rested there, steady and protective, as if reassuring Ed without words that he wasn’t going anywhere. Every so often, the hand would glide up Edward’s back, tracing a slow, absentminded path up his spine before returning to its resting spot. The rhythm was soothing, almost hypnotic, as was the sound of Roy’s deep voice rumbling softly above him.
Edward blinked blearily, trying to focus on the vibrations of Roy’s chest as the man spoke. His voice was calm, steady, and clearly directed at someone else in the room. Edward wasn’t quite awake enough to figure out the words.
His flushed cheeks pressed deeper against Roy’s neck as he buried his face further, trying to will the embarrassment away. He felt like a fool for ever doubting Roy, for believing, even for a moment, that his Caregiver might not want him.
Roy’s voice softened as if sensing Edward’s wakefulness. His hand paused its soothing path along Ed’s spine, instead resting at the nape of his neck, fingers gently raking through the soft strands of his blonde hair. Edward sniffled quietly, still too raw to say anything, but he couldn’t stop himself from pressing closer. He didn’t have the words, but his actions spoke for him: he needed this. He needed Roy. He needed Daddy.
“Is my baby boy waking up?” Roy murmured, his voice low and warm, just for him.
Edward didn’t turn his head or answer. He stayed tucked in, face hidden, fingers clutching Roy’s t-shirt. He didn’t feel fully Little, not like he had when he’d been sobbing earlier, but he wasn’t Big either. Somewhere in between, he felt the weight in his mouth and gave into the rhythmic comfort of sucking on his pacifier. The action was grounding, easing the knot of shame in his chest.
“I think he’s ignoring you, Colonel,” Havoc teased lightly from across the room.
“I wouldn’t blame him if he was,” Roy replied, his voice low and self-deprecating.
Clinking dishes joined the faint hum of conversation as Breda chimed in. “Or maybe he’s just trying to wake up in peace. Not everything’s about you.”
“Misunderstandings happen, Roy,” Riza interjected firmly, her voice cutting through the room with calm authority. It sounded like she’d said it more than once that evening. Edward scrunched his face at her words, guessing Roy had shared what had happened.
“Especially when Daddy and baby are both too stubborn for their own good,” Maes quipped, his voice getting closer. Edward peeked up just as Maes crouched beside the armchair, his fingers brushing back Edward’s hair with a practiced ease. “There he is,” Maes said, his tone soft and playful. “Hey, there is our little one.”
Edward’s face burned as he squirmed and glared, though it was hard to muster any real heat behind the expression. He wanted to tell Maes that he wasn’t Little right now, but the words were tangled somewhere in his throat. It was easier to focus on the steady rhythm of his pacifier, even as he felt Maes tilt his head knowingly, probably reading every thought Ed was trying to hide.
Seeking refuge, Edward tried to burrow deeper into Roy’s shoulder, but Roy had other plans. With a strength that seemed effortless, Roy adjusted him, sweeping his legs to the side and cradling him securely. Edward let out a surprised squeak as he suddenly found himself tipped back, staring up at Roy’s pale face and tired but gentle navy eyes.
Something about that exhausted look had Ed’s hands lifting instinctively to poke at Roy’s face. The smile Roy gave him was slow but genuine as he caught one of Edward’s small hands and pressed a soft kiss to his fingertips.
“You woke up just in time, baby,” Roy murmured, his voice filled with quiet relief. “Uncle Breda got us a big pot of stew and its almost done heating up.’’
Edward’s blush deepened, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he curled his fingers into Roy’s palm, letting the warmth and security of the moment settle over him. He gave a soft grunt around his pacifier, not ready to speak but content to make his feelings known in small ways. He wasn’t very hungry, and the steady rhythm of Roy’s heart beneath his ear felt like all he needed right now. Embarrassment still lingered from his earlier tears. It didn’t matter that everyone in the room had seen him at his Littlest before—when he’d been too far gone to do more than cry or coo—it still felt silly to have misunderstood Roy so badly.
Yet, as he glanced around the room, nestled snugly in his bunny-dotted sleeper and wrapped in Roy’s arms, he was met only with soft smiles and warm eyes. Breda was at the far end of the room, arranging bowls on the kitchen island, and he gave Edward a grin when he noticed the boy looking. Havoc, perched on a stool by the island, was chewing on a piece of bread, and he waved in a way that usually would’ve had Edward giggling. This time, Ed could only manage a sheepish smile behind his pacifier, his fingers squeezing Roy’s larger hand for reassurance.
Maes hovered nearby, standing close to the armchair. Ed could always tell when Maes wanted to scoop him up for one of his signature big hugs—the man’s fidgety hands gave him away every time. Maes’s fingers twitched now, like he was itching to ruffle Edward’s hair or pull him in for a cuddle, but clearly, he knew better. Edward had a feeling Maes understood that he and Roy needed this time together.
“Do you think you can eat some food, honey bear?” Riza’s soft voice drew Edward’s attention.
He turned toward her, spotting her curled up on the nearby couch, her legs tucked beneath her and a chipped mug of tea cradled in her hands. Edward whined lightly in response, a lazy, tired sound that communicated everything he didn’t want to put into words. He was exhausted, physically and emotionally, and all he wanted was to stay right where he was.
Roy rubbed Ed’s tummy playfully, a fond smile on his face. “Your tummy sounds so empty,” he teased. “Let’s try some stew together, huh?”
Together sounded good.
“I’m sure you can manage a couple of spoonfuls, right, champ?” Breda called from the kitchenette, his voice encouraging.
“Of course, he can,” Maes chimed in warmly.
“We’ve got some nice soft bread, too!” Havoc added, a playful grin on his face as he held up a thick slice.
Riza leaned forward slightly, her tone as gentle as ever. “And we know how much you love bread, don’t we, sweetheart?”
Edward hummed softly around his pacifier, nodding lazily. The warmth of the room, the soft encouragement from everyone, and Roy’s gentle touch were all so comforting that he couldn’t muster a reason to refuse. Roy chuckled, brushing a hand over Edward’s head, and mentioned something to Maes about formula and a bottle. Edward wrinkled his nose at the thought of milk, but he knew Roy wasn’t talking about regular milk. The creamy, vanilla-flavored formula designed for Littles was different -- it tasted like a treat and always made him feel full and warm.
Before Edward could dwell on the thought too long, Roy adjusted him into a more upright position, hiking him against his chest just as Havoc appeared with a big bowl of steaming stew and a plate of thick, buttered bread. The savoury aroma filled the air, and Edward’s stomach gave a quiet rumble despite his earlier reluctance. Roy chuckled at the sound, pressing a quick kiss to Edward’s temple as he reached for the food.
One slice of bread was handed to Edward, which he accepted with both hands, squeezing it gently. The other slice went to Roy, who balanced it along with the bowl of stew and a spoon. Ed was content to just hold the bread for a moment, but his attention was quickly diverted when Riza appeared beside him. Without a word, she slipped a bib over his head, the soft cotton brushing against his chin.
“Riri,” Edward sulked, narrowing his eyes as she reached to pluck the pacifier from his mouth, setting it on the coffee table. He pointed a buttery finger toward it in protest.
“You can have your binky back after you’ve eaten something,” Riza replied firmly but gently, brushing her finger down his cheek in a soothing motion. She smiled warmly before retreating to the kitchenette to collect her own bowl.
Edward sucked the butter off his finger, watching the team gather around the kitchen island, chatting and settling onto stools. His nose crinkled slightly, and he turned his head when Roy’s thigh gave a gentle bounce beneath him. Roy was watching him closely, his dark eyes soft and full of patience as he stirred the stew. He scooped up a spoonful, blowing on it lightly to cool it down.
“Daddy,” Edward began, mumbling around his finger, but he caught himself, pulling his hand from his mouth awkwardly. “Roy,” he corrected slowly. “I’m Big. I mean, I’m… sleepy, but Big.”
“You don’t seem very Big right now, cubby,” Roy said gently. He lifted the spoon to his own lips, dabbing the stew against his lower lip to check the temperature -- a familiar move Ed had seen countless times when he was firmly in Little headspace. Before Edward could protest further, Roy moved the spoon toward him.
“Big or Not-so-Big, open wide, baby boy,” Roy said softly.
Caught off guard, Edward instinctively opened his mouth, the spoon slipping in. The rich flavor of beef, carrots, and potatoes melted on his tongue, the vegetables soft and comforting. He barely had to chew. Feeling too fuzzy-headed to argue, he swallowed and teetered between headspaces, unsure where he landed.
“Yummy,” Roy said smugly, his lips quirking into a knowing smile.
Edward had to admit it was delicious. As Roy prepared another spoonful, Edward clumsily dipped the edge of his bread into the broth, stuffing a soggy corner into his mouth. Watching Roy forgo eating himself to focus on cooling the next bite for him made Edward’s chest tighten with emotion. It was these small, attentive actions that made him wonder how he ever thought Roy didn’t want him. He chewed slowly, resisting the urge to let the swelling emotions turn into fresh tears.
Roy gave him a soft, encouraging smile. “It’s been a very long day, but tomorrow we’ll talk about everything, okay?”
Edward hesitated, gulping down his bread before mumbling, “Do we have to, Da—Roy?” His voice dropped to a whisper, self-conscious. “You said you wanna keep me and it was a stupid misunderstanding. There isn’t anything else to talk about.”
“I think there’s plenty to talk about,” Roy replied, his tone kind but firm. “It’s not a bad thing, but… Daddy needs to do better. We both do. Something like this can’t happen again, especially with that rash.”
Edward squirmed slightly at the reminder of the rash, the sticky cooling cream in his diaper making him shift uncomfortably. Before he could dwell on it, Roy gently nudged another spoonful of stew toward his mouth. Ed blushed faintly at the quiet praise that followed, his cheeks warm as Roy wiped a stray drop of broth from his chin with the edge of the bib. After a couple more spoonfuls, Edward shook his head, signaling he’d had enough. He turned his focus to dipping and nibbling his bread, leaning heavily against Roy’s chest.
“Daddy eat now,” Ed mumbled, his voice muffled by the bread in his mouth as he pointed at the bowl, still half-filled with hearty stew.
Roy chuckled softly, giving him a fond look before digging into the bowl himself. “You know, mister, you’ll be having a bottle after this,” he teased lightly.
Ed let out a soft, contented sigh as he finished the last bit of his bread. “S’eep,” he mumbled sleepily.
“Of course,” Roy said between bites, his tone warm and soothing. “Bottle and sleepy time.”
Edward’s small fingers curled into Roy’s t-shirt, and he nuzzled closer, his body relaxing completely as he murmured quietly, “...Missed you.”
Roy froze mid-motion, the spoon hovering halfway to his mouth. When he spoke, his voice was thick with emotion. “I missed you more, baby.”
For a moment, the world felt peaceful. Edward let the soft murmur of voices, the scrape of utensils, and the crackle of the fire wash over him. The warmth from Roy’s chest seeped into him, making his eyelids grow heavier by the second. By the time Roy finished eating, the others had migrated back to the living area, chatting and settling in.
Maes handed Roy a warm bottle, and Edward couldn’t stop the happy wiggle that overtook him. He slumped against Roy, his little hands making eager grabby motions. Roy laughed, holding the bottle steady but letting Ed guide it to his mouth. The moment the creamy sweetness hit his tongue, Edward sighed through his nose and began suckling noisily, any remaining sense of “Big” melting away entirely.
The group discussed sleeping arrangements as Edward contentedly nursed. He didn’t care much where he slept as long as he was close to Roy. Memories of past sleepovers at Roy’s house flickered in his mind... falling asleep during bedtime stories in the big bed, waking up in his crib, or being carried to Roy’s bed in the middle of the night when he needed comfort. A sleepy thought crossed his mind: would anything change when Roy officially adopted him? Would he still stay in the dorms when Big, or would Roy want him and Al to stay at the house permanently when not chasing leads?
Edward’s thoughts were fuzzy, his eyes growing heavier as the discussion reached a conclusion.
“We’ll let you and the little guy take the main bedroom,” Breda said. “Makes sense.”
Roy adjusted the bottle when Edward’s suckling slowed, wiping a trickle of milk that spilled from the corner of his mouth. “If anyone wants to join us, there’s room,” Roy said with a small smirk. “But just know, this one doesn’t take up much space—unless you count the drool. And you might wake up if he needs a diaper change.”
“I’ll take the couch,” Havoc said quickly, raising a hand. “No offense, but I value my sleep.”
“I’m not risking rolling over on the squirt,” Breda added, shaking his head. “Maes? Riza?”
Maes grinned. “As tempting as it is, I’m a gentleman. Riza, what do you say? Bunking with Breda’s snoring or sharing a bed with a wiggly baby and his grumpy Caregiver?”
“I’m not grumpy,” Roy grumbled, though his tone was playful.
“Not now that you’ve got your baby to cuddle,” Maes quipped, earning a soft chuckle from the group.
“I’ll bunk with Roy and Ed,” she said, casting a knowing glance at Maes. “You can enjoy Breda’s symphony of snores.”
“Guess it’s settled,” Maes said with mock defeat, clapping Breda on the shoulder.
Edward, half-asleep in Roy’s arms, let out a soft, contented hum. His small hand lifted, fingers wiggling in excitement at the thought of Riza joining them. She always let him play with her hair when he was Little, running his fingers through the soft strands while she hummed or read to him. The idea of being nestled between two of his most favourite people made his chest feel warm and safe, a bubble of happiness forming despite the long and tiring day.