Chapter Text
Mustang awoke with a start, he turned his head to see Ed laying beside him on the couch. Rubbing his head, Roy stood up and made his way to the kitchen.
All exhaustion disappeared when suddenly the phone began ringing.
Mustang launched towards the phone, hoping that it didn’t disturb Ed.
“Hello?”
“Colonel?” Alphonse’s gentle voice came from the other side.
“Hi Alphonse,” Roy smiled.
“How’s Ed?”
“He’s doing fine.”
Alphonse exhaled in relief, “Good. Winry and I should be in Central later this evening. I hope he’s not troubling you.”
“Not anymore than usual,” Roy chuckled, “I’m sure Edward is excited to see you, I’ll tell him you’ll be here soon.”
“Okay,” Al replied, “Bye Colonel!”
“Bye Alphonse.”
Hanging up, Mustang turned around to see Edward propped up on the couch and looking at him drowsily.
”Who was that?”
”Alphonse,” Roy responded, “He told me he and Winry would be here later today.”
His golden eyes widened, “Today? I thought they’d be here tomorrow or something.”
“They told you they’d be here as soon as possible,” Roy pointed out, “Knowing them, they’ll do just that.”
“I guess,” Ed murmured.
“Do you want anything to eat?” Mustang asked.
Edward raised his head, and dodging the question, asked, “Don’t you have to work?”
Roy opened his mouth, but quickly shut it, “I forgot.”
“Lieutenant Hawkeye is gonna kill you.”
The colonel shook his head, “No, she’ll just have to accept me being late.”
“Easier said than done,” Ed leaned back, trying to hide his amusement.
“I need to go,” Roy grumbled, walking upstairs to get dressed.
Edward closed his eyes and listened as Mustang’s hurried footsteps walked back down the stairs.
“I’m leaving,” Roy announced, “Call if you need anything.”
“‘Kay.”
With that, Mustang was out the door and Ed was left in silence.
He swung his leg back and forth, only to become bored at once. He yawned and stretched his wings. Suddenly, Edward’s eyes widened as he began thinking about if he could fly.
Excited, Ed decided to test his theory. He carefully stood up and leaned against the wall as he hobbled to the stairs and climbed halfway.
As he stared, he thought, this is stupid, there’s no way I could fly. But, instead of backing down he spread his wings and jumped awkwardly. Only to immediately regret it, close his wings, and land roughly on his bottom on the last step.
Edward groaned and fell back on the rest of the steps, which only caused more pain.
Standing up, Ed wobbled to the couch and collapsed. Though he had only just woken up he began drifting back to sleep.
-
A few hours passed and Edward woke up with a start. He turned his head to the door and listened as it was unlocked. The door opened and Mustang walked in.
Roy sighed, “Hey Ed.”
Ed grunted.
Mustang opened his mouth to speak, but was swiftly cut off by a knock to the door.
Roy turned around and opened the door slightly. His eyes widened as he looked outside.
“One second,” He said quickly and closed the door once more. Turning to Edward he whispered, “They’re here.”
Ed’s heart dropped at that simple phrase, his breath quickened and Mustang was at his side in an instant.
“It’s okay,” Roy murmured, “Just calm down, I’m going to let them in.”
Ed exhaled and nodded.
The colonel smiled comfortingly and made his way to the door.
A cool breeze swept into the room as the door opened and Mustang motioned to let Winry and Alphonse in.
At once Alphonse ignored all politeness he had and pushed past. His soul fire eyes searching desperately for his brother until they landed on the elder child. Even for armor that couldn’t show emotions, Al looked distraught. Roy noticed Winry raise her hand to her mouth in shock.
When no one spoke, Edward cleared his throat, “Hey Al.”
Alphonse made a noise similar to a choked sob and rushed forward to embrace his brother. As soon as Alphonse hugged him, Edward leaned into the cold metal armor and tears welled up in his eyes.
Roy felt his heart shatter as Ed sobbed into Al’s armor. He glanced at Winry and noticed her beginning to cry. Edward glanced up at Winry and wiped his eyes.
”Winry,” Edward murmured, “I’m okay, don’t cry...”
Winry’s eyes widened, “Ed...”
Ed carefully stood up, wobbling slightly on his working leg. Alphonse steadied his brother and looked him with concern.
Winry snapped out of her trance and stepped forward to catch Edward.
Ed straightened and loosely wrapped his hand around Winry’s arm to steady himself.
His golden eyes met her blue eyes, “I’ve missed you both.”
“Oh, Ed!” She cried, practically throwing herself into a hug. The surprised alchemist gently lay his hand on her back as she
wrapped her own arms around him.
After a few moments, Edward pulled away and rubbed his neck awkwardly, “Winry, do you think you could get started on fixing
my automail soon?”
Winry nodded at the timid boy, wiping her eyes quickly, “Of course, I can get started right away.”
Turning to the younger brother, Winry began, “Al, would you mind helping me get Edward upstairs?”
At the same time, the two brothers responded:
“I can handle myself,” Ed assured.
“Actually, I’d like to talk to Mustang for a moment,” Alphonse said.
Winry nodded and allowed Edward to shakily lead the way, while Roy motioned for Alphonse to sit down.
Once Al was sure Ed had disappeared upstairs he turned to the older alchemist.
“What would you like to talk about Alphonse?”
“Colonel, we need to get Edward back to normal,” Al murmured, Helmet facing down slightly.
Mustang was taken aback, “You can’t be serious.”
“And why’s that?” Alphonse challenged.
“You and Ed of all people should understand the fragility of humans...”
The younger Elric retorted, “This isn’t like human transmutation, all we have to do is take away the animal like qualities!”
Roy shook his head, “How? If you have a theory that you know will work, then we can talk. But right now, I know you don’t want to risk hurting or even losing Ed and I certainly won’t assist if it means Fullmetal could get injured.”
Alphonse looked away, “I—I don’t know what to do...”
The colonel watched the boy sympathetically, “I’m sure Edward would like to be a part of this. I know how much he hates what he is now. I’m sure he’d love to try transmuting himself back to normal, but the last thing I want you boys to do is anything reckless.”
“I... suppose you’re right...”
-
Winry held up Ed’s arm and intently watched as she bent the joints. She pulled back and did the same with his leg.
Turning back to Edward, she explained what she would be doing, “I’d like to remove your limbs to fix and clean them... in your state I think it would be best to lighten the automail, at least until you’re stronger.”
Edward nodded, “Whatever you have to do.”
Winry narrowed her eyes at his compliance, “I don’t have any temporary replacements, so you’ll have to survive with just your arm and leg for a bit. Is that okay?”
“Sure.”
The mechanic put her hands on her hips, “I’ll get started right away then.”
Once both she and the smaller boy were prepared, Winry ever-so-carefully disconnected the nerves and removed the limbs.
After they were both safely set down, she quickly checked the ports and declared her work finished.
“I’ll go get Alphonse to take you back downstairs,” She smiled, heading towards the door.
Edward returned her smile with a weak grin and, once she was out of sight, he sagged in the chair and closed his eyes, awaiting Winry’s return.