Chapter Text
Unknown Number - Edward
November 21, Friday
Unknown Number (10:25 PM): Hello
Unknown Number (10:25 PM): This is Ed’s number, right?
Edward (10:58 PM): is this ling
Unknown Number (10:58 PM): Awwww. How could you tell?
Edward (11:00 PM): i gave you my number earlier. who else could it have been
ling yao 👎(11:00 PM): Do you not worry about hackers?
ling yao 👎(11:00 PM): Or rather, scammers?
Edward (11:01 PM): i gave you a little over 30 minutes to follow up with a scam text
ling yao 👎(11:01 PM): And you figured it was me because I didn’t follow up by asking for your credit card information?
Edward (11:02 PM): basically.
ling yao 👎(11:02 PM): I’m flattered
ling yao 👎(11:02 PM): It’s quite late isn’t it
Edward (11:07 PM): i guess?
ling yao 👎(11:07 PM): What's keeping you from sleep
Edward (11:11 PM): from sleeping?
Edward (11:11 PM): you. 🙄
ling yao 👎(11:11 PM): Now that’s not nice!
ling yao 👎(11:11 PM): You hurt my feelings!
ling yao 👎(11:12 PM): 😢
Edward (11:12 PM): seriously?
Edward (11:14 PM): sorry,
Edward (11:14 PM): im reading.
ling yao 👎(11:14 PM): I see! And no worries, I am not actually upset.
ling yao 👎(11:14 PM): What are you reading?
Edward (11:14 PM): the gene
ling yao 👎(11:14 PM): Ah.
ling yao 👎(11:15 PM): What is it about?
Edward (11:15 PM): Exactly what the title says
Edward (11:17 PM): goes into detail about the development of human understanding of how genes work. its more of a history book than a science book.
Edward (11:17): al said it was good. its just okay, i think.
ling yao 👎(11:17 PM): Do you think I should read it?
Edward (11:18 PM): no
Edward (11:18 PM): why?? i thought you didnt like science.
ling yao 👎(11:18 PM): I don’t!
ling yao 👎(11:19 PM): But you’re talking about it, and friends recommend each other books and things like that, do they not?
Edward (11:21 PM): what
Edward (11:23 PM): i dont know. dont ask me
ling yao 👎(11:23 PM): Hmm. May I ask you a different question then?
Edward (11:23 PM): what
ling yao 👎(11:24 PM): Is there a difference between typing in all lowercase? Does it mean anything?
Edward (11:25 PM): theres no difference. im just not going to bother myself with pressing another button to make my texts more presentable
ling yao 👎(11:25 PM): Isn’t it unprofessional for papers and things?
Edward (11:26 PM): texting is different
Edward (11:26 PM): i dont see the need to be formal with you.
ling yao 👎(11:26 PM): Is that meant to be a jab?
Edward (11:27 PM): take it however you want
ling yao 👎(11:27 PM): okay!
Edward (11:28 PM): you adjust fast.
ling yao 👎(11:28 PM): thank you ^.^
Edward (11:31 PM): ew.
Edward (11:31 PM): dont send smileys at me
Edward (11:32 PM): im going to bed.
ling yao 👎(11:32 PM): okay! sleep well, edward!
Greed - Ling
Greed (11:07 PM): Hey
Greed (11:08 PM): Come over here and do me a favor.
Greed (11:15 PM): Hello? Anyone home?
Greed (11:18 PM): I know you’re not asleep I just heard you open your fridge.
Greed (11:27 PM): Ling my perfect baby brother
Ling (11:34 PM): What?
Greed (11:34 PM): Finally holy shit
Greed (11:34 PM): Do a lil’ favor for you big bro
Ling (11:34 PM): hmm.. I don’t really feel like doing it
Greed (11:45 PM): Damn no need to get moody with me just cuz you’re a little sleepy
Greed (11:45 PM): Isn’t it way past your bedtime
Ling (11:46 PM): If it were past my bedtime you wouldn’t be asking me to do you a favor.
Ling (11:46 PM): anyway, i’m quite busy
Greed (11:46 PM): Yeah “Quite” doing what? eating your 5th bowl of cereal?
Greed (11:46 PM): Come on. Make me coffee
Greed (11:46 PM): Or ask Lan Fan. that girl doesn't listen to me
Ling (11:47 PM): maybe because you’re rude? anyway, since you mentioned it, maybe i will have another bowl of cereal
Greed (11:47 PM): What a brat
Greed (11:47 PM): Whats keeping you holed up in your room huh? you talking to a girl or something?
Ling (11:50 PM): I’m not like you.
Ling (11:50 PM): i was just talking to a friend.
Greed (11:50 PM): No fucking way
Greed (11:51 PM): serious?
Ling (11:51 PM): is that weird?
Greed (11:52 PM): You guys weren’t sexting were you
Ling (11:52 PM): Absoluk rltynit
Ling (11:52 PM): Absolutely not!
Greed (11:52 PM): Just teasing you come on
Greed (11:52 PM): finally made a friend huh
Ling (11:52 PM): Yes. We were just texting.
Greed (11:53 PM): Cool cool
Greed (11:53 PM): Im proud of you buddy
Greed (11:53 PM): You gonna make em yours?
Ling (11:53 PM): Could you please stop assuming everything is about sex? We’re not hooking up.
Greed (11:53 PM): Didn’t just mean sex but whatever
Greed (11:53 PM): Make me coffee
Ling (11:53 PM): Goodnight, Greed.
Greed (11:53 PM): What the hell?
Greed (11:54 PM): Seriously?
Greed (11:54 PM): Fine, dont. ill make it myself
Greed (11:54 PM): Hope your dreams are plagued with nightmares damn
Ling (11:54 PM): Snore.
Greed (11:54 PM): So annoying.
ling yao 👎- Edward
November 22, Saturday
ling yao 👎(7:57 AM): good morning, Edward.
Edward (12:14 PM): morning
ling yao 👎(12:14 PM): sleeping beauty awakens at last.
Edward (12:14 PM): dont call me that.
Edward (12:14 PM): its the weekend who cares.
ling yao 👎(12:14 PM): so undisciplined!
Edward (12:15 PM): fuck you man
Edward (12:16 PM): i was awake earlier. i just took care of something
ling yao 👎(12:16 PM): how was your morning?
Edward (12:17 PM): fine i guess
Edward (12:17 PM): didnt want to open your texts. thought they were from someone else.
ling yao 👎(12:17 PM): is that so? why?
Edward (12:17 PM): i dont get texts through my number unless its for work
ling yao 👎(12:17 PM): is that so
Edward (12:18 PM): i talk to people im close to somewhere else.
ling yao 👎(12:18 PM): a separate texting app, perhaps?
Edward (12:18 PM): yes
Edward (12:18 PM): do you have discord or something? i want to keep my work apps and personal apps separate
ling yao 👎(12:18 PM): it flatters me that you think about texting me!
Edward (12:18 PM): i didnt say that.
ling yao 👎(12:19 PM): ill download it right away!
Edward (12:19 PM): it bothers me that youre so eager
ling yao 👎(12:19 PM): i like talking to you
Edward (12:19 PM): okay whatever
ling yao 👎(12:45 PM): i believe i have it set up already.
ling yao 👎(12:45 PM): how do i add you?
Edward (12:46 PM): whats your user? ill send you a rq
ling yao 👎(12:46 PM): rq?
Edward (12:46 PM): friend request
ling yao 👎(12:46 PM): oh, i see. its lingyao
Edward (12:46 PM): k
Edward (12:47 PM): sent a rq
ling yao 👎(12:47 PM): fullmetal?
Edward (12:47 PM): yes
Direct Message: lingyao - fullmetal
lingyao (12:48 PM): hello!
fullmetal (12:48 PM): hey
lingyao (12:49 PM): what does fullmetal mean?
fullmetal (12:50 PM): a nickname. It was supposed to be a jab at me but i thought it sounded fucking rad
lingyao (12:50 PM): i see..
lingyao (12:50 PM): it’s quite a tough sounding name
fullmetal (12:50 PM): right? it sounds cool
fullmetal (12:50 PM): ugh
fullmetal (12:51 PM): gotta head out.
fullmetal (12:51 PM): the hag wants me to buy groceries
lingyao (12:51 PM): would that be your grandmother?
fullmetal (12:51 PM): shes not my grandmother
fullmetal (12:51 PM): but if it makes it easier to understand then yeah i guess
lingyao (12:52 PM): i think that made me more confused, but thats alright with me. safe shoppings
fullmetal (12:52 PM): yeah sure
Greed - Ling
Ling (12:58 PM): you wouldn’t happen to have the app Discord, would you?
Greed (2:37 PM): Discord?
Ling (2:37 PM): you’re late as ever. don’t get fussy if I don’t reply immediately if you can’t do so either.
Greed (2:37 PM): I was busy, man. This bar isn’t gonna run itself
Ling (2:37 PM): I bet you were just having sex with some of the women you keep on you.
Greed (2:37 PM): Well, I won’t deny or confirm anything.
Ling (2:37 PM): I regret mentioning it.
Greed (2:38 PM): Anyway, why the hell are you asking?
Ling (2:38 PM): my friend recommended that we chat there.
Greed (2:38 PM): Damn your friend must be a loser.
Ling (2:38 PM): You haven’t even met him yet, Greed.
Greed (2:38 PM): Anyone who uses discord is probably a loser.
Greed (2:38 PM): That includes you
Ling (2:38 PM): does the app really carry negative connotations like that?
Greed (2:38 PM): Then again, you guys are tiny little teenagers
Ling (2:38 PM): don’t ignore me
Greed (2:39 PM): To answer your question, I don’t have one.
Greed (2:39 PM): I prefer to see my little gang in person
Ling (2:39 PM): I see. I understand that sentiment
Greed (2:40 PM): Who’s this friend of yours anyway?
Ling (2:40 PM): my friend from school. he’s in the same science class as me.
Ling (2:40 PM): he’s very intelligent so I requested that he teach me the lessons I don’t understand.
Greed (2:41 PM): Yeah? So he really is a loser
Ling (2:41 PM): perhaps, somewhat.
resembools #general
gearhead (3:12 PM): @fullmetal Where are you? Its been 2 hours
gearhead (3:12 PM): Seriously how hard could it possibly be to get groceries?
kittywarrior14 (3:12 PM): We’re all hungry, brother.
kittywarrior14 sent an image.
kittywarrior14 (3:13 PM): Granny’s gonna kill you when you get back
gearhead (3:13 PM): I will too.
fullmetal (3:34 PM): Do you realize how far the nearest supermarket is?
gearhead (3:34 PM): IT SHOULDNT TAKE 2 HOURS?
fullmetal (3:34 PM): SHUT UP? KYS?
fullmetal (3:34 PM): i didnt take the car this time bear with me.
kittywarrior14 (3:35 PM): Why didn’t you take the car? are you okay?
gearhead (3:35 PM): Youve been getting better at being in a car alone. Didnt feel like taking it?
fullmetal (3:37 PM): no.
gearhead (3:37 PM): Because of what happened last month?
fullmetal (3:37 PM): maybe.
fullmetal (3:39 PM): i wasnt being stupid last time though. it wasnt my fault my thumb got caught on the wheel. im not good at driving with other people in the car with me okay
fullmetal (3:39 PM): whyd you have to come with me last time anyway
gearhead (3:40 PM): Dont blame others for your own mistake, Ed
fullmetal (3:40 PM): ITS NOT MY FUCKING FAULT?
fullmetal (3:41 PM): ill be there soon. i just decided to sit for a bit. my leg is killing me
gearhead (3:42 PM): Leg, singular? Which one?
fullmetal (3:42 PM): the metal one.
kittywarrior14 (3:43 PM): Oh man. do you need us to come and get you?
fullmetal (3:43 PM): nah. im almost home anyway
gearhead (3:43 PM): Your automail hurting isn’t normal
fullmetal (3:44 PM): its fine.
gearhead (3:44 PM): Its getting cold nowadays. we could probably change it out for the winter model
fullmetal (3:45 PM): no objections here
fullmetal (3:45 PM): btw al. i went and bought you more medicine. you were running out right
kittywarrior14 (3:46 PM): Oh!!! yeah i totally forgot about that. Thank you brother !!
fullmetal (3:46 PM): yeah dw about it.
fullmetal (3:47 PM): now stop texting me so i can walk
gearhead (3:47 PM): Youre the one who was continuing the conversation
fullmetal (3:47 PM): ugh.
Direct Message: lingyao - fullmetal
lingyao (6:27 PM): hello, edward
fullmetal (6:38 PM): youve got to stop starting conversations like that.
lingyao (6:38 PM): why so?
fullmetal (6:38 PM): its too formal. its weird
lingyao (6:38 PM): really?
lingyao (6:38 PM): I’ll keep that in mind for next time, then
lingyao (6:39 PM): done with your groceries I assume?
fullmetal (6:39 PM): yeah. had dinner too
lingyao (6:39 PM): that’s great
lingyao (6:39 PM): I had a snack too!
fullmetal (6:39 PM): a snack to you might as well be 3 full course meals.
lingyao (6:40 PM): I won’t deny that
lingyao (6:40 PM): anyway, I wanted to ask you a question
fullmetal (6:40 PM): what
lingyao (6:40 PM): would you want to hang out sometime soon?
fullmetal (6:40 PM): im pretty far away from the city right now
lingyao (6:40 PM): oh?
lingyao (6:41 PM): well, it doesn’t have to be right now
lingyao (6:41 PM): whenever you’re free and in the city is fine
fullmetal (6:41 PM): then yeah
fullmetal (6:41 PM): i wouldnt mind
lingyao (6:41 PM): cool!
fullmetal (6:41 PM): cool.
Direct Messages: lingyao - fullmetal
November 25, Tuesday
fullmetal (3:56 PM): im in central
fullmetal (3:56 PM): ill see you in class but wont be free until weekend. you good with that?
lingyao (4:00 PM): of course! I’ll see you then!
resembools #general
kittywarrior14 (4:04 PM): @gearhead !! you wont believe it!
gearhead (4:05 PM): Whats up?
kittywarrior14 (4:05 PM): ed made a new friend! and they’re texting!
fullmetal (4:06 PM): okay just fucking out me like that damn
gearhead (4:06 PM): This is basically a miracle, ed!
fullmetal (4:06 PM): stop making fun of me
gearhead (4:06 PM): Were not making fun of you
gearhead (4:06 PM): Im happy for you!
fullmetal (4:08 PM): thanks.
kittywarrior14 (4:08 PM): Who are they?
kittywarrior14 (4:08 PM): You two must be pretty close if you’re already planning to meet up
gearhead (4:08 PM): Theyre planning to meet up? like a date?
fullmetal (4:09 PM): ITS NOT A DATE.
fullmetal (4:09 PM): were just hanging out
gearhead (4:09 PM): Sure you are. Who asked first?
fullmetal (4:09 PM): him.
gearhead (4:10 PM): Is that so… Do you have a picture of this new friend of yours?
fullmetal (4:10 PM): why.
kittywarrior14 (4:10 PM): Im curious
gearhead (4:10 PM): just curious
fullmetal (4:10 PM): i dont have a picture of him.
fullmetal (4:11 PM): hes the transfer student from xing. my classmate in basic chem
gearhead (4:11 PM): THAT HUGE GUY?
kittywarrior14 (4:11 PM): the tall guy?
fullmetal (4:11 PM): yes. That freakishly adult looking freak
gearhead (4:11 PM): Youre just jealous because hes a whole 8 inches taller than you
fullmetal (4:12 PM): WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU CALLING SMALL.
fullmetal (4:13 PM): AND ITS NOT 8 INCHES. ITS PROBABLY ONLY LIKE A FEW CENTIMETERS.
kittywarrior14 (4:13 PM): My guess is maybe.. around 15cm or more?
gearhead (4:13 PM): I never said you were small
gearhead (4:13 PM): Even if you are.
kittywarrior14 (4:17 PM): Wirydont provoke him
kittywarrior14 (4:17 PM): Hes hittimngeme with his right arm
gearhead (4:17 PM): Cant help you there, Al
kittywarrior14 (4:26 PM): TmT
Direct Messages: fullmetal - Winry 🔧 (AKA gearhead)
November 29, Saturday
Winry 🔧 (11:17 AM): I got the materials for your winter automail, ed
Winry 🔧 (11:17 AM): Ill change out your arm later, come to the engineering building after class
fullmetal (11:45 AM): nice. thanks win
fullmetal (11:45 AM): ill be there in a bit
Direct Message: lingyao - fullmetal
lingyao (12:36 PM): I’m done with class for the day. shall we get lunch together?
fullmetal (12:58 PM): sorry, couldnt get to my phone for a bit
fullmetal (1:00 PM): im finishing up some business at the engineering building’s medical ward
fullmetal (1:00 PM): you can choose a place to eat and ill meet you there
lingyao (1:00 PM): that’s quite alright, I can just go and see you there
fullmetal (1:01 PM): you sure?
lingyao (1:01 PM): I’m sure. are you alright though? Why are you at the medical ward?
fullmetal (1:02 PM): im not hurt, dont worry
lingyao (1:03 PM): if you say so. I’ll see you there.
Ling keeps his hands in his pockets as he makes his way to the school’s engineering building, feeling entirely too stuffy with the scarf Lan Fan had given him on the way out.
He was glad to finally be out of the house. If he had to listen to more of Greed’s incessant yapping and teasing about how Ling is finally obtaining the finer things in life (friends, apparently, or maybe he thinks Ling is out to see a girl?) he’s sure he might end up aiming a chop directly to his jaw.
He’s also glad that he’ll be spending time with a friend. He hasn’t had many chances to make friends besides Lan Fan.
As soon as he steps into the embracing warmth of the engineering building, he unloops his scarf, lets it hang loosely around his neck, and begins making his way to the medical ward. He’s only been there once during the campus tour for exchange students, so the signs with directions to the ward are helpful.
He knocks lightly on the door before entering. The room smells of oil, and when he calls out “hello?” the noise of metal from beyond a curtain-veiled room resounds. He decides that must be a lead, so he pushes past the curtains and lets himself into the room.
He’s entirely unprepared for what he sees when he enters.
“Oh, hey. You’re here earlier than I expected.” Edward lies on the medical ward’s bed casually in nothing but his boxers, and Ling learns 2 new things in the span of less than a second. First, Edward is jacked. Second, where his right arm and left leg should be are shiny metal prosthetics. The blonde girl next to him (Ed’s girlfriend, perhaps?) looks up from where she's tightening a screw into Ed’s arm, as if she didn’t realize there was another person.
“Automail?” Ling asks, eyeing the nasty scarring where the prosthetics connect to his body before he realizes that might be rude. He shifts his gaze to the side and meets the eyes of the blonde girl as she drapes a thin sheet over Edward’s exposed chest. She doesn’t seem to notice the confused look Edward gives her.
“He never told you?” the girl asks. Ling shakes his head.
“Nope. I don’t mind, though.” In hindsight, maybe it should have been a bit obvious, at least for his leg. His steps are always a bit heavier on his left. Though he doesn’t want to pry, he can’t help the curiosity that wells up in him at the sight of it. From what he knows, even in Amestris, automail isn’t common. “It’s not my place to pry.”
“I’m not flaunting it to the world,” Edward says, a bit feisty, but he winces when the girl tightens a screw in his arm.
“I don’t see why you don’t! Automail is so beautiful, and this is my one of a kind masterpiece,” she says. Edward begins to prop himself up with his flesh arm and push away the sheet over him, but his companion pushes him down. He does stay down, but not without a bit of grumbling.
“This is your work?” Ling asks, to which the blonde girl nods enthusiastically.
“Yup! Nice to meet you. You must be Ed’s friend who he’s been texting recently, right?”
“I’m glad to know he talks about me! My name is Ling Yao.”
“He doesn’t, actually. We found out because his brother was snooping.” She smiles fondly, and Ling gets the feeling the three of them are more than just friends. “Anyway, I’m Winry. If you ever need an automail engineer, you can always come to me!”
Interesting. He has a new piece of information for Grandpa Fu. “I’ll keep that in mind!”
Ling sits on a nearby stool, staring at the way the metal of Edward’s prosthetics shine under the light of the medical ward. “Is it heavy?” he asks.
“Yeah,” Edward admits. Winry finishes screwing in what he assumes is the last screw on his arm, as she moves back and allows Ed to sit up. The sheet falls and bunches around his waist as he does. A look of surprise crosses Edward’s face as he sits up and lifts his arm. “This is lighter than usual though.”
Winry picks up the sheet from around his waist and asks “you don’t want to cover up?” Edward quirks a brow at the question.
“Why would I?”
She doesn’t grace him with a response for a moment. She just thinks for a moment before shrugging and maneuvering around to work on his leg. “If you say so, Ed.” Then, she turns back to Ling to offer an explanation.
“Anyway, it should be heavy, yes. Regular automail is made of steel,” Winry explains, fixing in a solid piece over Edward’s leg. “But it’s not recommended for the winter. Frostbite will get to you fast, and it will really ruin your nerves, since the ports and wires are connected directly to them. So to combat that, I’m using a special type of metal for northern automail. It’s mostly made of carbon.”
“Hummm. So that’s why it’s lighter then?” He grabs onto Edward’s arm without a second thought despite the confused noise the blonde makes and nearly struggles to lift it. “This is what lighter is to you? This is so heavy!”
“Yeah,” Edward replies, affirmative, pulling his arm away and flexing his fingers. “Seems good, Winry.”
Ling hums to himself. If he’s carrying that much weight on him all the time, it’s no wonder he’s built. There must be a lot of weight being put on his chest and legs. He never really noticed since Edward didn’t seem to like showing too much skin. His eyes meet Edward’s pectorals, which sag slightly despite their beautiful sculpting.
What?
Realization hits, but Ling decides to keep his dignity by facing away, to save both himself and Edward the embarrassment. “My apologies. Shall I wait outside?”
“What are you even talking about?” Edward asks, seemingly unaware of Ling’s inner turmoil. He realizes that might be the reason Winry offered the sheet to cover up Edward. Perhaps Ed simply isn’t bothered by nudity. “While you’re here, can you pass me my shirt? I left it on the chair over there.”
“Ah…” Ling does as hes told, picking up the discarded tank top and collared shirt. “Here,” he says, and he passes it without meeting his friend’s eye.
“What is up with you?” Edward asks, to which Ling replies lightly that nothing is wrong. Absolutely nothing! He really would rather not explain to his new friend that he noticed the way his breasts sagged as he sat up. He’s not a pervert like Greed (he hopes). He waits for Edward to get his upper half dressed, and Winry seems to finish up with his prosthetic leg. She pats his port and leans back.
“Leg should be all good. Try it out?”
Ling mostly spaces out as the two talk about maintenance, Edward’s “all good”s and affirmative noises passing over his head. He snaps back into focus at the call of his name.
“I’m good to go,” Ed says, having apparently put on pants and his coat while Ling was out of it. “Grub time?”
“Grub time!” Ling exclaims enthusiastically. That sounded like a perfect distraction for the thoughts raging through his head. “Your treat?”
“Who said it was my treat?” Edward asks, but there’s no real heat to his question. Ling simply laughs it off. Then Edward directs his attention to his mechanic. “What’re you doing after this, Winry?”
“Gonna go see Paninya after I clean up here. I already told Granny I was staying for the weekend. Al’s coming with me,” she replies, already in the process of putting away her materials.
“‘Kay. See you later then,” Edward says to her before beginning his march towards the door.
“Don’t forget to text me,” Winry says before they’re out the door, and Ed just waves her off.
After a beat of silence, Ling asks “was that your girlfriend?” and the way Ed sputters as if on cue is quite funny.
“She’s not my girlfriend,” Ed says. “I dunno how to put it.”
“Just a friend?” Ling presses. Edward takes a while to respond.
“She’s more than a friend.”
“Your girlfriend, then.”
“...More than a girlfriend, but she’s not my lover.”
“Hm.” Ling frowns. “I don’t think I understand.”
They’re out the door of the building and facing the cold weather outside when Edward replies again. “It’s not romantic. I used to think it was, but it’s not. It’s–” He scratches his head and pouts. There’s a red tint to his cheeks that Ling doesn’t think is from the weather. “She’s a part of me. More than a friend. She’s a part of me, the same way my brother is a part of me. A part of my everything. I’d give up my arm for her if she needed it.”
Ah. It’s a beautiful sentiment, but when Ed sees the smile Ling has on his face, his face grows more red. “I know it’s cheesy, don’t make fun of me! You were the one who asked.”
“I don’t think it’s cheesy,” Ling says. “I understand now. I have someone like that to me as well.”
“Yeah?”
Ling nods. “Yeah.”
“Cool.” It’s a bit awkward after this, and they continue walking silently until Ed stops in his tracks. “Anyway, where do you want to eat?”
“Hmmm… Do you know any good places around here? I haven’t really eaten out in too many places,” Ling admits.
Edward tugs on a pair of gloves he had shoved in his pocket. Ling wonders if he’s only wearing them for the winter or if he’s wearing them to cover his prosthetic. “There’s a diner somewhere around here that’s pretty warm. The food’s okay too.”
“I’ll let you lead the way, then.” As they step out, Ling’s phone vibrates in his pocket, and he pulls it out to check while he follows Edward’s path.
A call from Lan Fan. What a coincidence; he was just thinking about her, given his earlier conversation with Ed.
“Wéi? Lan Fan?” He responds as he picks up the phone, and he gives Edward a smile when he turns around to check in.
“Shào yé,” Lan Fan greets awfully formal as per usual, and the familiar Xingese language is comforting to hear, “may I ask what time you’ll be home?”
“Come on, it’s just me. No need to be formal,” Ling replies, letting the words roll off his tongue more naturally than the Amestrian language, and still following after Edward. “I’m unsure what time I’ll be home. Maybe later tonight?”
“Apologies. Would it be alright if I came to fetch you after six?” she asks. Ling hums.
“Let me ask Edward.” At the call of his name, the blonde looks back. “I may have to leave after six. Would you like me to escort you back home before then?”
Edward scoffs. “I don’t need an escort! I could beat your ass and ten other people at the same time any day.”
Ling highly doubts that Ed could beat him. Regardless, he’s sure he can handle getting himself home, as he says. That doesn’t stop him from turning back to his phone and telling Lan Fan “I’ll escort my friend back to his home first, then I can go home,” fully knowing Edward cannot understand Xingese.
“Understood. I will pick you up later. Stay safe,” Lan Fan says curtly before ending the call.
“Who was that? A friend of yours from Xing?” Ed asks once the call is put down.
“Yes. She’ll be coming to pick me up later.”
Ed gives him a snarky grin. “Damn, what a baby. Still need to be picked up after school?”
“I can handle myself, but my family would throw a fit. They’re tracking me right now, from my phone.”
“Can’t imagine what it must be like to be rich.” Suddenly, Edward stops. “This is it.”
It’s a small diner, and true to Edward’s earlier claim, it’s warm inside. “Seems nice here.”
“Yeah. I come here often. Hasn’t changed at all in the few years I’ve been over.” Edward takes a seat at one of the tables inside, and the waitress is quick to offer them the menus.
“Did you grow up here in Central?” Ling asks, skimming over the menu. He wants to try everything, actually, but he’s feeling a bit generous for the cute blonde boy he’s with, so he’ll hold back and maybe only order 7 bowls instead of 14. At the very least, if Edward had no money, Ling could just put it on his card.
“Nope. I grew up in the countryside to the southeast. I came to Central when I was 13,” Ed explains. He tells the waiter he’d be having a bowl of stew, and Ling simply orders one bowl of their weekend special. For now.
“That was… two years ago?”
“Yeah. I went to the eastern city to go to school three years ago. I skipped a few grades, so I took a paid internship, and then moved to central a year later because my advisor moved here,” Edward says. He glances down at his phone for a bit when it lights up with a notification, but he ignores whatever caught his attention. “I needed the money.”
“Wow. If you’ve skipped some grades, why are we still in the same year?” Ling asks, genuinely curious. He knew Edward was smart, but he never really stopped to consider just how smart he is, considering he’s been publishing research papers to the scientific research congress of Amestris for 3 years.
“Al didn’t get to go to school and experience the things he wanted to. I didn’t want to leave him alone, so I’m here again.” Edward takes a sip of the glass of water the waitress provided. “I need to watch over him.”
Ling smiles fondly. Sounds like Edward’s had a rough life. Despite his attitude, he really is caring. “That’s quite sweet of you.”
Edward looks away at that, a red tint to his cheeks, and he diverts his attention to his phone. “Whatever.”
The food arrives soon after, and they save the chatting for later. Ling is entirely too focused on making sure to savor every bite from the multiple bowls he’s had to really have a conversation. Edward seems amused, and despite his incredulous look, he’s smiling.
Ling feels a flutter in his stomach when he sees that smile, and he considers it a sign to order another bowl.
Direct Messages: fullmetal - Winry 🔧 (AKA gearhead)
Winry 🔧 (2:01 PM): Hi Ed
Winry 🔧 (2:01 PM): Hows your date
fullmetal (2:01 PM): its not a date.
fullmetal (2:02 PM): i was a bit annoyed earlier. he looked at me weird and started acting all embarrassed. hes being cool rn tho
fullmetal (2:03 PM): he hasnt asked anything about my limbs.
Winry 🔧 (2:03 PM): Edward
fullmetal (2:03 PM): Winry.
Winry 🔧 (2:03 PM): I dont think it was the automail he was looking at
fullmetal (2:04 PM): what?
fullmetal (2:05 PM): oh.
Winry 🔧 (2:05 PM): He looked away as common courtesy
Winry 🔧 (2:05 PM): And apologized too
Winry 🔧 (2:09 PM): Ed?
fullmetal (2:10 PM): fuck, man.
fullmetal (2:10 PM): why didnt you tell me
Winry 🔧 (2:10 PM): I offered you cover and you didn’t take it so i figured he knew and you didnt mind
Winry 🔧 (2:10 PM): Im sorry 😭
fullmetal (2:11 PM): ugh. its fine it was my bad
fullmetal (2:11 PM): i got used to people who know being the only ones around
fullmetal (2:11 PM): ill apologize to him too. kind of unintentionally flashed him
Winry 🔧 (2:12 PM): To be fair, im pretty sure most people don’t realize theyre not pecs. They might as well be
fullmetal (2:12 PM): still.
fullmetal (2:12 PM): ill talk to you later. gotta convince this guy not to order an 8th bowl of the weekend special
Winry 🔧 (2:13 PM): Goodness. Alright
Winry 🔧 (2:13 PM): Btw, im staying over at mr. Dominic’s this weekend
Winry 🔧 (2:13 PM): Al’s going home later
fullmetal (2:14 PM): k. you have fun over there
Greed - Ling
Ling (3:22 PM): Greed. I am swallowing my pride to ask you a question.
Ling (3:22 PM): You must promise not to make fun of me or tell mother.
Greed (3:23 PM): Depends on what it is. I don’t make promises I can’t keep. That’s essentially the same as lying, ysee
Ling (3:27 PM): I’m going to trust you this once.
Greed (3:27 PM): Im flattered.
Ling (3:29 PM): Hypothetically, how would one go about apologizing for walking in on a friend getting maintenance on their prosthetics they never told you about and subsequently accidentally staring at their breasts which were not noticeable at first if said friend seemed unaware that their chest was visible.
Greed (3:30 PM): I just laughed out loud. Wanted to let you know.
Greed (3:30 PM): You are hilarious. First time seeing tits in your life?
Ling (3:30 PM): Greed. This is serious.
Greed (3:31 PM): Yeah, yeah. Must’ve been flat as hell if you didn’t notice.
Greed (3:31 PM): Just apologize to your lady friend. It was an accident anyway.
Ling (3:31 PM): He’s not a woman.
Greed (3:32 PM): Ahh. My bad.
Greed (3:32 PM): Just apologize to him regularly.
Ling (3:32 PM): How do I do that?
Greed (3:33 PM): Just normally? Say Sorry, I really didnt mean to barge in, I wont do it again, I dont think of you any differently?? Figure it out, man.
Ling (3:33 PM): I guess.
Ling (3:33 PM): Sorry. I remembered it happened and I freaked out.
Greed (3:34 PM): Yeah it’s fine. Wasn’t doing anything anyway. Go apologize
Ling (3:34 PM): I will. Thank you.
Despite Edward’s insistence that he can get home on his own, Ling follows him all the way to his apartment building staircase.
“You didn’t have to come all the way here,” Ed says.
“Well, I must be a gentleman,” Ling explains with a grin. He narrows his eyes after and tilts his head down. “I also wanted to apologize.”
His tone makes Ed tense up. “For what?”
“Looking at your breasts,” Ling says matter-of-factly.
“Ah.” Edward plays with the ends of his bangs. ‘Don’t freak out’ he tells himself.. “Um… I’m sorry about that too. I didn’t realize Winry was trying to get me covered up. I completely forgot.”
He’s glad that Ling isn’t yelling at him about how he ‘lied’ to him, or something like that. He just hopes he isn’t suddenly being nicer because he thinks Ed is a girl.
“Well, it wasn’t your fault. I didn’t realize it at all. I don’t really mind.” Ling shrugs. “But I do have to say, you’re pretty fit, aren’t you? What say you to scheduling a training session in the future? I’m curious to see who’d come out on top between the two of us.” Then, as if the wording bothered him, he pulls his hands up to wave off the embarrassment. “I didn’t mean for that to have any kind of… ulterior intentions or motives. If it makes you more comfortable, my friend will be there with us the whole time.”
Edward looks up (it pisses him off that he has to do that), but the proposition interests him. “Yeah, it’s fine. And that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”
Ling smiles now having been assured, his stupid sharp teeth on full display. “Well then, I’ll hold you to that. But I’m no pushover- I won’t go down so easily.”
“Me neither,” Edward says, patting his metal arm over his shirt. “Try not to topple over from a single punch, ‘kay?”
Ling waves him off. “I’m sure I won’t.” His grin neutralizes when he sees his phone light up. “For now I’ve got to head out and wait for my friend so I can head home. See you soon, Ed…” He pauses, then he smiles and shakes his phone in front of him. “Or text you later, I guess.”
“Sure, sure.” Ed gives him a smile of his own, already taking the first few steps up the stairs. “Thanks for being cool about everything. Don’t pass out from hunger on your way home.”
“I won’t! Probably. Bye!” He waves enthusiastically as he leaves the building, and Ed waits until he’s out the door before heading up the stairs.
He’s not the worst guy Ed’s met, that’s for sure.