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Eds head was pounding, like seriously this was a grade 9 migraine. The bumpy train car was not helping his cause at all. He had just about managed to create something resembling a report, honestly that colonel bastard should be grateful he’s even doing one; albeit even To his standards utter shit. The report was something along the lines of ‘took train to Mining town’ ‘inspected caves’ ‘caves had decent minerals and rocks, nothing special’. Edward wasn’t even sure if it was that comprehensible but by god if it was anyone’s fault it was that ass kissing boss of his. I mean who sends a double amputee on several back to back missions; in the dead of winter may he add, to do shitty little missions because either ‘his alchemist knowledge was invaluable to the mission’ (absolute bullshit) or ‘normal soldiers aren’t permitted to do the tasks that he has to carry out’. That last one was fair but why out of all of eastern command did it have to be him, surely there must be others. Anyways its his future self that has to deal with the consequences of writing a shitty report.Besides He had far more pressing matters to attend to such as locking himself in the library to find a way to get Al’s body back to him.
Soon Ed found himself slipping into a listless sleep as the bumpy cart transformed into one of rocking. Lulling him to sleep.
Suddenly ed was awoken to a sharp jolt that launched him from his sleeping position; that being strewn across the bench. A grating noise attacking his ears. Turns out the nap in fact did not aid his migraine; only making it worse. Now to accompany his pounding head was the grogginess of sleep. He picked himself off the floor and Soon he made his way out of the carriage and stepped off onto the platform and started his walk to eastern command. For it being the dead of winter he was surprised at how warm it felt, perhaps his automail would start to warm up on his walk.
The 30 minute walk passed by in a blur, soon he reached the gates; just as he was fumbling to pull out his pocket watch one of the guards abruptly stepped in front of him.
”Now now little boy, where do you think you're going?” the soldier said to him in an infuriatingly condescending voice. “Are you waiting for your daddy?” He said as he bent down in front of Edward.
Now Edward was known to have the shortest fuse known to man and with how his Day was going this was just bout his last straw; ed knew that he had only been at eastern command for 6 months now but he felt that his coat and stand out golden hair was enough to make himself recognisable but apparently that still wasn’t enough. A quick look at the stars on his shoulders told him all that he needed to know. The guy was only a Sargent and Edward being a major was a far higher rank not that he would normally care about that type of thing but today wasn’t one of those days.
“I am major Elric the fullmetal alchemist” he said, finally showing his pocket watch; flashing it in the guy's face. “Now, if you could move out of my way before you have my colonel demanding to know where i am”
The Sargent, still crouched and now dumbfounded, ed took this as the opportunity to walk past him and into the command centre; the other guard not even daring to look at fullmetal. Ed made his way to mustangs unit without fault now that he was inside. And quite frankly he didn't think he was really giving ‘ah yes please come up to me and have an idle chat’. Ed gingerly made his way up the steps, seriously when did they get so steep and long. His throbbing ports was a telling sign that this was most likely just a him Problem but by god he was going to make it everyone else’s problem as well. As he finished climbing the stairs he started going down the long- long corridor. He made his way to the office door and stepped inside.
‘Afternoon chief’ havoc said to Ed ‘wow you look like shit, you feeling alright?’
‘Thank you so much for the concern havoc’ Ed said sarcastically
’wow you even sound like shit as well’ Breda stated with a grin
Ed deciding that he quite frankly couldn’t be bothered to come up with a quip simply rolled his eyes.
’careful guys Ed’s finally becoming a teenager, better watch out for those eye rolls’ Falman stated joining in on the fun
Ed, done with the world, just grumbled and turned to Hawkeye ‘is the colonel bastard ready for me?’
‘Yes he should be ready for you now’ she said turning to him with a smile
Ed decided for his own sanity to forgo kicking open the door in favour of not making his ever growing migraine any worse. However as soon as he stepped into the office he regretted his decision in not making Mustang’s life as annoying as possible.
’Oh my god, I never thought I'd see the day where you didn't rip my poor door off its hinges’ he said with that signature shit eating grin that made Ed want to punch it off his face.
’yeah yeah whatever’
’whatever sir’ Ed knew that mustang wasn't actually correcting him, only taking the absolute piss out of him and winding him up at every possible turn; which in fact was working.
’why you-‘
‘as much as i would like to continue with our charade, i have a meeting in 10 minutes and you’re late’ mustang stated his voice shifting to a slightly more serious tone.
’take that complaint up with the Sargents by the gate refusing to let me in’ Ed mumbled
‘I don't have time for your excuses fullmetal. Besides, can you really blame them considering your stature.’ Despite mustangs previous statements of wanting to get this over and done with, the smirk on his face told a different story, clearly enjoying riling up his youngest subordinate. Not waiting for Edward to even reply he continued speaking ‘right i need your report now fullmetal if you could’
Ed dug around the pockets of his coat; he was only just realising how stuffy it had become in mustangs office, if the conversation continued any longer Ed might take off his coat. Finally he found a single piece of crumpled paper, internally cursing. He already knew that the bastard wouldn’t be happy and most likely end up with him getting reprimanded and scolded. Ed could already feel the impending doom as he sat the pitiful single sheet of paper sheepishly on the colonels desk. his eyes downcast looking at the suddenly very interesting floor.
‘Fullmetal’ the colonel stated in what sounded like disbelief ‘what the hell is this? A single sheet of paper?’ He said as he picked up the paper, Edward could hear the irritation building into his voice. ‘You’ve not even written anything on the other side’ the colonel just sounded baffled at this point. Ed couldn’t blame him, not really, despite what everyone might think and what his attitude may convey he respected mustang and owed him a lot. If it weren’t for him he’d still be stuck in that god awful wheelchair with no way of getting his brother's body back. He really didn’t actually wish to disappoint the man; though he would never say it out loud. He’d take it to his grave if he had too-
‘fullmetal look at me when I'm speaking to you’ suddenly Eds train of thought was cut off by Mustang's shrill voice cutting through his thoughts.
‘Are you even listening to me?’ Oh mustang was beyond pissed, it wasn’t his fault though. It wasn’t his fault that his automail felt like it was tearing into his skin, it wasn’t his fault that everything felt way too stuffy to be acceptable, it wasn’t his fault that he’s had a wave of constant nausea tugging at him ever since he stepped into the colonel’s office. However even with all these thoughts circulating around his head he could only muster
‘huh?’
Ok even Ed knew that was not the best thing to say and was internally cussing at himself. he could hear mustang full on shouting at him now but it all felt too far away for him to care- oh my god why was it so hot in here like Seriously he knew mustang was called the flame alchemist for a reason but it could not be comfortable to work in this type of heat. Well if Ed was going to have to stand here for the rest of eternity while mustang shouted at him for who knows what, he definitely wasn't going to cook alive while doing it. He decided to half heartedly try to shrug his coat off but with how much pain his automail was causing him it was rather difficult. There had to be snow on the way, there was no way it was this cold? Wait but he was taking his coat off because he thought it was too hot so that didn't make sense. Maybe it wasn't the cold making his automail a pain but the heat instead. Yeah that made sense.
Except it didn't, it was the middle of December.
’fullmetal what are you doing?’ the colonel’s voice cutting him off yet again from his thoughts. But this time he didn’t sound mad, maybe even some concern laced into his voice.
’Taking my coat off, duh’ I mean it didn't take a genius to know what to take a coat off Looked like.
‘Can I ask why?’ Mustangs voice almost cautious now
’what do you mean why? Right, I get you’re the flame alchemist and everything but the temperature you keep your office at is diabolical.’ Ed was a little dumbfounded as to Why mustang was so confused i mean he was just taking his coat off what was the big deal.
‘Edward can you Sit down on my sofa for me, i want to test something out’ the bastards voice suddenly sounding a lot more softer, somehow that was slightly more unnerving than the shouting.
‘wait what-?’ Mustang calling him by his name and not title now that was weird, he’d only ever done that a hand full of times before. But before he could even question further mustang as already guiding him to the well worn sofa. ‘I’m just going to grab Hawkeye a second ok’
oh he was so screwed, he didnt even think he had messed up that badly, but if Hawkeye was being involved he was so unbelievably and beyond screwed.
‘Hey Ed im just going to take your temperature ok?’ Suddenly a cold hand was placed into his forehead causing him to shiver involuntarily. ‘I know I’m sorry’; Hawkeye was being weirdly kind to him. Her and the colonel continued talking but it all felt like cotton in his ears, that can't be good. Oh well that was future him problems.
Wait didnt he say that to himself earlier on the train.
Does that make him future him?
soon he felt arms push down onto his chest, guiding him towards the old and well loved sofa. He tried to protest but found his words lost on his tongue, instead deciding to sink deeper into the cushion. His world gradually fading away, all sounds soon becoming nothing more than background noise to lull him to sleep.
~~~~~~
Mustang was irritated to say the least, fullmetal was at least half an hour late, now that wasn’t a record on his part but mustang had a meeting to attend to and needed to prepare for some serious ass kissing due to all the high ranking officials that would be there. But could he mentally prepare himself for that? No. No he couldn’t, because he had to prepare for the absolute shit storm that was Edward Elric to burst through his door. If someone had asked him what compelled him to invite a 12 year old into the military, he couldn’t answer you. What seemed like a relatively ok idea at the time turned out to be a full time baby sitting job as fullmetal was able to create as much trouble as he possibly could and despite only being in the military for only 6 months he had amassed more property damage than any soldier should.
Quite frankly he was on his last straw.
so when fullmetal decided to casually waltz into his office 40 minutes late, he was at his wits end with him already. So he decided to have a little fun with the kid, sue him he deserved it.
’Oh my god, I never thought I'd see the day where you didn't rip my poor door off its hinges’ he said making sure to get under fullmetal’s skin by doing that smirk he hates so much. However instead of a quip to meet mustang it was a rather unenthusiastic
’yeah yeah whatever’
The way fullmetal said it was just so, apathetic. Sue the colonel for having beef with a 12 year old. That kid was really bratty when he wanted to be. And that tended to be 90% of the time. So mustang quickly shot back;
’whatever sir’
This time it actually managed to get under fullmetal’s skin and cause a reaction.
’why you-‘
However as much as mustang wanted to continue to rile up the boy; he did unfortunately, have a job and said job involved a whole lot of ass kissing. So to quickly cut the kid off to de escalate the situation he replied
‘as much as i would like to continue with our charade, i have a meeting in 10 minutes and you’re late’
Now mustang wasn’t actually in a rush to get to the meeting he actually loathed the idea of attending right now, however it was important that fullmetal understands the importance of being punctual. I mean what would happen if a higher up was doing an inspection and the kid waltzed in late without a care in the world, not only would it affect him but also the rest of the team, including fullmetal. And then that would impact his ability to find missions regarding the philosophers stone.
’take that complaint up with the Sargents by the gate refusing to let me in’ fullmetal let out in a huff.
Ok mustang did find that rather amusing and not all that hard to believe considering he was the youngest state alchemist ever. Though it was rather weird due to the kid starting to make a name for himself; said name being ‘the peoples alchemist’. The thought of that made mustangs well up with something acquainted with pride or something of the sort. Of course the kid didn’t need to know that. Another thing that stood out to him was the kid's striking appearance not only was his hair and eyes an unheard of colour but his coat was enough to let anyone at least in the military know who he was.
….
perhaps he might look into it.
The kid didnt need to know that though
‘I don't have time for your excuses fullmetal. Besides, can you really blame them considering your stature.’ Mustang really didnt know why he kept winding up the kid to be honest the meeting was getting closer to around 5 minutes now. Damn that was sooner than thought, he needed to wrap this up quick. He was just going to have to quickly scan the report.
‘right i need your report now fullmetal if you could’
suddenly it was almost as if fullmetal flickered to life and suddenly looking rather panicked. Now he was taking a closer look at the kid and really paying attention he seemed to be favouring the non automail dominant side, and was looking rather flush. However all concern was quickly washed away when he saw what fullmetal had presented him on his desk. The report- if you could even call it that was a single page long.
‘Fullmetal’ Mustang said. Quite frankly any pity he had for the boy was quickly washed away. What did he think was this? Did Fullmetal really think that this was acceptable? Was he trying to waste his time? Did the kid think that this was all some kind of fun game?
‘what the hell is this? A single sheet of paper?’ The irritation in his voice quickly rising as he turned the paper to check the back.
‘You’ve not even written anything on the other side’ mustang was so done at this point.
’do you really think that this is acceptable? Huh? Is this the standard you hold yourself too? Or is it you're trying to make a mockery of me and my team?’ Throughout his shouting he realised that Edward’s head was downturned and staring at the floor like it was the most interesting thing in the world. Now fullmetal wasn't even giving him the respect of looking at him while he was shouting at him, Mustang thought to himself. He could even hear him mumbling to himself quietly.
‘fullmetal look at me when I'm speaking to you’ mustang made sure his scowl was on full display,his voice cold and sharp.
Seeing that fullmetal was now looking at him he decided that he would continue to drill his lesson into Elric's head.
‘I know you think that your above everyone else but I can tell you this now your really not.’ His voice full of fury, maybe he was being too harsh but the words were just spilling out of his mouth at this point; perhaps even projecting a bit. He really did not have time for this. ‘Is this what you act like when your younger brother isn’t here to keep you in line, how pathetic. Your brother is up in resembool helping with the flood season and here you are, unable to write a single report.’ Ok perhaps he was being too harsh but honestly it didn’t even seem like fullmetal was even listening. His eyes, almost glazed over.
‘Are you even listening to me?’ The question was framed as half serious and concerned and the other fully pissed. Man he really needed to get to that meeting. after a short pause and a moment of silence, fullmetal finally decided on
‘huh’
….
This fucking brat
just as mustang was about to start screaming, this time loud enough for the team outside to hear, he paused. He paused and really looked at fullmetal;and by god did that kid look like actual shit. Like someone just dragged him through a hedge backwards. Suddenly fullmetal started shifting and moving his shoulders around rather a lot. It was a rather confusing sight to watch.
’fullmetal? What are you doing’ however there was no response. Only more violent shifting. If mustang was going to hazard a guess he might be trying and failing miserably to take his coat off?
’fullmetal, what are you doing’ this time it was said in a more assertive tone, not to scold the kid, But to ground him and try to figure out what was going on.
mustangs predictions were proven right as the kid stated ’Taking my coat off, duh’
it was almost as if he was stating the weather. That was another thing that confused mustang.
why on earth was the kid taking his jacket off it was the dead of winter.
‘Can I ask why?’ Mustang already knew the answer but wanted to hear it from edward himself. However that seemed to apparently be the wrong course of action as this just seemed to irritate the boy. As if the colonel was the one asking a stupid question.
’what’ dya mean ‘why’? Right, I get you’re t-the flame alchemist an’ everything but the temperature you keep your office at is diabolical.’
Ed tried to make a quip but it sounded rather pathetic as he slurred his words. If it wasn’t apparent that something was wrong with the kid before it definitely was now. The kid looked dead on his feet- like actually. He needed to get fullmetal to lie down before he keeled over and dropped dead on his floor. Mustang got up from his chair pushing it away from his desk, and made his way over to fullmetal. Now he was closer he could see the kid was way more red then he originally thought- or maybe it had just gotten worse; either way it wasn’t good.
Oh sod that meeting, he’ll get Hawkeye to explain his absence he thought to himself. Seeing the state the kid was in suddenly that ‘important’ meeting wasn't as important as it once was.
‘Edward can you Sit down on my sofa for me, i want to test something out’ He rarely used Ed’s full name or even his name in general, maybe it was to distance himself from the kid or whatever but he felt it was appropriate for the situation at hand. Almost as if flickering to life Ed’s eyes held recognition, this time he wasn’t looking through Mustang like he had been for the past 10 minutes.
‘wait what-?’
But before Ed could protest like he normally would, Mustang quickly guided him to sit on the sofa. He knew it was the right move to do so because in doing so he saw the tension in Edward’s body suddenly lessened; whether intentional or not. Was he injured? If so he needed to check him out quickly to make sure he wasn’t bleeding out. Now he wouldn’t say he was in control of the situation whatsoever, in fact he was clearly out of his depth and was only going off what he could remember from his childhood and what madam Christmas did for him. Even with that little knowledge he knew he still needed help and that help always came in the form of Hawkeye.
‘I’m just going to grab Hawkeye a second ok’ he informed Ed, crouching down to his level. Mustang wasn’t even sure if Ed was listening but still felt the need to tell him for some reason. He doubt the kid could even go anywhere in the condition he was in anyway.
As if on que hawkeye's voice rang out from the other side of the door.
‘Sir are you and Edward alright in there?’ Her voice filled with the normal harshness that even veterans would shudder at.
‘Actually I need your help in here if you could?’ He framed it as a question when he and Hawkeye both knew they’d go to hell if he asked.
Not missing a beet she opened the door and just as quickly closed it behind her.
‘Is Edward alright sir?’ She questioned, the normal harshness in her voice fading away. ‘Oh’
as if her question was already answered for her as she turned to Ed who was perched on the sofa; eyes half lidded and staring into nothing quite intensely.
She quickly made her way over kneeling next to Mustang and in front of the boy.
‘Hey Ed, im just going to take your temperature ok?’ Putting the back of her palm against his forehead. Ed let out a groan in discomfort, likely in the temperature difference
‘I know I’m sorry’ she cooed knowing it would do little to ease the situation. She turned her attention back to mustang.
‘He feels warm but should be fine, Some rest should do him good. Shall I call his brother to come pick him up?’
‘No need he isn’t here right now due to being in resembool- actually could you reschedule my meeting for tomorrow I think it would be better to just keep Edward on my couch so I can keep an eye out for any changes’
Riza could see right through the colonel’s tough guy act but decided against calling him out on it besides she and the rest of the unit all knew how much he really cared for the boy anyways. They actually all had bets going on right now to see if Ed would call mustang ‘dad’ first or mustang finally admitting how much he really cares for Ed. However, Instead she opted to guiding the spaced out boy onto the sofa and on his back, letting him go to sleep.
‘It’s already been done, but I expect you to sign those papers that are due for next week's meeting’ she said with a smirk creeping onto her face.
‘Yes mam’ mustang replied with a mock salute as he made his way back to his desk; Riza shutting the door behind her as she left the room. Soon Mustang fell into a rhythm as he fulfilled his promise in completing his due paperwork for once instead of leaving it to the night before. The only noise was Edward’s soft raspy snores as it slowly turned into white background noise as the afternoon turned into evening; the rest of the unit wrapping up for the day. However despite it being 5 o’clock and there being no major missions going on the paperwork pile was not getting any smaller, if anything looking slightly bigger then when he started; he could feel his poor wrist cramping at the sight. Mustang looked up from his desk to check up on Ed, the poor kid's face was scrunched up in discomfort either from the sickness or a nightmare knowing the kid's luck.
standing up from his desk, Mustang made his way over to Ed, sleeping on his sofa. As he bent down to get a closer look at the kid he could see sweat forming on his brow, it being from the aforementioned nightmares or a fever taking its toll on the boy. maybe a combination of the two. taking a look at the weather outside; which by now had turned into heavy snowfall it was clear to see as to why Edward was in so much pain.
The boy had previously told him at the beginning of his employment all the basics of automail that he needed to know. It included a lesson on what happens to the metal when in contact with the cold, due to the type of automail he has it expands, causing it to constrict and put more pressure than usual on his already aching ports. Now looking back, Mustang was feeling rather guilty and ashamed that he sent Edward on those back to back missions; despite knowing the circumstances that he was under.
Due to the fever, Ed was also shaking; clearly cold. His thin red coat clearly did nothing to warm him and lessen the effects of the fever.
Mustang himself was feeling rather hot in his office and decided that the logical action would be to lay his thick military jacket over Ed- simply for logistics, no other reason. His eyes made its way back to his desk; still overflowing with documents and paperwork that needed looking over and signing. So with a heavy heart Mustang slumped back into his seat resigning himself to the soul sucking task that was paper work.
After another hour all activity in the office had come to a close; with it being 6pm and all. Not that there was much noise from the rest of the unit as Riza must have informed them of Edwards predicament; if they hadn't already caught on. His team was good like that. They all cared for Edward and his brother dearly even if him and his brother didn't quite see it just yet. Though it may not seem like it on the surface Alphonse was just as distrustful as his brother albeit more subtle. So seeing both brothers slowly warm up to them and grow as people within the short time that they've known each other is truly a sight to see.
Deciding to check up on the Elric he stood up once more and made his way to the sofa being mindful of the noise, though he seriously doubts anything could wake the child at this point. Crouching down to eye level he could see the sweat clinging to his brow; sticking his fringe to his brow. Mustang slicked the fringe tucking it behind his ears. Suddenly Eds head moved, trapping Mustang's hand underneath.
’well guess im stuck here then’
~~~~~~~
It had just gone past 6 and Hawkeye was the only one left in the offices besides Mustang and Ed. The others had left one after another being mindful of Ed on their way out. They had all come to love Ed in their own ways; Riza herself included. While the means of Edward being here was unconventional she was glad he ended up here and not with a man like Colonel Archer.
As much as she’d love to leave Edward sleeping, Riza knows he can't spend the night in eastern command; the same being said for Mustang. While she did want him to finish his paper work she’d rather it not be at the expense of his health- not that he would ever actually go that far for paper work.
Making her way over to the door to Mustang's office, she knocked on the door and waited to receive permission to enter. Upon hearing no answer she slowly creaked open the door; peering inside she found both boys inside fast asleep; mustangs had trapped under Eds head leaving mustang slumped next to the sofa. It was moments like these that she thanked the family crazed man that was Maes hughes. Riza quietly walked to her desk and opened on of the draws and inside was a small handheld camera. Hughes had gifted her a pocket camera when Ed had come into their office saying that they would “need it when the time comes” at the time she had no clue what he could mean but now she knew.
blackmail
Thankfully a roll was already in the camera and all she needed to do was put her military training to use. Slowly she creeped back over to Mustangs office and slipped inside.
She was sure to get multiple photos and angles; while she was trying to be quite due to the shutter sound on the camera she also knew that it would be relatively hard to wake either boys.
Maybe she’d give Hughes a copy as a thank you, she knew he loved the boys as if they were his own.