Work Text:
Maes and Roy slid into the backseat of their right-on-time Uber, a black and spacious Toyota something or other. All of the vehicles started to look the same after a while when one Ubered as much as the duo did following a long day at work and on their way to a long night at the bar. They both spared a polite nod and smile for the driver, a young and pleasant-looking blond woman named Winry, before Maes decided to continue their conversation that had started back in the office.
“So now Gracia and I get to spend the weekend looking at different pre-schools in the area,” he complained. “I didn’t think I’d have to worry about this stuff until she was in high school.”
“Just pick one,” Roy suggested absentmindedly while looking down at his cell phone. “Aren’t they all the same?”
Maes snorted laughter. “Say that to my wife and see what happens.”
“Somehow I don’t think your wife is the one making it such a big deal.” Roy glanced up from his phone long enough to side-eye the other man. “I do know you, after all.”
“Yeah, well…” Maes shrugged and smiled sheepishly. “Nothing is too…”
“... good for your angel,” Roy finished, having heard the sentiment countless times since Elysia was born.
“And don’t you forget it,” Maes said with a light jab for emphasis.
He turned his head and looked out of the window at the passing scenery. There were three miles to go before they reached their destination. Three miles before he was snug in a booth with his first of possibly many glasses of whiskey and the soothing sound of—
klook
Maes snapped his head back around to Roy, his green eyes wide behind his glasses. He knew that sound all too well, because he knew his best friend all too well.
And his best friend loved Grindr.
“Um…” he began nervously, praying that the driver hadn’t heard the notification.
But of course she had.
“I know that sound,” the young woman said while never taking her eyes off the road.
The statement got the attention of both men. They exchanged curious glances before looking at her for clarification.
“My husband plays that game all the time,” she added.
“... Does he now?” Maes asked a little too loudly to hopefully cover the sound of Roy’s low chuckling.
“Well, soon to be ex-husband,” Winry explained. “But yeah, I used to hear that sound all the time. He must have been really good at it.”
“Ohmygod,” Maes whispered as Roy started coughing to camouflage his laughter.
“What’s his name?” Roy asked after getting himself under control. “Maybe I’ve… played with him before.”
“Ed. He probably uses the name Fullmetal online though.”
Maes could tell by the look of recognition on Roy’s face that Ed most certainly used the name Fullmetal online.
“He and I have definitely… played together… a few times,” Roy admitted.
“Oh, yeah? Does he usually come out on top?” Winry asked.
And Maes almost died.
“Yes, he… usually… topped me,” Roy replied. “And you were right. He really is good at it.”
“There’s the bar!” Maes damn near screamed as he pointed out of the window. “Thank you so much for the ride, Winry. I’ll be sure to give you a big tip!”
Roy smirked. “That’s what he—”
“Get out!” Maes snapped at Roy.
They got out of the Toyota something or other and waved as Winry departed. When they were sure that they were no longer visible in a rearview, Roy started laughing his ass off.
Maes removed his glasses and ran a hand over his face. “I cannot believe that just happened.” He glared at the other man, who was still entirely too amused by what had taken place. “And you.”
“What about me?” Roy asked innocently. “It’s not like I knew who she was.”
Realizing he was right, Maes relented somewhat. “Are you going to reply?” he asked, nodding towards Roy’s phone.
Roy shook his head. “Actually, I think I might call Ed to see if he wants to play another game.”
“Sounds about right.” Maes put his glasses back on and grabbed Roy by the arm, dragging him towards the bar’s entrance. “But first, you’re buying me a drink.”