Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Arrogant Surrender ❯ All the Reasons I Fight For You ( Chapter 4 )

Arrogant Surrender

Chapter Four

All the Reasons I Fight For You

 

- mirage -

 

 

He entered the tent slowly; preparing to see something he would handle. The fact of the matter being he knew what to expect but couldn't visualize it. Could make his mind transmute fact to image. It wasn't until he was entirely inside that he could see, and found the boy sitting alone. The tent was empty. One oil lamp hanging from the ceiling above the boy who was tied firmly in a small wooden chair. Ed was resting doubled over, the ropes all that held him. It looked almost painful, he could see the groves in the boy's arms, white between the harsh frayed twine they'd used to secure them. The treatment was not friendly, and Edward had taken an appropriate beating for doing what he'd done. As he came forward the bruises became apparent and of course, there was the boy's still healing back.

 

“If you could see yourself now.” He spoke stopping before the boy and waiting for Ed's move. So he could understand just what the boy's equation was. What he was giving in equivalent exchange for his brothers safety.

 

“Those good things I've done.” Ed muttered staring down to the dirt. The boy's blonde hair was becoming tangled with the rough treatment, and his struggling. “Think about them before you speak to me.” Ed whispered and he shook his head. How preposterous. Remember good things to fight anger. He dropped to a crouch frowning, but really, inside his head all he saw were the good things. There were the carefree smiles, the boy's snorting laugher. Edward's devious schemes pushing for self centered but humorous results in which the boy got what he wanted and he was granted with one naked alchemist doing what he liked. “Roy.” Ed whispered looking up slightly and Edward's eyes were tired. The boy had taken rough blows to the face, and his lip was split and nose bleeding. Quickly he brought his hand to the blood to stop it. “It's fine.”

 

“You're bleeding down your face.” He scold pulling a handkerchief from his pocket and bringing it to the mess. “Look up.”

 

“Roy.”

 

“Look up.” He ordered and Ed shift, slowly leaning back with his help as he pinched the boy's nose. “Relax. I haven't come in here to scold you.” He frowned. “However, the lack of my verbal abuse does not mean I condone nor think what you did was wise.”

 

“I need you to get me out of this.” Ed whispered and he scowled.

 

“You knew when you started digging this hole there was no easy way out.” He snapped staring down at the boy angrily. He felt he could not relax his expression, could not show Ed any more

compassion than he was by holding the boy's nose. Edward was disobedient and needed to know and feel the consequences.

 

“I know.” Ed finally admit quietly. The boy's eyes closed and after having been apprehended in front of his companions, drug to a tent by his ear and punished like a naughty child, Ed was finally able to agree with him. “I was scared to do it.” Ed confessed and he was silent. Slowly

the boy's eyes reopened and they were sincere and full of life. “You made me remember what I had forgotten. And I used it to propel myself.” Ed whispered and he pulled the cloth away and wiped up blood.

 

“What are you talking about?” He asked gently pinching and rubbing at the boy's nose like he did his sisters three year old.

 

“I can't remember their faces. And...” Ed trailed. “I can't remember well how it happened. Really, all I remember is being afraid.” Ed confessed and he was silent. It was the respect between them which lubricated these words. Edward's belief he would not put salt into his wounds. “When you held me down, I remembered what it was like.” Ed confessed and he felt

blood in his mouth when he bit his tongue. That bad feeling came back to him like it had that night. Like he had raped the boy instead. “I didn't want...didn't want that happening to Alphonse.” Ed hiccupped with the distress just this thought caused and he lowered back to the sand and sat. “You-you under-understand I-I couldn't let-t-that happen I-“

 

“You don't know if would have happened.” He grabbed Ed's shoulders. “Ed. You didn't know that.”

 

“But it could have.” Ed hissed leaning forward and the boy's voice smelled like blood. They must have hit his jaw pretty hard. “I couldn't sit back and know that-and do nothing.” Ed hissed. “My title, my job, myself....” Ed trailed and he closed his eyes with the beginning of

Edward's equation. His dignity in exchange for his brothers. “You only have a sister.” Ed snort as though this were a lesser. “I spend every day of my life with him.” Ed threw that to the table as well.

 

“You're in very serious trouble with what you've done.” He explained making his voice hard. He changed it back to colonel tone, the only tone Edward received his first year of employment. This was like a fast tug on the boy's leash, a jerk into obedience, and even tied to a chair Edward's eyes recognized the authority and receded a bit. “My words won't be enough to save you with the Brigadier here. I am not going to be able to alter most of what has happened if the reports are bad.”

 

“Than mani-can you manipulate it?” Ed whispered and he was silent.

 

“I do remember the good things.” He confessed offering the boy a small smile and Ed's eyes drank it in. “But I also think getting slapped about in this tent was good for you.” He confessed

and Ed avert his eyes ashamed. “You need to be humbled every once in a while Edward, you're pride, and fat head get you into trouble.” He said sliding a hand onto the boy's knee and squeezing gently. “I'll do what I can, as always.” He offered and Ed's eyes came back to his feet, almost to him but not entirely. “Do you understand that explaining your rational

in regards to Alphonse's circumstance will be hard without presenting....relevant information.” He said finding his words after a moment's thought.

 

“Information.” Ed repeat before looking up slowly, and the boy seemed nervous. Anxious for help in his situation.

 

“Explanation.” Ed's eyes left again, the boy tipped his head up and sighed and in the light he saw blood on the upper lip he'd missed. It was crusting and drying on Ed's fare skin like a blemish to the filth.

 

“The fact he's my brother and could have been killed should be enough.” Ed conclude staring up at the lamp.

 

“Everyone knew the rebellion wouldn't have killed soldiers.”

 

“Maybe I believed they would have. After being a prisoner myself. I might have believed that. Maybe I had dementia or something.” Ed mused before tipping his head down and looking him

in the eye. This wasn't convincing enough, not for the trouble Ed had made. However, the alternative was to press the issue they forward the information Ed did not want forwarded and in this predicament, and especially while physically restrained he did not think it were possible to

rationalize through that with the boy. Instead he brought a clean portion of the handkerchief to his mouth and wet it with spit. Ed turned his head away when he brought it to the boy's face to clean the blood, and instinctively he grabbed the boy's chin and held him still.

 

“You need a bath.” He muttered wiping away the blood with Ed frowning and keeping his verbal protests silent. He cleaned the small crusted amount he'd missed before wiping up about the boy's lip and letting him go. “I'll see what I can do.” He said getting to his feet and Ed followed him with his eyes, but remained slumped where he sat. “You won't be left like this for long.” He sighed resting a hand in the boy's hair and Ed nuzzled against it despite himself. “Just long enough to think about what you've done.” He said before chuckling softly with Ed's rebellious grunt.

 

* * *

 

“At age nineteen he graduated as a blacksmith, opened his own shop at age twenty-three. Was married, and then divorced a year later. At age twenty four took on two apprentices, the sons of the local inn, and apparently had a dog named Roger which ironically enough is named in honor of his respect of the military which is what ultimately killed him in the end Mustang.” The brigadier slammed the folder down in front of him. “He died at age twenty four, captive by the rebellion when he was a supporter of our jurisdiction.” The man sighed rubbing his face before turning to him.

 

They were now allies

They were now both in the same situation.

 

One mission. Failed. One objective. Failed.

 

“This is a great god-damn mess of shit.” The man sneered letting his heavy hand slam down on the folder as well. “What do you propose we do?” He was silent. The immediate report was disaster. “We could say he was caught in crossfire, but really how much does our situation improve.”

 

“He was the only blacksmith in town.” He contributed aware there was no way to bury the information and that this was going to be a blow to the gut of their operation.

 

“I know he was the only blacksmith god damnt!” The man yelled getting to his feet. “And who do we have to blame for this entire blunder!?” The man yelled skirting the desk quickly and raising a finger to his face. “You're little alchemist!”

 

“You can't suggest that-“

 

“I can suggest we never would have had our last operation without him!” The Brigadier snapped stomping for the tent door. “There would have been one sweep, and one sweep only.” The brigadier scoffed stopping in the light and turning to him with dark eyes. “Mustang, you know

that.” The man hissed, and he was right. “I won't let these actions go unpunished.” The man continued leaving, and he followed quickly.

 

Ed was the tent over, so the Brigadier could keep a close eye on him. He followed the man and found Ed still where he was that morning. With the sound of their arrival the boy didn't even look up, and he watched Ed clear his nose and spit into the dirt before gradually bringing his eyes to the Brigadier. The man waved a bit and the two men now stationed in the room came to the chair and began untying the boy. “You've managed to destroy our entire mission Fullmetal.” The brigadier snapped and Ed leaned forward once the ropes dropped away before he was yanked to his feet by the soldiers. “What do you have to say for yourself.” The man demand snatching the boy's chin and yanking it up.

 

There in the light, Edward's face was visible and he could see the tired expression still clean. “Oops.” Ed whispered smiling through the situation but this enraged the man.

 

“Get him up.” The brigadier waved. “Stand him up.” The man ordered and Ed didn't fight the soldiers whom straightened him up and held him tight. The boy knew what was coming and closed his eyes calmly before accepting the backhand which threw the boy's face to the side.

 

“This won't solve anything!” He snapped when the man slapped the boy's face the other way before sending a knee to the boy's stomach and Ed cried out. “Allow a moment of your time, there is something I need to discuss with you.” He spoke quickly and the Brigadier stepped back and left Ed panting to the soil doubled over in the men's arms. “In private. I have information relevant to his course of action.” He offered and he saw Ed's eyes open, but the boy hadn't enough air to speak yet.

 

“Don't' be stupid Mustang.” The Brigadier grunt. “He'll be sent back to central on the morning train and hopefully stripped of his title.” The man informed turning to him and he was silent. He understood the consequences of Edward's actions, he knew protocol.

 

“I have vital information which changes the nature of the case.” He spoke calmly and Ed raised his head and stared at him wide eyed.

 

“What type of information?” The brigadier asked raising a slow eyebrow. The man's curiosity

was peaking, and he could see the desire evident in the man's beady eyes and fat bottom lip.

 

“Co-lonel.” Ed rasped swallowing heavily and he glanced at the boy with the Brigadier and Edward's eyes moved to the man as well. He saw the boy look at the man for the first time and

realize his fate. The information being handed over, the new look within those beady eyes regarding him with pity instead of hate. “R-RoY!” Ed cried launching forward in his hold unable to get away. “ROY!”

 

“Come with me.” He ignored the boy and the Brigadier followed him from the tent with Ed screaming to him from behind. They slipped back outside to the setting sun and there standing at attention with a small bandage over his left eye was Alphonse Elric.

 

“Sir.” The boy began, but he walked past the boy stiffly startling him. Unable to enter without orders Alphonse was left outside when they stepped back inside the Brigadier's tent, and he walked to the vacant metal chair alongside the wall and sat down. His said information was

making the man patient and the Brigadier head to his desk and sat watching him for a minute before clearing his throat.

 

“Edward's capture during the negotiation caused substantial injuries which were not recorded.” He confessed laying his arm out against the crate of maps to his left. “He asked me directly to keep them off the books, and I agreed.”

 

“You're confessing a misdemeanor Mustang.”

 

“Edward's...drastic response to the capture of his brother was a direct result of these injuries. He was not in the correct state of mind.” He continued leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees linking his fingers. “You understand.”

 

“Edward Elric is a will wild soldier. You expect me to believe simply because his brother was part of the rebellion capture he'd disregard all orders? That makes no sense.” The man scoffed and he nod silently, swallowing the dry taste in his mouth.

 

“He was sexually abused repeatedly while in capture.” He report. His voice was vacant and blunt within the tent and the Brigadier was silent. “He's confessed there was more than one offender, but he'd unable to identify them.” He continued leaning back again and replacing his arm. “But his fear a similar event would happen to his kid brother made him irrational.” He conclude waiting through the silence that befell the tent. This was delicate information. It had weight which could be contributed or disregarded.

 

“What injuries did he sustain?” The brigadier finally asked.

 

“The doctor informed me he found blood, at, sprouting from his anus, and attempted to examine the source.” He trailed feeling awkward. “Edward was very uncomfortable and request he be left recovering without report.” He explained and the brigadier chocked a laugh.

 

“Without report.” The man scoffed. “Did he honestly think he could sustain an offense like that and not have it documented within his medical file? Or escape examination entirely?” The man laughed. “That's preposterous.” The man continued before noting his straight face, and slowly the smile fell. “...You didn't have him examined.” The man state. “You ignored reinstatement

protocol?” A question through a frown. “Mustang do you let this boy do whatever he wishes?” The man demand angrily and he sighed.

 

“I did order him to leave his brother in captive.” He offered fighting a bit of humor, but the man scowled and cleared his throat.

 

“Alphonse Elric!” The man barked loudly and seconds later the scuff of boots could be heard and Alphonse snuck in at solute. “Fetch Dr. Crisnoph for me, immediately.” The man ordered and Alphonse dropped his hand and took a confused step back before disappearing. This announcement made his stomach lock up.

 

“I did mention he feels uncomfortable didn't I? There is a said history between Fullmetal and our field doctor.”

 

“Forget it.” The brigadier grunt waving this off. “He's a soldier, and I won't have one of our soldiers pussy footing around a little medical because they're uncomfortable.” The man sneered stomping up to him and stopping. “I'll keep this incident quiet, and you can forward Fullmetal's injuries for substance justifiable toward his actions, but if I hear of you deliberately cutting this

alchemist anymore unnecessary clearance I'll hold you both accountable.” The man whispered into his face before heading around him.

 

Outside it was now dark and Dr. Crisnoph looked first startled and then delightfully pleased he was to examine the boy how he wished to best evaluate his injuries. When the brigadier led the man into the tent Ed was back in his chair nursing his wounds. On sight of them however the boy was on his feet looking panicked. He was expecting a wild demand or yell, but instead Ed waited for the man to advance before kicking his chair directly at him. “You've got to be shitting me.” Ed hissed as he was secured quickly, eyes locked on him glaring.

 

“Edward it seems you've been injured in the line of duty.” The brigadier huffed. “You need to be examined, and reinstated. That should come as no surprise, considering you are aware of basic procedure.” The man said turning to Dr. Crisnoph who since the chair incident had scurried back like a nervous mouse. “Doctor, do what you like with him, but I want him reinstated before the night is over.” The Brigadier huffed turning to him and waiting as if he'd speak. “I'd say Mustang should accompany you, but...I think my presence might also be necessary.” The man declared looking him up and down for a moment as though he proposed weakness. And he did. He knew it as well. He was not on the side of the military within his heart, and the Brigadier could feel it off him.

 

After their short stare down Dr. Crisnoph was quick on the uptake, regarding just who would let him do what he wanted and the man spoke directly to the Brigadier. Throughly. Pissing. Him Off. “Sir, obviously I need to take him to the medical tent for an examination.” The man began

and the brigadier waved toward the door and Ed was suddenly leaving, escorted with a man on

each arm both helping and forcing him.

 

What bothered him the most about this situation was the guilt he had for ratting Ed out. He did not feel worried the boy wouldn't be able to deal with the exam. Nor did he feel the exam itself

was out of place, but having the boy look at him with that type of accusation was hard to bear. Edward could hold a grudge.

 

The med tent was lit fairly well on the right side, and considerably darker on the left for those injured trying to sleep. Along the right of the high top, Dr. Crisnoph's desk, and main equipment was set up with several stand up curtains for privacy. This is where the man led them and in front of his desk the soldiers dropped Ed. The boy straightened himself up after release, giving his shoulders a fast shake before cracking his neck while glaring at the doctor. However, with himself and the Brigadier present, he watched this fail to have the effect Ed desired.

 

“I can be the bigger man here.” Ed spoke loud enough for them all to hear before offering up a bitter grin. The boy was dirty from the mission and their treatment. Sand was in his hair and about his chest the loose strands clumped into the small beads of blood. The boy's boots and

pants were also worn and smeared from the dirt, but Ed carried himself as if he liked it. Grasping desperately to any form of tough dignity this appearance might give him. “Indulge me.” Ed smiled opening his arms to present himself and Dr. Crisnoph squint irritably at the boy. A disgusted bitter expression that wanted to crush Ed the same way he knew the boy wanted to pummel the man.

 

“Sir..” Dr. Crisnoph began before the Brigadier held up a hand to silence him.

 

“Everyone but the colonel and myself are to remove themselves from this tent.” The man ordered and the soldiers vanished from their sides and Dr. Crisnoph drew the large curtain dissecting the beds from his `hospital'. “I want to speak plainly to Mr. Elric myself.” The Brigadier informed once the men were gone and Dr. Crisnoph startled before offering a short nod and leaving. He noticed the distaste this request caused and the man left sour he wasn't being included. “You haven't need to leave Mustang.” The Brigadier spoke eyes locked on Ed when he made a move and he stopped. He stood back a few feet, with only Ed standing alongside the desk staring defiantly at the large man who walked up and stopped in front of him.

 

“Come to slap me around some more?” Ed asked quietly but the Brigadier failed to respond. After a minute Ed's face became confused and the boy's eyes dart to him for help, but he hadn't the slightest idea where all this was going. It was likely the man felt Fullmetal deserved more, but it made more sense he would have punished him more thoroughly before dragging him all the way here. Also, there was no medical knowledge or input the man could offer the boy or situation, and he found himself with his mouth drying up unable to grasp the man's move. There was no checkmate.

 

 

 

“I've learned...” The brigadier began in a quiet tone. It was the same rough voice, the same straight and indomitable face, only the man dropped in octave, becoming as gentle as such a large man can be. “Of your injuries.” The man confessed and Ed's face tightened. This wasn't news, Ed put two and two together the second he saw the Brigadier, followed by the doctor, and

then that begging look of forgiveness in his eyes. “I want to apologize on behalf of the military.” The Brigadier announced quietly and Ed looked like he'd puke. “And I want to offer my sympathies.” The man continued and that was it. Ed's eyes flared before tearing away, and he felt the knife to the boy's gut the same way Ed was gagging on it. “Injury within the line of duty, no matter what type is honorable.” The brigadier said, but this small compliment did not give the boy back what he lost. Did not save him from the mental projection he created in his mind. His own self doubled over and dominated in the most vulnerable position imaginable. “I won't purposely try and create anymore turmoil for you due to the forward of this recent information. However, you must abide by military policies.” The man said firmly, the soft tone was disappearing. “You are a dog like everyone else.” The man finished harshly and Ed responded better to the threats. Better to the hate and the boy's eyes raised back to the man's face glaring. “Now you aren't the first, nor the last. So suck it up soldier.” The Brigadier ordered slapping Ed's shoulder so hard the boy knocked into the table before calling the doctor back in. “Begin Crisnoph. Don't dawdle.” The man ordered waving to Ed-the wide eyed blonde left under the one hanging light.

 

“Yes sir.” Dr. Crisnoph gave him a smug look as he passed. “Move behind that curtain there Mr. Elric.” Dr. Crisnoph ordered offering the boy a bitter grin and Ed ignored it for a moment of glaring before passing behind the exam curtains. “And I'll have you disrobe.” The Brigadier walked to him and crossed his arms over his chest waiting.

 

“You say they have a history?” The man asked quietly and he nod.

 

“A vendetta.” He explained and the man grunt. They watched Dr. Crisnoph wiggle his way into rubber gloves to the sound of Ed's clothes dropping to the ground.

 

“Vengeful?”

 

“Very.” He spoke waiting through his own defeat. His saw no other judgment call than the one he had made. To save Ed's title, position, and salary, he had to forward what he knew. This

suffering was nothing to what Ed would have separated from Alphonse, the boy who would not be discharged from current duty. Of that much he was certain. After a moment of watching the doctor collect odd and uncertain looking items the Brigadier spoke when he wished he could. So he could tell the man to put those things back in the cabinet and stop all this bullshit.

 

“Dr. Chrisnoph.” The brigadier began calmly. “What exactly do you plan to do to him?” The Doctor looked surprised and then suspicious they were taking an interest in his medicine.

 

“I don't really want to know in advance, if that's at all understandable.” Ed spoke from behind the curtain and the Brigadier glanced at it before resting his eyes back on the doctor.

 

“Well, of course I'll need to examine his perineum. And to determine if he's injured I'll give him an anoscopy and an anal biopsy.” The man explained and he shivered a bit with the word anal
but other than that nothing else registered.

 

“In English please.” The Brigadier scoffed and Dr. Crisnoph nod, sitting down the metal tray he'd prepared.

 

“I am afraid medical terminology is much easier to offer. In detail these procedure often sound rather horrendous, but of course I'll be more than glad to inform you.” He ground his teeth before turning to the Brigadier.

 

“It doesn't make any difference.” He offered and the man considered his words, considered what it must be like for Ed who was standing behind the curtain waiting. Listening to them in the

cool night air, enduring the embarrassment and shame. “In all honestly, it doesn't make any difference.” He spoke again when he saw the man considering and after a minute the Brigadier gave the man a wave and Dr. Crisnoph disappeared behind the curtain with his tray.

 

“Well Mr. Elric, now that you're finally where you're supposed to be, I'll have you lay down up here.” Dr. Crisnoph spoke and he watched the bottom of the curtain, the only visible part of the

`hospital' left and a second after Dr. Crisnoph spoke he heard the automail move against the cold exam table. “Lay all the way back.” Dr. Crisnoph spoke before a few instruments clanked agonist the tray. “I imagine with your superior officers here you won't make this anymore difficult for me than it has to be. Less difficult than things normally are with you.” Dr. Crisnoph chuckled.

 

“Eat me.” Ed muttered and the Brigadier closed his eyes with a low mumble, where he remained silent. This behavior was familiar to him, Ed's distasteful vocabulary when frustrated.

 

“You have some bruises.” Dr. Crisnoph informed irritably. “A few more than I would have suspected. You must feel very sore.” The man add almost happily. “That little stunt you pulled must have been very trying on you. Yes.” The man continued. “Does this hurt here? When I press?” The man asked. “Mr. Elric? Does this cause pressure your perineum is very soft here. I would have to advise you take it easy.” Dr. Crisnoph chuckled and he felt the beginning smolder

of hate begin to light for this man. A more passive version of the glowing furnace Edward must feel. “Don't flinch now. Stay steady and keep your legs open.” The man spoke before giving a few tsks under his breath, as if he were scolding a small child. “No more anal sex until this heals.”

 

“Say one more word and I'll stab that little tool right through your neck.” Ed hissed suddenly and he shift. “Look me in the eye and tell me I won't do it.” Ed snarled and the Brigades cursed and turned to him.

 

“This does not sound like a well trained soldier Mustang.” The man scold and he felt the pressure from both worlds coming down on him. His personal and his professional, and this was why everyone who knew always advised against his love affair. Because Edward was younger.

Because he was in a lower rank. Because the boy was hot headed, self-centered, and crazy when he wanted to be. He opened his mouth to try and encompass an excuse to rectify the boy without expressing the pain he knew him to be in, before the doctor's metal tray flew out from behind the curtain, hit the man's desk and clattered to the floor. Seconds later things clattered and broke and they tore for the curtain and ripped it away.

 

“EDWARD!” He yelled rushing for the boy who was punching the man's face in, bare assed and crazed.

 

“Son of a bitch!” Ed yelled punching. “Leavemealone-leave me alone-Leave me ALONE!”

 

“God damnt Mustang!” The brigadier snarled grabbing the boy and yanking him back as he tried to secure Dr. Crisnoph and fight Ed's automail hand which had latched to the man's sleeve and did not want to let go. “You never said he was mentally unstable!”

 

“He isn't!” He snapped bringing a cloth to the doctor's face as the Brigadier shook the boy. Surprisingly the man had avoided most of the Ed's blows, a portion of the small metal dish he'd been using had taken the blunt, and he'd turned his face for a few of them, as evident with the

color of his cheeks. Edward was arms length from the man and holding tight until the Brigadier ripped him off entirely.

 

“Get a hold of yourself son!” The man snapped as Ed thrashed before becoming startled with the rough treatment. “Elric you're one hell of a problem.” The man sneered. “What the hell is going on here.”

 

“I am not treating that boy!” Dr. Crisnoph yelled sniffling up the blood he was wiping from the man's nose. “Get off me.” The man snapped slapping his hand aside and holding the cloth himself. At this time most of the man's medical equipment had been tipped to the floor, and in the scuffle they'd help to ruin and disorganize what little Ed didn't .

 

“Not so big now are you.” Ed sneered panting where he stood held firmly by the brigadier in all his glory before snapping a cloth off the table and holding it between his legs. “Try to feed me

some cock-a-maymay bullshit exam.” Ed said before spitting at the man's feet and he rose to his quickly.

 

“Straighten up Ed.” He snapped roughly, startling the boy's eyes to him. “What happened?”

 

“Are you serious!” Ed point at the man. “He was going to shove that thing up my ass!” The boy argued pointing to a metal tool now lying on the floor at the man's feet. “A few

fingers I can take, but I don't do toys.” Ed add smugly and he grabbed the boy's arm and yanked him to the side. “What?” Ed mumbled startled by the feeling of aggression in his hold.

 

“That's a biopsy.” He informed low pushing the boy toward the table. “Now let the man do his job.” He ordered under his breath and Ed was staring at him. Not angry, not scared, but surprised, completely shocked with him and his words.

 

“Did you hear what..” Ed silencing when he squeezed his hand down and turned to Dr. Crisnoph who was getting back on his feet wiping his face furious. “Examine him.” He ordered firmly. “And if you purposely make it uncomfortable for him, you'll pay for it with your job. You are still my medical on-site.” He threatened before turning back to Ed. “And you are still my alchemist.” He add low and he saw the fear in the boy's face. Ed didn't want this done. More so than anything the boy didn't want to do it, but what could he do? Stand and hold his hand? Not against a voice which wanted to bury them. Not in front of a commanding officer. “I'll call Alphonse.”

 

“No.” Ed gasp the second he said the boy's name and he was silent. Ed's face had locked up. The jaw was tight, nostrils flaring, but in Ed's eyes he read only one message. Don't bring me more shame.

 

“Then bear it yourself.” He ordered dropping the boy's arm before turning to the doctor. Dr. Crisnoph was red with anger. Blood still down his face, breathing hard as well there was nothing but disgust in the man's eyes, and contempt twisting his lips. With a short huff the man bent over and retrieved his tool muttering below his breath.

 

“I insert the anoscopy.” The man muttered giving his nose a wipe again before looking up. “Then I take the biopsy. I won't be physically attached in my work.”

 

“You won't be.” He add turning Ed to face the table quickly and he felt the boy tighten under his grasp before slamming his hands down on top.

 

“Bend over Elric.” Dr. Crisnoph ordered replacing his gloves. The brigadier left then, falling silent once his anger arrived and he behaved like the colonel the man knew. Like a colonel acting on behalf of the military. He skirt the exam table and moved to the edge of the curtain standing both in and out of it keeping a sharp eye on both of them. Ed stared ahead at the tip of the table before tossing the small cloth he'd had on top. “You'll feel a bit cold, and then you'll feel pressure.” Crisnoph informed bitterly. “Relax and keep still.” He watched Ed's face brace before the boy's features startled. It remind him most of the boy right after he stubbed his toe, or right before he were to cum. Ed's eyebrows came together, his nose crinkled, and his mouth opened silently before biting his automail.

 

“You're not doing anything outside standard procedure?” He demand on sight of this.

 

“This is standard procedure colonel.” Dr. Crisnoph droned speaking toward Ed's back as he worked. “It's was never intended to be done on someone who's bowels are hot to the touch.”

 

“Shut your mouth.” Ed snarled silencing the man despite his pride. Sight was limited with the table and he was glad. Ed's facial expressions were enough and the boy was obviously in discomfort. “You may feel a small burning.” Dr. Crisnoph informed before leaving Ed with a sigh and heading for his desk. Ed perked up with this, and as soon as the boy audibly confirmed the man was no longer working on him snarled.

 

“Get back here, and get it out of me.” Ed demand instantly.

 

“When I am done.” Dr. Crisnoph state simply before eyeing him. “You can come around to this side if you like.” He kept his expression blank and stood silent. “You need to sit that way for a minute Elric.” Dr. Crisnoph said obviously making a show out of taking his time and he was beginning to grind his teeth when the man felt he should pick up again. “You'll feel the

withdrawal.” Dr. Crisnoph warned and he stepped back and closed the curtain frowning. He was angry, of all emotions anger was what he felt strongest now and the Brigadier almost looked proud of him.

 

“I am shipping him back for review.” The brigadier informed when he left the curtain and stopped alongside the man silently. This was something he knew might happen, and he had braced for it. “As soon as he's done.” He nod. “Pack him up and ship him out.” The brigadier ordered leaving him and he wait standing alone as one man within the military, miles of jurisdiction and policy around him and on his shoulders. He was searching for his loop holes, and using his name would only get him so far. Edward was of course the alchemist of the people, and the soldiers respected the boy for his will to retaliate against asinine orders. However, in the eyes of the council this wouldn't help the boy at all.

 

 

* * *

 

“You're letting him go!” Alphonse was shocked before the outrage set in. “You're letting him leave?” He was waiting for the outrage expectantly, and like clockwork the younger Elric delivered. First his eyebrows dropped their raised expression, then the frown and the stiffening to the ridged shoulders. “Colonel. You could at least speak on his behalf.” Alphonse scold and he nod slowly as if considering where he sat slouched at his desk chair like a pig.

 

“Of course you know I will.”

 

“Before they send him.” Alphonse emphasized. “So he might not have to go. They won't even let me see him.”

 

“Oh he'll have to go.” He sighed feeling the weight of exhaustion in his limbs. It came from a combination of things. The mental stress and disappointment, the mud which clung to his every step, and the heavy weapons of infantry. “And he'll be disciplined.” He continued so Alphonse could best prepare for the bruises, or the cuts. It always depended on the tool. “And he'll be

confined in his cell until I of course...speak on his behalf.” He explained. “In a week and a half when I am allowed travel time to visit central again.”

 

“A week and a half.” Alphonse repeat stepping aside for Hawkeye who came in and laid the key he'd requested on his desk before leaving. “That's the best you can do?”

 

“You're brother was out of line Alphonse. He disregarded orders, policy, and the sole reason we're all here. You're bother single handedly destroyed our mission.” He said lifting his palm and raising a finger for each offense and Alphonse stared at them dully. “The army spent

hundreds of thousands of dollars trekking us all out here and one alchemist thought his collar was too tight and couldn't follow the rules.” He conclude and Alphonse grunt angrily.

 

“You're starting to sound like them.” The boy hissed.

 

“I am one of them.” He said getting to his feet. This responsibility was his to bear. And he ate the shit that came with his position every day so he could rise to the top and one day stop swallowing that which he disgust. “Don't you ever forget that.” He snapped. “And maybe you

should think about what you, and what he does to me, and my title. The position that you put me in.” He scold pointing at the boy and Alphonse humbled feeling sympathy.

 

“You knew these types of positions would happen!” Alphonse snapped pushing his finger aside when he let it linger and yes even the little brother knew how dumb it was for him to mess with a fellow employee of lower rank, and same sex. “And now that it's here you're going to back out!

And desert him! Desert me?” Alphonse asked and he avert his eyes and picked up the key before bouncing it into his palm.

 

“That concept is ridiculous.” He scold skirting his desk and passing the boy. “Don't say I never gave you anything, every again.” He said continuing his strides until Alphonse was forced to follow and came quickly behind him like he'd be left if he slowed. He crossed their encampment to the small tent which had been constructed quickly, and created temporarily so that in the morning with the oncoming train Edward Elric could be sent back to central not as a soldier but as a prisoner. Proper procedure warranted prisoner treatment for soldiers who disrespected commands and broke policy, or encouraged war.

 

The soldiers guarding the flap let them enter because of who he was and inside he hand Alphonse the key and watched the boy finger it confused before stepping from behind him. “Ni-san.” Alphonse whispered going wide eyed at the large cage constructed inside, and dead center sitting crossed leg was one small blonde alchemist. Fully clothed now, Edward did not look as scrawny and frazzled as he had in the med tent and the boy smiled on sight of his brother while

he stayed in the shadows. There was only one lantern, and Alphonse rushed forward fast and grabbed the bars before looking for the lock.

 

“I am surprised to see you.” Ed offered watching Alphonse struggle with it. The cage had been created to restrain Ed's hands. Now the boy was cuffed at each wrist, with arms extended on either side suspended by a four foot stretch of chain, so that he could neither bring them together or touch anything else to create an array. The brigadier thought this was sufficient, but he knew if Ed really wanted out he'd piss an array if it came down to it. After all, for years Alphonse walked around as proof to what Edward could do with a bit of his own blood.

 

“Ni-san they're sending you back to central in the morning.” Alphonse divulged wedging open the door and sliding in.

 

“How are you feeling?” Ed ignored the information and grunt when Alphonse captured him in an embrace. He saw the wince in the boy's face, but Ed let Alphonse have his peace and squeeze his healing back. “They didn't hurt you did they?” Ed asked, and he saw the severity of this question weighing on the boy. “I haven't been able to ask you anything, but you wouldn't lie to me about this.” Ed state, voice rising like it were a question of uncertainty.

 

“No. We were fine. They just tied us up, so we waited for help.” Alphonse admit crouching with a smile. “I would have snuck in some food but I didn't know I was going to be allowed in.” Alphonse informed and Ed's smile widened.

 

“Don't worry about it.”

 

“Roy said he'd speak on your behalf.” Alphonse informed as well, and he realized the younger brother no longer thought he was in the room. He was in perfect seclusion, silent in the shadows, a bystander to privacy. “And he let me in here.”

 

“Don't be mad at him. He told me not to do this.” Ed sighed heavily, as though the boy had foreseen this outcome, and now living it found that it was just as exhausting. “I drugged him so he couldn't stop me, and then I came to get you out.” Ed explained quietly and Alphonse was silent kneeling before the boy confused. “I had to come and get you because....there is something I have to tell you.” Ed's voice was dropping softer and softer, and he was surprised the boy would confess to Alphonse. “While in captivity, I was told about the bomb on purpose.

They wanted me to know and be unable to warn anyone when it was detonated.” Ed explained before licking his lips. He saw the boy's hands move and pull gently wanting to touch Alphonse

before letting them just rest in the air. “One of the guards went a bit too far, and I didn't want to see the same happen to my younger brother.” Ed explained leaving it at that.

 

“You know I could have taken it.” Alphonse insist frowning. The boy was thinking about the blows, the weapons, the psychological attacks, and Edward was staring at him drained to the core before offering a crooked smile.

 

“I know.” Ed smiled and it was forced.

 

“Roy's not mad you drugged him?” Alphonse changed topics.

 

“If he is he doesn't seem to be acting on it.” Ed said. “Or maybe he is.” Ed chuckled lifting a hand so the chains rattled. “This cage is a joke. I am insulted they think it can house me.” Ed muttered, but the boy's voice held no motivation and so Alphonse frowned but didn't comment.

 

“Ni-san I'll slip out and get you something to drink.” Alphonse whispered getting to his feet quickly and Ed followed the boy with his eyes. Alphonse hurried from the cage and out the side of the tent. Once gone, Ed sighed so his body deflate and his head lowered like the captive he was, beaten and exhausted. Quietly with only his boots crunching against grains he walked to the open iron door and stood looking down.

 

“You were graceful.” Ed muttered, so quiet he almost didn't hear the boy. “In letting me see him.” Ed explained before looking up and capturing his eyes. Tight. Their expression was wound again and again, so it pulled taunt against him and made him hungry. The boy was dirty, and restrained, full of sweat and sand. Edward's eyes were gorgeous and he shoved the door

aside and dropped before the boy. With his right he pulled the boy's head up by his hair, and with the left he cupped his jawbone before pressing their lips together. Alphonse would not be able to get back in through the soldiers.

 

“Whatdo” Ed's muffle was drowned with his tongue and the boy was stiff below him startled. Inside this cage Ed was at his mercy the same way the boy was at his mercy traveling back to central alone. Without a voice to help represent the good things Fullmetal had done, there would be nothing but contempt for the bad. “What are you doing.” Ed pant when he finally pulled

away. His chest felt choked, and his throat burned for air. Edward who was much more exhausted than him was breathing heavily. Ed was starved for oxygen the way he suddenly realized he was starving for release. The way he realized that he hadn't really been with the boy since days before his negotiation, since his return, his discipline, examination and now this. Ed was leaving and there would be no hope for a definite two weeks, probably not even a hopeful three. If he was to have his time, he was to have it now. And it seemed his hands registered this fact, before his brain. By the time he had coherently come to this decision, and made up his mind to propose some sort of inappropriate act, Ed's shirt was open and the boy was jerking about under his touch. A wild combination of fear they'd be caught, pain from old wounds, and arousal. “What's gotten into you, at least let my hands down.” Ed hissed when he leaned into the boy's chest and licked. Not a small lap, not a nibble as usual, but fat. His entire tongue pressed heavy and he slid it up the middle of the boy's pecks tasting nothing but salt. “H-holy sh-it.” Ed choked looking up to the tent flaps.

 

“If you had behaved yourself.” He snapped looking up at Ed's wide eyes. “Then maybe you'd be staying here with the rest of us and I wouldn't be put in this position.” He grabbed Ed's hips and jerked him up. Ed raised to his knees with the hard pull and winced with it as well.

 

“You know damn well why I did what I did.” Ed argued quietly. “Alphonse was wrong. You are mad at me.”

 

He stifled his laugh with Ed's accusatory little glare. “If I were mad at you, I would have left a hand print as well.” He began on Ed's fly making the boy shiver. Ed only snort to his comment aware he'd never strike without true life or death purpose.

 

“How far are you taking this Roy.” Ed hissed when he started yanking on the boy's pants. “You better keep your hands where I ca-ah.” Ed choked into his locked jaw when he brought his fingers to the boy's pulsing tip. The rough treatment set Ed off and he knew it. Combined with the setting of the boy's wrists which kept pulling at the chains, he knew a little foreplay would be enough, but not enough for him.

 

“You're not getting off like the inexperienced youth you claim to be.” He chuckled sliding his way behind the boy while licking at his neck. Edward's neck was saltier than his chest. The

boy's hair smelled like the open desert and the sweat it was trapping against his skin. “You'll think about your partner.” He ordered roughly pushing Ed's pants to his knees and getting a hand to the boy's bare ass. Fisting that naked cheek was almost as good as pushing inside. It was remarkable, it was a symbol of what to come. Of dominance. Of raw sex. Of Edward's vulnerable side, and his ruthless one. With all his strength he held on tight before pulling back and hitting the boy hard. Ed's head jerked up fast and the boy kicked forward wanting away from him.

 

“Get off.” Ed whispered, scuffing sand into him as he kicked. He wrapped an arm about the boy's chest and drug him back. “Get off! GetoffGetoff!” Ed was arguing, pushing and squirming as he rubbed the cheek that now felt warm. “I mean it. Get your fucking hand off my ass. What is your fucking problem hitting me like that. If you got something to say-say it to my fucking face youfuckingfuckingfuckingbast-fuckingfuckingbastard.” Ed's mouth was going a mile a minute, low under his breath. Snarls that reached his ears but not his mind. All he felt was the skin below his fingers. The places where there was no sand, but just as much sweat. Edward was as soft as silk between his legs and he stretched his fingers into all of it. Down the boy's cleft, under to his balls and Ed was starting to shake in his arms. He was staring to become hard to hold and he pressed his face into the back of the boy's hair and inhaled. He wanted to smell the boy, smell him and remember him. Keep this for those long three weeks.

 

“What are you doing Ed.” He whispered when the boy continued shaking. It was unlikely Ed was able to keep himself at the tip of orgasm for this long. “Do you need help?” He teased reaching around and stroking Ed's stomach. That tight firm stomach. His fingers trickled down the groves of the boy's abs before sliding down between his thighs and stopping. Ed jerked once when he found the boy's weak cock. Weak. A weak cock. He was stuck for a moment, forgetting how hard he was, forgetting how desperately he wanted to fuck the boy as he was blinded with confusion. Curiously he slid his hand around and grabbed Ed to really verify the boy wasn't pulsing hard and drooling down his length. No, between his fingers, in his palm Ed was soft. He leaned forward with a few strands of Ed's hair sticking to his face and looked over Ed's shoulder. “You're cock's limp.” He blurt staring down at it before letting it go. Ed was silent and only twitched when his cock was released. He watched it drop back and hang on the boy to only the sound of Ed's fast panting. “Edward.” He spoke looking up, but Ed was looking away. “Your cock's limp. What's wrong. What did that doctor give you?” He asked pulling back and off. He was losing his wild demand now, and although looking at Ed kneeling bare assed and restrained brought it back quick like fire, he controlled himself. He slid about to face the boy, while adjusting his pants. Damnt they felt tight. Unbearable.

 

“You think...” Ed began voice sounding odd. Rather rough, and almost raspy. “You think you can just come in here and do what you want.” Ed continued clearing his throat quickly. “Did

you stop to consider if I could be penetrated?” Ed demand turning to him, and the boy's face was angry but there was another emotion.

 

“Who says penetrated?”

 

“Fuck you.” Ed spit vehemently. “So fucking self-centered-fucking blind to anyone but yourself.”

 

“Are we talking about you or me?” He asked growing slightly irritated. But there was of course, still the confusion. Ed's cock was still limp even now.

 

“You're a...” Ed sputtered furious; the boy moved his legs trying to kick him trapped in pants. The hands pulled wanting to choke him trapped in chains. “Asshole! An Asshole!” Ed was getting louder, growling through his teeth risking as loud as thought he could before anyone came. “Get away from me! Back off!” Ed demand when he reached for the boy.

 

“You want to stay that way?” He demand angrily and Ed stilled when the boy realized he was dressing him. The eyes stayed furious though, Ed was glaring at him so angry he wondered

briefly if the boy would literally spit into his face like he'd seen him do to others. “You need to calm down.” He ordered getting Ed's briefs up quickly, before hiking his pants up as well. He didn't do them up, because he wasn't quite ready to admit there would be no sex. “I thought you'd appreciate having a little pickle tickle before your long journey.” He muttered irritably, but Ed's eyes flared.

 

“You thought I'd want you to come fuck me before I leave?” Ed demand as though this were the dumbest concept ever. “You thought while tied in here, lonely, hungry, thirsty, dirty I'd want sex? After all this? Did you stop and think Mustang? You fucking idiot.” Ed was ranting. “Did you fucking think about what it must feel like? Huh? You pompous ass!?” Ed demand and he was quiet watching the boy's eyes tear up. “I fucking hurt. I have to piss. My back is burning. My head aches, and I am sore.” Ed confessed quietly, trying to calm himself. Now that the boy felt the water in his eyes, saw him blur Ed was trying desperately to rein in what wanted to-needed to escape. “It hurts a lot and he didn't make it better ramming tools up there to look.” Ed divulged trying some fast blinks to rid the tears before looking up so that the water might distribute evenly and decrease. “Fucking idiot.” Ed hissed staring to the ceiling before muttering

something he couldn't make out. Then the boy stopped for a second, still thinking quickly. He could see the eyes darting about but he remained silent. The words `I am sorry' seemed ridiculous. They fell too far short of the right thing. They didn't amount to enough apology when he thought about it like Ed accused he didn't. He had wanted the sex. He assumed Ed wanted sex. Ed should have wanted sex. But given his position and the day's events...it was likely Ed did not want sex. It was likely the boy was tired, and hungry as he had said. Wished he could bathe, and sleep or relax.

 

“I forgot.” He muttered after a minute of silence and Ed sniffled before looking down at him. The boy's face had composed and to his credit had never cried. “I forgot.” He shook his head absently, apologetically. “That was a mistake. I apologize.” He whispered coaxing Ed back down and gently putting his pants together. Ed watched void of expression before sighing when he wrapped his arms about the boy. “I follow you.” He whispered into the boy's ear and Ed's breath came heavy and excited as though what he were wishing for had finally come when he didn't think it would. Just a moment to relax, and feel safe. “I'll come by train as soon as I can.” He reassured. “And do what I can to make you comfortable.” He reassured nuzzling the side of the boy's face and Ed pushed back so hard it startled him. Ed's body arched, the

breath became heavier, and Edward wanted to be near him, on him, with him badly. “God damnt it's alright. I don't know what I was thinking.” He muttered hugging the boy tighter.

 

“You weren't.”

 

“I know.” He hushed. “I'll have them take you to the bath, and get you something to eat.” He squeezed tight. “This mercy I give you, will void my visit when you're loaded onto the train. You understand that.”

 

“I'd rather you see me off.” Ed shook his head, but he had made up his mind.

 

“No. I'll take your aching stomach, and itching skin and pay for it myself.” He said pulling back to look Ed in the eye.

 

“I-I didn't want you to go all noble on me.” Ed argued. “I am hungry and stuff but shit Mustang. I'd rather...hell you know I'd...” Ed trailed not wanting to give up that visit. Not wanting to give up the inspection where for a few last minutes he might see the boy. It might be a kiss. It might be a dry rub, or hot word. “Fuck geez, come see me anyway.” Ed begged as he started getting to his feet. “Mustang.” Ed frowned when he stepped back and started exiting the cage. “Colonel.” the boy threatened. “ROY!” Ed screamed when he opened the tent flap and started beckoning the guards in. “Dmant! You're an asshole! Listen to what I am saying! You know I'd rather it the other way!” Ed argued glaring at him.

 

“Get him bathed, and fed.” He ordered pointing calmly before moving for Alphonse who rushed in frowning.

 

“Hey! You forgot to tell them I could get back in.” The boy argued before becoming alarmed when Ed was pulled from the cage.

 

“Go with them.” He ordered Alphonse and the boy nod and hurried alongside the soldiers weary of Ed's treatment. “Listen to his orders.” He directed the men and Alphonse looked shocked he

was given such authority before saluting him and he remained where he was when Ed was taken.

Now he had given up his sex. Given up that last chance. Just to see the boy. Hear his voice. Be near him or touch him. He had forfeit like the greater man, and fuck, it felt like shit to be the bigger man. It felt like lead in his stomach, a bitter taste in his mouth. He wasn't allowed to go, or show interest, but he stayed in the adjacent tent where he could see and watch.

 

Ed was led to the bathing tent and stripped for two soldiers and his brother. He was given one bar of soap and one washcloth and being the wise ass little shit he was made conversation while scrubbing his cock. Watching Ed's face twist into that bitter little smile, with bandages on his

back, and blood mixed in sweat, mouth running while he rubbed his sack he couldn't help but grin. That-That was why he loved the boy.