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akainagiKataomoi Ch 11: In which we break Ed's brain
Author: AkaiNagi
Genre: Romance/Angst/Humor (little for everyone)
Pairing: RoyEd
Rating: R
Previous chapters can be found HERE
Roy Mustang looked disbelievingly at the piece of paper in front of him.
Making progress on decoding notes. Appear to be double encrypted. Continuing to work on deciphering second encryption. No clues as to whereabouts of Joshua Kellig.
PS: You never said I had to report in person, Colonel Pervert.
Signed,
Fullmetal
Mustang read the note twice and proceeded to burst into laughter so loud Lieutenant Havoc (who had fully expected to be chewed out for not managing to bring the stubborn alchemist in person) began to wonder if their CO was dropping some marbles.
If there was one thing Fullmetal had no shortage of, it was brass, Mustang marveled. He dismissed Havoc and prepared to go home for the night. He would give Fullmetal today’s round.
But tomorrow’s would belong to the colonel.
***
If there was one thing Ed had in short supply (if he evened deigned to think of himself and the word “short” in the same sentence) it was patience.
No sooner had they broken through the encryption on Kellig’s notes, they found a second encryption, this one more annoying than the first. All the notes, all dozen or so journals were coded to read like assembly instructions for everything from tricycles to four-poster beds.
Ed had cursed so wildly at the realization that his younger brother had to calm him down.
There was no way Ed could explain to his brother why he was so upset at the sudden setback. Every day spent on this assignment was another day he had to face that bastard colonel. He had no illusions that yesterday’s written report would be accepted as the norm. Today he fully expected to be dragged kicking and screaming by the Colonel’s chain-smoking lackey back to the man himself. For whatever nefarious plans the scheming pervert could dream up.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, even his nights offered him no solace anymore. The colonel had invaded his dreams, blurring the lines between willing and unwilling, between pleasure and horror at his own behavior.
To avoid thinking about it, he worked like an alchemist possessed. Pouring through the journals and the reference materials he had borrowed from the Central Library, he worked on deciphering the common factors between each of the entries. If they could simply find out the elements that were being used, it would go a long way into explaining what Kellig was trying to transmute. It also might go a long way towards proving or disproving the theory that he was working on human transmutation.
Then there were his personal diaries, which frequently referenced certain entries in his alchemical diaries. If Ed had to hazard a guess, something was going on in his personal life that was steering his alchemical research. That didn’t bode well.
So far Ed and Al had deciphered several of the elements that Kellig was working with, water and carbon being among them. While these were key elements in human transmutation, they were also key elements the transmutation of millions of other things. They were some of the most abundant elements in alchemy.
Maybe it would help to ask around and find out what was going on in Kellig’s life before he disappeared. And for that information, as much as he was loath to face the fact, he might be best off asking the Colonel who his associates might be.
Speaking of evil incarnate, it was nearing the time for his report. Any second now Havoc would pull up in that shiny black military vehicle and whisk him off to almost certain sarcasm.
No sooner did the thought enter his mind did Ed hear a honking from outside. Talk about lazy. Can’t even get out of the car to get me. “That’s my ride,” he told Al with a sigh. “I’ll be back as soon as I finish my report to Colonel Bastard.”
Al, thoroughly engrossed in translating, waved one armored hand. “Be careful, Nii-san.”
Be careful of what, getting groped? It was funny, he thought to himself as he headed out to the street, how his younger brother could be so overprotect-
Suddenly his brain broke. Sitting behind the wheel of the car was not Havoc, but the man himself. He regained his aplomb just in time to let out the first insult. “The Colonel actually drives himself for once. I didn’t even think you knew how to drive the way you get chauffeured everywhere.”
“At least my feet can reach the pedals,” the colonel shot back with a smirk.
“WHO ARE YOU CALLING A TINLY LITTLE MIDGET BEAN WHO CAN’T SEE OVER THE STEERING WHEEL OF A TOY CAR???”
Mustang chuckled. “As much as I enjoy watching you have a temper tantrum there on the sidewalk, why don’t you actually get in the car?”
“Why?”
“One: so you can give me your report, two: if we don’t get to the restaurant by six they’ll cancel the reservation,” the Colonel informed him matter-of-factly.
“… huh?”
“Dinner, Fullmetal. The meal that comes after lunch but before dessert. Call it an apology for my … less than professional behavior the other day.”
Ed’s brain broke for the second time in one day. Was the Colonel actually apologizing to him? And inviting him to dinner? “My life just gets weirder and weirder,” Ed muttered to himself.
“What was that, Fullmetal?”
It was Ed’s turn to smirk. “I was just saying I hope you have deep pockets, Colonel, because I skipped lunch today.” Ed crossed over and got in the passenger side of the car. He noted with surprise that the Colonel was out of uniform. Wearing plain black slacks and a pressed white shirt, he looked like a different person. Certainly far more approachable.
Mustang began driving. “Why don’t you give me your report now? A crowded restaurant is hardly the place to discuss these things.”
Ed nodded. “There seems to be ties from Kellig’s personal life to his alchemical experiments. He keeps referencing certain experiments in his personal journals. Unfortunately they’re both in code. We’ve been able to decipher some of the elements involved in his experiments. They could be used in human transmutation, but …”
Mustang’s mouth set in a grim line. “But?”
But they could be used in the transmutation of almost anything. There’s certainly evidence that Kellig could have been working on human transmutation, but nothing that proves it.”
Mustang looked thoughtful. “You say you think there’s a connection to his personal life?”
“His personal journals indicate as much, yes,” Ed answered.
Mustang paused for a moment. “About six months ago a man was murdered in a mugging in the outskirts of the city. The man was rumored to be Joshua Kellig’s lover.”
Ed’s eyebrows shot up. “Whoa. I thought you military types frowned on that sort of thing.”
Mustang shook his head. “It’s more of a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy, but no, they’re not exactly keen on it. That’s why I say ‘rumored.’ HQ and the brass know it happens, as long as the parties don’t draw too much attention to it, they’re usually overlooked.”
The gears were turning in Edwards head. “So if Kellig was working on human transmutation, the most likely subject was-“
“Samuel Branch, his supposed lover,” Mustang supplied.
They spent the rest of the ride in silence. Both of them minding their own thoughts. Ed, for his part, never envisioned riding in a car with Roy Mustang, having a conversation about gay affairs while on their way to dinner. He wondered what kind of karma he must have racked up that resulted in this.
When they arrived at the restaurant, which was far swankier than Ed had expected, the valet hurried to take the car, and the maitre d’ greeted the Colonel with what could only be described as over-solicitousness.
He must come here often. Ed thought to himself. Probably brings lots of dates here. The thought irritated him for some reason.
The Maitre d’ ushered them off to one of the more private tables in the back of the restaurant. “Good for not having your conversations overheard,” the Colonel explained.
Ed’s stomach growled as he read the menu. He truly was famished. Everything sounded so good. He was about to ask the Colonel for a recommendation when the man supplied one anyway.
“I would go for the rib-eye, if you’re in the mood for meat. They have the best steak in town. Or the chicken and potato dumplings are good too.”
A big juicy steak sounded perfect to Ed. He felt a little guilty when he saw the price of it on the menu, but the Colonel had recommended it after all.
Ed was surprised how easily the conversation flowed between the two of them. Ed told tales of his training with Izumi Curtis. Roy told him several truly embarrassing stories about Hughes that had Ed in stitches. Ed learned that Roy had a sister who lived in East City who wrote often and visited sometimes. And of course a few good-natured barbs were traded.
Ed found himself wondering who this person was who sat across from him. He carried the name of Roy Mustang, but did not dress, speak or smirk like Roy Mustang. Was this the real Mustang? Or was this a show for his benefit, to put him at ease before the other shoe dropped. Ed freely admitted to himself that the man was dangerously attractive, the first few buttons of his shirt were undone, showing just a bit of collarbone, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up past the elbows, lending him an air of casualness that suited him well.
Ed’s admiration of his dinner companion was put on hold when the food arrived. Ed dove in with gusto. Mustang for his part, picked at his own food, but seemed to be getting far more enjoyment watching Ed’s imitation of a human vacuum cleaner.
Ed noticed this about halfway through his meal. His eyes narrowed slightly. “What are you lookin’ at?” he asked Mustang pointedly.
Roy answered honestly, with a smile on his face. “You.”
Ed found himself blushing. To cover it up he lowered his head and resumed shoveling his dinner in his mouth.
When the meal was over, the waiter inquired about dessert. Before Ed could get a word in, Roy had ordered a coffee for himself and a strawberry parfait for Ed.
Ed was about to protest when Mustang interjected. “Trust me on this one. You won’t be sorry.”
And he wasn’t. The dessert was delicious and cool and fruity. The perfect end to a heavy meal. He was so blissed-out that he barely noticed Mustang reaching over and stealing a slice of strawberry from the top.
He did notice him eating it though. Roy popped the strawberry in his mouth and proceeded to lick the cream off his thumb and finger. The intimacy of the action caused the heat to rise to Ed’s face again. God, could he spend five minutes with this man without blushing?
And when the meal was over and the tab was paid (Mustang had to have quite a poker face not to have his eyes bug out at that bill) the two departed. The valet brought the car around and, to Ed’s consternation, Mustang held the door for him to get in.
“I’m not a woman, you know,” Ed told him archly.
“Believe me,” Mustang replied, his eyes filled with something Ed could not lay name to. “I’m very aware of that.”
The colonel asked him if he wanted a ride to the dorms, or back to Kellig’s place. Since Al was most likely still working, he picked Kellig’s. The two spent the rest of the ride in relative, companionable silence.
When they arrived at their destination, Ed felt the awkwardness of the moment. “Thank you for dinner.”
“Thank you for the company,” Roy replied with a smile that, much to Ed’s disbelief was genuine. Suddenly it all fell into place, the dinner, the dessert, the holding of the door, everything. Ed’s brain broke again. Three strikes, you’re out.
“Well, I better get back to work,” Ed stammered. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Ed got out of the car and headed as quickly as he could to the door of Kellig’s house. He was breathing heavy and his face was flaming red as he raced in and slammed the door behind him.
Al took one look at his brother and panicked. “Nii-san! What’s the matter? You look terrible.”
Ed looked at his brother in wide-eyed terror. “Holy Shit. I just went on a date with Roy Mustang.”
Author: AkaiNagi
Genre: Romance/Angst/Humor (little for everyone)
Pairing: RoyEd
Rating: R
Previous chapters can be found HERE
Roy Mustang looked disbelievingly at the piece of paper in front of him.
Making progress on decoding notes. Appear to be double encrypted. Continuing to work on deciphering second encryption. No clues as to whereabouts of Joshua Kellig.
PS: You never said I had to report in person, Colonel Pervert.
Signed,
Fullmetal
Mustang read the note twice and proceeded to burst into laughter so loud Lieutenant Havoc (who had fully expected to be chewed out for not managing to bring the stubborn alchemist in person) began to wonder if their CO was dropping some marbles.
If there was one thing Fullmetal had no shortage of, it was brass, Mustang marveled. He dismissed Havoc and prepared to go home for the night. He would give Fullmetal today’s round.
But tomorrow’s would belong to the colonel.
***
If there was one thing Ed had in short supply (if he evened deigned to think of himself and the word “short” in the same sentence) it was patience.
No sooner had they broken through the encryption on Kellig’s notes, they found a second encryption, this one more annoying than the first. All the notes, all dozen or so journals were coded to read like assembly instructions for everything from tricycles to four-poster beds.
Ed had cursed so wildly at the realization that his younger brother had to calm him down.
There was no way Ed could explain to his brother why he was so upset at the sudden setback. Every day spent on this assignment was another day he had to face that bastard colonel. He had no illusions that yesterday’s written report would be accepted as the norm. Today he fully expected to be dragged kicking and screaming by the Colonel’s chain-smoking lackey back to the man himself. For whatever nefarious plans the scheming pervert could dream up.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, even his nights offered him no solace anymore. The colonel had invaded his dreams, blurring the lines between willing and unwilling, between pleasure and horror at his own behavior.
To avoid thinking about it, he worked like an alchemist possessed. Pouring through the journals and the reference materials he had borrowed from the Central Library, he worked on deciphering the common factors between each of the entries. If they could simply find out the elements that were being used, it would go a long way into explaining what Kellig was trying to transmute. It also might go a long way towards proving or disproving the theory that he was working on human transmutation.
Then there were his personal diaries, which frequently referenced certain entries in his alchemical diaries. If Ed had to hazard a guess, something was going on in his personal life that was steering his alchemical research. That didn’t bode well.
So far Ed and Al had deciphered several of the elements that Kellig was working with, water and carbon being among them. While these were key elements in human transmutation, they were also key elements the transmutation of millions of other things. They were some of the most abundant elements in alchemy.
Maybe it would help to ask around and find out what was going on in Kellig’s life before he disappeared. And for that information, as much as he was loath to face the fact, he might be best off asking the Colonel who his associates might be.
Speaking of evil incarnate, it was nearing the time for his report. Any second now Havoc would pull up in that shiny black military vehicle and whisk him off to almost certain sarcasm.
No sooner did the thought enter his mind did Ed hear a honking from outside. Talk about lazy. Can’t even get out of the car to get me. “That’s my ride,” he told Al with a sigh. “I’ll be back as soon as I finish my report to Colonel Bastard.”
Al, thoroughly engrossed in translating, waved one armored hand. “Be careful, Nii-san.”
Be careful of what, getting groped? It was funny, he thought to himself as he headed out to the street, how his younger brother could be so overprotect-
Suddenly his brain broke. Sitting behind the wheel of the car was not Havoc, but the man himself. He regained his aplomb just in time to let out the first insult. “The Colonel actually drives himself for once. I didn’t even think you knew how to drive the way you get chauffeured everywhere.”
“At least my feet can reach the pedals,” the colonel shot back with a smirk.
“WHO ARE YOU CALLING A TINLY LITTLE MIDGET BEAN WHO CAN’T SEE OVER THE STEERING WHEEL OF A TOY CAR???”
Mustang chuckled. “As much as I enjoy watching you have a temper tantrum there on the sidewalk, why don’t you actually get in the car?”
“Why?”
“One: so you can give me your report, two: if we don’t get to the restaurant by six they’ll cancel the reservation,” the Colonel informed him matter-of-factly.
“… huh?”
“Dinner, Fullmetal. The meal that comes after lunch but before dessert. Call it an apology for my … less than professional behavior the other day.”
Ed’s brain broke for the second time in one day. Was the Colonel actually apologizing to him? And inviting him to dinner? “My life just gets weirder and weirder,” Ed muttered to himself.
“What was that, Fullmetal?”
It was Ed’s turn to smirk. “I was just saying I hope you have deep pockets, Colonel, because I skipped lunch today.” Ed crossed over and got in the passenger side of the car. He noted with surprise that the Colonel was out of uniform. Wearing plain black slacks and a pressed white shirt, he looked like a different person. Certainly far more approachable.
Mustang began driving. “Why don’t you give me your report now? A crowded restaurant is hardly the place to discuss these things.”
Ed nodded. “There seems to be ties from Kellig’s personal life to his alchemical experiments. He keeps referencing certain experiments in his personal journals. Unfortunately they’re both in code. We’ve been able to decipher some of the elements involved in his experiments. They could be used in human transmutation, but …”
Mustang’s mouth set in a grim line. “But?”
But they could be used in the transmutation of almost anything. There’s certainly evidence that Kellig could have been working on human transmutation, but nothing that proves it.”
Mustang looked thoughtful. “You say you think there’s a connection to his personal life?”
“His personal journals indicate as much, yes,” Ed answered.
Mustang paused for a moment. “About six months ago a man was murdered in a mugging in the outskirts of the city. The man was rumored to be Joshua Kellig’s lover.”
Ed’s eyebrows shot up. “Whoa. I thought you military types frowned on that sort of thing.”
Mustang shook his head. “It’s more of a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy, but no, they’re not exactly keen on it. That’s why I say ‘rumored.’ HQ and the brass know it happens, as long as the parties don’t draw too much attention to it, they’re usually overlooked.”
The gears were turning in Edwards head. “So if Kellig was working on human transmutation, the most likely subject was-“
“Samuel Branch, his supposed lover,” Mustang supplied.
They spent the rest of the ride in silence. Both of them minding their own thoughts. Ed, for his part, never envisioned riding in a car with Roy Mustang, having a conversation about gay affairs while on their way to dinner. He wondered what kind of karma he must have racked up that resulted in this.
When they arrived at the restaurant, which was far swankier than Ed had expected, the valet hurried to take the car, and the maitre d’ greeted the Colonel with what could only be described as over-solicitousness.
He must come here often. Ed thought to himself. Probably brings lots of dates here. The thought irritated him for some reason.
The Maitre d’ ushered them off to one of the more private tables in the back of the restaurant. “Good for not having your conversations overheard,” the Colonel explained.
Ed’s stomach growled as he read the menu. He truly was famished. Everything sounded so good. He was about to ask the Colonel for a recommendation when the man supplied one anyway.
“I would go for the rib-eye, if you’re in the mood for meat. They have the best steak in town. Or the chicken and potato dumplings are good too.”
A big juicy steak sounded perfect to Ed. He felt a little guilty when he saw the price of it on the menu, but the Colonel had recommended it after all.
Ed was surprised how easily the conversation flowed between the two of them. Ed told tales of his training with Izumi Curtis. Roy told him several truly embarrassing stories about Hughes that had Ed in stitches. Ed learned that Roy had a sister who lived in East City who wrote often and visited sometimes. And of course a few good-natured barbs were traded.
Ed found himself wondering who this person was who sat across from him. He carried the name of Roy Mustang, but did not dress, speak or smirk like Roy Mustang. Was this the real Mustang? Or was this a show for his benefit, to put him at ease before the other shoe dropped. Ed freely admitted to himself that the man was dangerously attractive, the first few buttons of his shirt were undone, showing just a bit of collarbone, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up past the elbows, lending him an air of casualness that suited him well.
Ed’s admiration of his dinner companion was put on hold when the food arrived. Ed dove in with gusto. Mustang for his part, picked at his own food, but seemed to be getting far more enjoyment watching Ed’s imitation of a human vacuum cleaner.
Ed noticed this about halfway through his meal. His eyes narrowed slightly. “What are you lookin’ at?” he asked Mustang pointedly.
Roy answered honestly, with a smile on his face. “You.”
Ed found himself blushing. To cover it up he lowered his head and resumed shoveling his dinner in his mouth.
When the meal was over, the waiter inquired about dessert. Before Ed could get a word in, Roy had ordered a coffee for himself and a strawberry parfait for Ed.
Ed was about to protest when Mustang interjected. “Trust me on this one. You won’t be sorry.”
And he wasn’t. The dessert was delicious and cool and fruity. The perfect end to a heavy meal. He was so blissed-out that he barely noticed Mustang reaching over and stealing a slice of strawberry from the top.
He did notice him eating it though. Roy popped the strawberry in his mouth and proceeded to lick the cream off his thumb and finger. The intimacy of the action caused the heat to rise to Ed’s face again. God, could he spend five minutes with this man without blushing?
And when the meal was over and the tab was paid (Mustang had to have quite a poker face not to have his eyes bug out at that bill) the two departed. The valet brought the car around and, to Ed’s consternation, Mustang held the door for him to get in.
“I’m not a woman, you know,” Ed told him archly.
“Believe me,” Mustang replied, his eyes filled with something Ed could not lay name to. “I’m very aware of that.”
The colonel asked him if he wanted a ride to the dorms, or back to Kellig’s place. Since Al was most likely still working, he picked Kellig’s. The two spent the rest of the ride in relative, companionable silence.
When they arrived at their destination, Ed felt the awkwardness of the moment. “Thank you for dinner.”
“Thank you for the company,” Roy replied with a smile that, much to Ed’s disbelief was genuine. Suddenly it all fell into place, the dinner, the dessert, the holding of the door, everything. Ed’s brain broke again. Three strikes, you’re out.
“Well, I better get back to work,” Ed stammered. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Ed got out of the car and headed as quickly as he could to the door of Kellig’s house. He was breathing heavy and his face was flaming red as he raced in and slammed the door behind him.
Al took one look at his brother and panicked. “Nii-san! What’s the matter? You look terrible.”
Ed looked at his brother in wide-eyed terror. “Holy Shit. I just went on a date with Roy Mustang.”
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-12 03:28 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-12 10:19 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-12 04:26 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-12 10:20 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-12 11:56 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-12 10:21 pm (UTC)*evil smirk*
(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-13 02:48 am (UTC)I can relate, Ed. :P
I love how he was clueless throughout the entire date, hahaha.
Absolutely love their characterizations. Its so dead on.
Your story is epic~
<3
(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-18 04:12 pm (UTC)I've risen to the level of epic??
Sweet! ^__^