Underneath It All Chapter 06: Depth of Perception Part Two

[lynx212]

 

Title: Underneath It All
Chapter 6: Depth of Perception Part Two
Genres: Angst/Romance
Beta: ehxhfdl14
Rating: PG13.
Pairing: Ed/Havoc eventual Ed/Roy
Warnings: Some language
Length: 2,768 words
Spoilers: None, that I see as of now, maybe some in later chapters
Chapter Summary: Roy was so frustrated he could have spit. Why was Maes being so insistent about him asking Ed out in the first place? He knew Maes had a nosy streak in him a mile wide and often thrived on the latest drama, but this was extreme even for him. 

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 Depth of Perception Part Two

Roy could still hear Maes talking, but all possible comprehension went out the window once midnight blue met gold. Were the fates conspiring against him? What had he done to deserve running into Maes (who insisted on talking about Ed) then running into Ed himself? It was not that he didn’t want to see him, no; it was just the circumstances surrounding the chance meeting that had Roy dreading it all.

Surprisingly it was the lack of sound coming from his best friend that got his attention. Roy peeled his eyes away from his current focal point and whipped his head around toward Maes to snap, "What!?"

"Uh…I didn’t say anything, Roy."

Roy let out a frustrated noise and looked back around to where Ed and Al were only to find the pair gone from where they once stood. A deep frown line creased his brow and Roy turned his now heated gazed back to Hughes.

"Boy, you’ve got it bad." Was all the photographer had time to say before Roy spun around and stomped off back in the direction he had come from.
"I thought we were shopping?" Maes asked, somewhat confused, as he trailed along behind Roy.
"Feel free to do whatever you please Maes, I’m going home." 
"Why?"

Roy looked at the man as though he was seriously insane. He figured someone, whose job happened to be reading people and uncovering things, would have been more observant. As it stood, Roy was wondering if the faith he had in Maes and his abilities of perception all these years was misplaced. As they left the inner circle of the open market Roy felt like a complete ass. Here he was, the great Flame Alchemist and Major General of the Amestrian army, running away from what was essentially nothing. So what if he had danced with Ed last night and it had gotten a little frisky. Was it really that big a deal? No, it wasn’t. But if that was true, why did he want to pull his hair out and scream?

Roy stopped his frantic fleeing of the marketplace and sighed dejectedly.

"You look like you could use a cup of coffee." Maes said after hearing his friend sigh.

Roy jumped slightly because he was so caught up in his own internal musings that he had forgotten that Maes was trailing along behind him. When he got himself together enough to acknowledge his friend’s statement he nodded.

"Let’s grab a bite to eat too; I left the house without eating breakfast." Roy mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Maes nodded in agreement and the two of them decided on Sandy’s Pastry Shop. Not only did it have some of the best coffee in Central, Sandy’s had a variety of pastries and sandwiches that was well known to both of them.

Once they entered the shop a bright faced young woman came up to them almost as soon as they had seated themselves in a quiet corner and asked them what they would be having. When they put in their orders she gave them a warm smile and disappeared behind the counter only to reappear shortly with two steaming mugs of coffee.

"Will you fella’s be needin’ anything else?" she asked.
"No, no- I think we’re good." Maes answered once he noticed that Roy wasn’t going to bother.

As soon as she was around the corner and out of earshot Maes said, "All right, spill it Roy. Something about this whole situation is eating at you and I won’t leave it alone until you come clean, so out with it."

Roy knew what the other man was saying so lightly was nothing more than the truth with a sugar coating. Maes may have said it in a joking manner but he’d known the man long enough to know Hughes would indeed pester him relentlessly until he heard what he wanted to hear. Still, Roy really didn’t want to talk about this to anyone until he had it somewhat figured out for himself. So he decided to try and dodge the man’s questions by changing the subject.

"Is Gracia still thinking of giving cooking classes?"
"Of course! As a matter of fact my darling wife already has her first unofficial student."

Roy’s eyebrows went up at this and he asked if her student was anyone they knew.

"As a matter of fact it is." Maes answered as that sly grin from earlier returned.

Now leery of the man in front of him, Roy asked, "Well, who is it?"

"Ed." Maes replied as he dumped another spoonful of cream into his coffee.
"You’ve got to be kidding me?!" Roy said aloud before he could stop himself.
"Nope, and from the stories he tells while they cook you two have become rather chummy."

Roy glared across the table at the smirking man. He was just not going to be able to avoid talking about the blond; but Roy was not one to give up easily and he was going to fight this until the bitter end.

"I suppose we have." Roy replied while trying to come across as if that was nothing remarkable.

"So you don’t deny it then?"
"We are friends, Maes. There’s nothing to deny."
"So when are you going to ask him out?"

Roy was so frustrated he could have spit. Why was Maes being so insistent about him asking Ed out in the first place? He knew Maes had a nosy streak in him a mile wide and often thrived on the latest drama, but this was extreme even for him. It was almost as if the other man needed Roy to ask Ed out.

Tired of being on the receiving end of uncomfortable questions, and rather a bit curious about Maes’ reasons, Roy decided to start asking questions of his own. "Why do you want me to ask him out so badly? He’s going out with Jean; haven’t he and I had enough trouble over this sort of thing?"

Maes simply snorted but Roy remembered all too well how things ended in what will forever be referred to as The Susan Situation.

Roy had been sent to East City temporarily due to the death of Brigadier General Roland Yeats. So Führer Oswyn Cross had ordered him to oversee that office until a suitable replacement was found to take the deceased Brigadier’s position. Roy ended up staying in East City for a little more than two months.

On the night of his return to Central Roy’s train pulled in three hours late, which left the Major General hungry but too tired and in no mood to cook. He quickly went over his mental list of eateries trying to think of one that would still be open but he drew a blank. Just as he had resigned himself to a bowl of ramen when he got home, one of the travelers he had spoken with on the ride back to Central passed by. When he asked them if they knew where he could possibly get a bite to eat at the current hour they suggested a little hole-in-the-wall off of 3rd street called The Sub and Pub.

When he got there the place was still open, but due to close in less than an hour. When he sat down in a booth the most charming young woman by the name of Susan waited on him. The place was empty so she spent a lot of time chatting with him while his food was being prepared.

They hit it off pretty well; by the time Roy finished his food her shift was over and the diner was closing its doors. Roy offered to walk her home, she accepted, and they had talked all the way.

Before they parted he asked her if she was available to go out sometime. She said she had been seeing someone on and off for the past four months but he didn’t really seem to be her type. She said he was a bit to secretive for her liking. Roy’s only thought on her statement was, ‘Someone’s loss, my gain.’ After they made plans for her to meet him outside of headquarters on Thursday at four he kissed her hand goodnight and went on his merry way.

When he walked into the office the following morning everyone was happy to have him back and things were moving along as per usual. Shortly after lunch the phone on Lt. Havoc’s desk rang. It was a short conversation but everyone could tell that whatever was said had taken the wind out his sails. It took the remainder of the day for Breda to get the blond to tell him what was wrong.

Jean Havoc had been dumped yet again.

Two more days passed into Thursday and a smile had yet to grace the First Lieutenant’s face. Normally Roy would have shared the fact that he had date with the office but considering Jean’s misfortune he kept it to himself. Work was slow that day and he was ready to get on with his evening so when the four o’clock hour neared he told everyone to go ahead and head out. He didn’t have to tell them twice as everyone, except Riza, tidied their desk and headed for the door.

Once they were gone Riza shot Roy a look and asked, "Alright Roy, what’s got you in such a good mood? You look like the cat that ate the canary."

Roy smiled and said, "I have a date tonight."
"I figured as much." She said as she smiled back and stood to leave.

The two of them walked out of the office together. When they stepped out of the double doors the pair was surprised to see everyone still standing out front. They all seemed to be watching something. When Riza and Roy followed their line of sight they saw Jean speaking rather animatedly with a striking raven haired woman. Upon closer inspection Roy realized that woman was his date Susan.

Curious as to how Havoc knew her Roy started to ask this when Kain said, "Wonder why she showed up here after giving him the boot?"
"Maybe she changed her mind and wants him back." Falman whispered.
"Doubtful," Breda said, "I think she said she something about having a date."

Roy hadn’t meant to gasp out loud but he did. All heads turned to face him and in a matter of seconds Breda had it put together. The First Lieutenant looked over at Jean then back at Roy and shook his head in disbelief. "This is unbelievable … what are the chances?"

"Chances of what?" Kain asked with his face scrunched in confusion.

Riza winced in realization and set out to confirm their suspicions. She pointed to the tall brunette speaking to Jean and said, "That’s your date over there isn’t it Roy?"

Roy nodded dumbly as the full implications of the situation washed over him. They all watched intently as the dark haired lady closed her conversation with Lieutenant Havoc.

"This is waaay too much drama for me," Ed announced, "I’m gone." The younger alchemist stated as he turned to leave and Falman was right behind him.

The others were still there watching the situation unfold as the tall blond came marching toward them with a furious face. When he got close to his officemates he looked at Roy, eyes blazing, his face weighted with contempt.

"Havoc, I sincerely apologize; I really had no idea, I just…" Roy started.
"Don’t worry about it, chief." Havoc sneered and the amount of scorn behind the word ‘chief’ was enough to make everyone present flinch. "Maybe when you’re done with her you’ll be kind enough to toss her back my way."

Riza’s eyes narrowed before she said, "Watch you tone Lieutenant. You are…"

Roy placed a calming hand on the Major’s shoulder to silence her.

"Easy there Jean," Breda said as he approached Havoc, "There’s no way Mustang could have known who she was. He was out of town for months and I think I was the only one you introduced her to."

Kain was nodding when he said, "Until today most of us had no idea what she even looked like."
"That was kind of the point." Jean growled out low as he cut those angry blue eyes over at Roy again.

Between Jean’s statement and the look he gave, Roy gathered that he was the reason Jean had never brought the young woman around or mentioned her. Roy felt extremely guilty about all this even though the woman had said it wasn’t working out with the person she was dating. He had just never fathomed that that person was Havoc.

"I just need to accept the fact that most women would rather have a one night stand with him than a relationship with me."

At that Riza and Kain looked absolutely furious at what Jean was implying about Roy’s ethics and behavior. Riza opened her mouth to say something but Jean cut in and said, "Save it Major, I’m bowing out and going home."

And with a curt bow to Roy as well as a flippant salute that’s exactly what Jean did.

Once he left Susan walked over to the group and apologized for all of the trouble she felt she had caused. Roy told her it wasn’t her fault and said that due to the circumstances he wouldn’t feel right going out with her. She said she understood, apologized once again and left.

When she was out of earshot Heymans Breda said, "That was bad. I think I’ll give Jean some time to cool off before I try to talk to him."

That whole situation happened over a year ago and it took months before the tension between Roy and Havoc dissipated. During that time Kain and Breda informed him of just how often things like that occurred. Roy truly had no idea that some of the women he asked out were showing interest in the First Lieutenant until he came along. When he asked Fuery why no one ever said anything, his reply was, "It was none of our business, General. Besides it’s really up to ladies you ask out. They have a right to decide who they want to see, don’t they sir?" When Roy nodded the younger man pushed his glasses back up on his nose and continued working on his disassembled radio.

Roy has made it a point since to try not to ‘steal’ any of Jean’s dates. He was in no way looking for a repeat of The Susan Situation.

During Roy’s reflection on past events Maes’ eyes had grown dark; when he spoke his expression was serious and his pitch flat. "You do realize that Ed and Al are like sons to me?"

Stunned by the sudden seriousness of his friend’s tone Roy looked the man in the eye and nodded. He was too confused to trust his words. Outside of work Maes was seldom serious. The man acted so lighthearted and carefree most of the time Roy often wondered about his stern side.

"Well if you understand that then it should go without saying that I only want what’s best for both of them."
"I’m glad you think so highly of me Maes, but might I ask what’s wrong with the First Lieutenant."
"Nothing I can expressly put my finger on Roy, it just seems like he’s always…too guarded."
"You ever consider Jean might just be a very private person?"

Maes peered over his cup of coffee and gave Roy a look that said he had just asked the dumbest question of the year.

"Fine Maes, think what you want."
"I’m glad I have your permission because I was going to do just that."

The waitress showed up then with their food in one hand and coffee in the other. After she placed their food in front of them and refilled their coffee she disappeared back behind the counter. The two men ate in comfortable silence until Maes asked Roy if he’d like to come over to his place for dinner tonight. Not having any plans for the evening he agreed to. It had been a while since he’d had dinner with them all. Roy was just relieved that Hughes had let the Ed subject drop for the time being.

As they finished off their plates and stood to leave, Maes told Roy to be over at his place at six o’clock sharp. With that settled the two said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. 

 

 

Comments

[mustanginblue.livejournal.com]

ooooooo dinner with the Hughes. I wonder if any other 'guests' will be there. heh heh heh Can't wait for the next chapter!

[lynx212.livejournal.com]

teehee I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this and for the record Maes SO has a plan (it'll just be a slow acting one)

[greedy-lover.livejournal.com]

i really feel bad for jean. for once he tried to have relationship and she calls it. and you know what? if something like that was happening to any of them they would have said the same thing. none of them understands what it is like to get dates only to be dumped for the same person time after time after time. so jean is enetitled to his anger and what he says. and i think maes is wrong about jean too. if jean is too guarded it's probably because he wants this too last, even though we the readers know that it won't. so i know it it will be roy/ed but i really do hope jean finds someone to be happy with. and i hope roy knows how mansmex works or finds a book to know what to do xD

[lynx212.livejournal.com]

Yes I agree that Jean has a right to his anger in this *nods emphatically* but, Don't jump to conclusions to soon about Maes (he's running on parental instinct in this fic) Parents are highly protective of their children...

ANd I'm sure Roy knows how mansmex works works (he to much of a horn-dog to not have tried it at least once *grins and winks*)

[bloodwords.livejournal.com]

I keep coming back to this story and reading it again, it's so beautiful. It's really nice to have some images of Ed being carefree and happy, and that dance is really really nice, you really get a sense of how hypnotic it is.

[lynx212.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I was very hesitant on adding the dance flashback to this chapter and on more than one occasion it almost got cut out. Glad to see it was enjoyed. And that song by Maroon 5 just does something to me when I hear it and I was playing it (on repeat) when I was writing this chapter so ... it kinda worked its way in >.< *hugs*

[bloodwords.livejournal.com]

Hi, sorry for the comment storkery. I was inspired by your fic to write a shorter one of my own and before I posted it on here I wanted to check with you in case it's really similar to something you were going to do in your fic.

Ed ends up in Roy's house and he's just broken off with someone he was dating because it became apparent that the guy was freaked out by the automail. Mustang is trying to convince him that not everyone will be grossed out by it and he ends up giving away the fact that he's kind of turned on by it. Ed picks up on it and starts teasing, and it sort of goes from there. The second chapter (as yet unwritten) is going to be lust/smutt-filled. Oh and some bondage probably.

If you were going to have them hook up in a similar situation to the one described above I don't mind holding off on posting mine until your Roy/Ed get together, just let me know.

[lynx212.livejournal.com]

Wow. I can't believe I inspired someone ... *SQUEE*

Thanks for asking before you posted your fic (that was very considerate of you) But from what you've said about your fic I don't think there will be a problem so go ahead and post away! Let me know when it's up and I will hop over to your journal and read it.

PS - Roy getting all turned on by the automail is a pretty cool idea (can't wait to read that) *grins*

[bloodwords.livejournal.com]

Hey thanks for the add. :-) Sorry there's nothing really to see over ay my journal. I don't know when I'll post my story as I don't get much time to write (I want to have the whole thing written before I post the first chapter in case I want to go back and add details) but I'll mention it when I do.

[bloodwords.livejournal.com]

Hey, you've probably forgotten all about this now but I FINALLY posted the first chapter of this. :-)

Thanks again for being an inspiration, hope that 'Underneath It All' hasn't fallen by the wayside.

[lynx212.livejournal.com]

You are welcome and have no fear Underneath It All has not fallen I am working on the update now and it is 17 pages and growing I hope to have it up in a week or so. ^_^

Off to bed here in a minute but I will give your fic a read tomorrow.