Missing Days (Alphonse Elric x Reader)

Envy

        Despite all protests from everyone and the Rockbell house, you were up an out of bed two hours later. You were determined not to be a hindrance to the Elric's quest for the Philosopher's Stone.

        Armstrong had gotten train tickets for everyone to return to Central, saying that it would be best to check in with Roy. Of course, you and Edward were not very happy to hear about this, but unlike Edward you managed to keep that to yourself. 

        After exchanging farewells with Pinako and Winry, the four of you headed off to the train station. Along the way, Armstrong kept talking about his family and about the many talents that had been passed through the Armstrong family for generations. Other than that, the walk to the station was quiet. You couldn't help but sneak glances at Al, blushing. You two hadn't said a thing since he went to get you a blanket, which you had awoken with wrapped around you. Surprisingly, he was still in the room when you woke up. I guess when you can't sleep you don't have much else to do. He probably just pitied you.

        By the time you all reached the station, the train was already waiting. You boarded the train, both happy to leave Resembool along with it's awful memories it gave you, as well as sad, knowing you would be leaving Pinako and Winry. You also weren't exactly excited to see Mustang again, especially after having failed your mission and your last encounter.

        "(Y/N), I think you and I need to have a discussion when you get back about these... homoculi, yes?

        You must've had a sad look on your face, because Armstrong speaks up.

        "Is there something wrong, Shadow?" Just like he occasionally called Edward Fullmetal, he calls you Shadow.

        "Oh!" You jump, having been looking out the train window silently,"N-nothing! I'm just thinking!"

        "Hmm," he replies, not seeming to quite buy into it, but he doesn't push for an answer. Ed gives you a somewhat suspicious look. 

        You return your eyes back to the window. Little did you know that Al was looking at you secretly as you did so.

                                                                                ***

        As you got off the train, yawning, following behind Alphonse silently. As you went down the steps to the ground, you stumbled. Alphonse managed to catch you. You could feel your face get hot, despite already having the fever. You had to admit however, that as the day went on, your fever had started to subside.

        "I... uh... thanks."

        "No problem," he muttered, shyly.

        After having made your way through Central with Armstrong and the Elrics, you found yourself in Mustang's office. He didn't seem to be very pleased to see anyone, but something told you that it wasn't just because of you.

        "Colonel Mustang. It's good to see you again,"  Armstrong greeted, adding a salute as he did so.

        "Now is not the time for formalities." 

        As you dared to venture closer to the Colonial's desk, you noticed that there were bags under Roy's eyes. His hair seemed to be a bit askew. Something must've been keeping him up lately.

        "Colonial. Forgive me for this in advance," you start, "But I think you might need some rest. I know it is not my place to say this but as a friend," You continued. Yes, you used the word friend. But if you were really going to get Mustang to take care of himself then it was going to take a bit of coaxing, and maybe a few sweet words. "I cannot allow you to continue on like this. How do you expect for us to count on you as our leader if you are barely able to stay awake?"

        Edward shot you a "What the heck do you think you're doing?!" look. You simply ignored this glance. Armstrong stepped forward to your side.

        "With all do respect sir, I must agree with the Shadow Alchemist."

        Much to all of our surprise, Roy did not scold or yell at us. Instead, he gave us a wane smile that lasted for a few moments.

        "I appreciate your concern, but I am afraid that I simply cannot rest until I know that our newest threat has been detained and taken care of."

        "Then let us take care of it!" Alphonse exclaims, stepping behind me. Out of the corner of my eye you see Edward glaring at all of us, as if asking "Have you all gone insane?!  Why are you helping Colonial Hot-Head?!"

        "I'm not sure you understand who we are up against," Mustang counters, folding his hands in front of his face. "It seems that one of our homunculi friends has decided to pay Central a visit."

        "Which one?" You ask, gulping.

        "Envy."

        "Envy?!" you exclaim, horrified. Your face became pale.

        "Wait! He was at the Rockbell house last night! He attacked (Y/N)," Edward says, somewhat angrily. 

        "That is troubling news indeed." Mustang puts his hands on his face for a moment, tired. He then removes them. "One of the military's troops that was able to get away from one of his attacks today informed me that he was looking for a particular State Alchemist."

        Mustangs eyes settled on you.

        "(Y/N), do you have any idea what he could want with you?"

        Everyone's eyes were on you. You looked down at the ground. "I... don't know sir," you state quietly.

        Mustang stands up from his office chair quietly. Alphonse gasps. He knows that you've lied. Edward is eyeing you with distrust now.

        "Miss (L/N), I can understand that this might be a little bit scary for you," Mustang says. He must know your secret for sure if he knows that much, "But I promise, I am only asking this as a precaution for your own safety. So please, answer truthfully. What does Envy want with you?"

        You looked up with him. Anxiety started to build.

        How will they react? Now I have no other choice but to tell them. Why can't I be more skilled at lying?! What will Alphonse think? What will Edward think? Mustang? Armstrong? Will they try and kill me?

        "I..." you begin to stutter. Tears started to pool in your eyes as the fear in your chest grew. "Envy is my father."