Kota (Male reader x Greed and the chimeras)

To Turn to Liquid Gold

(the chorus of the song above gives the vibe that inspired this chapter)

Greed's mind was blank. He did not think nor feel as he moved automatically until he was right beside the couch. Looking down at a pile of limbs, his brain stuttered into gear again.

When did I get here-?

-...Kota?

The boy in question didn't stir.

Oh. He's sleeping. *a beat* Better wake him up and get this over with before he comes up with other miserable ideas.

With that in mind, Greed sat down on the ledge of the couch, careful to not touch the kid. He got pretty scared when that happened the first time. If Greed wasn't a homunculus, he'd have half his face scarred. Or worse.

- Those scientists sure know how to destroy, don't they, kid?

No response.

Of course... He'd only wake up to danger.... 

...

...

...Wait a moment. 

Is the reason he's not  waking up is that he doesn't - no way!

Greed's eyes widened.

He doesn't think I'm dangerous.

Turning around with hope in his heart, Greed took a moment to collect himself. 

Maybe I can salvage this- whatever this is. If he trusts me enough...

He sighed before taking a newspaper and fanning the kid's ears. This was what they usually did to wake Kota up without a scare.

There was no wind in the labs.

As Kota sluggishly woke up, he stretched exactly like a snow leopard would, back arched and yawn showing off his sharp yet relatively normal sized canines. This tousled mane floated in all directions as Kota vigorously shook the sleep away. He winced, holding a hand to his heart and took a steady breath.

Greed opened his mouth.

-Hey, kid.

Lightening

Kota whipped to face the voice, fully awake.

Ouch. That's got to hurt.

The kid blinked the mist out of his vision. Once the image cleared, his back went ram rod straight.

Ah, so he didn't notice me.

-Slept well?

Ignoring the question, the kid blurted;

-Wh-where's Martel?

Definitely concussed. By a crate. 

My fault.

The bosses' words stuck in his throat. But only for a second. Kota looked like he was being held at gunpoint, like in the train yard, pleading to be helped then giving up-

Stop, Greed. Not now.

-She's outside.

Kota nodded. Sensing the oncoming heaviness, the older blurted out.

- Are you ok? *cough* Kid?...

Not expecting anything, the snow leopard gaped, tears building up in his eyes. His mouth opened and closed like a gaping fish, unable to form any sounds. (Although, if Greed would have to guess, Kota was most likely trying to apologize. For what, only heaven knows.)