idea #2: an FMAB fic where everyone thinks Ed has the cold that went around the office and is unsympathetic to his whining/sulking until he spikes a fever and Hughes brings him into Mustang's office like "i found him confusedly trying to break into my office thinking it was yours and he's burning up and needs to go home and also shame on you for making him work like this" and roy is like "i dIDN'T KNOW"
“Fine. I’m going for a walk,” Ed slammed his chair back into position under his desk. He had been fighting what felt like a migraine for hours. His whole body ached and his head hurt so much he felt sick, but Mustang kept prodding him, telling him to grow up and deal with the cold ‘like a soldier’. Despite the extra layers and his coat and mountains of tissues. Ed felt awful and the office noise exacerbated it to unbearable levels.
“Take your attitude with you, Fullmetal.” Mustang flipped his page over and scratched out another line in his report. He barely spared a thought to Ed and Al as the two made their way out.
Hours later, after Al had returned and Roy brushed off the whole situation as a tantrum, Hughes’ fist slammed on the door like a thunderous God brought to existence.
Ed hung limp at Hughes’ side, pale and wheezing and confused. Hughes was red in the face, starting and stopping several times before belting out-
“Roy, you really screwed it this time.”
The tone was so ominous and strict, the office silenced in a moment. Mustang glanced up and Al’s shocked gasp was enough to tear into his heart. Ed was flushed, sweaty, and his eyes were lolling from side to side while the poor boy gripped for his life onto Maes’ arm.
“He’s half delirious and knocking on my office door,” the stern father voice cracker a wave of cold shame over Roy’s head. Hughes helped Ed to sit and brushed the young man’s sweaty bangs from his face and helped him find a stable position. “Looking for you of all people. Why on this earth he would, given what he’s been rambling about I have no idea.”
“Maes…” Roy faltered. Alphonse ran towards his brother, and Roy could feel the office air go stagnant as nobody dared speak. “I-”
“You? What, weren’t thinking? Weren’t listening? Were too high on your own pedestal?” Hughes stopped, heaved a heavy sigh before taking a deep breath and leveling a look at Mustang. “I’m disappointed. But, not surprised, I guess. Take a minute and consider what people are sacrificing for you before you brush them off. I know you’ve got a fire under your ass, but he’s a kid, Roy.”
Mustang felt the shame flood him like a heady wave of drink. He was nearly dizzy himself with the flood of embarrassment.
“Thank you Lieutenant,” Roy felt his voice falter despite pulling rank. “I will think on your suggestions.”
“You better, Roy.” Huges leveled a look. Ed laid his head down on his folded arms as the door slammed behind a furious Maes Hughes.
“Serves you right, y’bastard.”
