We're back to only five parts. I've debated a lot with myself about the sixth one, because I felt I would've needed to write two or three more parts to make it truly work, something I unfortunately haven't had the time to work on. So, after spending the whole day going back and forth on this, I've decided to end the story with the fifth part, because I like it better this way.

Part V

Ed doesn't like to wait, he never has. Especially not for dangerous, potentially life-changing events.

He thought they would have more time. Roy was supposed to become Fuhrer, then bring democracy to Amestris. Become President. Afterwards… Ed would find a way to thwart Roy's damned, suicidal plan. But no, they don't have that time.

Grumman has decided to bring democracy to Amestris himself. Which is good. Should be good. Except because the Ishvalan Civil War and the atrocities committed there need to be addressed before Grumman calls for elections. He said so himself, and Ed really missed his automail fist that day.

There have been months of negotiations between most of the brass (not Roy, because his fate is on the line here) and the Ishvalan high council. Ishval's autonomy, war compensations, the remaining State Alchemists… Grumman has pushed for a pardon, as only Roy, Alex Armstrong and Dr. Marcoh are left out of the State Alchemists that took part in the war. A pardon for Scar, who is technically still a wanted criminal even if the military has left him be for the last five years, is a part of the final document.

A document that is being voted on today throughout Ishval.

"You're going to wear a hole into the carpet if you keep that up," Roy says. He's sitting on the couch, and if Ed didn't know him so well he would believe the calm mask Roy has on.

"Shouldn't you be the one doing this?" Ed demands, whirling on him.

"I don't think pacing will change anything," Roy says, and he has the gall to shrug.

Ed wants to scoff, but the situation is too grim for it. He's seen the polls, he's been following them almost obsessively since this mess started. He knows anything could happen. Ishval knows more about the Promised Day than any other region of Amestris. The real reason behind the war is public knowledge now, even if the true nature of the array isn't. People know those who orchestrated the war are either dead or already imprisoned for life. But that doesn't change the fact that Roy is the Flame Alchemist. Marcoh, very few people even know he was there, Armstrong deserted, but Roy…

Ed doesn't know if Roy's actions over the past five years will be able to tip the scales.

Warm arms wrap around him. Ed went back to pacing at some point, and now Roy is holding him still with his body.

"Just stop, please. Nothing has been decided yet," Roy whispers into Ed's hair, a hint of uneasiness in his voice. Ed knows, even if they have never talked about it, that Roy isn't so keen on his suicide plan anymore. That he is aware of the effects it would have on those who love him.

Ed turns around in Roy's arms and returns the hug with enough strength to bruise.

I'm smuggling your fucking ass to Xing if I that's what it takes, Ed thinks, but doesn't say it out loud.

In the background, the radio keeps rattling out numbers as they receive updates on the vote.

Passed.

That's all Ed hears later that night, cuddled on the couch next to Roy and holding on to him for dear life.

He sags in relief, buries his face into Roy's neck, and breathes him in for many long seconds, forcing his heart rate to even out.

Roy tangles a hand in Ed's loose hair, but he says nothing. Ed wonders if Roy is waiting for him or if he's so in shock himself that he can't utter a word.

"Marry me," Ed blurts out. Those aren't the words he intended to say, but he doesn't take them back.

They are the truth.