Archive of Our Own ^beta

Ling was used to hiding any kind of pain or injuries, it was a weakness that he couldn’t afford back home. There were so many of his siblings that would jump at the opportunity if it presented itself, and he never allowed himself to be viewed as weak or incapable. He had told Ed as much once when he had asked him why he hadn’t said anything after he had managed to get his arm sliced mid-fight and bandaged the thing himself.

“You did a terrible job, idiot.” Ed muttered the whole time he’d re-bandaged it for him. To be fair though Ling had done it in a rush. Which he had explained, but only received an eye-roll in response.

“I felt that too you know…”

“Oh…”

Was it possible? Then again maybe he had always known it considering the agonizing pain he’d experienced years ago now. Without explanation in the spots where the other was missing limbs, all the other minor pains and even the major ones over the years. Maybe it was stupid to compare scars at that point and explanations, but it might’ve eased both their minds a bit more then either of them expected it too.

*******

That had been weeks ago now, before this whole mess with their awful attempt at capturing the homunculus. Now he had much more to worry about then thinking about his aching ribs, Lan Fan had lost her arm he had no right to even concern himself with any injuries of his own, they would heal his friend’s would never heal. At best the limb would be replaced and he was too nervous and pathetic to even ask, Ed what would be involved in the process. Letting out a small noise as he clenched his fists angry at himself and his inability to keep Lan Fan safe, sure it was her job to protect him, but that had never been something he viewed as only one-way. He’d protect her too, even if they never acknowledged it, another unsaid promise.

“Hey…” Ling barely looked up at the familiar voice and couldn’t even muster a response to Ed,

“What’re you hiding this time?” He continued to ask.

Ling responded a bit more quietly and subbudded then he normally was with a small and quick. “Nothing.”

“Bullshit, I know for a fact my ribs didn’t get hit today, so you might as well admit you’re in pain, idiot. In more ways than one.” The last part was said barely above a whisper, and maybe that was the intention giving Ling the option of whether to acknowledge the statement or not.

That was the nice thing about Ed as much as the other would never admit to it he did have so much worry and compassion for other people almost to a fault. Ling couldn’t even begin to express how much he loved his boyfriend right now. Even if he still like his world was caving in but at least he could see a small light at the end of the tunnel.

“Yeah, Gluttony hit a bit harder then I thought he would…” Ling trailed off even as Ed rolled his eyes.

“No kidding, come on idiot let me check to make sure you didn’t break them.” Ed continued.

“You sure you’re qualified for that, didn’t know state alchemist covered the medical field.” Ling attempted to joke about anything to lighten the mood and get his mind off of what was happening in the other room.

“Shut up… I know what broken ribs feel like asshole. Had a few of them before…” Ed stated leading Ling into another room. Gently probing his sides causing him to barely suppress a wince.

“Good news is they aren’t broken. Wouldn’t be surprised if you cracked a couple though. Try not to get hit again for a while.”

“Thanks…” Ling trailed off even as he heard Lan Fan’s whimper and his mind was right back on that roof and his too slow reaction.

“Hey…she’ll be okay.” Ed grabbed his hand and he nodded slightly.

“She has to be…”

*************

They were fighting with Mustang about who would get Gluttony and then everything went to shit all over again.