#ed is the worst at words. he cannot convey a thing properly so he gets awkward good lord

[intcritus]

“So tell me… what do you think of Xing?” Curious words are offered as Ling crouches in a perch, absent of his finery, choosing instead to wear a familiar yellow jacket, and fresh travelling clothes, preferring the lack of confines when being so active in his traversing of his country. Today leadership remains with Mei while he lingers at Edward’s side, taking advantage of the other’s visit to give himself both chance to reminisce and spend in good company, but also to escape the confines of his new role. He does not regret it, he fought long and hard for the position he currently holds, but there are days where he laments the loss of freedom that it is coupled with. “You could admit you enjoy it more than Amestris. I won’t tell. Well perhaps your new Fuhrer if he annoys me at our next meeting…” It is playful the way he reaches out in tease, arm nudging against the prodigy’s own, lips curled in the most content smile he has worn in days. Even being around the other eases him from the mantle of emperor to just Ling, and he can breathe a little easier. It would be horrendous to admit as much, but he’ll bask in the opportunity until discovery draws his favourite alchemist away again.

❝ ━ You’re less stiff like this, ❞ Ed offers at first, something genuine and humored in his smile as he looks from Ling Yao then to the open sky with a quiet hum. The only threat looming over them now is whether or not the Emperor of Xing will get called back to his daily duties. But that isn’t enough to damper Ed’s good mood. Xing is vast, it’s absolutely gorgeous and better yet, it isn’t Amestris. ❝ ━  It feels homely. The people are close, a little nosy, but the culture is rich and I find myself yearning to come back whenever I leave, like it’s somewhere I can bunker down one day. ❞

It feels silly to say, but Ed has a lot of memories of Amestris, of home and while some of them are good, they don’t outweigh the trauma of the bad. He feels accomplished though. In Xing, there’s all sorts of things to learn, new people to meet and familiar faces, Ling Yao’s included. There’s a wistfulness to his expression, lids hanging low over golden gaze before he sneaks a glance at his companion, ❝ ━ I dare you. Tell him that I might stay here, I’m sure he’d write you a strongly worded letter. ❞

Laughter spills from his lips, loud and boisterous, the thought of Mustang hearing that amuses him greatly and yet there’s an inkling of truth in his words. He still has much to explore, the wanderlust in his heart has yet to settle, but it’s a thought all the same. He’s no longer bound by a metal arm, and the heat will never bother him, not anymore. A cocky smirk curls his lips as a thought pops into his head, tipping his head in Ling’s direction, ❝ ━ Your people will think you’re giving me special favor, hogging me like this.  ❞ He’s teasing, teeth flashing as he raps his knuckles against the other’s knee, ❝ ━ Emperor Ling, they’ll get jealous with you hiding me away like this, what ever shall we do ? ❞ His voice raises an octave, batting pale lashes before he erupts with laughter, holding his stomach.

Ed has traveled apart from his brother and with, but when he’s by himself, it’s lonely. He’s used to being with people but his journeys always lead him back to those he’ll forever gravitate toward. Ling Yao is no exception and perhaps the sole reason why he keeps coming back to Xing. It’s a good feeling, a reassurance to his mind that this isn’t a dream.  Once his laughter dies down, he wipes his eases, smile still present,❝ ━ Uh, thanks for always being so welcoming. There’s a lot I still wish to explore of Xing, but it’s beautiful so far. And the company isn’t bad either. ❞

when you're grateful and miss your favorite idiot. | @resolutepath