"It's simple, Fullmetal." Roy gave him a deadly serious look. "There's only one thing I'm asking of you."

Ed cast a dubious look around their room, with the narrow bunk bed, the tiny sink and toilet, and the bars on the windows. He'd just come home to find it redecorated, no explanation given. "...Yeah, okay, what."

"I want you to call me 'Bubba'."

"...don't say that with a straight face."

Roy leaned forward, fingers folded on the knees of his gray slacks, and shook his head slowly. "I'm not kidding, Fullmetal. Moreover, I'd like it if you'd squeal like a p--"

"I'm going to the library," Ed announced, and walked out.

After a moment, Roy sighed.

It had been worth a try.