[ It was natural to assume that Ed would want to be noticed for his accomplishment considering most people did, but Oswald was also growing to learn just how far that want ran. Despite his victory, how it came about might very well have served to disappoint him instead of bring satisfaction. But it was true that Oswald knew, and even above that he was proud of him. He could still remember Ed asking for his help all that time ago. After what he'd seen today, a mentor certainly didn't seem like something he needed anymore. It was somewhat of a bittersweet realization. ] You were also the one that assigned me the duty of being your caregiver until further notice. You're going to have a very difficult time making me resign.

[ He had been about to raise his eyebrows, but the sudden new dimension of contact brought about another sensation of warmth, though this time much stronger and more encompassing. It was a simple action, but it held with it an innocent sort of intimacy along with yet another confirmation of how thoroughly Ed trusted him. As much as he wanted to relish the feeling, he had to suppress himself from enjoying it as fully as he wanted to. Not just because he had a more pertinent duty at the moment, but because it enforced the temptation to go through with the one single desire he had been putting effort into resisting. ] If you can wait another ten feet. I'll help you take yours off first.