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Full of Mettle by Thornback
Fandoms: Fullmetal Alchemist - All Media Types, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood & Manga, Fullmetal Alchemist (Anime 2003)
25 Sep 2025
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Summary
‘‘I used to think Fullmetal was a crude nod at your prosthetics…’’
Roy Mustang’s words were laced with a thoughtful hum, and Edward tried not to feel hurt by the misassumption. Many heard his title and assumed it came down to his automail arm and leg. Ed had just hoped the Colonel – after everything – would’ve been different; that Mustang would’ve looked past Edward’s ill-fitting uniform and cripplingly-heavy automail and only see him as a person.
‘‘But,’’ Mustang continued, pensive, ‘‘I think they spelled your title wrong. You’re not Fullmetal, you should be Fullmettle. As in, you are full of mettle.’’
Edward blinked, utterly baffled.
‘‘Mettle, kid. M-E-T-T-L-E.’’
Mustang spelled it out for him. Literally. A genuine smile tugged at the Colonel’s lips as he rumbled out a fleeting chuckle, affectionately sweeping a hand over the top of Edward's golden crown. The boy's throat constricted as an annoying warm blur suddenly invaded his vision. He had experienced more kind words and actions under this man’s brief command than he had experienced in a long, long time.
It was just a shame that it was only a temporary arrangement.