Disclaimer: I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist.

001. Military Personnel

He remembers, and wishes - hopes hopes hopes - that he didn't.

He remembers - all too well - the feeling of burning fat coating his lips, coating his face, his body, the world.

He remembers black things that only resemble the people that they are meant to be, only resemble the laughingsmilingliving people that should be standing in front of him.

He remembers flames that consumed the world and spit it back out again.

Why had he joined the military again?

Why had he submitted himself to this living hell that was called the army, called war?

(why does he remember everything else but reason?)

He feels like a helpless child (not an innocent one, never an innocent one), even as black curls of smoke rise from the ground and he brings his hand up again for the inferno to blaze out and consume everything and-

A gunshot rings out and he feels even more horrified. (he was the one that had made her into this person, this killer, and he wishes - hopes hopes hopes - that it was all a dream)

"Lieutenant," he says, tired and world-weary.

"Colonel," she replies, and because she has always been able to read his mind, gives him a sidelong look.

(and he remembers why he joined the military, why he joined the war. he was going to save the world. he was going to help it become something better)

He wonders if he is doing the right thing, but then he glances at her, the girl - woman - who would follow him to the ends of the earth, and realizes it doesn't matter.

"Lieutenant," he repeats, as if it's the most natural thing in the world, a smirk tugging on the ends of his lips.

"Colonel," she says, relieved, and even though her face betrays nothing, he knows she is smiling radiantly at him.

They are in this mess, yes, but they are in this mess together.

AN:

This will be more of a place for me to experiment than anything. Experiment with what, you ask? Anything. Different styles, formats... maybe even learn how to write something that isn't a oneshot.

So I'll be using the themes as more of inspiration than as the central idea for each individual drabble. For example, what does this one have to do with military personnel? Absolutely nothing.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

etione