The Alchemist Makes a Spark

(One Shot Story of the Flame and Flower)

All this paperwork is killing me! Why must I do this now? I mean I could finish this later, but she'll have to help me. And I'd hate for her to do that, because it's my job. I was hired to do this… I am such a procrastinator…

Central Command Center

1807 Hours

71 Degrees Indoors

We are both in my office. She's pouring her and me some tea, which I never grow tired of. I skim through my papers to see all the damage, which is a train wreck. I sigh at the papers and look up at her. Man, she's so beautiful… Her eyes are majestic velvet. I can stare at her all day, but I'd look like a creeper.

"Hey Lieutenant, are you free tonight?" I say. She brings over the two cups of tea and sets them on my desk. I fiddle with my pen while I wait for her response.

"Sir," she says, "You must keep your workspace clean or you'll mix up the reports." She sorts the papers out, gathers them up and sets them back down. "And no, I don't have anything planned for this evening… May I ask why?" I hesitate to answer. What should I say? Well, I'm a single guy and you have nothing to do, so you want to date? No, that's too blunt. I was thinking we should see a movie together because we have nothing to do. No, that's not right either.

"Um," my voice shakes a little, "I thought we could have dinner together. I mean you don't have to say yes, just because I'm your superior, but I thought it'd be fun you know?" God, I sound like a dork. She hands me my tea and takes a sip from her cup. I set mine back on the desk. I'm so stupid for asking her! Hughes was right; I DO need to get myself a wife… WHY AM I SAYING THAT!? I DON'T NEED ONE! I have enough work as it is…

"I'd love to sir," she says, "but I have to get Black Hayate a dog sitter. I'm sure Fury is free. I'll call him and ask. I hope you don't mind." I can't believe she said yes! Whoa, stay calm Roy, be cool.

"I don't mind at all. What time should I pick you up at your apartment?" I say. I look down at my desk to keep myself from looking desperate for a date. What am I going to wear? Not my military uniform, that's stupid. I guess I'll just wear my black suit from last year's Military Ball.

"I guess around 8," she says, "I should get going then." She puts all my papers in my filing cabinet, picks up her black jacket from her desk chair, and walks out the door. I let out a sigh and look up at the ceiling. Well Hughes, I think I could be getting a wife soon…

Outside Her Apartment Door

2042 Hours

68 Degrees Indoors

I straighten my tie and smooth out my slacks. I can't believe I'm doing this… I like her, but I don't want her to feel like I'm forcing her. I wish I was a regular guy just asking a beautiful girl on a date. I push my hair back out of my face so I can see her beautiful eyes again. Before I knock, I think of what I'm going to say to her. Ok, I got it! I knock on the door. I hear Black Hayate bark, her little bodyguard. She opens the door. The first thing I see is her eyes. Her red dress brightens up her face. The dress has one strap with a rose on it. I can tell she put makeup on, but she doesn't need it.

"You ready to go?" I say, my voice sounds really foreign. I hold my arm out so she can hold on to it. She stares at me like I'm speaking a different language. "What is it..?" I say, trying not to sound panicky.

"It's just that, you're never this romantic at the office," she says with a little laugh and smile, "I wish you'd do that more often…" She grabs onto my arm, closes her door and walks with me down the hall.

"I can't really do that in front of Havoc and the guys," I say playfully, "so I'll do it more… secretly…" I think she does like me. I guess I made the right choice to ask her on a date. Wait, it's just dinner. Only dinner…

Hmm… Riza Mustang… That has a nice ring to it. If anyone apposes, I'll burn them up till' there's nothing left…

In Her Apartment Hallway

2302 Hours

69 Degrees Indoors

I hold her by her waist to keep her from falling. I shouldn't have bought her all those drinks. I try to take her to her apartment, but her high-heels keep her from staying steady.

"Roy," she says with a hint of vodka on her breath, "I'm really drunk aren't I? I haven't gotten drunk in a long time. So do you try anything!" She lets out a loud laugh with a small snort. Poor thing, I did this to her, It's my fault.

"I think we need to be quieter Sweetie, or you will wake your neighbors. Now let's get you-"She falls to the floor with her bangs covering her face. She's going to feel that hangover tomorrow morning. I pick her up bridal style to her apartment. I open her door to find Black Hayate right in front of it. "It's ok boy, she's just asleep. I turn my body so I can bring her in without hitting her head. Hayate moves aside so I can bring her in. I find Fury asleep on her couch. "Wake up, Sergeant." I say. He sits up, rubs his eyes, reaches for his glasses and looks up at me.

"What happened to her?" he asks me. What do I tell him? She got drunk and pasted out? No, that can ruin her reputation.

"She fell asleep in the car. I didn't want to wake her up, so carried her up here… You can go home Sergeant." He gets off the couch, tells Hayate to be a good boy, and leaves with a small yawn. I set her on the couch gently to make sure she doesn't wake up. I don't expect her to come to the office tomorrow, but I hope she will, that way I can say sorry… I grab a blanket from her hall closet and cover her up. She looks to peaceful… Black Hayate jumps on the couch and lies with her. I give him a small smile and leave the apartment.

I get into my car and leave. I see something red out of the corner of my eye. I look over to the passenger seat to find her red handbag sitting up. She forgot it… I set the handbag on my lap to make sure not to leave it in the car.