"...And as such, all personel will obviously be required to wear full uniform for the event." the Fuhrer finished, with his imminent crinkly smile.
"Shit..." Edward muttered quietly
"Brother!" hissed the huge suit of armour next to him which, unbelievable as it seemed, was his younger brother, Alphonse.
"Sorry..." Ed replied with a sigh. As King Bradley and his secretary left, the other employees gradually began to disperse from the hall, idly chattering away. The Elrics followed suit.
"Brother, I don't like you using that kind of language around everyone. It's a bad habit. Ever since Mom died, you've been swearing nonstop because she isn't here to tell you not to." Alphonse scolded.
"Sorry Al." Ed apologized "I was in a flap 'cause I don't have a uniform. Colonel Bastard SAID I wouldn't need one because I'm based in the field and not the office."
"How about you use your research fund to buy one?" Al suggested
"No that's mainly for you, I only use it for myself if I need to. I'm saving it so you can buy a house and get set up once we get your body back." Ed stated.
"Brother..."
"Oh, dont worry!" Ed flapped, concerned that his little brother was unsatisfied with the suggestion "You can live in Resembool with Winry... or with Rose in Lior! Or how about we check where Fletcher got to, you were pretty good friends with him, right? Or--"
He was cut off as Al placed a hollow armoured finger over his babbling mouth. Ed's capacious golder eyes traveled up to his sibling's 'face'.
"Ed, you keep trying to sort out a nice future for me, but you're not giving a second thought about yourself!" Alphonse cried. Edward shook his head ruefully.
"I doubt the State would let me slip through it's fingers that easily. I don't think I've got the option to leave."
"No!" Al practically yelled "I wont let them turn you into their slave, Brother!"
"Reality check, Al. They did that back when I was twelve. There's nothing we can do."
"Hang on, Brother, I'm not just going to--"
"Hey!" A deep masculine voice called, stopping Al mid-sentence. Both Elrics turned and when they caught sight of the owner of it, Ed's expression changed to that of someone who had just trodden in something vile. It was Colonel Mustang.