Stay put. Don't get involved. (Keep your cool.)
A grotesque splattering of blood, innards and flesh on a wall, and a broken boy he can't but try to shake out of his stupor, try to infuse with some of his own fury.
Stay here. Don't interfere. (Follow orders.)
A whole city wiped off the surface of the Earth and two deserters he's ordered to hunt down, which he does... and helps escape.
Stay away from trouble. Don't get too close. (Don't even think about it.)
"Sign here." A flurry of pen on paper. "You'd better enjoy this."
A dangerous glint in dark gold eyes, a firm handshake over a silver watch and a resignation form.
" This is it. That was the last order you'll ever give me, Colonel."
An amused quirk of lips, This is it and the retort ("You never did follow them anyway Fullmetal") dies on them. "Indeed. I wish you well. Edward."
He orders his face to stay smooth under the intent scrutiny he is the object of-
"Equivalent exchange then. Roy."
-his throat not to purr in satisfaction at the sound of his name in that voice-
"Come pick me up at 7."
-his heart not to skip a beat and his lungs to draw another (not shuddering) breath.
The answering smile he receives reminds him he was never good at following his own orders either.
He can't but comply with those of a certain blonde though.
______
A/N: Written for the LJ community fma_fic_contest, prompt was "giving orders". Feedback is much appreciated (and answered to ;)