This is my take on how Maes and Gracia met. I don't own them or another characters.
Ch.1
Maes Hughes sat on one of the couches in the rec. room. The clock read 7:30 and Maes could hear his stomach growling. Sitting next to him was his longtime friend Roy Mustang. They were both dressed in blue military uniforms but their jackets were lying over the back of the couch. The sleeves of Roy's white shirt were rolled up to his elbows and the top two buttons were undone, Maes also had the sleeves of his black shirt rolled up but chose to leave only the top button undone.. Books on alchemy were covering the coffee table and floor as Roy was studying for his State Alchemist Exam.
"Chill out man, you're taking this way to seriously."
Maes said as he saw Roy flipping through a book rapidly.
"Easy for you to say, you only have to pass a written test to get into the Intelligence Department and you have the head of the Department putting in a good word for you."
Was Roy's reply as he put the book down and picked up another one.
"Well, when you're as good as I am…"
Maes didn't get a chance to finish as a book collided with the side of his head.
"Very mature."
He mumbled as he put the book on the table. Half an hour later Maes decided to get some food.
"I'm heading out, you want anything?"
He asked as he pulled his jacket on and buttoned it.
"No thanks."
Roy was writing down notes as he reached for another book. Maes shook his head and left. Knowing the cafeteria would be closed Maes left the grounds and walked towards his favorite dinner. When he rounded a corner he ran into someone knocking them both down and sending the other persons papers flying. Maes sat up and rubbed the back of his head. He looked to see who he had run into and saw a young woman trying to gather the fallen papers quickly. "Sorry about that miss."
He picked up the rest of her papers and the helped her to her feet.
"Don't worry about it, I'm fine really."
While she was straightening her papers he got a good look at her. He saw she had short brown hair and was wearing a red skirt and white blouse, he also noticed she was very beautiful.
"How about I make it up to you? Say dinner?"
She smiled at him and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
"I would love to, but I'm in a hurry. Sorry."
She said goodbye then continued on her way. Maes watched the brunette go until she was out of sight. He finished his journey and ate his supper still thinking about the girl, she stayed on his mind as he walked home and as he prepared for bed.
The next morning around nine Maes went into the rec. room and found Roy asleep on the couch using one of his books as a pillow.
"You did it again Roy."
Maes mumbled as he pulled a blanket out of the closet and draped it over Roy's sleeping body. A small smile came to his face as an image from last week of Roy sleeping on the table flashed before his eyes. Maes then pulled the book out from under Roy's head and placed it on the floor.
Leaving the room Maes went to the mess hall and ordered two cups of coffee. Taking the cups with him he went back to the rec. room and as he drank one, he put the other in front of Roy on the table.
Roy woke up after the smell of fresh coffee hit his nose, sitting up he rubbed his eyes and stretched his arms. Dark circles were visible under his eyes, his hair was a disheveled mess sticking up at odd angels and his shirt was wrinkled with one side of the collar sticking up.
"So this is the great ladies man Roy Mustang?"
"Shut up."
Roy said as he drank the coffee.
"You need to take a break, you look like you got hit by a train."
"I don't need a break, I need to study."
Putting down the now empty coffee cup Roy reached for a note book and started reading. Realizing he would have to take matters into his own hands Maes knocked the note book out of Roy's hand and tossed the confused Roy over his shoulder.
"What the hell do you think you're doing Maes? Put me down!"
Maes ignored Roy and walked down the hall towards the bathroom.
"Coming through!"
Men quickly moved out of the way and watched as Maes dropped Roy in a shower stall then turned the shower on using only the cold knob. As soon as the water began pouring out Maes ran as fast as he could down the hall. Roy followed closely. Maes jumped down the steps two at a time then he slid down the banister the rest of the way. Roy ran down the steps and reached the first floor seconds after Maes. Maes was running for the door when he saw a flash of light.
"O NO!"
He thought as he slipped on the floor that had become ice. He skidded out the open door and landed in the flower bed. Just as he was standing up Roy appeared over him, he looked very mad.
"Uh, nice weather we're having today?"
Maes asked as he looked for a way out. His salvation came in the form of Riza Hawkeye.
"Roy? What happened to you? You look a mess! Have you been pulling all night study sessions again!"
Roy took a step back hands raised defensibly. He looked similar to a dear caught in headlights.
"I, uh. Well you see, um… yes."
Riza put her hands on her hips and gave him a questioning look. She shook her head and motioned him to head inside. Riza followed him and as soon as she stepped inside she slipped. Maes could hear yelling and shots ringing out.
Deciding it was too dangerous to go back inside Maes went to the library. After checking out a book on tapping phone lines he went to the park. Maes picked a tree next to the lake and sat down. He took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, also undoing the top two buttons.
As he started the second chapter he heard two people talking loudly. He could tell it was a woman and a man.
"Come on baby, give me another chance."
"No! We're through, I gave you a second chance, and a third and even a fourth!"
Maes's curiosity got the better of him and he looked around the tree to see what was going on. He immediately recognized the lady as the one he had run into the night before. She wore a light blue sundress that was formfitting around the torso and hung loosely from her waist to about mid calf, the top was held up by thick straps and was cut low enough to show a little cleavage. He had to admit she looked very attractive in it.
"I promise nothing will happen this time,"
The man wore brown pants and a white button up shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and he wore brown suspenders over the shirt. The woman turned around and was walking away. The man grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"Don't walk away when I'm talking to you!"
He took hold of her other arm and shook her. Maes stepped out from behind the tree and approached the two.
"I think the lady wants you to leave."
"Get lost, this is between me and her."
"Well, I'm making it between you and me."
His rectangle glasses flashed dangerously.
"This isn't over."
He released her and pushed her aside as he walked away. The woman lost her balance and fell to the ground. Maes walked over to the woman and extended his hand to her, she took it and he helped her to her feet.
"We meet again. I didn't get a chance to introduce myself last time, my names Maes."
She straightened out her skirt, brushing away some grass.
"Thank you, I'm Gracia."
A woman ran towards them and stopped in front of the two.
"Gracia! I saw you and Charley fighting, did he hurt you!"
The woman was older then Gracia, her hair was the same color as Gracia's only longer. She wore a purple dress and a white straw hat was clutched in her hand.
"No, I'm ok."
The woman looked Gracia over and then turned to Maes.
"And you would be?"
Maes was slightly startled by her commanding presence. He found himself answering her question immediately.
"I'm Maes Hughes."
"My name is Lora Bartly. Thank you for helping my friend."
She laid a hand on Gracia's arm.
"Come on Gracia, we need to get the tickets."
She started to pull Gracia away.
"It was nice meeting you Maes, good bye."
The two ran off. Maes stood there for a while before he retrieved his book and jacket. Maes checked his watch, it was noon. He went to the intelligence department and started reading files. He had some research to do.