Her Secret Garden
By: Antiquefirefly
Disclaimer: Full Metal Alchemist and the characters therein are property of Himoru Arakawa. I own nothing, save a plotline, and a few original characters.
Chapter I "Wilted"
A cool autumn breeze swirled about the grounds; provoking a few leaves to join it for a short-lived waltz. The array of amber, and fiery red fell in a slow wispy pattern to the earth as their dance partner died away. Gentle rays of golden light shined through the window panes behind him, gracing his shoulders as hands of a certain protective officer often did.
Roy Mustang sighed in annoyance, repositioning his hunched shoulders. Lieutenant Hawkeye was never late and the mystery of her absence was grating at his nerves. Already the others had placed bets on her tardy appearance, ranging from a kidnapping to feminine issues.
"There is no way someone could kidnap her!" Fury insisted, shaking his head.
"What if they took her gun away? Then what would she do?" Havoc countered smugly.
"She'd still kill them" Brida interjected, "No way in hell I'd face her in any situation…"
Havoc was just conjuring his reply when the door was thrust open and a weary, thrown-together Riza Hawkeye rushed in. The most unusual sight was her long, gray skirt and soft white sweater. She ignored the questioning looks thrown her and went straight to her Colonel's desk. She handed him a slip of paper and turned back to Fury, her eyes never averting from their forward thoughtful stare.
"Kain, I know this is last minute, but could you please feed Black Hayate for me? I would appreciate it very much if you could also water my plants." The dark haired young man nodded slowly as he stared at her unsurely. Hawkeye had spoken softly, her amber eyes at the floor as she handed him a small list and key. She turned back to Roy and calmly stated a few things, voice low. She let out a frustrated growl as strands of her sunny hair fell from her clip, and pulled it out in annoyance. The glistening mane fell down her back and swayed slightly as she exited the room.
"What….was that?" Brida murmured, looking towards their commanding officer as the others had done. "Hawkeye has had a death in the family, and has to return home for a few days. She asked me to sign her leave pass." The Colonel explained briefly. "Havoc, take this down to processing if you will…" he said, eyes never leaving the door.
"I guess that's why she wanted me to take care of Hayate for her…" Fury stated, eyeing the key in his hand unsurely. At the sound of this statement, Havoc, ignoring the paper in his hand, began fantasizing about the things in Riza's apartment. "I bet she has whips and chains and….." his voice trailed off as his imagination took hold.
Despite his distraction and slight interest in what could occupy the mysterious apartment, Roy could not help but feel a tightening in his chest as he realized what little family Riza had left.
A/N: OK, I know this was short, but it was sort of like a prologue ne? Mou, tell me what you think
Sasa 3