On his way to the door, Maes stopped at the chest of drawers in the front entranceway. On it rested the picture of Roy and himself, fresh out of academy, just before Roy's deployment to the East. Roy's face was set in a serious expression, features noble and chisled, youthful pride that was almost arrogant shining in his steel gray eyes. His own expression was far more cheerful and lighthearted, caught with his hat halfway off.
Well, Roy, he thought with a wry chuckle, I think we just hit the point of no return. You always were good at getting me into trouble. One of these days I'll get you for that. Win or lose. No more chances to fight to a draw. We'll either go straight to the top with this... Checkmate. Or we'll go out with a hell of a bang.
With that thought and a grim expression, Maes turned and stepped outside... and went quietly into the night.