Author's notes: Thanks to Turtlequeen2 once again for all of her help. Rosette is my character. The plot also belongs to me, everything else belongs to the orginal creators. Feel free to let me know what you think and enjoy!
It was a nice day in Central, the birds were chirping around the main military building, military personnel were doing their normal duties, and the Colonel was grumbling about his paperwork. The black haired man was trying to fly through his paperwork so he wouldn't be late for his late with one of his many women he met in the city.
Hawkeye sharply knocked on the door. "Sir, you've got mail for once."
The Colonel, Roy Mustang, looked up from his paper and raised his eyebrow. "Mail? From who?" he inquired.
"Your sister sir." Was the surprising reply.
"Rosette?" he asked. "Very well then," he started," A break would be much needed I guess..." he finished in a sigh.
Hawkeye handed him the envelope and waited expectantly, one eyebrow raised in question.
His gave a slight nod and responded "You are dismissed Lieutenant Hawkeye."
She sighed and started towards the door.
He added," Thank you," in a gentler tone that only she had the privilege to hear within the military.
"Your welcome." She replied, then left the room.
The man heaved a slight sigh and began to open the parchment.
The handwriting was very neat, even if it wasn't exactly straight.
Roy,
Hey big brother, how's life in the military? I know this is a bit sudden, but can you please either come home for a visit or please let me stay with you in Central? Our parents are absolutely driving me mad.
If I hear that alchemy vs. writing speech one more time, you are seriously going to have to bail me out of jail. They still think that my passion with writing is just a phase! You might have talked to them about it, but that only lasted maybe a week.
Why is it that you accept me for who I am, but they absolutely refuse to do so? You and I are nearly exact opposites, but you still seem to love me anyways.
Besides, I miss you! You haven't written me in months! What happened to your promise to keep in touch!
Please write back this time?
Your loving sister,
Rosette
Roy heaved another sigh. "Why can't she understand that the military does not allow for much free time..." he trailed off. "She must be really having trouble over there..." he added.
He decided to write back to her, hoping to prevent violence between their parents and herself. Pulling out a blank sheet of paper and a pen, Roy began to scribble back a response:
Rosette,
I see that our parents are giving you more trouble about your love of writing. It is quite a dilemma that they don't understand that different people have different talents. You with your writing and me with my Alchemy.
Honestly, I would prefer that you wouldn't delve so much into military Alchemy, if any Alchemy at all. We both know how dangerous it can become.
So, besides our parents, are there any other people bothering you? You know how I would just love to flame them alive.
Roy stopped writing for a few seconds to smirk at the memory of others who dared to so much as look at his sister in the wrong way. They had ended up charred.
As for me not being able to write, I am truly sorry for not writing sooner. It is getting very busy here in Central since there are civil wars, and other mishaps occurring on a day to day basis.
I know how you must feel about trying to get away from them, but please have patience. It is dangerous here and I would like it if you could try to keep your feelings at bay. Remember, I still have many enemies and I do not you to get caught in the crossfire. As your older brother, I do not want to see you get hurt.
I'm sure you have heard of a man named Scar. He is notorious for killing many State Alchemists here. Though you are not one, it is still a thing to consider upon making sure you are safe.
Meanwhile, I did take the liberty of reading the notebook of poetry that you sent me. It was marvelous and I thank you for letting me read your work. It allowed me to take my mind off of military troubles for the while.
I would like to write to you for a longer time, but I'm afraid that my work calls to me. I hope that you can hold out for a while longer.
Love from your dearest brother,
Roy
A few days later, the phone rang in Mustang's office.
Roy picked it up. "This is Colonel Roy Mustang." He said in a firm military tone.
"Hi Roy." Rosette said in a sweet voice, the voice that said 'I-need-you-to-flame-someone-for-me'.
His face immediately took on a more worried look. "What is it Rose?" he asked, in a gentler tone.
"Do you remember my ex?"
His expression darkened quickly. "Yes. What does this have to do with anything?" he demanded.
"He snuck in my room last night. I found him naked in my bed."
"What!" he practically yelled into the phone.
"Yeah, he decided he was gonna get some..."
"Are you ok?" he asked alarmed, thinking of the worst thing.
"I'm okay, but I don't think I've ever moved so fast in my life. I didn't realize he was in my room until I was halfway in bed. Our parents think this is very amusing..."
"Did they arrange this?" he almost snarled.
"They weren't mad about it, no." She growled.
"What the hell..." he trailed off, clearly angry. His fist slammed down on his desk in fury. He felt the strong urge to flame something or someone for that matter...
"That's what I'd like to know. I just called to ask how long you would like me to keep him in sight until you flame him." Rosette sounded as mad as he felt.
"I wish that I could go over there now and do that," he growled. He then heaved a sigh," But with these military issues, I can't take time off to do such."
"Want me to bring him to you, dearest brother?" She asked sweetly.
He let out a small chuckle. "How would you manage to do that?"
"It's like 'Mary had a little lamb', everywhere I go, he follows."
He gave a slight smirk. 'It seems that she is having trouble down there. There's still no possible way that I can manage to watch over her at the same time doing my other duties...' he thought in his mind.
"I can always hang out in the public library during the day. It's not like I'll be bored Roy." After a minute she added another reason. "Besides, I hear that there's a few good publishers in Central."
"You still need to be watched. I don't even think I would be able to spend much time with you with all the things going on here," he explained.
"Then just give me the key to your place, I'll bunk out on the couch. You forget, I'm a big girl now brother."
"Eh?" he stuttered out. His sister was the only one who evoked confusion out of him so often.
"Roy, we're family, not dating. I do know that your footloose and fancy-free. You've got a lot of lady friends, I figured that out a while back. I'll get a job while I'm up there."
"You do realize that there are serial killers out here don't you?" he asked bluntly. "Not to mention creatures who are not human..."
"So I'll keep my head down and stay quiet. They wouldn't be after me. I don't use or study Alchemy."
He heaved a sigh. Roy knew that she was just as stubborn as he was or even more so.
"Besides, isn't this hassle worth charring that Romeo wannabe?" She asked archly.
He let out a laugh. "This would be what some would call a bribe is it not?" he asked.
"I wouldn't call it that, You want him gone, and so do I."
"Very true..." Roy said slowly
"Besides, I'm sick of his bragging..."
"Bragging?" he echoed in question.
"He's been telling his friends that he got a handful. Mainly on my chest!"
"WHAT!" he raged, his eyes narrowed.
"I admit, he grabbed me before I got away... But nothing else happened, I swear!"
"That's not the point! He has the gull to talk about you like that!" he yelled.
"How do you think I feel! I'm not a whore!"
Roy took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He knew that if he continued to shout, someone was going to barge into his office to demand if he was doing fine. "No you're not one," he said in a slightly calm tone.
Rosette sounded calmer now. "Thanks Roy..."
"Alright, you win," he replied. "I do miss our interactions ..."
"I miss them too, You're the only one interested in my writing!"
"Well, it's not as if you had many for me to read yet anyways..." he trailed off in a smirk.
"You'd be surprised. I'm currently juggling three books as well as four more notebooks of poetry." She grinned happily.
"I'm sure you'll be able to get your works published here."
"That's what I'm hoping for Roy, more than you know."
I'll send tickets as soon as I'm able. Just stay out of trouble until then..." he laughed.
"I'll try to refrain from using the flying pan." Rosette promised with a laugh.
Roy winced, knowing all too well what happens when she gets violent.
"Will you be sending an escort along with those tickets?" Rosette asked, serious again.
A small smirk formed on his face. "I think I can manage that..."
"Please and thank you brother. Otherwise I will be using a frying pan once I get him there..."
'Mental note. Escorts are a must!' Roy thought grimly. "Please refrain from being thrown in jail..."
"I'll do my best" She said too sweetly. "Love you."
He stifled another sigh. Nevertheless, he answered, "Love you too. I'm working on those tickets. Don't worry..."
A click signaled that she had hung up.
He hung his end of the line, rolling his eyes, though he knew that it was very unlike him.
It was only two days later that a quite short, blonde-haired teen knocked on the huge doors of his commanding officer. He looked back at his brother and muttered "I wonder what the hell Mustang wants now..."
Al clanked alongside his brother. "It sounded important brother."
The teen heaved a sigh. He always hated to have to meet with the man behind the doors, but the serious tone in his voice told him that it was urgent. Maybe if this was a job, he could get more information on the Philosopher's Stone at the same time.
Al shifted slightly, hoping his brother would keep his temper this time.
"You two can come in now," came the Colonel's voice from the other side.
Ed's younger brother found himself grateful for the armor that gave nothing away as Ed opened the door and they went inside.
"So what did you call us out here for Colonel?" Ed asked bluntly, wanting to staying in Roy's office as little as possible.
Had Al had a tongue, he would have bitten it, and was wondering if he ought to be renting a bed in the hospital for his brother...
Roy stared at the pint-sized alchemist with a "bastard smirk" in place. "I have a job for you Fullmetal," he stated simply.
Silence was wise, so Al didn't speak this time.
"Job?" Ed questioned with his eyebrow raised.
"What kind of job sir?" Al asked politely, hoping to save his brother from the Colonel's sharp tongue.
"I would like you to be an escort," Roy replied, his smirk still in place.
"For who?" Al asked, cutting his brother off.
"My sister." Came the surprising reply.
Ed threw a glare at his brother. He then gaped at the Colonel and before he could stop himself, he snorted out, "You mean there's more of your kind of people!"
"How will we know her when we see her sir?" Al asked nervously.
"She's not that hard to miss." He explained with a small smile. "She travels by wheelchair and has fiery red hair. Not to mention the stacks of books she may carry with her."
"Does she study Alchemy?" Al wondered out loud.
Roy's smirk disappeared at the question. His hard look was placed back onto his face once again. "No, she does not practice Alchemy."
"Why the hell would you want her to come to Central when she isn't even an Alchemist?" Ed asked.
Roy's eyes narrowed. "I have my own reasons Fullmetal," he explained, trying to suppress his anger at the young man's sarcastic remarks.
Al inwardly gulped, thinking about edging for the door.
Ed's eyes narrowed back, not fully understanding what the Colonel was so uptight about. Nevertheless, he knew not to press the matter further.
"When will we leave sir? Is she expecting us?" The younger brother tried to change the subject.
Ed suddenly smirked. "Ok, as long as we agree to do this, what will Al and I get in exchange?"
"Ed..." Al warned quietly sensing that the colonel wasn't in a good mood.
"How about you don't get court-martialed in exchange for doing this favor?" Mustang replied smugly.
"I think I'd agree to that." Came the younger brother's nervous answer.
Edward looked over at his brother and held in a cringe himself. However, he didn't fail to hear the Colonel's words of "favor" so it was not under military priority.
"Under what grounds Colonel?" Ed pressed. "You stated yourself that it was a favor for you, not military orders."
Roy's glare was fixed on Ed, knowing that the boy was right.
'Don't push it brother... this is something that he really wants…' Al thought as he noticed the intensity in Mustang's eyes.
The Colonel heaved a sigh. "Ok... you win Fullmetal. I got some information you might find interest in..."
Al would have raised his eyebrows if he wasn't in a suit of armor. 'He gave in too easily...'
Ed didn't expect the Colonel to give up that easily. Something was up but he would eventually figure that out on his own. However, he couldn't keep the smirk off his face. "Really now?"
Roy held in the urge to roll his eyes as he drew his serious face on once again. "I've reports about strange things going on in a small town not far from here…"
"What kind of strange things sir? Do you have any details?"
"There have been reports of a healer in that area who fixes many wounds with the use of Alchemy."
Ed cast a look at Al and said, "Al, do you think..." he trailed off in thought, thinking about Marco, the doctor who made red stones.
"It could be, we won't know until we check it out. Sir, is your sister near that city?"
"You are picking her up at the Central train station. The town should be near there." Mustang explained.
"I see... you're trying to protect her."
He gave a slight nod then Roy's eyes got a stern look. "She's been through enough. I don't want her tempted to do something she'll regret."
Al nodded. "I understand sir. She's lucky to have you for a brother."
"Thank you Alphonse," Roy replied honestly.
Ed didn't know what he could say to that. He had no idea that he had a sister to begin with. It was like seeing a completely different side to him!
"Will there be someone with her when we get there, or will she be alone?" Al asked, deciding to change the subject.
A small smirk crossed his face. The expression they both knew all too well. "As a matter of fact, yes. A stubborn suitor of hers. Someone whom you should pay little attention to."
Ed held in a wince. He knew that he meant that he would possibly flame the poor guy. 'I feel sorry for Roy's sister for putting up with the bastard...' he trailed off.
Al laughed. "A reluctant one, or one who doesn't know what 'No' means?"
Edward glanced at his brother strangely. Since when would he know about things like that?
'It's common sense Ed. Why else would she bring someone to him? If he was just reluctant, she would handle it on her own.' He sent to his brother.
Ed glared at his brother as he heard his thoughts. 'Since when are you so condescending to your older brother?' he sent back.
Roy's smirk almost broke into a smile, but he had to contain himself.
"Is there anything else we should know sir?" Al asked out loud.
'You're trying to ignore me now…' Ed sent, rolling his eyes.
"However, there are a few things I'd like to state," Roy said sternly.
Al mentally braced himself for this.
Ed raised his eyebrow. Why did he get the feeling he was not going to like what he had to say?
'Your not. Mustang's in 'big brother' mode.' Al sent.
'I'm sure I'm not gonna like this.…' Ed added.
Roy leaned forward with narrowed eyes. "Both of you shall act like gentlemen. You are to protect her with your lives. If anything should happen to her, I will not hesitate to flame you alive." He held up his gloved hand for emphasis. "Oh and another thing. Do not talk about Alchemy in her presence. Do I make myself clear?"
Ed gulped. It was rare when the Colonel was this serious. Though he was in perplexity. "How in the hell are we supposed not to talk about Alchemy if we are investigating a town?"
Al snapped to attention, trembling slightly.
"I would suggest taking her to some location other than the place that the healer is located at. Perhaps a bookstore…" he suggested.
'If we get on her good side, perhaps we'll be able to get on the colonel's too Ed.' His brother added.
'He has a good side?' he replied sarcastically.
'I've never seen him so protective of anyone before.' Al pointed out.
"You'll have no problem of getting her into a bookstore. However, I wish you luck on trying to get her out of one..." Mustang smirked.
Al laughed. "Oh my..."
'Oh great a book otaku...like Winry and her mechanic stores I'd imagine…' Ed grumbled in his mind.
'It might not be so bad brother.' Came the cheerful answer.
'Say that to my military fund…' Ed replied sourly.
'She might have her own money.' Then he looked at Mustang, "Sir, how many books can she come out with?" Al asked.
"Her expenses will be paid by me. Don't worry about that. I'll send her money," Roy explained.
"I take it you have experience with your sister's craziness in a book store?"
"Much." Roy answered with a painful expression on his face.
Al laughed, "You going to be very hard pressed to keep her out of the library here, you know that?"
Roy heaved a sigh. He never thought about that. Then again, that was his intent wasn't it? To keep her out of harm's way.
"Is that all sir?" Al asked.
"I'll just introduce her to Sheska," He murmured. Then he looked up to two boys. "That is all. You are dismissed."
Al left in silence, thinking all the while.
Ed followed after his brother. 'Let's hope that Mustang's sister is not as bad as him...'
