Author's Note: This story is based off of Dictionary prompts that I created. Basically, you go to the section of the letter you want, and pick a random page. Don't look and point at a word. Your prompt needs to be chosen from within 3 words of it, up or down.

This prompt is Aftermath. This story takes place after the manga/Brotherhood.

PLEASE REVIEW :)


The night air was cold. Riza Hawkeye tugged her thick wool jacket tightly around her shoulders. A stakeout on a night like this was unpleasant, but a necessary precaution. As of late there had been a few attempts on the new General's life. He seemed to be unconcerned, but she was no such thing.

Many had embraced Roy's step into new power, and women especially seemed to be thrilled, more often than not. Still, there were always those who despised change so much that they were willing to take their own laws into their own hands; and to extremes. The General was fortunate that alchemists weren't that easy to kill; if you didn't know their weakness, that is.

So the first lieutenant sat in the shadows of a rooftop near her boss' building, her keen eyes roving the faces of any who passed, gun in hand. She was mildly startled when a voice spoke from behind her. She swung her gun around, pointing it straight into the face of the man behind her.

"Go home, lieutenant," Mustang's deep voice told her. "It's not a fit night to be staying so long outdoors." She lowered her firearm.

"I'd rather wait a while longer, sir," she replied, glancing towards his lit window. As a body guard, a right-hand soldier, a sniper, and one of his longest acquaintances, she would rather have lived nearer to him. That would have made her life easier, but Roy Mustang could never make anything easy. Still, she had found an apartment remarkably close to his; even if not within guarding range. Her current location was the rooftop of a building that marked the halfway point between their homes.

She turned her back on him.

"And, if I said that was an order?" His tone was amused.

"Then I would be inclined to remind you that I am on my own time, sir."

"You really are a stubborn woman, Hawkeye," he accused. She closed her eyes and imagined the look on his face; a mix of annoyance and humor.

"I'm just keeping an eye out, sir," she said just loud enough to be heard. He didn't walk away, but was so silent for a moment that she though he may have. The man could walk silently when so inclined.

"You know," was how he started once he spoke, "considering that you're off-duty, you could take the initiative to stop calling me sir. You could use my name, Riza."

When was the last time that he had called her by her first name? Come to think of it, she could remember catching him a few times recently, when they were alone. The oh-so-serious first lieutenant smiled.

"Maybe one day, sir."