Hey everybody! Sorry I've been gone for so long. It's hard to believe I've had this account for over a year now. Anyway, I promise updates on all of my stories that are incomplete, alright? Good. Now, this is my first Fullmetal Alchemist fanfic, so please understand if it sucks (it will).

"Fullmetal, have a seat." Colonel Mustang gestured towards the twin couches facing each other across from his desk, which Edward Elric happily sunk into. Crossing his arms and averting his gaze from Mustang's eyes, Ed heard him scold him about the incident from earlier this week. "You completely destroyed Laboratory 7! I don't give a damn about how many goons are after you and your brother, you do not use Government property as a sacrifice for your alchemy!"

"Why do you care? Afraid that you'll look bad and postpone promotion?" There it was, that involuntary twitch in the Colonel's left eye whenever Ed pissed him off. Usually, Lt. Hawkeye was there to help keep him under control, but everybody had been dismissed as soon as he walked into the office. Not that Ed was afraid. Even if Mustang did something stupid enough like snap his fingers or anything else, Ed was sure that he could easily take him down.

The tension in the room was thick. Mustang finally gave in and slid a file across his desk, making the young alchemist groan and get up from his perfectly comfy seat and grab whatever the bastard wanted him to see. Opening the paper cover, a mugshot of a pale man with light orange hair and brown eyes fluttered to the ground. Edward bent over and picked it up. "What's this?"

"Your next lead. A serial killer in Kanama has been seen using a bright flash of red light bright before the murder. I figured that you and Al would be interested in this particular case." His navy blue eyes glittered with cockiness, knowing that he had caught the boy's attention.

"Sure, I'd love to take you up on that offer. That is, if you're done having us chase after your 'goons'." Ed mimicked his old-fashioned term. Mustang advanced his glare, and was met with an eye-roll. "Alright alright, Al and I will find your killer and hopefully the stone along with him."

Ed turned around, gripping the file and the mugshot. He placed his hand on the door, but paused before opening it. "Fullmetal?" Mustang questioned. Ed felt his stare on the back of his neck.

"Thank you..." Edward whispered, loud enough for the Colonel to hear, before quickly rushing out of the office.

Roy Mustang stared in shock at the door as it slammed shut. Did Fullmetal just... thank him? Roy always teased him, calling him short and young, but... he often forgot that Ed was a child. A 15 year-old kid who had already been through more than what most experienced soldiers could mentally endure. And yet somehow, the kid still could laugh and joke as if nothing were wrong. Roy had mentioned to Hughes once that those boys had seen their fair share of Hell, but he now realized how strong they had to be to not let it stop them.

The first time Mustang had met the boys, Al was already in his armor and understandably depressed at 10 years of age. And Edward... he lay unconscious on a bed, his bloody stumps staining the white bedsheets crimson. At 11 years-old, the boy had been traumatized and burdened with guilt.

Ed even looked up to Roy for a while, being one of the first soldiers that he had met. Roy was an authoritive figure, as well as a commanding officer. Ed was his subordinate, and treated him as such, not as the traumatized child that he really was. And in turn, Ed lashed out. The two bickered and fought, both completely ignorant of how deep the words really cut.

Yet just then, Ed dropped the act and revealed a bit of his true self. No sarcastic remarks, no threats, and no barriers. And this made Mustang wonder...

What was wrong with Ed?

Hey guys! I hope you enjoyed this! I'm sorry it's so short... like a certain alchemist I know... anyways, I've had this idea for a while and I'm so excited to finally set it in motion. Ed and Roy's relationship(I don't ship it) is so interesting, and I had so much fun writing it! Stay tuned for more and check out my other fics while you wait. I promise to update them all, ok? Bye guys, love ya!