Disclaimer: None of FMA belongs to me.

Pairing: Roy x Havoc

Notes: This fic is based on the FMA manga, where Havoc was badly injured and paralysed (Chapter 38, I think). I wrote this because I really felt sad for Havoc, and because I got upset that something that bad happened to such a nice person. So, in a way, this fic is my way of getting Havoc back on his feet. Read and Review!

Summary: Havoc got hurt, and Mustang's trying very hard to find someone who can heal Havoc...

Havoc's Road to Recovery - Chapter 1

Desperate Search

After almost two weeks passed from the day of the incident, Colonel Mustang was already on the mend, but Lieutenant Havoc did not get any better at all. He had already gone through several emergency operations that had brought him back from the brink of death, and numerous doctors from the Central hospital had already seen him, but no one seemed able to find a way to help the tall blond soldier to recover. Several doctors had already given their grim judgement – that Havoc would never regain the use of his lower limbs, and that his career as a soldier was over. As the days passed more and more believed those words, but Colonel Mustang and his subordinates, as well as the Elric brothers and a few others, all Havoc's closest friends, refused to give up hope on their injured friend. Several of them would take some time each day with the bedridden Lieutenant, talking to him, playing games with him, keeping him happy through his prolonged stay in the military hospital. It was very fortunate that the hospital was located right next to the military headquarters, where most of them were stationed.

But as the first month came to a close, even some of the close group of friends began to lose hope. However, the Colonel was not one of them. To Roy Mustang, every day that Havoc spent in the hospital was a grim reminder to him of his inability in protecting his subordinates and friends from harm. The guilt from the fact that he could not prevent his close friends from harm hung heavily upon the shoulders of the raven-haired man. And as more and more doctors became resigned about his Lieutenant's condition, the unhappier he became. He had already failed to stop Havoc from getting injured, so he was determined to see the man back on his feet and with the team once more.

Mustang spent every bit of his spare time visiting Havoc in the military hospital, having his lunch with him during his lunch breaks and keeping Havoc company, trying to keep the man's spirits up. Sometimes, Mustang even spent the entire night in Havoc's ward, sleeping in a chair by his friend's bed. On the surface, the Colonel's actions seemed to be due to his guilt and his desire to help his subordinate, but under the surface, there was something more. Mustang was in love with Jean Havoc.

Nobody knew that piece of information, of course, not even Havoc himself, as Mustang had not been brave enough to tell his Lieutenant that he was in love with him. With Havoc now badly injured and emotionally fragile, Mustang dared not reveal his feelings, as he feared upsetting his friend even further and causing irreversible harm. So, instead, he tried very hard to figure out a way to get his Lieutenant back.

Some others had already tried to get the Colonel to give up on his friend and concentrate on military matters, but Mustang refused.

"I will NOT leave him behind!" Roy yelled to the empty office, his fists clenched and his eyes full of fierce determination, when Hawkeye delivered yet another letter informing him of another doctor's inability to help Havoc. "Somehow, I will find a way to help Lieutenant Havoc, no matter what it takes, and he will be with me all the way to the top!"

The situation grew even more critical when Havoc himself started to show signs that he himself was giving up on being able to return to his military career.

"Boss," Havoc told Mustang during one of the superior's constant visits, sounding a little depressed. "You don't need to spend so much of your time with someone who can't do many things anymore. You should get back to your work, or do something more useful, if not, Hawkeye might shoot you."

"I will continue helping you, Havoc." Mustang told the other man gently, placing one hand on the other man's arm. "Don't give up. I haven't yet, so you shouldn't either. You will come back to help us."

"Thanks, boss," Havoc replied with a sad smile. "But I don't think I can help you anymore anyway."

"No," Mustang insisted, the grip of his hand on Havoc's arm tightening. "I will see to it that you're with me all the way, Havoc."

And so, Colonel Mustang widened his search for any person, doctor, alchemist or specialist that could possibly help his friend, even more determined than ever before. He sent out word to outposts in distant corners of Amestris, as well as sending letters, advertisements and flyers seeking help from the people of their neighbouring nations. He even went to the extent of offering a reward to the ones who could help Havoc.

Many people came forward to try, but they all left, telling Mustang that Havoc's condition was irreversible, and that there was nothing anyone could do to help. Mustang grew increasingly frustrated that he could not do anything for the man he loved, and his friends and subordinates all became worried.

It was about nearly two months after the day Havoc got injured that positive news finally arrived at Military headquarters.

"Colonel." Hawkeye said, her tone sounding slightly excited. "I've got news of someone who believes that Havoc's condition can be reversed. They're arriving in central on the first train tomorrow morning."

Mustang grew hopeful, but felt worried that I would be just another false hope. "Meet these people when they arrive, then bring them straight to Havoc's ward." He told Hawkeye in a crisp tone. "Then if they think they are able to do something, send them to my office immediately."

"Yes, Colonel." Hawkeye saluted smartly and left.

To be continued...
Notes: This story had been in the planning for an absolutely long time, but I was never sure if it would be good enough. But I finally decided to give it a try and uploaded this chapter anyway. I do hope that it is nice enough! Review to let me know please! Next chapter coming up ASAP.