Okay, you can all smack me around seriously. I have made you all wait too long for this chapter. I found out about a month ago that my husband and I are expecting our first child which is awesome but has left little time for writing. So I will do my best to get the chapters out as soon as possible. Sorry for the wait and I hope you like the chapter. -Heachan

Chapter Two:Changes

-Several Days earlier-

Major Elric rocked back and forth on his feet, doing his best to not seem anxious. He had been standing out in the hallway for nearly fifteen minutes now and knew that it didn't matter how impatient he got, he would remain there until called on. As much as he tried to stay calm and convince himself that he could afford to wait a little longer, deep down he was complaining about how boring this was and that he had better things to do. But it didn't seem how much he wanted to get this over with, it didn't make the time go by any faster. There were footsteps around the corner that caught his attention. His expression faltered when the Flame Alchemist practically ran into him. Roy made eye contact with the lower ranking officer and quickly grinned at him.

"I was told you would probably still be waiting here by the time I came by," He stated as he headed for the office door.

"Hey wait a second, I've been waiting. Why do you get to just walk in?" The General turned back proudly.

"Because the Furer likes me more." With that said, he left the Major out in the hallway to wait even longer.

oOoOo

"You know you could've invited him in, I wouldn't have minded," Grumman said to Mustang as he closed the door.

"So you do know he's out there. It won't hurt him to learn some patience. Besides, I think he's a little intimidated by you, Sir."

"I'm not intimidating, I can't believe he would think that of me. I thought I had a good report with him." Grumman seemed almost hurt by the notion that he was scary but at the same time he stroked his beard as though he was pondering how he could abuse this misunderstanding. And his General didn't seem against the idea either. After a longer then necessary meeting, the General left the office, immediately noticing the uneasiness of the Major who was still standing outside the door. "And go ahead and send Elric in. I don't want this meeting interfering with my lunch," the Furer added knowing Edward could hear him. Roy turned to Ed shaking his head out of pity. The Major gulped in response as he practically stumbled over his own feet to move in the direction of the office.

"Ah, Edward. Please come in and shut the door. I've some things I want to discuss with you." Roy found himself laughing at the situation, knowing later he would no doubt hear about it from Edward. Still he wished he could be there for the meeting, itself.

oOoOo

General Mustang normally didn't have lunch in the cafeteria but today he found that he managed to find a minute to spare to eat while looking over some reports. This was the only poor excuse for a break he could give himself. While the amount of war and potential threats on the country had died down, the amount of paperwork he was responsible for had not. Just as he started his meal and his eyes landed on the first paragraph another tray of food was slammed down across the way and a very irritated Major glared down at him.

"You know, you don't always have to make yourself known all the time. Not everything needs to be a dramatic entrance."

"And you knew I wasn't in trouble, didn't you?" Finally the General glanced up at the blond.

"I have no way of knowing what the leader of the country would want to talk to you about. I could only assume it wasn't something good because you normally excel at getting into trouble. Or am I thinking of another Elric? I seriously doubt it." Edward narrowed his gaze even more however managed a smile despite the accusation.

"Actually, he called me in for something good." Roy turned back to his paperwork as though he wasn't interested now.

"Well that's great, Ed. I guess you can do something good every now and then." He took a sip of his coffee without breaking his gaze.

"He promoted my to Lieutenant Colonel." Mustang almost choked before staring back at Ed.

"Seriously? I was two years older then you before I got to that rank." Edward shrugged back casually like it was no big deal.

"I guess he just likes me. Probably cause of what I did for this country. Of course I was hoping for some kind of ceremony or a parade. Something that fits my personality, yah know."

"I think you're jumping ahead of yourself and I'm sure there's a better reason behind it then that." Finally Ed took a seat across the way, biting into a roll of bread.

"I told you, he just likes me, the same way he just likes you. The mans' allowed to have favorites. Maybe you just don't like the idea of me being one of them." Roy frowned at the comment.

"I know you'll take advantage of that favoritism."

"Come on, I'm not you." Roy raised an eyebrow at his lower ranking officer.

"I'm not that depraved."

As light as their conversation was, they had no idea someone was keeping tabs on the two of them. Constantly watching every move they made and planning their own actions accordingly. When the two finished their banter back and forth and completed their meal, the watchful officer quietly got up and left the cafeteria. The observer went around the corner to find their "Boss".

"So what did you find out?" Her voice came out in a sultry tone that would make any normal man want to hear her speak again.

"The one got promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and the other doesn't seem overly happy about it."

"That doesn't really surprise me. Anything said about their families?"

"Not really. The Lieutenant Colonel mentioned something about heading home today but that was pretty much it. Are you sure this information is really that useful? I mean it's just small talk really."

"I don't ask for useless information or for you to determine what is or isn't important. Got that?"

"Yes, ma'am. Sorry."

"Keep an eye on the Flame Alchemist and let me know if anything out of the ordinary happens. I want to know everything."