Mr Hawkeye was... Different. Contrary to my first impressions from the Colonel and Edward Elric, I realised quickly that she was in fact female.
I began my second day late after the first being filled with long, arduous and trivial jobs like lost cats found in trees. Yes, they do that kind of thing for State Alchemists too.
The lieutenant was none too pleased as I arrived on the grounds of Central command 20 minutes late no less, but it was hard to deduce as most emotion was not apparent on her face. Although plain and serious I couldn't help but stare, again, and silently agree with the Colonels choice of women.
I saluted politely despite our equality of ranks and she did so too lifting her arm to reveal a single gun in it's brown leather holster. Right then, mouth shut officer.
"The Colonel told me of your arrival,"You had better follow orders or your insubordination will not go unpunished"
Crud. She was serious.
She produced a folded letter that was contained in her jacket pocket and opened it quickly.
"Jobs" she said plainly, "All should be followed carefully, any questions I will try to answer" She scanned my blank expression with her somewhat attractive brown eyes "Don't rely on me for everything, you are an officer of the military. Figure some things for yourself."
I stood silently, my face a picture of admiration and equal confusion until she handed over the white form and looked at me from head to toe and back again. This made me uncomfortable and I smiled at her to try and ease the tension. Talk about the wrong impression.
"Strictly formal behaviour on the grounds and no relationships between yourself and other officers" A judgmental glance told me to shut up. Never-mind.
I took a quick scan of the paper and read the top line Patrol the West wing of the Central Library. Nice, starting off tricky then are we? Not.
As I lifted my head my hat fell onto the ground, I began to retrieve it until the Lieutenant squatted and picked it up swiftly. I stepped back as a reflex to avoid cracking heads and tripped over a bed of plants. Luckily she was on form that day and she grabbed my hand, a small tug sent me the opposite way and I regained balance quickly.
Before I could respond she replaced her small hand with my hand and turned away to walk toward the gun ranges. I could have sworn I saw her cheeks glow red.
No. We are talking about a hard-ass women who carries a freaking gun around. I dismissed my stupid deductions and ran a hand through my thick, spiked hair. With a quick motion I put on my hat and pulled the front down to cover my eyes slightly and set towards the library.
A great start to the day, practically abused by an equal officer and then her resorting to grabbing my hand because I can't stand properly. Go me...