Warning: Forced OOC, implied slash and some tears. Poor Edo *glomps*

Just what we all need
More lies about a world that

Never was and never will be
Have you no shame? Don't you see me?
You know you've got everybody fooled

-Everybody's Fool by Evanescence

Ed's POV

I awoke; face down on my hard desk, with a horrible crick in my neck. I stretched, wincing when I felt bones cracked.

Damn, fell asleep. I hadn't even managed to finish my paperwork. I picked up my pen once more, ignoring my burning eyes, and began to try and finish what I had started. Half of it wasn't even mine; I sometimes agreed to do Higher Up's work to get in their good books. My only relief was that there was no Al at home to worry… but even then that thought made me feel worse, made me want to work even harder. Al was currently at the local hospital (admittedly, not the best and not the one I wanted him at) after his health had taken a nose-dive sometime last week.

Suddenly the door swung open, and one of my team walked in. The man froze when he saw me, his eyes darting towards the door, a deer-caught-in-the-headlights expression caught on his face. He obviously hadn't expected anyone to be in the office this early.

"Um, G-General," he stuttered, "um… good morning."

"Good morning," I replied formally.

There was an awkward pause. The man, a Major, swallowed nervously, I could practically see him shaking in his boots.

"Um… dismissed, s-sir?" he said, his voice almost inaudible.

I nodded curtly and watched as he fled the room. Seemed like my team was still scared of me.

(((TIME-SKIP, 30 MINUTES)))

My grip on the bathroom sink was painfully hard. I stared into my eyes within the mirror, taking deep breathes to steady myself.

It was all right, I told myself, everything would be all right. The hospital would take care of Al… and I was well liked by the Higher Up's, I would get the money.

I would get the money that was needed…

My grip tightened even further, my breath became uneven.

It was all right. I would get the money, I had enough money… everything was okay; everything would be all right.

My throat constricted and I felt tears blur my eyes. It was all right… everything would-god damnit!

I saw my fist smashed the mirror, but I didn't feel it. I saw the glass break, saw shards pierce the skin, saw blood drip down my hand and flow from my hands. But I didn't feel it.

All I could only think about was how things weren't okay. How things weren't going to be all right. And how the hell was I going to get all of that money?

Somewhere at the back of my mind I registered someone prying my hand off the sink and the other off of the mirror. The same person gripped my shoulders and pulled me into an embrace and wiped the tears from my face.

"Shh," the person whispered, and I was too far submerged in tears and overwhelming emotions to recognize the voice, or to push them away, "I'm here. Your okay."

"B-but," I choke out, "what if s-s-someone-"

"Havoc and Heymans are guarding the door."

And then there was nothing more I could do except let the unshed tears fall.

(((TIME-SKIP. 3 HOURS)))

"Yes?" I ask, turning to see a Lieutenant from my squad, "Can I help you?"

He approached me, seeming unruffled. It wasn't something I had seen in a while but it was nice, refreshing almost. It reminded me of when I was younger and the officers would talk down to me, patronize me rather than stutter and fumble of their words as everyone did now days.

"I just have the papers you wanted," he said, "and I couldn't give them to you before…" the man seemed to have more confidence then the rest, as he continued on to say, "Sir, if its not too bold of me to ask… where were you?"

"Pardon?"

"Um," the Lieutenant seemed to almost shrink under my hardened gaze, "well, you were missing for a couple of hours, sir, and, well, I was just wondering-"

"Why, yes," I snatched the papers from his hands, "that is too bold and unless you want to find yourself court martialed, I would advise you not to stick your unwanted nose into other people's business in the future."

"Oh, s-sorry-"

Before the man had the chance to properly stutter out an apology, I had already turned and walked away.

I have to admit, I felt bad for the guy. Someone was finally gaining some confidence (against me anyway) and I had to cut him down like that.

But I had to, I reminded myself. I couldn't risk anyone finding out about… I felt my cheeks flush as I remembered. Gate, why did I have to breakdown in front of Mustang of all people? How humiliating…

"Good afternoon, Elric," Major General Samson said as I passed, "How are you today?"

I paused, hesitating a moment, before smiling widely to him, "I'm fine, sir," I lied, "I'm just… fine."

I hate the ending to this chapter… Its rather rushed but …*shrug*