A/N: Why hello all! I must say, I've been pretty surprised at all the reviews I've been getting. It's good to know that some people are still being patient with me. Heh heh…/sweatdrop. Seriously, though, thanks so much for sticking with me. I've been trying to get this chapter out right away, and I've already started on the next one, so that should be up soon. Oh! And noteworthy, A Lot to Make Up For has almost reached 400 reviews! It's absolutely amazing, given that it was my first serious attempt at a story. For first timers, that's not too bad! So thank you!

Thanks are due: Paon, Bar-Ohki, GreedxEd (I somehow knew you'd be one of the first to review…haha), animevamp727, Coelectichi, Meekah Greenleaf, Lyurii, KiboKi, simplyEarthian, Hikari Ice Angel, xkidrogue, xxBloodAngelxx, TayloWolf, XxXpassionatemuseXxX, Insane Slytherin, misabella, Suzuku90, -I-Love-Boy-x-Boy-, The Lady Morana, Xstarlight-dragonX, and Sophie!

Also, before we move on, I'm considering traveling to Denver for Nan Desu Kan, the big convention out in Colorado to see a friend and I was curious as to whether any of you get out that-a-ways (yes, I just said, "that-a-ways"). If anybody goes to that one, let me know! I'd love to meet the kind of people who can actually put up with the crap I write half the time. Haha. Anyway, enough babble!

Roy opened the door to his office, revealing the entire body of his staff sitting around, waiting with nervous faces. He shot a questioning glance at Hawkeye who, for her usually passive face, was looking slightly nervous herself. He mentally let out a groan of frustration. He had a bad feeling that this wasn't going to go as planned.

"Sorry I'm late," he apologized in his usual flat tone he reserved for work.

"Whenever you're ready, sir…" Riza said, her voice somewhat uneasy.

Roy sat at his desk and looked at the woman with slight uncertainty. This whole affair was starting to make him a little nervous. Whatever had them all so riled up had to be bad, and was probably something he didn't want to deal with.

"Go ahead, Lieutenant," Roy said, nodding towards Riza. As much as he wanted to avoid whatever it was that had everyone on edge, it was probably something best dealt with immediately.

Riza quickly glanced over to Havoc, who then motioned for everyone to leave the room. As he ushered everyone out, Roy looked at Riza in confusion. Riza, in turn, looked at the floor, which was highly unusual for her.

After everyone had finally left and the doors were closed, Roy stood and fully turned to face Riza.

"Do you mind telling me what in the hell is going on?" he asked firmly. The usually steel-nerved alchemist was starting to feel a little nervous himself, and this, he didn't like. There was only one person who was allowed to make him feel nervous, and at that moment, that person was probably sulking on the sofa, reading a book and waiting for Roy to come home—something Roy had a feeling he wouldn't be doing as soon as he'd like.

"Sir, about your assessments…" Riza began quietly.

"Damn it, Hawkeye, just tell me. Whatever it is, tell me. I can handle whatever hoop I'm being made to jump through this week, but what I can't handle is how everyone seems to be tiptoeing around the subject."

Riza's expression suddenly became firm as she began to realize that Roy was right; though she was worried for him, it wasn't something that could be helped by letting him know just how nervous she actually was. It was true that he hadn't been active in his role as a state alchemist for a considerable amount of time, but it was also true that being a good soldier wasn't something one had to practice in order to continue to be so.

She hoped the case would be true for Roy as well. It was no secret that he'd become increasingly domestic and as a result, had lost some of his ability to intimidate. But was the ability to scare others into obeying you really necessary? For some, perhaps, but for Roy, she knew it was always the respect and admiration others had for him that gave him an advantage over other leaders. Unfortunately, that was only the case for people who were able to have such sentiments. These days, it seemed that intimidation was the new way of getting things done and that respect and admiration weren't things easily earned…

Which was what brought Riza to the point she was at that moment. She'd never asked anything of Roy in her life, other than to be good at his job. That was her job, but now, what she had to ask him, she was asking as a friend, rather than his comrade-in-arms. As the woman who had worked with him from the beginning, who had helped him build his career and ultimately destroy his dream, she'd never dreamed she'd ever have to ask him to do this…but it was in his best interest…

Sometimes, it was just best to understand when the end had come, and this was one of those times.

Roy just had to quit…before it wound up destroying more than his dreams…

He had to quit before it destroyed him.

"Your assessments are coming soon, and it appears that you are not to be given a choice as to how you are to display your abilities," Riza said firmly, as she knew Roy would want her to, even though she felt like screaming at everyone and anyone in sight at that moment about the unfairness her superior had to be subjected to on a regular basis.

Yes, no choice was to be given to Roy as to how he would show the state the extent of his usefulness. It was cold, and it was unfair, but it had to be done this way. There was no rhyme or reason to it other than to punish the man who had assassinated the Führer—regardless of the fact that the man had been a warmongering Homunculus. Some people believed that it had been an act of malice, carried out by a jealous and overly ambitious man who had gone too far. Because of this long-standing opinion, though he was allowed to remain in his position, Roy was not to be trusted by anyone outside his own office. This was only so because the people inside his office knew better. They knew he would not come up with such an incredulous farce to justify his acts.

For as untrustworthy as he had seemed to some, there was no better person to rely on. Unfortunately, none of this seemed to matter, and his sacrifice to his country—the temporary loss of sight, his periodic resignation, and nearly the loss of his life—was all in vain.

Riza was just glad he had something to show for it. Had it not been for Edward's brief return, Roy probably never would have left his post in the North. Even though the boy had left almost immediately after, knowing that Ed was alive seemed to be all that the Colonel needed to get back into his job.

If only that had been all that was necessary to get things back to normal…

"So what am I to do?" Roy asked quietly, knowing the delicate nature of the situation and feeling guilty that he'd raised his voice to Riza. It wasn't her fault, after all. She was only the messenger of the bad news. It made sense that she would be uneasy. What didn't make sense, however, was the reason that everyone else had shown up on a Saturday…Havoc, perhaps, waiting for Riza would have made sense, but everyone?

"There's more to this, isn't there?" he asked tentatively.

Riza nodded slowly. "Sir…Colonel…Roy…"

Roy felt a chill go up his spine. There was just something in the way she addressed him so informally—in the office, no less—that made him intensely uncomfortable. As if that wasn't bad enough, he had the slightest indication that she might actually start crying, which would open up a multitude of problems.

The Lieutenant swallowed in an attempt to clear the lump that was forming in her throat. "I…think you should resign, sir…it would be better if—"

"Not a chance," Roy interjected before she could finish. "If I had considered quitting every time someone gave me a hard time around here, I would have quit a long time ago." He scoffed at the idea. "Hell, I would have quit soon after Ed became a state alchemist if I fled at the slightest sign of trouble! I certainly wouldn't have expected you to suggest such a thing, Lieutenant."

Riza frowned. Why didn't he understand that this was a much bigger deal than he could possibly withstand? If he failed, not only would this disqualify him for his state alchemy certification renewal, it could quite possibly end in his death. Certainly that possibility must've crossed his mind.

"It's not like I'm going to be forced to do anything ridiculous," Roy ranted on. "What's the worst they could do? Mustang, make a pretty sculpture? Mustang, make fire from water? Honestly!"

Nevermind, Riza thought irritably. You forget he's just another stubborn man who thinks he's indestructible. You forget he already tried getting himself killed before, and nearly succeeded! Like this is going to change anything…

"Well then, sir, you should be thrilled to know that you're being sent North. I know how much you enjoy those long trips," Riza said bitterly, dropping the rather heavy file on his desk with a thud.

Roy let his eyes fall on the thick stack of papers on his desk. North…why… He glanced up to look up at Riza, not surprised to see the stoic expression on her face. Still, he couldn't help but find the slightest indications of an "I told you so" forming on her lips.

"So now do you understand?" the Lieutenant asked quietly. "The reason you should resign…the reason you should quit…"

"Is it any wonder?" Roy asked, causing Riza to pause. "Rebel factions still exist in the North. Even though most resistance has been easily put down, it has gotten worse as of late." Roy picked up the file and opened it, browsing the contents. "Since I've been known as a combat alchemist, it makes sense I would be sent there, especially given my brief residence in the area." He smirked, though it really turned out to be more of a grimace. "Well then, it looks like I have no choice."

Riza started to protest as she realized exactly what this would entail for the colonel. "Sir, surely you don't mean—"

Roy nodded firmly. "Yes. I fully intend to carry out my orders. If I'm being ordered to report in the North, then I'll go."

Riza frowned. He still didn't grasp the gravity of the situation. Yes, rebel factions still existed in the North, and they were growing. At their current rate, they could easily overwhelm military forces stationed there—all the more reason to send someone like the colonel out there. It wasn't just a political move; it was a safe move…and a smart one.

Or it would have been, if it had been ordered a few years prior, in Hawkeye's opinion. If it had only been ordered a few years prior, she wouldn't have been worried in the least. However, given the colonel's inactivity in terms of any real combat and his lack of practice with his alchemy, it wasn't entirely impossible for him to fail. In fact, it was almost likely, something Riza never thought she'd ever have to consider.

This was absurd. What had happened to his old notion that following orders for the sake of following orders was nonsense?! Nothing he was doing was like him at all. He wasn't the suicidal type; at least, he had no reason to be, given his current condition. Ed would kill him before he killed himself, that was for certain.

Yes, Ed…how could he just up and leave Edward? They hadn't been together long in terms of having a good, solid relationship (she was pretty certain they still had a few things to work on, but who didn't?), but she couldn't imagine Roy wanting to leave the younger alchemist for anything less than a damn good reason. So why was he so ready to jump on the "let's destroy Mustang" bandwagon? Any other time, she'd imagine Edward would be driving said bandwagon, but this time, he'd only get left behind. Was the colonel really okay with that?

"But sir, what about Edward?" she asked finally, her voice just loud enough so the both of them could hear. Even though she had a feeling others knew—she knew none of the others waiting outside the door would ever tell, even if they did know—she wouldn't put it past Havoc to be eavesdropping, which he shouldn't do under any circumstances. She fought the urge to smile a little at that. They'd been together long enough, and still, he was worried about Roy stealing her girl. What he didn't know is that Roy had known longer than she had about Jean's feelings towards her, and that's why nothing ever came of them (at least, that's the excuse he gave).

Roy sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He'd already thought about that; in fact, it was all he'd been thinking about since he found out where he had to go. He knew Ed wouldn't be happy about him leaving, especially if the sometimes-too-observant-for-his-own-good blonde got a clue as to where he was headed. Oh yes, if Ed even got the slightest suspicion that Roy was going somewhere dangerous, he'd no doubt transmute him to a rock so he couldn't go anywhere.

Of course, Roy knew that was ridiculous, but he didn't doubt for a second that the runt wouldn't try something akin to that. In fact, he'd bet his life on it. Even if he won that bet—and he would—he'd still lose the prize. Ed would kill him for sure.

He tried to shrug it off anyway. "He'll get over it. He's a big boy; he can get along just find without me."

Riza eyed him skeptically. "Sir, this is Edward we're talking about here. Are you sure…?"

The colonel snorted. He couldn't help but find it amusing that no one ever said anything close to "but he loves you, he'll understand" when it came to Ed. It was as if everyone knew it was a futile thing to say, even if it was reassuring. Well, in this case, it wouldn't be too reassuring, considering he knew what would be waiting for him at home if he let the details of this little meeting slip. He had to keep quiet for now…try and keep the peace for as long as possible. There was a good chance he wasn't going to come back in one piece from this one, so he needed to make the most of his time at home while he could.

"Yeah, I'm sure," he answered with a small smirk. "It'll be all right, Hawkeye. Have a little faith."

"Hypocrite," she muttered, eyebrow raised quizzically. She still couldn't understand what the stubborn man had to gain from this endeavor; nothing, as far as she was concerned, but it really didn't concern her. Still, it just pissed her off that Roy was being so reckless. It wasn't like him, and that's what irritated her most of all. She sighed heavily, getting her superior officer's attention immediately. It just wasn't like her to express frustration unless she has a good reason.

"I just don't understand, Roy," she murmured, looking down towards the foot of the wall where it met the carpet. "I don't understand why you're being so damn stubborn yet again and why you're in such a hurry to get yourself killed. I've known you a long time and even though things are different now…I don't think anything would make you change your principles, not even Edward. So what is it? Why are you being such…such a…such an idiot?!"

Roy stared at the woman for a few moments, completely baffled. It really wasn't like her to have outbursts like that. They usually only happened when he was being too stubborn and running into danger that second, not when they were standing in his office, both completely safe from harm. Was there something she knew that he didn't? Or was it something else?

"Riza…" he sighed with a small frown, "you worry too much." He stood and embraced her—something he didn't do too often. In fact, she could only remember a handful of times he'd ever shown the least bit of affection towards her in the entire time they'd known one another. He couldn't help it this time; she was acting like such a woman he needed to drag her back down to reality. He had to make her understand why he felt it necessary to go through with his orders.

"Why, Roy? Why do you think you have to do this? You know you don't have to…," Riza whispered as he held her.

"Because," Roy responded simply, stepping back to look her in the face. "I'm doing this because I need to. I know it's dangerous, but I honestly wouldn't do it if I didn't think I could. I'll be careful. I'm not going to just run in there and get myself killed. Ed would never let me hear the end of it. He'd go and find a way to do a perfect human transmutation and bring me back just so he could bitch in my ear and kill me again."

Riza let a small smile escape at the thought of the small blonde resurrecting Roy and beating him to a pulp. He had Edward…that would be enough for him to be smart enough to keep himself from getting killed. She hoped.

Roy sighed with relief. The lieutenant was starting to act like herself again. He could swear that being with Havoc had turned her into a total woman, which meant that she'd be more apt to shoot him on impulse. From now on, it'd be in his best interests to step lightly around her.

"There," he said gently. "That settles it. Now, I think we should both get back to what we were doing before we had to come up here on a weekend. When was the last time either of us worked a weekend?"

Riza smiled and nodded. "Yes…" As she watched Roy walk towards the door, she called after him. "Sir, just be careful."

Roy turned and nodded. He then turned and opened the door, only to have Jean Havoc nearly land on him.

"Good grief, Jean…" Roy said simply, stepping over the fallen officer and into the hallway.

Riza shook her head at Havoc in frustration and then looked up at the now-retreating Roy. "Don't forget to be here early on Monday!" she hollered.

Roy simply raised a hand as he disappeared around the corner.

She smiled. She had no idea why she'd been so worried; the colonel would be just fine.

Wouldn't he?

Yes…indeed…I have no idea what I'm talking about.