A/N: Hey everyone sorry for the wait... I honestly didn't know anyone was reading this story because I didn't know how to check the stats! So I seldom updated...sorry. Hey, I'll tell you what...if I got a review or 2 I'd have known people read it ;D. But guys it'd be great if I'd get a review just to know how I'm doing, I'd love some criticism so I can improve! Or just a "Hey nice chapter. better than last 1" or even "this sucked. Boring." Honestly just tell me what you thought so I can make you happy! I'll listen to suggestions too, or ideas, or prompts and EVERYTHING I'll even read a suggested story and review it just R&R and tell me if you like the chapter lengths too! (sorry about this ridiculous AN I'm sorry if it's annoying...XD)

HAPPY READING (maybe reviewing..? :))

Edward allowed Karma to stay over that night, but having seen that soldier stop by his house earlier that evening, he decided it'd be best to pay a visit to General Mustang: Mustang had been courteous to Edward to give him paperwork instead of his usual missions, which normally required travel. Being Alphonse's condition, Ed needed to be close to home at all times incase of emergency. But Edward knew Roy didn't have many of his team members left, and was missing most of his loyal subordinates. Hawkeye was still the Fuher's assistant, and Furey, Breda, and Falman had been scattered among different squads, in the Western region. There was a war in the Western nations, so the military was pulling men from all areas to watch the border between Amestris and Creta. Edward and Havoc were his only two loyal subordinates remaining.

Plus, since Roy was a leap away from becoming furher, competition came from all the other Generals, including (the always cold) General Armstrong. For Roy, pressure was coming in all directions, and the fact that he still was considerate toward Edward and Alphonse's needs was extremely thoughtful.

Trudging through the continuously pouring rain, Ed stood in front of Central Command, taking out his pocket watch so the guards would open the gates. He swiftly moved into the dry building, and wriggled out of his soaked jacket.

Standing outside of General Roy Mustangs office, Edward gripped his folder filled with paperwork. He didn't know if he was really ready for his usual interrogation.

Sighing, he turned the doorknob and stepped into the light of the room. General Mustang was furiously signing "work", and was mumbling orders under his breath. His crew behaved the same way.

His attention snapped to Edward. Stealing a glance at the exhausted child's face, his gaze drifted to his soaked clothing. "Well, hello Fullmetal; you're looking dapper as ever."

Havoc offered Edward an understanding smile, which was returned. It must have been Hell for Havoc to deal with the General in this condition, being his stress levels from being pressed from all angles.

"So, Fullmetal, you've finally become taller than the work you produce... or are you just slaking?"

Edward bit back a sharp retort, and instead answered, "Ha, coming from the man who had time for THREE dates last weekend?!"

"They were SPEED DATES, Fullmetal, get your facts right."

"And I bet none of them knew of the other two women you were dating, am I right, you player?"

"Actually they all knew about each other and loved my handsome complexion enough to ignore the fact that I'm a player", said the General, sarcastically rubbing his chin in false musing.

"In that case, you're dating total trash."

"Yes, but three sets of trash."

"So you're into quantity, not quality, eh?"

Mustang smirked, while Ed frowned in disapproval. "So Edward, are you here to flirt with me or are you here to get something done."

"Well..." responded an awkward Edward; thrown off from that last comment. "I brought you my stack..." He said, moving to hand the General his work.

"Well, it seems you finally got something done...it took you, what, four years to learn to do paperwork..?"

It was true. The four years Edward was in the military, he had never done his paperwork until now, because he was always on field missions. Sure, Edward would fill out a short report about what he'd learned and the findings of a mission, but it was never really "paperwork". Reports summed up a mission. Paperwork was either setting up a mission, or was a kind of social politics.

"Yeah General, I'm doing my paperwork just like everyone else."

This was true: although originally to Roy, Edward not doing his paperwork reflected him and was extremely negative. But now, he was lacking in trusted followers to do his field missions and was in desperate need of Ed's help, not his paperwork (though he'd never admit it).

"Listen, General..." started Edward, "I can do a few field missions, if you need me to."

"...is that so, Colonel Elric?" Mustang was being kind to give Edward paperwork instead of missions, because of the condition of Alphonse. It came as quite a shock to hear Edward wasn't concerned about Alphonse, or that he was willing to leave his side for a few days. Although he wished to ask more, he didn't want his men to hear of Alphonse's illness incase they would use it against Edward.

"Yes sir."

The General crossed his legs and folded his hands in his lap, turning his head to glance at his youngest subordinate. "Alright then. I'll inform you on your next mission privately. Meet me tomorrow, regular time and place."

Only Edward understood what this meant. Not bothering to show any respect toward his superior, he simply stated, "Yeah, I might be a little late, too."

Ed grinned and watched Mustang's face turn into his signature smirk, as he turned on his heel and slammed the office door as obnoxiously as possible in an attempt to piss off Mustang. There was no need to check if it did.