A/N: sry about the title my brain didn't function when I tried to come up with one...so yeah lame and all but whatever X3 I don't think I've ever been this good with updates...enjoy it while it lasts folks hahaha lol! XD

anyhow on with the story...

Prove Yourself

Chapter 4: Phone calls

It had been two days, Edward noted with an annoyed sigh. Two days in Central and still nothing about this Ackerley guy. Hughes had explained to him that Ackerley had managed to damage several Nation Alchemists, if only a little, and even killed one or two military guards. Important information had begun to disappear as well, Hughes told him, and it could be their guy, but he wasn't sure. It was possible, Edward thought, that this guy wasn't only good at fighting but also intelligent enough to sneak in unnoticed. Though he had to agree with Alphonse when the little brother suggested that it might as well be more than one person, like an organization of some kind. Many people doubted the military, detested it and wanted it brought to its knees, so the possibility was very likely to be true. Only no one had spotted anyone other than Benjamin Ackerley, which led them back to knowing nothing.

"Aaargghh, honestly!" Edward groaned with annoyance, tugging at his hair. "This is all his fault dammit sending me off to a hopeless thing like this! No action, just sitting around waiting and waiting without getting any fucking answers!"

Panting slightly, Edward glared at the people passing by, many of them speeding up to get away from the scary kid as soon as possible. Of course, he wasn't a kid, only looked like one… Alphonse sighed, pitying the little girl that stared at his brother with wide eyes before hiding behind her mother.

"Wasn't that what you wanted brother? Not causing tremendous damage?" Al asked, absently turning the page in the book he'd been reading. The brothers had gone to the park, settled down to read peacefully. But as always, when Edward's mind was fixed on something, nothing could break his train of thought. Except if he was thinking about something and you brought up the Colonel. Al had always been amused by the twitching eyebrows and heated rants that followed, but he would never admit it. After all, what would people think of this innocent Alphonse if he did? Well, perhaps they couldn't blame him. His brother was very amusing when ranting about the Colonel. Or his height.

"Yeah, but I didn't want to sit on my ass all day. It's been two days! I thought it'd be done in one, but no, here we are doing nothing!" Edward growled, flinging his arms around to emphasise his meaning. Which wasn't very deep.

"Two days isn't much brother. Why, in a hurry to get back?" Al asked innocently, flipping through the book and shifting slightly. Out of the corner of his eye he saw his older brother pout and cross his arms in a defensive manner, blushing slightly. Hmm….

"No," Edward grumbled. "It's just boring here, that's all. And it annoys me that this Ackerley guy isn't caught yet. He should be behind bars by now, that bastard."

"Uhuum," Alphonse agreed without much interest in his brother excuses, quite taken to this book Hughes had given him. It was, for once, not about Alchemy. Some romance novel, Hughes had said shrugging. So far, a Duke had rejected a sweet girl because she was poor and the girl was now in heartbreak yada yada. It was quite interesting, imagining the many elegant people in beautiful clothes visiting each other's castles while the ordinary people rushed down the market streets and worked desperately to put food on their table. And he hadn't known girls' hearts could be so complicated. Well, he hadn't understood Winry that often but the girl in this book…she was a riddle the author tried to explain.

"Anyhow, we should get back," Edward said, breaking the silence. "Hughes wanted to talk to us, remember?"

"Ah, yes, that's right," Al agreed, standing up and following his brother, who'd already begun to make his way towards the military building. Not for the first time, Al watched hypnotized as a blonde braid swung back and forth on red fabric; losing track of time. Before he knew it, they were standing in front of Hughes desk.

"Yo!" was the older man's greeting. "I've got some fresh information."

Edward's attention peeked up at this as he took a seat. "Really? Spill, old man." Alphonse sighed at his brother's rudeness, but as always Hughes didn't seem to mind. Not many people did, Al had noted with a disapproving frown.

"It seems like Alphonse was right; there's more than one person involved. Ackerley was spotted with another person, a male we believe, outside the military's ground last night. They didn't do anything except inspecting the buildings, I suppose. Possibly looking for a way in. We've doubled the guards, in case they try to break in anytime soon."

Edward frowned at the new bit of information. How careless to be spotted, he mused. He just hoped they didn't have anything worse in mind…

"Did you hear?"

"Yes, he's coming here tomorrow."

"Is it wise? I mean, they say he's pretty good."

"I know, but he'll be an easy target. I'd hoped someone of a higher ranking might come but it doesn't seem like things are going our way recently."

"No, no it doesn't. But really, he's small fish isn't he? Should we wait till someone else comes? We don't have to do everything tomorrow, we have time."

"He's not that small of a fish, Bax. He's pretty famous and if we succeed in killing him we'll be too. They won't think we're weaklings anymore, and perhaps we can lure the higher-ups into a trap that goes…snap!"

"Hmm, really? Ben, you're pretty weird. The plan is just too simple, it's the work of a genius! They'll never see it coming. Perhaps it'll go our way this time. So, that aside, guns, explosions or face to face with a knife?"

"I'll take the gun this time, Bax. I hear it's hard to get a hit if you're spotted by him, so I'll stay on a far distance."

"Great, just make sure you hit his head or at least kill him with one shot. I wouldn't want to stick around."

"Me neither, so I'll try my best, believe me."

Riza was just entering the office when she heard how something hit wood. Puzzled, she walked over to the door leading to the Colonel's private office, opening it slowly and peeking inside. She was about to announce her presence when she caught site of his obviously enraged expression. His fist was clenched and slightly shaking in its place on the hard surface of his desk, eyes cold as ever as they glared out through the window. He sat rigid in his chair, eyebrows twitching and Riza had to admit her boss was scary in times like these. She debated if she should interrupt him, or leave it be. She voted for the last option, but as she was about to close the door his harsh voice stopped her.

"I already know you are here, First Lt. Please enlighten me about what you wanted with me," he said, some of his anger fading away as he turned his gaze to her. Standing straighter and saluting stiffly, Riza met his eyes evenly.

"I heard a noise, sir, and went in to check if everything was alright. I did not intend to disturb, sir, but something seems to be troubling you…." She let her sentence trail off as she stared into blue-grey. Turning his head slightly, Roy faced her with a slight sneer. He crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair, placing his arm comfortably on the desk which was to his left.

"Thank you First Lt, but I think I can manage. It's just something that's been nagging in the back of my mind for quite some time. And, of course, there was this phone call from Central," he explained, turning his head again and gazing out the window to his right. Little birds flew in and out of a tree outside, and he had been so tempted to snap his fingers moments ago. Perhaps it was good that Hawkeye came, interrupting his dark musings.

"Sir?" she asked, lips set in a slight frown. She hadn't heard anything about a phone call, and she hadn't been away for too long…

"It was connected directly to my office a few hours ago. It seems like General Haku wants me in Central," Roy continued, voice cold and harsh. "For what, he wouldn't say. All I know is that if I leave East HQ now, it'll be like running away from a ticking bomb you know you can stop in time. With all that's happening, the higher-ups have made it clear that if I screw up they won't go easy one me."

Riza stared at the distressed man, his anger flaring again like the flames he controls. Silently, she watched as he once again hit the wooden surface of his desk, not even flinching at the pain it must've caused.

"Dammit! This time they won't get it their way," Mustang growled. "I will keep charge over the East HQ, and I won't let Full Metal, or any of you, be transferred!"

The determination in his quiet voice didn't surprise the blonde woman standing by the door. It was true Roy Mustang would do anything to get a promotion, but in his own way, he fought against the military in matters that concerned the steady ground he'd built himself. She, Havoc, Breda, Fuery, Falman and one Edward Elric with his little brother made up much of the little wall their Colonel had placed around him. Sometimes, she believed he cared more for them all than he should. It would be hard to climb the latter if you were unable to make strict decisions. But, Riza mused, he could act correctly yet want to do it differently. That was what had brought him here, she supposed.

One thing flashed through her mind suddenly, making her frown deepen. Had he said anything about more transferring? All she knew was that Full Metal was at risk, but Mustang had slipped up.

"Sir, are we to be transferred?" she asked bluntly, making the man sigh in annoyance.

"No," he stated firmly, a reassuring smile tugging at his lips. He titled his head to the left, eying her slightly. When he met her golden stare, his hard stare softened and he let out a soft snort, closing his eyes briefly.

"You are dismissed, First Lt," he said, turning his chair around to face the window behind the desk. Riza gazed at the back of the black chair for a moment before saluting and turning to leave.

"Thank you," she heard him say just before she closed the door. Sighing in defeat, the blonde woman went over to her own desk. Things were not stable in the Military now, if ever, and a lot of the things happening seemed to concern a certain Flame Alchemist. She just hoped the rollercoaster offered a mostly safe trip.

"Hi," a voice said. Riza looked up from her place behind the desk, meeting the blue eyes of Jean Havoc. He'd just entered the room, carrying a pile of papers and a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth. The worried frown on her face disappeared and she covered her recent musing with her usual blank expression.

"Is that the papers the Colonel were asked to sign last week?" she asked, sitting up straight. Havoc grinned and nodded, shrugging at her annoyed huff. But as he begun to walk towards the closed door, she called him back.

"Those can wait," she said, motioning for him to place them on her desk. He did so, a puzzled look on his face.

"Something wrong?" he asked, dropping the pile before her with little grace. She sighed and nodded.

"Man, things aren't going so well these days, eh?" he said quietly, taking a seat by the large desk in the middle of the room. Riza could do nothing but meet his tired gaze with one of her own, wondering what tomorrow held for them.

"Brother?" Alphonse's voice was heard, making a short blonde cast a quick look behind him.

"Yeah?" he asked, brows raised and golden eyes reflecting the fading sunlight.

"Who are you calling?" Al asked, walking up to stand beside the phone boot his brother occupied. Edward grimaced, and shifted uncomfortably under the glowing gaze of the giant armour. He'd thought Al would stay in the dorms, and not follow him, as he'd asked him to not do.

"Ehurm, I…err…I need to speak to Hawkeye," he said quickly dialling the number before his brother could ask more questions. With a pleading, puppy-eyed look Edward managed to get Al to back away so that he wouldn't hear the conversation. Grateful, Ed shot him a look that said he'd tell him about it later. Al doubted it, but guessed he would find out soon enough. Note to self; do not feed big brother until he talks.

"Colonel Roy Mustang's office," greeted the voice of Riza Hawkeye. Edward shifted and shot nervous looks around him.

"Err, hi Lt. it's Ed," he said, pressing the receiver closer to his ear.

"Oh, hello Edward-kun. What is it?" she asked, her stern voice softening. Edward swallowed and gave a nervous laugh.

"Well, you see Lt, Hughes asked me to eerr tell Mustang that um," he began, fidgeting and blushing slightly. Damn, why had he agreed? Oh, yes, he was dared to do this. And bribed with free dinner. Gracia really could cook delicious food….

'Ah! Edward! Did you know? Roy's coming here tomorrow! I need you to call him and ask him to buy Elysia a present on his way here. And tell him to bring some of that east wine they've got over there…and some special vegetables if he wants dinner. He'll know what I mean, don't worry.'

'He's WHAT?! And why do I have to do it?! You call that damned Bastard yourself, or ask someone else to do it. I'm not doing it.'

'But Edo I'm a busy man! And it's a kind of personal thing, y'know, so it'd be wrong to just ask someone else.'

'Personal?! Then why the HELL are you asking ME to do it?!'

'You scared?'

'….'

'I bet you are….'

'I'm NOT, I just don't want to talk to that manipulative bastard.'

'You want to come over for dinner tomorrow? Gracia is doing your favourite…..'

Yes, that's what had happened. Edward sighed, biting his lip. He did want to speak to the Colonel, but….that damned man did everything he could to make Ed blow up.

"If you were asked to tell the Colonel something, shouldn't you be talking to him and not me?" Riza questioned.

"I don't WANT to talk to that bastard! I---" he was cut off in his rant by a click and silence. Blinking and staring dumbly straight ahead, Edward waited. Where did she go? Did she hang up on him?

"Roy Mustang," a familiar deep and harsh voice sounded in the receiver. Edward nearly jumped out of his skin at the sudden break of silence. The Colonel sounded awfully annoyed, and a bit distressed. He wondered what had happened, and contemplated hanging up before some serious damage was done.

"Full Metal? Is it you?"

Too late, he was caught. How, he had no idea.

"Err, yeah," he said, a pale colour of red painted across his cheeks.

"Hm, unusual to have you calling me. Do you need me to bring you out of jail? Did you blow something up? Lose something vital? Someone bullying you? Running an errand for Hughes? Or, no, don't tell me you've grown an inch?" The sheer sarcasm and snide amusement in his words made Edward frown deeply and clench his fist. The actual meaning behind the sentences made him snap and ignore the stares of many by passers.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SHORT HE'D BE DROWNING IN A RAINDROP?!"

"That one was new, Full Metal. I detest rain, I wouldn't use such a lame description of your…little…problem," Roy commented, tone a little bit lighter but still highly amused, only in a kinder manner.

A few feet away Alphonse shook his head. Should've known; the Colonel, was all he thought as he sweat-dropped and took another few steps back.

"Shut up you Bastard! Shut up!" Edward shrieked, face completely red in anger. "Buy Elysia a fucking present, bring Hughes wine and vegetables if you want a FUCKING dinner AT ALL when you get here Colonel SHIT!!"

Panting and ready to hang up any minute, should the bastard continue his mocking, Edward tried to regain his composure.

"You sound strangely like an enraged wife, Full Metal, which----," The rest of what he might've had to say was cut off as Edward threw the phone back on it's holder, glaring and panting heavily. That bastard!

"Um, brother? You okay?" Alphonse called, on a safe distance from the dangerous looking young boy dressed in black and red.

"THAT BASTARD BETTER HAVE LIFEGUARDS WHEN HE COMES COZ I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL HIM!" Edward yelled back, turning around and leaving a paralyzed Al behind.

"---which gives me a very pleasant mental image," Roy Mustang finished in the silence, smirking and already feeling better. He'd have to thank Riza, or Hughes perhaps, later. For now, he settled with imagining the Full Metal Alchemist is a miniskirt.

A man could dream, couldn't he?

A/N: I dunno about you but Ed in a smexy dress is kinda hot...though I'd never put it in a story unless it's parody or rated M haha omg XD

anyways, review?

ps: I love Al's expressions in the anime (and manga, but whatever) I had fun writing this...and the last chapters...coz a pissed Ed is hilarious. I'm bad at discribing them though but never mind..