*** So, this one is a rather long chapter. Well, hope you enjoy!***

-Emma-

I had just told Roy Mustang my darkest secret. I thought I would have freaked out, but I felt so much better. It felt… amazing… to have gotten that off my chest. I've never told anyone about Nathaniel raping me. No one. So, why did I tell Roy Mustang, a man whom I barely even know? Maybe it was because I felt like I could trust him.

I leaned against his shoulder and laughed slightly, "It's so odd."

"What is?" He looked down at me, and I felt my cheeks heat up as his black eyes gazed into mine.

I pulled away and fidgeted with my earrings. "Umm… well, just that, you know, uh, that I trust you so much to tell you that, and I barely know you. I mean, I've known you for a few days now and I just told you my deepest secret that no one knows. I don't know, it's just weird. And now I'm rambling and I'm going to shut up now." I stood up and walked over to the window.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but since your in the military, you have to follow the dress code, as all of us do." Mustang said as he stood up from the couch.

I watched him through the window as he walked over to his desk and sat down. I ignored his comment, or at least tried to, and fiddled with my earrings some more. If anyone tries to make me follow the dress code, I will hurt them. Okay… maybe not hurt them, but I will say no and threaten them.

"That means," Mustang continued, "you have to wear the military uniform. Also, as far as your piercing go, you can only wear studs. So, your hoops have to go. And, your top piercing," Mustang pointed to the top of his ear, "has to go as well."

I turned to Mustang and popped my hip out, resting my hand on it. "I don't think so."

"Watch the attitude, Major Aiman." A playful smirk was tugging on Mustang's lips. His lips. I blushed as I thought about him kissing me. "I'm your commanding officer, and these are the rules. Thus, you will follow them."

"So, why doesn't Ed have to follow them, huh?" I challenged, a smirk playing on my own lips. This would turn out to be a game of Cat and Mouse. Let's see who wins.

Mustang stood and walked around to the front of his desk, "Fullmetal is a different story. He is barely here, and he hasn't been called for duty yet. You, on the other hand, will be called for duty and you are here. So, you will live by the rules of the military, that's why we are called dogs of the military."

I snorted, "Well, I sure as hell am not going to be wearing that tacky uniform, nor am I taking my earrings out." I stepped closer to him and looked up at him, "I'm my own person. I don't care if you are my commanding officer. I can do whatever I want, and what I want is to wear my own clothes and keep my earrings in."

"Major Aiman, I'm not sure if you are understanding me. I can report you for insubordination. So, I suggest you follow orders and stay out of trouble." Mustang's eyes glowed so sinfully.

Shivers passed through my body. I narrowed my eyes slightly and smiled, "Then go ahead and report me. While I'm here, I will not follow any rules unless I want to. The dress code is a rule that I don't want to follow. So deal with it." I forcefully made my voice sound sensual. I smirked as I saw the look in Mustang's eyes.

I win.

Just as I was about to turn around to leave, I squealed as Mustang's hand hooked under my ass. He pulled me against him, and all air left my lungs. My eyes were wide and my cheeks were flaming. My heart was beating so hard I started to feel dizzy.

Mustang lowered his head to my ear and whispered in a deep, sultry voice, "You will follow my orders, whether you like it or not, or I will be forced to punish you." My stomach flipped as his tongue lightly touched my neck.

There was a loud knocking at the door. Mustang let go of me and moved quickly to sit back down at his desk. It's good thing he did, because the door opened seconds after the knock, and Ed walked in with a tall blonde man behind him.

"I'm telling you, Chief, just ask him. I'm sure he can find out about her- oh! Hey! You're the new girl, right? Emma Aiman?" The tall blonde walked over to me and smiled down at me. He smelt like a cigarette smoke and cologne mixed. It was oddly appealing. "I'm Jean Havoc." He smiled.

"Um, hi. I'm-"

"Havoc, what do you want?" Mustang's voice was low and sounded dangerous and irritated.

"S-sorry, Boss. Ed just wanted to ask you some questions about someone. That's all. Oh, and I have paperwork to give you." He handed Mustang the papers that were in his hand. "They're from Hawkeye. She said to finish it before she gets back."

"And where, exactly, is she going?" Mustang's voice lost it's irritated tone and took on a tone of caring, sugarcoated by a tone that sounded uninterested. Since I know the human voice inside and out, I know how to find the real emotion of one's voice.

"She said something about a murder scene that Hughes wanted her help with. I honestly don't know anymore." The tall man, Havoc, sat down on the couch where Mustang and I had been previously sitting on.

"That's not like her to leave without saying something to me." Mustang folded his hands and propped his chin on them. He glanced at me then at Ed, "Fullmetal, can you make this quick? I was in the middle of telling Major Aiman about the rules of being in the military."

Ed looked at me and smiled, "I'll just come by later when you're not busy." He walked up to me and said, "Emma, would you like to go to this new teen club with Al and I? Haha, okay. Al might not go, but would you like to go either way."

I smiled, "Sure. It would be nice to go somewhere where there are people my age. I can make some new friends or something. Sure, I'll go. I don't know what time I'm leaving here, though."

"That's alright. Al and I are staying at Hughes' house today because Elysia wants us to play with her. We'll be there, so whenever you get off, just come home and we can leave whenever you are ready."

"Sounds-"

I was cut off by Mustang slamming his hands on his desk and yelling, "Everyone except Major Aiman needs to leave, now!"

Ed rolled his eyes and said, "Don't be such an asshole, old man."

"Uh, we should just leave." Havoc said as he put an unlit cigarette in his mouth. "See ya later, Aiman."

"Uh, yeah."

Havoc closed the door behind him. I turned and glared at Mustang, "You didn't have to be so damn rude. All Ed wanted was to ask you some questions, and Havoc just wanted to come into the office to give you some papers. Geez! You are such an arrogant asshole! I mean, why the hell would you-" During my ranting, I didn't even notice Mustang get out of his seat and move towards me. He cut me off, slamming his lips onto mine.

I pushed him away, "What the hell do you think you're doing?" I yelled.

"I thought it was obvious. I was making you shut up."

I started shaking. I was very, very, very pissed. "You… you…" I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face, "asshole!"

Mustang's black eyes narrowed and actually scared me. "Do you know what happens to those who strike a superior officer?" He moved closer to me and grabbed my wrists, harshly. He threw me against the wall and I yelled out in pain. "They get punished." He growled in my ear.

I struggled against him. I stared up into his eyes as he pushed me harder against the wall. He switched both of my hands into one of his large ones, then pulled string that made the blinds fall. It became dark in the room. I looked up, terrified. Images of Nathaniel flashed through my mind. I can hear my screams. I can hear his laughter. I can hear the bed squeaking.

I was so scared. So scared. "Please… don't…" I was too scared to speak.

"Don't what?" He pressed his body against mine and lowered his mouth to my ear, "You really think I would hurt you?" I twinge of hurt was in his voice.

I looked into his eyes and squeaked as he kissed my neck. "Mu-" I froze as I felt his tongue lightly glide up my neck.

"I'm hurt that you think I would hurt you." He let go of my hands and pulled my close. "I'm not a monster like he was. I would never hurt you in anyway."

It felt like my heart was soaring. No one has ever said things like that to me. I stared up into Mustang's eyes. Minuets ago, we were talking peacefully about my past. He held me. Made me feel better. He kissed me. Now, we are fighting. He's kissing my neck. He's staring into my eyes with a look I've never seen.

I felt dirty. I felt like a whore. I was melting under his touch. His gaze. "Let me go." I whispered.

Mustang stared at me, then slowly let go of my hands. "Emma-"

"It's nothing. I just… you made me think of Nathaniel…" I sighed and looked back at him, "I'm sorry, sir, but I refuse to follow the dress code. What will my punishment be?" Changing the subject seemed like a good thing to do. I didn't want to fall back into my memories and thoughts.

Mustang smirked, "Your punishment? You will have to fill out all of my paper work until I tell you to stop. As you know, I hate paperwork. So, since your new and you're not likely going to be called for any action soon, you can stay in this stuffy office and work on my paperwork. I think that is a fair punishment."

"Of course, sir."

The door opened and three men and a woman walked in. I gazed at the woman. She was beautiful. Her blonde hair was clipped back and her mahogany eyes were just gorgeous. The man standing next to her was the shortest of them all, but he wasn't as short as me. He had on glasses and was carrying a manila folder. The other two was an older gentleman and a rather… round one who was chewing on a sandwich.

The woman glanced at me then turned a hard look on Roy, "Colonel, would you like to tell me why the blinds are closed and why you are in here alone with a young girl?" She was slowly reaching for her side, which I noticed a gun was strapped to her hip.

"Hawkeye," Mustang said, calmingly, "This is Major Emma Aiman and she will be joining us here in the office. And to answer your question about the blinds, we just walked in and they were already closed. Now, I have a question for you. Why didn't you tell me you would be coming in late?"

"I didn't want to bother you, Colonel."

I bit my lip and walked forward to the woman, "Um, hello. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Emma Aiman." I didn't notice how shaky my voice was until I stopped talking. Why was I so scared and nervous?

The woman smiled and extended her arm, "I'm First Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye." She grabbed my hand and shook it. When she let go, she gestured to the men behind her, "This is Kain Fuery, Vato Falman, and Heymans Breda."

The day went by agonizingly slow. Mustang and I really didn't talk. Havoc came back a little while after the other's entered the room. It's amazing what you learn about someone just by their actions. Like Havoc, for example, is a chain smoker. A very attractive one at that. Fuery is very timid and caring. Every time he would leave to get something he would always ask all of us if we wanted anything. Falman is very smart and is like a walking dictionary. Breda hides food in his desk drawers. Hawkeye is a very nice woman who is very protective of Mustang and holds a strong authority over the men in the room.

"So, Aiman, you said you grew up in Resembool?" She asked.

"Uh-huh."

"Do you know the Elric's then?" Havoc asked.

"Well, while living there, no, but since I've moved here they've been very sweet and helpful. Ed and Al were here for the last part of my State Alchemist testing. Ed's very… sweet." I felt my cheeks heat up a bit at thinking about Edward Elric.

Ed is a very attractive boy. Even though he is a year younger then me. He's really nice and funny.

"Looks like someone has a crush on the Fullmetal boy." Breda teased.

"Ah, no… um… I mean…"

"Get back to work." I glanced over at Mustang who practically growled. He looked very pissed. For what, I have no idea.

"Yes, boys. Leave Major Aiman alone and get back to your work." Hawkeye said then she smiled sweetly at me. "Do you have any plans for tonight?"

"Oh, uh… Ed wanted me to go to some teen club with him, then I was going to have a tea party with Elysia." I knew I sounded stupid saying it…

Hawkeye smiled, "Well, I'd hate to pull you away from something as fun as that, but would you consider going out tonight with me? I believe if we should be cohorts we should have a personal bond. Also, I was going to go out and buy a dress for the Fuhrer's Birthday Ball."

"That sounds like a nice idea. It would help me look around Central and make a new a friend." I smiled sweetly at Hawkeye. "This Ball you mentioned, are only a select few invited?"

"Are you kidding? The whole military is invited! People from everywhere that are in the military come." Breda said as he chomped down on a cookie.

"It's a waste of time, if you ask me." Mustang mumbled as he flipped through papers.

"No one was asking you, sir." I said teasingly.

He glared at me then shifted his glare back down at the paperwork. I knew he hated paperwork. Even though my 'punishment' was to do his paperwork, there were still some things that he had to do.

Hawkeye covered my hand with hers, "The Ball is held here, in the ballroom, and everyone is invited. Including you, Aiman. It's really just a night that everyone can cut loose and not have to worry about their duties. And for some," she nodded her head towards Mustang, "it's a place where you pick up girls."

Mustang, oblivious to what Hawkeye was saying, looked at Havoc and said, "Do you have a date for tomorrow night?"

Havoc's eye twitched and he crossed his arms. "I'm not telling you 'cuz you'll take her like you always do."

"No I wouldn't. I already have a date. Her name is Nella. She works at the café just a block from here." Mustang smirked. I suddenly felt very… disgusted. Mustang is dating someone, yet he pulled all that crap he did on me? Kissing me and what not? I clenched my teeth and my hands and glared down at my desk.

What was he planning? The smirk on his face, there was something he was planning.

By the shriek that left Havoc's mouth and the sudden paled complexion, I figured it out. "How did you know it was her? I didn't even tell you!" He looked like he was on the verge of tears.

Mustang chuckled, "I saw you two together on her break."

"That's cold, Colonel." Falman said.

I glanced between the military personnel in the room. The atmosphere seemed light and happy. I guess it had to do with them working together for however long they have been working together. I knew I didn't fit in here. I didn't fit in anywhere. With all my secrets and lies, it's amazing that I'm not a complete fake.

"You're staying with Maes and his family, right?" Hawkeye asked.

"Yeah. I'm actually staying there until I can find my own place. I don't want to be a burden to them, but Mr. Hughes practically begged me to stay. And Gracia made a good point. A girl my age can't be living alone in a new city."

"How old are you?" Fuery asked as he pushed his glasses up on his nose.

"Fifteen."

Everyone, except Mustang and Hawkeye, dropped their jaws and stared at me in awe.

"Are you serious? I didn't know that!" Havoc yelled. "Damn, well there goes my chances with you."

I blushed at his statement.

"You certainly don't look that young. I was thinking you were at least nineteen." Fuery said as he looked me up and down, examining me, but not in sexual way or anything along those lines.

Falman and Breda just stared at me, but once they regained their composures, Breda began eating again and Falman started fiddling with his pencil. Havoc continued talking, "You're the second youngest person to become a State Alchemist, Edward Elric being the youngest. Wow. I guess there are a lot of prodigies and geniuses out there."

"I wouldn't say that…" I scratched my head.

"Speaking of State Alchemists, I have something for you, Aiman." Mustang said. He bent down in his chair and put a box on his desk. "Come here."

I stood up from my tiny desk and walked over to him, "Yeah?"

"Here." He opened the box, and inside was a pocket watch. It was the same as Edward's, meaning this was the State Alchemists' pocket watch thingy. "This proves that you are a State Alchemist, bla, bla, bla." He pulled out a slip of paper and handed it to me. "This just states that you are a State Alchemist and it has your Alchemist name on it."

"Oh! Tell us what it is!" Havoc said excitedly.

I glanced at the top of the paper and laughed slightly. Mustang grinned. "I'm the Singing Alchemist."

I liked it. It had a nice ring to it. The Singing Alchemist. Boy, that would strike up conversation and make everyone wonder who the Singing Alchemist was and what they could do. I smiled and held my head high. With this new alias, I would look forwards to my goal and not let anything hinder me.

It was about seven when we left the office. Mustang and I were sitting outside, waiting for Hawkeye to bring the car around. Havoc, Fuery, Falman, and Breda had already left.

I was singing my feet back and forth, staring at my black heels that I wore. They really matched my black miniskirt. During our lunch break, Hawkeye drove me home so I could change. I felt like a bum in my t-shirt and pants. Now, I was wearing a really cute purple tube-top with a black bow just under my breasts, a short black skirt, and black heels. Fashion is one of the few things I'm really good at and passionate about.

I glanced over at Mustang, who was staring off in thought. The wind blew slightly and his black hair covered his face. I sighed, he really was an attractive man. I thought back to what had happened this morning between us. We kissed. What was that suppose to mean? Well… hearing what Havoc had to say, Mustang is nothing but a player. His motto is 'sleep with her then dump her.'

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back, letting my face soak up the last rays of the orange sun as it disappeared behind the buildings of Central. I heard the sound of clanking, so I opened my eyes to see Al and Ed walking up to me.

"Emma!" Ed hugged me. "How was your first day with Colonel Asshole?"

I glanced over at Mustang. His hands were bawled into tight fists. Someone was in a bad mood. "It was okay. Guess what!" I said excitedly. I grabbed his hands into mine and smiled brightly, "I got my Alchemist name!"

"Really? What is it?"

"The Singing Alchemist." I said proudly.

"That fits you perfectly, Emma." Alphonse said.

I looked over Ed's shoulder and smiled at Al, "Thanks, Al. What about you, Edward? What do you think?"

"I think this calls for celebration!" He pulled his hands out of my grasp, but quickly grabbed one of my hands tightly with his automail hand. "You still free tonight?"

My eyes wandered over to Mustang. His face was growing red and his breathing was becoming rapid. Was he okay? Maybe he was sick. "Actually, I have plans. I'm going out with Hawkeye. She wants to buy a dress for the Fuhrer's Birthday Ball tomorrow night."

Edward smiled wickedly, then pulled me closer to him, "Well, you know, Emma. I'm a pretty good dancer, and since you're busy tonight, I say we should go to the Ball together tomorrow."

I smirked slyly at Ed, "Edward Elric, are you asking me to be your date for tomorrow night?"

"Yes I am, Emma Aiman."

I blushed as Ed's deep voice whispered into my ear, but I suddenly felt an odd feeling as a flash of Mustang's mouth on my neck came into my mind. Unconsciously, I pulled Ed's head towards mine and kissed him. I immediately stopped when I realized I wasn't kissing Mustang, and that said person was standing behind us looking like a demon.

"Will you two keep that behind closed doors?" His voice snapped. I winced at the intensity and hatred that was laced in his words. "I'm sure Alphonse doesn't want to see his older brother sucking face with someone."

I looked down at the ground to hide my blush, thankful that my blonde hair created a curtain around my face. I was embarrassed. I must really be a whore. Kissing Mustang earlier and now kissing Edward. Someone grabbed my shoulder and I looked up. Mustang started pulling me away from Ed. "Hey!" I protested.

"Hawkeye is here." His voice was cold and it literally sent shivers down my spine.

I turned and waved at Edward and Alphonse, "I'll see you two later."

"Bye." Alphonse waved.

Edward's cheek were slightly pink. He began to slowly wave as a dreamy look appeared in his eyes.

Mustang opened the back door for me and practically threw me in. I sat down and buckled my seatbelt. Mustang sat in the passenger's seat and glanced at me in the rearview mirror.

Hawkeye started driving. "Anything exciting happen?"

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. "Well… Edward asked me to be his date for the Ball. I said yes, well, not really… but I'm sure he knows I meant it." Mustang's eyes were narrow slits as he looked back at me through the mirror. "I just have to try and find a dress in my suitcases."

"Why don't you buy a new one since we'll be out?" Hawkeye asked.

I shook my head, "I don't have enough money to buy a new dress. I'm sure I have something." I stared out the window, not really feeling like talking anymore.

The ride to Mustang's apartment was quiet. I kept feeling like I was being watched. A few times I looked up to see Mustang staring at me through the mirror. It was a bit unsettling. I thought about the information I shared with him. Nathaniel. My past. The incident. I told Mustang something that no one in the world, besides Nathaniel, knew. I told him that I had cut myself, was Anorexic, did drugs, and was raped. Even knowing all of that, he didn't seem like he was going to fire me or something like that. I'm sure that if it had been someone else I would not be a State Alchemist anymore, no matter how valuable I am.

I glanced down at my arms. I lightly traced the scars on my right arm. Some were straight across, some were diagonal. I counted them. sixteen scars on my right arm. Nine on my left. That doesn't include the scars I had on my legs and even my chest. I know I cut myself more then sixteen times on my right arm, but the lesser cuts faded away and their scars were faint and not really visible.

I pinched my upper arm, pulling at the skin. I remember telling myself that if I could pull my skin then I was fat. My mind had been so warped.

Feeling that strange feeling of being watched, I looked up and my eyes met Mustang's in the mirror. Neither of us looked away. He knew what I was thinking. I could tell by the way he looked at me. His eyes held some pity.

Neither of us looked away. This was another one of our Cat and Mouse games. Who would look away first? It wasn't going to be me.

We were near the outskirts of Central City. The car stopped, and Mustang's eyes tore away from mine. "Thank you, Lieutenant." He got out of the car. "Aiman, I want you in the office at eight tomorrow morning." He closed the door.

"Yes, sir." I said out the window.

Hawkeye turned around in her seat and smiled at me, "You can come sit up here."

I nodded and got out of the car and sat in the front seat. When I turned to hook my seatbelt, I saw Mustang staring at us from the front door. I waved at him, but he quickly looked away and walked into his home.

His house wasn't what I expected. I thought he'd have a big house, or at least something the size of Mr. Hughes' home. Mustang's house was a small one story home. It looked like a house you'd find in Resembool. It was a yellowish shade brick house. It looked like a nice, cozy home.

"Why doesn't he live in a bigger house? Or more towards the city?" I asked as Hawkeye began driving again.

"Mustang likes the peace and quiet out here. He doesn't like the hustle and noise of the city that much." She glanced over at me, "Can you drive?"

I blinked at her, "Not really."

"Can you steer?"

"Yes."

"Take the wheel." Once I did, Hawkeye unhooked her seatbelt and took her uniform coat off. She threw it in the backseat then grabbed a shirt that was lying on the floor. It was a brown button up shirt, almost the color of her tank top. She pulled it on then began to take off her pants.

I tried to focus on staying on the road, but it was hard steering with one hand. Thankfully, there were no cars on the road.

Hawkeye pulled on blue shorts that reached her knees. When she hooked her seatbelt again, she grabbed the wheel. "Thanks. I normally pull over, but we don't have enough time for that."

"It's quite alright." I said. "Hawkeye, where are we going?"

"Please, call me Riza." She said with a smile. Her mahogany eyes shined brightly. "We're going to a dress boutique called Golden Thread."

I bit my lip, "Sounds expensive."

"It actually isn't. It's sort of like a thrift-shop. I like to shop there because there is designer products, real, for a very cheap price."

"Really?" I perked up. Fashion? Designer? Cheap? I'm going to like this store.

Riza laughed, "Yes, Emma. Really. I can tell that you have an eye for fashion."

I blushed and laughed, "Yeah."

The rest of the ride was quiet. I started out the window and Riza drove. She would ask simple questions like what my parents are like, and I told her that they were dead. She then apologized then asked what they were like. I asked her what her parents were like, and she said her mother passed away when she was very young, and her father passed away while she was a teenager.

When we arrived at Golden Thread, Riza parked in front of the store. It was on a street that was lined with small, packed shops.

Inside the store was cramped. Clothes hung on the wall and on racks that took up all the space of the small store. Near the cashier were rows and rows of jewelry. Towards the back were shoes and purses. I could spend hours in here.

"Well, Riza, it's a good thing you brought me with you. Now, let me see you." I looked her up and down. Her light skin would go perfectly with green. Possibly a dark green dress, with glitter. "Okay. Green."

I started shifting through the racks of dresses. Riza did the same. She had a light smile on her lips as she looked through the dresses. I had seven green dresses on my arm, and Riza had five. "Go try these on." I said with a smile.

Riza laughed, "Okay." She took the dresses from me and walked towards the dressing room.

"I want to see them on you!" I shouted as she closed the curtain.

"Okay! Why don't you look for something?"

I walked to the dressing room and said, "I don't have much money on me."

"You can still look." She walked out in one of the dresses.

I looked her up and down. "Not that one."

We continued this routine. Riza would walk out with one the dresses, and I would point out flaws and give my opinion. There were three dresses left, and Riza was getting agitated that she didn't like any of the ones she had already tried on.

"I really hope I like one of these."

"Me too." I said as my eyes looked around the shop. I wanted to look at the dresses, but I didn't want to waste my money on something that-

"Oh my goodness." I heard Riza gasp.

"What?"

She walked out and I stared at her in awe. "It's perfect." I whispered.

The dress was a sea green that only had one strap, which flowed down her back. The dress ended at her ankles. It hugged her waist then flowed freely. It looked amazing on Riza.

"I really like this dress." She said as she looked at herself in a mirror. "I really do."

"Me too. You look so beautiful."

"Now it's your turn." Riza said as she faced me.

"Huh?"

"Go look for a dress you like." Riza walked back into the dressing room.

"I told you, I don't have that much money-"

"Which is why I'm going to pay for it."

"What? No. I could not let you do that."

Riza popped her head out of the curtain, "Emma, I was given money to buy you a dress for tomorrow night. Now, you will go find a dress or I will force you into one. Your choice." Her voice was demanding, much like it was while she chided the boys whenever they stopped working.

I sighed, "Okay." As I began to walk away, I though about what she said. "Wait, who gave you money?"

She walked out of the dressing room with the dress on her arm. "Go find a dress." She walked towards the shoes and started looking.

I spent about a half hour looking for dresses. I had a variety of colors. Red, black, white, pink, purple, and blue. I had thirteen dresses. As I tried them on, I walked out of the dressing room and showed Riza each one. She did the same thing I did. She gave her opinion on the dresses and whether she likes it or not.

I stared at myself in the small mirror in the dressing room. "Wow…" I breathed. "Hey, Riza, I think I found a dress."

I walked out to show her. A bright smile crossed Riza's face. "You look so amazing, Emma."

I looked at myself in the mirror. The dress was deep blue, and ended mid-thigh. It was strapless. The end of the dress was ruffled, and it was tight around my chest and waist. A little diamond flower was positioned on the dress at my hip.

I walked over to the old lady that worked in the store. "Excuse me? How much is this dress?"

The lady looked at it and smiled at me, "Why, my dear, you look so beautiful. Is it for a date?" She gave me a crinkly smile.

"No, no. It's for a ball."

"Why, that's terrific."

"Emma, I will pay for the dress. Don't worry about it." Riza said reassuringly.

After we paid for the dresses, well… Riza paid, we got into her car and she started driving towards the Hughes' home.

"Riza, I really do appreciate you paying for that dress. I really do."

"It isn't me who you should be thanking." She said, keeping her eyes on the road.

"Who, then?" I asked.

She stared at the road. "Don't worry about it."

I sighed. Guess she's not going to tell me.

When we pulled up to the house, I grabbed the bag that had my dress in it. "Thanks for everything, Riza. I truly am thankful to have you here to help me."

"You're quite welcome, Emma. I'll see you tomorrow."

"See ya." I watched as she drove up.

"Emma!" Elysia ran up to me and hugged my leg.

"Hi, Elysia. How was your day?"

"Daddy came home early and we got ice cream!"

"Did you? What kind?" We started walking towards the door where Gracia was standing.

"Chocolate."

"Sounds so yummy."

"Hello, Emma. How was your day today?" Gracia asked as we walked inside.

"Pretty good. I mainly did paperwork today." Mustang's paperwork. "Riza Hawkeye and I went to Golden Thread and bought dresses for the Ball tomorrow night."

"A dress! Lemme see!" Elysia jumped up and down excitedly.

I laughed, "Okay." I pulled the dress out of the bag and showed Elysia and Gracia.

"I bet you look wonderful in it." Gracia said with a smile.

"You will not be wearing that anywhere out of this house." I looked over Gracia's shoulder to see Maes smiling at me.

"Whatever you say, Dad."

"So, little Edward is your date, huh?"

I blushes, "Yeah. He is. Is he here?"

"Nope. He dropped by and said that he an Al would be coming late, but he didn't mention your date." Maes bent down and picked Elysia up. "Come on, baby. Daddy is going to make you cookies!"

I loved seeing Maes go into his father-mode. It was fun to watch.

"You torture that child too much."

I froze as I heard that voice. That voice that confused me. That voice that intrigued me. That voice that belonged to the man I tried to hate but couldn't.

Mustang was leaning against the wall. "Hello, Aiman." A knowing smirk formed on his face.

Stop it, Emma! I nodded my head, "Hello, Colonel." I turned to Gracia, "I'm going to put this dress away and get ready for dinner." I glanced at Mustang, "Are you staying for dinner?"

"Yes." He said curtly. I rolled my eyes. He said 'yes,' but I heard 'why wouldn't I stay? This is my best friend's house, and I'm just really here to torture you.'

I walked past him and up the stairs. I closed my door then flopped down on my bed. "UHH!" I groaned into my pillow. "Stupid, Mustang. Why can't he just leave me alone?" I sat up and ran my hand through my hair. "Stop it, Emma. You're over thinking again." I said to myself. "Mustang means nothing. He's your superior. You don't hate him, he doesn't hate you. You don't like him. You like Edward." I slapped my face. "Get a hold of yourself, Emma!"

I don't know the reason why Mustang makes me feel this way. I'm sure, in time, I'll figure it out. In the meantime, I'm just going to focus on my goal… and Edward.

I got up and walked into the bathroom. I turned the faucet on and splashed cold water onto my face. "Maybe I can think more clearly."

"Yes, cause splashing water on yourself is very effective." Mustang's voice made me jump.

"Dammit! You scared me."

"I can see that."

I stared at him. His eyes were so… I felt myself getting lost in them. No! Stop it! "What do you want?" I said as I ripped my eyes away from his and dried my face.

"You."

My heart stopped. I started to panic. Nathaniel crossed my mind, and I felt like lashing out at Mustang. "Wh-what?"

Mustang looked at me curiously, as if I was speaking a different language or had five heads. "Dinner is ready." He reached his hand out and touched my forehead. "Are you feeling okay? You paled."

"I'm fine." I said, shaking my head.

"Are you sure?" Mustang's eyes were staring into mine, and were full of… care?

"Come on, dinner is ready." I said. I squeezed past him and walked down the stairs.

I sat down at the table, and Mustang sat next to me. I groaned inwardly. What's happening to me? Why do I feel this way about Mustang? How exactly do I feel about him? One minuet we are perfectly fine, then we're kissing, then we're arguing, then we're fine, then we're arguing. It's so confusing. Everything about us, our relationship, our words to each other, our actions to each other, everything, everything is like a game. Roy Mustang and I, Emma Aiman, are lost in a game of Cat and Mouse, and I fear it will only grow more intense the longer we know each other.