Author's notes: Sorry for the long wait everyone! It took a while for turtlequeen2 and I to get this done. Hope you enjoy the chapter.
A few months later, Rosette was eying herself without expression as she straightened the folds of her pale leaf green dress. It fit closer to her figure than she usually felt comfortable wearing, but from the moment she saw it, she'd fallen in love with the color. Twitching it slightly, she sighed in defeat. Seeing the bracelet 'Mark' had chosen for her, it made her smile. The redhead never took it off even after the bruise had faded. Running her fingers though her hair to tame it, she felt Roy's eyes on her, but she didn't say anything yet.
Rosette's overprotective brother was definitely doing his part of the job, eyeing her choice of clothing suspiciously. Despite how they had spent hours of going through clothing before Roy finally approved of the choice, he still didn't find himself satisfied. It wasn't as if he wanted his sister to look unappealing. It was just that he didn't want her being ogled by the other men either...
Tucking her unruly strands behind her ears, Rosette finally looked at him. "What? Does it look crooked?" She asked.
Roy shook his head, pushing back his urge to frown again. "Your hair looks fine," he replied. "How do I look?" he then questioned, wearing her choice of clothing. It was deep green shirt tucked under a sharp black suit.
Although Rosette had been referring to her dress, she knew better than to correct him as she smiled and turned her wheelchair to face him. "You look handsome and we match. You aren't wearing your brown shoes are you? They'll clash with the suit."
The colonel lifted his shoe off the ground to show her. "They're black just like you wanted," he answered.
Nodding in approval, Rosette took a deep breath. "We'll leave in a minute, I'm almost ready."
"All right," Roy replied, continuing to watch the woman prep herself. He then paused as a thought came over him. "...I heard that you also helped Lieutenant Hawkeye pick out something to wear... Is that true?"
She didn't look up as she took one of the roses from the vase and began trimming it to wear in her hair. "I offered a suggestion or two, but I wouldn't say I helped her."
The older man raised his eyebrow suspiciously at her. "What do you mean by 'A suggestion or two'?" he echoed. "Why do I have the feeling that each suggestion had five parts to it?"
"She has better color sense than you." Rosette replied, cutting off all but one of the thorns before shortening the stem.
A knock suddenly sounded on the door. "Colonel, can I come in?" Came Hawkeye's voice from the other side.
Roy flashed a glance at Rosette, wondering if she cared.
"Go ahead!" Rosette called, putting the rose in behind her ear.
As soon as Hawkeye walked into the room, the colonel's jaw completely dropped. The military soldier looked less like a deadly sniper and more like a voluptuous seductress. She wore a red floor-length, strapped dress that accentuated every curve of her body as if it were water-caressing skin. Silver jewels adorned the bodice that dipped teasingly low to reveal a cleavage. The woman wore light amounts of make-up and kept her hair pinned up as usual, but the clothing made her look more womanly than ever before.
Roy had to blink several times to make sure he wasn't imagining things. Snapping his head over towards Rosette, he murmured, "I thought you said you gave her a few suggestions..." as soon as he could pick his mouth off of the floor.
Rosette ignored her brother. "Good evening Lieutenant. You'll be turning heads tonight. I told Roy there was no reason to fuss over me, but he wouldn't listen."
Hawkeye couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at Rosette's comment before sighing at her superior officer. "Colonel," she remarked in her usual formal tone. "Please don't lose focus tonight due to my state of dress."
The colonel tried his best to straighten himself up but seemed as if he were failing miserably. "W-who said I was losing focus?" he demanded in a more gruff voice than normal.
"Lieutenant? Tell me the truth, is my dress crooked? Roy's no help at all!"
The older woman walked over to Rosette and circled her once with a look of concentration on her face. "I think... the right side is a tiny bit higher than the other," she murmured as soon as she was standing in front of the girl again.
Looking relieved, she fixed it. "How's that?"
"Much better," Hawkeye replied with a small smile in place.
Clearing his throat, Roy asked the first thing that came into his head. "...Will this be the first night you'll actually go someplace public without carrying a gun?"
The Lieutenant raised her eyebrow at the strange question. "Of course not," she answered, shifting her left leg forward to reveal that there was a slit in her dress. In the middle of her thigh lay a gun holster that was connected to her garter belt.
As soon as Roy saw the garter belt, he immediately averted his head. "...That answered my question..." he murmured quietly.
The redhead snickered. "Get our coats before you dig yourself any deeper and swallow your foot in the process Roy." She winked at Hawkeye as she spoke.
The colonel heaved a sigh similar to the one he gave when he attempted to battle in the rain. "Fine..." he said with a resigned sulk as he made to grab coats off of the coat hanger near his desk. He put on his own formal black coat after handing his sister hers.
Hawkeye shook her head, giving an expression that clearly read 'the colonel is hopeless'.
'You're telling me.' Rose's look replied as she slipped on the short black coat she wore in cold weather. "All right."
"I suppose I'll drive," Roy remarked, easily catching the women's looks as he walked past them.
"I can roll on my own and meet you there. I know you don't like messing with my chair." Rosette offered, wanting to give them time alone.
The colonel's eyes narrowed slightly. "...You think I'm going to let you go there by yourself in the dark of night?" he asked.
"It's not very far." She pointed out.
Roy glanced at Hawkeye before looking at his sister again. He knew that letting Rosette borrow a gun was a definite bad option and he also knew what his sister was trying to do. Heaving a heavy sigh, he finally said, "Fine... But I expect you to be there ten minutes after I'm there. If not, I'm going out to look for you."
Snickering, she left Roy's place, humming softly under her breath.
Hawkeye shook her head again, getting in the passenger's side of the car before waiting for her superior to get in on the other side and begin driving. She had a feeling that the ball would become very interesting...
Rosette rolled calmly down the sidewalk, in no real hurry, just enjoying the quietness of the darkness.
Her peaceful solitude was shattered by a voice that came from ahead of her. "Rosette!" the voice called before a familiar figure dressed in a formal suit appeared in front of her wheelchair. "Hey," the man greeted with a smile. "What are you doing coming down here by yourself?"
"Mark? Hi there! I decided to roll instead of riding with Roy; it seemed a pity to waste a night like this." Her face had lit up when she'd seen him, which it had been doing for the past few weeks. However if she was interested in him, that was the only sign the redhead gave.
Mark enjoyed how her expression looked happier when he was around but grew annoyed that it never went beyond that. He would have possibly mentioned something if not for noticing the woman's state of dress after passing under a street light. He paused, his eyes widening slightly at the gown she wore. '...Humans can actually look this appealing...?' Envy gasped in his mind before shaking such a "stupid" thought from his mind. Nevertheless, the homunculus managed to breathe out, "Wow... you look beautiful, Rosette..."
Rosette blushed. "I forgot to button up my coat didn't I?" She sighed. "So much for surprise..." The last part was muttered softly, as though she didn't want him to hear her.
The soldier raised his eyebrow, noticing very well that she had forgotten to close her coat. "...'Surprise'?" he echoed. "You were trying to surprise me?"
If anything, the girl's cheeks grew even hotter, but she bit her lip and refused to answer.
Mark couldn't help but smirk at her reaction, greatly enjoying her flustered expression. "Well, it's still dark out so I haven't seen the dress in it's full glory yet," he remarked.
Rosette flashed him a small smile and her color decreased slightly. By the time they reached the party, the redhead looked back to normal.
The older man's smirk remained in place, realizing a positive thought. Despite how Rosette maintained her silence towards him, he now knew that she was interested in him.
Roy stood outside of the doors of the ball, his arms crossed as he looked at the couple. Not even bothering to ask about how the two even met up in the first place, he remarked, "Good timing, Rosette. I was about to go looking for you after the last minute passed."
"You fuss too much! What? Things not go as you wanted?" She teased, unzipping her coat after rolling inside and removing it. The dress was perfectly modest, but it left no doubt that she had curves, as it hugged her body without showing any skin. She looked like a maiden princess of the forest, and the red rose in her hair only set off the pale green of the dress.
Mark's eyes widened yet again as his eyes looked over Rosette in her full glory. If it wasn't for Roy's hard eyes glaring at the back of his head, his jaw would have surely dropped. It took all of Envy's control to prevent himself from kidnapping the woman and taking her to somewhere private so he could admire her for a much longer time.
Rosette smiled shyly. "Is it all right Mark? I know it's not the fashion but..."
Mark cleared his throat, nodding his head as he tried to gain his voice back. "...You look stunning, Rosette," he admitted.
She glowed like a flower under the sun. "See? I told you things would be all right Roy."
Roy blinked, resisting the urge to glare even more at Mark in front of his sister. He could tell that the soldier liked what he saw very much. "Yeah, yeah..." he sighed. "And to answer your last question... Things did go well between me and the lieutenant."
"Uh huh... right..." She drew out the words with a roll of her eyes. "If that was so, you wouldn't be here now. She must be so disappointed..." Rosette smirked at her brother. "See you later." The redhead rolled away after that parting shot without looking back.
The colonel's eyes widened when she caught onto his bluff. "Hey! Wait!" he protested in vain as his sister evaded him.
Rosette snickered, clearly struggling not to laugh in front of other people. "Oh... I've waited a long time for that..." She allowed herself to say.
A throat cleared from her right side, causing her to turn and face the Fuhrer. He waved his hand in a friendly greeting before getting a full glance at her dress. His visible eye widened slightly upon seeing the dress. "...I'm surprised Colonel Mustang let you walk out of the house with that on," he commented with a laugh.
"He had other things on his mind Fuhrer; I just stuck out before he could corner me and make me wear something else instead." She smiled in amusement after saluting respectfully. "I was honestly surprised he came at all."
King Bradley smiled back at her words. "He looked like he enjoyed Lieutenant Hawkeye's company for a while," he commented.
"I even rolled here instead of driving with them just to give them privacy... Neither took the hint." The redhead sighed and shook her head sadly. "I guess that you can lead a horse to water but you just can't make them drink it..."
The Fuhrer let out a small laugh before his fatherly instincts began to kick in. "Should a young lady your age speak about things like that so lightly?" he asked.
"Lying about it doesn't do anything. He is the way he is. I'd marry him off, but I'm not dumping him on some woman that could really love him." Rosette replied.
The military leader let out another laugh at her response. He was vaguely aware of Mustang's "womanizing" nature so he knew it made sense that she would try to keep an eye out on her brother.
"I've already suggested moving out, but Roy said no." The redhead shrugged quietly. "Personally, I don't understand it at all, it's very annoying."
King Bradley flashed the redhead an amused smile. "It sounds annoying," he remarked before he noticed Mark step into view beside her. Looking over the pair, he gave a slight nod of approval. "Are you two here together?" he asked. It was implied that he was asking about their relationship status.
Caught completely off guard by the question, the redhead's cheeks grew quite hot while her gray eyes grew wide. "Uh… um…" For the first time, Rosette was actually tongue-tied and at a loss for how to answer the question. After all, he was the Fuhrer- off duty or not- and she didn't want to speak for Mark in case he had a different view of their relationship.
Mark looked surprised at the question, but was more in shock of how Rosette reacted. Never had he seen her appear so flustered before. After turning his eyes away from her and focusing them on the Fuhrer, he replied, "Depends on what you're implying with the word 'together.'" Letting out a calming breath, he added, "I escorted her here and we're currently close friends, but I'm not certain that we are much more than that at the moment."
Their leader kept his smile in place as he murmured, "I see..." Taking on a more fatherly tone, he remarked, "You two would look more compatible at this gala than most of the other couples I see here..."
Rosette finally got her tongue to work again. "That may be, but not everyone thinks that sir." She managed to say and hoping that made sense, the redhead still looked in shock and wished devoutly for a drink as her tongue felt thick in her dry mouth.
The Fuhrer's response to her comment was to let out a small laugh. "I don't want to impose on you for much longer," he replied. "I do hope you and Lieutenant Stone enjoy yourselves."
Mark nodded his head, raising his hand to his forehead in a respectful salute before the man walked away.
As soon as the Fuhrer was a safe distance away from them Rosette turned sharply towards the buffet table. "I'll be back, I need a drink and some air." She managed to say to Mark without gasping as she rolled away quickly without seeming to rush.
Envy had to inwardly snicker at how flustered Rosette had become due to King Bradley's words. He knew that the night could potentially work in his favor if he was able to do the right things in order to take advantage of the young woman.
Rosette managed to get her drink and roll outside into the garden without being noticed by her brother or her watchers. Although it was cold outside, the redhead didn't seem to notice as she sipped her ice water and slowly regained her composure. "I'm such an idiot… what in the name of He most high will I do now…" She sighed into the night.
Mark seemed to be the only one who noticed the young woman leave and was prepared to go after her when another man blocked his path. "...Excuse me, colonel," he murmured, trying his best to sound respectful to the man.
Roy's eyes narrowed at his sister's bodyguard, showing his suspicions about the young man. "Don't think I didn't hear the conversation you had with the Fuhrer earlier," he practically growled. "Just how close do you expect to get with her?"
The lieutenant let out a breath before answering. "I have no hidden objectives. I'm currently only her bodyguard and friend as long as I'm permitted to be either."
The colonel kept his glare on the man. "If you try anything suspicious, I'll ensure that you'll lose your job," he remarked before stomping away from Mark.
Mark then let out an annoyed huff as soon as Roy was out of sight. Envy inwardly shook his head, now more eager than ever to speak to Rosette.
Swallowing the last of her water, the redhead had regained her composure and was idly playing with the glass, watching it bend and scatter the moonlight. She looked more comfortable outside in the dark than she had been in the room with the party.
The young soldier made his way out to where Rosette stood, watching her play with her glass for a few moments before clearing his throat. "Do you mind if I join you?" he asked in a cautious tone.
"Of course you may Mark. I apologize if you were embarrassed in there…" The girl set the glass in her lap and looked at the man half hidden in the shadows. "I'm not sure where the Fuhrer got that idea from…"
Mark flashed a reassuring smile at the concerned young woman before him. "I'm fine," he assured her. "Though, I was more nervous about the colonel's sudden appearance. He seems to be agreeing with the Fuhrer's words based on how he yelled at me a few seconds ago."
Panic briefly crossed her face. "What happened? Are you okay?" She asked, giving him a worried once-over. "You don't look singed..."
The small soldier let out a small laugh at her words, idly rubbing the back of his head as if doing it out of habit. "He just threatened to get me fired if I tried anything 'suspicious' with you," he explained. "I'm not sure if that would be literally or figuratively yet."
Rosette's lips tightened and she made a small angry sound in the back of her throat. "Why doesn't he leave me to make my own choices? If I need his help, I'll ask him..." She muttered.
Letting out a breath to seemingly settle his nerves, Mark shrugged as he heard her speak. "Have you tried talking to him about that type of thing?" he asked offhandedly.
The redhead shook her head. "He's remarkably stubborn about this all things considered. I think he doesn't want me in a relationship of any sort at all."
Envy inwardly frowned at this newly formed issue. He knew that Mustang was stubborn, but for him to outright forbid her from getting into a relationship was something he now had to face terms with. "That seems a bit unrealistic," he found himself murmuring aloud. "I mean, at least, for him to think that you'd never fall in love with another person." Looking at Rosette with a serious expression in place, he added, "If you ever did reach that point, what would you do? I'd hope that you wouldn't just let the colonel destroy that connection you'd have with someone else, right?"
She returned the frown. "I'd like to say that Roy's just afraid that I'll get my heart broken but..." Rosette sighed. "I think he's more afraid that after I get attached to someone, they'll walk away from me after I tell them everything about me..."
"'Everything'?" Mark echoed before shaking his head. "In any case, there's still that chance that the person you tell will actually accept despite what happened in your past. How could you know that if he doesn't even let you try?"
"It's hard... and very painful... for me. Still, it's even worse for him than me." Rosette idly swirled the melting ice in her glass. "He's afraid because I don't go halfway with my emotions."
"In other words..." the soldier trailed off. "If you got your heart broken, you would be utterly devastated instead of just being depressed for a few days..."
"Yeah." Rosette didn't look at him. "I don't trust easily, Roy- oddly enough- is the only one that I would obey without question."
Now understanding her situation a bit more, Mark understood why she behaved the way she did. Wanting to get the conversation away from the colonel for the time being, he questioned, "So... why did you come out here after the Fuhrer left?"
"I needed some fresh air, I'm not used to fancy parties with a whole lot of people I don't know."
"Oh..." Mark blinked. "That makes sense, I suppose." He knew that somehow there was a lot more to why she came outside, but decided not to press her for the information.
"Also, it's beautiful outside, why waste it indoors? The party inside is mainly power dancing and ego rubbing anyway. I only came because the Fuhrer practically cornered me with the invite after two weeks of hide and seek." Rosette smiled.
The older man gave a chuckle. "I wonder why he'd want you to come so badly.. What do you think?"
Rosette shrugged. "I honestly don't know, but if it were a younger man I'd be very, very nervous..."
Mark shook his head. "Somehow I have a feeling I'm involved into this somehow..." he remarked.
"All I'm saying is that I'm glad the Fuhrer is old enough to be my father and married besides... unless you know something that I don't..." She looked at Mark questioningly.
The older man shook his head. "I was just saying that because of all of the rumors that are going around," he murmured. "It's almost like he's trying to play matchmaker or something..."
Rosette laughed. "Oh my, poor Roy! Why do I have the feeling that there is going to be some polite fighting going on later during this party?"
Mark thought about her comment and smirked. Even Envy was amused at the idea. "Probably because there will be."
The redhead drained her glass of the melted water. "I think we better get back... My job is never done..."
Envy inwardly scowled. He hadn't used his time wisely and now he couldn't exactly make any moves on her with a crowd around. "Yeah..." the soldier only said with a sigh.
As the two came back inside, Pride, in the back of the large ballroom, observed with a keen eye. A small smile crossed his lips, mentally patting himself on the back for a job well done.
Rosette found herself immediately corralled by Roy and led away, the older brother glaring at Mark over his shoulder.
Mark had to bite his lip to prevent himself from saying anything to Roy in response. It seemed like the presence of the colonel only served to anger Envy now.
Contrary to what she had told Mark, as Roy made the rounds with his sister in tow, she seemed to glow under her bother's gaze as she expertly charmed the people that she was introduced to.
The young soldier sighed, watching Rosette from far off. A small smirk formed. "I knew it," he remarked, her actions confirming his earlier suspicions about her leaving due to embarrassment.
Suddenly, from the roof, a loud crash sounded, quaking the building and calling everyone to attention. Without much warning, parts of the ceiling fall to the ground with a large bang and sent everyone scattering to avoid getting hit with the rubble. Blue light flickered from the newly made hole of the roof before a man dropped down into the building and landed soundly on his feet. Two features that stood out on this man was his dark, copper-colored skin and his deep red eyes that burned with hatred. "This must be my lucky day," he remarked, "so many state alchemists in one place."
Rosette rolled in front of Roy, taking the rose from her hair. "Son of Ishbala! What are you doing?" She asked calmly in Ishbalian.
All of the people in the room panicked, knowing at once, that the Isbalian was the notorious Scar. The Fuhrer ordered the others to leave and scowled, not anticipating this to happen as he rose from his chair. Upon hearing Rosette speak in Ishbalian, he paused, wondering how she had learned the language.
Envy's eyes widened in shock. How in the hell could she approach Scar so calmly when he could easily kill her?
Scar, on the other hand, immediately froze, not imagining a white woman to know the language of his people. "How do you know Ishbalian?" he questioned.
"I was born and raised in Ishbal." She spoke haltingly as she searched for the words in a language that she had forgotten much of. "My parents were not Ishbalian they worked in the... army?... as teachers." Hearing movement behind her, she switched languages. "Don't move anybody, not until I'm finished."
King Bradley paused in midstep, his sword already at the ready if the time called for it. After all, regardless of his origin, Scar was still a wanted criminal and an annoying pest to the homunculi.
Scar's tattooed arm itched in anticipation, very much on guard as he listened to Rosette speak. "Why do you now stand among these people?" he growled, highly suspicious of her.
"My family is dead. I too bear scars." The redhead's face remained expressionless as she lifted up the hem of her green skirts high enough to show him a glimpse of the horrific scaring on her legs. "In my case, there was nowhere else to go."
"And yet you're still among these people after they massacred our kin?" Scar sounded almost disgusted with her.
"Unlike you, I can't exactly get up and walk away. Ishbala preached forgiveness and compassion too, remember? Why kill them when they can't pay for their crimes in the grave." Unnoticed, she turned the rose in her hand and stabbed her palm. "Neither you or I have the right to judge for their crimes, only Ishbala has that right."
Scar's eyes narrowed at her before finding that the woman had a point. "So you've forgiven them?" he questioned.
"I believe that living with what they have done is punishment enough, and if they have not learned to value life and continue with their crimes, then let Ishbala deliver the punishment for all the crimes. Isn't that better than a quick death? If you kill them they will never have to face what they have done in its entirety." Her voice was calm. "Violence will breed nothing but more violence and pain. You cannot honor the dead by bathing in the bloods of revenge."
The Ishbalan man blinked, letting her wise words sink into him. "You must be the Daughter of Ishbala..."He murmured, allowing her to see a glimpse of his shock before his expression dissolved back into its usual serious disposition.
Now it was the redhead's turn to blink. "I apologize, I was very young when I was taken from my home." Rosette sounded humble. "I am not familiar with that phase my Brother."
Scar's lips twitched into a small frown at her words. "You are one with greater mercy than many others possess."
"I've learned to think and look at the others around me rather than focus solely on myself. It was the only good thing I could salvage from what happened to me." Rose answered, then took her eyes off Scar for a minute and flinched in automatic reflex. "Roy, stop doing that before you cause an accident, let's not press our luck."
Behind her, Roy's overprotected mode kicked in. As much as he wanted to heed his sister's words, he was still angered at the fact that she was standing so close to a man that could easily take her hostage. When he saw his sister turn around to tell him to stop sparking his clothes, he immediately did so with an irritated outtake of air.
Clearly nervous now, Rosette squeezed her hand to allow the blood to flow as the transmutation circle she'd drawn onto her palm glowed in response. "Almighty Ishbala, accept this offering..." She whispered as a wall of blood red rose vines grew around her, separating Scar from the others "You should go my Brother. I do not want you to suffer like I was forced to." Rosette sounded sad.
Scar noticed that the marks on her leg were burns and then thought about how she flinched when the colonel made sparks with his gloves. It made sense to him. She feared fire. He knew that his will to kill others had been taken from him at the moment and could only nod his head. Giving her a look of thanks, Scar fled from the scene, busting out another window with his brand of alchemy in order to exit the building.
Taking several deep breaths, Rosette murmured something softly, letting the vines return to her as she took the rose in her other hand before tipping her cupped hand and letting the blood fall on them as an offering. However, there was still fear dancing in her grey eyes as the vines twisted protectively around her.
Mark was gaping at Rosette, never expecting the girl to have a source of power all her own. 'I thought she didn't know alchemy!' Envy mentally snapped. He was also annoyed that she allowed Scar to escape considering that all of his group wanted the man dead.
The other homunculus in the room never anticipated this from the girl even with his all-seeing eye in place. He knew that Rosette was quite cunning, but never thought the girl could use alchemy in such an inventive way.
Rosette hadn't withdrawn the blood-filled red vines, if anything, they seemed to be coiling affectionately around her, a small tendril shot up and wrapped around the wrist of her still bleeding hand as though cleaning it. Her eyes were wary, clearly expecting a fight and angry words.
The one man who did know about Rosette's abilities was livid with anger and shock. At once, the colonel rushed towards the woman with a glare that was heated enough to light a person on fire. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" he snapped. When did she even get this powerful? "Since when could you even produce vines this large?"
Immediately the thorns grew out and pointed themselves as Roy in threat. "Protecting myself. I figured out what I did wrong." She stroked the rose vines soothingly, murmuring softly in Ishbalian, and they relaxed slightly.
Roy stood his ground despite knowing that the vines were sharp enough to stab through a man. "So you were experimenting behind my back?" he asked with an added growl in his voice.
"It wasn't on purpose, I discovered it by accident." Rosette replied.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Mark found himself annoyed at how the colonel continued to yell at the shaken woman. When he looked over at the Fuhrer, he could tell by the man's cold expression that he was also just as bothered by it.
The colonel let out a heavy sigh, attempting to calm himself, but was just as obviously failing at it. "Do you realize that you allowed a wanted criminal escape?" he demanded. "You basically committed an act of treason against the military and the people of this country."
"He didn't kill anyone and no one was hurt tonight. If I had let you all duke it out we'd all be buried alive, or do you not remember the Central library?" The vines pulsed as though getting fed in her fury, and blood trickled from her hand again.
Before Roy had the chance to say another word, a throat cleared behind him, making him immediately silence himself.
The Fuhrer had finally heard enough and knew that he had to clean up this mess himself. "Rosette, Colonel Mustang," he stated, looking at both of them as he stopped a few feet away from them. "Please calm yourselves."
Her face was slightly pale, but she murmured coaxingly to her roses, who didn't appear at all willing to withdraw from the way they stroked her face.
"You two are causing quite a scene," King Bradley added, pointing out how the attendees of the ball circled around them. "And despite how you have a very good point, Rosette, Colonel Mustang is also right," he said, his voice growing more firm.
"I take full responsibility sir, my only thought was saving lives." Rosette answered respectfully, stroking the thickest of the vines as though it was a cat.
"I understand that," the Fuhrer replied calmly. "However, I cannot let you go unpunished. If I allowed you to get off without any consequences, many others would think it would be safe to commit more treasonous acts against Amestris." His voice only continued to grow sterner towards her, making it the first time he had used such a tone with the woman he usually treated like a daughter of sorts.
At this, both Roy and Mark couldn't help but gasp. It was to be expected, but it was also hard to believe.
She nodded and bowed her head respectfully. "As you wish."
"You will be in my office tomorrow morning at seven o'clock exactly. Not a second later," the ruler said, obviously making it an order. "That is when I will tell you what I've decided to make your punishment."
"It will be my pleasure sir." Her voice was quiet.
King Bradley's eye flashed at the colonel, his hard expression almost seeming to dare Roy to protest. When he saw that the Flame Alchemist was even tame at his words, he eased up slightly and made to address the crowd. Raising his voice, he looked over the people and announced, "Due to these unfortunate circumstances, the ball is hereby cancelled. You are all free to leave."
The redhead did not move, all of her attention focused on the roses, murmuring softly in Ishbalian. After several minutes, they withdrew, but left a crown of themselves in her lap.
After a few minutes of silence, Mark decided to make his presence known. He stepped forward, making sure to maintain his distance from Rosette in case her vines decided to make a return. "Shall I escort you back to your place?" he offered to the woman.
Placing the crown on her head, the redhead nodded. "Thank you very much Mark."
The young soldier looked over at the woman's brother, silently asking for his permission.
Roy noticed Mark's expression, and gave a subtle nod of approval, knowing that Rosette needed space away from him at the moment.
Before leaving, Rosette quickly downed two cups of juice before leaving with Mark. "No need to hover Mark, I'll be all right, I didn't give that much."
Mark's expression showed nothing but worry for the young woman until she said those words to him. He let out a small breath in order to dissolve the emotion. By the time they were outside, he looked over the woman's beautiful and couldn't help but frown. "It's a shame that you got dressed up and didn't get the chance to do anything with it," he remarked.
Rosette smiled warmly. "There will be other parties. It's not a big deal Mark."
The young man returned the smirk as they began to walk down the street. "So that means I can see you in more beautiful dresses?" he teased.
"I only bought this one, and Roy pitched a huge fight and made me look at every other dress in Central first." Rosette admitted. "The only reason I got this one was he was too tired at the end of the day to fight with me anymore."
Mark let out a small laugh at her words. "That sounds like something he would do..." he remarked, wanting to lighten the mood a bit.
She laughed softly. "Yeah, tell me about it, I had a rip-roaring headache the whole night, but my stubbornness paid off."
"So, why were you so insistent on this dress in particular?" the older man questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I loved the color, and it fit me perfectly." Rosette blushed slightly. "Clothing has to feel good as well as look good."
"I agree," Mark replied with a chuckle. "I'm glad the dress worked out for you, though."
"Be honest, did I really look that pretty, because it felt like I was swimming in envious drool back there when brother made his rounds with me in tow."
Mark's eyes widened as he stopped walking. "...You actually think the men in there were pretending to find you beautiful?" he couldn't help but gasp out. How humble could this woman get?! He shook his head. "I assure you, Rosette," he began, his tone becoming more firm. "You were certainly the most beautiful woman at that ball."
"I know for a fact there were. Usually if they are interested is me, it's not me they are really after or interested in." She shook her head. "Been there, done that."
"Then, what are they interested in?" the soldier asked, growing curious.
"My brother's military connections for one."
Mark fell silent, knowing that she had a point. "...So, what?" he began. "Does that mean I was the only genuine person in the building?" The last sentence made him smirk.
"I don't know, I wasn't around any of them long enough to get a good enough impression of any of them."
Rosette shrugged. "Of course they were on their best behavior cause Roy was there too..."
The soldier found himself shrugging. "If you think that to be the truth, why did you ask me in the first place?" He couldn't help but find it slightly amusing.
"Because I can't see everything. I might notice certain things that other people miss, but the reverse is also true." Rosette replied, pausing to button up her coat against the breeze that blew, hiding her dress. "Besides, I'm the new person around here."
"I suppose that is true..." Mark murmured as they continued to near her place of residence. "Though, after tonight, you'll be well known around this country."
She raised her eyebrow. "What for?"
The older man tilted his head slightly, puzzled by how it wasn't already obvious to her. "What you did with Scar tonight," he replied. "You don't think that will get around to other people?"
"All I did was talk to him, okay lectured him."
"Lecture him while being wrapped around in vines..." Mark added. "It's not like anyone can claim to have done that."
"I didn't kill him, and any alchemist could do that if they wanted to." She shrugged. "Nothing special, just think for yourself, not follow the crowd."
The young man sighed, still surprised by her humbleness. He felt silent for a few moments, recalling their conversation with the Fuhrer. "Rosette..." he murmured. "Do you recall the conversation we had at the ball?"
"I remember. Roy was muttering under his breath."
"I was thinking about what the Fuhrer was saying..." Mark trailed off. "Have you ever thought about being in a relationship with me?" His tone was innocent and curious.
Rosette looked surprised. "Has he been throwing hints at you?" She asked, sounding protective.
The older man let out a small laugh. "He might have a few times, but that's not why I asked."
She raised an eyebrow. "If I said yes, is your head going to swell up?"
"I'd hope not," the young man replied with another chuckle.
Cocking her head to the side, she took a deep breath. "I'll admit you are very intelligent, polite and a very handsome man at that."
"Why, thank you," Mark replied with a smile. "I believe that you are a very intelligent, well-mannered, and beautiful woman also."
"What made you...?" She broke off her sentence, color flooding her cheeks "I'm sorry, you don't have to answer that..."
"'Made me' what?" the soldier pressed, sounding puzzled.
Color flowed hotter now. "What made you like me as more than just a friend?"
The older man nervously scratched the back of his head as he searched his mind for an answer. "To be honest... When I first saw you, I immediately felt an attraction towards you," he murmured. "I kind of had the feeling that this relationship would develop into something more for a while now."
"Really?" She sounded surprised. "You think maybe that it was a case of love at first sight?"
Mark blinked. "...But wouldn't that only be the case if the feeling was mutual from the first instant?" he asked.
"Not always. And just because you don't shout it from the rooftops doesn't mean it's not there."
The young man now found himself more interested in what she was trying to say. "So, did you feel anything when you first saw me?" he queried.
She laughed. "I would make a very poor spy wouldn't I?"
The soldier smirked. "Maybe..." he murmured. "I wouldn't suggest you look into that being your replacement career."
"I'll most likely end up opening a bookstore or the like if my writing doesn't take off."
"Ah," Mark said with a nod. "...So... Rosette..." he trailed off. "Knowing that your brother won't approve of it, would you considering going on a date with me sometime?" The smirk he now wore appeared mischievous, almost adding a sense of rebelliousness to his persona.
"I would like that very much." Rosette said simply. "Still let's wait until I'm out of the hot water..." She looked disappointed as the dorms came into view.
"That's fine with me," the older man responded without thinking, knowing that there were more important things to deal with at the moment. "I'm willing to wait as long as it takes."
Rosette frowned slightly as shot him a look as though wondering if Mark realized how harsh that sounded considering he had just asked her out, but kept moving
Mark blinked, inwardly wanting to smack himself as soon as the words left his mouth. "Wrong choice of words..." he murmured aloud with a slight cringe.
Still frowning, she didn't say anything for a moment as the dorms came into view. "Is shoving your foot into your mouth a trait all males share, or that just you and Roy?"
Mark raised his eyebrow at her. "I think most men do it a few times in their life."
"Uh huh..." Her tone spoke volumes of disbelief. The look on her sweet face mirrored her tone.
The older man offered up an unserious excuse. "Maybe men like us find ourselves drawn to you?"
"It must be, though I can't figure out why for the life of me..." She smiled slightly in amusement. "Well, I think we are close enough, I don't want you to get hurt by being on Roy's doorstep."
Mark returned the smile she gave him. "That would be unfortunate..." he agreed.
The redhead stopped. "Goodnight Mark. I'd say see you tomorrow but I'm not sure if I will."
The homunculus inwardly frowned. How could he prove that he was willing to take their relationship further? It then dawned on him that the only thing he could do went against everything he stood for. 'There's no way I can do that!' He growled to himself, even his mental thoughts sounding disgusted at the thought that crossed his mind. However, as his eyes looked at hers, the man murmured her name. Dammit… there isn't any other way!' Envy snarled. Stepping forward, he closed the gap that had been between them. Without proper warning, the homunculus in human disguise bent his head down and captured Rosette's lips in a tender and innocent kiss.
Hesitantly, Rosette chastely kissed him in return, her lips tasted like something sweet. She kept her hands at her sides, unsure of what to do with them as the rest of her froze in place.
Envy was inwardly shocked at the fact that he didn't find the contact disgusting at all. In fact, it was quite the opposite. He couldn't help but want even more, but pulled away before doing something he'd regret. "Sorry," he murmured with a smirk. "I probably should have warned you beforehand."
She blinked twice and said the first thing that came out of her mouth, Rosette was that shaken. "Please warn me the next time you try to turn my body into a lightening rod."
Mark couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped his lips. "I'll be sure to do that in the future," he murmured. He knew that she had liked it since she had returned the kiss.
Looking nervous, she looked towards the dorms. "I better go." There was a mixture of disappointment and nerves in her voice.
The soldier nodded with a slight frown on his face. "Alright," he murmured. Forcing a smile, he added, "I hope to see you tomorrow." Inwardly, however, Envy was fuming with anger. The kiss he had sparked caused him suddenly to want to do even more with her and there was no way he could carry her off as he wanted without risking her or his own life.
"Wish me luck for tomorrow?" Rosette looked a little scared about her meeting with the Fuhrer tomorrow.
Mark managed another nod. "Of course," he replied before turning away in order to prevent himself from doing just as his mind wanted him to do. As he walked away from the young woman, a scowl lined his countenance. There was one thing he had on his agenda tomorrow, and that was to speak to the Fuhrer about the so-called "punishment" he had in store for Rosette.
