Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist, nor do I own the song 'Stream Of Consciousness'.

XI: Stream Of Consciousness – 496 words

Lyrical themes: None. (Instrumental)

Italics - Edward's thoughts

Maybe if I applied that regeneration theory – but that wouldn't work, I'd need some framework – although I might try what Al suggested in his letter... I wonder how he manages reading all these journals without getting Winry mad – I know she has him running around all day helping. Makes me glad I'm living in Central. Hang on; did I pay my rent the other day? I know I sent out mail, but was the rent one of them?

Edward was so lost in his thoughts that he had walked into Mustang's office without even noticing; until Havoc halted him by gripping both his shoulders.

"What's wrong Boss? You usually aren't this spaced-out," he asked seriously while he examined the blonde.

Shrugging himself free, Edward took a seat at his desk before responding. "Nothing Havoc; I haven't slept well all fortnight, and I didn't sleep at all last night because I was reading. I've just been a little less attentive this morning; my mind is running away on strange tangents whenever I lose focus for a moment."

Roy snickered from behind his newspaper, "How's that different from usual?" Edward simply lent back in his chair, waiting for the rest of the company to arrive. They were going out to examine the new training facilities today, and had to wait for everyone.

The Bastard sure is in a good mood today – probably happy to have another go at me on the new battleground – not that all his finger snapping will save him. Damn it, I'm so tired I could fall asleep on the concrete floor right now.

Riza walked through the door at that moment, and greeted them all before comfortable silence resumed.

Quick, feet of the desk. Good, she didn't see. Wait, she did see, she has an attention for detail after all. Luckily so do I; I saw that subtle flash of your eyes Riza... Great, I'm insane now, trying to talk to Riza telepathically. Riza, if you can hear this, please let me know now.

Edward watched her go about her morning routine for a few minutes before letting it go.

Did she get a haircut overnight, or is that just a new style? In makes her eyes look even prettier – or maybe it's... Edward had to halt his thoughts right there.

'Makes her eyes look even prettier'? What exactly am I thinking? Sure, Riza is beautiful, funny... Again, Ed had to stop.

Okay I really need to get some sleep if I'm staring. Not that she's unattractive, cause I've always admired how she looked, and how compassionate... Edward got to his feet, trying to hide his blush while collecting his things, and went to the door. "I'll be waiting at the car."

He wasn't far away from the door when Riza fell in step beside him. Riza only spoke once as they walked.

"Thank you for noticing my haircut Edward."

The alchemist blushed even further before responding quietly.

"It makes your eyes look pretty."

A/N: Different, I know. I looked up stream of consciousness on Wikipedia, and read about SoC writing, a style of writing with an uninterrupted inner monologue. Like J.D. on the TV show 'Scrubs'. I thought it was interesting, and since I had no real idea what to write for this instrumental, I decided to give this a shot. I mostly just let my own mind run rampart for a while and see what I came up with.

As much as I hate to admit it (even if it is funny) the telepathic thing is actually something I think on occasion. Yeah, I know I'm insane, don't worry.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this random, insane drabble.

Ash.