Author's Note: Not only is this chapter late... but it's almost filler-ish . Though, I do find this chapter kinda funny; hopefully you guys do too. The next chapters should be better... I think. Anndddd, thanks to everyone who reviewed! I apreciate every one of them, it helps alot ^^

IronClaw Alchemist -10- A Day in the Life

I stood there, watching Havoc contently as the three officers started their ritual of sorts.

"Thirty bucks says he stays like that for the rest of the day," Breda called out, raising some money from his pocket.

"Twenty says a beer couldn't even move him!" Fuery added excitedly.

Of course, Falman had to join in too. "Thirty bucks with Breda's!"

Breda glanced at Hawkeye for a moment, then back at the guys, receiving indifferent shrugs.

"Lieutenant, you want in?"

She didn't look up, just continued working. "I would like no part in your stupid games."

I chuckled at her witty comment and glanced between the three men. I was used to their games now; the one who wins eats like a king for the next few days, and the ones who lose go without eating for a while. That's how they make it out to seem, but lately the stakes haven't been so high. Though, a few extra bucks would be pretty nice.

"Forty on Fuery's," I added as the guys tossed their money onto the table.

"You sure? You still owe Mustang."

I shrugged and strode over to Havoc's desk and sat on it once more. It was only fourty dollars. Plus, what's the worst he could do? Burn my ass? Well... Maybe I should win the bet.

"So, Havoc..." I started, immediately getting the attention of the three officers. "I was just thinking a nice, cold drink would be nice right about now. How about we go for a beer? I'll buy."

Of course I was underage to be buying beers, but I figured that little bit of information would pass by him. When offering guys a free beer, I doubt they'd even consider that fact.

Even with that in mind, Havoc sat there unfazed, but I did notice a slight twitch in his lip.

"Yes! Hand over the money guys!" Fuery exclaimed happily.

Fuery kind of reminded me of a little kid at Christmas time when they walk down the stairs and see all the presents. It was short lived though as his 'parents' told them that they weren't his.

"Not so fast Fuery. He still hasn't moved, so we haven't lost," Breda explained contently.

Unfortunately, he was right and of course I wanted the money, so I'd have to figure out a way to snap Havoc out of his phase. Then the thought occurred to me. If he was like this because he didn't have cigarettes, then couldn't it be solved by offering him a replacement?

I turned back to Havoc, my victorious grin masked. "Havoc, instead of a beer, how about I buy you a new pack of cigarettes?"

As soon as I mentioned 'cigarettes', his eyes seemed to glow. I glanced at Fuery, he was in a similar state.

"Twenty bucks please," he instructed happily.

Two annoyed glares met his grin as the two soldiers reluctantly handed over the money.

"And forty for me," I added contently.

As soon as I had received the money, I gave Havoc a couple dollars for the cigarette's, all the while chuckling at Breda's mumbling.

It felt nice to count the remainder of my money. Though the amount was small, it was a helpful way to get out of the debt of the 'generous' Colonel. The faster I could pay him back, the better. Needless to say, I couldn't celebrate my victory to the fullest; the Colonel's scent had made itself present as Dai walked past me and sat down with the men.

I tried ignoring Mustang for the time being, but he just waited patiently. It's not like he needed to complete his paperwork- he had his subordinates for that. Slightly agitated, I turned towards the smirking man and walked past him into the office.

"Smirks are never a good sign," I pointed out as I stopped in front of his desk.

I heard his chuckle make its way past me until I could see him take a seat. I was definitely going to regret giving in.

"How's training?"

I quirked an eyebrow. "Good..."

He nodded contently and laced his fingers in front of him. There was something more to his plan. Yes, that was it, he was planning. He was going to distract me with his feeble questions, then he would bombard me with some form of provocation. I knew this scheme all too well from Charles. Sick bastard.

"Is Fullmetal a good trainer?"

I felt my eyebrows pull together. "This is what the build up was for?" I couldn't help but question his motives.

"No, no, this is the work part of your visit."

Great, so there was stupidity to be dealt with, just my luck. As he watched my discomfort, his chin rested on his fingers as he smiled up at me blissfully. "The other part deals with that favour you so willingly promised me."

My day just became oh so much better.

"You're kidding?" I knew he wasn't, but it was worth a shot.

"'Fraid not," he answered, keeping his grin. "The day I become Fuehrer there will be changes, but why not start ahead?"

I felt myself wince slightly. Fuehrer Mustang... With control over all of Amestris... Wants to change something. It was like a nightmare come true.

"Okay, I'll bite... What is it?"

His blissful grin turned into one of victory. "Mini skirts."

My first instinct was that I heard him wrong, but with my sense of hearing, that was doubtful. There was one thing that came to mind though. Well, there were a few, but they weren't appropriate for a supervising officer.

"You're... a closet perv?"

His grin wavered at my question. "No."

"But then-"

"I do not need to explain myself to you."

Well, there was one good thing that came from this little bit of information... Mustang liked women... Not my brother... I gagged at the thought- yeah, it had crossed my mind.

"So... What does this have to do with me?" I asked fearfully.

If he was going to have me wear one-

"I was thinking you could wear one for the exam, as a demonstr-"

"You're a pedo then...?"

As soon as he had confirmed my fears, that idea had popped into my head. From that point, I ignored what he was saying.

"I am most certainly not!" he shot back.

I stepped back instinctively and gulped at his cold glare. Revenge didn't seem possible with him...

"Look, the exam is the perfect opportunity to show the higher ups that it's a good idea and is plausible," he persuaded as he rubbed his brow soothingly. "You'll have the higher-up's attentions this way too, giving you the advantage."

"I'll have their attention or my-"

"You."

Yeah right... Either way, I didn't want to do this. It's a stupid way to pass and it was a favour for Mustang. I didn't like it one bit.

With a groan, I took out my winnings from earlier and placed it on his desk.

"Even if you pay me back, you still owe me a favour," he informed as his hand made a move for the money. "Though, I'll tak-"

Before he could get it, I grabbed the bills and shoved them back into my pocket stubbornly. There had to be a way around this...

"There's no way around it, Riku."

I felt my jaw clench. "Now you're a mind reading pedo?"

He went to protest, but stopped short and sighed. "Just keep in mind that I'll be one of the judges."

With a scowl on my face, I turned around and stormed out of his office, ignoring the calls from the other officers. Stupid Mustang and his stupid ideas. Though, as much as I was against it, there was a part of me that was willing to give in- it was just clothing after all.

I groaned and slammed my head against the closed door of my room. Maybe that'd wake me up and I'd realize I didn't have to go through with Mustang's favour. Unfortunately, it just left me with a throbbing head and the annoyance knowing that I had to do it.

"Riku? Are you okay?"

I looked up at the armoured boy and nodded slightly, an idea popping into my head. Without a word, I leaned toward Al and rested my head against his cool metal body. Perfect.

From behind him, I could hear Ed questioning his younger brother, but that was of no concern to me- I had just discovered the cure for headaches.

"Uhm... Riku, Brother found a book for you to read if you want..." Al informed timidly.

I lifted my head and looked past him at Ed before walking into my room. The throbbing immediately returned though, so I just dropped onto my bed and closed my eyes.

"Can I have that book?" I asked, not bothering to look up at him.

He didn't respond right away, just tossed the book over to me, letting it land on the bed.

"It's more up to date with the technology so you should try and read it," Ed stated from the couch.

I sat up with a nod and picked up the book, but Dai walked in before I could open it.

"Mustang said you forgot something, Riku."

Knowing full well what it was, I gave him a worried look as he handed me the package. I didn't say anything though, just shoved in under my bed.

"What was it?" Ed asked curiously.

I shrugged and opened the book, pretending to occupy myself with it, but he didn't fall for it. Curiously, he started towards my bed, but I quickly shot him a glare to stop him. Ignoring my hinting at 'leave it alone', he continued towards the box.

As much as I admired stubbornness, there was always a time to give up- like now. With a groan, I swung my leg over the side of my bed, but unfortunately he was able to dodge and grab the box.

"Do you not catch on to hints?" I muttered in annoyance.

He didn't bother to answer me, just moved to the other side of the room to avoid me. Like that would help. Without a seconds notice, I removed my shoe and wiped it at him, hitting him square in the side of the head.

"Oww!"

While he was taking the time to recover, I marched over and grabbed the box from his hands and retrieved my shoe.

"Let that be a lesson to you Teach."

Foot Note: Well... that's that. As of next chapter it'll be closer to the exam, because they've spent quite a while doing random stuff already. Alrighty, 'till next time ^^