One of these days I'll update one of my other fics, but for now – enjoy another chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing everyone! It really brightens my day.


Chapter 12

Major Alex Armstrong knew there was something very wrong with the world the moment he stepped foot into Lieutenant Colonel's office. To be more specific, Zolf J. Kimblee was sitting at a desk in the back corner glaring at a piece of paper. Completely out in the open during standard work hours, complete with uniform. Everyone else seemed to be working as per usual, though they did steal the occasional glance back to the new addition. Frank Archer was looking his normal self and filling out paperwork like there wasn't a homicidal lunatic sitting less than ten feet from his person.

Archer took a deep breath internally when he saw Armstrong enter into the office from his peripheral. Introducing Kimblee to the regular office was a piece of cake; he was just a new addition to the staff. Most of them questioned why he was doing sergeant paperwork considering his rank, but otherwise he was accepted. But now Archer needed to re-introduce the man to Major Armstrong who would inevitably tell Mustang. Time for the dog and pony show to begin; Archer cleared his throat and attempted to sound nonchalant. "Is there a problem, Major?"

"Ah, no sir." Armstrong turned his head to the much smaller man looking at him thoughtfully. He tilted his head in Crimson's direction with a slight nod. "I was just noticing the new face."

"Ah yes," Archer chuckled and hoped he sounded non-threatening. He lay one arm down on the desk and waved with the other to indicate Kimblee. "I believe you were introduced to Lieutenant Colonel Kimblee in Dublith, yes?"

Armstrong's eyes widened slightly; he hadn't realized that part of the deal. If that was true, than Crimson had more power than he originally anticipated. He was of equal rank with his 'boss.' "Lieutenant Colonel, sir?"

"Yes, his promotion from Major was an act of kindness in order to rectify the grievances brought about by false charges. He was cleared of said charges and returned to service in my office."

Armstrong stared. Promotion? False charges? Cleared of said charges? The words kept pouring through the man's mind. He had seen Crimson in Ishbal. The Strong Arm was more than aware that the accusations against the Crimson Alchemist as a comrade killer and murderer were highly accurate- yet they were completely wiped from the record? Archer had more connections than the Major had given him credit. Suddenly, the blue eyed man was much more of a threat. Mustang needed to be informed immediately.

"Why so quiet, Strong Arm?" Kimblee chuckled and tossed the paper back onto his desk. This menial paperwork was so pointless; Kimblee couldn't figure out how Archer could stand to do it all day. "Aren't you happy to see an old war buddy?"

Armstrong kept his mouth shut; the entire office was watching for his reaction and this was no place to start a verbal spar. His family pride would never allow it. "No, I am just surprised. That's all."

"In any case, what did you need?" Archer cut in abruptly. Kimblee was bored and likely to try and pick a fight despite his promises. And as always, it was Archer's job to change the subject before things spiraled out of control. He was such a good leader. "Are those the documents I asked for Friday afternoon?"

"Yes, sir." Armstrong handed over the folder he had carried in to the other man and saluted. Now that his task was done, he needed to quickly inform the Colonel of the new developments. "If that will be all, I'll take my leave."

"Yes, yes. You're dismissed." Archer waved his hand and started to look over the files. He sighed internally when he realized he was going to need Mustang's signature on a few of these pages. Someone really hated him. Shame Mustang was probably going to find out about Kimblee before he could get the man to volunteer his John Hancock.

Armstrong strode out of the office quickly and headed straight for the office of his true superior. Colonel Mustang needed to be informed of this movement on the part of the 'enemy' immediately. Originally, Armstrong had been under the impression that Archer was waiting for Liore to reveal his trump card, and that was when he would tell Mustang to make his move. But apparently plans were changing. He turned swiftly into the office and stood in front of the lead lady. "Lieutenant Hawkeye, is Colonel Mustang available?"

"Major?" Hawkeye looked up from her desk. The man's sparkle was still present, but his eyes were serious and concerned. She straightened her back and gave him her full attention."Yes, of course."

"I'll see him, then." The Strong Arm spotted Mustang behind a desk talking with Lieutenant Havoc. Armstrong headed straight for the Colonel and saluted. Armstrong didn't wait for Mustang to acknowledge him before speaking. "I need to speak with you immediately."

Roy looked up at Armstrong and set down the papers he had been holding onto Havoc's desk. One look over at the Major and Mustang realized that Archer had finally made his move. He looked down at his Lieutenant with a nod. "I'll be later to help finish this, Havoc."

"Okay, Chief." Havoc nodded and watched the two alchemists leave the room in quite the hurry. He looked over at Feury, Falman and Breda and frowned. Havoc noticed that they too shared the same confused look he himself was surely sporting from the sudden change in atmosphere. Hawkeye on the other hand just looked concerned and edgy; much like Havoc when he didn't fit his cigarette break into the day. That couldn't be good.


"I think the day went rather well myself." Kimblee smirked and sat on the edge of Archer's desk. It was close to four-thirty and Archer had let the other officers leave early for putting up with his exploding paper airplanes and rubber bands. (Kimblee was still amused by the one poor sap who's uniform got set on fire; when it was over even the sergeant was laughing so Archer couldn't say anything.) At the very least he had done his paperwork obediently for the first part of the day. Kimblee even finished filling out about six forms. "Now let's end it on a good note too and get a drink."

"That actually sounds rather nice," Archer smiled. Aside from a few playful antics, Kimblee had behaved and he had yet to see any signs of a storming Roy Mustang. The Colonel must have been taking things better than he originally thought. Archer wanted to take this small blessing and dive into good drink and good company. Kimblee was rather pleasant when he wasn't being a possessive, homicidal ass, after all. "Do you remember that one bar we went to last month? How about we go there?"

"Sounds good to me." Kimblee smirked and closed the folder Archer was working in. He leaned over and grinned like a child. Archer was in a good mood and it was infectious. "So come on! Let's get out of this stuffy office and get drunk off our asses."

"Listen, I have to finish that first since I already bothered to start with it." Archer pulled the folder back open and frowned at the smeared ink. It hadn't had time to dry yet. "Then, we can leave."

"Ah, everyone else left early. Who's going to-" Kimblee was cut off by a door slamming open. He turned around and came face to face with the Flame Alchemist and smirked. The man definitely looked enraged and that made Kimblee happy. "Well hello there, Flame. Long time no see."

"Crimson." Roy spat out the man's name and could feel his blood boiling; the urge to just snap and wipe him out of the room was tempting. When Armstrong first informed him earlier about that man's re-instatement to the military, Roy hadn't believed him. There was no possible way that man should even be alive let alone back in arms. Before he could confirm it for himself, though, Roy had been called off to a meeting and had to wait. But now he was standing before that same man with the lanky gait and smirk that had disgusted him at Ishbal. But Kimblee was just a pawn, Mustang turned his anger towards the one who brought that monster here. "Archer, what is the meaning of this?"

"Oh, did Major Armstrong not tell you?" Archer leant back into his seat and tried to appear calm. Truth be told, being in the same room with two, well explosive alchemists was slightly unnerving. He had no desire to be incinerated before he even got to lead troops to Liore. "Lt. Colonel Kimblee was wrongfully accused of crimes he did not commit during Ishbal and has thus been cleared of all charges. Now he's working in my office under my command."

"Wrongfully accused?" Roy gaped. "That man is guilty of every charge." Roy pointed straight at the man and was tempted to walk across the room and slam his fists on the desk of that pompous war monger. "How can you even dare to say he is innocent with a straight face?"

Archer shrugged and smirked slightly despite the twitching of his hands under the desk. "Be that as it may, he was cleared by the Führer himself. Are you going to argue a decision made by our head of state, Colonel?"

Kimblee almost laughed as Mustang snarled and tried to keep his mouth shut. Arguing against the Führer's orders was as good as treason. Flame was in a bind and it was just too good. Kimblee went ahead and added a bit of coal to the fire while he could get away with it. "It'll be nice working with you again, Mustang."

"I can not say I share the same sentiments." It was hard for Roy to talk through his gritted teeth, but he managed. The Colonel took a deep breath to calm himself first, and then looked straight at Archer. He'd just have to keep his eyes on the both of them.

"Well, I think I've had enough for the day." Archer smiled and re-closed the folder now that the ink was dry. He knew it was sudden, but getting out of the office and firing range was becoming higher on Archer's list. Not that Mustang would do anything, but then again you never knew with alchemists. "Kimblee and I were just on our way out to have a drink, care to join us, Colonel?"

Kimblee's eyes widened and his head snapped to look at Archer. There was no way in hell he had just invited Mustang on their date. He searched Archer's face for any sign that it was a bluff and he just asked out of politeness…but why even mention it in the first place? Kimblee's fists were gripping and he tried to stay calm. Archer didn't' like it when he was jealous openly. But Mustang had better say no; for everyone's sake.

"I'll have to pass." Mustang frowned and shook his head. It seemed the confrontation was coming to a close. "I mainly came to confirm for myself the rumors I had been hearing. Having done such, I'm heading back to finish my own work."

"Have a good day, Colonel." Archer nodded from his seat. When the man had left, he turned to Kimblee and smiled for real with a slight quirk of his eyebrow. "I'm impressed; you didn't kill him."

Kimblee smirked right back and crossed his arms. "I told you I could behave when I wanted."

Archer laughed; Kimblee looked like a grade school student waiting to be praised fro finishing his homework. Archer shook his head and reached for his overcoat. "Yes, now how about that drink?"

Kimblee nodded and watched as Archer gathered his things. The first hurdle had been crossed now that Mustang was onto the playing field. All things considered, it hadn't gone that badly. Mustang was just angry but hadn't shown any signs just yet of doing something stupid. And now Kimblee just had to deal with the second hurdle: getting Archer to fall for him. Kimblee wanted another kiss.