26. Goodbye
The news was unexpected, and well-received. Roy had expected Archer to return several weeks from now, but the Lieutenant Colonel was coming back to work soon. Roy wouldn't admit it out loud, but he would be happy to see Archer safe and sound. Apparently some strange things had happened down in South Headquarters while Archer was there, but no one was killed, at least.
Lieutenant Colonel. Roy greeted the other as Archer entered the building. He looked a little worse for the wear than usual, for once not as pristinely perfect as usual. How was your trip to South Headquarters?
Archer brushed by Roy, but the other followed him, figuring that Archer just wanted to talk in private. It was alright. The Elrics are safe and should be returning here soon enough. There was no word about what had happened down there, no mention of whether or not he'd discovered anything about Laboratory Five, and he still seemed distant.
The two entered Archer's private office, and Roy hovered over the desk while Archer sat down. You seem exhausted.
You try riding on a train with Major Armstrong for several hours. Archer groaned. It was as if there was something else he wanted to say, but shook his head instead. I need to talk to you about our little… 'deal'. He finally said, turning to rest his elbows on the desk and lacing his fingers together in a little gesture Roy had grown to imitate on occasion. I can't work alongside you anymore, Colonel. We need to focus on our own careers rather than helping one another out.
What? What the hell did Archer mean? They'd been aiding one another because it was beneficial to both of them. Why would he want to stop that now? For a moment, Roy wondered if Archer had gone behind his back to win the Fuhrer's favor or something, but Archer wouldn't do that… right?
Goodbye, Colonel Mustang. Archer's voice hadn't changed at all from its usual monotone, and motioned for the other to leave.
Something inside Roy broke as those words were spoken. He left without another word.