A/N: Surprisingly this update was quick and I expect the next will be just as fast since I'm already writing Chapter 40 as you read this. I wasn't sure how I should start this chapter at first but I decided to start it where Chapter 37 left off. Anyway, thanks to crazyuser and xxdarknessxfallsxx for their reviews. :)

CHAPTER 38 - Central Headquarters:

"Let's get married, Naminé."

Naminé pulled away from Kimblee, her eyebrows knitted together. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah." Kimblee was trying to act nonchalant about this. However it didn't help that Naminé acted so surprised. He didn't want to think about how big a deal it was. Thinking along those lines would only cause him to mull over things he rather not dwell on. "You don't want to?"

"I wasn't saying that we shouldn't," she said carefully. "I was just wondering if this really is a proposal."

He raised an eyebrow. He really didn't know why Naminé was making this sound difficult. "The ring will come later."

"No, it's not that," she said, frowning now. "You actually want to marry me?"

"Naminé, I wouldn't bring it up if I didn't."

"But you actually want us to be married, have kids, and live together into old age?"

He sighed and rolled onto his back. "...I never thought about having kids." He had no issue with the first part and he assumed that the third part would just happen naturally. But the idea of children in his life was something else. His childhood had been anything but good. He wouldn't know what to give a kid that would depend on him for everything. "Do you want some?"

Naminé's hand lightly touched his shoulder. "I do at some point. Don't you think it would nice to have a baby together?"

For the majority of his military career, he had taken away life. Now Naminé was asking him to help create one. In theory, it would be amusing to see a miniature version himself running. However, he already knew how Naminé felt when he was at his worst, making his bombs and detonating them without a care. The kid could turn out to be the same way, probably a little monster.

As if she could ready his mind, Naminé rested her head on his shoulder and gently touched his chest. "I think it would be nice," she told him.

"And if the kid's like me?"

"The baby will have the best parts of you."

Kimblee wished that he knew what those parts were, although he was sure they were few in number. "If we do have kid, babe, we're not naming him after me." He waited for her to ask why but she didn't.

"We don't have to decide on kids now, you know," Naminé said. "I still want to marry you."

Ah. The confirmation he had been waiting for. He wrapped his arm around and closed his eyes. "I'm glad to hear that."

One week later...

The two alchemists had spent the previous night making love. So they were more than annoyed when the phone rang early in the morning. Naminé untangled herself from Kimblee's naked body and moved to the other side of the bed as Kimblee stirred. Naminé grabbed the phone before it rang a third time. Sleepily she said, "Hello?"

"Major Thomson. Did I wake you up?"

Lieutenant Colonel Frank Archer. She hadn't heard his voice since he had left for Central City. She was surprised that it was only now that the man had decided to check if she was alive. She sat up, reaching for the rumpled bed sheets for modesty's sake. It had been okay last night since the room had been dark but it was far too bright to not cover herself. "Yes, you did," she replied, glancing at her alarm clock. "Did something happen?"

"I need you to bring Kimblee within three days to Central City. After that, you will be relieved of your 'babysitting' duty."

"Really?" She asked, biting her lip. Kimblee sat up and moved closer to her. Briefly, her blue eyes landed on him.

Archer said, "You don't sound too excited, Thomson."

"No. No. I am. I'm just too tired." She wondered what Archer needed Kimblee for. Her mind quickly went through a list of current hotspots in Amestris. Something had to be on the military's radar.

"Can I speak with Kimblee?"

"Sure. He's right here."

"...He's in your room?"

At the tone of Archer's voice, Naminé became more alert of what was leaving her mouth. "No. Of course not. Why would you say that?"

"You said you just woke up."

"No," she repeated. "Don't be stupid."

"Are you calling me stupid, Major?"

"I mean..." She sighed, shaking her head. "Kimblee's in the doorway."

Kimblee raised an eyebrow at her before silently asking who she was talking to. She quickly mouthed 'Archer' before returning to her conversation. "What was that? Oh, right." She held the phone out to Kimblee.

Kimblee took it from her. "If you're calling, you must have a job for me."

Lior. The answer came after several moments of thinking. That town was practically the next Ishbal to happen and Kimblee was infamous for his actions during that war. Where else would Archer want him to be? If she was right, Naminé didn't want Kimblee to go. It wasn't so much a matter of him dying. Putting Kimblee in that environment would cause Kimblee to revert back to the mad bomber and all this – lovemaking, having someone to come home to, feeling happier than she had in a long time – it would just go away.

Kimblee smirked at something Archer said, making Naminé anxious. "Yeah... No. Wouldn't happen. Naminé's not into that."

Naminé frowned. Kimblee exchanged a few more words before Archer hung up. He passed the phone to Naminé. "What am I not into?" Naminé asked, putting it down.

"Sleeping with me," he said, smirking. "But we now how true that is."

Naminé brought the covers higher on her chest. "You're unbelievable."

"Me? You're the one hiding something I've seen more than once before."

"That doesn't mean you should get a peep show in the morning."

Kimblee smirked and gave her a peck on the cheek. "While you hide, I'll go take a shower." He got out of bed, not even bothering to hide anything. He looked back and caught Naminé staring. "But you're more than welcome to join me, babe."

Naminé blushed furiously. "I'll stay."

"Suit yourself."

The three days came by faster than Naminé wanted. Naminé had tried to do as much as possible with Kimblee in that given time. They had eaten out, gone to the park, and even took pictures albeit Kimblee reluctantly. While all that was happening, Naminé devoted time to coming up with a contingency plan. The first option was to somehow run away with Kimblee, which would lead to a manhunt conducted by the military. The second option was to convince Archer that Kimblee was not fit for battle, which was a statistical impossibility. The third option was to ask Archer to let her come to Loir. By the time two alchemists arrived at Central HQ, Naminé had settled on the third option.

Kimblee was wearing his military uniform. His military jacket was left unbuttoned midway, revealing the white shirt underneath. He was wearing his mask to hide his identity. Naminé was wearing the blue military pencil skirt, high heels that incessantly clicked on the floor, and a simple blouse. Her pocket watch hung from her hip.

"You don't have to walk me there," Kimblee suddenly said.

"I know," she said. "But I want to see Archer and exchange a few words."

"The Fuhrer will be there."

"Even better."

When they reached Archer's office, Kimblee knocked. Naminé glanced at the time briefly and saw they were not a minute early or late.

"Come in."

Kimblee entered the Archer's office, Naminé following behind. The Fuhrer was not here yet, which relief for Naminé. Armstrong was not in the room either. It was just Archer at his desk. He greeted the two alchemists with a small smile. "I hope the trip wasn't too bad here."

Kimblee shrugged. "It was fine."

Archer nodded before looking at Naminé. "Like I said, your duties pertaining to Kimblee are done. You're now free to go."

"Actually," Naminé spoke up, straightening her back a bit. "I would like to talk to you after your meeting with Kimblee."

Archer narrowed his eyes slightly but his smile didn't go away. "About what? Did something happen in South City prior to your arrival?"

"Not at all, sir," Naminé said, taking a few steps closer toward Archer. "But I do have pressing matters to discuss about my current station at South HQ."

The door opened and the Fuhrer stepped into the room. Archer quickly stood up and saluted his superior officer. Naminé and Kimblee turned around and gave their salutes. The Fuhrer beamed. "At ease. I hope I'm not interrupting a meeting, Lieutenant Colonel."

"Not at all, sir," Archer said. He looked at the brunette, who was clearly still waiting on his answer. "Major Thomson, if it's really that pressing, come back in the next hour. If that works for you."

"It does, sir," Naminé confirmed. She exited the room quickly and headed down the hallway. There was someone she would like to see today.

Roy was talking his usual smooth talk on the office phone, his feet comfortably resting on his desk. He was being boisterous this afternoon but that was only because Riza Hawkeye was not in the office today. His other subordinates sat by the large table, trying to have their conversation while listening to Roy's.

Roy chuckled. "You don't say. How about tonight then?"

Fuery turned toward his buddies. "Wow," Fuery said. "He just went to the theater last week and he already has another date."

"Can't say I'm too surprised," Falman said. "This is the Colonel we're talking about."

Breda grinned. "I guess Havoc's girl wasn't cutting it."

"Well," Falman said thoughtfully, "she can't be 'Havoc's girl' if they never actually went on a date."

Breda laughed. "That's true!"

"I'm right here, you guys," Havoc said, removing his cigarette from his mouth. He leaned his chair back and blew smoke up toward the ceiling. "And just so you know, I'm over Grace."

Fuery looked at his friend and innocently asked, "You're over the Major's sister, too, right?" When Havoc hesitated, Falman and Breda burst into laughter.

"Yeah, yeah," Havoc said, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. "Laugh it up while you can. I'll find someone better and when I do, you'll all be jealous. Just you wait."

Breda smirked and lowered his voice. "Assuming the Colonel doesn't steal her first." The three men laughed again.

Havoc's chair touched the floor as he got up. His three comrades stopped their laughter and looked at him expectantly. "I'm going to head out," he told them, stubbing out his cigarette in the little ashtray.

"Can't you take a joke, Havoc?" Breda asked.

Havoc went the door and opened it. Just outside was a beautiful brunette with her hand raised to knock. Havoc stared at her longer than he should, trying to figure where she had been hiding. He was certain that if she worked here, he would have noticed her. Unless she's new, he thought. Which meant she hadn't met Mustang, which meant that he actually stood a chance—

"Hi," she said slowly, her arm dropping to her side.

"Oh, um, hi." He could feel three pairs of eyes trying to peer around him. Havoc summoned his courage. "A-are you lost or something? I'm certain that I haven't seen your face before."

"You wouldn't," she said. "I'm actually stationed in South City."

"Oh? So what brings you here?" Don't say Roy Mustang, don't say Roy Mustang.

"I had to meet with my superior earlier."

"Then..." Why was she here? He hoped that she wanted to see Hawkeye. Since Hawkeye wasn't here, he could chat with her for a while, get to know her, and maybe secure a date. Then he could prove Breda, Falman, and Fuery wrong.

"You're here to see the Colonel, right?" Breda called from his seat.

The woman peered around Havoc. "Yes, I am."

Havoc sighed. Of course she had to be one of Roy's many girlfriends floating around the country. Or even an ex. Havoc looked back at the Colonel who was still oblivious to what was going on. "Well, he's on the phone finalizing a date for this evening," Havoc said, turning back toward the woman. He waited for the explosion, maybe in the form of anger or jealousy, but the woman just smiled at him.

"I'll see if he won't mind talking to me for a bit," she said.

Havoc stepped aside and let her enter the room. But instead of leaving like he originally planned, he stayed. The only thing that was keeping him there was the curiosity of who this woman was and what she was to Roy. His blue eyes caught the pocket watch on her hip and his eyebrows lifted. She's a state alchemist?

Roy smiled. "I can't wait to see you tonight, too." He felt a presence by his desk and for a second, he was worried that it was Hawkeye. When he looked up, he saw someone he didn't expect to see. "Yeah. I'll pick you up at 8. Bye Beth." Roy hung up the phone and smiled at the brunette. "It's been awhile Naminé."

Naminé nodded. "At least a month."

"Yeah. You hardly call and don't return my calls. It's like you dropped off the face of the earth. So what brings you here to Central? I doubt it was me."

"Lieutenant Colonel Frank Archer." Roy gave her a funny look, causing her to sigh. "I had to make a report to him. That's all."

Roy shook his head. "For a second I thought you might be dating him. You did like them sadistic and a bit insane. Before I forget," he said, turning toward his subordinates. "This is the Lightning Alchemist, Naminé Thomson. She's an old friend of mine. Naminé, these are my most trustworthy men – Warrant Officer Vato Falman, Sergeant Kain Fuery, Second Lieutenant Heymans Breda, and Second Lieutenant Jean Havoc."

Naminé beamed. "Nice to meet you all."

Fuery's eyebrows rose due to understanding. Oh. She's a friend.

Falman frowned in thought. So the Colonel can have lady friends.

Breda raised a single eyebrow. What are the chances of her really being an ex?

Havoc stared at Naminé, looking her over. Eh, I better not get my hopes.

"So how long are you in the city for?" Roy asked.

"For a few days," Naminé said. "I'm going to stay by Vi."

"How about we double date tonight?" Roy suddenly suggested. "You can come and make me seem better than yesterday.

"As fun as it sounds to be your winggirl, I have to decline."

"Come on," Roy said. "When was the last time you had a date? Better yet, when was the last time I saw you? If you're worried about finding a date, Havoc will probably be more than happy to take you."

Breda, Fuery, and Falman all looked at Havoc who appeared to be on the verge of happiness.

"I really can't, Roy."

Breda awkwardly coughed, causing Naminé to look at the man in confusion.

Havoc cleared his throat. This was why he shouldn't have gotten his hopes up. "If you don't want to go with me-!"

"No," Naminé cut him off, frowning. "That's not it at all. I'm kinda seeing someone."

Breda coughed a few times.

"I'm sorry," Naminé continued. "You're probably a really great guy."

Havoc nodded, looking anywhere but the brunette. "Yeah... I'm going to head out now. Nice meeting you." With that, Havoc left the room.

"Wow," Roy said. "You could have at least went on the date."

Naminé turned toward the colonel. "Roy, I really am seeing someone and I doubt that he would appreciate me going on a date with a different man."

"Oh? Who's the lucky guy?"

"You'll meet him soon," Naminé said slowly.

Roy gave her a funny look. "Does he even exist?"

Naminé folded her arms. "Of course he does! Why would I make him up?"

"To avoid going on a date with Havoc."

Naminé shook her head. "I wouldn't do that... You don't think Havoc thinks that, right?" Naminé suddenly asked, surveying the room to get the other three men's opinions on the matter.

"Well," Falman said. "He recently got turn down by two women, one without warning and the other to his face. So, he might just think you're lying."

Naminé sighed and ran a hand through her auburn hair. "Should I go clear it up with him then?"

"Don't worry about it," Roy said dismissively like this was the norm. "I'm sure Falman can find a date for Havoc."

"Again, sir?" Falman asked.

"Yeah. I'm sure there is some other 'cute, smart, funny girl with a good personality.'"

The door opened and Armstrong walked into the room. His eyes landed on Naminé. "I thought you might be here, Major Thomson. Lieutenant Colonel Archer is ready to speak with you."