Chapter 2 –
Three weeks later…
"So we're catching a train to Resembool then taking a car from there to Ishval, right?" Ed asked as he and Al walked to the Central train station and Al nodded.
"Yeah," Al said. "The railway tracks between Ishval and the rest of Amestris haven't been completed yet," Al told him. "You know this because you asked me yesterday," Al reminded him with a roll of his eyes and Ed smacked him lightly on the arm.
"I was just checking," Ed snapped while Al rubbed his arm, pouting at his brother. "Stop that. I didn't hit you that hard," Ed said, rolling his eyes at his little brother with more emphasis than Al had done just before.
"Why can't you pretend Elysia is nearby when you're in public?" Al muttered but not low enough for Ed to miss what he said.
"I'm sure I've said this before but a lot of effort is put into behaving the way I do around Elysia and I am not prepared or willing to continue putting that much effort into behaving while I'm in public when El isn't around to witness it," Ed informed his brother and making the Lions who were eavesdropping on their banter laugh. While Al grumbled at him, Ed checked his silver pocket watch and sighed a little. "We're early. I told you we didn't have to leave so quickly," Ed said.
"We left that early because Elysia was still half-asleep and couldn't try and stow away in our suitcase or something to make sure you or General Mustang didn't go on another super-secret mission without her say so," Al reminded him, causing Ed to huff slightly.
Ever since they'd told Gracia and Elysia that they would be going with Hawkeye and Mustang to check on Ishval's progress, Elysia had been reminding Ed and Al that neither of them was allowed to go on any missions without telling her. At his dinner the two teams held to celebrate him signing onto the military for another five years, Ed had almost turned red as he tried suppressing his giggles when Mustang got a near ten minute long dressing down from the youngest Hughes about him not being allowed on any more secret missions without her say so. Hawkeye had just given Mustang a look that said 'I hope you're listening to her' when the man looked at her for help and Gracia had been no better when Mustang turned to her.
"Yeah, that was probably a smart move on our part," Ed said with a chuckle. He wouldn't have put it past the six-year-old to try crawling into his suitcase like Al had said. "Let's get coffee while we wait for Mustang and Miss Riza," Ed said before giving Al no choice in the matter as he headed straight for the café that sat just inside the station.
"You have an addiction. Should we start trying to cut you off?" Black asked as the two headed for the small coffee shop and Ed snorted.
"It wouldn't work. I could just block you while I have a coffee," Ed told them, using their bond to communicate so people wouldn't think he was insane. "Besides, there are worse things for me to be addicted to than coffee," Ed said and he felt Black concede to his point slightly. Ignoring the Lion, he placed his and Al's orders, grabbing a sandwich for himself despite the fact he'd just eaten breakfast before paying for their orders and joining Al at the table he'd chosen.
"Everything all good?" Al asked as Ed sat down and the eldest blonde nodded.
"Just thinking," Ed said, tapping the side of his head in a way to let Al know he was just talking to the Lions and Al gave a nod.
"What about?" the youngest Elric asked and Ed snorted.
"About how I don't have a coffee addiction and that even if I did, it isn't the worst thing to be addicted to," Ed told him, hearing both Black and Al laugh at him.
"Yes, you do but you're right. There are definitely worse things in the world you could be addicted to," Al said and Ed didn't bother stopping the smug feeling he felt from making its way through his bond with Black.
"It's not like Al is unbiased. He is your brother and he shares your addiction too, although, in interest of being fair, he has his addiction under control," Black said. Before Ed could respond to that, he felt Black's attention being grabbed by something he couldn't hear or see. "I have to go, Ed. Something's got Princess Allura a little worried. I'm sure it's nothing truly major," she was quick to assure him when she felt his worry, "and I will tell you all about it when I have the details but I don't know when that will be. You and your brother better stay safe. With how often trouble finds the two of you, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you've run into some on your way to Ishval," Black said wryly.
Ed rolled his eyes before nodding in thanks to the waitress who'd just dropped his and Al's orders off. "We will be fine and it is not my fault people are stupid enough to try and take us on," Ed informed her, using his familiar excuse. "But you guys stay safe as well. It takes a lot to unnerve Miss Allura enough for it to be noticeable. Let me know what's going on as soon as you can," Ed ordered. He got five nods of agreement before he felt them distance themselves from him slightly more than they usually did. It wasn't like when he'd had them mute their bond with him while Mustang was in prison but it was still quietened more than Ed liked, if he was being honest.
"Is everything alright, Ed?" Al asked, having noticed the look on his older brother's face and realising Ed hadn't touched his sandwich or coffee just yet.
"Something's happening to have Miss Allura noticeably worried about it and I'm just concerned," Ed told him. "The Lions will tell me what's going on when they can," he said, keeping his voice quiet so no one could overhear their conversation.
Al's eyes darkened with his own worry before he pushed it away so Ed couldn't see. "I'm sure everything will be alright. You said Zarkon and Haggar were the most dangerous beings Voltron had to worry about and they aren't problems anymore," Al said, wincing as Ed flinched at the reminder of how Haggar had met her end. "Sorry," he said but Ed just waved it away. "It's probably just some remaining Galran or something like that. Or maybe the Blade of Mamora have uncovered some kind of super weapon or something and need Voltron's help in destroying it," Al said and Ed felt his worry unravelling. "You'll see. In a few hours, you'll feel silly for being so worried about them," Al said confidently and Ed laughed.
"Yeah, you're probably right," he agreed, pushing the worry away roughly as he listened to his brother. "It's probably just something to do with the remaining Galran or the Blade, like you said," Ed said, more to himself than to Al.
"Exactly," Al said with a nod. "Now drink your coffee before it gets cold," Al ordered, making Ed laugh as he did as his brother instructed and allowing Al to move their conversation to something a little lighter.
"Captain Hawkeye!" Al called suddenly, not ten minutes after Ed had wrapped up his discussion with Black. Sure enough, when Ed looked in the direction Alphonse was waving, Hawkeye had just seen them and was making her way through the crowd to join them.
"Good morning, boys," Hawkeye said as she joined them, sitting next to Al and placing her small suitcase at her feet. "I trust you're ready for this trip," she said, eyeing the single suitcase that sat between the two boys with a slightly raised brow.
"Yeah, since we know cleaning arrays, we don't need to pack that many clothes for a trip this short," Ed told her. If he was being honest, they'd brought more books than they brought clothes, especially considering it was only a five-day trip.
"Very well," Hawkeye said, dropping the subject immediately as she checked her watch.
"You'll have time for a coffee," Ed said, guessing what she was debating. "You know Mustang won't turn up until last minute anyways," he said with a small grin as he took another sip of his own coffee.
Hawkeye didn't say anything, just gave him a reprimanding look but Ed thought the fact that she got up to head into the café spoke more than anything else. "Why are you like this?" However, it turned out Alphonse wasn't as willing to keep his reprimand to himself and Ed rolled his eyes.
"Because I am and you wouldn't change me," Ed told him. He elected to ignore Al's mutterings in favour of drinking the last of coffee and so he didn't start a fight that Hawkeye would have to end.
"I'm a little surprised to see the two of you here so early," Hawkeye said as she joined them, placing the table number the waitress had assigned her so the server would know where to bring her order. "I would've thought Elysia would've attached herself to the both of you and refused to let go," Hawkeye said, a small twinkle of amusement in her eyes.
"That's why we left a little earlier than needed," Al told her. "She was still waking up properly by the time we left so we only had to deal with hugs and promises from us that we would be back in five days," Al said, smiling a little at the memory of a half-asleep Elysia scowling at Ed as she reminded him of his promise.
"Probably a wise decision," Hawkeye said seriously with a nod before she turned to Ed. "I'm not sure if anyone has told you since you've not had to come into the office for the last week but General Mustang has decided to have Lieutenant Havoc join us on this trip," she informed him.
"Nah, I never heard anything about it," Ed said, leaning back slightly. "I wonder why he chose Havoc as his second guard," Ed mused out loud.
Though not unusual for Mustang to have two of the team accompany him on trips out of Central, he usually chose to have Falman with him and Hawkeye on trips that lasted longer than three days since – in Mustang's words – there was less chance for Havoc to fall for someone if they were in town no longer than three days and, therefore, less chance of him snapping his fingers at his 1st Lieutenant before the trip was over. Ed couldn't think of any specific reason why Havoc would've been chosen as the second guard over Falman considering how long this trip was supposed to take unless something had happened in the last week to make Falman have to stay in Central.
"General Mustang didn't share his reasons with me but I did hear him muttering about needing someone trained in medicine with us considering your tendency to find a fight wherever you go, Sir," Hawkeye said. Ed's face turned red at the same time Al started choking on the sip of coffee he'd chosen to take at that moment.
"I'm gonna hit him," Ed growled while Al tried to get his breathing under control. The youngest Elric was saved from his brother's glare by the waitress arriving with Hawkeye's order, placing it in front of the captain before turning to those at the table.
"Was that all for this table?" the woman asked, reaching to take the number placard before Ed stopped her.
"Can I grab a black coffee to go please? Large?" Ed asked, handing over the money needed to cover it. "You can keep the change," Ed said before the woman could question it.
"Of course. It should be out shortly," the waitress said with a smile, "and thank you, sir," she added with a nod before she headed back into the coffee shop to get started on his and the other customers orders.
"Are you done?" Ed asked, any politeness in his tone from speaking with the waitress gone as he turned to his little brother, who seemed to still be struggling with his breathing.
"You have to admit, Brother, that General Mustang does have a point," Al said once he'd gotten control of his giggles.
"I will admit to nothing of the sort," Ed snapped, slumping in his chair and crossing his arms as he scowled at Alphonse.
"What aren't you admitting to, Chief?" Havoc's amused voice sounded from behind Ed and the blonde turned to look at him as Al and Hawkeye offered their greetings.
"Many things, Havoc," Ed said with a smirk that Havoc returned as he took one of the last seats at their table. "I just place a to-go order if you wanna get in there and have the waitress place yours on our table," Ed told him, nodding to the café's doors.
"Cheers, Ed," Havoc said, leaving his bag with Ed and Al's and heading straight into the café to get himself something to eat and drink on the train.
"If Lieutenant Havoc is here, General Mustang shouldn't be too far behind. Lieutenant Havoc was tasked with driving him to the station," Hawkeye said, eyes narrowing as she scanned the crowd of people for the familiar figure of the flame alchemist. Upon spotting him, Hawkeye got to her feet immediately as he approached and saluted him. "Good to see you here on time, General Mustang," she said.
"At ease, Captain Hawkeye," Mustang said, waving a hand to dismiss the salute. "Lieutenant Havoc managed to arrive at my home on time which helped matters," Mustang informed her as he frowned at the bags. "Speaking of the lieutenant, where is he?" the flame alchemist asked as he looked around.
"Getting the coffee needed to deal with your bullshit while we're travelling to Resembool," Ed said before anyone else could answer Mustang.
"Brother, don't be rude," Al hissed at his older brother, who looked remarkably unaffected by Alphonse's reprimands.
"It's alright, Alphonse. You know your brother can't help it," Mustang said, surprising near everyone at the table. All three, however, also looked like they were waiting for the other shoe to drop. "With how short he is, it must be hard to keep all that snark contained," Mustang said, voice falsely sympathetic but instead of getting snapped at, Mustang found himself on the receiving end of the infamous Elric eyeroll.
"A short joke?" Ed asked, a touch of amusement in his tone. "Is that the best you can do after all these years? Step up your game, Mustang," Ed said with a smirk.
"I truly hope I do not need to repeat myself during this trip about the two of you behaving yourselves," Hawkeye said. Her voice may have sounded somewhat wishful but all three at the table could hear the threatening undertone.
"I can only speak for myself but I'll be able to keep myself out of trouble," Ed said, glaring at Mustang. The glare intensified when Mustang snorted in disbelief and it moved to Alphonse when Ed realised his little brother was struggling to hide his own scepticism from being seen.
"Thank you, Edward. I know you'll try your hardest to keep your word," Hawkeye said, eyes pinning Mustang down and making the man squirm slightly. He cracked when Hawkeye raised one of her brows pointedly.
"Of course, Captain," he said, returning Ed's glare when the teenager let out a suspicious sounding sneeze that Al elbowed him for. Of course, Ed immediately smacked his brother on the shoulder but, to Mustang's dismay, Hawkeye didn't reprimand him since her attention had been captured by Havoc approaching them with two coffees in hand.
"She'd just started on yours when I placed my order so I figured I should just hang around," Havoc said in explanation to Ed's silent question as he handed one of the take-away cups to the blonde.
"Fair enough," Ed said before taking a sip. "Cheers, Havoc."
"No worries," Havoc said with an amused grin. "We know what you're like without enough caffeine in your system, Chief," Havoc teased but all Ed did was nod seriously at his statement.
Before anyone else could make any sort of comment, a voice came over the public announcement system with the list of trains that were either departing or ready to be boarded. To no ones surprise, when the train bound for Resembool was announced, Hawkeye was the first to get to her feet with her bag. Her expression made sure none of her travel companions took their time in mimicking her actions and the fact that she elected to bring up the rear of the group ensured that none of them lagged behind either. Mustang was the one to reach the ticket vendor first and therefore, he was the one to ask for the tickets Hawkeye had booked.
"There you are, General. Five tickets to Resembool," the young man behind the desk said, fanning the tickets so Mustang could see there were indeed five before he handed them over to Mustang. "Enjoy your trip," he said with practised politeness before his eyes moved from Mustang to the lady behind him, a subtle but clear message for the flame alchemist to get out of the line so he could continue working.
"Thanks," Mustang said before turning to join the group who were waiting only a few steps away. "Let's find our train," he said, handing a ticket to each of them before accepting his bag back from Hawkeye.
"Found it," Ed said immediately, gesturing to the train he and Al had travelled on dozens of times to get back home to Resembool.
"I guess having someone who travels as much as you two do tends to make things easier, hey, Chief?" Havoc said with a grin as they followed the two blonde brothers towards the train Ed had pointed out.
"How certain are you that this is the correct train?" Mustang asked dubiously. Ed seemed to either not hear him or ignore him as he continued leading them through the crowd.
"Hey, Darren," Ed greeted, waving to one of the employees who would be travelling on the train for that trip.
The man, a stocky fella who Mustang thought would fit in better as one of those who shovelled coals into the engine than as the ticket collector he presumed him to be, waved back to Ed, a grin splitting on his. "Long time, no see, Ed, Al," Darren said, nodding when Al gave him a friendly wave. "Heading back to Resembool for a visit, are ya?"
Ed shot Mustang a smug look before looking back at Darren just as quickly. "Passing through this time," Ed told him. "Heading to Ishval to see how they're going and to speak with one of the Ishvalens on behalf of Grumman," he said when Darren raised a surprised brow and rightfully so. Resembool was literally the end of the line for this particular track, or it would be until the tracks connecting it to Ishval were completed.
"Sounds important," Darren said. "Hopefully the old girl gets you to Resembool on time," Darren said, looking fondly at the train sitting stationary on the tracks next to them.
"She hasn't failed us yet," Ed said with a smile that turned into a scowl. "It's been idiot hijackers and damaged tracks that have held us up in the past but with us onboard, it's not like either would be a problem for long should they happen," Ed told him confidently enough that Darren grinned.
"Of course they wouldn't be," he said with a chuckle. "You lot better get on board before you start holding everyone up," Darren said, jerking his chin towards the train.
"Yeah, we wouldn't want that," Ed said. "See you later, Darren."
"Keep yourself safe, Ed. You too, Al," Darren said, nodding to both boys.
"We'll try," Al said dryly, looking significantly at Ed – who appeared oblivious – and making Darren laugh before the five of them were waved onto the train by the man. Al took the lead in trying to find their private compartment while Ed gave Mustang a flat look.
"Yeah, I'm pretty certain this is the train to Resembool," the blonde said, making Havoc snort violently enough that he started coughing and causing Mustang to scowl.
"Hey, Brother?" Al's voice brought Ed out of the book he was currently nose deep in and he blinked over at Alphonse, who looked like he was a few moments away from trying to poke Ed into noticing him.
"What?" Ed asked, lowering the book and ignoring the amused smirks on Mustang's and Havoc's faces. Hawkeye had elected to sit between the two men in order to minimise the distractions Mustang could suffer so he could focus on the paperwork she had packed for him. The pout on Mustang's face when she handed over the papers had been hilarious and Ed had cackled until Al had been resorted to smothering him into being quiet.
"Have you heard anything?" Al asked, tapping the side of his head to indicate what he was talking about and Ed saw Mustang sit up a little straighter in his seat.
"No," Ed admitted. "I think they're talking about something really important though. It feels serious," he told Al before looking at Mustang to explain. "Miss Allura called for everyone while Black and I were speaking before we got to the train station. Black said she sounded very concerned when she spoke but Black and the other Lions don't know why. They've promised to bring me up to speed when they can," Ed told him.
"I'm sure it's nothing to be worried over. It's possible Princess Allura has simply overestimated how worrisome the problem is for them," Mustang said, seemingly dismissively but everyone could see the concern in his eyes. "I doubt it'll be too long before they're giving you a progress report," he added when Ed didn't look overly comforted by his words. "At least you know they wouldn't make you wait for a report, unlike yourself," Mustang snarked, mentally patting himself on the back when Ed's worried look immediately turned into one of annoyance.
"Would you get over it? I haven't been late with a report in ages!" Ed snapped, eyes flashing with heatless anger but Al still grabbed his arm, just to be safe.
"Four weeks is not 'ages', Fullmetal," Mustang drawled.
Despite knowing what her commanding officer was trying to achieve, Hawkeye could not help herself from flatly saying "I believe there's a saying about glass houses and stones, Sir." Ed's expression turned to one of someone witnessing karma in action and she continued, happy to be able to distract her fellow blonde. "Perhaps it would be best that you do not throw them, General," she added, face impassive but her eyes filled with meaning as she looked at the pile of paperwork still in front of Mustang.
"You may have a point, Captain," Mustang said, a slightly imperial tone to his voice as he tried to ignore Ed and Havoc struggling to control their laughter. Though a valiant effort, everyone – including the two of them – knew it was a battle that that neither would win so Al took a step to ensure that his brother would not be literally roasted where he sat.
"Come on, Ed. Let's go check the food car," Al said, using his grip on Ed's left forearm to pull him out of his seat.
"Yeah, that bakery in East City didn't do well with that muffin I had," Ed said, all laughter from only moments ago leaving his face as he scowled lightly at the memory of the disappointing blueberry muffin. "Hopefully the food car will have better stuff," he grumbled as he followed Al out of the compartment before turning back to face the others. "Do you lot want anything?" Ed asked, deciding to be nice to his fellow travellers.
"A coffee would be wonderful," Hawkeye said and Ed nodded. There was no need for her to give instructions on how she liked it since both boys had learned her coffee preferences within a month of Ed being granted his title. "Thank you, boys."
"No worries, Miss Riza," Ed assured her before looking at the two men and raising a pointed brow. Havoc took the hint.
"I'll take a coffee if you're buying, Chief," he said with a cheeky grin that had Ed rolling his eyes but nodding. At his agreement, Havoc silently pumped his fist in victory and both Al and Mustang joined Ed in rolling his eyes at the blonde lieutenant.
"Nothing for me, Fullmetal," Mustang said, tone civil since he didn't want to risk Hawkeye's glare and Ed shrugged his shoulders.
"Your loss," he said before he and Al shut the door, their footsteps disappearing down the aisle of the train car. The three listened until they couldn't hear them anymore before Havoc turned to Mustang.
"Do you really think Ed's friends are alright?" he asked, the concern he had hidden when Al and Ed had revealed what the Lions had told the young State Alchemist showing freely now.
From the moment Ed had come back from Resembool with the BAU team in tow and the news he'd muted his connection with the Voltron Lions and – through them – their Paladins to the moment Fuery had witnessed the Lions re-establish their connection in full force, every single person who was helping Ed clear Mustang's name and find Belmont had all come to notice that the blonde was suffering from the loss of his bonds. The blonde had done an exceptional job at hiding it, well enough that it had taken those like Sheska and Maria Ross a couple of days to notice the effects – though they hadn't realised what was causing it until Ed had come clean about his travels – but the rest of them had figured it out within a few hours. It was clear to the team within days of Ed and Mustang's return to Amestris after their Voltron adventure that the Lions somehow maintaining their bond with Ed had been a blessing.
The changes to the blonde had been few and though they had been slow, they had been significant. Ed was far more willing to seek assistance from Havoc whenever he was injured instead of trying to deal with it himself and his objections about going to a licensed doctor lessened a noticeable amount whenever Havoc had told him he didn't have the training to deal with a particular injury. Ed had also sought Hawkeye out for help dealing with Haggar's death once it had properly hit the alchemist and – with less argument than she expected – had agreed to, and actually did, speak with Mustang when Hawkeye had gently suggested it, knowing the flame alchemist would be able to help Ed far more than she would've. The team had even noticed that Ed's control over his temper had become even greater than it had since Promised Day and he was less likely to tell a higher-up to stick it as bluntly as he used to, something that had proven hilarious to those who were blessed enough to witness Ed insult someone subtly enough that they couldn't claim he was being insubordinate. To lose them permanently would hurt Ed just as much losing Hughes had and everyone on the team knew it.
"I have no reason to believe they aren't," Mustang said to Havoc. "Fullmetal has said nothing about them being in a fight or their emotions concerning him. All he said was that it felt as though they were in the middle of discussing something serious," Mustang reminded him, understanding why his 1st lieutenant was so worried for Voltron's safety. "Until Fullmetal tells me otherwise, I refuse to fuel his worry when there is no reason to," Mustang informed him a little stiffly.
It was blindingly evident to both Hawkeye and Havoc that Mustang was still uncomfortable with bending the regulations surrounding the depth of a relationship a commanding officer could have with a subordinate to the degree he had during his time in the jail cell after Ed had given him the news regarding Al's assault and Hawkeye's kidnapping at Belmont's hands. The little time Ed spent with Mustang while he was still technically under arrest after the flame alchemist had apologised, as well as when Ed was with Mustang for alchemy lessons and they both forgot Mustang was his commanding officer, had been the closest Mustang had gotten to showing Ed just how much he cared about his youngest subordinate. There had also been precious few moments while Belmont's trial was still underway and it looked as though her lawyer had found a clever way to win the case where the team and Al had been witnesses to Mustang making sure Ed never managed to berate himself for missing something and that the blonde knew the team and Mustang were there to help him.
"Very good, sir," Hawkeye said with a nod, seemingly happy enough with the response for both herself and Havoc. The smoker evidently agreed since he gave a sharp nod at Hawkeye's words. Mustang waited a few moments to see whether there would be anything else asked or said but Hawkeye's pointed look to his paperwork had him putting pen back to paper with an attempt at looking more enthusiastic than he actually felt.
While Mustang worked, Havoc and Hawkeye exchanged a look with one another. Though Edward had seemingly accepted Mustang's apology for what he'd said to Ed when he received news of Hawkeye's kidnapping immediately, the team and Al had been frigid with Mustang for a lot longer. The fact that the pair's relationship had managed to not only get back to where it had been before Mustang had spat those vile words at the blonde but had deepened thanks to the flame alchemy lessons Ed was receiving had helped Mustang earn his team's and Al's forgiveness eventually but he still had to work for it. Though none of them had thought that Mustang's apology hadn't been anything but genuine and they'd never considered his offer to teach Ed flame alchemy to be anything other than what he'd claimed it to be, they had all still been various degrees of mad at Mustang for what he'd said to Ed.
They all understood that it had been said in anger and they could see the genuine regret on Mustang's face whenever it was brought up – either by the handful of times Ed had lashed out at Mustang when his newfound self-control and the Lions weren't enough to hold his anger in check or the days where Ed's self-doubt and self-hatred were too strong for the Lions to combat alone – but it had still taken several weeks for their relationships with Mustang to return to normal. For Al and most of the others, their forgiveness had started being earned the first time Ed's anger and self-doubt had gotten the best of him in front of the team and Mustang. Seeing the general calm Ed down and reassure him that he hadn't meant a word he'd said in that cell the night Ed had told him about Hawkeye being kidnapped in a caring and open tone none of them could recall Mustang ever using before and the fact that he'd done so in front of them had most of team and Al realise just how far Mustang was willing to go to make sure Ed never suffered in any way on his own.
For Havoc – who had heard the words firsthand and saw just how badly they'd affected Ed up close – and Hawkeye – who had felt guilty her kidnapping had been what caused those words to be voiced and disappointment that Mustang had spoken to Ed with the same level of viciousness and callousness he'd shown Envy on Promised Day – it had taken longer though.
Havoc had finally stopped giving Mustang the cold shoulder when the man had walked in on the blonde patching Edward up after one of the first proper missions Ed had been given since Promised Day and had promptly dropped the mask of superior officer in order to make sure that the woozy Edward was okay. Havoc honestly still wasn't sure to this day whether Ed even remembered just how worried Mustang had been since the blonde had suffered a pretty hard hit to the head.
For Hawkeye, she had finally allowed the last ounce of displeased tension between herself and Mustang to bleed out when she'd neglected to knock on Mustang's inner office door – having forgotten that Edward was in the office with Mustang in her haste to get some urgent papers signed by the general – and saw the two of them working on Edward's lessons. Though she'd banned Mustang from allowing Ed to use flame alchemy in the offices – no matter how proficient the alchemic genius became at it – she hadn't banned theoretical work and that had been what the two were currently doing. The naked pride in Mustang's eyes as he watched Ed work on the theory had been strong enough to stop the captain in her tracks. She'd retreated silently before they could notice her presence and decided to give them five more minutes before she knocked on the door and brought them back to the real world.
With both Havoc and Hawkeye accepting Mustang's answer to the smoker's question, the compartment fell into silence as they waited for the two Elric brothers to return from the food car. Neither one commented on Mustang's professional mask cracking just enough to mention his refusal to place any kind of unnecessary burden on Ed. Both simply chose to file the moment away to use on Ed in the future, should the alchemist start doubting Mustang's apology again, and resumed the activities they had been doing before Alphonse had disrupted them with his question about the Lions.
"Corporal McBride?" Ed asked, a little disbelieving as he spotted the young military police officer who had proceeded to apprehend the BAU when he'd discovered they didn't have the necessary papers to allow them legal access to Amestris before he'd called Ed waving at them from just outside the Resembool train station.
"Lieutenant-Colonel Elric," McBride said, moving to snap a salute automatically when he caught Ed's glare and aborted the move. "Er, I mean, Fullmetal, Sir," McBride corrected himself a little nervously before relaxing when Ed smiled at him.
"How come you're here?" Ed asked, 'accidentally' elbowing Mustang and Al as he moved to approach the MP. It had absolutely nothing – no matter what the two tried to claim later – to do with their sniggers at Ed and McBride's exchange. "Picking up a package or something on the train?" Ed queried once he was within arm's reach of the corporal to offer the man a handshake, which he accepted.
"No, sir," McBride said as he released Ed's hand. "I was asked by Captain Hawkeye to meet your group today in order to hand over one of our cars for your use," he told him and Ed made a small noise that was both a mixture of understanding and surprise, though he knew he shouldn't have been. Of course Hawkeye would've arranged their car already for them.
"Awesome," was all Ed said in response. The blonde did roll his eyes when he heard a throat being pointedly cleared behind him. "The impatient bastard is General Mustang," Ed said, jabbing his left thumb over his shoulder to where Mustang was standing. "Captain Hawkeye," Ed said, gesturing to the woman in question as he ignored Al's tired reprimand and Mustang's offended grunt. "1st Lieutenant Havoc," again, he gestured to the person whose name he'd just said, "and my brother, Alphonse," Ed finished up, clapping Al on the shoulder. McBride had studied their faces as Ed introduced them as though he was trying to commit each of them to memory.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," McBride said, saluting the three officers immediately before offering a hand to Alphonse once he'd been released from the salute. "I have the car all organised and ready for you to use just over here," he told them, pointing to an idling car Ed hadn't noticed even if he should have. Resembool didn't have too many cars in it since the townspeople had no need for such expensive machines when a horse and cart did the work just as well for a lot less. "It has a full tank of fuel, which should be enough to get you to Ishval. I have taken the liberty of placing extra fuel in the boot, just in case," McBride said as he led them to the car.
"That was very thoughtful of you, Corporal," Hawkeye said with a nod of thanks that had McBride's cheeks pinkening slightly.
"As I said, the tank is full and it should last you for the trip. Ishval does have fuel supplies so you should be able to fill the tank up there for the trip back," McBride said, trying not to sound too pleased that he'd been given genuine thanks by a superior officer, something that was obviously a rarity for the young MP.
"Cheers, McBride," Ed said, clapping him on the shoulder in much the same manner as he'd done to Al earlier. "Is there anything we need to do or are we right to head out? Not to sound impatient or nothing but we'd like to get to Ishval before dark if possible," Ed said, wincing a little at how brusque he'd sounded.
"Oh, of course," McBride said, looking a moment away from facepalming himself. "I just need General Mustang to sign these papers to say that he is taking this particular car and that he acknowledges that it is to be returned in five days' time from this date," McBride told them, pulling some folded papers out of his pocket and presenting them to Mustang, who took them with a relish everyone bar McBride was expecting.
"Very well," the general said with a sigh before he pulled out his pen and used the car's bonnet as a make-shift desk. Truthfully, he only had to sign two pieces of paper so Ed thought his tired demeanour seemed a little over the top for the situation. "There you go, Corporal McBride," Mustang said when he handed the papers over once the ink was dry and capped his pen.
"Thank you, General," McBride said as he accepted the papers and checked the signatures were on the right pages. Once satisfied, he pocketed them once more. "Have a safe trip," McBride said, saluting the group while Al took the opportunity to open the boot.
"Thank you," Hawkeye said, dismissing the salute since Mustang was busy putting his bag in the boot. Ed gave a cheery wave to the man as he tossed his and Al's suitcase in on top of Mustang's bag and causing the flame alchemist to growl at him as the man moved Ed's suitcase to the side. McBride returned it with a hint of concern before he made the wise decision to leave it be and left the group to it, heading back to the military police station he was supposed to be helping man today.
"Is that everyone's bags?" Havoc asked, having stowed his bag next to Ed's suitcase and taken Hawkeye's from her to stash. Receiving nods from everyone, Havoc secured the boot and gestured for everyone to get in the car. There was a moment's discussion between the two eldest blondes before Havoc got behind the wheel while Hawkeye joined Ed and Al in the back since Mustang had taken the front passenger seat. Once everyone was in, Havoc pulled the car into the street and they started driving through Resembool's city centre with Ed directing Havoc to the road he needed to be on. "We don't need to make any stops before we leave Resembool?" Havoc asked once they were through the majority of the small town and Ed felt all eyes on him and Al.
"No, I don't think so," Ed said, knowing what Havoc was actually asking, before Al could say anything, hoping his little brother wouldn't argue but, naturally, he wasn't that lucky.
"Can't we just drop in and say hello to Granny? We haven't seen her for months," Al said. "It's not like we don't have plenty of time to get to Ishval before dark," he added, thwarting Ed's idea to claim that as a reason before he could.
"We can drop in on the way back and see her," Ed told him, hoping the compromise would be enough but, again, he wasn't that lucky.
"It wouldn't be an issue if you did want to spend a few minutes with Ms. Rockbell," Mustang said and it was only the fact that his voice had been genuine when he made the offer that Ed didn't make a sarcastic response or snapped at him.
"I appreciate that but seriously, it would be in all of our best interests to visit Granny on the way back from Ishval," Ed told him. Mustang wasn't the only one to raise a questioning eyebrow in response to that. "Granny is not a fan of the fact that Scar and I are friendly with each other. She doesn't understand how I can be friends with someone who tried to murder me at least twice for no real good reason and nearly managed to do so both times," Ed explained with a small sigh.
"So?" Al asked. "You're the only one who'll get a lecture about that so why can't I say hello to her now?" Al snapped slightly and Ed raised an unimpressed brow.
"Because, little brother," Ed said, voice with a scathing edge to it, telling Al he hadn't appreciated the snappish tone he'd used, "she doesn't like the fact that you haven't stopped me from speaking with Scar regularly. After all, he did attack you as well," Ed informed him. Al's face paled slightly as he realised what Ed was saying. "Still want to pay the old bat a visit and tell her what we're up to?" Ed asked, fully knowing what Al's response would be and, sure enough, Al shook his head.
"No, visiting her after the trip is a good idea," Al said quickly, making Havoc chuckle slightly.
"Are you sure? It sounds like it could be an interesting visit," Mustang said and this time, there was a teasing smirk in his voice that had Ed glaring at him.
"Granny is also of the opinion that you shouldn't be letting me speak with Scar either," Ed snapped. "She thinks that as my commanding officer you should've ordered me to cease communication with him and before you try it," Ed said, cutting Mustang off with a knowing look as the general opened his mouth, "she knows you have no issues with me writing to Scar because I told her," Ed informed him. Mustang scowled when he realised he couldn't try and claim he'd given that order but Ed had ignored it, as he so often does.
"Perhaps paying Ms. Rockbell a visit on the way back from Ishval would be beneficial for us all," Mustang conceded, scowl deepening when Ed, Al and Havoc all laughed at him while Hawkeye's eyes twinkled amusedly.
A/N - Here's the second chapter for you all! As it's Easter Sunday here in Australia, I'm gonna wish everyone a happy Easter and safe holidays even though it may be early for some of you. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and I'd love to know your thoughts :D thanks to anyone who reviewed the last chapter for me! I really appreciated it :) See you all next week!