General

"You've been discharged with full honors, Captain," Roy said formally, congratulating him. "As per your request, you will be released from service immediately, but with a rank increase from Captain to Lieutenant Colonel and all rights and responsibilities that accompany that rank."

He watched tension break in too-bright eyes, watched the tall, lanky body relax. He gritted his teeth. "Thank you, sir."

"My pleasure, Lieutenant Colonel." He glanced at the taller man. "May I inform you that your coworkers are planning a surprise party for you at the bar which my staff has frequented in the past?"

"Your warning has been noted and accepted, General."

"... it's Roy, now, Jean. You're not military anymore. You've been honorably discharged. You're a civilian."

"And thank god for that." That disarming, mischievous, authority-defying, lovable grin flashed across Jean's face. "You going to show up too, sir?"

"It's Roy, Jean. You're your own man now. You can at least address me like I'm a friend, even if I'm not."

Damn. That was the entirely wrong thing to say. Shutters slammed down over sapphire eyes and his entire body stiffened. "I'm sorry sir, I didn't know I was being rude."

He sighed. Damn both their prides to hell. "Don't apologize. It's my fault, too. You want a ride down to the bar?"

"Sure. Maybe we can surprise the surprisers."

If only... Roy knew he hadn't meant it that way, but... just... damn. The hormones were kicking in with a vengeance.