beginning of 2nd chapter

"You know, we really shouldn't be listening through the door." said Al.

"I thought I told you to shut-up! I wanna listen" snapped Ed. Ed turned with his ear against the door while Al leaned close to it so they could both hear what was going on.

Mustang: Well, they should've been here a while ago. I called them early this morning.

Girl: Well, it isn't a problem really. I'm still here and alive, so I guess you're still doing your job. giggle It's okay though, really. Besides, it's so fun being here in your office, Mr. Mustang. So many interesting people come through…

Mustang: Yes, well, that comes with the title.

Girl: What title?

Mustang: laughs the LT. in front of my name. You really are funny.

Girl: Oh…I see now. Well. Who was it you said were gonna look after my parents?

Mustang: We have some skilled officers looking after them, they are in safe hands.

Girl: Do I not get skilled officers looking after me? tone changes in her voice to stern Are you sticking me with knock offs?

Mustang: No, we are just- he is cut off by the girl, laughing her head off

Girl: I'm just joking Mr. Mustang. I'm sure you have hired good people to look after me. I trust you judgment. By the way, what were their names again?

Mustang: Well, there are two of them. One is your age. His name is Alphonse, but don't be alarmed, his body is a full suit of armor.

Girl: Wow, Sounds like he is fit for the job.

Mustang: Yes, they both are, the other one is older than you. His name is Ed.

Girl: Okay.

Mustang: Don't make the same mistake we all did. Never call him, though he is very, don't call him Short.

Just then Ed and Al busted through Mustang's office door. Ed was steaming with anger.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN SHORT? I'M SO DAMN TIRED OF YOU CALLING ME--" Ed stopped when he saw the girl sitting there. "Who is she?" he then asked. "And what in hell do you mean we are gonna watch her?"

"My, my. Such colorful language." The girl said and then she started to giggle. "Mr. Mustang, are you sure he isn't the one trying to kill me? The way he acts, he could scare someone when he yells."

"laughs Yeah, he is very scary," Mustang began while being given sharp looks by Ed, "No. He is part of the military, so I can assure you, he is fine."

"Part of the military," said the girl, "but he looks so young." She said as she faced Ed "You only look about sixteen or seventeen…are you really in the military?" she questioned.

Before Ed could answer, Lt. Mustang answered for him. "Yes. He may not look it, but he is part of the military. He has been since he was twelve."

"Twelve! Then wait…." She started to trail off. She looked at Ed and stated "then you must be the legendary Fullmetal Alchemist! My! What an honor! I've read all about you in the books Mr. Mustang let me see these past few days! That's amazing!"

"Well… I am pretty amazing…" said Ed as he blushed and trailed off. Al flashed him a stern look then turned to Lt. Mustang.

"So, you say we are watching after her? Why's that?" asked Al.

"Stephanie, I'm gonna need you to leave my office for a few minutes. Why don't you head down to the cafeteria and grabs us some lunch. I'll see you in a few minutes." Mustang said as her turned to the girl and flashed a smile. "Pick me something good!"

The girl looked at him for a few seconds before smiling back and leaving the office. After she left, Mustang got up, closed the door and sat back down. His smile had disappeared and he looked sternly at the two boys.

"Who was that?" asked Al.

Ed turned towards Al and looked at him. "Alllllppphhhooonnnsssseee…. By the tone of your voice, I think someone has a crush…" After that, he started laughing.

"I DO NOT!" screamed Al.

"Ooo….someone's touchy" Ed said as he laughed again. "You know, I don't blame you Al, she was very pretty. You and she would look so cute together."

"Oh, as though anyone could love an empty suit of armor" snapped Al.

"Hey, I was only joking…besides. Someone that pretty should be someone for me…" said Ed as he started to laugh again.

Al shot Ed another look and then he turned towards Lt. Mustang. "What do you mean we have to watch her?"

"Stephanie is in danger from her father's studies." said Lt. Mustang.

"Stephanie? That's an odd name…" said Ed.

"She's American. That's why." replied Mustang. "Anyway," he started

"AMERICAN! But she speaks our language so well!" said Ed.

"Well, she's been studying for a long time. She likes to read, hence why she's heard of you Edward. Either way, let me continue." He started again. "Stephanie's father is a researcher for a branch of our military in America. Recently he's discovered something that could change the way we work, think, act…it would change everything! Her father has found a way to make a full fledged Philosopher's stone without human transmutation."

"What!" Al said slowly. "How did he find that out?"

"Well, about a year ago, his son Jak died. The whole family was very close to him and they were all devastated, especially Stephanie. Her father decided she shouldn't live without him, but I think he couldn't either. So in a way, her father is like you two. He tried to perform a human transmutation to bring Jak back. But, like yours, it didn't work. He lost almost every part of his body. He's almost like you Al. All he has left is one human arm, part of his chest and his head. The rest is metal."

"He's lucky," said Al, "I don't even have that much."

"Yes well. After that, he couldn't believe it didn't work. So he studied day and night for about a year, almost killed himself trying. Finally, he recently contacted us with his findings. As you can imagine, many are after him and his information, so we need to protect them until we can lock the secret up safe."

"Won't he still be in danger then?" asked Ed.

"Yes, but not as much. After that, he will be living here in the military state house with his family. There is no way they will get them in here." added Mustang.

"Well, then why don't you keep them now? If this place is so good, then why not keep them?" questioned Ed.

"Stupid! They will be looking here for them! Later on, when they check somewhere else, we'll move them back here. Until then, you must watch her."

"But-" Ed started to say before Stephanie walked back into the room carrying a full tray of goods. Someone else came in behind her with another huge tray.

"Sorry to burst in Mr. Mustang, but I couldn't carry it all" she said as she giggled. "I had to have Mr. Havoc help me carry it!"

"Oh, it's really no problem for a pretty girl like you, Stephanie." said Jean Havoc before flashing Mustang a smile. "Call me if you guys need any help." He set the tray down on the table near Mustang's desk. He then looked towards Stephanie. "You tell me if you need anymore help little missy." He said as he patted her on the head before walking out. "See ya" he called from the hallway.

"Wow, that all looks so good" Mustang said with a smile. "Edward, Alphonse, why don't you sit down and get to know Stephanie here. I'm sure she wants to get to know you."

Stephanie flashed them a smile and Alphonse hurried to sit next to her. "So," he said, "Stephanie's a really pretty name. I hear you are American."

"Yeah!" she said excitedly. As they continued to chatter, Ed turned to talk to mustang. "Lt Mustang-" Ed started before Mustang cut him off. "It seems like those two really hit it off, don't you think? They do look cute together, you know? I mean besides the fact that Al is a giant suit of armor." He said as they both turned towards Stephanie and Alphonse, who were both cracking up laughing.

"Yeah," replied Ed, "it's like they are already connected. I don't remember seeing him this happy since he was eleven."

Mustang laughed and said to Ed, "Girls can make a sad man happy any day." With that, they both laughed. "That's true." said Ed. Then they both turned towards Al and Stephanie, who were still laughing. "Well, we should probably get some food before Stephanie eats it all!" said Ed as he rushed towards the plate. "Hey!" yelled Stephanie.

End of Chapter 2