Disclaimer: I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist. But then, you already knew that, right?

A/N: Yep. Here's another short chapter. And here's a short author's note.

Chapter 1

Riza waited at the curb for the car to pull up to the steps of the State building. Roy had sent her to be Spitfire's escort and guide to show the new colonel around. In a few moments Riza would be able to answer Mustang's question about Spitfire's appearance. She was of mixed feelings on the new colonel. The largest part of her suggested that Spitfire could prove to be a nice rival for Mustang, and even give him a challenge. Some of her suggested that Spitfire could prove to be a complete idiot, who had been promoted through not-so-legitimate means. And then there was one tiny part of her that said Spitfire could be very compatible with Mustang. Too compatible.

Riza was bothered by the fact that it bothered her that Spitfire was a woman. Normally she wouldn't really care—Mustang was a ladies man, but wasn't stupid enough to ensnare a fellow colonel. She hoped. That wouldn't fit in well with his plan to get promoted as quickly as possible. Riza's train of thought was broken by the car that had appeared at the steps. The passenger side door opened, and Riza immediately saluted Colonel Rain Spitfire.

Spitfire stepped out of the car, shut the door, and beckoned the driver off, all in one single fluid motion. Riza felt a little dread when she saw that Mustang's dream had come true. Spitfire was a tall, slender woman, with an extremely nice figure that showed even in the slight bagginess of her military uniform. Her eyes were a dark shade of enchanting blue, and her long auburn hair was bound up in a sophisticated bun.

Spitfire glanced at Riza and smiled—she had a perfect smile too. Riza could only imagine Roy's delight.

"First Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye?" Spitfire asked politely.

"Yes ma'am," Riza answered stiffly. "Colonel Mustang sends his congratulations and invites you to stop by his office, should you get the chance."

"Well, I think that should be the first thing I do," Spitfire smiled again. "After all, I'm sure that he's a very busy man."

Riza felt her temper slowly rising—something about Spitfire was really quite annoying to her.

"Very well, ma'am. I shall show you the way to his office."

Naturally, this took an eternity. All of the personnel that they met along the way had to be introduced by Riza to Spitfire. Riza had not known there were so many people in the building. Nearly a half an hour later, the two were standing in front of the door to Mustang's office. Riza prayed that Mustang was awake—that was necessary for a good first impression. She knocked on the door, and was relieved to hear a voice answer her.

"Yes?"

"It's Hawkeye sir. Colonel Spitfire is here."

"Ah, good," Roy said as he opened the door. Then he laid his eyes on Spitfire. Riza held her breath. This first meeting was going to be interesting. Roy's eyes widened, though that was only visible to Riza who was used to his bored stare. His eyes traveled down, then back up. Spitfire simply smiled her flashy smile. Mustang grinned. "Wow. Colonel Spitfire. Do you know how good you would look in a miniskirt?"

Riza felt her heart drop. How stupid was this man? To her surprise though, Spitfire laughed, a light bell-like sound that filled the air pleasantly. How annoying.

"Colonel Mustang, do you know how many men have asked me that?" Both of them started laughing. Riza did not see what was so funny. She did not join their laughter. When their laughing subsided, Roy beckoned for Spitfire to join him in his office. Riza was not sure if the invitation extended to her.

Almost as if in answer, Mustang handed her a folder, and said, "Hawkeye. Would you deliver this?"

"Yes sir—" Riza started. But Mustang had already shut the door. She stood there for a moment to get her anger under control. She wasn't quite sure why she was so mad. Obviously Mustang and Spitfire would be friendly, instead of arranging for the other to die, like some rivals did. But just how friendly?

"Oh, why do I care?" Riza asked out loud. Did she not trust him? Mustang wasn't stupid, and even when he took a gamble it was one that turned out with him on top. That was it. Riza walked off, focusing intently on her destination.

A/N: I will only say...REVIEW!(Because I'm a dog of reviews. Gotta have 'em.) Also, anyone have an answer to my extra credit question?