Aww, c'mon people, you're no fun! Gettin a lot of hits, and even got added to someone's alert list, but you won't review? -sob- I may not check here as often in the future due to marching band practices starting and all, but I should have plenty of time at home until school starts. But I'll have less time to write. Not that you'd care tho, since I already have the entire prologue written.

Disclaimer: I disclaim. yah, thats a new one alright. -sigh-

Well, I am seriously about braindead now. Had too much sugar today and now I can't think. -drool- Please R&R!

Chapter 6: Surprise

Thirty minutes later they were on their way to Central headquarters, albeit ten minutes late. Roy glanced at Hughes from the driver's seat. It was reassuring to see those golden eyes behind those glasses rather than the eerie Homunculus eyes.

He had explained how Hughes had been promoted two ranks after his death, and, in heavydetail, explainedhow he would strangle him if he passed him in the ranks again. Hughes had just laughed, and Roy had said he was probably going to be Fuhrer soon anyway.

"Oh? And how does that work?"

Roy remained silent for a moment before shrugging.

"You know, the usual way."

They laughed again, and Roy felt content for almost the first time since Hughes had died.

Now the troublesome part came. They arrived at Central, and Roy walked up the steps into the building, Hughes walking right behind him as if the dead came back to life every day to go to work.

Most soldiers didn't notice because they hadn't known Hughes, but a small number stopped and gaped, almost dropping their guns as they patrolled. Roy ignored them completely, his usual serious mask on, while Hughes would wave cheerfully and greet them.

He stepped into the break room (or nap room, as Havoc lovingly named it) and stopped. As always, his subordinates were all there,refusing to touch their paperworkuntil the Colonel arrived and ordered them to. Looking around at the various couches, chairs and tables, he saw that Havoc was laying on one of the couches, staring at his cigarette as if he didn't smoke bloody24/7. Fury and Farman were playing cards at a table while Breda sat watching them, looking bored. Hawkeye was nowhere to be seen, probably waiting in his office to lecture him on punctuality. He was, after all, ten minutes late.

He stood there for another minute or so until Havoc tore his eyes away from his preciouscigarette long enough to look at the Colonel.

"Well Mustang? You gonna order us to work or what?"

Waiting for this queue, the others all turned to look at the colonel.

And Hughes popped out from behind him and held up a hand in a 'hello' gesture.

"Hey there guys! How ya been?"

The next few moments were completely silent.

Havoc was the first to react, leaping his feet, his cigarette dropping from his mouth to land on the carpet. He pointed at Hughes as if doing that would magically explain everything.

"Eh- Huh- Wha- When did you-... You're alive!"

Everyone else leapt from their seats and followed Havoc, who was already jumping over tables to get to the door. They all ran to Hughes, fighting over who would ask the questions that were on everyone's mind. Instead they all tried to speak overtop one another.

"How did you survive? Where have you been? We've missed you! I knew you weren't really gone! Do Gracia and Alicia know? You don't have any pictures of Alicia with you, do you? Do you need anything? What's your favorite color? What the hell?"

"Enough!"

Roy's voice rang out over the commotion, and they froze, knowing by his tone of voice and position of his hands that he could easily burn them to a crisp if he wanted to. And he looked very much like he wanted to.

They all leapt back, still looking dumbfounded and overjoyed and tearful at Hughes' sudden return.

Hughes coughed and straightened his now slightly crumpled uniform before slapping Roy on the back in a friendly manner.

"Aw, come on now Roy, no need to be hasty."

Roy sighed and lowered his hand, looking over his men. They were standing at attention now, but they looked restored, despite the disbelief and tears evident on their faces.

"As you can see, Brigadier General Maes Hughes will be joining us."

Despite himself he let his expression slip to reveal a grin and his eyes shone with unshed tears. Hughes was really back from the dead.

End Chapter 6

-coughreviewpleasecough- I will openly accept flames now! I will huggle them and squeeze them and name them fooblebuggins, just REVIEW! -sob-