urgh, listen... please review nearly 1200 hits and only 9 reviews drives me crazy!

I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist (but I can pretend in my head, right?)

One Shot #3 Hail. Eh, do me a favor and overlook that the main branch of the Central Library burned down, ok?

this is just a drabble and parings are implied, sorry for the change of pace, i'm very busy (college sucks!). My next might start like this and get DIRTY but this one just doesn't.

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Have you ever been caught outside in a hailstorm? If you have, you know it hurts.

It had come so suddenly that the short distance between the dormitory and Central's First Library branch didn't offer enough time to duck for cover. It was enough to put lumps on your head without notice. Edward Elric, The Fullmetal Alchemist jumped into a run once he heard the ting from a ball of ice (which he swore was bigger than his fist) hitting his auto mail. Silently cursing he lunged himself through the door causing a ruckus that made every head within earshot turn. Pointing outside through the still open door every head turned back to work.

By now all the librarians knew the small blonde and let him pass without question. They all knew what getting on his nerves could do. Heavy flailing and screaming was the last thing anyone wanted to deal with, especially since Alphonse, Ed's little brother, wasn't trailing behind to save them.

Tromping off and into the basic alchemy section Ed looked around angrily for Colonel Mustang. Never the one to hold his tounge Ed spat, "Stupid Colonel, he's not even here. No one is here." It had been true, State Alchemists hardly go into that section. It was all the way in the back and most alchemists just go to their specialty areas (plant, water, etc..). Why the Taisa had to arrange a meeting there was angering him.

"Edward, I'm right here. Never would I thought I wouldn't be tall enough to see!" It had been true, the raven haired man was just an arms length away.

So heavily perplexed at the use of his first name and not the given 'Fullmetal' the elder Elric completley missed the short joke. Almost as if he didn't hear it. He just stood there, his feet were rooted to the ground but shoulders had begun to sway a little. This funny action continued. He finally did snap out of it but only because Roy Mustang had begun shaking him. After asking why he had to meet his higher ranking officer Roy just let his mouth tug upwards a little, almost not even enough to be noticible, and pointed to one solitary book on the wooden table.

This book had stuck out. Not because it's light cover contrasted against the deep stained brown of the tabletop, but maybe because it didn't have anything to do with Alchemy. "What the hell is this Mustang?" Ed had tried to pry an answer but there was no use. Roy stayed quiet, too quiet to make this any easier. Flipping through the pages, it had become very clear very soon that this book had no code. There was nothing about alchemy. "MUSTANG, JUST FUCKING ANSWER ME DAMMIT!" Slamming his fist down then rubbing his temples to avoid headache. He finally settled on the fact that his Colonel was not going to tell him anything. Sitting down he read out loud "It ain't the Heat; it's the Humility...".

"I trust you can read in silence, Edward." It had been only seconds that Edward had been sitting down, however it had proved long enough for the Flame Alchemist to stand directly behind Ed and place both hands on his shoulders. Edward had begun to tense up, finally he eased when Colonel Mustang let go.

It had been a flash and then he was gone, Ed looked around to find him but it was over. He settled down and began to read.

Not excessive in length at all, Ed decided to read it in one shot, he had too many books out as it was already.This book, which by it's cover seemed to be more than wordy trash, contained a life lesson. A simple lesson that if you weren't keen enough to grasp was simply placed on the last pasge as 'Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game'. However, these final words were conceled under a paper from Roy Mustang himself.

Edward stood and headed for the door, ponytail swaying.

i>Roy Mustang

117 Berger Road

Central /i>

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The title of the book "It ain't the heat; it's the humility" is a yogi berra quote. I know it doesn't fit but I just couldn't resist.

And "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game" well, that's from A Cinderella Story.

hrm, sorry for switching tenses. and remember, PLEASE REVIEW.