To Thine Own Self Be True
Chapter 7 - The Tucker, The Mustang and The Elrics
"Good morning sir."
"Good morning Hawkeye."
Mustang walked into the office and greeted his Lieutenant who was by the window again this morning.
"Sir, you have a memo from Central."
Hawkeye smiled as she placed an open memo on Mustang's desk. He picked it up and read it over. He is being considered for a promotion. He smiled his playboy smile and set the paper down.
"Ah, it's about time I wonder what took so long..."
Mustang said as Hawkeye sighed.
"Maybe because of your quick actions with the train and the Elric brothers, sir."
"Maybe."
Mustang leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He loved the idea of a new title. Colonel. Colonel Mustang. Colonel Roy Mustang, the Flame Alchemist. He smiled to himself again. All the titles he'll hold could make anyone smile like that.
"Sir..."
"One moment Hawkeye, I'm basking in the glory..."
"Sir!"
"Lieutenant I said...-"
Just then, Hawkeye whipped a piece of plain paper ball at Mustang, hitting him square between the eyes. Mustang stumbled for a second, then leaned forward, eyes open.
"Lieutenant...!"
There in the doorway was Edward Elric. His blonde hair was tied back in his everyday braid and he was wearing the same black outfit and red hooded jacket. Behind him, stood his brother Alphonse whose soul was trapped inside a large metal suit of armor.
"Oh... Good morning Edward."
Mustang smiled as Ed and his brother walked into the room. Havoc and Breda stared wide-eyed as Al walked into the room.
"Hello."
All waved at the other two officers. Havoc's cigarette was hanging out of his mouth.
"H...hi."
The muttered. Hawkeye rolled her eyes.
"So... What's the news on my test?"
Edward smiled as he pulled up an empty seat from Hawkeye's desk and sat with the back of the chair in front of him. He rested his arm across the back and had a sly look on his face.
"Well Edward, the Fuhrer is allowing your to take the exam. The next one is in one year. You don't have to take that one, you can study all you want and take it when ever you fell ready...-"
"I'll take it."
"Now Edward, don't be rash..."
Mustang leaned forward and his face fell into a calm expression. He leaned both elbows on the desk and gently rested his chin atop of his folded hands.
"I'm ready."
"Well, actually, you need to study. I'm going to be placing you in the care of a State Alchemist, Shou Tucker. He has all the books and resources you will need to study. He is expecting you later today. He has a young daughter named Nina. You mind your manners. Remember Edward, don't be too rash about this, your a guest in his house."
Mustang closed his eyes and leaned back. Edward straightened up and stood.
"Okay, then were is this Tucker?"
"I'll bring you to his house. Just a moment."
Mustang stood up and walked over to where Hawkeye was standing by the window.
"I need to talk with the Fuhrer. Set me up an appointment. Your in charge while I'm gone. Hold down the fort."
Mustang whispered to her and smiled. He then walked over to Ed and placed a strong hand on his metal shoulder.
"Let's go."
Mustang smiled as Ed put the chair back at the desk and walked out with Mustang, Al following closely behind.
"Bye."
Al waved to the office as the door slowly closed. Havoc and Breda still staring as the metal armor ran down the hall to catch up.
"Wha...What is with the talking walking suit of armor?"
Havoc fixed his cigarette and looked over at Hawkeye who had just sat down on the edge of the table next to the window.
"I don't know, you'll have to ask Mustang, sir."
Hawkeye went back to reading her papers. Havoc was still a rank higher then her so she needed to pay him respect. Even if sometimes he didn't deserve it. Hawkeye then closed her eyes and placed her index finger to her chin. She placed her papers down on her desk and began to pick up the phone. Just as she picked up the phone, the door opened and in walked Hughes.
"Good morning Hawkeye. Is Roy in?"
"No, sir. He's escorting Edward Elric to Tucker's place."
"Okay, thank you."
Hughes turned around with a mock salute and walked back to his office. Hawkeye continued to dial the number.
"Yes... please patch me through to Fuhrer King Bradley's office... Thank you."
Hawkeye remained sitting on the edge of the table. Havoc and Breda watched for a moment then went back to work.
"Yes... This is Second Lieutenant Hawkeye... I'm calling for Lieutenant Colonel Mustang... He would like an appointment with the Fuhrer... unavailable? When shall he be 'available'? Unsure... Thank you."
Hawkeye hung up the phone and picked her papers up again and began to read through them. Havoc looked up once more from his papers and looked across the room at her.
"Yes, sir?"
Hawkeye never once moved her eyes or her head. Havoc gulped at the sound of her voice and his head practically fell onto his paperwork as he began to frantically write.
About two hours later, Mustang returned. Hawkeye was walking down the hall heading to the mess hall when he walked around a corner. They just about slammed into each other, Mustang busy smiled with his eyes closed and Hawkeye with her head in a book.
"Excuse me sir. Sorry."
Hawkeye looked up and relised who she bumped into.
"Sir."
She bolted into a salute and closed her book.
"Now that book can't be to interesting can it?"
Mustang smiled and gently pulled the book from Hawkeye's hand. He flipped it over and read the back cover.
"'Forbidden Relationship'... Prince Raymond is a self-centered boy. His guard Elizabeth, is a beautiful madden who chose to work for the Raymond's father the king, in order to prove that woman can do a man's job. The Raymond is harsh to Elizabeth at first, but soon the two begin to get along. A close bond is formed between them. But rules of the kingdom forbid any kind of relationship. Will their love survive? Will they remain as guard and prince? Or will...-"
Mustang arched his brow as he read to himself the plot of the book. Hawkeye snatched the book back before he could continue to read it.
"Excuse me sir, but this is private property."
"Sorry Lieutenant. I was just curious. You seen to constantly have your head buried in it."
"Next time... ask."
Hawkeye began her walk down to the mess hall when Mustang grabbed her wrist. She spun around about to hit him with her book when he caught the air borne book.
"Sir!"
"Lieutenant, follow me."
He released her and walked back to his office, Hawkeye close behind. Back in the office, Mustang sat on the edge of his desk and stared at Hawkeye who was standing in front of the closed door. The office was empty except for these two. She held her book close over her chest and Mustang stared up at the ceiling, eyes closed.
"Lieutenant, did you call the Fuhrer?"
"Yes sir."
"And?"
"He is unavailable and his secretary Ms. Douglas didn't know when he will be available again."
Mustang thought about this for a moment. He was hopping to talk to the Fuhrer about the Elrics. She sighed and looked back down at Hawkeye.
"Okay, thank you for trying."
Mustang smiled a non-playboy smiled and walked from the office. In the open doorway, he stopped and put a hand on Hawkeye's shoulder. He stood like that for a moment, looking down at the floor. Hawkeye didn't move. She stared straight ahead, unsure of what to do. Her face remained expressionless as did his. After a moment more, Mustang removed his hand and continued to walk down the hall.
"For some reason, I'm not as hungry any more."
Hawkeye spoke quietly to herself and walked back to the table next to the window where she sat down on it and opened her book, going back to her romance story. A small smile appeared on her face as she continued to read the words on the pages.
A/N - Please review. Constructive criticism accepted. No FLAMES (Thats Roy's job only). Please look in my profile oo0AnimeChild0oo for all my other stories. And again, thanks for reading.
"Write a wise saying and your name will live forever"
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