"Only tell me that you still want me here
When you wander off out there
To those hills of dust and hard winds that blow…" –Anggun, "Snow on the Sahara"

"You're leaving."

Roy hunched his shoulders, frowning as he caught himself in the middle of the defensive reaction. Of all the people, of all the words...He turned slowly, making sure his face was bland, his eyes hooded, even though he knew it never worked, not with Maes.

Maes looked like hell. Not the was-out-drinking-far-too-late-and-on-duty-far-too-early sort of hell either. His eyes bloodshot, face lined, a frown tugging unnaturally at the corners of his mouth. His uniform was presentable, not a good sign, and his large hands were clenched.

Roy hated himself, almost observing more than participating, as he sardonically replied. "That does happen when one is called into active duty."

The next thing he knew he was on his ass in the dirt, jaw hurting like hell. It was so easy to forget how damn fast Maes was, with that deceptively large build and casual attitude.

"Don't give me that…crap." Maes spat, eyes blazing.

Well damn. He had actually managed to get Maes Hughes angry. Maybe they would give him a badge… What is wrong with you! That hurt!"

"Good." Maes growled, hands clenching and unclenching restlessly, almost as if he was considering getting another good hit in.

It was so unlike Maes…Roy had seen him upset before, but nothing near this level of agitation. And there was something very close to fear in those pale eyes, all but hidden under ferocious anger. "Maes…?"

The pleading confusion in Roy's tone caused Maes' face to crumple. Anger burned out, leaving desolation in its place. "You're leaving." He whispered, voice thick with resignation.

Roy blinked, not understanding. "It is just a tour of service. I will be back." His words did nothing to alleviate the crestfallen expression on Maes' face. "Maes, I don't understand what is bothering you. Help me up, and lets talk. This is an awkward position to be attempting serious conversation from."

"I'm sorry." Maes had the decency to look at least a little chagrined as he helped haul Roy to his feet. "Just a case of poorly placed caustic commentary on your part."

"Well, next time I get to deck you, alright?" Roy worked his jaw a little, wincing. "You have one hell of a punch, Maes. Remind me to avoid being on the receiving end of it in the future."

Maes chuckled lightly at that, knuckling his perpetual scruff in embarrassment. "Want a drink? My treat."

"If it will get you to talk, sure."

"I thought I was supposed to be the strong, collected one." Maes sighed.

"You are, which is why you are going to lay out exactly what is bothering you, in coherent sentences."

"You're leaving."

"We have been over that already…" Roy griped.

"You really know how to irritate a man." Maes grumbled, not at all appreciating Roy's tone.

"Learned from the best, old friend. Now, elaborate?"

"You're leaving…me."

Oh. Now, that made sense. "Maes, I am leaving you on military duty. I am not running off with the first set of slender suntanned set of legs I run across."

"It is the owner of the legs I worry about…you are an attractive, charismatic man…"

"Maes…"

"And the women will, doubtless, want to take advantage of your charming personality…"

"Maes…"

"I mean, I was addicted…"

Maes had one easily exploitable weakness, one Roy took advantage of so as to stop the idiocy spewing out of his friend's mouth- he leaned over and nipped Maes left earlobe. Maes babbling monologue met a stuttering death as the man twitched, surprised.

"There. Now that I have your attention. I will be back, Maes Hughes. I will not run off with some attractive wench, I will not be distracted by a nice ass. I want to haul myself back here and be with you. We will have a drink or five, I will tell you stories, you will show me pictures, and we will get ourselves into some trouble. Just as we always do."

"I get into trouble. You talk your way out of everything." Maes muttered, attempting to be grumpy, even though there was a most definite sparkle coming back to life in his eyes.

"Damn right." Roy grinned, comfortable that he had managed to defuse the situation. "Now, since I am leaving in the morning…"

There was, most definitely, a sparkle in Maes' eyes. "Well, I did mention treating you to a drink or three…"

"Are you trying to get me drunk?"

"Who, me?" Maes radiated innocence. Roy was not at all fooled, but allowed his friend to lead the way.