Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Alchemist except Trey.

Chapter Finale

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I'm tired of it, Jean Havoc complained to Maria Ross one night. I'm tired of these empty Saturday nights sitting in front of the tube trying to catch fantasy programs that are the complete opposite of my life. I'm tired of all those hard-to-get girls that just play with your mind. Well, Ross began, you do have a player personality yourself, so don't go blaming the girls. Havoc stretched his hands. The chair he was sitting in was not the most comfortable piece of furniture that he had the privilege to interact with. You're lucky, Havoc replied matter-of-factly. Aren't you and Bloch going steady or something? See, you found your soulmate while I continue to prance aimlessly searching for mine that probably doesn't exist. It's no use. Havoc sighed. Ross smiled. It's all right, Havoc. You'll find the perfect girl. Havoc groaned at that. Not with Mustang that keeps stealing all of my girlfriends. I think he's been out with all the girls I've been out with twice. That man has one ego problem.

Ross raised one eyebrow. How so, she asked politely. It could not be said that danger does not await those who talk behind their superior officer's back. There were times when bashings were in order for such treason. Havoc covered his mouth while he yawned. You know how it is, Havoc began wearily. Mustang's a better sport than I am, and he can be such a playboy. I doubt that he'd ever settle down to get married and whatnot. It's not his style. Havoc stood up and stretched again. Ross looked at him curiously. What are you trying to say here, that Mustang isn't a very stable person? Not at all, you got it all wrong, Maria. Havoc picked up his jacket that was draped over his chair.

It's no concern of mine where Mustang is going with his life. That's his problem. What bothers me is how his life always spills onto mine. I haven't found one girl who saw Mustang and looked at me again. I guess I'm not so much of a hotshot guy I used to be. Ross giggled involuntarily and coughed to cover it. Havoc didn't notice. He appeared to be deep in thought. He sighed as he continued. It's just that I can't seem to find the motivation to date anymore, what with Mustang snatching all the avaliable girls away. I suppose it's time to move on from this crazy lifestyle. Ross looked worried. Havoc, contain yourself. What are you saying, move on from this lifestyle? Her eyes darted nervously.

Havoc slung the jacket over his shoulder in a lazy way. You heard me, Maria. I'm tired of competing with a champion who's an expert on how to play the game. I'm done with girls. Ross stood up instantly with a look of shock on her face. Done with girls? You? Jean Havoc? I don't believe it. Havoc gave a lazy grin. Believe it, sister. But Havoc, Maria cried out disbelievingly. You've already stopped the cigarettes and the late night trips to the bar, but girls as well? What has gotten into you lately, Havoc? I'm surprised by your startling transformation! Havoc's lazy grin faded slowly, replaced with a distant look. He had dreamy eyes. It has been a long time since I've dragged a good one on a smoke. Come to think of it, I haven't done that or drink in a year. Or was it two?

Ross put her hands on her hips. Her stunned eyes changed into a look of worry. Is anything bothering you, Havoc? You seem out of touch with reality at times. I worry about you. Havoc waved his hand, dismissing the idea completely. Don't worry about it, he said scornfully. It's nothing a cup of hot coffee won't fix. I'll be on my way and out of yours. Say, isn't it about time you should be getting ready for your date with Bloch? Ross could already tell that Havoc was changing the subject. Havoc was never comfortable with a topic that included himself with compassion. He was a touchy kind of guy, never revealing more than words on a need-to-know basis. Havoc gave Ross a slight nod of the head as he made his way out of the office. He walked by Roy Mustang who was too busy arguing with Maes Hughes on the phone. No, it was not Maes Hughes. Hughes had died a while back, and Mustang had gotten over it. It must've been another stolen girlfriend, the quite persnickety ones at that.

Havoc sneered silently to himself. Serves you right, Mustang. Riza Hawkeye watched carefully from the corner of her eye. Hawkeye was rumored to be an alien from another planet who had eyes and ears all over her body. Wonderful, Havoc groaned. He tried to make a hasty exit. No such luck. And where are you going, Havoc? Havoc ambled on, hoping that she wouldn't make a fuss. He certainly didn't have his head on straight this night. Hawkeye stood up in all her rank and power. Havoc, I asked you a question. Great. Lieutenant, I'd love to sit and talk about this all day, but I'm off duty and have a prior engagement to attend. Hawkeye tried to look sternly into Havoc's eyes. Nobody's ever off duty, snapped Hawkeye. She was in one of those moods again. Mustang must've done something as usual. Havoc looked through the glass window in the door.

There is something I must do today, Lieutenant, if you don't mind. It's my anniversary. Hawkeye's hawk eyes softened considerably. Your anniversary? Yes, Lieutenant. It's something personal of mine. She would be very disappointed in me if I were not to show. Hawkeye closed her mouth and said nothing more of it. Havoc stepped out of the building and felt the rush of the December frost. There was dirty snow that lined up the brittled sidewalks and cracked roads of Central. It was not such a pleasant sight. I remember when things were more beautiful, whispered Havoc. Or was that just my imagination? One sees only beautiful things when their life is beautiful. He jammed his hands into his pockets as he walked slowly down Garrow Street. He heard a sharp metallic clink as his hand hit an object in his military-issued jacket pocket.

A silver pocket watch. Of course Havoc could not forget about this particular item. It was a treasured posession of his. That girl Rockbell from Resembool had given it to him. Winry. One of Edward's girlfriends. She had been nice about it as well. You needn't ask for it, good sir, she had said politely. I know that it means a lot to you. People passed him by without a glance or a word of edgeways. He saw children holding large boxes of all assorted sizes and colors. Christmas was coming. Havoc pushed the pocket watch back into his pocket. Yes, it was a while back, wasn't it? I've had too much time to think about what had happened; too much time to try and figure out the facts. He walked to the cemetary. It was lit brightly with Japanese-style paper lamps that shined colorfully. Many people were there. Havoc smiled and nodded as he walked over to an abandoned tombstone.

It certainly has been a while. Havoc bent down and touched the inscriptions on the stone. It was carved with care. But it's not tradition, argued Mustang tirelessly. She must be buried in the regulation cemetary reserved for military officials and personnel. He had him there. There was no doubt that she was a part of the military. But, Havoc said, she's so much more than that. Havoc's eyes almost flooded, so Mustang let him go with that. Fine then, Havoc. Bury your girl in Central. I guess you and her are just too good for the military, isn't it? But that was Mustang, always arrogant. One learned to deal with a man like him, under such circumstances. It wasn't very difficult either.

Hawkeye had seen Havoc's tears too. She knew too well, but she never said a word. It was pure heart, not mind, that held her back from saying anything. How could she restrict Havoc to his already limited choices even further? The poor man was broken enough. He had no family of his own, and his friends, if they could be called friends, were all a part of the Amestris Army. Not too many options for a lonely man like Havoc. That was probably his only possible connection for his longing of human company. Pity too. It didn't take a genius to figure out why Havoc was getting sick of Mustang being a better player than he was. Havoc didn't have anyone else, and that was said very loosely.

They found the young alchemist somewhere up in Eastern headquarters in an abandoned alley. Her tattoos on her arm that gave her the gift of alchemy were noticeably missing. Back when Hughes was alive and kicking, he had investigated the murder case with everything he had. It's a little complicating in this one, Hughes stated carefully. It's no doubt that she was killed by Scar. After all, it was she who was assigned to the mission to exterminate him. He simply retaliated. That is simple logic. But what I can't seem to understand is that how could he have killed her when there are no marks on her body? Nice try, Hughes. It was true that they found the alchemist with no mark. But those tattoos were her life and lungs, and without them, she would cease to exist. Simple logic, Hughes. It was not exactly the encyclopedia version that would endure three hours of pages and notes, but it was to the point.

Havoc put on his coat and scarf. They flew a little in the wind. I've thought about you often, he said and smiled. Because of you, I've stopped my obsessive addictions to cigarettes and alcohol. It wasn't just for you either, so don't flatter yourself. I thought about all the things you've said in the past. Havoc blew into his cuppped hands for warmth. He rubbed them hard. You died exactly two years ago on this date. I remember it was only two weeks before Christmas. I had no one, not even family. You were the first person in my life who treated me like I was better than I am. All I've ever concentrated on before was yes, sir; yes, Colonel; yes, Lieutenant. You called me chief. You made me feel superior. Havoc sighed. Tears began rolling down his cheeks. But of all the things you've done for me, here's one I'm going to do for you.

Havoc touched his chest. My heart's too heavy with you inside, so I have to let you go. I'm sorry. He turned around to walk away. Havoc spread his arms above his head. Don't cry, he yelled. Your brother is here!

You can finally rest in peace, Trey.