Disclaimer: See part one.

Aakarashan entered the cafeteria and headed towards the line up until she saw Sciezka waving to her from a table near the center of the room. She returned the friendly gesture as she neared her friend.

"Awe, you even got me my favorite. Thanks a bunch. Let me pay you back with dessert ok?" she said seeing a scrumptious salad and a cup of glistening strawberries. The lunch was complete with a glass of fresh chilled milk just the way she liked it. The one thing she had learned from the military was to never touch their so called 'meat', especially if it had the word mystery in front of it.

"Hey, what are friends for right?" her companion replied.

"Right." Aakara agreed while sampling a berry. It was like a little ruby from heaven. She still made a mental note to repay her later. The ex-librarian always seemed to be able to read her mind. She had been that way ever since they had met when Aakarashan was first placed under Hughe's Investigations Department. Though they were from different worlds they had a common passion for reading. She remembered all the fun they used to have as they worked together. They were heartbroken when Mustang decided he could use the help and she was transferred. At least they were still able to hang out during meals every now and then.

"You seem fidgety, are you alright?" Sciezka asked with a concerned look on her face. Sciezka watched her friend arrange and then rearrange her salad until she finally took a bite.

"It's just; I was a total moron today." She pouted with a sigh.

"The guys weren't teasing you again were they?"

"I wish. He actually called the office looking for the Colonel today. Mr. Elric actually called and I answered! Then I just froze. When I could finally say something, it came out a stuttering mess." Aakara hung her head in frustration.

'Mr. Elric?' Sciezka thought with a quizzical glance. She was used to the girl referring to him as 'my Darling Edward' or the 'Infamous Fullmetal Alchemist' or 'Genius' even. When Aakara had found out that it was he who had gotten the librarian hired, she had bugged her for every detail till she finally caved. 'Maybe this job is getting to her' she thought trying to search for something comforting to say.

"I'm sure Ed wouldn't even have noticed. He was probably too busy to remember anyway right? So what did he say? It's been a while since I've seen him." She replied.

'Yeah maybe she's right. Maybe I still have a second chance for a first impression. Oh no, that's right!' she contemplated while Sciezka waited for an answer.

"Oh my God! He's coming. He's heading here right this very minute! I still haven't learned any decent alchemy to impress him with yet! What am I gonna do?" she had nearly spilled the glass as she rambled on with her arms flailing aimlessly. This of course attracted an unwanted audience.

Sciezka grabbed the girl's arms before she could do any damage. "Please calm down, it's really nothing to worry about. Ed's very understanding. Just be yourself and you'll be fine," she said still holding her arms in midair.

"Thanks. I guess you're right. Besides, I'll never be any good at alchemy anyway. I'm only in this business because of my great-grandfather's name," she whined. He was a Brigadier General before Basque Grand many years ago. Her grandfather was a State Alchemist after him. Even her father had served as a private soldier a few years ago before he died. Until recently all she could do was attend to the Aqrouyan flower shop they owned back home. She was back to feeling useless. The mood swings were killing her. "I still can't believe they even hired a civilian like me."

Sciezka lowered her arms and offered her a book from the pile she had carried in with her. It was titled The Next Step in Alchemy 101. "Here take this. I'm sure if you work hard enough you'll be a great alchemist someday, one that the military would beproud to promote." they smiled at each other as if Aakara's outburst had never occurred.

"Ah there's two of my favorite girls!" a loud voice boomed out to them. They turned to see Lieutenant Hughes standing behind them.

"Hello Leiutenant." They greeted in unison.

The man who had become like a father to both of them laughed at their timing. "Are you two sure you're not twins? Seriously though Sciezka, I need you to copy these files by the end of the day along with all the rest." He requested handing over a manila envelop signed CONFIDENTIAL.

"Of course sir. Consider it finished." the mousey girl complied.

"Thanks, I don't know what I'd do without you. Hey, Aakarashan how are things working out with the Lieutenant?" he inquired.

"Oh I couldn't be happier. I can't believe how lucky I am to be able to work under the illustrious Colonel Mustang and the brilliant First Lieutenant Hawkeye!" she answered a little too quickly.

"She used the gun on you again didn't she?" he smirked.

"Yes sir", she said in a downhearted voice.

"Don't worry kiddo. It's just Riza's way of showing that she believes in you. If you want proof, just take a look at all the bullet holes behind Roy's desk."

"Thank you sir. That really means a lot to me. Strawberry?" she asked scooping up one with the nail on her pinky finger. She gave him her most endearing smile. Inside her mind was flaming from the age discrimination.

"No thank you. Well, I'll see you girls later. Enjoy your lunch." He departed leaving in his cheerful manner. They both said their goodbyes to him as they watched him go.

"That's funny, he didn't even mention Elysia." Aakarashan pondered aloud. As Sciezka pulled the papers out of the folder, a fewinstant photosfell with them. They were of several different snap shots of the infamous daughter. One featured her on a tricycle. Another depicted Mrs. Hughes on the swing with her daughter on her lap. It baffled the girls how such a small child could have the entire military in Central wrapped around her finger. It was their joke that Elysia was a secret weapon herself. They chuckled at the breathtaking cuteness.

"Well, I guess that's my cue. I have to get back to work but I'll see you later alright?" Sciezka said as she got up to clear her tray.

"Yeah, I guess I'd better be getting the Colonel his coffee before he gets cranky. Thanks for the book."

"Your welcome. Just be careful, it's a library book. Ciao!" the glasses wearing girl said as she made her exit.

Aakarashan poured a cup of straight black coffee for her superior. 'On second thought..' she grabbed one of those multiple cup carriers and prepared some of the bitter beverage for the others.

She balanced the containers as she walked down the hall paying extra attention so she wouldn't dump any of it on herself or anyone else. "Hello cutie", she greeted Black Hayate who picked up pace behind her. The puppy's ears perked up as they neared a common room where much ruckus could be heard. Curiosity killed the cat and Aakara peered around the corner to see the Central gang attempting to torture Breda. The group consisted of Fuery and Havoc, causing well, havoc. There were a few other men she didn't recognize.

"Come on man, who was she?" she heard Jean ask.

"Yeah, who was the girl from your date?" Fuery asked

"It better not have been sweet little Meredith! I was supposed to meet her tonight!" Havoc shouted in a distressed tone. Instead of protesting again his comrade fell into an uncomfortable silence, his face cast downward.

'So that's it huh?' Aakara thought in disgust. How the hell Breda could manage to steal a date from Havoc was beyond her, but she wasn't about to let him get away with it. She reached into the pocket of her skirt, being careful not to upset her coffee delivery. She pulled out one of the many biscuits she kept for Hayate, who's ears and face seemed to smile at the sight.

"That's right. Hayate want a cookie?" she teased watching the dog stand on his hind legs. "Go fetch boy!" she slid the treat across the room. It landed at the feet of the men who stared at it dumbly for a second. Jean smirked when he saw the adorable puppy trot in to claim his snack. Breda twitched upon the arrival of the adorable fuzzball and panicked as the other soldiers held him back.

"Get that vile beast away from me! You can't make me talk! Take that abomination out of here! Horrible little monster!" he screamed. His weakness had been used against him and he was powerless, but not without spirit.

Aakarashan could no longer suppress the fit of giggles that threatened. She would have fallen to the floor laughing had it not been for her precious peace offering she carried. She had balanced the book Sciezka had given her on top of her head. How it managed to stay on it's perch was a mystery. 'That's what he gets for stealing my muffin yesterday morning.' She thought winking at Havoc. 'Is this really a military HQ or a fraternity house?' she pondered as she entered Mustang's offices.

Upon stepping in the doorway she gasped as she witnessed Roy conversing with a suit of armor and his instantly recognizable companion. She almost dropped the freshly brewed coffee as she noticed the vibrant blood red hooded jacked with the trademark symbol on the back. She could clearly see those gorgeous golden locks loosely braided while his back faced her. He must've heard her squeak because he halfway turned to face her. He was the one. The Fullmetal Alchemist.

A/N: "Dun dun dun…." (dramatic drumroll please!)