II

~ Havoc dropped me off back at my place after picking up the Elric brothers. I was able to see little Nina for a short moment, and I already felt a bit better. Havoc told me to take some pain medicine and reminded me that I made a commitment to come out tonight with the boys. Clearly I wasn't getting out of this.

"Colonel?" I shouted to the quiet house. There was no response. He must still be in the office, which means Hawkeye is still there. I walked upstairs and into my room. I walked over to my dresser with a big depressing sigh. Just once I wish Hawkeye would come a long too, that way I'm not the only girl. I'm always getting looks, and typically they're a nasty glare from all the other women in the bar. Guess there's always next time. I picked out my outfit for the evening and dragged my feet to the bathroom. I flipped on the light and made a loud disappointing groan as I saw my reflection. I looked like death...maybe worse. I turned on the faucet and waited for the water to get warm before washing my face, trying so hard to get rid of the horribleness. I was going to have to start from scratch, which all in all, I didn't mind. I loved playing with makeup. I never really wore it because of the job, but when I went out, I dolled myself up! Of course, I didn't go crazy and apply pounds of makeup, but just enough to make a small difference in my appearance. I took my hair out of the ponytail and groan from relief as I realized that part of the cause of my headache was having my hair up. I took a quick brush to it before double checking myself in the mirror before I was satisfied with my reflection.

Now onto the wardrobe. I had my top picked out already, but I was trying to decide what bottoms to wear. Should I keep it classy and modest with pants, or go for a little more risk with my cute shorts? Even with the sundown, the temperature outside is still warm, and being in the bar with others would only make it worse. The real question was, how many glares did I want to get tonight? I stood there debating as if the choice was going to change my life forever. I finally gave in and grabbed the shorts. I'm used to the glares already, and it's not like I won't get them if I'm roasting in pants. The shorts I picked where a dark red color and they really made my butt look good. Not that I'm trying to impress anyone. I started blushing, knowing I was only lying to myself. I slipped on my black top, grabbed a few accessories, and checked the complete outfit before heading back downstairs to the kitchen.

I dug through the cabinets and drawers for a bottle of Advil. My headache had gotten better, but who knows how long that would last. I let out another sigh and shut the last drawer in defeat. I had hoped maybe Mustang would've had something lying around. Note to self, before I come home, buy pain pills! I checked the clock for the time. It was still pretty early. I might have time to run to the convenience store and buy me a small bottle. I wasn't going to debate this decision. I headed to the front door while putting on my boots, grabbed my set of keys and walked out the door.

I was not regretting my choice in apparel. If I had worn the pants, I would have passed out on the sidewalk before even reaching the store. I had bought the small bottle of pain killers and a water to take them with. I never understood how some people could take pills without any liquid help. Every time I tried, I felt like I was choking. I was outside now, slowly making my way to the bar we all normally go to.

As I was walking past a small group, I overheard a part of the conversation. It had to do with the most recent killing of State Alchemist Bask Grand, the Iron Blood Alchemist. The killings were becoming more frequent. It sent shivers down my spine thinking about the description all victims have. I'd need to be on my toes. I found myself thanking God, or whoever, that Mustang has Hawkeye to look out for him. Maybe I should get a bodyguard? Just as a precaution of course. I took a sip of my water and stopped in my tracks. In the corner of my eye, I saw it. The most beautiful dress I had ever seen! It was in a cute little boutique that was actually right next to the bar that I normally go to with the guys. I always stop to look because they usually have nice pretty things displayed, but this is the first time where I was tempted to go in and buy something. It was a gorgeous ballgown. Strapless, with a poofy princess bottom, a nice pastel pink with diamond jewels everywhere! I looked down to the ground with a sigh and started to walk away. Of course, I could afford it, but where would I wear it? The curses of working for the military.

I opened the door to the bar and instantly heard Fuery and Falman arguing over God knows what. Also, the curse of having no friends other than these idiots. I smirked at my snide thought and instantly took it back. I loved my team. They were like family, and I wouldn't trade them for anything in this world. I found myself a seat between Falman and Fuery at the bar and ordered a water, interrupting the dispute.

"Abby's here now!" Fuery practically shouted in the almost quiet bar.

"Hey, we were wondering when you'd show. I had to fight several people to keep this seat open." Falman said with a nice gentle smile and red checks. Excellent. Both Fuery and him were already toasty. Which means Breda isn't too far behind. Looks like it will be a short night, I was keeping my fingers crossed.

"Hey where are the other two?" Falman looked back at me with a slight confused look.

"I'm not too sure where Breda ran off to, he was just here a moment ago?" He started to scan the bar for his missing comrade.

"What about Havoc?" I started scanning as well.

"Oh, he's over there." Falman pointed across the bar. There he was indeed. Talking to a booth of women. Yep, I should have stayed home. "Oh, I found Breda, he's over at the arm-wrestling corner."

"Should've known." I was saying for both Breda and Havoc.

"We thought you weren't going to come after all." Fuery said with concern in his eyes.

"Why? I'm here on time. When did you all get here?" I asked patting his head for comfort. He always became kid-like when he drank.

"About an hour ago." Falman stated while looking at the clock to confirm.

"What? Why did you all get here so early?"

"You mean Havoc didn't tell you?" Fuery glared across the bar, right at Havoc. I couldn't help but scoff a laugh at his expression. Fuery's name might be intimidating, but his personality was nothing of the sort.

"It's alright, I'm here now aren't I?"

"Yah, but you could've been here sooner! Plus, I'm about ready to go home...My stomach isn't feeling too well." Fuery did look a bit pale.

"Excuse me?" I turned around to get the bartender's attention.

"Need something Abby?"

"Yah, could you get me a Ginger Ale please? Fuery isn't feeling too well." I gave Earl, the bartender, the sweetest smile. I liked Earl and by like, I mean I like to flirt with him. He's a good guy and always takes care of his loyal customers. He especially gives me lots of attention when all the guys go off to do their own thing. Sooner or later, it always happens.

"Sure thing." He walked away with a quick wink.

"I can walk you home, if you want Fuery?" Falman asked while trying to keep his little friend up. That might be the best thing, instead of the Ginger Ale. Stop by the Bakery and buy some bread for him.

"Here you go." Earl set the glass of ginger ale in front of me.

"Thanks, and here you go." I handed him some money. "Don't bother with the change." I gave him another sweet smile.

"Always the generous one." He returned the smile and walked away again. I heard the girls and Havoc laughing rather loudly across the bar. One of them put her hands on his arm and whispered something to his ear. I looked away, feeling...agitated. He practically begs me to come hang out but then flirts with girls all night? Part of me wanted to go throw my drink at him, but then I would have to explain why. Falman was never the best of company. Even when he drinks, he keeps to himself for the most part. Breda always goes off to arm wrestle all the "macho" men. And then there was Fuery.

"But I wanna stay!" He was now throwing a fit.

"Fine but don't complain tomorrow when you can't even get out of bed." Falman gave up and went back to his drink that was unattended to for a while.

"Fuery, sip on the Ginger Ale. See if it helps your stomach." Trying my best to keep the peace, I slid the drink in front of him.

"What is it?" He looked at it like it was a science project gone wrong.

"It's stomach medicine. It'll make your stomach feel better." He only continued to glare at the drink. "Would you prefer water?" He only glared at his glass harder.

"I want another beer." He was pouting now. I couldn't help but hide a chuckle.

"Looks like you have your hands full tonight." I looked up to Earl. He was such a handsome man. I swear he's part Ishvalan, but he denies it every time. His hair and skin scream out Ishvalan but his eyes, they are a bright sexy grey that pierce your heart with one look and his muscular tone wasn't all that bad either. He definitely worked out.

"I guess." I looked down to my water. I was too distracted to see Fuery slip off his stool.

"How was your day?" Earl asked as he was cleaning up the small puddle my glass of water was making.

"It was long, we all had to catch up on the paperwork" I knew he wasn't interested in my answer, because I also knew what the next question was going to be.

"So how many more times do I need to ask you out before you say yes." Of course, I was blushing. I did every time. I looked up at him with an embarrassed smile on my face. He was always so bold with it, and it kinda turned me on.

"As many times as it takes, I guess." If the circumstances were different, I would've said yes in a heartbeat. But I had my eyes on a different pair. Not the bold grey, but the gentle blue kind.

"Hey Earl, I need another Lemon Drop for my new friend." Both my heart and I jumped at the sound of his voice suddenly behind me. Of course, I couldn't tell, but my face went a shade redder. Earl saw it and only smiled knowing his competition had arrived.

"On your tab?" He asked Havoc.

"No, I'll just pay for it up front." Earl walked away to prepare the drink. "So, when did you get here?" Havoc asked sitting next to me while he waited for the drink.

"Oh, about 15 minutes or so ago." Nice to know he didn't even notice me coming in. Of course, he wouldn't have. He was happily occupied with his, as he worded, new friend.

"Looks like you're having the time of your life." That came out a little snippier than I intended. Havoc didn't say anything. I then realized that Fuery wasn't where I left him, next to me, where Havoc was now sitting. I quickly scanned the area trying to find my small lost friend. Earl came back with the Lemon Drop gently setting it in front of Havoc.

"So, Abby," Earl gently took my hand causing me to halt on the search for Fuery, "how many times did you say it would take for you to say yes to me?" Those eyes of his were too intense for my poor soul.

"Seriously, just say yes already. I'm getting sick of hearing him ask every time." Falman said before taking another drink of his beer. Havoc hesitated with pulling money out of his wallet. I just sat there, frozen, not knowing what to say. My face was getting hotter and hotter. I swallowed hard and was about to give my answer when Havoc set the money down, hard on the bar.

"Hey Earl, could you do me favor?" He had an irritated look on his face. Earl raised an eyebrow. "Could you take that drink to my new friend and apologize that I won't be returning for the evening." I looked up at him with some confusion. This is the second time he blew off a pretty girl. That was unheard of.

"Oh? Are you leaving?" Earl asked, more than likely thinking the same thing as me.

"No, I'm just here with friends. Don't want to be rude and ignore them, you know?" Havoc smiled aggressively. That made no sense. Why did he all of a sudden think he was being rude? He seemed quite content over there with his harem, and he normally didn't grace us with his presence unless the night was slow. Was he...jealous? My heart skipped a few beats with the sudden hope in my chest.

"Sure thing." After a soft squeeze, Earl let release my hand and took the drink to deliver to the group of females.

"So, did you get the pain medicine?" He was acting very weird, it made me feel uncomfortable.

"Yah, I went to the convenience store and got some. Oh yah, I heard someone talking about Brigadier General Grand. You heard about him, right?" I asked Havoc.

"Yah, wasn't he killed by that serial killer who's targeting State Alchemist?" I nodded my head to his question.

"It's pretty scary. Someone like him could get caught and killed. Makes me question my ability. Are my talents strong, or fast enough to stay alive if I were to run into him?" I started to really think about it, and it only terrified me more. I shook my head gently, forcing myself to stop think about such things. "Of course, I am! I mean, what could possibly be faster than lightning, right?" I asked half laughing.

"Hey Abby?" Fuery caught all our attention, reminding me that I he had disappeared. "Can we go to the park after this?" He was starting to sway back and forth. It was definitely time to get him home. I stood up and walked over to him.

"No, we need to get you home. Maybe buy you some bread for you?" I reached for his arm and swung it over my shoulder.

"But I want to go to the park." He protested.

"We'll go to the park tomorrow." I said gently, knowing all too well that we would do no such thing.

"But...what if you can't come?" I couldn't help but smile. Fuery was just like an adorable little brother to me.

"I promise I'll come. Now let's get you home. Breda!" I looked over to the corner and got his attention. "We're leaving, let's go." I started to head for the door, hearing Breda trash talk everyone who was at the table. Fuery was really swaying, making it rather difficult for me to carry him. I had a feeling I was going to topple over when Breda took Fuery out from under me.

"We don't need another incident." He was referring to the time when I was helping Fuery home, and he ended up knocking not only him, but also me to the ground. I scratched my knee pretty good and had a slight sprain ankle.

"Oh whatever." I started to protest but knew he had a point.

"Come on buddy, let's get you to bed." Breda started dragging Fuery away.

We all stepped outside, and I instantly noticed that the car wasn't in the usual place. I looked around to see if maybe Havoc parked it somewhere else, but it wasn't in sight.

"Wait, did no one drive?" I looked back to the boys. They shook their heads.

"It was too nice of a night; we couldn't pass it up." I groaned in discomfort. It was going to take us twice as long to get Fuery back to the dormitories.

"Taxi!" Breda quickly lifted his hand up, waving down the taxi that was just passing down the road. Talk about perfect timing. Breda was trying his hardest to gently stuff Fuery into the back.

"Falman, you coming?" Breda yelled over to us as he was getting in the back with Fuery.

"Yah, coming! See you guys later." I forgot, Falman lives in the dorms too. I guess I wasn't needed tonight. But wait...that means...I looked up at Havoc, who watched the taxi drive off behind us. He noticed I was staring at him and looked down at me. With another blush coming to my face, I looked away quickly.

"I guess I'll see you on Monday?" I said as I started to walk back towards home.

"Hold on princess, where are you going?" What the- Princess? Since when was I a princess?

"I'm going home?" I looked back in confusion; he was walking up towards me with his hands in his pockets.

"Weren't you just talking about a State Alchemist killer on the loose?" Damn him! He just had to put that in my head. I'll be jumping to every little sound now, unless...

"Well...could you walk me home then?" I couldn't look him in the eye. It was humiliating.

"What do you think I'm doing?" He pulled out a cigarette and lit it. My eyes widened looking at the lighter. That was the one his ex-girlfriend gave him. We both started walking to Mustang's, side by side. Why does he still have it? Does he not have enough money to go buy a new one, or maybe he's keeping it because he still has feelings- No! No, no, no! I am not going to get into this! It's none of my business. If he wants to use the stupid lighter that, that horrible woman gave him, then so be it! My steps started to become more like stomps.

"So, what's eating at you, princess?" He blew out his first puff.

"Don't call me that." I mumbled under my breath.

"What's that?"

"It's nothing, don't worry about it." I decided not to get into it. If he knew that being called princess bugged me, he would never stop. I glanced a look at him with my eyes. He was enjoying his cigarette and looking around the town. I will admit, I did feel much safer with Havoc at my side. I would have been glancing behind me every time I took a step. I really need to start carrying around my alchemy gloves when I'm off duty. I don't even know if Havoc has a weapon on him or not. For my sanity's sake, I'll imagine he does.

"So, Earl's question..." Havoc brought me back from my thoughts. "What would have been your answer?" He looked me right in the eye.

"What?" I was taken back by his question. "Why...do you want to know?"

"I'm just curious. Is he your type?" My type? I actually had to think about that. With what I knew about Earl, yes, he was exactly my type. I would even be lying if I said I didn't fantasize about him.

"Yah, I guess?" Before I could get another word out, Havoc started to walk again. Now his steps seemed more like quiet stomps. "Hold up, Havoc. Are you jealous?" I joked with him, but he didn't seem to be in a joking mood.

"No? Why would I be jealous of a guy like that. I mean, if that's what you go for, then by all means. But I just don't see it."

"See what?"

"What he has?" I paused to think about it for a second.

"Well, he has a really nice body-" Again, before I could get another word out.

"That's it? That's all it takes for you?" He seemed irritated and quickened his pace.

"Well no..." I was trying to keep up with him now, but he was walking too fast. Plus, he was a good few inches taller than me. He stopped in his tracks and opened a gate that was to his left. I stopped as well and looked over. We were at Mustang's place; I didn't even notice where we were at the time.

"I'll see you on Monday." He looked over his shoulder and gave a quick salute.

"Yah." I stood there and watched him till he went around the corner. What was...that all about? ~

End of Chapter 2!

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