IV

~ "Mommy, where does daddy go all the time?" I was small again, 4 maybe 5 years old. I was back in my old house in Kadayr, with my mother outside watering her rose bushes. The sun was out and blinding, making anyone sweat 5 minutes from being outside.

"He's on special missions for the military, my dear." My mother truly is a beautiful woman, inside and out. Her skin isn't like mine. It's like everyone's around here, clean white. She also has luscious blonde hair that pours out of her head with curls. Her eyes, however, are the only thing I received from her, that, and her divine physique.

"Special missions?" I didn't know my father. There were only pictures on the walls and dressers of him. That's how I knew I received my skin and hair from him, and from what my mother said, his personality.

"Yes, the military of this country sends him all over the place, sometimes all over the world. They give him a special task, and he goes to complete it for them. That's why he can't be home now, but when he's all done with all his missions, he'll be home." My mother finished watering one bush and went to the other. I starred at the roses thinking over what my mother had just told me.

"When I grow up, I think I'll join the military too!" So many thoughts were going through my mind. My imagination was always out of control.

"Oh, and why do you want to join?" My mother seemed timid by my statement.

"I want to see the world, just like daddy."

"I see." My enthusiasm deflated when I saw my mother smiling at me. There was a deep sadness to her smile, yet she was still beautiful as ever.

My eyes slowly opened from the peaceful, yet dreadful dream. It was more like a memory. I tempted to prop myself up but knew instantly that wasn't going to happen. My head felt heavy, and my stomach didn't feel any lighter. I brought my hand up to my forehead, trying to remember what had happened last night. I remember Nina, Scar, the bar, and...

"Look who's finally up." Of course, he was here. Why wouldn't he be here? It's not like he has anything better to do than to get my heart racing. I tried my best to lift my head up to see where Havoc was. I caught the glimpse of him at my small table set at the foot of my bed up against the wall. He was sitting in my most comfortable armchair. My head went crashing back down on my pillow, making things spin a bit.

"Why are you here? Did you stay all night?" My brain frantically went through everything that happened last night. I cried, I actually cried on Havoc and then he... My head felt hot which wasn't helping my condition. He actually carried me all the way from the bar and tucked me in. Kill me now!

"Orders." I wasn't expecting that answer. Orders? From Mustang? Of course, he's probably taking Hughes advice and giving me an escort until they capture Scar. I groaned in misery. Of all people, why Havoc?

"What does that mean, specifically?"

"I am to be with you 24/7 until further notice." He now stood up from the chair and walked over to the window. In other words, there was no leaving my side. Perfect. My days of peace were over. I had a million-questions going through my mind, but the one that stuck out the most, where was he going to sleep? This was only a two-bedroom house, and the couch was certainly not an option. I wouldn't even want my worst enemy to sleep on that solid rock. He certainly wouldn't be able to sleep in a chair the whole time, even if it is extremely comfortable. Especially when we don't know when we'll catch Scar. My head only felt hotter thinking of where he would be sleeping.

"No freaking way!" I went stiff realizing I had said that out loud. Havoc was looking at me in confusion.

"What's no freaking way?" Great! How am I supposed to explain this one? No freaking way am I letting you sleep in the same bed as me? I know you didn't mention anything, but that's what I've been thinking of this past minute. This wasn't going to be easy.

"I was just saying that... There was no freaking way I'm getting out of bed today." Yes, good one Abby! I feel like crap anyways, so it all works out. Havoc made a weary sigh and went back to his chair.

"That's fine. Colonel said that you had the day off to rest and recollect yourself anyways." Havoc slumped down into the chair and laid his head back, closing his eyes. That must mean Mustang knows about my behavior last night. Knowing this, only made me want to get out of bed and go to work. Prove everyone wrong that I am collected. Abby Lovington doesn't have break downs! I made another miserable groan as I threw my covers off myself. I was still dressed in my clothes from last night. It only made me feel more gross but there was no time for a shower.

"I thought you weren't getting out of bed." He didn't even open his eyes as I crept by him to my bathroom.

"I want to go in. I'm sure there's a big mess, and Colonel could use all the help." I was now in my bathroom, washing my face free of what little make-up I still had on.

"The Colonel also said that if you insisted on coming in, that the nice suggestion will become an order." You're kidding me? I'm being ordered to not come into work? What am I supposed to do ALL day? I dried my face from the water as I pondered the possibilities. I guess I could go shop around town, get Havoc a cot to sleep on. That'll get one problem out of the way. I walked back out to my room and opened my dresser. The real question was, what would be the outfit for the day? Havoc was going to be with me so... I shut my dresser drawer without grabbing anything, and went straight back to my bathroom, shutting the door.

"What are you doing exactly?" True curiosity was in Havoc's voice.

"I'm getting ready." If there was ever a perfect time to wear it, it was today. I starred at my new white sundress that was hanging on my bathroom door. The dress I was going to wear last night but decided against it. The weather last night still wasn't favorable for a dress when I headed out to the bar, but today, today was different. I took the dress from the hanger and slipped it right on. It was perfect. I picked it out because I didn't have an all-white one, plus, it hugged all the right curves on my body. I felt good in it. I then turned to the mirror to decide what I was going to do with my hair. I always have it up, I think for once it be nice to leave it down. I just ran my brush through the mess a couple times until in ran smoothly. I was lucky that I got my mother's natural wave. I placed my brush down, thinking of her, remembering my dream.

"What exactly are you getting ready for?" Havoc was right outside the door down. He must be getting impatient.

"I want to go out to town and shop for a few things." I was now starting on my make-up. I was actually putting more on than usual since it was my day off. I was quite content with how I looked. Just as I was reaching for the door handle to present myself to the man waiting ever so patiently, my heart started racing. I hesitated at the door. What if he didn't like it? Would he know that I was trying to impress him? Would he laugh? I don't think he's ever seen me in a dress. I looked at myself again in the mirror, seriously debating taking off the dress and grabbing a more usual apparel. No. I bought the dress for me. I felt beautiful in it and that's all that matters. I took a deep breath in and opened the door. Havoc was back to sitting in his chair, but once his eyes locked onto me, he stood straight back up. My heart was racing too fast. I could practically hear it in my ears. He was just staring at me, mouth slightly open with a slight blush on his cheeks. Should I take this as a compliment?

"What?" I was feeling uncomfortable with everything. I should've changed.

"No-nothing, it's just...why are you all dressed up?" I knew it. He thought it was weird. I was regretting not sticking to the normal.

"Do I look that weird?" My confidence was wilting before my eyes.

"No!" His reaction surprised me. "Not weird at all, just...beautiful." His blush deepened a bit. My heart fluttered, and it fluttered hard. I felt so relieved that I almost started crying. Instead, I cleared my throat.

"Thank you." I couldn't look him in the eye now. Havoc was the one who cleared his throat this time.

"So, what were you wanting to do today?" I couldn't help but smile.

"I wanted to shop for somethings." I jogged to the other side of the room, to my wardrobe. I picked out a pair of heels that went perfectly with my dress.

"Like what exactly?"

"Well, I was thinking of getting some groceries for dinner tonight. I want to make something for Mustang, since he'll be in the office for a while. Also, I figured we could get you a cot to sleep on. I doubt you want to sleep in that chair the whole time." I slipped the shoes on, which brought me a good two inches taller. They made me feel even more sexy. Why didn't I dress like this more often?

"No, it's fine. The chair isn't all that bad." Typical answer.

"Still, I want to make sure you have options." I started to walk pass him, towards my bedroom door.

"You mean your bed isn't one?" I stumbled by his comment. Lucky for me, I could blame the heels.

"No, it's not an option! What makes you think it ever was?" That smirk of his was on his stupid face.

"I have my reasons." He walked pass me and out the door. Confused, I followed him and went down the stairs, out the front door.

It was such a beautiful day. The sun was out and there was a slight breeze. I would have to keep an eye on my dress, make sure it didn't fly up and expose my under garments.

"Do we need to stop by your place and pick anything up?" I asked as Havoc closed the gate entrance.

"No, I already grabbed everything I would need." He locked the gate and gave it a good shake to make sure it was locked. This felt so weird. It was like we were going on a date, but I knew better. Still, I couldn't get my heart to stop racing ever since that moment in the bedroom. What was Mustang thinking? I was reaching for the car door when Havoc's hand beat me to it. I looked at him confused. Were we not taking the car? He then opened the door for me and extended his hand out. I wanted to cry from sheer happiness.

"Milady." I took his hand and he guided me into the car, like a true gentleman.

"Why thank you, kind sir." I was trying so hard to keep my smile as small as possible. He gently closed the door and ran around the car to his side, sliding in right next to me.

"So, where's our first stop?" He asked as he started the car.

The late morning and early afternoon were spent very wisely. We returned to the house with plenty of bags. Mostly from groceries, but then there was the cot. Havoc had almost argued my ear off before giving in. He knew once I made up my mind up, there was no persuading it.

"I'll grab the groceries if you grab the cot." I said as I opened the back seat door and gathered all the bags.

"You know you wasted your money on this right? I'm not going to use it." Havoc grumbled as he too opened the back seat door and fought with the cot.

"Or you could be a good bodyguard and not waste my money." I closed the car door with my foot and headed for the gate. I had to set the bags down and waited for Havoc to catch up. The cot was quite big, I was impressed. He needed both hands to carry it.

"Can you get the keys out of my pocket?" He asked as he continued to fumble with the cot.

"Yah, which pocket are they in?" I wasn't thinking.

"Front, right." I walked around him and put my hand down his pocket grabbing the keys. I really wasn't thinking. He squirmed a bit as I pulled my hand back out and walked back to the gate. I unlocked and opened it up wide so Havoc could fit through. I was a bit confused when I saw that he was blushing. I didn't really give it a second thought and ran pass him to open the front door for him. When he got through I went back for the groceries that were still outside.

"Mommy, look at that pretty girl." I heard a young girl say to her mother who were walking pass me on the sidewalk.

"Yes, she's very pretty." The mother said in a hushed voice. I couldn't help but smile. My self-esteem was to the max right now! I hurried back inside and placed the bags on the counter. I could hear Havoc upstairs, cursing at the cot. He'll thank me one day, when his back was begging for a bed. I sorted all the contents from the bags onto the counter and started to prepare diner for everyone. I wasn't sure who was all going to be at the office still, but I thought it was safe to assume everyone. Even if it was just Mustang and Hawkeye, I didn't mind leftovers.

I was almost done with preparing dinner when Havoc came back inside from his third smoke break. The thought of the amount of tar that was in his lungs made me cringe.

"Smells really good." He stood over the stove to take a nice big whiff.

"Thanks! It's almost done." I was now cleaning everything up. I had made quite a mess in the kitchen.

"We're supposed to take this to Mustang right?" He seemed a bit jealous.

"Yep, and whoever is still at the office. I thought it'd be a nice treat for everyone, except Mustang. He's used to my cooking." I always cooked for Mustang. I also cleaned the place when it actually got messy. It was my way of paying my share around the place since Mustang didn't ask rent from me. He would always glow when I called him down for dinner. His compliments were always assuring too. Hopefully everyone else had the same taste buds as him.

"Havoc, could you turn off the stove, please." Everything should be done. I went through the cupboards to find my traveling dishes. I stored everything as well as I could and sealed the containers. I prayed it would all still be warm by the time we got to everyone.

"You mean we're not eating yet?" Havoc seemed so disappointed. I couldn't help but giggle to myself. It was fun watching him squirm to the smell of the food.

"No, I was wanting to eat with everyone at the office." I placed each container in the bags as carefully as possible. I handed one bag to Havoc and headed back to the front door, slipping my heels back on. We both stepped outside again and walked to the car. Havoc handed me his bag so he could lock everything back up and opened my door again, so it was easier for me to slide in with the bags. The sun was just starting to set, giving the world a long day well spent kind of glow. I set the bags down by my legs, but still held onto the handles for support. I prayed to myself that everyone would like my cooking. If not, I would be buying everyone a round at the bar to make up for it.

I should have changed clothes before I came to the office. The entire walk from the entrance of the building to Mustang's door was extremely awkward. Everyone starred and whispered. I was gone all day with Havoc, and now we show up like this. I tried to shake everything off, but no matter what, I couldn't shake being uncomfortable. We weren't even in the office yet. I now prayed that it was only Roy and Hawkeye in there. Havoc opened the door for me, he was being such a gentleman today, and I walked right in. My prayers weren't answered.

"Hey guys! I thought Abby had the day off today?" Fuery greeted us. Just when he noticed my apparel, he stopped with a slight blush.

"Whoa, look at this looker." Breda was the next to notice. I couldn't help but blush to myself with their compliments.

"I'm going to assume by Lovington's attire, that you're both not here for work related matters." Mustang did not seem impressed. I continued to walk in the room and placed my bag on my desk, Havoc placed his bag right next to mine.

"I brought everyone dinner." I started digging everything out of the bags. I went through the bag Havoc had and placed all the plates/bowls and utensils out. Next I took out the containers with food and opened up them up. They seemed to still be warm. I sighed with relief. Mustang was the first one at my side, ready for his share. I was sure to give him a big portion of food, since that's what he was used to. Everyone else lined up, except Hawkeye. Havoc was the last one, aside from myself. I walked over to Hawkeye with my plate full to see if I could get anything out of her. I knew Mustang wouldn't tell me anything until I was back for duty.

"You don't want any?" I held the plate up to her nose. She gave me a small smile.

"No thank you. I have leftovers at home that need to be gone soon."

"Holy cow! Abby, you made all this?" Fuery asked with half a mouth full.

"Um, yah. I went shopping today with Havoc and figured I could whip something up for you guys."

"To think the Colonel gets this almost every night. Lucky bastard." Breda mumbled just loud enough for me to hear. Hawkeye walked pass me and grabbed a portion for herself. Her curiosity got the better of her, she needed to know what the hype was about.

"Hmm, it could use a bit more pepper and salt, but other than that, it's very good." She took another bite full. I couldn't be any happier! Riza was complimenting my food. How could this day get any better? Now there was just one more person I needed to confirm with. I walked over to where Havoc and Mustang were standing, quietly eating their food.

"So?" I asked while patiently waiting for Havoc to swallow. I already knew Mustang loved my cooking. If it was up to him, he'd hire me as a full-time chef.

"So what?"

"So, do you like it?" This man was incorrigible.

"Well..." He paused. He was pausing too long. He didn't like it. I felt a twinge of hurt by his reaction. "It's not like my mom's cooking, but it comes pretty close." I was confused now. Was that a compliment?

"So, you like it?"

"It's delicious!" He gave me his famous heart melting smile. He liked it! I returned his smile with one of my own. It just got better.

As we packed everything back up, Mustang informed me that he would be home tonight. It would just be late, so Havoc needed to be there. He then preceded to warn Havoc that if he tried any funny business, his ass would be ash. I had to calm the situation and told Mustang that we had bought him a cot. It still didn't convince Mustang. I was starting to wonder why he assigned Havoc in the first place. As we were leaving, everyone had thanked me once again for the food. I told them I'd see them all tomorrow and let Havoc shut the door behind us.

"I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted." I said as we started back down the hallway. Hopefully there wouldn't be too many people around since it was now dark. Man, my feet were starting to really hurt. This is why I don't always dress this way, but after today, I just might start doing it more often.

"I could definitely use a hot shower." Havoc seemed a bit tired himself. Lovely, now I was going to have to fight him for the shower. Maybe he's quick? How long do guys typically take showers? In and out, like Mustang? So many questions, so little energy. We were finally outside of headquarters, with the cool summer breeze gently blowing at us. I tucked my free hand at the back of my dress to make sure it stayed put. It was such a nice night, perfect for campin-

"Crap!" I stopped right at the base of the steps.

"What's wrong?" Havoc automatically grabbed the gun that was hiding in his brown leather jacket.

"Nothing!" I quickly grabbed his arm and got him to lower it. I should probably not make sudden comments like that anymore. "I just...remembered something." I need new pajamas. The ones I have are so not guest appropriate.

"Are you kidding me?" I could tell he wanted to say more, but he decided against it. "What did you remember." I let go of his arm as he started to put the gun back in its safe spot. Oh boy. How do I explain that I need to go buy new sleepwear? Sorry, but I don't want you to get the wrong impression? Then I would have to explain what I sleep in and that wasn't going to happen.

"I just remember that I have to go buy something else." Please don't ask what!

"Like what? I thought we got everything already?"

"Uh, well, not exactly."

"What do you even need?" Damn. I wasn't going to be able to come up with a good enough excuse.

"I think the less you know the better." I know I only raised his curiosity, but I didn't know what else to say. Anything else would have made him even more curious.

"Well, it's going to have to wait for tomorrow." He started to walk towards the car again.

"What? Why can't we go tonight?"

"Check the time, princess. It's late. I don't think we're going to find anything open." This can't be happening. There has to be something open! Just how late was it? I ran up to Havoc and grabbed the wrist I knew had his watch. "Hey!" I startled him once again, but it was for a good cause. 2100 hours! How did it get so late? Were we really in Mustang's office that long?

"This can't be happening..." I couldn't escape the inevitable.

"What's wrong? What do you need to buy so desperately?" He took his arm back again, looking at his watch.

"Nothing. Just forget about it. I'll buy it tomorrow." I crawled into the car, knowing that I probably wasn't going to get any sleep tonight.

Havoc had beat me to the shower. That bastard! I had it all planned in the car. I was going to take the first shower; then, while he was taking his, I was going to quickly change into my nightwear and crawl deep into bed. He would have never known. It was all ruined now, and I couldn't just not take a shower. I haven't taken one for a couple of days, and I couldn't sleep knowing that I was covered in filth.

"Man, that is the cleanest bathroom I've ever used." I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't hear him get out of the shower. I shot off from sitting on my bed and quickly hid my night gown that I was holding behind my back. I couldn't help by gawk at the sight before me. He was wearing navy blue pajama pants, a black t-shirt, and the towel he used hanging off his neck. His skin and hair were still damp from the shower. He looked...irresistible. I was in trouble. "What's wrong with you?" Crap, I was starring too long.

"Nothing! How was the shower?" I started to walk toward the bathroom, trying my best not to make it obvious that I was trying to keep my back from him.

"Clean." He raised an eyebrow at my back. Discreet was never my strong suit.

"Is your bathroom not clean?" Just get to the bathroom as quickly as possible, and it'll be cake from there.

"No, it's clean. Just not, THAT clean. Do you clean it every day or something?" I made a nervous laugh as I started to scoot by him. His eyes were on me the whole way until I shut the bathroom door. I took in a tired sigh and unfolded the piece of cloth that was in my hand.

"I'm going to get so much crap for this." I held my black night gown up, shaking my head. Granted it was the most modest one I have, but the fact remained that it wasn't a set of pajama pants and a t-shirt like Havoc. Why couldn't I have predicted that this certain circumstance would happen, and I could have had a backup nightwear handy.

I placed the nightie on my sink counter and turned to the shower to turn in on. I quickly undressed since the water was already hot and stepped right in. I stuck my head right in the steaming water, hoping it would take all my thoughts away. That's when I smelt it. His shampoo, or maybe it was his body wash. Whatever it was, it smelt good. Very manly. It was kinda turning me on...

"Hey, so where do you want me to set up the cot?" I almost slipped when I heard his voice so close to the shower curtain.

"What the hell?! Get out of here Havoc!"

"Okay, okay! Just tell me where to set it up." Oh no! He's going to see my night gown! Why didn't I hide it? Wait...why I am beating myself up for not hiding it when clearly he shouldn't be poking his head in to begin with it?!

"Just set it up anywhere, I don't care!" Anything to get him out of here.

"Are you sure-"

"GET OUT!" The door quickly closed, and I poked my head out. There was no way he didn't see it. Now he was probably thinking I'm trying to seduce him! I stuck my head back under the water, trying even harder to stop thinking. All I own is night gowns. I don't wear them to seduce, I don't think any man has ever seen me in them. I find them very comfortable. Despite thinking earlier that I should have back up pajamas, I don't even think I could sleep in anything else. Pants just get way too hot. The plus side was that I did feel sexy in them, but again, I've never actually worn them in front of a man before. I mean, I've ran downstairs in front of Mustang before...but that was different! And it leads to a lecture...What am I going to do?

I felt a bit better when I was finished with my shower, and by better, I mean cleaner. I probably spent 20 minutes looking in the mirror, psyching myself up to walk out. Every time I would touch the doorknob, I froze. He was going to see me. Just then, I had a brilliant idea. I slowly opened the door and poked my head out.

"Hey Havoc?" He was back sitting at my table set. He was taking his gun a part, cleaning it.

"Yah." Please let this work.

"I need you to do something for me."

"Uh-huh?"

"Could you...keep your eyes closed until I've crawled in bed?" That got his attention. Maybe I shouldn't of said anything. He probably wouldn't of even noticed me running by with the way he was cleaning his gun, but I ruined it. I've once again perked his curiosity.

"Why?" He was looking back at me now.

"Just do it, okay? Please?" He continued to stare at me before he finally turned back around.

"Okay, they're closed."

"No peeking." He didn't respond. "You can't peek Havoc."

"Alright! Would you just hurry before I yank you out of there and put you to bed myself." That got me moving. I quickly ran by him and slipped right into bed. I looked up to tell him that he could open his eyes, but I was stunned with horror. His eyes were already open, looking right at me; and judging by the way he was looking at me, he saw everything. "Why...are you wearing that?" Oh. My. GOD!

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO LOOK!" I grabbed one of my extra pillows and chucked it at him. He caught the pillow right in midair, before it hit his face. I wish I had something more heavy, more firm to throw. He just kept staring at me, still seeing what he just saw. This was it. I was done. I could hear all the whispers at work now. Maybe if I explain...

"It's all I've ever worn. Even when I was little I worn night gowns. It's just...when you grow up, they just get a bit more..."

"Sexy." That put me over the edge. I shoved the covers off and crawled quickly over the bed towards him. I grabbed his shirt and pulled him in close to my face.

"Listen here, Havoc. If you tell anyone, ANYONE, what I find comfortable for bed, I will kill you. Do you understand? You and I both know how capable I am of zapping the life out of my enemies." The last part was a bit of a white lie. I've never really killed anyone. Not yet at least, but the message had to stick. He didn't say anything, but his eyes were no longer on my face. I realized that my body was out in the open again, giving him a nice little show. I shoved him back into his chair and wrapped my blanket around me. I was mortified. Only my husband was supposed to see me like this. I had already given my virginity to someone else a long time ago. A choice I regret to this day. My husband wouldn't be my first with sex, but I had promised myself that he would be the first to see me so vulnerable. I guess that was out the window.

"I won't tell anyone." Havoc had a sincere look. Like he understood.

"Really?"

"Yah." He chuckled at my question. "Do you really think I'm the kind of guy to go off and tell people such an... intimate thing." Intimate? He does understand. My shoulders relaxed a bit hearing him say that.

"I guess not." I finally smiled with relief.

"Now crawl back in bed. I'll close my eyes again." He laughed when I gave him a look. "And I'll keep them closed this time, I promise." The way he was looking at me, I can't explain it, but if I had to, it made my heart stop. He turned back to his gun and closed his eyes. I hesitated for a moment and crawled back to the top of my bed. The moment I was tucked in, I heard Havoc light a cigarette before working on his gun again. I slowly drifted of to sleep as the smell of his cigarette filled the room and the sound of his gun being cleaned. Today, was a good day. ~

End of Chapter 4!

Let me know if I've made any mistakes!

THANKS FOR READING! :D