V

~ The sun was finally rising and starting to creep its way through my bedroom window. I've been up for a couple of hours now, all thanks to Havoc. If he wasn't snoring, it was a good heavy breathing. So many times, I was tempted to suffocate him with one of my pillows. He was still in that damn lounge chair, even though he has a perfectly brand-new cot set up just for him. He was the one who set it up too! I decided to get out of bed and get ready for work. I made a mental note to myself as I was undressing to stop by my favorite boutique and buy new, more appropriate pajamas. Maybe I'll ask Hawkeye to come with me if she's not too busy keeping an eye on the Colonel. Thinking of Mustang, he said he was going to be home last night. I wonder when he got in, or even if he got in at all? There was only one way to find out.

All dressed for work, I exited my bathroom and made my way downstairs to the kitchen. I was surprised to have my question of Mustang answered by the smell of fresh coffee in the air. He was sitting at the counter, reading this morning's newspaper with his mug of coffee in his hands. It was very unusual to see him up so early. Did he even go to bed?

"Good morning." I greeted myself and gave him a smile as I went around the corner, seeing his face for the first time. I wasn't expecting him to look so... "You look awful! When did you get in?" He had a decent shade of bags under his eyes, he must have been up all night. He was even still in uniform. What was the point of him coming home?

"Late. I didn't get much sleep, too much on my mind." He took a big sip from his mug. I felt his pain, granted I probably got more sleep than him, but I was feeling the lost hours of sleep I had. I took the coffee pot from its warmer and held it up to him, silently asking if he wanted a refill. He pushed his mug closer to me, accepting.

"Do you have time for breakfast?" I placed the pot back in its warmer when I finished filling up his mug. "I was going to make pancakes."

"Only if there's bacon and eggs with them." He took another big sip of coffee.

"Alright, I suppose I could do that." Maybe the smell of bacon would get Havoc up. I gathered all my equipment and ingredients to make breakfast. "How do you want your eggs?" I already knew the answer. Mustang always had sunny side up, no exceptions. I always ask, because the day I don't, is the day he wants something different.

"Sunny side." I mouthed the words as he said it. I got the bacon going and started with the pancake batter. "You ready for work today?" That was his way of asking if I was alright. He was bound to ask.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I poured the first pancake on the hot pan. "I wanted to thank you, by the way, for allowing me a day of leave." I actually wanted to apologize, but I knew he wouldn't accept an apology. He never did. He just didn't want to see the same mistake happen twice.

"Everyone needs a day off every once in a while. It was no problem." He was still reading the paper, probably trying to find anything that might lead him to Scar.

"Did we miss anything yesterday?"

"No. Just a bunch of paperwork, but today we'll be searching the tunnels for Scar. I need you to be ready for combat."

"Yes sir." I flipped the finished pancake onto the plate I had set a side.

"I'm serious Abby." His tone changed. I glanced behind me to see he finally looked up from the paper. His eyes held anger and concern. "There's a possibility that you'll need to strike to kill. I know you've never done anything like that, and I need to be able to count on you." There was a moment of silence between us. In other words, he couldn't afford to worry about me. I was never expecting him to. Not when he has to worry about not only himself, but everyone else that would be down there. "Can I?"

"Yes." It was true, I was never put in a situation when it came down to life or death. As I turned back to the stove, I prayed to myself that I would have the strength to make that decision when it came. I had to be strong, no more break downs.

"Smells good." Havoc was finally up. He was still in his nightwear, also looking tired. How could he be tired? He probably got more sleep than Mustang and me.

"I'm making pancakes. Want some?" I put Mustang's plate together. Two pancakes, three pieces of bacon, and one sunny side up egg. I placed it in front of him, and his eyes lit up for the first time. It always made me feel good seeing that look. Havoc was eyeing Mustang's plate.

"I'll have what he's having." I should just open a restaurant, but only serve close friends. That would be perfect. All my loved ones appreciating my food! Better yet just having all my loved ones in the same place. Just thinking of it made me happy.

"Do you want your egg the same?" I started on Havoc's plate now.

"Yes, ma'am." He came around the corner next to me and poured himself a cup of coffee. How I wish I could drink coffee like the rest of them, especially with mornings like this. I'll just have to move around a lot today, and by what Mustang was saying, that wasn't going to be a problem. Havoc went back and sat next to Mustang, glancing at the paper with him.

"How were the sleeping arrangements last night?" Mustang asked before taking a bite of his bacon. What exactly was he asking? Why did I suddenly feel uncomfortable? I even messed up with flipping the pancake.

"Well, I bought Havoc a cot, so he had a place to sleep, but he thinks the chair is better." There was a bit of bitterness to my tone. The cot wasn't expensive, but it's not like I wanted to waste my money on it. I know he told me it was a waste, but I give it two more days. He'll be thanking me then.

"That's good to hear." Not even Mustang understood the bitterness I felt to the cot topic. "I'll be in and out of here so I'm bringing Breda to help out. You and he can take shifts." He was talking to Havoc now.

"And who's going to be covering your butt, Colonel?" Havoc asked with a smirk, already knowing the answer. I also knew the answer.

"Hawkeye will be with me at all times unless I come home. Then Havoc will have the honor of having my back." Hawkeye was more than enough to protect Mustang. That meant that Breda was going to have my back when Havoc wasn't around. I didn't know if that was a good thing or bad, because I didn't know if Breda was a worse snorer than Havoc. Guess we'll find out. Maybe Breda will use the cot. I put Havoc's plate together and sat it right in front of him.

"This looks amazing! Where would I find the silverware?" He asked as he reached for the syrup. I opened the drawer behind me and grabbed him a fork and butter knife. He graciously took the silverware from me and started digging in. I went back to the stove and started putting all the dirty dishes in the sink.

"Please put your plates in the sink when finished. It makes it easier when I do the dishes." I popped on the sink to fill it up with warm water.

"You're not having breakfast?" Havoc asked in between a mouth full. Mustang looked at me as he drank the last of his coffee.

"No, I'm not all that hungry. I can wait till lunch." I was never big on breakfast. Ever since I could remember my stomach always felt queasy until lunch. Then I was devouring everything in my sight. It was about time to go anyways.

"You're gonna regret it." Havoc said as he pointed at me with his fork before stabbing another mouth full of pancake with it.

"Double time Havoc, we need to get going and you're not even dressed." Mustang stood up and brought his plate to the sink, just like I asked. Havoc started shoveling the food into his mouth and also brought his plate to the sink. How did I get so lucky to have two men trained to put things where they belong? The military was truly good. As Havoc ran upstairs to change, Mustang and I went over to the front door to put on my work boots. Hopefully we would catch ourselves a murderer today.

It was a couple of hours past lunch time, and my stomach was growling at me very angry for still not feeding it. We've been down in the tunnels all morning, with no trace of Scar. It was only day one, so no one was really expecting to find him. It didn't stop us from hoping though. Every available unit was ordered to be down looking, but there weren't too many "available" units. There were only 6 teams, including Mustang's, searching high and low. Our group split up after some time, leaving me with Fuery and Havoc. Breda, Falman, and Hawkeye had each other, while Mustang was back at the office doing God knows what? Knowing him he was taking a nap, since Hawkeye wasn't there to keep an eye on him.

I should have listened to Havoc this morning and ate something. I felt like I was dying with having nothing in my stomach and little sleep. I should have asked Fuery to buy me a muffin or something before he disappeared to the surface a while back. When were we supposed to be done anyway? I was starting to drag behind Havoc feeling a bit dizzy. I need to pull myself together! I told Mustang I could handle myself. I slapped both my hands to my face hoping the pain would wake me up a bit.

"You doing okay, Sparky?" Havoc turned back and shown his flashlight on me.

"Just peachy." I wasn't going to let him know that he was right. That I was regretting not eating. "Getting a little concerned about Fuery, he's been gone for a while. What did you have him do anyway?"

"Just needed him to get something, but I agree. He is taking a long time."

"He might be looking for us. We did cover a lot of ground after he left. Maybe we should slow down until he finds us?" It would do me some good too.

"Probably." Havoc reached into his pocket for his lighter, lighting another one of his cigarettes. He leaned against the tunnel wall, making it clear we were going to take a break. I walked over and sat down by hit feet. Fuery could take all the time now. The longer the better.

"So how many of those do you have a day?" I was referring to the cigarettes.

"Huh? Oh, I don't know. I guess it depends on the day, but it's less than half a pack." He took a big hit from his cigarette. Really? I wouldn't have guessed it. It seems like every time I turn around he has one in his mouth, but now that I think of it, they're not always lit. Maybe having one in his mouth comforts him. Kinda like having him around all the time makes me feel more comfortable.

Just then I could hear footsteps in the distance. It sounded like someone was running. I looked up to Havoc and saw he was eyeing the direction the footsteps were coming from. His hand was on his gun, ready to be pulled for the killing shot. I stood up, looking back down the dark tunnel. We had just come from that direction. There's no way we missed Scar.

"It could be Fuery." My throat felt tight. I was hoping it was Fuery and that Havoc didn't accidentally shoot him. We didn't really set up a system for when we became separated to recognize one another. That was stupid on our part. The steps were getting closer, and just barely, in the darkness I could pinpoint Fuery. "It's just Fuery, Havoc." My whole body relaxed as Havoc's hand left the gun. Fuery was finally close enough to see him clearly.

"Damn it, Fuery! I almost shot you." Havoc knew he couldn't be too angry since we didn't set up a system. That was going to change though. Fuery looked worn out. He must have been running for a while now.

"Well- if you guys, would've stayed, put..." He was trying so hard to catch his breath.

"Where did you go? I was starting to get concerned." I untwisted the top off my canteen and gave it to him. He took several big gulps before handing it back.

"Havoc asked me to get you this." Fuery handed me muffin. By the looks of it, it was Banana Nut. "But the bakery was all out of this kind, so I had to wait for a fresh batch." I took the muffin from Fuery and felt myself start to smile. Of course, Havoc knew I was starving. The whole city could probably hear my stomach growling in protest. I looked back to thank him, but he was already heading down the tunnel again, moving his flashlight side to side.

"Thanks, Fuery, for getting this for me." We both jogged to catch up to Havoc. I took the first bite out of the muffin, and I was right. Banana Nut. I walked behind the men as I scarfed down my delicious treat. I picked up my pace, so I was walking right in between the two men. "How did you know?" I was asking Havoc.

"How did I know what?" Was he playing dumb, or did he really not know?

"That my favorite was Banana Nut?"

"Easy. You always have one sitting on your desk that you eat for a snack just before lunch." Oh. So, I'm predictable. I was hoping for something more...sweet. I guess that's what I get. Still, I couldn't help but feel satisfied.

"Well...thanks." I felt a shiver go done my spine that made me stop in my tracks. I turned around and shown my flashlight down the dark tunnel, half expecting someone to be standing there. I could feel them. They were watching us. Was it Scar?

"What's wrong Lovington?" Havoc was shining his light back on me.

"I don't know. I- I just felt like someone was watching us all of a sudden." I had the sensation to use my alchemy, and as my teacher had taught me, always trust your instincts. I pointed and snapped my fingers down the tunnel. A stream of lightning shot right out and continued down the darkness, not once hitting anything. I didn't think it all the way through. In the tunnels, my alchemy was much louder, almost ear shattering.

"What the hell, Lovington!" Havoc wasn't pleased.

"I'm sorry, I just..."

"There's no one there. We've been down here all day, your imagination's just getting the better of you." I heard him sigh when I didn't turn back around. "We need to keep moving. We still have a lot of sewers to search." I heard both Fuery and him start moving forward. I also turned back around and started following them. My feeling didn't go away though, and I knew who ever it was, they were going to stay in hidden in the shadows. I wanted out of these damn sewers.

It was just starting to get to sun set when we ran into Hawkeye's group. Even they came out empty handed. We were all making our way to the surface, and I couldn't be any happier. The smell of fresh air and sunshine never felt so good. I was already dreading tomorrow when we would have to go back down there and continue the search. I was explaining my pajama situation to Hawkeye as we made our way back to the cars.

"I would love to join you, but I really need to get back to headquarters and keep an eye on the Colonel." She was already getting in her car and starting it up.

"Come on Hawkeye! Just once, come with me and be a normal civilian." If she didn't come with me, then one of the men would have to. Last night with Havoc was already embarrassing enough.

"I really am sorry. People should be leaving soon, and the Colonel will have less protection. He needs me there." There were times that I was jealous over Mustang's control on Hawkeye. This was one of those times.

"I understand..." I really didn't.

"Maybe-"

"Next time." I finished her sentence for her. It's what she always said when she turned me down. She gave me an apologetic smile and shift the car into gear. I stepped back from the car when she started to drive off. Now the only thing to do is pick which sorry fool would join me at the boutique. Yay.

"Do you still want to stop by the store?" Havoc asked while walking up to me. Breda was right behind him waving goodbye to the other two.

"I have no choice. I don't need anyone else seeing me in... well you know." I changed my answer when I saw Breda paying attention to the conversation.

"We need to get a move on it then." We all made our way to the vehicle. For once I took the back seat, and let the men have the front. I wasn't in the mood to become an Abby Sandwich again.

"So, what are we doing?" Breda asked while closing his door.

"Just running some errands." Havoc said looking into the rear-view mirror at me.

"Why are we running errands in a place like this?" We were standing outside my favorite boutique. Breda didn't seem to enjoy the location. I still had enough time to look around and shop with ease.

"I just need to pick up a few things. I'll be quick." I started making my way to the door.

"Hold on princess." Was he ever going to drop that nickname? "We're coming in with you." Well, there goes shopping in peace.

"I don't need an escort in the store, Havoc. That's what the employees are for." I'm already going to get hounded by Antonio for going in with my uniform. I didn't need him prying why I have two men following me around.

"Orders are orders, we need eyes on you 24/7."

"I'll just stay and keep an eye out here." Breda suggested. It probably wasn't the best idea, having an obvious military standing outside a store. At the same time, it might help with not having so many questions thrown at me by Antonio.

"I just want to get in and get out." My enthusiasm was completely drained out. I opened the door and Havoc followed me in, leaving Breda outside. The second I walk in, I am always overpowered by the sensation of relaxation. I think it had to do with how the store smelt. The store was a decent size. All the normal wear was out front, everything I was needing was going to be in the back. "I don't suppose I could convince you to stay here while I run to the back and pick out my new clothes?"

"Nope, you're stuck with me princess." I figured. I took a deep breath in, helping me relax and made my way further into the store.

"Abby! It's been too long!" A very beautiful, feminine man walked out from the "Employee Only" room. "What have you been up to?"

"How long do you have, because it's a long story." Antonio was the main reason why I loved this place so much. He would always make me feel like a million bucks. A part of me knew it was for business, but I also knew it was because he meant every compliment he gave me.

"Well perhaps some other time then. What can I help you with?"

"I am in need of new pajamas."

"Oh? What has happened with the ones you just bought? Has someone been naughty?" Antonio's eyes then slithered their way towards Havoc, giving him a sly smile. I could tell Havoc was starting to feel uncomfortable.

"No! No..." I couldn't help by chuckle. "I have some...company over for the next few days and figured they wouldn't want to see me running around in my nighties."

"I see." Antonio was eyeing Havoc hard.

"I think I'm going to go wait outside with Breda." Havoc was backing out of the store as fast as he could. I tried to warn him.

"Wherever did you find him?" There was lust in Antonio's voice.

"He's part of my team. He and the man outside are escorting me until we're able to capture the State Alchemist killer."

"Oh darling, I heard about that. Awful times. I'm glad to see you have some...handsome protection." He always could get me to laugh. "Come on in the back. I have just the thing for you."

It took me a bit longer than I wanted, but Antonio was able to get me to buy a few extra things. That is, after he lectured me about my uniform. Like always, I was walking out feeling good about myself. I stepped outside to see Breda was all by himself.

"Where's Havoc?"

"He had to run home really quick. Said he forgot something and that he would meet us at Mustang's." You mean I had to spend time with Breda? Just us? This was going to be...fun. I can't think of one thing that Breda and I have in common. What were we going to do? What were we even going to talk about? I guess I could finish my book that's been sitting on my nightstand for the past month. The dishes from this morning were still in the sink. I could even go to bed early and catch up on my sleep. I guess Breda could use the cot, and Havoc could have the chair again, since he seems so content with it.

"Wait, did he take the car?" I was looking up and down the street, trying to locate the vehicle.

"Yah, I told him to. It's not that far of a walk." He had a point. "I can carry that for you." He motioned for my bag.

"Oh no, it's okay. I got it." I smiled at him as if thanking him for the offer.

"Are you sure?" I guess Havoc wasn't the only gentleman. I nodded my head, assuring him that I had it handled. We started walking down the sidewalk with the rest of town who were also starting to make their way home, while the stores started closing one by one.

It was getting pretty late, and Havoc still wasn't back. What could he have forgotten at home that was taking him so long? I closed my book that I was reading in bed, seeing that it was useless with my head turning nonstop about Havoc. Breda was long passed out on the cot. Every once in a while he would mumble something that I couldn't make out, but other than that, he was pretty quiet. I figured now was a good time to change and actually get ready for bed. I scooted out of bed and made my way to the bag that had been resting on my dresser. I went through it really quick and put away all the extra stuff I bought today. Then I made my way to the bathroom with my new pajamas. It was a silk shirt that had matching shorts. They were still confining but better than pants. Not as hot. Something I would have to get used to. I kept praying that we would catch Scar soon, so I can go back to my nighties. I came back out from the bathroom with still no sign from Havoc. Tonight, wasn't all that bad. I actually found something to talk about with Breda. It even ended with him challenging me to a match on the wrestling mat in the military gym, next time we're in there. Which would probably be soon. I should try to bulk up, after seeing what Scar was capable of.

Just then I heard something. It was...music? A guitar playing? I opened my bedroom door to hear that the music was coming from downstairs. Could it be Havoc? I don't remember hearing anyone coming through the front door. I slowly made my way down the stairs and peeked around the corner to see him sitting in the living room chair, strumming a song on his guitar. He only turned on the one light stand that was right by the chair he was in. It gave the room a nice glow. He looked so peaceful and the piece he was playing was soothing. He had a lite cigarette in mouth as he played. I couldn't move from my spot. I was memorized. I had no idea he could play. Just another thing I was learning about him, another way for me to fall for him. He stopped in mid strum and looked right at me. I almost jumped and hid around the corner. Instead, I just stood there, frozen, looking right back at him.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" His voice was soft. I noticed for the first time that he was wearing his normal cloths. He had changed out of his uniform.

"No. I was actually up waiting for you. Where have you been?" My voice was matching his softness.

"I just got caught up in something. Sorry, I didn't think you'd wait up." He looked back down to his guitar, giving it a gentle strum. I finally stepped around the corner, taking a few steps towards him. "Where's Breda?" He looked back at me. Did he always look like this at the end of the day? Did he always have that look in his eyes? Content.

"He's upstairs sleeping. He stole your cot." I gave a small chuckle.

"I guess I'll have to manage with the chair again." He went back to playing his song quietly. Now would be the time I turn around and said good night, but I wasn't done yet. I wanted to keep listening.

"When did you learn?" I gestured towards the guitar.

"My old man taught me when I was 11. I picked it up pretty quick, but it just became a hobby I do every now and then."

"Is this what you went home for?" He didn't answer, just kept strumming his guitar. He seemed bothered by my question. I guess that was my cue to go. "If you're hungry, I put a plate for you in the fridge." Still no response. Did I say something wrong? "Don't stay up too late." I made my way back up the stairs and tucked myself in bed. I could still hear the quiet hum of his guitar as I slowly drifted to sleep. ~

End of Chapter 5!

Thanks for reading!