VI

~ I was in the headquarters' shower room trying to quickly take a hot shower before I was needed back at the office. The showers here were always better than the one I had at home. It was probably the water pressure, or the unlimited amount of hot water. I always took twice as long at head quarter's than mine. I let out a loud moan from exhaustion as the steaming water beat on my bare back. Colonel has been working us like dogs. Just because they called us 'dogs of the military' doesn't mean he had to take it literally. My mind had started wondering to last night. It still bothered me that Havoc was acting weird. I wanted to ask but felt I would be butting into something. Perhaps it was best to see if it panned out. Even if I did do something wrong, he couldn't stay mad at me forever. Maybe I'll bake him cookies?

Just then I heard the entrance door close. I silently sighed to myself in disappointment. I always liked being alone while I took a shower here. It always seemed awkward having someone else in another stall, also taking a shower. Plus, it was just another person taking up the warm water. I was startled when I heard my own personal door being opened. I immediately grabbed the top of the door and attempted to keep it closed.

"Occupied." I never lock my door. Normally I never had to worry about it because I was by myself, but even if I wasn't, you could plainly see my feet. Granted I was short enough that my head didn't go over the top. The doors here are a bit taller than the ones in Central. "Occupied!" I couldn't believe I was actually struggling with keeping the door shut. Who the hell was trying to get in and why?

I lost my grip and the door swung right open. I covered myself up as best I could. The person who I was battling quickly came in and locked the door. His back was facing me for the longest time, but I knew who it was.

"Havoc?" My heart was racing. He looked over his shoulder at me, as if debating what to do. What was he going to do? Better question, what was I going to do? Should I scream, or maybe try to force him out? He locked the door, so it wasn't like I was going to be able to kick him out. At least not with a good fight, and I was naked. I became so nervous that my body had started shaking. I couldn't do anything. His eyes were so serious. He turned around and I took a step back, touching the wall with the shower head on my back. He took a step forward and placed his hands on the wall, caging me in, causing me to catch my breath. His head was lowering towards mine, getting wet in the shower water. "Havoc?" There was panic in my voice.

He said nothing but brought his index finger up against my lips, eyes still serious. My heart felt like it could explode any second. I could easily take him down in one move, and escape from here, demanding answers; but I wanted this. He knew I wanted this. My chest was rising up and down with haste. I was breathing way too fast as his lips just hovered over mine. What was he waiting for?

"Hav-" He finally finished the distance and shut me up with his lips. My whole body went numb. It was the best feeling I could imagine. I brought my arms down from my chest and wrapped them around his neck. He deepened the kiss before he broke it. I looked up at him as he starred down at me. I had a feeling my eyes were mirroring his. They were filled with lust. He wanted more, I wanted more. This time I pulled him in for the kiss, as he pulled me closer to his body. My hands started to fumble at his now wet uniform top. It wasn't fair that I was the only one naked. I pulled his under shirt off exposing his chest. He was well toned. The many fantasies I had of it were pretty damn close. He pulled me back into him, pushing me up against the wall, our bare chest pressed together. His hands started exploring as much of my body that he could reach, pausing occasionally in certain spots, making my breath tremble. His hands felt so rough, yet gentle, safe and secure. It was getting harder to keep my moaning down. Someone was definitely going to come in to see what was going on. We would need to hurry.

"Abby..." I moaned again as he said my name. "Abby?" Wait...that isn't Havoc's voice? I looked over Havoc's shoulder, trying to spot who had entered the room. Breda was now standing there, watching us. What was going on? How did Breda get here? "Abby wake up!"

I shot straight up in bed; my body was covered in sweat. I was trying hard to focus on something. I woke up too suddenly, I didn't know where I was. I seemed to be panting heavily as well.

"What's going on?" Things were starting to clear up. I could see Breda at the foot of my bed blushing deeply.

"Well..." He hesitated for a moment, trying to think of the best way to explain what had happened while glancing over to the side as if something was there.

"You were having one hell of a dream." I almost jumped out of bed from fright when I heard Havoc's voice. He was sitting on the other side of my bed, also starring at me in amazement.

"What are you talking about?" It was all a dream. It was all coming back to me. It felt so real. The last time I had a dream that felt that real...

"You were moaning almost nonstop. Must have been a good one." Havoc gave me a cocky smile, while walking to the other side of Breda. I just kept starring in confusion, trying to decipher reality from the dream. I was becoming so angry. I wanted to kick and scream so badly. It was such a good dream!

"That wasn't the only thing you were doing. You were also saying-" Breda was cut off by Havoc's elbow being rammed into his gut. Havoc seemed a bit bothered with a blush of his own on his cheeks. My eyebrow raised only asking the obvious question.

"You were just mumbling. We couldn't make out anything from all the moaning." He was now avoiding eye contact with me. Somehow, I didn't believe it. "You should probably take a shower. I'll tell the Colonel we'll be running late." Oh yah, let's go take a shower when that dream is still fresh in my head...Wait.

"Late?" I glanced at my alarm clock. It was almost 1000 hours! I really needed to punched something. "Crap! You guys! Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" I quickly jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom.

"You seemed to be enjoying yourself. Ow!" I heard something hard hit Breda after his snide remark. I wasn't going to hear the end of this. I can't believe this is happening. There's no way I can look at Havoc the same. I should probably ask Mustang to take him off as my bodyguard, but I'm sure he would ask why. I guess the next best thing to do is to shove that dream as far back into my head as possible. That is...if it was possible.

I didn't take a shower. I felt bad enough being so late, and I didn't know what the Colonel had in store for us today. I was marching as quickly as I could down the hallways of headquarters, trying to loose Havoc. There was so much tension in the car. I didn't look away from the window once, and I couldn't help but feel that Breda was trying so hard not to say anything. I'm so going to the gym today. I need to get rid of this tension somehow. I rounded the last corner and marched the rest of the length to Mustang's office.

"Good morning everyone!" That sounded a bit too chirpy. I need to calm down before Hawkeye starts catching on.

"Well, you're in an unusual, good mood. Did something happen?" That was quick. Then again, it is Riza Hawkeye. She sees everything.

"What are you talking about? I'm always in a good mood." I was trying to play it off, but I already knew it was a failing effort.

"Not this early in the morning. Normally the only sound we get out of you is a groan every now and then until lunch." Falman decided to chime in.

"I guess my sleeping in put me in a good mood, alright? Nothing happened. What gave you the idea that something happened?"

"Something happened alright." Breda said just walking into the room, with Havoc right behind.

"SHUT UP BREDA!" I think I grew fangs in that instant. Everyone in the room backed away, except Hawkeye. She only gave me a curious look, meaning she wasn't done asking questions.

"It's about time you guys got here. What were you doing?" Mustang stepped out of his personal office, seeming annoyed.

"I forgot to set my alarm last night, Colonel. I overslept." I stood up straight and gave him a salute wholeheartedly. His glare went from me to the other two men who were with me.

"Make sure it doesn't happen again."

"Sir!" I rested my arm back to my side taking in a deep breath.

"So, Colonel, are we going back down in the sewers?" Fuery asked. I could tell he was hoping for a no. I didn't blame him. After yesterday I never wanted to go back down in those tunnels ever again. I know there was something down there, something dangerous, just watching us. Like we were helpless pray. I got the shivers just thinking about it.

"Some of you will, I need the rest of you to stay here and catch me up on my paperwork. After this Scar incident, it's done nothing but grown." Mustang seemed so bothered by this fact. I didn't care how much paperwork needed done, I just didn't want to go back in those tunnels.

"Breda, Havoc, you'll be going back in an attempt to retrieve Scar. Everyone else, get to work." Both my bodyguards were leaving my side. I couldn't feel more relieved! Like I could finally breath for the first time. I sat down at my desk and started sorting out my pile. Oh, blissful paperwork, how I've missed you!

I hate paperwork! It was nothing but repetition, and after the first hour my hand always starts to cramp. It never fails. I got a lot done though. It was getting late in the afternoon and the only break I had was lunch. I should head to the gym before someone locks it up. I stretched before standing up from my desk.

"Where are you going?" Fuery glanced up at me as I started walking out the door.

"I was going to hit the gym for a while. Get some frustration out of my system." I punched the air a couple of times, psyching myself up.

"And what exactly are you frustrated about?" Hawkeye asked, looking up for the first time since this morning. Even during lunch, she would alter taking a bite and writing.

"What? Frustration? Did I say that? I just meant, that I want to get my blood pumping into my brain again before it goes dead." My nervous chuckling wasn't making the situation better. "I'll be back shortly." I quickly closed the door and made my way to the gym before anyone else could ask another question.

For once there wasn't a hoard of people in the gym. Then again, it was getting pretty late, and everyone was starting to go home. There were a few other men lifting the dumbbells while looking at themselves in the mirror. I was working on my legs with some squats, which also did amazing things to my butt. I was just about done with my reps and was debating to myself what I should do next. It was either the bench press or a lap around the building. I was leaning more towards the laps. The bench press was right next to the dumbbells, and I didn't really want to mingle today; especially when Ellis was there. Ellis was a pure beef cake. All brawn and so little brain. I had a bad encounter with him back in the Military Academy. We both tried our best to keep our distance with each other.

"Hey Lovington!" I looked over at the gym's entrance door. Breda, Havoc, and even Fuery were changed in their gym clothes, heading my way. I actually felt a bit relieved. Seeing them took some of the awkwardness out of the air. "Were you trying to get out of our match?" I had forgotten about the argument Breda, and I had last night during dinner. He was convinced that I couldn't last one minute in a wrestling match with him. I, of course, begged to differ.

"Of course not, I was just getting warmed up." Now I don't have to do the lap around the building! Havoc walked right over to the dumbbells, which Ellis then put his down and walked out the gym. He didn't even bother putting his equipment away. It still made me laugh at how uncomfortable Ellis would get around Havoc. It only made the rumors that floated the Academy's hallways more plausible. Fuery made his way to the bench press and starting putting on his weights. Breda was helping me put away my weights from my squats, while also going through the terms of our match.

"How about anything goes?" Keeping it easy, and dirty. Just the way I like it.

"Even alchemy?" I couldn't help but hope he'd say yes.

"No! I don't need another hospital bill." I started laughing remembering that time I had accidentally zapped Breda. He did learn his lesson and never snuck up behind me ever again.

"Alright, fair enough. I'm still gonna kick your ass though." I gave him one of my cocky grins. I only lost a fight once, and I was going to keep it that way. We made our way to the wrestling mat, and I let Breda get in a good couple of stretches. Didn't need him losing and making an excuse that he 'pulled a muscle'. "You about ready over there?" I was feeling pumped. I couldn't help but mock him just a little.

"Just so we're clear, I'm not gonna go easy on you just because you're a woman."

"I wouldn't want it any other way." My limbs were twitching with excitement. I haven't had a good brawl in a long time. I was hoping Breda would last. He was standing there now, waiting. I guess he wanted me to make the first move. Might as well give him what he wants. I darted right towards him, sending the first blow. He let me hit him, but I had a feeling he wasn't expecting me to hit the way I did. My fist connected right under his jaw, hitting that sweet, instant K.O. spot. Breda went down hard. He was out cold. I knelt by him, trying to get a response. "Hey, Breda, are you alright? Hey!" Everyone else in the gym ran over and were now hovering over Breda. Some were even snickering. I wanted to punch them out cold and see if they still wanted to laugh. I was finally able to get Breda to respond, he was unsettled. Two men helped him up and carried him out of the gym. My guilt was eating me up, mainly because I felt so disappointed. I was really hoping for a decent fight.

"You okay, Abby?" Fuery was kneeling down with me now, patting my shoulder.

"Yah...I'm a horrible person."

"No, you're not. It was an accident-"

"No Fuery. I mean...I feel disappointed that the fight didn't last longer. I might have given my team mate a concussion, and I'm feeling disappointed that he didn't last thirty seconds. How awful is that?" Fuery seemed shocked by my response. He didn't know what to say. He even stopped patting my shoulder. I knew it. I am horrible.

"If you want a longer fight, I'll fight you?" I glanced up at Havoc who was now walking to the other side of the mat. Was he being serious? I couldn't tell.

"Oh boy." Fuery wasn't feeling comfortable about this arrangement. I stood up, along with Fuery and took my place on the mat. "Guys, I don't think this is a good idea. I mean, one of our men is already in the infirmary."

"Same rules go, and no taking it easy."

"Lovington, I'm not gonna lay one blow on you." That annoyed me a bit.

"Then why are we doing-"

"But I will take you down and make you say Uncle." Who does he think he is? Claiming he won't hit me, but he'll be able to take me down. My fist was itching to connect with something again. We both stood there, glaring, for several minutes. I decided to make the first move again, but this time I swept to take his legs out. Something he didn't expect. He came crashing down but tumbled back on his feet in one smooth move. I didn't let up. I kept coming at him. Punch after punch, kick after kick. He was doing his best with blocking, every once in a while I'd get a good hit. He would try every so often to grab my arm or my leg and within time he would. I was starting to get tired and becoming slow. I put my all in this next punch, aiming for his face. He dodged it in time, which caused my leg to give out and I became unbalanced. He took this opportunity and fully grabbed my arm for the first time, bringing me down to the ground. He had pinned me just perfectly. I couldn't move, but that doesn't mean I didn't try. I was struggling so hard to try and get loose.

"Looks like I got you, Lovington." He said in between breaths. He was a fool if he thought I was going to say Uncle. "Just say it, and we can all go home." He was a fool. I felt my anger start to bubble the more I struggled. I even considered bringing my knee up into his genitals, but that would be too dirty, even for me. I was becoming too tired to even lift my head anymore. I hated it, but I had to face the fact. I lost. "Just say it." He was enjoying his victory. It only made me even more angry, I even started to tear up. There were so many things that I loved about being a woman, this thing, was not one of them. I hated that when I was overcome with emotion, the first thing I do is cry. Hormones are so stupid!

"Uncle." It came out only as a whisper. I was trying so hard to keep my tears in.

"What? I'm sorry, I didn't hear-"

"I said Uncle, you jerk!" I think that's when Havoc finally noticed how emotional I had become. He let go of my wrist and lifted himself off my body. There was regret in his eyes. I didn't want this. I didn't want him to feel bad about winning. I stood up and quickly exited the gym, feeling everyone's eyes on me. I hated myself. After I cool down, I need to go and apologize.

I stopped running when I reached the office door. I hesitated going in, sticking my nose down my shirt. I wasn't the best smelling Major, and I needed to change back into my uniform. I'll need to make my shower quick. I don't need the Colonel getting more upset with me than he already is. I started to make my way back down the hall, towards the shower rooms. Luckily for me, my uniform was folded nice and safe in one of the shower room lockers. I turned a corner to a darkened hallway. Strange? I'll have to put in a work order for maintenance to come and fix the lights. I'm just a bit weirded out that practically the all the lights were burnt out.

It hit me so suddenly that I almost stopped in my tracks. Just like down in the sewers. That feeling that someone was watching me. My whole body felt tight, it was hard to take the next step. It felt like it was breathing right down my neck, like death. My legs started moving faster. I knew it wasn't my imagination, but that only made it worse. I quickly rounded the next corner and frantically went into the shower room. I glanced behind me, just to confirm that it wasn't anything, but I saw it. I know I saw it. A shadow. A shadow that didn't belong to a human. I shook my head a couple of times, trying to convince myself that I was seeing things.

I made my way to the shower stall and started the water. While the water was heating up, I grabbed one of the personal wicker baskets for my dirty gym cloths and undressed. I put my hair up in a high bun, hoping to keep most of it dry. I was just wanting a quick wash down. I'd take a full shower when I got home. I stepped back into the stall and locked the door behind me. After this morning's dream, and what I just saw, I wasn't going to take any chances. Not to mention I'm also paranoid due to the last time I had a dream that felt that realistic...came true. I've had a few occurrences with my dreams coming true later on.

The water felt so good. If only my shower at home could get this hot. I would probably never leave it. I jumped slightly when I heard the shower room door open and close.

"Man, what the hell is her problem? I was just having a little fun. I need a hot shower..." I couldn't believe it. I quickly unlocked my shower door and stuck my head out, to confirm that my ears weren't deceiving me.

"Havoc! What the hell are you doing? This is the girls shower room!" He almost jumped out of his skin when he heard my voice. He was using the mirror he was standing in front of to look at me. He just kept staring at me before he finally turned around. I felt cautious.

"Uh...Lovington?"

"Yah?" Why was he just standing there? If he gets caught in here, we'll both probably get in trouble.

"This is the men's shower room." He said it so calmly.

"Ha ha. I wouldn't make the mistake and come into the men's shower room, Havoc. I'm not an idiot." Just then the door opened again, and I quickly stuck my head back in my stall and stood as close to the wall as I could, hoping my feet would be hidden. I somehow managed to keep my hair from touching the water. Brilliant! He's spotted. It was going to be a long lecture from Mustang.

"Lieutenant Havoc, what are you doing in here?" That was General Larson...I was in the men's shower room. I was instantly horrified by the mistake I had made. I must have been so frantic about that...thing that was following me, I actually entered the wrong room. The woman's shower room was just a few more doors down. I'll just wait for the General to exit, have a good laugh with Havoc and leave.

"I was just going to take a shower, sir."

"I see and what are you doing out here?"

"Just waiting for the water to warm up, sir." General Larson was one of the strictest men in the Eastern Quarters. You didn't so much take a bathroom break without him allowing you to.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Your shower seems hot enough. Do you plan on wasting our water?" Wait...did he think that Havoc's shower was...Oh no! Havoc can wait him out. Just wait for him to leave and then I can sneak out. There was a moment of silence before Havoc spoke up.

"Yes...yes sir!" No way! He wasn't actually going to...

"What's with the extra set of clothes, Lieutenant?" General Larson must be referring to my cloths that are just sitting out there, in the plain open, for everyone to see. I hid my face in my wet hands, holding back a scream.

"Those are just my spare cloths, sir. I plan on changing into them later, sir." Why was General Larson still here? Doesn't he have anything better to do than to torture Havoc and me? I heard my door slowly open, and a flash of my dream went through my mind. Havoc and I locked eyes for a moment before he closed them shut. I panicked and quickly turned around, facing the shower wall. I looked behind my shoulder to see Havoc trying his best to feel his way towards the wall, and not touch me in the process with his eyes still closed. Okay, so it wasn't exactly like my dream. It was never an exact science for me. I tried my best to lean in closer to the wall when Havoc reached the water. He placed both his hands on either side of me, locking me in place...like my dream. I could hear my heart thumping in my ears, he was so close. Not as close as in my dream, but he was certainly more...naked.

"Why didn't you just wait him out?" I whispered as quietly as I could.

"He's going to be in here for a while." Havoc's whisper was a bit harsh. I could tell he was not happy.

"What?" What could he possibly be doing that would take 'a while'? I didn't hear any other shower come on.

"He's trimming his facial hair." Havoc said it like it was the most obvious answer. Of course, the General decided to trim his facial hair now. He couldn't have possibly waited another 15 minutes for me to get my butt into the correct shower room? Then again, I'd probably still be arguing with Havoc that I made no mistake by coming into the men's room. What more humiliation could I put myself through today?

We both just stood there in silence as General Larson sang an old military marching chant, with passion. The position I was in was getting a bit uncomfortable. I was practically squatting trying to keep the water away from my hair. I gave a shy glimpse at Havoc's face to see if his eyes were still closed. Perfect. I kept looking at his face, he seemed so troubled. Of course, he was troubled. Look at the predicament I got him in.

As quietly and graceful as I could, I fully turned my body towards him, his eyes remained closed. I would stay like this just for a bit, giving my legs a quick break. I couldn't help myself, my thoughts were going back to my dream, and all I wanted to do was touch him. I slowly started lifting my hands towards his face, I was going to cup it just like he did mine, in my dream. Just when my fingertips glazed over his cheek, his eyes popped open. We stood there for moment, looking into each other's eyes. I quickly turned back around, once again humiliated. He probably even got a good glance at me. Damn it! This day sucks! We continued to stand there motionless for just a few more minutes when finally, I heard the General start making his way to the exit.

"Don't stay in there any longer, Lieutenant. Save some water for the rest of us." He said before exiting the room. Not even a second passed and Havoc pushed off the wall and I heard our shower door slam shut. I slowly turned off the shower, not knowing how to feel.

"Havoc?" No response. "I need a towel." A moment later he flung a towel over the door. I took it after thanking him. He must be mad. I don't blame him. I wrapped the towel around me and opened the shower door. Havoc was gathering his uniform from the locker he had chosen, with a towel wrapped around his waist. I was going to have to change back into my dirty gym clothes and figure out a way to sneak out. First thing though, I need to apologize. Granted I didn't do this on purpose, but I was also needing to apologize for earlier. I couldn't find the words that were needed. I just stood there with his back facing me.

"Could you go back into the stall. I need to change." I don't think he's ever talked to me this way. He sounded so distant. I didn't know what to do. Do I try to make things better or... I turned back around and started heading back to the stall. I was just opening the stall door when someone came busting into the shower room.

"Havoc, I need you in my office right away-" Mustang was standing there now. His eyes had fixed on me, just standing there, in nothing but a towel. While Havoc was in the same condition. There was no question to what was going on. We were both still wet from the shower. Both Havoc and I just stood there, horrified. Mustang stepped further into the room, with the door shutting behind him. I was frozen in fear, mainly for Havoc's sake. "Not that I need a full detail explanation but would one of you mind telling me...what's going on here?!" Mustang's fingers twitched as they went into their killing pose. Havoc's face went pale, I wouldn't even doubt if mine did too. I needed to speak up, and fast.

"Nothing happened Colonel!" I started to walk towards him. He gave me one look, as if telling me he didn't believe a word. "I can explain, it's just...I think it would be best if we all discussed this in your office." Give Mustang some time to calm down and give me a chance to change. Mustang's fingers relaxed and he started to storm out of the room. "Colonel!" I still needed him. He looked back at me, still giving me that disapproving look. "I am going to need some help...sneaking out of here." I know I was asking a lot, but there was no way I was going to be able to just sneak out of the men's shower room and into the women's.

"Get dressed and meet me outside." He continued out the door, once again leaving Havoc and I alone, in the awkward silence. I grabbed my wicker basket and brought it with me in the shower stall to change. It wasn't going to be pleasant changing back into these sweaty gym cloths, but I didn't need to keep Mustang waiting. Maybe I could convince him to let Havoc off the hook and save the lecture for me? It was worth a try.

It seemed forever before Mustang finally stopped shouting and calmed down. I wasn't able to convince him to let Havoc go. As a matter of fact, I wasn't able to get a word in except when I explained what happened. I did tweak the truth though. I didn't need to tell Mustang that I made such a rookie mistake because I was being paranoid. Not when I had no proof. I just went on the path of 'After my hard work out, I was both mentally and physically tired and just wasn't paying attention to what I was doing.' That's when the lecture began. Havoc and I just sat there, taking all of it.

"What all did you see?" Mustang's icy eyes were glued on Havoc now. It caught Havoc off guard. I guess he wasn't expecting a pop quiz.

"No-nothing, sir!" He couldn't stop himself from blushing. He must have caught a glimpse. Mustang's glare somehow went colder.

"Whatever it is you saw, forget it. That's an order!" Poor Havoc. The longer this lecture dragged out, the more my guilt built. "And what about you?" Now his gaze was on me, even Havoc's, waiting for my answer. I suddenly felt nervous, remembering what I saw. No major...body parts, but his chest was burned in my mind. My dream had nothing on the real thing.

"Just his-just his chest, sir. Nothing else." For some reason my eyes focused on Hawkeye who was standing off to the side of Mustang.

"Same goes to you, Lovington. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir!" I wanted to hide. In a hole. A deep hole. Until I grow old, and no one would ever recognize me from all the wrinkles. Thank God this day was almost over.

"Oh yah. Excuse me, Colonel Mustang, I was wondering if you heard about Breda?"

"Yes. Knocked him out cold, huh?" That was the first time Mustang even gave us a hint of a smile. A sign that the worse was behind us. "He's doing just fine. They gave him some pain medication and sent him home. He has the night off." I felt a little better. Sounds like I didn't give him a concussion. I guess it's just going to be Havoc and I tonight, but that just means it'll be a night of awkward silence. It would be a good time to finally apologize and maybe even ask what his issue is. He's been acting funny the past couple of days. "Which then bring up the next matter. Lovington, you're dismissed. I need to talk to Havoc alone." That made me nervous. I looked to my side, where Havoc was sitting. He just kept looking straight forward. I couldn't help but feel defeated in some way. I stood up with a soft sigh, made my salute and left the room, shutting the door behind me. ~

END OF CHAPTER 6!

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