IX

~It was a few days after my most recent bar incident. I don't remember a thing from that night. I don't even know how I got home, but the next morning Mustang really laid into me. I think he even grounded me? I haven't spoken to Havoc since then. I've seen him around, unfortunate side effect of being on the same team, but every time he would try to come talk to me I would have an excuse ready to explain why I couldn't talk. Problem was, I was running out of excuses. He was going to catch on very soon that I was trying to avoid him. Especially today, he was very adamant about talking. About what? I have no idea, and I didn't plan to find out.

The halls were buzzing about the Military Ball that was coming up. I still had to figure out if I was even going this year. I always went with Fuery, but this year he wouldn't be able to attend. I always had fun with Fuery, more than I always assume. We never missed a song. Granted we had our own little fun with the slow songs. Never keeping tempo or spinning around uncontrollably. I was completely bummed that he wasn't going this year!

"Lieutenant Lovington!" I turned around to see a fellow soldier jogging down the main hall.

"Oh, Sergeant Major Reed, is something wrong?" The man came to a stop and gave me a salute.

"No ma'am. Nothing."

"At ease. Then something's on your mind?" He seemed to be uncomfortable.

"Well, ma'am, rumor is going around that you won't be attending the Military Ball this year." It always amazed me how 'rumors' came about. Most of the time they were complete nonsense, but then other times, like this, couldn't be more spot on.

"I see, and what does this "rumor" have to do with you?" I must have sounded annoyed. He seemed more nervous than before. I hated outside parties in my business, hell, I even hated when my friends were in my business.

"Ma'am, pardon my forwardness, but if the rumors are true, I was hoping I could have your ticket?" He once again gave me a salute, but this time, it had more feeling behind. I was astonished by his determination. It did take a lot of guts to come and ask to take my tickets from me. I couldn't help but smile, which loosened his stance a bit.

"I'll think about it. If I end up deciding not to go, I'll be sure to give you my ticket so you can take your girlfriend." His face held surprise.

"How-how did you know I have a girlfriend?" My eyebrow raised to indicate he forgot something in that sentence. "Ma'am!" His hand went back up to a salute. I was having a little too much fun.

"Who do you think you're talking to?" I turned back around and started walking back down the hall. At the end of the hall, I could see my team starring at seemed confused.

"What was that about?" Breda spoke up as I reached them. My eyes found Havoc, who was also starring back. Somehow my heart sank and fluttered at the same time.

"Oh, he was just asking me to the Ball." What?! Where did that come from? "Since someone won't go with me this year." My eyes drifted to Fuery.

"I already said I was sorry! How many more times do I have to apologize?" Fuery was getting flustered now.

"Until I forgive you! Which probably won't be until next year." We all started making our way to Mustang's office.

"So, are you gonna go with Reed?" Breda seemed rather curious.

"I don't know. Maybe? I'll think about it." What has possessed me?! I can't believe I was actually trying to make Havoc jealous! Especially when I know it wasn't going to work. This wasn't the first time I tried pulling this move. It didn't work then, and it certainly wasn't going to work now, when he has such a cute girlfriend.

"Damn. I was hoping to go this year." That caught me off guard.

"What? You? Breda I wouldn't go with you even if Falman wasn't an option." Both men took offense to my statement.

"What? Why not?" I wasn't about to explain my reasons with either of them. I didn't feel like starting a fight. Thank God we were reaching the office. If I couldn't get them to shut up, Riza definitely could. "What about Havoc?" Breda's curious question brought me to a halt at the door. I tried my best to play it off and opened the door.

"Definitely not Havoc." I tried to sound as disgusted as I possibly could.

"What's definitely not Havoc?" Riza was just leaving Mustang's personal office. Everyone went over to their desk and sat down while I stayed at the door.

"Lovington's taking Sergeant Major Reed to the Ball and claims she wouldn't be caught dead with us." Breda sounded like he was a three-year-old tattling to his mother. I couldn't help but give him a distasteful look.

"Oh? But doesn't Sergeant Major Reed have a-"

"YES! He does have 'guard drill' that day, but he says he will be able to get off on time. And I didn't officially say I was going with him. I said I'd think about it." My matter-of-fact tone was direct toward Breda. Riza just looked at me in confusion. She must also know he has a girlfriend, but she thankfully dropped the topic.

"Hey, Lovington." Havoc had walked over to Riza and I. "Could I talk to you for a sec?" On that note, Riza left the office. I wanted so badly to ask her to stay. I didn't have an excuse up my sleeve this time, which meant, I would have to talk to him.

"Um...sure."

"It's about Emily." Great. "She's been wanting to meet the team for some time now and was hoping to have a get together soon."

"Why are you whispering?" My softness was now matching his.

"Because I'm not ready for her to meet the guys. I really like her and I'm not ready for to get scared off yet." Really likes her huh? There was that feeling again. It took everything in me not to run out the door. "So, I was hoping we could meet you somewhere? Since she's technically met you already. I'm hoping it'll be enough for now-"

"No." My tone was harsh. I didn't wait for him to ask why. I started making my way to the door as he stood there surprised.

"Wha-why?" He was no longer whispering. Now I needed to explain, and I don't think I had it in me. I was tired of lying. Of hiding my feelings. All I wanted to say, right then and there, was that I didn't feel like getting my heart ripped opened a second time. Instead, I made up another excuse.

"I got orders from Mustang. I can't go out anymore." The other guys were watching us intently. I didn't care. I closed the door behind me, as gently as I could.

"Lovington." What now? I was in the gym, using the punching bag to take out my frustration. Mustang was making his way to me. It was always odd seeing someone in their uniform instead of their gym cloths in the gym. Which meant he was here for business.

"Yes sir?" I stopped my punching to salute him.

"You're going out tonight." I was confused. "Havoc talked to me. He said everyone was going out tonight and they were needing a designated driver."

"Did he now?" I was gonna need another hour in the gym. I hated going out in the middle of the week. Especially if we went to the bar, which I knew we would. "Did he happen to mention who was all going?"

"He did not give the specifics. Only that you were needed and guaranteed that you would not be drinking." Damn him! I was about to start arguing with, when an idea came to mind. A scandalous idea. It even made me smirk like a villain.

"Very well sir. I'll see to it." I knew he knew I had something up my sleeves, but from past experience his instinct told him not to pry. As Mustang left the gym, I started to unwrap the bandages on my hands. It was time to round up the troops.

It was evening time, and I had just finished getting ready at home. Took my time in the shower, and even gussied myself up. I was just making my way down the stairs to leave when the phone rang. Mustang wasn't home yet, said he'd be late coming home tonight, again. It might be him on the phone. I changed my direction and headed for the phone, picking it up.

"Hello, Mustang's residence."

"Hey, Abby!" My spirits where lifted almost immediately.

"Lieutenant Colonel Hughes! Hi!"

"Now what have I said about calling me when you're off duty?" He sounded so serious.

"Sorry." I giggled a bit. "How are you Hughes?"

"I'll take it." He still sounded disappointed. I refused to call him by his first name. I promised I would the day I retire from the military. Until then, it just didn't feel right. "Is Roy around? I need to talk to him about something serious."

"Sorry, he's still at the office. I'm sure you can reach him there. Since you brought her up, how is Elisa doing?" He boomed with excitement right away about his daughter. His serious talks were always about his daughter, sometimes his wife. Mustang hated that I encouraged Hughes obsession, but I always loved listening to him talk about his family. It was one of the many wonderful qualities about Hughes. He was just finishing with saying that he was wanting to remind Mustang that it was going to be Elisa's birthday soon, so he wouldn't forget to send them a present this year. I wrote it down on the pad that was next to the phone. The reminder I wrote wasn't for Mustang, but for me. Even if Mustang read it every day, he would forget to send one. I'll have to go shopping soon!

"So enough about my life. How are you?" After twenty minutes of talking about his daughter, he finally took a break. I was going to be late.

"Things are good. Everything's slowing down after Scar's disappearance. Mustang refuses to let up though. He spends most of his time and nights at the office."

"You're not getting too lonely are you?"

"No, no. I'm actually going out tonight with the guys."

"Ah, I see! And how are things going in that department?" I knew he was going to ask that once I brought up the guys. For the past several months, Hughes has been silently rooting for me with Havoc. He randomly approached me one day about it and wouldn't let up until I finally confessed. "Abby?" I hadn't said anything for a moment.

"I think...I think I'm giving up, Hughes." My lower lip started to quiver.

"Are you sure?" He seemed concerned now. Pull yourself together Abby!

"Yah." I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words before continuing. "I'm tired of getting nowhere. I need to face the reality that I'm only going to be a fellow soldier to him."

"Now, now. You're much more than a fellow soldier."

"Yah, well, friend isn't any more appeasing."

"Abby, I'm going to give you some advice." I fell silent as I waited. "I know, you're going to do whatever you want. Unfortunately, that part of Roy has rubbed off on you." I chuckled. "So, if you say you're going to give up, and move on. Than do it. I can't say it's good or bad because I can't possibly know. I'll be cheering for you no matter what you do." He always had the best advice. "But..." I felt nervous when he paused. "Don't try and lie to yourself. You'll never move on, and will only hurt not only yourself, but others." I didn't say anything. I couldn't say anything. That completely surprised me. "Now, go have fun tonight! I have to go call Roy now!" There he went being his goofy self again. "Remember Abby, I'm cheering for you." I heard the click on the phone, indicating that he had hung up. I just stood there, going over what had just happened. I didn't know where to go from here. I glanced up at the clock, only to rush myself out the door. I was very late!

"We were wondering when you were going to show up." Falman slid me my water for the night.

"Sorry, I was talking to Hughes on the phone. You know how that goes." I said a bit out of breath. I had run the whole way here. "Why are you here all by yourself?" Falman was the only one sitting at the bar. I started looking around for the others.

"Well, Fuery went off somewhere in the bar, and the other three got up and went somewhere. Said they'd be back shortly." Other three? Must be Breda, Havoc and... Emily. I took the seat next to Falman, wishing more than anything I could drink. It would be the only way to get me through tonight.

"Well look who's back." Earl was filling up Falman's beer mug. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon."

"Same here. Do you ever have a night off?"

"Earl, you're not allowed to ask her out tonight, unless the answer is yes. Is it?" Falman was looking at me.

"What, no!"

"Then no asking." Falman looked back at Earl, who was laughing. I really needed a drink.

"See I told you she would be here." I could hear Breda's voice behind me. I turned my seat around to see Breda, Emily, and a not so happy looking Havoc. Mission accomplished.

"Abby, thank you so much for coming!" Emily came up and gave me a hug. I was not expecting that.

"Uh...yah. Well, when you're forced to be the DD, you kinda have to show up."

"You have a point." She giggled, taking a seat right next to me. She had a really cute giggle.

"Where did you guys go?" I was looking down at Breda. I couldn't bring myself to look at Havoc.

"Emily got worried and wanted to go look for you, because you were so late." Havoc was the one who answered. He even sounded angry. I kinda couldn't blame him. I ended up inviting the others, which was the last thing he wanted. On the other hand, serves him right!

"Sorry, Hughes had called, and well, you know how that goes." He didn't respond. He didn't even look at me. He just took another drink from his glass.

"Who is Hughes? Is he your boyfriend?" Emily asked all excited. Havoc started to choke on his drink, Breda and Falman started laughing. Even I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. Poor Emily seemed embarrassed now.

"No, he's just a friend who lives in Central. He's married and has a lovely daughter."

"Oh, I see."

"And don't ever ask him about either of them!" Falman was warning her.

"What happens if I do?"

"God help your soul."

"Ok guys! Don't you think you're being a bit dramatic?" Every one of them took a big drink, not wanting to reply. "Well, I for one find it very endearing! I love that Hughes is so passionate about his family. Gracia is a lucky woman."

"Yah, because I highly doubt he obsesses about her in front of her." Breda said while chuckling. That got us all to laugh, except for Emily. She looked a bit troubled. I kinda felt bad. She couldn't really relate to what we were talking about.

"So, Emily, what do you do for a living?" She perked up a bit when I asked.

"Oh, I work at a boutique shop."

"Oh really? Which one?"

"Antonio's Little Boutique." Now I was the one choking on my water.

"I go there all the time." I finally was able to manage to say something. "Small world." I wonder if she was there when Havoc and I were there together?

"I absolutely love working for him! I'm only part time right now, but I've been asking for more hours. He's trying his best, so I try not to complain too much." She's even a hard worker. I was starting to see what Havoc saw in her.

"Only water tonight, Abby?" Earl was refilling my glass.

"Yep. I've been grounded...I think?" I still wasn't sure if Mustang ordering me was the same thing. Mainly because I've never been grounded in my life.

"That's no fun. Who's gonna flirt with me than?" I don't know where it came from, but I could feel a sudden tension.

"I'm sure you can find someone. You're not doing too bad on the looks." I was trying to not let this tension get to me.

"Are you two dating?" Emily chipped in. I looked at her in shock, with my face turning red.

"No, but I wish." Earl said it with such coolness. "Speaking of which, what are you doing this weekend?" That got Falman's attention.

"No! What did I say Earl? You just broke my one rule!" The tension kept getting worse. I had one theory. My eyes discretely went to Havoc. He was glaring at Earl with cold eyes. I was right. What was his problem? Havoc noticed me starring at him. He went back to his drink, as if nothing happened.

"Hey, you guys made it back!" Fuery was finally gracing us with his presence.

"Yah, and where have you been?" It wasn't karaoke night, so who really knows where he has been.

"I finally got the courage to ask this girl out. She comes here often, and we talked a couple of times."

"How did that go?" Fuery took the seat that was open next to Breda.

"She shot me down flat." He sounded like he wanted to cry. My poor Fuery. "How do you always manage to get the cute girls Havoc?"

"It's a skill I've learned over the years, my good friend." He sounded so cocky.

"Oh really?" Emily chirped up. "Do you want to explain our first encountering?" This got everyone's attention. Even Earl was interested.

"We don't need to get into the details of my awesomeness." Havoc seemed nervous all of a sudden. Just then the jukebox changed songs. It was a slower song, one for the couples to dance close to. This is why I hated going out in the middle of the week. All the couples seemed to be out and wanted to dance, while I just sat here, day dreaming. My gaze went out to dance floor as it slowly filled up with couples. There was only one time someone held me like that. It didn't end well. I brought my attention back to my pointless glass of water. I could feel him looking. I glanced up to see Earl smirking at me.

"What?" He put his cleaning rag down and gave me a heart stopping look.

"Want to dance?" I almost didn't process what he asked.

"Excuse me?"

"Well since I'm not allowed to bug you about going out with me, I figured I'd substitute it with dancing. Plus, you look like you really want to."

"What? No. I was just...No I don't want to dance."

"Are you scarred?" He was pushing my buttons.

"What would I possibly be scarred of?"

"Can you not dance?"

"Oh no, Abby can dance!" Fuery had my back. "She a very good dancer." However, I didn't realize his words were putting the final nail on my coffin.

"Then that settles it." Earl started climbing over the bar and swung his legs over the other side. I had to swing my chair away from the bar so he could get by Falman and I.

"Let's go Lovington." He extended his hand out for me. I hesitated, really trying to think of something to get me out of this. Nothing came to mind, at least nothing clever. I made a painful groan as I took his hand and left my seat. He led me out to the dance floor and swung me around into his arms. The dance floor was starting to get crowded. It wasn't very big to begin with. Earl wasn't that bad. He moved me gracefully but with confidence. What really impressed me was that it wasn't the usual stand-in-one-spot-and-barley-move-your-feet dance. The Penguin, if you will. He definitely had lessons at some point in his life. Maybe I should ask him to the Ball?

"So how are you holding up?" I looked up at him for the first time. I think this was the closest I've ever been to him. I could feel my heart speed up.

"I'm fine. Actually, I'm doing a lot better than I thought I would." I was pretty surprised by how true that was. "I think it's thanks to you."

"What do you mean?" He spun me out and brought me back in.

"I mean, you're always making sure that I always have company. You always seem to be there when I need you most." I was trying to say something. What was it? "I guess I want to thank you?" No, that's not what I'm trying to say. Why do I feel so confused? Earl was chuckling.

"It's really more for my favor." My heart tightened as I waited for him to continue. "I've had my eyes on you for a while. I stood back while I watched you watch him." There it was. My heart was racing. "After seeing you last time, I've decided I let him hurt you for the last time." I couldn't tell if I was feeling dizzy from the dancing or from what he was saying to me. "So, take this as me officially saying that I'm coming for you, Lovington." The song ended and we both just stood there, starring at each other. I almost couldn't breathe.

"What...what are you doing two weekends from now?"

"Why?" His look had victory all over it.

"I was hoping, you would go with me. To the Military Ball?" I don't know why I was asking him this. It might have been from the heat of the moment, or I actually wanted to start moving on. He took a step away from me, and slightly bowed to kiss my hand. I wasn't expecting that.

"I would love to." He said as he locked eyes with me. This was too much. A part of me knew I shouldn't be doing this. Not when I was confused about Havoc. Then again, when should I be doing this? It's only the Military Ball. If things don't work out, then we can just go back to normal. As long as we don't cross that point of no return. "Do I need to buy a tux?"

"No, you don't have to buy one. I actually know a place that rents them out. It's pretty cheap too." The next song started up. It was good fast paced one. Earl spun me around again and dipped me.

"Mind if I see what I'll be working with?" I started laughing as he brought me back up. He started guiding me into a country swing style. Luckily for me, I have danced like this with someone else before. I remember a few moves, but I was relying more on Earl to guide me. I couldn't believe how much fun it was. I couldn't stop laughing.

"Could you teach us that!" Emily had interrupted the fun. Havoc was right behind her, looking away in the distance.

"Sure thing." Earl started instructing them to do what he was doing with me. I was trying to figure out why Havoc was letting Earl "teach" him. I knew Havoc could dance like this because he was the one I danced with before, but there he was, acting like he didn't have a clue. Whatever. I wasn't going to think about it.

Towards the end of the song, Emily almost had a few moves down. Of course, Havoc was already a pro. I'll admit, it was nice to see her having just as much fun as I was having.

"Earl! What are you doing? Get back to work!" Earl's boss had made an appearance. Before he left, Earl squeezed my hand and made his way back behind the bar, where people were cheering. They must have enjoyed the show we had put on.

"That was a lot of fun!" Looks like Emily had her fill with dancing. "It's getting pretty late; don't you think Jean? Maybe we should head home?" What was home? Her place? His? Or maybe she was implying that they both go in different directions?

"Sounds good, since we both have work tomorrow." Now that he mentions it, I should start rallying the boys and get them home. Since this was the main purpose of me coming. I made my way off the dance floor and started getting the boys up from their chairs.

"Come on, it's closing time."

"No, it's not! We still have another 3 hours!" Breda was not excited about leaving. He wouldn't be until he was drunk, which we would have to be here for another hour.

"Well, it's closing time for the designated driver! Now let's go. We have things to do tomorrow." All three boys started making their way to the door, very slowly if I might add. I wanted to say good night to Earl, but he was busy with other customers. I pushed on Breda's back to get him to start moving faster. Havoc and Emily were already outside. He was warming up her hands in his.

"Well Emily, I hope you had fun." I tried making small talk as the boys were loading themselves in the car.

"Oh, I most certainly did! I hope we can do this again soon!" Yah...right.

"Well...I guess I'll see you tomorrow Havoc."

"See you tomorrow." I hopped in the driver's seat and started the car. The boys were in the back seat, arguing about who was on who's side. The idiots never remember there was a front seat option when they were drunk. I looked into the side mirror and saw Havoc open the passenger door on his car for Emily. Just like what he did with me, he extended his hand out for her and guided her into her seat. I put the car in drive and hit the gas, not wanting to see anymore.

"Hey, easy on the gas Lovington!"

"Shut up Breda!" I was going to move on. I needed to. I had to. ~

END OF CHAPTER 9

Thanks for reading! :)