XIII
~ The train whistle seemed much louder than normal this early in the morning. I always had a saying that I practically lived by, "If the sun's not up, neither am I." Wasn't the most philosophical of sayings, but it worked for me. Today, however, I had to put it on the back burner. We all had to be on the first train of the day to Central, and of course that train just had to be in the earliest of hours! I had just finish dropping off what was left of my luggage and was making my way back to the group. They were all gathered by the train, saying their last good-byes to longtime friends. Fortunately for me, all my close friends, and people I care for the most are either boarding the train with me or are already in Central. As I reached the group, I yawned for the hundredth time. I needed some shut eye. Hopefully the guys would be nice for once and not be so rowdy.
"Man, I don't think I've seen you yawn so much." Falman stated. With the word 'yawn' hanging in the air, I once again do so. Breda couldn't help but laugh.
"Shut up! I barely got any sleep last night. I was too busy helping Mustang finish packing."
"Are you serious? Why did you help him?" Breda asked.
"If I didn't help him, he'd still be packing! Plus, when I told him I'd help, I didn't realize he hadn't even started."
"What did you even have to pack? I thought all the furniture belonged to the house?" Fuery was trying to figure everything out in his head.
"Yah, but the dishes, books, and our cloths didn't. You know, for a guy who always seems to be at work, he actually has an unnecessary amount of clothes."
"Headquarters is going to be pretty quiet without you guys." One of Breda's buddies spoke up. That got everyone going on in a bittersweet conversation.
"Hey! Come on you guys, let's get going!" Havoc had just stepped off the train and was hanging onto one of the hand railings.
"Why? The final whistle hasn't blown yet. Even if we do get on, it's not like-" The final whistle blew, cutting Breda off. There was a bit of annoyance on Breda's face. We all said our final good-bye and made our way to the train. As I waited for everyone to get by Havoc, I took the chance to make one final look at everything. My eyes started wandering around the crowd when they stopped on one particular person.
"Hey Havoc…" I reached behind to get Havoc's attention. When my hand found his body, I felt him jump at my touch. It made me jump in the process. "Sorry!" I quickly took my hand back, leaving an uncomfortable atmosphere. I'm sure the other guys noticed. It was going to be a nice, long awkward ride to Central. "Um…Isn't that Emily?" I got back on track to the reason I wanted his attention. I was pointing out in front of me. Sure enough, just a few meters away, was Emily. I glanced up to Havoc, who seemed surprised by her appearance. Without saying anything, he made his way to her. I could see that she was debating to run or not. Poor girl. Probably wasn't expecting to be spotted.
I turned back around and followed Falman onto the train. We each loaded into the private room that Mustang reserved for us. Mustang and Hawkeye were located in the one next to us. I might be sneaking in with them if the boys refuse to be quiet, since if it wasn't for me, Mustang would still be frantically packing. Fuery and Breda sat on one side, leaving space between them, while Falman took the window seat on the other side. Normally I would've sat by Falman just so I could sit by Havoc, but with how things were between us…I plopped my body right between Breda and Fuery. It was more of a squeeze than I thought.
"What the heck? Why are you sitting here?" Breda wasn't happy with my choice.
"I want to get some shut eye, and you make the perfect pillow!" I said with a small smile as I rested my head on Breda's arm.
"Is that a fat joke?" I could hear the amusement in his voice.
"Only if you want it to be."
"So…what's up with you and Havoc?" I felt my heart sink at Breda's question. It was only a matter of time before one of them asked. I glanced over at Fuery who was more than curious by the question. Ever since the day after the Military Ball, Havoc and I haven't said one word to each other. If there was ever a time we needed to, we'd just ask one of the guys to do it for us, even if we were right there in the room with each other. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to ask him the one question that's been bubbling around in my head since that night. However, every time I would get the chance, I'd freeze up and bail.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb! You two haven't spoken to each other in a week. Normally you two are either going at each other or plotting something together. Something is obviously up." I knew I wasn't going to fool any of them, but how does one even begin to explain what exactly was going on. Even I didn't fully know.
"I honestly don't know what you're talking about? As far as I know, everything's fine between Havoc and I." I could hear the disappointed scoff come from Breda's mouth.
"Fine. You don't want to talk, fine." Breda got up, making me almost fall to my side.
"What the heck…What's your problem?" Breda was now sitting over by Falman, leaving another gap between the two of them.
"As far as I know, I have no problem." There was sarcasm oozing out of his words. So, he's gonna play it like that? Fine! Just then the train started to slowly move. Havoc still wasn't on the train. What does he think he's doing? Just as I was about to get up to fetch him, he made his way into the room closing the sliding door behind him.
"Better late than never?" Falman spoke for the first time since boarding.
"Yah sorry. Emily just wanted to wish me luck." Even though he was blushing lightly, I could see the sadness behind his eyes. Those eyes changed quickly when he realized that the only open seat was next to me. His eyes went to the small space between Falman and Breda, and he took it.
"What the hell, Havoc? There's no room!" Breda protested by trying to shove Havoc off. It was a tight squeeze just with little old me. Did Havoc really think any of them would be able to handle being that crushed together all the way to Central? They all had such broad bodies. More Havoc and Breda than Falman, but non the less. Tight squeeze. "Go sit over there!" Breda finally succeeded pushing Havoc off. Havoc just glared in return. He eyed the roomier space right by me and the window, but I could tell he wasn't liking it. I can't believe how childish he's being! He finally took the seat next to me and leered out the window as the scenery passed by. Normally I'd be radiant by this seating, but now, I could only feel my blood boil. I could feel the other guys watching us. Watching to see if we would actually talk or give some kind of reaction other than pretending the other one doesn't exist. It was definitely going to be a long ride.
We were about an hour into our journey to Central, and I could barely keep my eyes open anymore. My boiling blood from earlier had started to cool down. I wonder if I could sneak my way to Mustang's private room? Fuery and Breda were having an interesting discussion about the good old days at the Academy. Fuery had entered the Academy just a year after me. Fuery was explaining that the tardy disciplinary had become stricter. Breda started laughing loudly.
"It's probably all because of Lovington." He continued to snicker, grabbing my attention.
"Excuse me?" I felt highly irritable. Probably from the lack of sleep.
"There's no excusing you. I can't even begin to count all the times you were late for your classes!"
"How would you possibly know?" We only had a few activities together. Military Weaponry, One-on-One Combat, and Conditioning.
"I remember that!" I was surprised when Havoc chipped in. I was now starring at him in shock.
"You…remember?"
"How could I not? We saw you franticly sprinting in the courtyard every morning. Sometimes, when the weather was warm, the instructor would open the window; and we could actually hear you panicking." Both Havoc and Breda started laughing, remembering together. "I'm gonna be late again!" Havoc mimicked me through a snicker. I didn't know if I should be feeling flattered or embarrassed. I guess I was going with both.
"I thought…" Havoc settled down with his laughing to look at me. For the first time in what seemed forever, we were actually able to look at each other. My heart started to flutter, making it a bit hard for me to finish the sentence. "I actually thought all this time, you didn't remember me from back then." Havoc seemed surprised. Just then Breda stood up, making Havoc and I break our connection.
"I think I'm gonna go bug the Colonel about a few things. Falman, Fuery…come on." Without hesitation Falman got up and was following Breda. Fuery seemed a bit more hesitant but ended up following. Breda wasn't fooling anyone, but at the same time, I was thankful. Hopefully Havoc and I would finally be able to have the talk we've been needing to have. There was a moment of awkward silence after the three of them shut the door. Havoc was the one to break the silence first.
"I admit; I didn't recognize you when you first started on the team." He paused, as if remembering something. "Your hair was a lot shorter back then, and you thinned out a bit too." Is that a compliment? I don't know how to take that last part.
"I see…" That's all I could say. All this time he remembered me. Does that mean that he's moved on and all the flirting and 'begging' was all in the past, forgotten?
"I hear you're getting your own place in Central?" Havoc asked before there was another moment of silence.
"Oh, yah. Jessica is helping me find a place when I get there. I'll actually be staying with her and her fiancé' until I find something. How about you? Did you find a place yet?"
"Yah, I even have most of my things there waiting for me."
"How did you manage to find a place so quickly?" It had truly amazed me. I had called on almost all ads and called around; but everything was either too high in rent, or someone beat me to the chase.
"Just one of my many hidden talents" I rolled my eyes at his typical cockiness. "I just can't believe you actually managed to get the 'okay' from the Colonel?" I suddenly became more tired remembering all the battling I had to do with the Colonel.
"As I told him, several times, I am an adult. If I want to go live on my own, then I will! The only time I need his approval is for work related issues." Havoc gave a small chuckle. We sat there in silence again, not knowing what else to talk about. It was now or never! I had to ask the question. "Hey, Havoc…" I hesitated for moment, not really knowing how to start the conversation. Just then, in that moment, Havoc made himself comfortable and rested his head on my shoulder. All my thoughts from before had washed away as his hair tickled my cheek.
"Sorry, do mind? I haven't been getting a lot of sleep." He spoke in a softer tone. Yes, I mind! How am I supposed to ask what I want to ask when all I can think about is how good the top of his head smells?!
"It's okay." I barely mumbled out. I couldn't possibly bring it up anymore. Not when we were finally starting to act like our old selves. I felt Havoc's body loosen up a bit as he started to drift off. I sat there listening to him breath, taking in his warmth. I laid my head on top of his and let my body relax along with his. "I missed you…" I said softly as my eyes became heavy.
"I missed you too." I wasn't too sure what he whispered back, as I drifted off to sleep.
"Abby…" I slowly opened my eyes to the sound of Fuery's voice. I could feel a gentle hand on my shoulder, lightly shaking me awake. I blinked a few times and slowly lifted my head. It was still on top of Havoc's. He rustled around from my movement and slowly woke up as well. I guess we slept like that the whole way. "Sorry to wake you guys, but…we're here." I could see Breda's smug smile behind Fuery's shoulder.
"Thanks, Fuery." Was all I groaned out as I placed my hand on my neck to try to work out the painful kink.
"Leave those two alone for a few hours and they get all lovey-dovey." I heard Breda murmur as he exited the room. I shot him a glare, even knowing he wouldn't see it.
"That was the quickest ride to Central yet." Havoc said stretching his legs out. I was still trying to smooth out the kink in my neck. I can't believe we slept like that all the way to Central. My neck was going to kill me for the rest of the day! "You okay?" I regretted the sudden movement of my neck when I went to look at Havoc.
"Yah…I guess sleeping like that really put a kink in my neck." I explained, trying to laugh it off.
"You dummy. You shouldn't have slept like that."
"Well how else was I supposed to sleep with you using me as a pillow?"
"You should have told me!" Unbelievable! Give a guy your shoulder to sleep on, and this is how he says thank you? "Here." His hand brushed away my hand that was still on my neck, and took its place, gently massaging. I think I forgot how to breath. "How's this?" It felt amazing. I never thought I could feel so anxious but so relaxed at the same time. His hand seemed so big. It could probably just about wrap around my whole neck. I could feel my cheeks getting hot as I thought about it. "Am I hurting you?" He drew his hand away, bringing me back to reality.
"No…" I was about to protest when I notice the pain had lessened greatly. "Wow, I think you cured me." I gave him a sleepy smile.
"Good to hear." We sat there for a moment, smiling at each other. Does this mean we were fine? I was about to open my mouth to ask when Havoc stood up. "We should probably get off and get our stuff." He said with a small smile as he left the room. I continued to sit, with the question still hanging on my tongue.
It was mid-evening, and I was finally settled in my new room at Emily's. Emily, Daniel, (her fiancé) and I were at a local bar that also had an impressive dinner menu. We had been seated at the biggest table they had, which really wasn't all that big, because the rest of the gang was to supposed to be showing up. Jessica was still pouting that I had invited the rest.
"I just didn't think that you would've invited EVERYONE!"
"Sorry, but Breda wouldn't have let up. Sometimes it's just better to give in." Jessica just rolled her eyes.
"Come on, babe. It'll be fun. They seem-"
"They're obnoxious!" Jessica seemed offended when I gave her a look. "Granted I can't really speak for…what were their names?"
"Which ones?"
"Breda and Havoc. Who do you think? The creepy one and the adorable one with glasses?" Is the creepy one supposed to be Falman? I chuckled a bit before answering.
"Falman and Fuery."
"Yah! They seem okay, almost quiet like. But Breda and Havoc…"
"Hey now! This is my team you're talking about. Breda and Havoc really matured over the years." Now Jessica was giving me a look, and I could read it perfectly. She'll believe it when she sees it. Now I have to keep my fingers crossed for the rest of the night that Breda and Havoc can for once act their age. I buried my face in the menu to hide from Jessica's gaze.
"Hey Bowie!" Daniel suddenly yelled across the room, waving his friend over. I peered over the menu to see who it was. I couldn't see much of his features, but he sure was dressed sharp. A nice white button up shirt, dark pants, and nice dress shoes. His hair seemed a bit darker than mine? It might be because of the lighting? We were in a bar. As he approached our table, I sank back into the menu.
"Bowie! Good to see you!" Jessica had her flirty voice on.
"Hey guys! Didn't think I'd see you here tonight." He had a nice deep voice.
"We're here to celebrate the arrival of my long-missed friend." I continued to pretend like I wasn't paying attention. "You should join us!"
"I would but…"
"Please? You'll be such better company than…" Jessica paused, not knowing how to finish the sentence. That's what got me to place my menu down and give Jessica yet another exasperated look.
"If you really didn't want them to come, you should have said so."
"And how would that make me look? It was out of my hands once you invited them."
"Stop pretending like you're not excited to spend time with Havoc again." I couldn't help but tease her.
"Cord," Jessica looked back to the stranger who was still standing in front of our table, rather entertained by our conversation. "Do you see what I already have to put up with?" The man named Cord, and Daniel started to laugh at her desperate face. "She's not even the worse one!" Even Jessica started to chuckle.
"I guess I could stay for a bit." Cord pulled out the seat that was across from me and sat down. I finally was able to see the rest of his features as he sat down. His hair was the usual well groomed, cut short military style. He had the most mesmerizing green eyes. They almost sparkled, but at the same time, they seemed dark. "Hi." I didn't realize I was starring until he smiled at me. He had a pretty good smile too. "I'm Cord. Cord Bowie." He reached across the table to shake my hand. I lifted my hand and shook his. His physic was definitely military as well. Muscle wise, he was probably just a bit smaller than Havoc.
"I'm Abby. The long-missed friend." I smiled shyly.
"Aw, so you're the one that Ms. Prissy wouldn't shut up about?" I'm assuming Ms. Prissy was Jessica? I scoffed out a laugh, thinking how perfect if was.
"I hate your nickname for me!" Jessica threw her napkin at Cord. "Why does everyone pick on me?" Daniel brought her in with one arm for a comfort hug. Just then I saw my team walk through the door, looking for us. Fuery was the first one who spotted us. I threw up my arm and gave a quick wave, smiling big. "Great." I ignored Jessica's remark.
"Hey, I was starting to think you all got lost?" I joked as they all approached the table.
"We almost did, thanks to…" Fuery was about to sit down next to me, when Havoc motioned him to move one over, and sat next to me instead. The usual giddy feeling came sweeping up. Fuery didn't look too happy. Breda and Falman took the seats next to Cord, on the other side of the table.
"Nice place you have here, Jessy." Havoc said looking around, taking in the bar. I heard Jessica mumble something under her breath. I wasn't sure what she said, but I knew it was probably some snide remark.
"Who are you?" Breda asked Cord, looking rather confused.
"Lieutenant Colonel Bowie." Lieutenant Colonel? He looked a bit young to be just a rank below the Colonel. Havoc and I looked at him in disbelief as Breda and Bowie shook hands. Breda didn't look too convinced either. The waitress came over and took everyone's drink order. Apparently we were all drinking tonight. We all went back to mingling, getting to know all the new faces and catching up with all the old. At some point in the night, Havoc placed his arm on the back of my chair, making my brain focus on only that for some time. By the time our food came I saw two other bodies walk through the door.
"Oh my God!" I pushed back my chair and almost tripped over myself as I tried to run across the bar. Amy and Sophia gave me big smiles as I continued to, cautiously, run towards them. I came in and hugged the both of them at the same time. We were all talking at the same time saying how good it was to see each other, and that it's been so long. We walked back to the table smiling as big as ever. We were gonna need more chairs…and tables.
"Havoc move down!" Jessica ordered. Havoc just gave her a glare and refused to budge. Cord was the one who got up from his spot and let Sophia have it. She thanked him quickly and quietly as she sat down. "Cord! Where are you going?" Jessica was not pleased by his leaving.
"It's getting a little too crowded here for my taste and I have to get going anyways. It was nice to meet all of you." Bowie said as he gestured to all of us. The guys lifted their beer mugs towards Bowie to return his gesture. "Welcome to Central." He said looking right at me, before turning around to leave. I don't know why, but I feel like there was more behind what he just said, and Jessica definitely helped confirming it.
"He likes you!" She said as she elbowed me in the side. My heart sank at her words.
"Oh stop! He does not." I found it a bit alarming that Jessica's words disturbed me so much.
"He couldn't keep his eyes off you since he sat down."
"Hey Abby." Havoc's sudden voice made me jump a bit. He sounded angry. "Do you want another drink before we leave?"
"Oh, um, no. I think I'm done for the evening." I said pushing my almost empty glass to the center of the table.
"Ok." Havoc said right before chugging what was left of his beer. He set his now empty mug on the table and looked at me with a small smile. "I'll walk you home." I live with Jessica now, so I definitely wasn't expecting this.
"It's okay, Havoc. We can take her home." Jessica linked arms with me, making it hard to get up. Havoc looked a bit defeated. Now that I think about it, it would be a good chance to talk to him about the night of the ball.
"Alright, guess I'll see you tomorrow." Havoc stood up, with Breda following pursuit. I watched the two of them leave the bar with a heavy chest. I've been wanting to talk to Havoc for some time now. I have a few questions that needed answers. Actually, it was more like one question. Why did he kiss me? Of course, the longer I dragged the question out, the harder it became to bring it up.
"We should probably head out too. We have to get up early." Daniel said as he started to pet Jessica's head. She looked at him with tired eyes. They sure make a cute couple.
"That's right, and we're still going apartment looking tomorrow after work?" Jessica brought her attention to me now.
"Oh yah. I almost forgot about that! You guys are coming right?" I asked Sophia and Amy.
"Of course!" Amy answered enthusiastically. Sophia just nodded her head. We all stood up to leave. I said good night to everyone who was left, and the three of us walked home. ~
END OF CHAPTER 14!
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