XV

~ A few weeks had passed, and I was finally settled in my very own apartment. Amy and I were out late one night, giving up on the apartment search for the evening when we just happened to stumble upon the building I now live in. It was a nice three-story complex, and rent was right in my budget. The actual apartment I've rented out was a nice small size, just perfect for someone living on their own. The part that sold me was the spacious living room. The bedroom was a bit small, but all I really needed was to be able to fit my bed, maybe a dresser, and I was set. I liked the idea of having everyone over one day and being able to have enough room for everyone. Even the bathroom was a decent size. What really sold me was the shower. It was even nicer than the one I had back at Mustang's old place. The kitchen, like the bedroom, was running on the small side, but it was also attached to the living area. All in all, I fell in love with it, and they were delivering my bed tonight! No more sleeping bag on the floor!

I was hustling down the hallway at Central, with a decent stack of paperwork in my arms. I was trying to hurry out to get to my place so I can let the guys who were delivering my bed in. The place that sold me the bed was very kind and said they could deliver it after hours since I normally didn't get off till late. I was running a bit behind, so I would have to run all the way home. Lucky for me, my place wasn't that far away. I was just about to cross an intersection in the hallway, when someone suddenly stepped out in front of me, causing me to run into them and loose most of my paperwork.

"Crap!" I quickly saved the rest of the paperwork that was starting slip out of my arms. I quickly knelt down and started picking up the rest of the paperwork. Just my luck.

"Sorry…" The person I ran into started to help me.

"No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have been walking so fast." I glanced up quickly to see exactly who it was I ran into. "Oh! Lieutenant Colonel Bowie, I'm so sorry." I tried standing up quickly to salute him, but I almost lost everything I just picked up again. He started to chuckle a bit seeing me fumble for the papers. "Sorry…" I gave him a shy smile.

"Lot of paperwork you got here? Are you Mustang's secretary or something?"

"No, well…I might as well be." Bowie picked up the last paper and we both stood up together as he handed me the paper. "Sometimes I think I should just turn in my State certification and just be hired for the paperwork." I just had him place the paper on top of the pile, for fear if I reached for it, it would all fall down again. "Thanks." A small smirk crept on Bowie's face. His eyes were smiling more than anything.

"So, what's with the hurry?"

"I have to get home. I'm getting something delivered tonight!" I started walking down the hall again. Bowie followed close.

"May I ask what it is?"

"My new bed. I've been sleeping on the ground for a little more than a week now, so I need to be there when the delivery men get there."

"Hmm…need any help?"

"With the bed?" I wasn't sure why he started blushing all of sudden.

"Well…yah?"

"Well, I think they only deliver. I don't think they actually stay and assemble the bed together, so I guess. If you really want?" I was more than capable of putting my bed together, but if I had an extra hand, it would definitely go much faster. Plus, I already asked the guys on my team, and they were all 'busy' tonight.

"Alright, I'll be out front waiting." Bowie said as he took the next turn in the hallway. I nodded at him as he gave me a quick wave.

It was getting late in the evening when I walked Bowie to my door, for the night. I had ended up making dinner for him and me. It was the quickest way I could say thank you, especially for how long it took to put the bed together. It even almost didn't fit in my bedroom! I had ordered a queen without really thinking how small my bedroom was. Bowie gathered his jacket as I opened my front door.

"Thanks again! I definitely wouldn't have been able to finish that in one night." I laughed, embarrassed that I had actually admitted it.

"Anytime. If you need help with anything else, just let me know. Especially if I get a meal out of it every time." He lingered at the door, as I kept my one hand on the knob. I couldn't shake the feeling he was waiting for a kiss? Just then the neighbor right across from me opened their door, breaking the awkward moment between us. I shyly glanced at my rescuer, when my heart did a quick flip when we made eye contact.

"Havoc?" He seemed even more surprised than I was.

"Lovington? What are you doing here?" Odd question. Unless he thinks Bowie's the one who lives here? Judging by the once over he gave Bowie, I'm thinking he thinks exactly that.

"Well, actually, I live here." Guess I shouldn't be too surprised that he wasn't expecting that answer.

"You're kidding?" I shook my head, with a small smile. "Go figure." I couldn't help but feel like my imagination was going crazy. He looked rather pleased by the situation. Bowie cleared his throat, reminding me that he was still there.

"Oh yah, you remember Lieutenant Colonel Bowie?"

"Of course." Havoc said as he extended his hand for Bowie to shake.

"Havoc? Right?" Bowie shook Havoc's hand rather tensely. Why did this remind me of something?

"He just came over to help me assemble my bed. So where are you heading?" I tried my best to lighten the atmosphere.

"I was just going to meet up with the guys. Wanna join?"

"Oh! No, thank you. I still have to clean up dinner. Plus, I still need to take a shower."

"Dinner?" Havoc shot Bowie a subtle glare.

"Yah…there's some leftovers if you want some?"

"Maybe another time." Havoc laughed a soft scoff when he realized my attention was trying to peek inside his apartment. He opened his door a bit more, which caught me off guard. "You wanna take a look?"

"Really?" I sounded a lot more excited than I wanted to. My curiosity always got the better of me. Was his apartment bigger than mine? Smaller? Or are they the exact same? I quickly walked passed him to explore. Havoc stayed back, probably to keep Bowie company as I did some research. From first impression, his apartment was the same as mine, just reversed. My kitchen was just a bit smaller. He might have had an extra countertop. The color sequence was much different as well. His was darker than mine. It looked like any other bachelor pad. I opened up the door to the bathroom and felt proud. My bathroom was much better, and bigger. I shut it and moved to the next room, the bedroom. The door was already open, I just had to flip on the light to see-HOLY CRAP! His bedroom was SO much bigger than mine. I could easily fit my bed, and couple of dressers in his. All he had was a single sized bed and one small dresser. Really the only thing that took up space was his reloading table. This wasn't right!

"You gotta be kidding me." I mumbled to myself as I starred in jealousy.

"You shut up!" I heard a loud bang come from the hallway. I didn't even bother shutting the light off. I quickly ran back to Havoc and Bowie, to see Havoc pinning Bowie up on the wall, across the hallway.

"What the hell-Havoc?!" Havoc looked like he was about to punch Bowie right in the jaw. "Havoc what are you doing?"

"You stay out of this?!" He snapped viciously. What on earth…

"He's a Lieutenant Colonel! Think about what you're-"

"I don't give a damn if he outranks me!"

"It's more than outranking you! He can get you in trouble, maybe even suspended!" I didn't know what to do. I know that I wouldn't be able to pry the two of them away from each other, and judging by the sly smirk on Bowie's face, he wanted Havoc to punch him. I held my breath in anticipation, when Havoc finally scoffed, letting go of Bowie, and violently turning around, still clenching his fist.

"That's a smart move, Havoc." Bowie smoothed out his shirt, with the smirk still on his face. It didn't stay there for long, though. "But I will be reporting this to your commanding officer first thing tomorrow." There was venom in his tone. Bowie's gaze found me, and that sly smirk crept back on his face. He really was a handsome man, but every bone in my body was telling me to not trust that smile. "Abby, I'll see you tomorrow." I didn't think it was possible, but Havoc's fist had someone tightened even more. I continued to stare at Havoc with concern as Bowie made his way down the hall. Havoc finally unclenched his fist when Bowie went around the corner, down the stairs. His face held regret as he walked towards me, still standing in the doorway.

"I need to lock up." He wouldn't look at me.

"What was that all about?"

"Please Abby…just get out." That stung. I hated when he did this. Normally I would give up and do what he says, but this time…

"Tell me what happened."

"Move!" I jumped at the sharpness of his voice, but it wasn't going to get me to back off.

"Just tell me what happened!" I snapped right back at him. He looked even farther away from me, moving his head to the side, looking down the way Bowie had left.

"He…" His voice was trembling, and I noticed his hand was in a fist again. "He insulted you." I was shocked by his answer. Not only did it surprise me to hear Bowie had done such a thing, but he had said something so vile that Havoc almost punched him for it.

"What…what did he say?" Rage crept back on Havoc's face.

"I can't say. If I do…" I remained silent as I watched Havoc struggle to find the words. "If I tell you, you won't be able to stop me from chasing him and beating him to a pulp." There goes my curiosity again, but I knew I couldn't force him to say it. I said nothing more and stepped out of Havoc's apartment. He shut the door and locked it, and continued to stand there, facing the door.

"Thank you." I said it just as I was about to shut my apartment door. Havoc looked back at me with a weary smile.

"No one messes with the team." He said it quietly, just before walking down the hall.

A few weeks have passed, and boy were they busy! Not only did Hawkeye "stumble" upon Berry the Chopper, who was supposed to have been executed, but now Falman was now his 24/7 babysitter. Talk about rough. I will never complain about my duties again! I would've sworn Havoc would've been babysitter duty after Bowie reported him to Mustang. After several minutes of Havoc and Mustang talking alone in his office, Havoc walked out seeming fine, with Mustang having a rather pleased smirk. No matter how much I pried, Mustang wouldn't tell me what they discussed. I even threatened to stop making him dinner! Nothing. We all took turns taking goodies to Falman, kinda as a 'sorry you're the one who got stuck with this' treat. It was my turn tonight, and I kinda went a little crazy with the food. I almost packed Falman a full meal in the little basket. There were a few knocks on my apartment door, just as I was finishing wrapping up the second basket. I already knew who was at the door, which is why I took my time answering it. I ran into my bedroom to change out of my uniform, since I didn't have time after I got home from work. I heard a few more, impatient knocks, on my door before grabbing my jacket and the two baskets with food.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" I said, a bit agitated as I opened my door.

"Took you long enough." Havoc didn't waste any time walking down the hallway, as I tried to hurry and lock my door.

"Well excuse me. I'm not like you guys and just give Falman whatever I have just lying around in my cupboards. AND I had to work today, unlike someone I know." I hustled down the hall to catch up to Havoc, who was already walking down the stairs. I only went in for a few hours, in an attempt to help Mustang. There was still plenty of daylight outside, so I shouldn't complain that much. Plus, more money!

"What you make him anyways? It smells good."

"Just some stew. Oh yah, we need to stop by the bakery. I need to buy some bread for the stew."

"Are there any leftovers?" I could hear the hope in his voice. It only made me smile. For the past few weeks Havoc has been coming over for dinner every night. He would even walk with me to Mustang's to deliver his dinner, whether he was at the office or at his house. It was kinda nice.

"Yes, there are leftovers, and we'll need to stop by Mustang's, before the bakery."

"Yes ma'am." Havoc opened the building's front for me, as I stepped outside.

Havoc parked the car in front of an old, run-down building that didn't seem to have any life in it. Havoc seemed to be checking around to see if someone would spot us. When I got out of the car, I notice that the whole neighborhood looked that way. What a place to hide something-or someone?

"Hey, come on! Before someone sees us." Oh yah! Like they won't notice the nice shiny car just sitting here. I followed Havoc into the building, and it seemed to have a moldy smell to it. I guess when humans stop living somewhere, another life form takes their place. We walked all the way to the top floor, needing to step over some broken down wood from the walls, and borders. "Here, give me the basket." Havoc stuck out his hand.

"Why?"

"I'm going to give it to Falman. You stay out here in the hall as the look out."

"Excuse me?"

"There's a suit of armor in there, who's soul preys on women. I'm not letting you go in there." Jeez…he's worse that Mustang! They seem to have it in their heads that I can't take care of myself! What's a girl gotta do to get some respect around here?! I reluctantly gave Havoc the basket as we approached the door. Havoc gave it a few knocks, while I slumped on the other side of the door.

"It's me, I'm just checking in." Havoc said in a low-key voice. The door opened up, hiding me behind it. "You're looking well. Here, it's from Lovington." I heard Havoc say just before walking into the room, shutting the door. I sighed deeply, not liking the outcome of today. I could just barely hear them talking inside. I might as well have just given Havoc the stupid basket and had him deliver it, instead of wasting my time being a pointless look out. My eye twitch for a second from all the rage I was feeling. What the heck am I doing? Abby, if you want respect, then you need to start showing them you deserve it! I took in a deep breath and quickly opened the door.

"Yah, I'll let her know that you're interested." Havoc said not at all amused.

"Who's interested?" I asked, shutting the door behind me.

"Oh, hey Lovington! I didn't know you were here." Falman brightened up a bit.

"Heeey! She's pretty. I don't suppose I could chop her up?" I smiled nervously at the suit of armor that was Berry the Chopper.

"I told you to stay in the hall!"

"I didn't see any reason for it! I came all the way here to give Falman his dinner, and I plan to follow through. I can take care of myself just fine!"

"I never said you couldn't take care of yourself…"

"Then why are you having me be a pointless look out?" Berry cut our argument short by laughing.

"Hey, you two are fun! Can they be my bodyguard instead? It could get interesting for once." Berry asked Falman while pointing at us.

"I'm not too thrilled about being here either! How much longer am I stuck here keeping watch on this guy anyway? What does the Colonel say?" He wasn't going to like this answer. Havoc began the discussion by holding up four fingers.

"The Colonel apologizes for having to give you such a dangerous assignment." He dropped his pinkie, with the remaining three fingers up. "He also says don't worry about your other duties; your absence is being treated as sick leave. But if anyone, even military personnel outside of our unit, sees you, he'll have you court-martialed before you can blink. That is all." Havoc didn't have any fingers up now. Poor Falman seemed to have worked up a bit of a sweat. Even though I felt bad for the guy, I was still overly grateful that I wasn't the one stuck with this assignment.

"I don't suppose you have any news of a happier sort to report?"

"Indeed." I have a feeling he's going to bring her up…

"Oh? What is it?" Here we go. You asked for it, Falman.

"Falman, I found myself a girlfriend!" I rolled my eyes and leaned against the torn-up wall, as Havoc smiled from ear to ear. Falman was really regretting he asked. "She's been really sweet, helping me adjust to the move here and everything." He's been going on and on about her since the start of the week. What was weird is that he normally tries to keep his girlfriends a secret, but this time…

"And oh, boy is she hot!" Oh yah…there was that too.

"Because coming over to my place every night for dinner isn't helpful…" I said it just a bit louder than a mumble. Havoc stopped gushing and gave me a mischievous grin.

"She helps me in other departments…" I blinked a few times, trying to process what it is he meant by-OH MY GOD!

"Gross Havoc! No one wants to hear that!" Just as I had entered the room, I quickly opened the door and slammed it on the way out, trying to get out of the nasty building as soon as I could.

"I was kidding!" I could faintly hear Havoc's voice from the other side of the door.

I had Havoc take me to the market so I could pick up tomorrow's dinner. I was scanning some vegetables while Havoc wandered off somewhere. I had a feeling he sauntered into a random bar and was having a beer while waiting for me.

"Well, well, if it isn't Lovington." I jumped when I heard the voice right behind me.

"Oh, Lieutenant Colonel Bowie, hi."

"Please, you can call me Cord when we're off duty." Yah right.

"What brings you to the market, Lieutenant Colonel Bowie?" He gave me a shy smile.

"I guess you're still feeling sour about the last incident?" To be honest, I don't know how I felt about the whole scene. I know Havoc said he had insulted me, but I never talked to Bowie about it. Which I was raised to always get both sides of the stories, and Havoc's only left me with questions. However, I did have this feeling that I couldn't believe a word Bowie said.

"Well…I guess you could answer some questions."

"Of course." He seemed eager.

"Havoc said you insulted me?" Might as well get to the point. Bowie scoffed and licked his upper lip. He didn't seem surprised but offended.

"No. I didn't insult you." He chuckled a bit before continuing. "Look, I think you know that I like you." I felt myself go flush. "So, it shouldn't come as a surprise when I say that all I said to Lieutenant Havoc, was that I was going to steal you from him." And the flush was gone.

"Excuse me?"

"He didn't take it very well, as I expected, but I didn't think he would actually threaten me." I looked away from him, shaking my head. Bowie wasn't helping me with my confusion. "Look…" I glanced back at him, not happy. "All I'm going to say to you is, you deserve someone who will treat you right. Who pays attention to you the way a man is supposed to." Where the hell does he get off, and why am I getting so upset about this? It was like he thought…

"Do you think Havoc and I are-"

"Can I help you Lieutenant Colonel Bowie?" I almost dropped all of my groceries when I heard Havoc right behind me. Bowie just gave him that same evil smirk before walking away.

"I'll talk to you later Abby."

"What did he want?" Havoc waited for Bowie to disappear before asking questions.

"Nothing, but I did ask him what happened the last time." Havoc didn't seem too pleased with that.

"And?"

"He just said that…" I didn't really know how to answer. I suddenly felt very self-aware. "He just said that he was going to steal me from you." Havoc started to chuckle like what I said was comical.

"Is that all he said?"

"Well…yah." I didn't feel like getting into the other part.

"Are you sure?" I nodded sternly a few times. "Alright. You all done?"

"Not quite. I still need to buy the meat."

"Let's get going then." Havoc grabbed the grocery bag that I was carrying and started to walk to the meat shop, with me right by his side.

A few weeks had passed, and I was at the bar having dinner with Jessica, Daniel and Cord for the evening. Originally I had invited my team to come hang out, but I ran into Jessica outside the bar. Of course, she insisted that I join them. We were having a pleasant conversation when my team walked in, with no Falman. Even though Falman never really talked much, I was starting to miss his presence. We all pretty much had the same seating arrangement from last time. Jessica already had a few drinks in, so she was more pleasant than normal. Havoc, Breda and Fuery put in their orders and continued the conversation about work. I couldn't help but catch the glares Havoc and Cord kept shooting at each other.

"So how was your date the other day?" I got Havoc's attention away from Bowie.

"What?"

"I saw you the other day with your date. You're right, she's pretty smokin'." A smile spread on Havoc's face.

"I sure hit the jack pot with her. She seems really interested in what I do too."

"Oh? When's your next date?" And when will this sting in my heart go away?

"Not till the weekend. Works been getting out of control, with what happened to Second Lieutenant Ross." More like chaotic. Edward definitely didn't make it easy for us, but it did help with faking her death.

"Wait." Cord cut into our conversation. "You mean you two aren't dating?" I could feel my face turn red as my heart skipped a beat.

"Wh-wh-what?" I could feel a full-on panic coming on. "Why would-why would you say that?"

"Jesus Abby, have you forgotten how to breath?" Jessica was now poking at me. I'm pretty sure I couldn't get any redder. No one has ever asked me, or us, that question.

"It's just…" Cord didn't seem to know how to finish his sentence. "Never mind."

"No, please. I'm intrigued." Havoc seemed more irritated than curious. Bowie gave him a cautious smirk.

"Well, at the Military Ball you two seemed pretty close." Military Ball? I guess he is a high enough rank to get a ticket. Did he see us dancing, but that smirk on his face was saying he had a dirty secret. My stomach suddenly sank. I just knew what he was implying. The man who had interrupted us when we were in full make out mode was...

"Cord?" I said his name very softly. Everyone was now zoning into the conversation, feeling the tension.

"I decided to walk out on the patio for some fresh air and happened to spot you two." I felt Havoc's body go stiff next to me. He must have just realized what Cord was talking about.

"Wait, you-"

"What? Did you catch them making out or something?" Jessica interpreted while teasing. Please don't. I was pleading with my eyes.

"Yep." Was all Bowie said as he took a smug drink of his beer. Jessica started to choke on her drink. Everyone else slowly looked at Havoc and I, eyes wide with shock. My heart had completely sunk into my stomach. I felt like all the oxygen in the room had been sucked up.

"Are you serious?" Jessica was able to catch her breath enough to ask.

"Is it true?" Breda asked. He seemed concerned. I just stared back at him, not knowing how to answer. I could see him starting to put all the pieces together from when Havoc and I had stopped talking to each other. My gaze drifted over to Fuery, sitting next to Breda. He looked stunned. I looked back at Bowie. He still had that gut wrenching smirk. Just like me, Havoc was speechless, but his death piercing glare never left Bowie. I stood up from my seat, feeling my panic filled tears for the first time. I was going to give Bowie a piece of my mind, but each time I opened my mouth, nothing came out. I gritted my teeth and tried to make my way out of the bar as fast as I could.

"Abby!" I heard Fuery call out to me. I didn't stop, even when the cool night air hit me, I kept running. I can't believe someone saw us. I can't believe he told everyone, especially when I haven't even been able to talk to Havoc about it. How dare he! I was filled with such rage, and embarrassment. I could easily turn around and zap the life out of Bowie without even hesitating, but my feet were guiding me elsewhere. It's where they always take me when I'm troubled. When I realized what direction I was going, I forced myself to stop in my tracks. I couldn't go to Mustang about this. He would ask questions that I couldn't answer. I looked up to the sky, just to be blinded by a streetlight. I was trying my best to squeeze out every last angry tear. It was faint but I could hear a pair of footsteps running my way. I finally brought my gaze back to the earth when I heard the footsteps stop, to see Havoc standing just a few feet away from me. He was trying his best to catch his breath.

"Why did you kiss me?" I finally asked him. We stared at each other, as I waited for his answer, with a heavy heart. I knew I was about to get my heart broken. I was ready. ~

END OF CHAPTER 15!

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