XVIII

~ It was getting late in the afternoon when I sat down behind the counter, next to the cash register. It had been a busy morning, but things were dying down. I was able to finish the daily chores and now waited patiently for things to pick up again. The busiest times were right when the store opened and just before it closed. I propped my elbows on the counter and rested my chin on my hands as I watched the people of the town walk by outside. My mind started to drift off to what the others were up to, and the last conversations I had with them. Hoping they were all still doing fine…

I was over at Mustang's making him dinner. I had ended up moving back in with him. After with what happened, I thought it best for not just him but also me to have someone around. It's been a couple weeks since I last saw Havoc, and he still hasn't sent anyone for me. My patience was running thin. I heard the front door open and close.

"You're home early." I continued to stir dinner, adding a few more ingredients. Mustang didn't walk into the kitchen like he usually did. Instead, I heard him go straight upstairs. He sounded like he was in a hurry. Curious, I turned the stove off and made my way upstairs. I peeked into his room to see it Mustang-less. I could hear things being thrown around in my room. I ran over to my door to see Mustang shoving whatever he could lay his hands on into my travel suitcase that I had just unpacked the other day. "What are you doing?" I walked in my room examining what he was packing. It was mostly clothes, but some books were thrown in the mix.

"No time to explain. Get any bathroom supplies you will need." He barked as he ran across the room to start emptying out my drawers.

"Colonel, you're starting to freak me out." The suitcase was practically full as it was. I don't know how much more he could smash in there.

"Do what I say! We don't have much time, thanks to my big mouth."

"Just tell me what's going on!" He finally stopped and looked at me, irritation clear on his face. He pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from his military jacket as he walked over to my desk.

"You need to sign this." He placed the paper and pen on the desk, x-ing out where I needed to sign. I walked over to examine the paper. I felt my heart sink a bit when I saw it was a 'Request for Leave' form. He had already filled everything out. Even signed where his signature was needed before me. Mustang went back to packing my suitcase. "I was only able to get you a few weeks off. Anything after that you will be considered AWOL." And there went my stomach. "You are to stay hidden until you hear from me, and only me. Do you understand?" I couldn't speak. Everything was getting jumbled in my mind. "Lovington! Do you understand?"

"No! I don't understand! What is this?" I held the paper up, menacingly. He just stared at me. He was hiding something, and he didn't want me to know. He slammed my suitcase shut and latched it up before picking it up by the handle. "Mustang..." Why won't you talk to me? He walked right pass me and out my bedroom. "Mustang!"

"Helen?" I was brought out of my thoughts when my boss walked out of the backroom with his wife. They were an elderly couple, but still had plenty of life in them. "We're leaving for the station now. Are you sure you'll be alright closing by yourself?" I couldn't help but smile at him. All week he had been training me on how to close, just for this day. I have been working for them for about a few weeks now.

"Don't worry. You've trained me well."

"Thanks so much for doing this again. You've been such a great help for us lately." His sweet wife said as she came up to the counter.

"It's no trouble at all."

"Well if you want to stop by our place later and have dinner with us, you are more than welcome. It'll give you a chance to meet our son." She said cheerfully. My heart fluttered at the very thought.

"I might take you up on that offer."

"And if not, you'll meet him Monday when you come to work." My boss also approached the counter. "Do you work at the bar tomorrow?" He asked as he placed his hand gently on his wife's shoulder. They were such an endearing couple.

"I do. I have to open." I have two jobs right now. I normally work the day shift at the bar. It also functions as a decent restaurant during the day. I then run over here to help with the last rush of the day, and help close.

"Well then make sure you get a good night's rest. We'll do introductions on Monday, or if you just want to stop by and say hi; you are more than welcome." His wife really was the sweetest. Always looking after my well-being. With his hand still on her shoulder he started to guide her towards the door. If she had her way, she would talk to me all day, but they had to get to the station before their son's train came in.

"Drive safe." I waved them off with a smile. With the shut of the door the store was quiet again. I scanned the store to see what was needing to get done before the evening rush came. With the end of the day glow you could see all the dust that was in the air.

Mustang had slammed on the brakes so hard, I almost went out the windshield. We were right outside the hospital. I was clenching my seat the whole way here. Who thought it was good idea to put this guy behind the wheel? Where the hell was Hawkeye?

"You have ten minutes. Say what you need to say, and get out. We have places to be." He said as he shut off the engine. Knowing very well that he wasn't going to elaborate any further, I got out of the car, slamming my door shut. With all my built up anger I was able to reach Havoc's room in no time. Without giving myself a chance to hesitate, I opened his door and marched right in. He was more than surprised to see me. I was hoping he would have some answers.

"What are you doing here?"

"Mustang brought me here. Said I only have ten minutes. What the hell is going on?"

"What are you talking about?" By his reaction, it didn't seem he knew what was going on either. Great.

"Mustang came home and started packing my bags, with an ROL form all filled. Said I was going AWOL until I hear from him." My anger was only building with every word I said. The fact that Havoc knows nothing wasn't helping. I felt nauseous with the sudden realization. "What if…" Havoc was watching me carefully. "What if he's sending me away because of…" Hawkeye's words from when we went dress shopping were swimming through my head.

"No." He quickly took hold of my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He was reading my mind again. I hate it when he does that. "There is no point of reassigning you elsewhere when I'm discharged. Especially having you go AWOL. Besides…" A small smile crept on his face. "I really think even if I wasn't leaving he still wouldn't be sending you away. He relies on you too much, and I was too much of an asset for the team. Something more is going on."

"But he won't tell me anything!" Our conversation was put on pause when Breda stood in the doorway. He hesitated before walking in. "Breda?" I was pleading with my eyes for any information.

"Sorry Lovington, but I have strict orders not to say anything." The look Havoc and he shared made me believe it was serious. "Mustang wanted me to tell you to wrap it up in here."

"Breda please, I'm begging you."

"I can't…" I could tell he wanted to tell me, but orders are orders. I couldn't press anymore. Havoc squeezed my hand again, bringing my attention back to him.

"I'm sure things will explain itself sooner or later." I squeezed his hand back.

"I don't like this."

"I know, but for now…you need to go." Was this good-bye then? And if it was, for how long? He was going to be discharged soon, so even when I come back, he won't be here. I wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms, but Breda was still in the room. I glanced to the side of me at Breda. He seemed to have taken the hint, because he turned the other way giving us some privacy. The second Breda's back was turned Havoc pulled me down towards him. He no longer smelt like cologne, but his smell wasn't bad. There was a faint cigarette smell to his clothes. I was taking it all in. The way he smelt, how his arms felt around me. Everything. The thought of him not being around anymore felt…weird. Almost empty like. Tears were starting to swell up in my eyes, but I held them back.

His embrace tightened for a moment before he started to help me up, or at least that's what I thought he was doing. Before I could go anywhere, his one hand found its way to the back of my head, pushing me back down, finding my lips with his. I wasn't expecting this. I felt dizzy by the sudden sensation of butterflies. We gently separated. Even though the kiss was short, it left us wanting more. Much more. I quickly propped myself up before either of us went for it. Havoc had a subtle blush to his face. I had no doubt that I wasn't any better. "See you soon." He said it so softly. I nodded, with a gentle smile on my face, before turning around to leave. I quickly saw that even Breda was blushing a bit. He knows exactly what just happened. I could feel myself go even redder as I shut the door to Havoc's room.

The door to the shop rung, indicating that someone had entered. I quickly ran back out front. I was checking inventory in the back to see what was needing to be on our next order sheet.

"Good evening, welcome to-oh. Hi Adam."

"Hey Helen! Got your delivery, where do you want me to put it?"

"Back here." I led Adam to the back, showing him where to put the large crate he was caring. He plopped it down without a second thought of what was inside. Must not be anything too fragile. I was surprised it didn't break open. Adam helps run his father's trading business. He's even looking to buying it from his father here in the near future. He's a friendly fellow. Even pretty easy on the eyes. He's helped me a few times around town. I've even hung out with his little group of friends a few times. It only made me miss my team more.

"You got tomorrow's list?" He asked a bit breathy. I tore off the bottom part of the paper I was writing on and handed it to him. "Thanks." He gave me a friendly smile. I nodded with a smirk. "So where are mom and pops?" He was referring to my boss and his wife. I guess their son and Adam were really close growing up together.

"They already left for the station. I think they should be there by now." It was getting to the last hour of the evening before closing. The streetlights were starting to light up.

"Oh crud! I thought he wasn't coming till later. I gotta get going!" Adam started jetting off back to the front. He hesitated when he reached the door. "You know you're invited to join us tomorrow? We're gonna go out for the night and throw him a welcome home party."

"Thanks, but I think I'll let you guys have your time. It'll be weird throwing a stranger in the mix."

"It won't be weird. Besides, it'll give you a chance to meet him before you start working with him."

"I really appreciate it, but I'm good. I'll just meet this awesome fellow on Monday."

"Alright. Suit yourself, but if you get bored you know where to find us." I nodded before he left the store, jingling the chime once again. I looked up at the clock to see how much longer I had. Surprisingly it was a pretty slow evening. He should be arriving any moment now. My stomach did a quick flip with the thought of being able to see him soon. Would I really be able to wait until Monday? Maybe I will join them tomorrow. Would he even recognize me? I brushed my fingers through my now very blonde hair. Of course it was fake. I had bought a wig from the next town over from this one. Mustang's warning rang in my head. "You'll need to disguise yourself." I shook the thought out of my mind and went back to work.

"What are we doing here?" My anxiety was to the max now. Mustang was already out the car, opening the back door to grab my travel bag that had a few articles of my clothes sticking out.

"Get out." His voice was emotionless.

"Not until you talk to me."

"Damn it Lovington! You get out of the car, or I'll throw you over my shoulder and carry you in." He slammed the door shut and quickly made his way to the train station that we were parked in front of. I was reluctant of exiting, but I knew his threat wasn't empty. I got out of the car and slammed the car door shut. When I caught up to Mustang he was already buying a train ticket. Looks like it was just one. We both started walking towards the train that had just finished blowing its whistle. "Wait here." Mustang ordered, looking over his shoulder as he continued walking. He was talking to one of the ticket collectors. I think I even saw him slip some money to him. When he walked back to me, he handed me my bag. I didn't take it from him. His expression remained the same. Never wavering. I wasn't going to ask anymore. I was through with him ignoring my question again and again.

"I am NOT getting on." He finally lowered my bag and set it on the ground. In one swift move he threw me over his shoulder and started to walk to the train. "Mustang! What the hell are you doing!?" I started to punch his back as hard as I could, hanging upside down. "Put me DOWN!" I started kicking my legs. Everyone around was staring at us as he stepped onto the train. We were in the cart that had several private rooms. Mustang entered one and set me down gently on my feet. As soon as my feet touch the floor I shoved him as hard as I could. He seemed surprised as he stumbled a few feet back. He was standing right outside the sliding door. "Why are you doing this? Why won't you talk to me?" I was shouting. I wasn't able to control my emotions any longer. He remained his stoic self. He could see the panic rise into my eyes. "Whatever it is, I can help you. Don't just send me away. Or…" I stopped before the tremble that went through my body could be heard in my voice. "Or do you think I can't handle myself? Am I not a soldier to you?" He finally showed me something. Pain. I walked up to him, trying to close the distance between us.

"You'll need to disguise yourself." I looked up at him, more than confused. "You'll also need to think of an alias. Try to blend in wherever it is you choose to settle. Here." He had pulled out his wallet and pulled out all the money he had in it, handing it to me. I cautiously took it. "I hope I pulled enough for you. You won't be able to have any access to your savings. Use it only when you need it." Please stop talking like this. "In about a month, maybe longer, Havoc will be discharged…go to him." Just like that, I knew there was no convincing him.

"I don't want this." I shoved the money back into his hands. Some of it fell to the floor. Mustang just stared at the paper wad in his hand. "Please, just talk to me. I swear I can handle it. Don't send me away. You're all that I have right now." A small whimper escaped my lips. I quickly looked down, trying to hold back my tears that were filled with fear. Without saying anything, Mustang started to make his way down the narrow hall towards the exit. "Mustang!" I started to follow him. If he thought I was just going to let him leave, he was incredibly wrong. He stopped in his tracks, turning back towards me. I too stopped where I was. He was debating something in his head. He was the one to close the distance between us this time. I was completely taken aback by what he did next. He had taken me in for an embrace. I didn't know what to do. I just stood there as he held me.

"I hope…you'll forgive me." Before I had a chance to ask, there was a sharp pain on my neck.

"Mustang…" He had hit the pressure point. Everything had gone blurry, and was starting to go dark…

"Miss…" I could hear someone's voice off in the distance. I was slowly starting to come to my senses. "Miss." I opened my eyes, trying to focus on the person in front of me. "Miss…we've arrived." When my vision finally focused I could see the ticket collector Mustang had slipped money too hovering over me. "I was instructed to make sure you got off here." I looked around at my surroundings. I was laying on the seat in the private room Mustang had dumped me in, but Mustang was nowhere around. He knocked me out. He actually knocked me out to stop me from following him. My lowered lip quivered for a moment before I sat myself up. My neck was pretty sore.

"Thank you." I mumbled to the ticket collector. He nodded and left the room. My bag was setting on the other seat across from me. I stood up and grabbed the bag, feeling weak. I got off the train and scanned the area, trying to figure out where I was. I found a map on the side of the ticket booth. Apparently I was in the town right between Resembol and Havoc's home town. "Go to him" Mustang's words echoed through my mind. Why didn't he just send me right to Havoc's hometown if that's where he wanted me to go? I stared at the map for a few moments before making up my mind. I dug through my pockets, surprised to feel a wad of cash in my back pocket. Mustang must have given it back to me. Normally, I think I'd feel grateful for something like this, but all I feel is hurt. I walked in front of the ticket window with a grumpy middle age man looking over his paper at me from the other side.

"One ticket to Resembol, please." There was someone I was needing to see before I disappeared.

It was getting dark outside now, and I was sitting back at the register waiting for the time to go by for me to close out the till. Just then the bell to the front door jingled, and a couple of women walked in with a list in their hands. Of course. I stood up and walked around the corner with a heartfelt smile on my face.

"Welcome to Havoc General Store. How can I help you?" ~

END OF CHAPTER 18!

THANKS FOR READING! :D