Edward entered the Fuhrer's office without knocking. Edward had been surprised that Mustang had refrained from building an elaborately over-sized office. But he knew it was part of the appearance he wanted to project, to show Amestris that Roy Mustang, the Fuhrer, had the people's concerns in mind. That he was the people's Fuhrer and not just some power hungry militant. Edward had secretly admired Mustang for his restraint. It was another reason Edward stayed in the military.
"Would it be too much to ask that you knock first?" The Fuhrer asked grumbling.
"Now if I did that it would give you time to hide something from me," Edward said taking a seat in front of the Fuhrer's desk.
"Are you prepared to move out?" The Fuhrer asked ignoring his General's comment and getting down to business.
"Yep, everything is all set," Edward reported.
"Good, you'll leave immediately. I want daily reports until you return," the Fuhrer said looking down at some paperwork bracing him self for what else he had to say to Edward.
"Of course, whatever you wish," Edward said getting up to leave thinking he was being dismissed.
"Before you leave, there's something else I wish to speak to you about," the Fuhrer said before Edward reached the door. He was still looking down at his desk, almost afraid to look Edward in the eye.
"And what would that be?" Edward asked suspiciously.
"I think you know...it's about Elysia Hughes," the Fuhrer said finally looking up at Edward with a sudden determination.
"And..." Edward prompted not sure he really wanted to hear what Mustang had to say. Edward had a feeling Mustang would get into his business and had suspected he and Elysia were being spied on.
"I think it best that you stop seeing her when you return." There, it's done, the Fuhrer thought to himself.
"Is that really any of your business?" Edward demanded fiercely.
Mustang knew Edward could be difficult and wouldn't like Roy getting involved with his personal life. But Mustang saw immediately that Edward genuinely cared for Elysia and it made it that much harder for Roy to continue. But he knew he had to. He had convinced himself it was best that Elysia not be involved with Edward.
"Yes, her father was a good friend of mine..." Mustang continued.
"And mine," Edward interrupted coldly.
"Yes, well..." Mustang stammered trying to muster the courage to face his General before continuing. "I don't intend to see Elysia go through what her mother did when Hughes was killed."
"You can't make me..." Edward began but was cut off by Mustang.
"I can order you too," Mustang said officially, raising his voice but wished as soon as he said it that he could take back his words. He rarely spoke to Edward that way.
"I can also resign," Edward countered almost ready to throw away his career if it meant keeping Mustang out of his personal business.
"You wouldn't resign," Mustang said calling the bluff, desperately hoping it was a bluff. "You would have done so years ago. You're the only one I can trust and I need you without any distractions. And Elysia does not need to be worrying about you. You're in the military Edward. Just remember what it did to Hughes and his family."
Edward froze his eyes flashing. It took him a minute to really absorb what Mustang was getting at and he shook, fighting to keep his guilt from overwhelming him and also to keep from exploding in anger. Mustang had played the guilt card and had one the hand. Edward eyed him dangerously, seething with anger; then straightening and clicking his heals together he saluted Mustang.
"Permission to leave, sir." Edward requested formally through clenched teeth.
"Permission granted," Mustang said quietly. He had expected an explosion of anger. Was now hoping for it actually. Anything other than the cold formality that Edward was now forcing himself to maintain. They had never bothered with military protocols when they were in each others company. But Mustang knew he had crossed the line with Edward and from now on it would be that way. He would still be able to rely on Edward, that much he was sure, but the casual familiarity and harmless bickering exchanges would be no more.
Edward left the room quietly.
"I hope you're happy."
Mustang turned around to see Riza Hawkeye enter the room from her office that was attached to the Fuhrer's.
"Who gave you permission to eavesdrop?" The Fuhrer questioned.
"As chief of your security, I believe it is my duty to eavesdrop," she answered.
"Well, it had to be done," he mumbled shuffling papers around on his desk.
"Did you have to play the guilt card?" She asked with a hard look in her eye.
"What else should I have done?" He exclaimed exasperated.
"Left them alone," Riza pointed out heatedly.
"No, I won't have Elysia seeing Edward. He's my best General but he's also a drunk. She doesn't need that," Mustang said.
"He only drinks when off duty," Riza said defending Edward.
"As well as gamble and whatever else he does with those whores," Roy continued feeling horrible about bringing up such things about his favorite and most dependable General. Sure he didn't approve of what Edward did and the Fullmetal Alchemist was free to do as he wished on his off time, but he had never used these faults against Edward's character before. Now they were weapons that he needed to defend his decision to keep Elysia and Edward apart.
"For the last two weeks he hasn't been near any of the taverns. But now after this I can assure you he will be a frequent visitor. Even more so than before." Riza countered.
"He still has too many issues to work out. Too much baggage..." Roy tried to explain defending himself, listing as many cons against Edward as he could. "Besides, he's too old for her. He's always been like an uncle... an older brother to her." The more he said the more Roy hated himself. Especially when he remembered how happy Edward and Elysia looked when he saw them walking in the park together.
"A twelve year age difference is not that much and Elysia is no longer a child. Is it Elysia you're trying to protect or are you just afraid of losing him as a General? You don't seem to care about how either of them feel. Why are you making him choose?" Riza demanded.
Roy had never seen her bat at eye when he issued his orders. Riza had always followed loyally, hardly questioning his decisions. But this was different. She was upset and she wasn't going to hide it from him as she may have done in the past.
"That's the way it's to be," Roy continued his voice rising. "Edward is too reckless. You know how he is. He puts himself in the line of fire when he doesn't need to. He's been lucky so far but luck will only get you so far before you're killed. I will not have Elysia go through the grief her mother did. End of discussion."
Riza, seeing it was no use to getting Roy to change is mind, saluted.
"As you wish, sir," Riza said as she went back to her own office slamming the door.
Roy collapsed into his chair mentally exhausted. He knew he was in the wrong that he shouldn't be meddling in Edward's and Elysia's business. But he had made a promise to see that Gracia and Elysia would be well cared for and protected. The only way to do that was to keep Edward and Elysia apart. It will turn out for the best, he thought to himself without much confidence.