Chapter Seven-The Meeting

Roy had long finished his last minute work and sent Havoc home early. Now he sat with his head on his desk, still waiting for Riza to get back from the station with Ed. It had felt much longer then it was and he was becoming all the more impatient. The fact that it was past dinner time wasn't helping any either. The entire office was empty but he was not going to leave, knowing the minute he did, they would most likely show up. After all he had said to convince Ed to come here, if he wasn't there waiting he'd never hear the end of it.

Of course he hadn't been vague to be annoying, he really wanted Edward's opinion on what was going on. Whenever they used to discuss things just the two of them, Ed always had pretty good insight. And even if he wasn't able to do Alchemy anymore, it didn't mean he didn't have knowledge. Although he would never admit it out loud, Roy knew deep down that Ed was probably smarter on a broader level when it came to their science. Not being able to perform a transmutation wouldn't prevent him from breaking it down and understanding it.

"I just wish they'd hurry up and get here," He muttered against the desk top.

oOoOo

"So how is Winry?" Riza's question didn't surprise Ed at all as he watched the city pass by. Turning back to her, he leaned on his hand.

"She's actually sick. Don't know why." Riza glanced over, a frown forming on her face.

"Really? It's a shame she wasn't able to come with you. I had hoped you'd bring her along."

"Well I don't think it's anything too serious. She gave me a list of things to bring back." He held up the piece of paper from his pocket. Riza laughed back at him. "So can you tell me anything about what happened the other day?"

"You can see some of the damage up ahead on the right." She pointed out one of the side roads. As they passed, sure enough there was still debris in the street from where the corner of a building had fallen. "They're still cleaning up the mess. The whole city felt like it was gonna cave in." Worry took over Edward's features.

"I didn't realize that it was so bad. Any idea what caused it?"

"That's probably something to be discussed with the General." Ed slouched some in his seat and folded his arms over his chest.

"Oh sure, keep being secretive about it. It's not like I traveled how many hours to get here. You can't even drop me a clue of a theory he might have."

"And what makes you think he tells me any of that. I know just about as much as you do." Edward found that difficult to believe. Brosh leaned forward, in between the seats.

"Really, he doesn't tell you anything? But I thought the two of you were, yah know, together." Riza didn't turn back to him as she calmly replied.

"I don't know where everyone is getting that. We just went out last night because we got off at the same time. Everyone is making a big deal out of nothing."

"Oh really," Edward glanced back at her with a devious grin on his face. As much as he expected her to be blushing, in the least, she was the picture of total professionalism. It's not like he could mess with her the way she messed with him. Of course it didn't mean he wouldn't try and he was sure he could at least tease Mustang.

"Like I said, it's nothing." Ed turned back to look outside the window.

"Mmm, that's interesting." She knew he was thinking, which was as always dangerous. Even so, she wouldn't let it bother her. They turned the final corner and she brought the car to a halt. Central Command stood before them, in better shape then expected considering what the city had just endured. The four of them got out and Ed grabbed his suitcase from the back. "It's been so long," he mused as he stood there for a second. He swore he felt something press against the back of his real leg and his metal one shifted awkwardly. Glancing down quickly, he didn't see anything other then his own shadow at his feet.

"We should head inside. I'm sure General Mustang is finished with his work by now." Riza was being optimistic but if he hadn't finished by this point, he really had been slacking off.

"Fullmetal, would you like us to bring your luggage to your room?" Edward glared at Brosh.

"I said not to call me anything official, okay."

"Sorry, sir. I forgot." Ed smacked his forehead and leaned forward.

"Fine, whatever. Here you go." He handed off his suitcase in complete frustration.

"We'll let General Mustang know what room is yours, okay Ed?" Ross had to remind herself as she prepared to leave, not to salute him.
"Thanks," he mumbled back as he turned to follow Hawkeye inside. Before he knew it, they were standing in front of the same familiar doors. Riza knocked loudly, getting Roy's attention. She opened the door just enough to poke her head in.

"Sir, Edward Elric to see you."

"It's okay Lieutenant. I'm expecting him, remember." It was clear that he was slightly annoyed with her for leaving him there after they specifically discussed otherwise. She stepped aside, letting Ed in. As though he wasn't laid back during their meetings when he was a subordinate, his demeanor was even worse now. He removed his long black jacket and tossed it on one of the couches and pulled a chair up, leaning back and placing his feet on the desk. Mustang stared at the dirty boots now occupying the top of his once clean desk. His one eye started to twitch only causing Ed to grin even more.

"So did you miss me," the cocky blond inquired. Roy got up from his desk and walked around it. A swift kick to the one chair leg was enough to send Edward to the floor, hard.

"Not really." Edward got back up quickly, seething at the older alchemist. Mustang had to admit to himself that he was proud that he could still get under Ed's skin. It didn't matter how old he got or how mature he might be now, he was still so easy to irritate.

"Well fine, I didn't miss you either. Now can you finally tell me what's going on around here?" He picked up his chair and resumed sitting in it appropriately while Roy walked over to the window. Despite everyone's best efforts, he could still see some of the damage even from Central Command.

"To be honest we're not all that sure what caused the attack. I don't think it was spies from another country. It was more like someone or something trying to move the entire city."

"So any theories of what it was?" Ed leaned an elbow on the desk, propping his head up on his palm.

"I need to know something first. Are you sure we defeated all the Homunculi?" Mustang's dark serious gaze shifted to Ed.

"Of course we did. Between everyone who fought them, there weren't any left. And you saw that jerks lair. There was nothing left by the time we finished with it."

"That is true." Roy made his way back to his desk and sat down.

"Is that the best conclusion so far?"

"You weren't here for this, trust me when I say it wasn't just some earthquake that did this. It was something bigger." He folded his hands. "I was thinking over how each one of those things died. Of course some of their deaths we weren't present for but there really is only one that remains." Ed had already come to the same conclusion.

"Selim Bradley." His voice came out just above a whisper but the General heard him anyway. Even something as vile as Pride, he still couldn't bring himself to end his life.

"So I figured we should go pay the Bradley residence a visit tomorrow and see what he has to say." Edward arched an eyebrow.

"Why do I gotta go? I really don't want anything to do with this." Roy grinned back at him.

"Well that's too bad, Elric cause you coming along. If he has reverted to a monster it's your fault."

"You do realize I don't have to take orders from you anymore?"

"Of course but it's in your best interest to tag along. I need you to meet me here, tomorrow morning." He handed a note to Ed. Maybe he was more predictable then he thought considering Mustang already had the note ready. As he grudgingly took it, he pulled something out of his pocket. He placed a pair of reading glasses on his face, in order to read the note. "So when did you start wearing those?" The blond glanced up.

"Not for too long." Roy leaned forward as though getting a better look at him.

"Yeah, they make you look like Hohenheim." Edward pulled them off his face quickly, tucking them back where they belonged.

"Shut up!" The Flame alchemist let out a laugh at the response he got. Edward was too worn out from the train ride and rose to his feet. "I'm gone, see you tomorrow." Grabbing his coat he exited just as Riza came in.

"I was just coming to see you. If you're finished with the meeting, I'll drive you to your room."

"Great." He stuffed his hands in his pockets and headed down the hallway.

"I take it the meeting could have gone better," she asked Mustang as he walked over to her.

"I was just teasing him, he has glasses." She immediately turned to him with a disapproving look. "What?"

"Don't think I haven't noticed you squinting at your paper work. Probably wouldn't hurt you to consider getting glasses."

"And take away from this face. Not likely." She released a tired sigh, not really surprised he'd pick vanity over necessity.

"Good night Sir, I'll see you in the morning."