Title: Four Suits (Roy and Maes POV)
Warnings: Don't worry, I'll keep you safe.

Disclaimer: I hate this part; it just reminds me of my lack of owning such a great story.

Deuces Wild

"I could help you on this case, if you would just let me—" Roy pleaded; looking at his over tired friend but was interrupted.

"Help? It's more like you sticking your fingers into pies that aren't yours. When will you stop these power games? When they kill you or when you have no one as corrupted as you to play with?" Maes snapped back with his hands braced on the desk's edge.

Roy blinked at the uncalled for venom. He wasn't trying to do anything. Maes just seemed stressed with his work load since the terrorists had shown their true colours. A week after the wedding, there had been another demonstration. Like the one that had claimed Gracia, it had caused an additional sixteen causalities. The total was now twenty-one, Gracia included. They were no longer a mere anti-military radical group; they were an enemy of the state. Maes's department was in charge of locating them and keeping Mustang informed. Once they are discovered, it would be Roy's job to deal with them. Not him specifically, but rumours of there being alchemists involved always meant him specifically in the end, whether it was official or not.

Maes had been working around the clock for the past week and a half, and it was starting to show.

"I'm not trying to control you Maes!" Roy said sternly, trying to keep his tone even and stood up. The desk was between them and it appeared to be the only thing keeping Maes restrained. The man was practically foaming at the mouth.

Maes gripped the desk tighter. "Then stop sniffing where it doesn't concern you!" His voice wasn't quite a yell, so luckily no one out side the closed office door would hear him.

Roy was beside himself, trying to gain a grip on this conversation that was spiralling out of control and slipping between his fingers like sand at the same time. His normally slanted eyes were wide; his well placed mask had cracked when Maes had wiped his desk clean of paperwork earlier. Roy had made the mistake of offering to help since Maes was overwhelmed… which was a big mistake. Roy was thankful his Central Office was better sound proofed than his Eastern one.

"Maes, I'm just concerned as your friend—" Roy said softly, trying to pacify his normally passive friend.

"Don't give me that line," Maes snarled, "with such a concerned face. You haven't been my friend in years! Face it; I'm another one of your precious pawns that you use for even more precious information. Face it, you are using me and I refuse to comply any longer!"

"Maes, you are my best friend and I refuse to be baited like this. You're tired, you look like you haven't eaten in days and your work load is too heavy. Stop accusing things of me you'll regret later and let me help you!" Roy tried not to take Maes's words too personally. The man looked like the walking dead. Roy scowled at himself for such a tactless joke, even if it was only in his head.

Maes looked at him intensely but said nothing. His breath was coming in shallow pants drawing notice to the hollows in his cheeks. Roy wondered when he had a last decent meal, probably before Gracia died. Roy looked into those green eyes, refusing to back down and they stayed like that for several minutes. Something shifted in Maes's eye—when the door slammed open, startling them both.

"Bastard! Why can't I get travel papers?" The blond fury demanded as he stormed into the room, and as usual he was completely oblivious. "The admin department won't give them to me and they won't tell me why! They say I have to have your authorisation! If this is another one of your fucking schemes to keep tabs on me…" He finally noticed and was thankfully silent.

Roy didn't want to break eye contact but the blond wasn't leaving. He chanced a glance to see Fullmetal just standing there with wide eyes. He regretted the glance because it gave Maes the chance to retreat back behind his walls. His old friend fixed his glasses and then left the room calmly. Only someone who knew him as well as Roy did could see the rage ripple beneath the cool surface. He really wanted to follow Maes and make him accept help but Fullmetal was still in his office.

"What's up with him?" the blond asked distractedly.

Roy sat back down at his desk and stared at Fullmetal long and hard. The young man looked at the now closed door for a moment before turning his piercing gaze to meet Roy's. Roy refused to speak, too annoyed and angry to allow himself to even yell. He let the thick silence linger.

The blond gathered whatever steam he could hold in that small body and spoke again. "Why can't I leave Central?"

Roy thought irritably that it was about time the older Elric learn some common sense. Fullmetal asked as if Roy would actually confide in the alchemist as to 'what's up' with Maes. He rewarded the milestone by turning in his high back chair to face out his window.

Roy loved his window because it was so large, the whole wall in fact. He didn't have a view of the parade grounds in front but he could the mess hall and dorm buildings to the far right of Central Headquarters. He only knew it was the male dorms on that side because he had visited the female ones on more than one occasion on the other side. Another perk about his window was that it that it took well over an hour to clean. He was a hardworking man who took pride the glasses high shine. Hawkeye hated his window for mostly the same reasons.

"Why can't I leave Central?" Fullmetal asked again, his tone rising. Whatever had kept him silent before was evaporating with the heated tantrum headed Roy's way. Fullmetal slammed something on his desk and Roy almost wanted more to happen. If the blond to lashed out at him; he could let out some steam at least, singeing that beautiful braid. Yes, that would be intensely satisfying but unfortunate because he would be dead, or impaled.

"Has it not occurred to you that in times of national alert, no travel is permitted for frivolous reasons? There are no exceptions for soldiers, not even a small one. That aside, you are no longer a field agent, therefore this trip would serve no purpose." Roy didn't turn in his chair, instead watched a pretty young soldier feed a cat outside the mess. She must be new because he didn't know her. Maybe he should get a cat. His life needed a change and switching dates didn't seem to be enough. What about a plant? He liked plants.

Fullmetal yelled at the back of his chair, "But I have to leave now! Can't you sign me off? I know you'd love to get rid of me for a week. Yesterday you were complaining about my penmanship, uh— imagine a whole week of being able to read reports!"

Roy had to smile at this. It looked like the brat learned another new trick. How to bargain and negotiate, poorly but at least it was a step forward. It deserved him turning in his chair. Roy liked falling into the familiar banter; it let him take his mind of certain things… and people.

"As marginally tantalizing as that sounds, there is one tiny flaw in your plan," Roy took pleasure in the noticeable twitch from his associate. "The Fuhrer is the one needed to 'sign you off'. I am but a humble soldier working for this fine country."

"Don't give me that shit!" Fullmetal slammed his hands on the desk, baring his teeth. Roy almost felt sorry for the desk, first Maes and now this snot. Well he wasn't a 'snot' anymore, but he was just as annoying as snot so the name stuck. "You always have a way around everything! Just get me somewhere remote for a week, anywhere! I'll even go and do your dirty work, you manipulative bastard. That's what you always want, isn't it? Some willing little dog! Why stop now?"

Roy felt the twig in his mind snap as he listened to the blond rant on. "Fuck you and your ulterior motives…"

He went cold and serious, the venom seeping between his lips as he interrupted, "Get out."

"But I'm not fini—" Fullmetal started to growl but Roy cut him off.

"I said get out. Is that so hard for your introverted mind to comprehend? I-want-you-out-NOW." Roy voice remained low and dangerously calm but he put the full force of his igniting rage behind it.

He wasn't only about controlling other people's lives for fuck's sake! Fullmetal looked like he was about to retort but Roy already had his gloves on. He raised his hand and watched with gratification as the blond turned to race out of his office. A "Fuck you!" was all he heard as he turned in his chair abruptly and watched the private and the cat again to simmer down.

He needed a change soon; he was falling into bad habits, like allowing his anger to get the better of him. All the events taking place were making him off balanced, and he couldn't afford to be as such. He was an opportunistic man and in times of terror, he was at his best. It was a horrible thought but situations like these revealed true colours and opened seats for promotions. Roy would not be over looked.

Roy picked up the folder Fullmetal left behind and examined the beige crumpled cover for a moment before he was interrupted.

"Sir?" Hawkeye came into the room with her clipboard, not looking up. "Brigadier General Kamp has requested a brief meeting with you discuss some arrays. You are expected there in fifteen minutes."

Roy took a deep breath and looked at his lieutenant. She was engrossed in a report which was a rare occurrence. He took the folder, not opening it and walked over to peek over her shoulder. She took a couple steps forward at his every attempt. Exasperated, Roy set the folder down on one of his leather couches and spoke.

"Lieutenant, if it is a request, why does he set a time limit?

"Don't ask me Sir; just make certain you be punctual with your time. Kamp is still relatively new and not yet dead set against you. It would be wise to stay in his good graces while he remains neutral. He is Grand's replacement after all and head of the Investigation Department." She headed towards the door and motioned him with a flick of her shoulder that he should follow.

Roy looked out his window one more time and then headed into the main building where he could find Kamp, and maybe even Hughes.

Maes sat in the car with a big smile plastered on his face. He thought long and hard about this moment and now that it was here, he didn't know what he wanted or what was best. He just pretended to be ecstatic for his daughter's sake. Elysia showed him a drawing of a pink pony and giggled.

"You said Uncl' Rwoy needed a Mum. I made him one!" She giggled again and Maes wanted to cry. He was sending her away for her protection, but was that wise, so soon after loosing her mother, to be separated from her father?

He inspected the picture with great interest to appease his eager daughter. "A mother? Sweetie, I think he should get a wife, not a mother."

"But Dad, Mum was a wife... I don't understand." She looked confused and began counting her fingers as if it would help.

Maes would usually go on about her cute voice saying such big words but he couldn't today. He laid the picture down on the seat and looked to the front seat of the moving vehicle. Havoc kept to himself the whole car and Maes was grateful. He wanted this to go as smoothly as possible and that called for a quick goodbye. Anything drawn out and sending her away may not even happen.

"We're here," Havoc said softly from the front seat.

"Is it time for my adventure Dad?" Elysia exclaimed as she grabbed her purse full of crayons.

Maes collected her notepad and followed her sprinting form out of the car. Havoc gave him a small nod and handed him a suitcase, but Maes couldn't bear making eye contact. Maes knew if he did, he may lose whatever resolve he had. He knew Havoc would understand and put on another of his fake smiles.

The two walked in the train station until Maes saw one of his men. Warrant Officer Guildenstern was taking some documents to the Western Headquarters so Maes arranged for him to sit with Elysia on the train so she wouldn't be alone. He was honourable older man with grandchildren in Elysia's school. Maes knew he could truth the man with his most important person.

"Yes, are you ready?" He asked and handed her the pad. She snatched it happily and put it with her crayons.

"Yes Sir," Elysia squealed and gave him a left handed salute. She was holding her purse in her right hand. "Private Hughes is ready for her admission!"

"It's 'mission'." Maes bent down to fix her purse over her shoulder.

"Oh… but you said I had admission to do." He huffed and her bangs fluttered.

Maes held his breath to keep from picking her up and leaving the crowded train platform. "I told you I had a mission, like a sandwich or an apple."

"Otay," she commented and then her tone changed to a more excited one. "I'm ready to make maps for Dad and help him with his work. You need me and I won't make you sad."

"What are you talking about sweetie, I'm not sad," he sad as he signalled one of the transit attendant to check the bag. It was properly tagged so Gracia's parents would have one less thing to worry about when they picked up their grandchild.

"Good 'cus I'm gonna to make you pretty maps for work. Hi Mr. Guildenstern!" Elysia was bouncing up and down to greet him. Maes dreaded the goodbyes coming, but he knew that once she was away and safe, he would be able to sleep.

"Mustang! Good you're here. I want you to have a look at these." Kamp wasted no time in pushing a full folder across the desk and signalling him to sit. Mustang returned the curtsey by quickly surveying the photographed arrays while he sat in an adjacent leather chair.

In a quick look he discovered there was nothing in that folder he hadn't seen before, although it had been a while. "Sir, why do you want my opinion on detonation arrays, especially his specifically? Kimblee is still in captivity therefore you could easily ask the creator about his own work. I can only offer second hand information."

"I knew it!" Kamp exclaimed and jumped up from his seat to pace the room. "You see Mustang, I know for a fact those were not the product of Kimblee's hand. Isn't it amazing?"

Mustang blinked but kept silent. He knew better then to interrupt Kamp. The man was an eccentric and best left to babble on until finished. His mousy brown hair never seemed to sit flat in its crazy display of tuffs and cowlicks. His half-moon spectacles didn't help his touched in the head appearance.

"I don't think so. Last time I checked, plagiarism was a crime." A smooth voice carried fro behind Roy.

Mustang felt his blood run cold. He turned slowly to eye the Crimson Alchemist, clad in white and leaning against the doorway. He tipped his fedora up and gave Roy a wink. "Hi there Flame, long time," he paused and looked Roy over slowly from head to toe. "…No see."

"Sir! What is the meaning of this?" Roy didn't bother trying to hold back his disdain.

Kimblee strolled over and sat in the other chair beside Roy that was facing Kamp's couch. The general was too busy reading over some note he had just made to notice.

"Haven't you heard?" Kimblee placed the hat on his knee and gave Roy a sidelong look that made him want to rip the criminal's face off. "My rank, rights and civil liberties have been reinstated by this righteous country for my ready assistance in resisting the current unruly rebels."

"How alliterate of you," Roy managed to growl out.

Kimblee's mouth split into a slim yet sinister grin, "I thought so—"

"I've got it!" Kamp exclaimed once again, completely oblivious to the conversation that had just passed, "Kimblee, I've solved your clearance problems. I herby promote you to Lieutenant Colonel. That should help with your investigation."

Kimblee didn't take his sidelong eyes of Roy as he spouted his bullshit like a teapot. "It's truly an honour—"

"What investigation?" Roy cut in.

Kamp stared at him blankly, then a light went off in his head. "I didn't tell you? By god it must have slipped my mind. These arrays were photographed from a hideout discovered last night. This proves the rumours of a terrorist alchemist. You and Kimblee are to learn as much as you can about this individual or group of alchemic rogues and report directly to me. Once we gather the extent of their knowledge and resources, we can plan counter operations to bring these bastards down. Doesn't that sound like a jolly good time? Excellent, Mustang, you're in charge of this assignment but I want Kimblee to be your 2IC. That's all, dismissed."

The ruffled general scooped up his scattered papers and left abruptly. Just as quickly he popped his head back into his office. "Don't forget Kimblee, you aren't to leave base without being escorted by Mustang. I'm glad we got this all out of the way before dinner. Tomorrow morning we can get started. I'll inform Hughes that you two will need a briefing and all his intelligence along with his intelligence. Ha ha…Get it? No? Well then… Goodbye and let yourselves out."

Roy suddenly found himself alone with a man he had hoped never to see again. Now the two of them would be spending large periods of research time together. There had to be another way. Roy refused to work with this… this…

"It's no good… Roy… You are the highest ranking alchemist in service now. There is no escaping what the State wants from you. You are stuck with me until the threat is gone" Kimblee's words were well greased and oozed over him like a disgusting film.

"No escape? The fact you are here instead of behind bars, proves otherwise. I will see you in my office, in uniform, tomorrow morning at 0900hrs." Roy said flatly and stood up. He didn't spare Kimblee even a glance as he walked out of the room. It had been one hell of a day. He was thankful it was time to leave.

It was dark out in the streets. Roy looked over at Havoc's intense and thoughtful expression in the rear-view mirror. The drive wasn't a long one so Roy contented himself with looking out the window. If Havoc had something on his mind he wished to discuss, he would bring it up. Roy didn't feel up to playing the word games required to prematurely extract troubles from the smoker. Waiting and silence always made him crack eventually.

"So you're just going to sit there," Havoc asked and quickly glanced at him through the mirror.

Roy continued to look outside wordlessly as they drove past a park.

"Fine, I'll talk. Have you met Private Parker? Ellen Parker?" Havoc made a right turn.

Roy sighed, "No, I haven't, nor do I wish to at the moment unless it's important."

"You should. She's cute and pretty and single." They pulled up in front of expensive apartment complex and Havoc parked the car along the curb.

It was six stories tall and Mustang had one of the two rooms on the top floor. The view was excellent as well as the thick floors and walls. He loved his apartment and couldn't wait to flop in his chair. Today was defiantly a day for a drink.

"Havoc," Roy sighed, "is there something you want to say? I'm tired and could care less, so spit it out and save us both a headache."

"You should ask Parker out Chief." Havoc hastily drove off. Roy almost didn't catch the blush on Havoc's cheeks. What was that all about?

Havoc never offered him women. Maybe this one was a man killer and Jean wanted him out of the picture leaving the dating field open for small fry players. Roy dimly thought about how little he cared at the moment. Women was just 'woe' with extra letters and that's all there was to it.

Roy opened the main entrance and checked his mail in the cabinet to his right. Bills and a letter with the Military Seal stamped on the back. Roy tucked them under his arm and walked up the many staircases to his apartment, enjoying the burn of exercise. He never used the elevator.

He fiddled with his keys outside the door and sighed again, placing his head on the cool wood. So much had happened he didn't want to think about it. Hughes and Kimblee, Fullmetal and the investigation…could he really find a way to escape it all?

"Mr. Mustang! You're home!! What a coincidence, my daughter is visiting for the week. Why don't you join us for dinner after you freshen up? Excellent, I'll set a place for you." Mrs Coralberry said all that before Roy even had a chance to blink. He decided he hated his neighbours after all. There was no escape it seemed, from anything.

He crawled into bed what felt like hours later. That old hag had entirely too many daughters. Roy thought vaguely about how only last week she had a blonde one to paw off on him, and now one with curly black hair. Was it even possible to have a daughter in every race and creed in Amestris? Well Mrs Coralberry was large enough to give it a go. But that girl, Cindy, now she was a horror with breasts long enough to tuck into her belt. How could they reach so far yet be so thin, like road cones?

Roy shuddered and rolled onto his back. He undid his collar and rested his arm on top of his forehead. The light from the window gave his dark toned room an eerie white glow. It was too quiet. Roy was forced to hear the inner thoughts he'd been trying to run from all day.

First of all there was Maes Hughes. He looked so tired and thin, like too little butter spread across too many slices of bread. How was his daughter doing? Roy felt a guilty pang for not visiting, but it was hard. Her father was being unreasonable and vicious. How was Roy supposed to help a man who wanted nothing to do with him? And why was Maes even acting that way? Their friendship had lasted over the years, even through some of the most horrific experiences. Maes's rant couldn't be repressed feelings finally surfacing. There was no way one person could keep a secret so well hidden for so long.

But aren't I doing just that?

Roy's heart gave a painful thump in agreement. He was the master of secrets, having lived one since he was a young teen. Was the secret that he loved Maes then still true now? Yes, the man was like his brother, that's why it hurt so much to see him so torn up and on edge. Roy felt like he was on edge too. That wedding had made him remember things he thought long gone, and now he couldn't shake them. He looked at Maes and thousands of things rushed through his head that he couldn't even begin to sort out. It was today, in the fleeting moment in his office that Roy knew his 'phase' was far from over. He still loved Maes more than was natural.

Loving another man was wrong. After being so wholly misunderstood and rejected by Maes, Roy had tried to move on. That's when he had met another young man just as abnormal as him, Zolf Kimblee. The war had just started and Roy had found himself more alone than ever. Maes was with infantry, and Roy was with the other State Alchemists. He had no family and very few friends due to his looks and skill. The only person he had to talk to most of the time was Kimblee, his roommate.

Getting involved with that sadistic son of a bitch was one of the worst experiences of Roy's life. Roy's unwanted solidarity and craving for understanding lead him to Kimblee's bed and further more to his abusive nature and neglect. Roy had been trapped in a relationship that was killing him as with each thrust, Kimblee reminded him of just how pathetic and disgusting he was to want another man's touch and that Roy should be thankful Kimblee even noticed him. His self-esteem had dropped dangerously low in those dark times of death and carnage. In the day light he was a demon for killing hundreds and in the night shadows he was a demon twice more for indulging in another sin, twice more because he enjoyed it despite it all.

And then, those Rockbell doctors were the last straw in his demise. Kimblee had been arrested for unnecessary man slaughter but Roy couldn't get rid of him for months. His voice would haunt him, saying those horribly true things about the evil he had wrought was because he was a disgusting man. The Rockbells were his punishment as well as every man, woman and child who's life he had stolen away with a snap. They were his fault, every one. Roy rolled back onto his stomach and clenched the sheet with his fists.

No, I don't want to see it.

But it was too late. Their faces flashed before his eyes and the smells filled his nose. He twisted and writhed on his double bed, wished the images away. The taunts, screams and pleading all over lapped into a collage of pain and suffering. Roy reached out his arm to turn on the light as if to banish his demons with electric luminance but instead the lamp crashed to the floor. The sound of shattering glass did the trick.

Roy sat himself up with shaking arms and swung his booted feet over the side of the bed. He was glad he had forgotten to take them off now. He crunched his way to the closet where he kept a broom. That's when the door bell rang. He paused in front of the storage door and looked at the wall clock. It was well after midnight, who could be calling?

"Roy!" Maes shouted from out in the hall. "Wake up! ROY!"

Roy dashed down the hall to his front door while Maes pounded away trying to wake him up. He didn't trust himself to speak, so Roy drew up (opened) his door, pulled the loud man in by the shirt and quickly closed it. Roy leaned against the back of his door; still feel somewhat haunted and wild, and looked at Maes silently. Roy panted and remained still while Maes ignored him and looked at the hallway wall. It was so awkward and the air was saturated with tension.

"You're awake…" Maes said to the wall.

"Yeah… so are you," Roy said stupidly, not caring about how he sounded and sagged to the floor, sliding down with an ungraceful flop. His boots were suddenly as fascinating as the wall. "Why are you here? From your speech this morning I hadn't expected to see you for a while. And not by your own choosing."

"When did we get like this?" asked Maes.

Roy replied, "Like what?"

"Liker this," Maes finally looked and him and gestured to the space between them. "You're like my brother… but I can't stand you sometimes."

"How kind and brotherly of you Hughes."

"Fuck Roy, just shut up for a minute." There was a moment of silence. "Good. I know I was an ass this morning, okay? It wasn't fair that I take it out on you, but better you than someone else."

Roy looked aside and collected his anger; he was not just going to sit back and be used silently. "One is so glad to be of service master. Is there anything else this useless one may do for you, master?"

Maes was on the floor as fast as if he fell, grabbing Roy's jacket and shirt, pulling them so they were mere centimetres apart. Roy ignored the buttons that fell away from his now ruined button down. "You want to know what I've been doing all week, huh Roy?"

His breathe was angrily huffing onto Roy's face with every snarl. "I've been looking for a loop hole to send my daughter away. It took until yesterday to get her an escort and a ticket out of this soon to be war zone. Not that you care. When was the last time you visited or even talked to her for that matter?"

Maes was shaking and gripped him tighter. Roy looked into his eyes and forgot his own problems. Maes needed him to listen so listen was all Roy would do. Comments could be made later. Maes's voice broke, "I don't know Roy. My house is just so empty now, I can't stand it. She was always there when I came home, even before Elysia was born. It was the one thing that kept me through it all, knowing that if I could just hold on a couple hours, I would be able to see her face. I miss her so damn much."

His green, tear brimmed eyes made Roy want to drop all inhibition and hold Maes. He looked so damn sad. Roy eyes widened when a head fell onto his shoulder with a muffled sob. Maes pulled back only to take off his glasses, pocket them then dive right back in. Roy's restraint broke and he wrapped his arms around his oldest friend, letting the man soak his clothing through to his skin. Maes was heavily pressing Roy against the wall in his grief and broken will. Roy wrapped his arms guiltily around Maes as the man curled into a ball, face still on his shoulder and turned towards his neck.

'I'm not taking advantage of him. He needs this, and I'm just giving him what he needs' was Roy's justification for caressing Maes's back and hold him closer. It felt good to be so close and for that, Roy was ashamed.

"Thank you," Maes whispered onto his exposed neck. Roy's body stiffened in further guiltily pleasure and cursed the man for earlier grabbing his collar. Now there was nothing between them but Maes's shallow breaths.

"You shouldn't," Roy admitted honestly. Normally he would have some suave reply, but didn't want to even bother trying to maintain some form of masked front. "I've done nothing worth thanks."

Maes pulled back and looked at him blurrily. "You love me, that's enough."

Roy felt the small beacon of hope that was supposed to be extinguished forever begin to glow. "Yeah, I do."

"Promise me we will always be brothers. I don't know what I'd do if you left me too. You are my family."

The glow died and Roy wanted to cry. When the phone rang, Roy thanked whoever was out there for the excuse to push the man away. The contact was killing him softly. Maes pulled his knees to his chest and leaned sideways against the front door as Roy dashed into his study to pick up the receiver.

"Sir, there's been another attack," Havoc said with a pant over the phone. "Chief you need to get down here. The men's dorms have been destroyed and we can't find Ed."

END

Author's Note: Hello everyone and welcome to the end of chapter two. Remember, to know Ed and Havoc's side of the story, you need to go to silkendreammaid's profile. I have her on my favourite author's list, so just use that link.

This one was funny to make. Since you probably read Silky's first, so you know I had to redo some parts because of a certain smoker. (grumbles and mutters) I look towards the future now with Roy and Maes points of view. Enjoy and I have to post this before Silky changes her fic anymore. She has itchy fingers so I need to stop teasing her with writing this so long author's note. (laughs and runs)