Author's Note:

I'm so sorry! ...and also, I'm back :)

I've been back for a while now, but I admit...I was distracted by a new series. For those who have yet to read The Hunger Games trilogy, I thoroughly recommend it. They are amazing books :)

Anyway, I'm sorry for taking so long to get back to this story. I might not be able to update very often in the future either, since school started a couple of weeks ago. I will try my best to get the chapters out as quickly as possible though. This is just a little something...I thought it would be nice to have a scene with only the original characters in it.

Enjoy :)

Love,

AL

Every little detail, from the rusty hinges to the stucco on the wall, of the Roulette reeked of the word 'shady'. It was a run-down building with walls the color of rotting flesh with an odor to match. Paint flaked from every possible surface and the walls were lined with large cracks that ran all the way down to the teetering foundation of the decomposing refuge. It was far from an attractive place but it worked just fine for the clan destine meeting that the General had in store.

The Roulette, a long forgotten bookstore-turned-bar, was tucked away in the shadows of a train trestle and the whole place shook whenever a steam engine passed over head. Mustang quickly grabbed his wife's elbow as an engine tottered by and the building quivered. An amused smirk played on Riza's lips as she glanced his way. "I'm just making sure you don't lose your balance," he murmurs under his breath. "Mmmhmm," she replies doubtfully in return.

Despite her teasing, the heavily-dressed blonde shared the same anxiousness that plagued her husband as they strolled into the obscure dive. "This foundation is questionable," Mustang mumbled, carefully placing each foot on the stone ground.

"So is your manhood," someone commented. The couple froze in surprise, only lightening up when the stranger revealed himself with a chuckle, "Easy now, I was invited."

Mustang slowly turned to see Havoc lounging on a bar stool, a half-lit cigarette dangling from his mouth. "Who else is here?" Hawkeye's pale pink lips were on the verge of a genuine smile.

"Everyone," Havoc shrugged and then said with a flick of his hand, "See for yourself."

His words proved true. Mustang, his dark eyes finally adjusted to the dim lighting, realized that not only was the whole gang present, but that they were the only six people occupying the building. He frowned, "has this place been empty since you got here? Not many people know about it anymore but it is still in business."

A stout, black-haired man with wire glasses stepped forward with the shake of his head, "No sir, there wasn't a single soul here when we came, but I checked for wires and cameras…there's no surveillance at all either."

Hawkeye nods, "Excellent work Fuery."

With that, the tense atmosphere that had enveloped the group shattered with ease. A tall, heavyset man hoisted himself up off of his chair to be the first to offer a handshake to their old comrades.

"It's good to see you again, Braidykins," Hawkeye teased and his cheeks flushed pink.

"Was your trip well, sir?" A tall, gray-haired man inquires.

The General nods, "Yes, thank you Falman."

The old friends quickly fell into the conversation, asking of families and troubles caused by the recent attack. They chatted with the familiarity of long-time companions, laughing and joking and sharing sympathies. The meeting had been arranged by Mustang after he arrived in East City but it appeared to be more of social get-together rather than a collaborative military endeavor.

Hawkeye let out a small sigh and Mustang sent a questioning glance her way. "It's good to be back," she explained with a small smile. Mustang took in a deep breath of musty air, gazing at his most trusted officer. Her blue eyes had paled over the years and were framed with the slightest of wrinkles but remained as genuine as the first day he had met her.

Mustang gave her a small smile along with a small squeeze of her hand before he turned to his men. "Alright," he began, all eyes falling upon him, "at this moment the military is on the brink of collapse. The death toll has yet to be released but from what little news I received from the higher-ups, it's going to be a big number so we have to get to work organizing new squadrons as soon as possible. After all, we have a war to win."