I appreciate the lengthy reviews and will definitely look over this chapter for any typos. The plot will be picking up from here as well! ^_^ Also something I would like to add, Frank Archer will be appearing in this chapter. If you're not familiar with this character he appears exclusively in the 2003 anime as Hughes's replacement and reenlists Kimblee and Tucker back into the military. Here he'll just be a character in the story not following that time line like Claudio Rico.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, sadly.

Chapter 3: Competition and Bad Timing

"Scar saved you? Ed what's he talking about?" Winry asked concerned about to stand up.

Ed sighed, he felt like a planet, he could only imagine what the remaining four months would feel like. "I was attacked by some assassins during my third month when I was still getting morning sickness. He pulled me away just in time and- damn it Winry we'll get to it when we get to it!"

Winry crossed her arms in annoyance. "Whatever Ed, as long as you and your baby are safe."

"It was good timing indeed, thank Ishvala." Scar stated.

"There's no way we can ever repay you for that Scar. Thanks to you our little munchkin here is safe." Roy pulled on the braid of Ed's hair.

Ed swatted the hand away and Roy placed it firmly back on, pulling the cute little blonde onto his lap. "H- Hey!"

"Shut up, you know you like it." Roy nuzzled in the tiny alchemist place one hand under the swollen belly.

"Ugh… sugary sweet Mustang makes me want to slit my wrists…" Olivier commented loud enough for Roy to roll his eyes. "And will you stop crying ALEX!"

His sister swatted his head, only delaying the sparkles and glitters that radiated off of him in waves. "How wonderful, to see the young Flame Alchemist has found someone to be so passionate about. Oh sister, when will you find someone like-"

But he couldn't finish his sentence as a plastic chair was launched at him. "Blubbering fool, always talking about such frivolous nonsense!"

"Hehehe…" Riza gently put her cup down. "I understand how she feels, I would shoot Roy if he wasn't so close to Ed." Riza was enjoying herself too much.

"Women, you can never please them." Roy huffed.

"I don't know about you, but I've got the best girl in the world." Jean beamed grabbing at Hawkeye's hand.

"Shut up Jean," Hawkeye said.

"Yes m'lady."

Alphonse sighed, "We are all so unreasonably insane…."

"Y'know Miles seems like he'd be a wonderful father and family man sis-"

Olivier unsheathed her sword and threw herself, combat ready, at her younger brother and it took Roy, Scar and Jean to rip her off him.

xXx

Scar stood hidden away from the rest of the assembly. He refused to wear that dreadful blue military uniform and had told General Armstrong he would watch from the rafters instead. He spotted an annoyed looking Mustang with Hawkeye and not too far from him a tired Ed. He saw Al turn around and say something to his brother. He felt his heart pick up- the last time he had felt this intense about anyone was Kimblee but for very opposite reasons. His eyes shifted to Armstrong who sat as fearsome as ever looking bored. His red eyes couldn't help but wander back to Al, the short haired blonde was talking to Edward about something. His smile was radiant, lighting the whole room in his eyes. Scar's lips pulled themselves into an amused smile; Al had managed to make his high strung brother laugh. Scar was so enthralled by the younger Elric he didn't notice Miles tread behind him. He had removed his sunglasses, eyed his Ishvallan comrade, and looked at where he was looking at only to chuckle lightly.

"Has someone caught your interest there?" Miles asked, staying behind and inwardly smirking when he saw the man flinch.

"I didn't see you there." Scar stated, his eyes shadowing and look cold as ever again.

Miles stepped forward, a devious glint in his eyes he smiled warmly and pointed at Alphonse. "Isn't that the younger Elric brother, seems they were able to get his body back after all."

Scar looked away, seemingly annoyed but Miles could tell he had caught him. "What about him?"

Miles simply shrugged innocently, "Well good for them, they were able to stick to their conviction and not kill anyone. I remember speaking with Alphonse once, he's a good boy, very bright with a big heart."

"Hmm right." Scar turned away, "Well what are you doing here anyway? I thought you'd be down there with Armstrong."

"I just wanted to see what our favorite Ishvallan was doing but as I can see you're thoroughly… distracted." Miles joked and Scar shot him a nasty red eyed glare. "Relax I'm just joking but I actually came to see how you were doing."

Scar said nothing and the two men heard the entire assembly fill with clapping. Scar saw Grumman enter the stage and lift a hand to quiet everyone down. He wasn't interested so much in the short old man, but curiously tossed the enigma that was Alphonse Elric.

xXx

"Hello and welcome everyone, I've called you all here today to properly congratulate the military that never turned its back on this country for one second! While we will celebrate later in a more formal matter there are many changes I'd like to discuss, among other things I'd also like to take this time to really enforce and talk about the new changes this country will be seeing in the new future but first," Grumman paused, a grin sprawling about his old face, "I have called you all here today because in these next few months I will be enlisting a new Fuhrer to run this country. I have chosen three candidates that will be working as my right hand men. Once I deem one of these highly outstanding individuals as my proper right hand said person will train alongside me until they're deemed fit to run this country,"

Everyone's blood seemed to run cold and still at the statement; Grumman took a look around the room, happy to have even the most hardened of generals', quickly glancing at Olivier, full attention. Roy Mustang's entire face and body perked up, even Hawkeye and the Fullmetal boy stared at the old man in anticipation. He waited a few moments more, letting the anxiety sink into everyone in the room, looking as if they would all die if he didn't continue further. Grumman smirked again, missing what is what like to be young and ambitious. He continued slowly-

"This country needs something new, something better and fresh to wake the military up from its long slumber and someone that can give the people of this nation hope. So who will it be?"

Roy rolled his eyes. It's just like Grumman to keep us at the edge of our seats.

Just say it already you old bag…! Olivier wanted to yell out but simply puffed air out of her nostrils.

"So without further ado, I would like to announce Olivier Armstrong of the Brigs Mountains as one of those candidates, please step forward!" Grumman called out and the blonde woman walked on stage, her rapier close by.

Mustang felt his stomach tighten at the first mention and he couldn't help but grip his hands tightly together. He stared at the ice queen, his onyx eyes hardened like two black stones. Olivier smirked, raising an eyebrow at Mustang mockingly as she stood by Grumman. She thanked the old man and all the Brigs soldiers could be heard clapping wildly.

In your face Mustang. Olivier's blue eyes taunted at the man below.

Bite me you ice queen. Mustang thought unashamed wishing for once he had been a woman so he could punch her, preferably on the boob or face.

"My next candidate is none other than one formerly of Eastern command Roy Mustang, please step forward!"

Roy felt like a huge weight was suddenly lifted and was instead replaced by this strange feeling of euphoria. Hawkeye and Jean looked at their leader in awe, Riza's eyes widened to twice their normal size and Jean was ecstatically thrilled for his commander, his smile nearly crushing the limp cigarette in his mouth. Falman, Breda, and Fuery gave him a thumbs up and as he walked by Fullmetal he couldn't help but leer at the doe eyed teenager. Alphonse clapped and Roy had almost forgotten that he wouldn't be seeing that giant suit of armor but a tall, thin blonde. He strode up, giving Grumman a low bow and giving Olivier a big smile.

"Why Armstrong, it's been too long." Roy muttered sarcastically.

"Don't begin with your unwanted pleasantries Mustang." Olivier replied none too impressed.

Roy chuckled under his breathe, excitement ringing through him, he could only wonder who the third contender would be. Would it be someone from southern command? Perhaps it would be a newcomer, since most of the senior staff, save Grumman, was discharged or dead. Roy was sure that Olivier was the only competition he knew of.

"Now my third choice is one that has proven themselves extremely loyal without show gloating," Grumman saw Roy hold his breath and Oliver's calculating eye, the other one was covered by her hair, stare down the old man telling him to get on with it. "My third choice is Frank Archer of Western command."

Frank Archer, Roy remembered him from the war. The man stood up, icy blue eyes scanned the room as he dusted imaginary dust from his uniform. Olivier frowned, already disliking the man. Roy definitely remembered him, the calm but blood thirsty Archer, always ready to jump into war and fighting the first chance he got. But Archer was dedicated to his job and the military and it must've paid off if the man was able to catch the attention of this old fox. Olivier studied the pale man as he walked on stage, his sharp features well composed and clean. Something about the man screamed neat freak and no nonsense; you'd have about as much fun with him as you would getting a root canal.

"I will work closely with these three individuals, watch as they grow and watch how they can best impact with this state. Now the three of you please have a seat." Grumman said, "And as for the three of you we'll discuss specifics later." The old man murmured.

He watched as the three sat down respectively before continuing, grinning happily. "One thing I'm proud to introduce is the weekly newsletter…"

But Roy tuned out what the rest of the man said- he had a chance at being Fuhrer, at creating his democracy. He could feel it as if it were right under his fingertips, waiting to be pushed and felt all he had to do was walk forward. He couldn't contain his joy, the country was truly changing and he could be the one to set everything right. He didn't believe in a god, but if there was a being greater than him out there he promised to do exactly what was needed of him to achieve his goal.

Ed stared at Roy with wide eyes; that colonel that had joked about his height and helped him save this country, and even deflowered him was at the doorstep of becoming a Fuhrer. All he had to do was knock on the door and if fate was kind enough, let him enter into his chosen destiny. While the small alchemist knew that Armstrong was a worthy opponent he had never heard of this Archer guy before. Al seemed to read his brother's thoughts, poking him gently with his elbow and asking,

"Brother, I've never heard of Archer before."

"Me neither Al, maybe the lieutenant knows him." Ed tapped Hawkeye and she turned to face him. "Lieutenant, who is that guy?"

Hawkeye lowered her head, attempting to get closer to whispering range for the alchemist. "That's Frank Archer, he was in Kimblee's squad during the Ishvallan war. He's got a penchant for fighting and violence, if I remember correctly he wanted to be viewed as a war hero of sorts."

"Like the colonel?"

Riza nodded, "Yes… but there was always something about him that made me skeptical."

Ed turned to look at the man again and realized that Archer had been looking at him too. His cold blue eyes locking and sent a nasty shiver up Ed's spine. The man looked away on stage, listening to whatever it was Grumman was rambling on about.

xXx

Olivier, Archer, and Roy had been called into the Fuhrer's office but the man had not arrived yet.

"Typical of old man Grumman to keep us waiting." Roy sighed, tapping his fingers against the mahogany table.

"No one needs to hear your complaining Mustang." Olivier shot back, her foot impatiently tapping on the carpet.

Archer watched them with an amused expression before breaking his silence. "If I'm not mistaken…" He began, "You are Roy Mustang, the Flame Alchemist correct?"

Roy looked surprised, his black eyes widening slightly before he replied, "Yes that I am."

"I believe we fought in Ishval together, although I'm not sure if you remember me. I was placed in Kimblee's squad."

Roy snorted, sitting back in his chair. "The crimson alchemist huh? I feel bad for you, having to take orders under a mad man like that. From what I heard he blew up most of his team, but apparently not all of them if you're still walking."

Archer chuckled lightly, looking down for a bit before resuming. "Yes a mad man indeed… and you must be the infamous Olivier Armstrong, always guarding the impenetrable Fort Briggs."

Oliver didn't bother to grace him with eye contact. "I'm not interested in this small talk. If you have something to say to me that's worth value say it. Otherwise I couldn't care less."

Geez… Roy thought, she's as upfront as ever….

Before Archer could comment back Grumman had stepped inside with a fresh cup of coffee. He eyed the three confused. "What are you three doing here?"

The three of them suddenly felt very confused before Roy spoke up. "Uhh, you called us here… to talk about specifics for the Fuhrer position."

"Oh yes right! I almost forgot about that!" Grumman laughed and Roy and Olivier had to resist the urge to roll their eyes. Archer simply folded his hands. The man set down his coffee and sat in front of the young officers. "Well I've had many candidates but I've narrowed it down to you three. You all have been diligent in what you do, you follow directions and most importantly you follow your gut. All the qualities are good for the sake of this nation. But unfortunately I can't pick all of you to run it so here's how it'll go- I will observe you all closely, see how you candle the local politics and so forth. I also want to see charisma, see how appealing you are to the general mass because we all know the military is not so popular right now. But…"

Grumman smirked again and Roy recognized it as the kind of smirk Grumman had when he was planning something devious or perverted. "I want you to really want this position. I want to see ruthlessness between the three of you. Do what you have to do but impress me and out on a really good show. Show me that you're fit to run this country and nothing will stop you."

Archer cringed slightly at the man's words and Olivier looked like she was getting annoyed by the second. Roy raised an eyebrow but said nothing as well.

"This country needs someone like that… Someone that is actually putting themselves on the line for the sake of them. If one of you can show me that then I'll crown you Fuhrer. Those of you already not placed in Central will remain here until I make my final decision." Grumman then raised his hand, dismissing them. "Now please go, I would like to drink this coffee in peace before we begin the festivities. May the best man, or woman, win."

Roy stepped out of the office with an extra spring in his step. Hawkeye was waiting for him just outside, her amber eyes scanning him before saying. "I guess it the meeting went well sir?"

"Well doesn't begin to describe it," He told her as they walked back to his office. "It's like fate literately tackled down the rest of my competition. All I have to do is one up Armstrong and Archer and it's a sure in. My life is going great…!"

Hawkeye rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless, happy her commanding officer was just grasps away from his goal. "Let's hope so sir."

Roy opened the door to his office and saw the faces of all his subordinates smiling and clapping. He even saw Ed grace him with a smile and he suddenly remembered how his day got started. Okay… Maybe not everything is great…

"I would like to thank you all, my team, first and foremost for helping me get this far. Without any of you not only would we have not beaten the battle against Father and the Homunculi, but I wouldn't be this close to one day making this fine country a democracy. So champagne all around," Roy announced heading toward his office but stopped short just before Ed and AL. "Except you Ed, you can have apple juice since you can't handle your alcohol intake."

"What's that supposed to-"

But before Ed could finish Roy had walked away and Ed scowled at the retreating Brigadier General. That bastard… He's practically begging me to slug him in the face…!

"Ed… what did you do?!" Al whispered harshly, making his brother face him.

Ed felt his face heat up and he tugged at the navy scarf slightly. "Why are you looking at me like it's my fault Al? I told you nothing happened with the stupid colonel, well, former colonel..."

Al gave him a disbelieving look and Edward just looked at his fellow team mates pouring themselves champagne. "I don't believe you for one second but I did tell you we would talk about it later." Alphonse sighed, his brother was so stubborn but he'd deal with it later.

"More champagne m'lady?" Jean winked at Riza and barely dodged a bullet that went past his ear. "So definitely more champagne."

Riza rolled her eyes and sat down next to Fuery on the couch. Al and Ed joined everyone around Roy, both respectively drinking water this time. Roy raised his glass, "A toast, for Amestris, and may the best soldier take over this country!"

xXx

Winry had run around the city more times than she could remember. After Ed had finally phoned her that Al was safe with him she feel into the couch in relief. Her headache had only gotten worse as the day grew hotter; she had searched Ed's cupboards for pain killers and to her dismay found nothing. She stayed there, scratching her head until her stomach began to growl loudly. Great, now she had a headache AND she was hungry. Winry wanted to scream into a pillow, she would never drink again. Not in the mood to cook or eat at the mess hall the young girl ventured out, remembering a few places that had caught her attention. She was torn in deciding whether she wanted to eat at a Xingese restaurant or the Aerugonian café that stood in front of each other. The Xingese dishes smelled delectable, the sweet and tangy scents wafting out and practically bringing the girl in with their imaginary arms, like in a cartoon. But the Aerugonian café enticed the young automail mechanic with its pastries and coffee smell. She saw a few people chattering softly on the café's circular tables. One of its patrons, a strange dressed man with circular sun glasses and long black hair split in the middle, sat stirring his espresso watching Winry amused. He wore long robe like pants and shirt in solid black colors and sandals. What made him look even funnier was that he had a large handlebar like mustache that looked completely out of proportion.

"Did you know that Aerugo is well known for their bread and caffeinated drinks, including coffee and lattes?"

Winry turned to the funny looking man, the upper half of his face practically hidden by the massive sunglasses and luscious black hair. "Excuse me?"

The man chuckled setting his newspaper down. "You seem to be having trouble deciding on what to eat. I'm simply trying to help you so you can make an informed decision."

Winry quirked an eyebrow at the stranger, her walls going up. "Well, thank you for that."

Winry felt peculiar, this man reminded her of something like a creeper. She walked in front of the shop eying the pastries and then looking up at the large menu with a variety of beverages. The smell of coffee and java made her hangover feel slightly better, waking her up. "Excuse me, I'd like a latte with one of those fruit tarts please."

She took a look around and when the total came she realized that she had forgotten her purse back at the dorms. The cashier eyed her patiently and before she could politely say she had no money the strange young man pulled out the necessary change. "I think you made the right choice with the Aerugonian pastries little lady."

Winry had caught the hint of an accent but blushed at the kind action. "I don't know what to say… I don't even know your name."

The hippie like man smirked, revealing a beautiful array of teeth. "My name is Claudio, pleased to meet you. Since I was able to do you this generous favor I was wondering if you could do something for me." Winry's expression changed to one of distaste and Claudio quickly waved his arms in front of him. "Not like that! I was wondering if you could fill me in on what's happened! You see I am a traveler and I've only recently come to Amestris to escape persecution. As I'm aware you've recently had a change in Fuhrer correct?"

Winry's eyes shot open at the man's interest. "Oh yeah well, I'm not too politics but I can answer anything you want to know."

"Wonderful and I apologize but I didn't quite catch your name young lady?" Claudio pulled a chair out for the 'young lady' as he called her.

"Oh thanks, it's uh, Winry."

"Winry huh? What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Now please, tell me all I need to know about Amestris…"

xXx

If there were was anything Ed hated more than attending these formal parties it was his brother interrogating him. Al seemed to have a sixth sense about when something was wrong with him and he bugged him about it the whole day. He promised he would tell Al everything when they were away from Mustang and unfortunately the man was rubbing elbows with other military officials. Al had been on him the whole time and when Ed ran out of excuses and tried to walk to the restroom Al had tugged on the navy scarf that concealed the trail of hickeys. Al stood flabbergasted and all the other men, including Roy, had their eyes set on the love marks adorning his neck. Roy and Ed's eyes met in the middle of it all before Havoc made a comment.

"Look at the little alchemist finally getting some nookie! Who's the lucky lady Ed?"

Everyone expected Ed to have some retort but instead he looked around horrified until he was met with a pair of onyx eyes, their expression unreadable. Ed felt red and simply pushed Jean away before he stomped off in the opposite direction. Roy had instinctively wanted to stop him but instead Al proceeded to go after his apparently embarrassed brother. Jean shrugged and Riza simply slapped him over the head. Roy felt his body temperature heat up when he saw the bite marks he had lovingly left on the young blonde. When their eyes met he saw a quick sliver of the Ed from last night- flushed, lips opened slightly, and gold eyes wide open in surprise. The only difference was that he had been balls deep in the teenager and now there was awkward sexual tension in the room. He was still upset, of course, but knew he knew without a doubt that Ed knew exactly what had happened.

Ed didn't even know why he ran; when he saw that quick glimpse of emotion in Roy's eyes it pushed him over the edge. Then there was Al's face stunned beyond all belief. He heard the innocent voice call out to him but by the time he exited the main building he began to run. He ran to the gazebo and sat down, making sure Al hadn't followed him. He sighed, he just needed to clear his head. He spent most of his day trying to distract himself from what happened last night. But it all became real with the people that saw the marks and he knew he had a lot of explaining to do.

"You seem bothered, are you okay?"

Ed turned his head to a pair of icy blue eyes that stood across from him. "Oh, yeah I'm fine."

Archer's lip curved upward ever so slightly, signifying a smile of sorts. "I see, you just came running here that's all. I apologize if I disturbed you."

Ed's eyes couldn't meet Archer's impassive face, if Riza was an ice wall this man was an entire glacier. "No, no… it's fine… So you're Frank Archer?"

"Precisely, and you're the infamous Fullmetal Alchemist I take it? You're quite known for public property damage and the like, especially riling up Mustang."

Ed colored a touch turning away from the pale, dark haired man. He felt like he was being examined carefully Archer, one wrong move or word was like stepping on a land mine. At least the man didn't call him short. "Well, I'm proud of one of those things, at least."

Archer chortled lightly, he had a glass of brandy in one hand. Ed had to admit, he was actually quite handsome, he had elegant eyebrows over blue eyes, all sharp features. His uniform was crisp without a wrinkle, even to the cuffs. "Indeed, it's an honor to meet you."

Frank was charming to say the least, not quite like Roy's fiery charisma but his words felt like silver to the ears. He was calm and collected, more so than most people, but he gave off a business like vibe. Ed was unsure of how to talk with the man.

"Ed?" Oh no, the blonde's blood ran cold. It couldn't be. "Ed is that you?" Roy walked up and stopped short when he saw Archer sitting across.

Archer lips pulled themselves into a smug smile. "Hello there Mustang."

xXx

Al had ran after his older brother; Roy decided to check where the fountain and gazebo were and Al went through the garden. He had ran back and forth looking for the long haired blonde to no avail. Al's lips pursed, he knew Ed had been hiding something but when he saw the hickeys on his neck he stood speechless. Ed had wrapped the scarf around again, his eyes darting from Roy to him before Jean made his comment. Ed of course, become upset and rushed out without warning. He called out to him but Ed had already made the turn down the hall.

"Al where's Ed?" Roy questioned.

"Roy," Al started, "Did you lie to me about returning my brother home?"

Roy look startled before exhaling exasperatedly. "Al… I couldn't very well tell you the truth, especially since Ed hasn't even told you… But before you jump to conclusions I didn't force him into doing anything."

"Well that much I know… or else brother would've had your head." Al looked concern, running a hand through his short blonde hair. "Look after all this if Ed still refuses to tell me, can you please tell me?" He saw as Roy visibly tensed and at that moment he knew exactly what had happened. "Well tell me details later."

He sighed, sitting down on a long forgotten bench by several rose bushes. What the heck had happened last night?

"It seems quite fortunate that I always seem to find you in a garden, surrounded by rose bushes." Scar appeared out of the darkness.

Alphonse couldn't help the smile that brightened his entire face. "I guess we're both lucky, although this time I'm not drunk so you can't take me home." Al realized how misinterpreted his message could be taken. "I mean, not like that…!"

Scar put his hands up again defensively, "No offense is taken Al but I am curious… Is something wrong? You seem short of breath."

Al patted the seat next to him rather wearily and Scar sat down staring into the distance. "Can you keep a secret?" Scar nodded and Al continued. "Well I think my brother and Roy had… relations last night."

Scar's nonexistent eyebrows lifted. "You mean, Roy laid with your brother. But I thought he was under age?"

"My brother's had the biggest infatuation for Roy for the longest time but he's a terrible communicator. Last night Winry and I saw that they were finally talking so we gave them some space but then when we came back they were gone." Al shook his head. "I should've kept an eye on him. At least brother seems normal for the most part so it couldn't have gone that bad."

Scar looked at the now sullen Elric brother and placed a heavy hand on his thin shoulder. It felt like his hand burned at the contact and Al couldn't help but smile sadly back at the Ishvallan. There were a few stray strands on the slender blonde's head and with Scars other hand he brushed them aside. Al couldn't help but quiver at the simple touch of Scar's finger placing his stray hairs back in place. It felt like his skin burned from the contact. The moonlight lit half of Al's face and made his long eyelashes look like wisps of silver and his skin like ivory. Alphonse couldn't help but stare into Scar's eyes, memorized by the focus in them; the older man was entranced by the light brown of the alchemist's eyes and his perfect face.

Perfect… Scar thought to himself. If it was a dream he didn't want to wake up. He carefully lined the side of his face gently.

"Scar…" Al let out and it sounded almost sultry, just above a whisper. It was like he had no control of his body as he got closer to the muscular man slowly. His long fingers began to touch Scar's leg ever so slightly, feeling nothing but touch muscle.

Scar felt his blood pump faster at Al's touches, they were like fire against his dark skin. When the angel of a blonde said his name in that breathy, dare he say even sexy way Scar could feel certain areas want to fill up with warm blood. Scar cupped the boy's chin, stroking it delicately and bringing it up closer to his own face. Al's breathing hitched at the sweet contact as their lips drew together ever so closely. His thin lips trembling lightly in anticipation as he stared at the silver haired man's beautiful lips. The bronze eyed boy placed a hand on Scar's cheek bringing him down to his level. Scar was about to bring him in for a peck and Alphonse closed his eyes in blissful anticipation before the moment was ruined-

"Al?" Roy had called out confused.

Scar's eyes shot open and he pushed Al far away from him. He looked at the raven haired man, his eyes red with death and surprise in them before he jumped he stood up and jumped away.

"Scar wait!" Alphonse had called out to him. He turned his gaze back at Roy like a kicked puppy.

Roy walked to Alphonse blearily, his eyes glazed with confusion. "Alphonse… were… were you about to kiss him?"

Al blew out a large amount of air through his nose. It was going to be a long night.

xXx

"Roy I cannot believe you cock blocked Al!" Jean laughed, wiping away at the tears that threatened to come out of his eyes.

"I fail to see the humor in it all," Scar said, his arm twitching slightly.

"Wait, so Claudio was that weird hippie looking guy?" Alphonse asked Winry and the prince.

"That's right taller blonde boy, I couldn't very well be parading around Central in my uniform and royal clothes." Claudio said. "But to be honest it was rather fun to just be 'normal' without all the civilians rushing toward me like some celebrity."

"Most Amestrians have no idea what you look like." Olivier stated.

Claudio shrugged, "I was trying to avoid the least bit of suspicion lest one of my brother's spies found me."

"You looked like a gay Fuhrer Bradley." Ed insulted and the whole room burst into laughter. Even General Armstrong tittered more than usual.

Claudio had laughed, "Well that may be, I admit the disguise was silly but effective."

"I wonder who had the biggest shock of us all, Roy finding out about Scar and Al, Scar finding out Ed was pregnant, Roy finding out Ed was pregnant, Ed finding out Al and Scar got married, Roy and Scar finding out about Archer and his former commander or Winry finding out that Claudio is a runaway prince." Jean thought aloud.

"Well to be honest it's all pretty fucked up." Ed stated.

"Amen to that." Roy sighed.

They all stayed silent until Ed spoke again. "I can't believe you broke into Archer's home."

"Shut up chibi."

This time Ed tried throwing a chair at Mustang.

xXx

So this was a long one! IF you want more review and happy late Mother's Day to all!:)