Disclaimer - I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist
Chapter Thirty-One - Ascending the Ranks
It was the day Nick's promotion ceremony was to be held and he arrived at Central Command in the early hours of the morning, dressed in the uniform that Kaori had altered for him. The dress uniform had come complete with a hat and when he'd dressed that morning Nick had pulled his long blonde hair up into a ponytail and hidden it beneath the hat.
"If I'm lucky maybe no one will recognize me," Nick thought to himself as he left the Hughes' residence. That would at least save him from having to endure the other soldiers' taunts until after the ceremony. That was the best that he could hope for at this point.
When Nick arrived at HQ he found Kaori waiting at the gate for him.
"Good morning," she called out to him as he approached, a broad smile on her face.
"Hi," Nick said glumly.
"Cheer up," Kaori said. "It'll all be over soon and then you can ditch the uniform."
That statement brought a smile to Nick's face. "And it won't be a moment too soon. I can't wait."
Kaori shook her head and sighed. "I don't know why you hate it so much. I think the uniform makes you look handsome. And mature." And without thinking Kaori leaned over and gave Nick a quick kiss on the cheek.
Nick blushed slightly and stepped away. "Keep that up and I'll be all dressed up for a court-martial instead of a promotion."
Kaori chuckled. "You worry too much. Besides, dressed like that I doubt anyone will even know who you are. Because the Nick we all know and love is a nonconformist and everybody knows it."
Nick shrugged but he didn't look at all convinced that what she said was true.
"Oh ye of little faith," Kaori said with a smile. "Come on and I'll prove it."
"Whatever," Nick said, falling into step behind her.
As Kaori led the way across the courtyard they passed several soldiers, none of whom paid the slightest attention to Nick. They simply spoke politely to Kaori and then went on about their business. None of them even acknowledged Nick's presense.
"I guess you were right," Nick reluctantly admitted. "But I just spotted a problem."
"And what might that be?" Kaori wanted to know.
"There's nothing on this uniform that signifies my rank," Nick pointed out. "So if we pass any officers I'm gonna get yelled at for not saluting. And I don't like being yelled at."
Kaori shrugged off this minor problem. "You could solve that problem by simply saluting the officer but no, that's to much to ask from you isn't it? I didn't put an insignia on the uniform because it would have been a waste of time to sew on your insignia only to have it change two days later so I simply left it off. You'll get it today at the ceremony. And if anyone gives you a hard time before then you can just tell them off. You're very good at that after all. And once they hear your tirade that'll be the end of the problem since they'll immediately know who you are. And everyone knows that you don't salute. Anyone, ever. End of story."
Nick rolled his eyes. "Gee thanks."
"Anytime," Kaori said with a laugh. "Now come on."
The two teens had almost made it to the front door of HQ when they passed by a First Lieutenant that Nick didn't recognize. However he'd encountered soldiers of the same type before and had the distinct feeling that Kaori's theory was about to be put to the test.
"Good morning Miss Kaori," the lieutenant said, bowing politely to the young woman. The man glanced at Nick but then quickly shifted his gaze back to Kaori. "I'm pleased to see that you've finally taken my advice and got yourself a body guard."
"Something like that," Kaori thought to herself however she didn't verbally respond to that comment. She merely chuckled and continued toward the entrance to HQ.
Nick started to follow her but stopped short when he heard a stern voice issuing from behind him. "Soldier," the lieutenant snapped. "Show some respect to your superior."
"Here we go," Nick thought to himself with a sigh. He'd known this would happen and yet he still refused to tolerate the man's attitude. Nick's gaze swept over the lieutenant briefly and he smirked. "If I see one I'll be sure to keep that advice in mind."
"Impertinent whelp," the lieutenant said angrily. "I'm an MP boy so you'd better watch your smart mouth. Unless you wanna end up in jail that is. And don't think for a second that knowing the Fuhrer's daughter will keep you out of trouble."
The smirk still on his face Nick casually reached into his pocket and pulled out his silver pocket watch. He held it up so that the lieutenant could get a good look at it. "You were saying lieutenant?"
The lieutenant's jaw dropped as his gaze fell upon the chimera and the six pointed star, the symbol of the State Alchemists, and the man immediately jumped to attention and saluted although Nick could tell that he'd rather do just about anything else, including lose a limb or perhaps gouge out his own eyes with a spoon.
Although Kaori was thoroughly enjoying seeing the discomfort of a man she strongly disliked, she knew that she should put a stop to it. So she did so, with great reluctance.
"Come on Nick," Kaori said, grabbing him by the arm and pulling gently.
"Yes ma'am," Nick said, falling into step behind her.
The two teens were only a few feet away from the spot where the lieutenant still stood when Kaori burst out laughing.
"I don't think it's very funny," Nick said in an irritated voice. "I told you that would happen."
"I don't see what the problem is," Kaori said innocently. "You pulled out your watch and voila, problem solved."
Nick shook his head. "You're enjoying this aren't you?"
"Thoroughly."
They'd made it to the door by this time and Nick opened the door and held it so that Kaori could enter the building before him.
"Thanks," Kaori said as she entered HQ.
"No problem," Nick said as he followed her inside.
A few officers, including Fury and Havoc, were standing in the foyer and the group all turned as Kaori and Nick entered. They watched as the two teens walked toward them.
"Hi Miss Kaori," Fury said.
Kaori nodded politely to the officers.
"So who's your new friend Kaori?" Col. Havoc asked. "Better be careful, Nick might get jealous. He's not really the understanding type you know."
Nick glared at his superior from under his hat. "Watch it colonel. I can destroy you, you know."
Col. Havoc's eyes widened. "Why that seemingly well behaved soldier is none other than our own little rogue Fullmetal."
Nick pointed his index finger at Col. Havoc. "You do realize that after today I'll only be one rank below you, right? If you don't watch it I'll be gunning for your job next."
That statement caused a flicker of worry to flash across Havoc's face but he banished it a split second after it appeared. "I'm not worried."
"All the better for me," Nick said, without missing a beat. "If you're not worried then you won't see it coming."
"Careful colonel," Major Fury said. "I think the kid really may be after your job."
Col. Havoc shook his head and when he spoke his voice was full of confidence. "No. Fullmetal hates the military way too much to strive to ascend the ranks. Hell, he wasn't even trying to get this promotion. It just kind of happened."
Nick glared at his superior and again pointed his index finger at the man. "Don't confuse lack of interest with lack of ability."
At that moment another officer walked over and joined the group. Major Somers gaze swept over the group and came to rest on Nick. "Who are you? I don't remember seeing you around Central."
"Yes you have," Col. Havoc said. "Just not in proper military attire. This is the Fullmetal Alchemist."
Major Somers' eyes widened in disbelief. "Never thought I'd see him in a uniform."
Nick growled low in his throat. "I wish everyone would shut up about the damn uniform. You can bet I'll never be caught in one again."
"Somers go away," Col. Havoc said shortly and once the major had stalked away, he turned to Nick. "Calm down Fullmetal, it's not that bad."
"I disagree," Nick said stubbornly.
A/N - Poor Nick, he's never going to live that down. Hope that you enjoyed this chapter, please leave a review and tell me what you thought.