Disclaimer: I do not own FMA. Hagane no renkinjutsushi belongs to Hiromu Arakawa.
Roy's subordinates stared at him as he carried a small, blood covered blonde through the outer office, wearing a grim but determined look, his steps heavy and slow.
"Lieutenant Hawkeye, please take all phone calls and tell them I'm not available. I'm to be left alone until further notice." He closed and locked his private office door before allowing more tears to fall. He laid the boy on the couch and began to clean the now dried blood off.
Stripping off the red coat, black jacket, and black tank top, Roy cleaned the wound. The body was still warm, the heat held in by the clothes. Roy's heart lurched and fresh tears spilled down his face. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
"Sir? Sir, please open the door." Roy didn't say anything; he didn't even make move when the door was blasted open.
"Sir, what is going on?" Roy turned his face away from Hawkeye.
" Fullmetal is dead, Lieutenant." Roy's voice was matter-of-fact. He didn't have to look at her to know Hawkeye was staring at him with a mixture of sympathy and pity.
"Sir, I…"
"I don't need your pity, Lieutenant." Roy hadn't meant to speak so harshly towards his most faithful officer.
"I'm sorry, Lieutenant, but if you don't mind, I'd like to be alone."
"Yes, Sir." Even in those two simple words, Roy could hear the shock and tears in her voice.
"Sir, should I… Should I tell Alphonse?"
"No! No. I'll tell him." Roy's voice sounded hallow, fake. "I'll tell him."
"No! You're lying!" Roy simply looked away from the honey- blonde 16- year- old in front of him.
"I-I'm sorry, Al, but," Roy took a deep breath, preparing himself for the words he knew would completely destroy Al's world.
"It's true. Edward is… dead." Roy couldn't bear to look as the silver eyes darkened and filled with tears.
"No. He… he can't be dead. I just talked to him yesterday! He promised he'd come back. He always keeps his promises." Roy struggled to keep his voice steady.
"I-I'm… I'm sorry, Alphonse. I truly… truly am." His voice cracked. He was unable to keep the strain and grief out.
"Roy, promise…promise you'll watch over Al. Promise."
"Alphonse… I…have something I need to tell you."
"… So, it's my fault Ed's dead. I'm so sorry, Alphonse." Roy lowered his eyes as he finished his recollections. Al raised a hand and Roy flinched, sure al was about to hit him. He was surprised when he was pulled into a gentle hug.
"Taisa, I don't blame you. It's not your fault that my brother was murdered."
"A-Al… thank you," he croaked, quietly pulling away from his lover's brother's embrace.
"Taisa, should… should we plan a-a funeral?" Roy nodded slowly, knowing that with each bob he was ripping Al's heart out. He'd have to tell the entire office and all of the Elrics' friends.
Falman, Fuery, and Breda stared at Roy in shock.
"Y-you're joking, right, Chief? Some sort of sick joke between you, Alphonse, and Fullmetal." Havoc's normally light tone was replaced with desperation.
"Do you think I would joke about anyone under my command being dead," Roy snapped. He instantly regretted it as Havoc held up his hands and backed away several steps.
"O-of course not, Sir. It just… came as a shock." A round of murmuring went up around the office.
"I understand, Havoc." All too well he added in his head.
A/N: Finally!!! The second chapter of Our Farewell. I hope you enjoy. Well, not enjoy per se, but… Well, you know. Anywhos, read and review please. Oh, and please please please tell me what you like and dislike. A cookie to whomever reviews. Two cookies for an honest critique.