How is everyone doing? I hope you're all well. My idea bank's taking longer to withdraw than usual. For my whole vacation, I barely thought of anything but story plots! I've been watching FMA Brotherhood late at night during my vacation in hopes to fish up some inspiration. ._.

Sorry it took so long, but I do hope you enjoy this chapter. R&R!

-Riza's PoV-

Yesterday was much too heavy for me. First, I see the two most important people in my life running towards the people that want to kill them. Second, my comrade got shot and won't be back for at least two days. Third, I made out with my commanding officer in his office. Fourth, I discovered that some military personnel think that Roy and I are having an affair on his desk and lastly, I found my niece crying herself to sleep that very night…

I let out a sigh. It looks like life isn't quite finished with crumbling her heart and forcing it back together before tearing it apart again. She's been through enough. Losing your last piece of family in one blow is very depressing. Well, what's life without a few hurdles? I laugh bitterly. That line was just too ironic. Micha achieves medals and awards for every hurdle she jumps and meets she runs.

I awake to my alarm clock. I shuffle in my bed and turn it off. I let myself snooze for two minutes then I swing my legs to the side of the bed, get up and place my robe on. Giving me five more minutes of sleep is too much of a luxury. As I walk quietly in the empty hall, I notice that Micha's door was already open and her bed made. This was most unusual. It's only half past four. She doesn't get up for another thirty minutes.

I cautiously walk down the stairs and my nose catches a very sweet and delicious smell. I take a glance at the door, and to my surprise, my niece's school bag was already leaning on the wall next to the front door. Has my clock broken down? Did I over sleep? I take a peek at the open door of the kitchen. Micha was already in her school uniform, preparing my breakfast. She notices my actions.

"Good morning Auntie Riza," she smiles at me. Not much people would notice, but her eyes were puffy. A result of what had happened last night. "I made you breakfast."

I take a look at the breakfast table. There sat and waited a beautifully set meal. Waffles that were stacked up on a plate with a scoop of butter and sweet, amber colored maple syrup dripping from the top with eggs and bacon on the side. The coffee maker let out an energizing aroma from its brew.

"Is there anything else you would like?" My niece asked.

I feel my lips turn up to a smile. "No thank you, dear. Is there anything you would like me to make for you?" I ask.

"No thanks," Micha grinned. "I already ate. I fed Hayate too." The said dog barked happily as I saw some traces of milk dripping from the fur near his mouth. I sat down and looked at her puffy eyes. My eyes softened and I felt a wave of pity hit me.

"Will you please join me?" I look at her worriedly. "A meal tastes better when there are more people around." I smile.

"Sure thing," Micha sat down and watched me eat. I didn't like it. I would rather it me watching her eat. "Uhm… Auntie Riza…" She started quietly.

"Yes?" I take a sip of my coffee.

"Is it ok with you if Leila picks me up later? I don't want to be a bother to whoever is picking me up later." She mumbled.

I take a long look at her. I guess I know why she wants her best friend to pick her up. Daniel was supposed to fetch her today. "Why?" I ask her nonchalantly even if I already knew the reason.

"Well… I get out at two today and I really want to catch up with Leila. I haven't seen her in a week. I'm sure she has a lot of stories for me from her vacation." She grinned nervously. "Besides, I know every two o'clock, you guys go out to the covered field to work out… And I want to visit Jean." She added the last sentence very quickly.

"Okay. Its fine with me, I suppose. Send him our regards." I finish up my breakfast and head on to my room for a shower.

-----

I dropped Micha off exceedingly early. I believe I only saw about a handful of students in the front yard. She said it was fine. More time for her to cram her math homework. I let out a sigh and drive away. In the office, she's really responsible but when it comes to her studies… it seems like she places the needs of the office first, when it's supposed to be studies. She already knows she's going to get scolded if her grades drop lower than a A-.

As soon as I reached head quarters, to my surprise, the colonel was already behind his desk… sleeping. I placed down my purse and approach him quietly. His arms were folded on top of his oak desk with his head resting on them. He was lightly snoring. I smiled to myself and left the room. It was much too early to wake him up. I bet he didn't even clock out last night.

I made my way to the paper work room. Some officers saw me and gave me snappy salute as well as a greeting of a pleasant morning. I enter the paper work room and to my surprise, I saw Falman and Feury.

"Good Morning, Lieutenant!" Feury clicked his heels together and gave me a quick salute as Falman followed suit.

"Good morning," I replied sternly. "I'm surprised to see that you men actually know where this room is." I say half sarcastic and half serious.

"Well… It took us a while to find it, ma'am." Feury smiled.

"What time did you get here, then?" I ask.

"We didn't go home, Lieutenant. Neither did the boss." Falman answered.

My eyes grow wide. "Why?"

"He really wants this case done. I don't really know why. I mean, we already have three members in custody. I guess the boss won't stop until he caught the main master mind." Feury adjusted his glasses as he took a folder from Sergeant Aidens. "Thanks." He smiled.

"Ah, Lieutenant Hawkeye," Aidens smiles at me, "You're here very early, I see. Or did you pull an all nighter like these men?"

"No, I didn't. The cadet was up unusually early." I say.

"I thought Micha hated waking up early?" Feury asked. Aidens was already getting the papers for our office.

"She does. That's what I find peculiar." It was better not to mention that she cried herself to sleep. I don't think Kain can handle that much without sleep. He was always so caring and sweet to Micha. Much like how a little brother would be. Yes. Little.

They helped me bring the papers back to the Colonel's office. They told me how Breda stayed in Havoc's room until two in the morning. He said he was doing fine and he'll back in a few days or sooner. I opened the door for us and laid down the papers on Micha's desk for a moment before bringing it into the inner office where my desk was. I always did this every morning. I take the papers from the paper work room, sort out what's for the colonel and what the rest of us can do then distribute. After that, I would make coffee for everyone.

Once I was done sorting out what was for the colonel, a voice startled me.

"Good morning, Hawkeye. Lovely weather we're having."

I jerk my head to the colonel's desk. He held his head up from his folded arms. He had a sleepy smile on his lips and his eyes just looked a little misty. He looked like a little child greeting his mother good morning from a long and cozy nap.

"Good morning, Colonel. Indeed, the sun is shining." I smile at him. He let out a long yawn and stretched his arms and back. "Sir, if you're too tired, you can go to the nap room. I'll come there in an hour and wake you." I say thoughtfully.

He smirks at me. "You're too soft, Hawkeye. You should be shooting me to do my work by now. You already have it filed." He says as he eyes the stack of papers I have to my left.

"I would, sir. But I found out you didn't go home. Even Falman and Feury didn't. I admire your hard work, Colonel. But please take care of yourself." My sentence sounded so professional, but my tone came out a bit too caringly than I would have wanted too.

He smirks again and walks to my desk. "Thank you for your kind words, Riza." He kissed my forehead then strode over to the door. "I'm going to take a shower," he looked back at me, "would you like to join me?" He asked seductively.

"…"

Click… Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Take a shower, Colonel." I say coldly. The vein in my forehead throbs whilst Roy runs to the showers for his dear, green life.

-----

Sergeant Fritzer came in late, whilst Lieutenant Breda came in later. They explained to the Colonel why and they carried on with their work. Johnny was sent to do some field work for the Colonel.

"Looks like I'm going to cut the gym short for today," Daniel talked to himself. "I don't want to keep Micha waiting." He continued to write on the report.

"That's not necessary, Fritzer. The Cadet's going to be picked up by Leila. She gets out in thirty minutes." I tell him.

All ears deviously perk up. They could tell, this was going to be an issue in the office. I let out a sigh.

"It's only one thirty. She gets out at three," Daniel reasoned.

"Yes, but she's out at two today. She wants to catch up with her best friend, and I don't see anything wrong with that. I trust the girl and her noble family." Roy visibly cringed at the mention of her family. I laugh inwardly. He opened his mouth to say something but thought against it.

"Okay, then." Daniel went back to work, looking slightly defeated. He knew he royally fucked this one up.

-----

It was already two and everyone got up to the lockers to change for the gym. The firing range was right next to it. Being a sniper, my training is to shoot rounds instead of lifting weights. Therefore, I didn't have to change. I'm actually grateful that I'm spared from lifting weights and running around the meet. I don't have to bear with that musky scent the men waft off.

-----

After we all took a shower, we made our way back to the office. Once Breda opened the door, a wave of aromatic coffee greeted us.

"Smells great!" Feury cheered like a little boy. He looked over to his desk. A delicious looking slice of blueberry cheese cake sat on a luxurious looking porcelain plate with a matching mug of hot coffee. "It looks delicious!"

The colonel came in and spotted that his door was open. A slice of cake and coffee was waiting for him as well. In fact, all our desks had the same setting, except for Jean's and Micha's.

I want to visit Jean. Micha's words rang in my ears. So this is why she wanted Leila to pick her up. This explains the expensive looking china.

We all settled on our desks and helped ourselves to the coffee and cake. It was luscious. I have a hunch they made it. Leila loved to bake and she made amazing pastries and cakes. She cooks good enough to be a housewife. Though I doubt she'll ever be a housewife. That woman will join the army before she becomes one.

The colonel obviously enjoyed the delectable and his coffee was exactly how he liked it. I recall how much Roy liked Blueberries back when he was learning from my father. He would devour a whole afternoon's worth of picking. The door to the outer office opened. Micha came in with a smile on her face.

"Micha, thanks for the cake, it was delicious!" Feury praised.

"You're very much welcome, dear. Leila will be glad to know that you all liked it as well."

"Thank you. It was very enjoyable." Falman smiled with his eyes closed. Micha returned the smile.

Breda was still helping himself with the cake. He looked like he wanted to simply swallow the plate whole. Micha chuckled in amusement.

"You must have gone through so much trouble. Thank you very much. It was scrumptious." Daniel grinned. But Micha simply ignored him and went to her desk. The colonel came out and I followed suit.

"What was the cake for?" He asked her.

"Well…" Micha had an evil look on her face. "Consider it… an early apology."

"Apology? For what?" Breda questioned.

"You'll see." Micha smiled with her eyes closed. She pulled out a huge bottle of expensive Whiskey and slammed it on Daniel's desk. I was surprised that the bottle didn't break. Daniel jumped in shock.

"You're going to need this." Micha grinned slyly. "Just don't get rid of the bottle."

"Ah… ok… Do you want the bottle back?" Daniel asked nervously.

"No, Leila said she wanted to hit you with it. So don't lose it." Micha said nonchalantly.

Daniel turned pale and Feury went white. Falman looked appalled while Breda stopped his eating. The colonel wouldn't show it, but I knew he was shaking in his boots. I simply shook my head from side to side. Leila would make an excellent commanding officer. No one in the right mind would dare defy her. Not even the Fuhrer himself.

-----

-Normal PoV-

It's been a week and the men think that the cake wasn't worth Micha's mood swings. One moment, she would be yelling at them to shut up, and the next, she would be laughing her head off at the shallowest of things. The Colonel was grateful that he had his own private office but this didn't stop the mood swings from reaching him. Riza knew it was because her period was nearing and she was simply pre-menstruating. But that doesn't answer why Micha's been giving the cold shoulder to Daniel.

You would just feel bad for Daniel. He can't even get the simplest of favors from her. Not even just to borrow a stapler.

"Hey, Micha, can I borrow your stapler?"

Micha pretended like she didn't hear a thing. She simply continued typing.

"May I borrow your stapler?" He repeated.

Still nothing.

"Ah, shoot. I can't find my stapler!" Havoc thought aloud.

"Here you go," Micha got up and handed her stapler to him and offered him a kind smile.

The men just couldn't believe that she could do such a thing. Feury told Hawkeye that he thinks he wouldn't survive if Micha-or anyone-gave him the cold shoulder. Hawkeye simply replied with a, "It's a good thing you're cute, Feury. No one can resist you."

Micha's behavior explains the bottle of Whiskey and last week's event explains why Leila wants to hit Daniel with it. Daniel has got to be drunk to live through Micha's bitching. The colonel pretended not to notice that his cadet was acting weird, but then, Daniel didn't seem to react to Micha's actions. Perhaps he was drunk. Though deep inside, he knew he really screwed this one up. Being the bitch she is; Micha seems not to have an inch of guilt for doing so. But everyone knew that she was crying inside.

-----

It is Daniel's turn to fetch Micha today.

"Good luck, Fritzer," Havoc hit him firmly on the back. "I hope she doesn't kill you."

"Just say sorry already!" Johnny said. "I bet if you did, she'll stop."

"Why does he need to apologize? He did nothing wrong." Breda defended him. "I mean, he didn't have to tell her that he's together with her arch enemy, right?"

Everyone looked at Breda with blank expressions.

"I mean really! You don't just go up to her and go, 'Oh, you know, I'm sleeping with your sexy arch enemy, but I hope we can still be friends and pretend like you never saw me tonguing her in the alley right after shooting our comrade.'" Breda even added comical actions that added even more sarcasm to the sentence. "RIGHT?" Breda was exasperated.

Daniel hung his head. That sentence hit him HARD.

"Just say sorry even if you didn't do anything. Please." Falman added. "I don't think I can stand watching the full bitchiness of that woman."

"That's not even the half of it, Falman." Johnny sweat dropped.

All the men turned white. "YOU MEAN SHE'S GOT WORSE?" They screamed in chorus.

"What's all the noise about?" Mustang banged the door open angrily. "I can't sleep-err-work properly."

"It's about the cadet, sir." Falman said. "We're telling Fritzer to apologize to her and spare us all."

"I see." Roy fixed his collar whilst Riza peeked from behind him.

"Well, I don't want to meddle in your personal life, Daniel but I want you to fix things up with her. Our office's efficiency rate went down by twenty percent this week. God knows how low it can be if she still bitches on you. Now get to it!"

"Yes, sir!" Daniel gave him a snappy salute then opened the door. "It was nice knowing all of you." He muttered as he shut the door.

-----

Daniel drove to the school with a busy mind. There were so many things on his mind. First, how was he going to say sorry? Second, how was he sure he wasn't going to die? Third, her best friend is just as scary and wants to hit him with the whiskey bottle he's been drinking straight out of every night. Perhaps it would be better to cool down with Courtney first and fix things up with Micha… Or not.

-----

He parked the car where he usually does and waited outside the vehicle while he leaned on the hood. Daniel was ten minutes early. Then again, he was always early. He never liked to keep people waiting, but he had extended patience for those who kept him waiting. The most used excuse was, "I'm not late! You're just too early!"

He let out a sigh and stared at the front doors of the school. In exactly ten minutes, she will come out of those doors and he has no idea what she's going to do to him. The bell rang and he fixed himself up. It only took a few seconds for the doors to gush out with numerous students; both from Rosehill and Sterling. He caught a lot of eyes. The blue military uniform really is an eye catcher but other than that, a number of girls have been giving him looks of interest while some guys gave him dirty looks. He heard mutters and whispers around, but he ignored them all. He only wished to see, hear and be with one person.

Five minutes past…

Maybe she's fixing up her locker or talking to a teacher… Thought Daniel.

Ten minutes past…

It's ok. It's a big school. She must be running an errand… He thought to himself.

Thirty minutes past…

It's impossible for Micha to be in detention. If she was, the Lieutenant would've received a call and came here herself! He started to worry. He strode across the walkway and into the school. Now a lot of people were staring at him. He heard mutters and whispers again.

"What's a military personnel doing here?"

"Is someone in trouble?"

"He looks too young to be in the military!"

"Look at his jacket, he's a Sergeant…"

"Better get out of the way… he's armed…"

Daniel took notice of the last thing he heard. It's true. He had a gun holster strapped to his belt with his gun sitting there and ready for anything. He started pacing. He's never been in the school, and he easily got lost.

"Shit." He cussed silently to himself but then he spotted a girl with wavy, dirty blond hair. He recognized her right away. "Jadine!" He called her attention. She looked around and spotted him.

"Daniel!" Jadine waved at him. "What're you doing here?" The young Sergeant jogged to her.

"Have you seen Micha? I've been waiting outside for almost an hour." He said.

"What? Really?" She looked astounded. "I guess she's still pissed…" Jadine mumbled too soft for him to hear.

"I beg your pardon?" Daniel tried to catch what the young girl said.

"Nothing!" Jadine grinned. "I was with her a little while ago, but we went our separate ways. I had some errands to run in the other building." Jadine explained. "I think she went with Alexae to the library? I'm not sure."

"I see. Thank you very much, Jadine. If you see her, please tell her I'm looking for her and to meet me in my usual parking space." Daniel smiled.

"Sure, no problem," Jadine smiled. Daniel walked towards the library. "Poor Daniel. Micha's giving him such a hard time…" She whispered to herself and walked away.

Daniel quickly made a bee-line for the library. Once he saw the building, he was awestruck.

This place is huge! He yelled in his head. I'm already late for work. Thank god I just have to bring Micha home.

-----

The Lieutenant walked out of the main office and looked around. "Where is Sergeant Fritzer?" She asked.

"He's not back yet, Ma'am." Feury replied.

"It's already been an hour, hasn't it?" Havoc took a drag then puffed it out.

"What's all this about?" The colonel came in from General Grumman's office.

"Sir, Sergeant Fritzer hasn't returned yet." Hawkeye said sternly.

"Still? Did he make out with her already or what?" He mumbled. Riza visibly cringed.

Johnny let out a loud laugh.

"Or maybe they patched things up…" Falman added.

Breda had a sly smile on his face. "Or they could've stopped by a motel and—"

Click.

That sound said it all. Everyone kept quiet and still.

Riza had her gun out with the safety off. "Sir, get back in the office. You have work to do."

Roy smirked and stopped beside her. "And just what are you going to do?" He asked his aide.

"Firing practice, sir." She replied. All the men in the outer office let out a squeal and hid under their desks.

Mustang walked in his office and shook his head. "That's my girlfriend." He whispered quietly to himself.

-----

He walked through the double doors and looked around. The librarian took notice of him and approached him.

"Is there anything I can do for you, sir?" She asked politely. She was an old lady, perhaps around her late fifties or early sixties.

"Ah, yes, I'm looking for Micha Hawkeye," Daniel smiled.

"Oh, dear. Is she in trouble?"

"Oh no, ma'am. I'm just here to pick her up. Her Aunt requested that I pick her up," he explained.

"I see…" The old lady adjusted her glasses. "Come with me." The librarian turned around and led him to the second floor and stopped in front of a door. She knocked two times. "Mister Rinaldi,"

"Come in." A voice called.

The librarian opened the door and came in whilst Daniel followed suit. There were a few tables and chairs around and some book shelves. Micha sat behind a table with a few books open around her, she was writing some things down on a bond paper. The librarian left the room and closed the door behind her.

Micha looked up. Their gazes met but she forced herself to go back to what she was doing. There was an awkward silence.

"May I help you?" Alexae asked the soldier.

"Yes, I'm here to pick Micha up," Daniel said sternly.

"Well, as you can see, she's busy. Please try again later." He answered.

"What're you? An operator?" Daniel smirked.

Micha bit her lip and stifled a laugh. How she missed poking fun at people with him. Daniel spotted the small smile on Micha's face.

Alexae scoffed. "That was a bad joke." He crossed his arms across his chest.

What're you talking about? That was genius. You did sound like an operator. Micha thought as she laughed inwardly. She closed the books and inserted the paper she was writing on in her notebook. She stacked everything up and slung her bag on her shoulder.

"Thank you for helping me, Alexae," She smiled at the said person. "I have to go. Auntie Riza's going to get mad at me of I don't get home soon." Micha walked around the table and gave Alexae a hug.

"I'll walk you home." Alexae smiled warmly.

"No thank you, my home is a good forty-five minute walk from here. I can manage." Micha had a lopsided grin on her face, picked up the books and walked past Daniel. He quietly followed her out of the library and out the front doors of the school. He wanted to carry her things from her, but thought otherwise.

"Micha, the car is this way." Daniel stopped and pointed at the opposite direction.

"Who said I was riding with you? I don't recall saying that I was going to ride home." Micha said uncaringly.

"Don't be stubborn. It's a forty-five minute walk back to your house!" Daniel retorted.

"Then I better get started." She replied rigidly. "If I can run five miles, I'm sure I can make my way home in one piece."

He quickly ran to his parking space, ignited the engine and swiftly caught up with Micha. Daniel got out of the car and ran up in front of her, blocking her way. "I'm not allowing you to walk home. The Lieutenant trusted me to bring you home safely. Now stop being so hard headed and get in the car."

Micha looked up at him with cold and piercing eyes. Daniel towered over her and gave her a stern look. He wasn't going to allow her to get her way. Micha couldn't help but feel quite intimidated by his height.

I hate being short! Micha yelled inwardly. Who cares? I'm small but terrible anyway. Damn… He looks so handsome from down here. She shook that thought out of her head. She tossed her books inside the car along with her book bag. Daniel had a triumphant look on his face. The other students never took their eyes off those two for a second. It was like getting a free front ticket to a live show.

"Good." Daniel said victoriously. "Now get in—"He was cut off when Micha darted right past him. "HEY!" He ran after her. His height gave him a huge advantage. Micha isn't the only one who can run fast. He finally caught up with her and stopped right in front of her again. She came to a full stop. As she did, Daniel scooped her up on his shoulder and wrapped his right arm around the back of her knees to make sure she wouldn't fall.

"What the hell are you doing? Put me down!" She yelled appallingly. She couldn't believe that she was just scooped up that easily. Everyone on the school yards were watching with wide eyes. Micha struggled, squirmed and kept moving. She kept prying him to put her down.

"Daniel, put me down, this is so embarrassing!" She screamed in a whisper.

"Why so?" He asked nonchalantly. He was obviously enjoying this. He was walking leisurely towards the car. It was as if he wasn't carrying anything.

"I'm wearing a skirt!"

"So? You have a pretty ass. Let them see." He teased her as he gave her butt a gentle slap.

"What the freaking hell?! I'm so killing you later!" She screamed in anger.

"At least I know I'll be dying by your hands," he smirked.

Micha narrowed her eyes at the back of his head. She saw everyone watching them. Their eyes were all as wide as buffet dinner plates. Daniel opened the passenger side of the car and gently dropped her in. Micha gave him her coldest and deadliest glare ever. Daniel simply returned it with a grin.

He hopped in the driver's seat and drove away.

Jadine, having witnessed the whole thing shook her head from side to side with a small smile gracing her lips. "Daniel is such an opportunist…" She chuckled. "I'm glad to see they finally patched things up…"

And that's it. I hope you guys liked it. Sorry it took so long. I had writer's block. ^^; Again, not much RoyAi in this chapter. OTL shoot me. I can't seem to find a good enough RoyAi fluff. Everything I think of is simply either too cliché, or not good enough. OTL OTL OTL

Please do drop me a review. I got a formspring! Ask me anything. You can even ask for spoilers in the next chapters. XD http:// / quicksilvereyes just remove the spaces. I'm also putting up a character poll. Please check that out. :D