Fullmetal Alchemist: Solitude

Chapter 4: Conversation

"You asked to see me, sir?" Major Miles stood sternly at attention, facing his commanding officer's desk. Olivier sat straight upright, elbows on the mahogany table. Her long blonde hair fell across her frowning face.

"I did," she said, pushing herself up. Slowly, she walked over to the front of her desk, positioning herself so that she was directly facing Miles.

"What is this about?" He asked calmly. Olivier narrowed her eyes.

"Were you followed?"

"No. I made sure of it."

"Good. Now," she paused, her heart beginning to beat faster. "Miles… I'm pregnant." It was as though a bolt of lightning had struck the room, filling it with tension. Miles stood stone – still, as though he was unable to comprehend what was said. Olivier was not happy.

"Stand down Major and answer me," she commanded. Miles visibly relaxed, if it were possible, and brought his hand to his head.

"Are you sure?" Was all he could manage.

"Absolutely – it's been two months. All of the signs are there."

"Christ," he muttered. "What are you going to do? Your job is everything to you."

"What am I going to do?" Repeated Olivier, her voice rising. She leaned forward and grabbed Miles by the collar of his uniform, pulling him to her face.

"That is not the question at hand here," she hissed. "We're both in this, not just me. You can kiss your dreams of eternal bachelorhood goodbye you fertile bastard – you're going to be a father." Miles brought his hands to his collar, gently removing hers one – by – one.

"I know," he said. "But you're in the most immediate trouble." Damn. At times like these it would really pay to be a man.

"I've already decided," said Olivier. "That I'm keeping my position at all costs. That takes top priority."

"Your work is important, there's no questioning that. But what about, you know… our child?" Olivier wasn't really sure how to respond. Just the way he said our child put an entirely new perspective on the situation. Up until this point Olivier had automatically assumed that she would be going through this alone. She had planned, more or less, to continue her work until she popped out the kid, give it away, and continue on with her life as it was. She hadn't actually put Miles' feelings into the equation, much less thought he would consider himself a father.

"I – I…" Olivier stuttered. "I hadn't thought about that." Miles could tell she spoke honestly. He took off his glasses and put them into a pocket, revealing dazzling red eyes. To him, it was clear as day that the woman in front of him was no longer a confident general, but a normal woman who was lost, confused, and alone. Being pregnant had already begun to changer her world, and it would only serve to alter it further. Plainly speaking, she needed help.

Suddenly, without thinking, Miles acted on instinct.

He leaned forward and kissed her.

Olivier was so taken aback that her mind ran blank. Her lips didn't move.

"Miles…" She whispered, shocked. Miles blushed, and nervous adrenaline began to coarse through his veins. What had he just done? If he didn't immediately remedy the situation he was in for a demotion for sure!

"I know that was a highly unorthodox thing to do," he began, his gaze boring into Olivier's blue eyes. Her expression was blank. "But," he continued. "I want you to know that you're not alone. He is my child too, and I will always be there for him."

"Thank you, Miles."

"Besides," he murmured to himself, silently so that Olivier couldn't hear. "Would it really be so bad, us being lovers?"

"WHAT?" Gasped Olivier.

Miles grimaced. Shit – apparently, she had heard.

"That was uncalled for, Major," she said.

"Yes, I apolo -,"

"Don't apologize, Miles." Miles raised an eyebrow. That was out of character. I understand your point," she continued. "For a child to grow up with estranged parents, well, it would be a terrible crime."

"Are you accepting my proposal?"

"No," came the blatant reply. Miles let out a sigh.

"In any case though," said Olivier. "We should be… partners, I suppose."

"Sounds good sir." Olivier crossed her arms.

"Tomorrow we head for Central to inform Grumman of the situation. Until then, speak to no one of these events. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, sir." Miles turned to leave.

"Hold on Major. I don't remember giving you permission to leave. Turn around." Miles did as he was told. Olivier walked up to him. Electricity pulsed through the air. Miles' muscles tensed, and he readied himself for anything.

Olivier reached out, and kissed him back. Miles accepted it. He reached out his right hand and held her pale, smooth face as she kissed him. To him, it felt as though they would stay like this forever. Finally, Olivier pulled away.

"I expect you to always be here," she told him. "Now go and pack your things; we leave tomorrow at 0:600 sharp."

A/N: Thanks to Azulic Blade, dragonick711, and the anonymous reviewers for your reviews! Keep them coming And expect more updates soon. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.