A/N: This one falls in the category of end-of-series speculation, since neither one of them ended up in power right away. Also, I friggin idolize Olivier Mira Armstrong. Now, I'm off to level my Jedi sage in SWTOR, and hopefully finish up a post for the sight/sound-ing board. Have a good weekend!
40. Selfish egotism
"Look, this whole rebuilding-seizing power thing? It's great, but I don't give a flying f- ("Brother!") who's running this joint. I've got better things to do," said Ed from his place, sprawled across the couch in Mustang's office (Why the hell does he have a couch in here, anyway?)
The rest of the crowd (Mustang, Hawkeye, both Armstrong siblings, the rest of Mustang's supporters and several top officers from Briggs) glared at Edward, who had been acting more like an insolent, whiney teenager than a national hero ever since they'd all survived the Promised Day. Mustang sighed and opened the drawer where his gloves laid, and he handed a gun to Hawkeye.
"Fine then, Fullmetal, what'll it be? Barbeque or popcorn shrimp?" he drawled.
Predictably, Edward popped out of his stupor and started shouting incoherently about being called smaller than a tick's crippled leg, and poor Al strained his small body to keep his brother from bringing his hands together. "Sorry, colonel," said the younger Elric. "We're just kind of anxious to get home- Winry doesn't even know I have my body back yet, and Ed's going to need a tune-up-"
"Edward Elric!" Ed froze at the sound of Armstrong's booming voice and braced for impact. "How dare you keep Miss Rockbell waiting? You must go to your lady-friend at once!"
"My WHAT?"
("Where did his shirt go?")
"How embarrassing, Alex," said Olivier Armstrong. Everyone finally stopped flailing and shouting. "Aren't you ever going to stop wearing your heart on your sleeve?"
"Sister-"
"And you," she continued, rounding on the Ed ("When did she draw her sword?") You're acting like a selfish, egotistical brat. Go home and get out of our hair."
It was becoming obvious who would win the fire and ice power struggle. Ed dropped his arms and turned toward the door, red billowing behind him. "Come on, Al, let's go," he instructed.
"You're not off the hook yet, Fullmetal. I expect you back here after Miss Rockbell patches you up," Mustang ordered. "At least, what's left of you after she sees what you did to your automail."
Ed thrust his left hand into the pocket holding the remains of his right hand and threw his metal middle finger at the colonel's head.
"Bye, everyone!" called Al as he waved, and Ed pulled him out the door.