We were taken to Eastern Command. Following the Colonel he led us to his office, and clearly Ed wasn't all that pleased. Once we've entered, the Colonel swerves around his desk and takes a seat.

Ed takes the seat before him while Al and I sat on a nearby couch. I wasn't sure what's going on, and I wasn't sure if this would be a civilized conversation without bickering. Tearing my eyes away from the two I decided to gaze about the Colonel's office.

It was simple—dull even. There was two tall, oak bookshelves in the right corner of the wall across from me. It was filled to the brim with what I can only assume are military document folders and books.

The walls were painted in a deep crème color on the top half while the bottom was dark wood. The floors matched the lower half of the walls. The couch Al and I sat were positioned in front the left wall with another green couch facing us.

Between us was a low coffee table as well as a white rug spread at my feet. The Colonel's desk was positioned in the back center of the office. A huge window was behind him, showing off the front garden of Eastern Command.

His desk was neat surprisingly, though I wasn't sure why it was surprising to me. I figured it was because I always thought spillers were always flooded with work. His office seemed plain and dull. It didn't match his personality whatsoever.

"You owe me one for this, Colonel." Ed drawls. He'd propped his chin atop his fist while he stared at the Colonel with a glimmer in his eyes.

Mustang, however, didn't seem all that happy at that. A small groan escapes him as he leans against his chair. Eyes closed he props his cheek on a fist.

"Hearing you say that makes a chill run down my spine." He complains. Mustang was silent for a long moment, and for a minute I thought he fell asleep.

Though if that were the case Ed would've flipped out. Instead, he sits patiently, eyeing the Colonel as if he'd declared checkmate. Mustang abruptly releases a long sigh, his eyelids flashing open.

"Alright," he sends Edward a look. "What do you want?"

Edward smirks, pleased to see Mustang cave so easily. He leans back and crosses his legs. He tilts his head while placing his arms comfortably on the armrests.

"Oh, you sure get to the point." He muses with great delight.

"Oh, get on with it." Mustang snaps. I had to bite down my tongue to keep from chuckling. How can a teenager get under this man's skin so easily? Though so far, it's been intriguing to watch.

"Bio alchemy." Ed states simply. "I need to know more about it. Do you know any libraries containing that research? Or an expert?"

I raise a brow at his question. Bio alchemy? I may not immerse myself into the studies of alchemy like the Elrics, but I did study up on bio alchemy back when I was desperate to get my mother back.

There was really nothing in that field that pertained to what I wanted though. All I gained was information about creatures created with alchemy called, chimera. They were such ugly, horrible things.

Made up of any creature alchemists can get their hands on. I can only imagine the pain the animals go through merging together in such a forceful way. I shiver at the thought.

I've only seen pictures in books and they were something I wish I'd never see. But it still doesn't answer as to why Ed and Al need more information about it.

"Hey, Al." I nudge his elbow before looking up at him. "Why do you need to research on bio-alchemy?"

Al hums before speaking, "Do you remember when we told you about going to Liore before heading back home?"

I nod with a frown, "Yeah, you said you met a priest or something that had a fake philosopher's stone, right?"

Al nods, "He did. But what brother and I want to know was how he transmuted a chimera in front of us. Brother thinks there might be a lead in bio alchemy that can help us get our bodies back."

I frown in consideration. It seemed plausible. After all, if there's some new research in the field of bio alchemy then I'm sure it would lead the Elrics somewhere.

Hearing Mustang sigh brings me out of my thoughts. I look back at the man who made a face at Ed. He seemed more like a child than an adult.

"Right now?" He whines. "You're always in such a hurry."

Ed rolls his eyes, "Well if I'm planning to get our bodies back then I need to act."

He takes a stand with a huff. He acted as though the Colonel pointed out something stupidly obvious. I pay no mind to him and it wasn't because he was acting quite impatient.

It was because I notice the Colonel staring at me again. His cheek was still propped on his fist but his bottom lip was pushed out a bit more. It was like he was contemplating about something.

I look away with a sharp breath, I still couldn't understand why he always kept staring. Even on our way here, he'd inspected me as if I were some stupid alchemic equation. Ed and Al didn't take notice for they never said a word, but I'm sure Ed was understanding it now.

He looked at the Colonel then at me multiple times wondering what's going on. There was heavy tension in the air, even Al noticed since he fidgeted beside me. Ed narrows his eyes at his superior.

"Why the hell have you been staring at her?" He demands with a look. "I told you, stop making her uncomfortable!"

Mustang doesn't respond. No, his eyes narrowed even more in my direction like the answer would magically come to him. The hairs on my skin stood, and even beads of sweat dripped down my temple.

I clenched my fists atop my lap, it was becoming harder by the second to keep my mouth shut. But with each ticking second I could feel something hot running through my veins—something boiled inside me. At first I barely felt it, it was like a tickling sensation at the pit of my core.

Now, it was like someone adding to that tickling feeling and made it hot—like fire. Words burned my throat, I wanted to claw them out. But there was so many things I wanted to say, but couldn't.

When I hear him suck in a breath I knew I'd lost it. I stood abruptly with my rage spreading to my fists that they shook. I whirl my head to Mustang, sending him the most hateful glare I could muster.

His eyes widen in surprise, he even rose a brow. But not once did he avert his gaze. Somehow that angered me more.

"I've been ignoring you for the past two hours," I spat. "That should've been a hint to stop being a pervert! Why the hell do you keep staring, huh? Is there something you want to say?"

My words clung to the air like a thick fog. The tension built up till I was sure it was heavier than a rock on my shoulders. I wasn't sure what was more surprising; the Colonel and the Elrics not saying anything or the fact I snapped at an officer.

If he wielded his position like a tyrant than I was in trouble. However, that was the least of my problems. All I cared for was putting him in his place and an explanation for his creepy acts.

Moments gone by till I figured he wasn't going to provide an explanation. I hear Ed snicker in the middle of the room.

"Ha, she called you a pervert." He mocks.

Mustang stiffens before looking away. I make a tutting sound. So Ed's comment breaks his daze while my outburst doesn't? I cross my arms with a glare.

"I would rather be called a womanizer for future notice," he states openly, ignoring Ed's comment.

"I asked you question, sir." I snap when he doesn't pay me no mind. "It's common courtesy to—"

"Your name—it's Y/n L/n, right?"

My mouth hangs open like an idiot as I stare blankly at the man. My train of thought disappears the moment he spoke those words. I blink rapidly, how the hell did he know?

I shoot Ed a look thinking he must've mentioned me before. But he seems more bewildered than me.

"How do you know her name?" Ed questions with a voice colder than I could ever imagine it to be. He stalks back towards the desk before placing his hands atop the wooden surface. "You've been stalking her or something?"

Mustang releases a guffaw, his lips spread into an amused smirk. I wasn't sure what was so funny, this man knew my full name. It wasn't something to be impressed about.

"It's just a wild guess, Fullmetal." He assures with a smirk. "I don't stalk little girls."

"I'M NOT LITTLE!" I shout with a stomp of my foot. "I'm obviously the average height for my age!"

How dare he stare at me like I'm some eye candy then insult me? Does this man have any manners? His eyes twinkle when I huff loudly.

"I see you're also sensitive about your height," he muses. "Sounds like someone I know."

"Hey, Colonel! My arm and leg aren't gonna grow back if I wait long enough!" Ed snaps. Face red and eyes narrowed like daggers Ed was doing everything in his power to resist falling prey to his temper.

Though if Mustang decides to be a bigger pain in our asses then I'm sure Ed would lose it. I scoff and turn away. I have no intention talking to this man anymore.

It seems Ed had every right to find him annoying. The Colonel hums nonchantly through the tension. Listening to the shuffling of papers I've figured he was looking for something.

"I was hoping we can have a cup of tea and chat." Mustang sighs. "It's been awhile since we saw each other after all."

Ed clicks his tongue, "What's so fun about having a cup of tea with you?" He grumbles.

Mustang ignores his comments for he exclaimed "aha" while pulling out a few papers. I side glance discreetly, somewhat curious as to what he found. He spreads the papers on his desk, the mere action itself calling forth Al and Ed closer. I don't move an inch, but none seemed to pay any mind.

"Shou Tucker," The Colonel informs. "The Sewing-Life Alchemist." There was no need for me or for anyone to ask more about his title.

It was obvious, the man specialized in bio-alchemy. In other words, he created chimeras. My nose scrunches at the thought. Were we really going to see him?

"C'mon," I hear the Colonel standing before striding across the office. "I'll explain on the way."

"Wait. . . we're going over there? Now?" I question while following the three like a lost puppy. "Shouldn't we check into the hotel first?"

Ed releases a loud sigh as he strides after the Colonel. "Y/n, the faster we do this the faster Al and I will be to getting our bodies back." He says a bit firmly.

I bite my inner cheek. "I know that but—we're showing up unannounced."

"You can go to the hotel," he states. "We'll meet you there."

An idiot can tell he was annoyed. I was being a whiny brat, but that was only because I didn't want to see this man's research. Who knows what kind of animals he'd hurt or the things he'd created?

A shiver runs down my spine just thinking about it. We make it outside Eastern Command and I still haven't made up my mind. I kept my distance from Ed knowing that would be best.

He didn't mind, he was locked into a conversation with Mustang along with Al. I watch them silently pondering if I went to the hotel would bring Ed into disappointment. I shake my head, that was something I didn't want.

He's allowing me to tag along on their journey for my mental sake. The least I could do was help them find what they're looking for. I swallow thickly, I just had to brave it out.

A car pulls up gaining Al and the Colonel's attention. Both immediately get in, but Ed lingers. And it was only because I lingered. I take a few steps, but he strides over till he stops before me.

I frown as I try not to fidget under his gaze. It was surprisingly soft and that made me uncomfortable.

"You okay?" He asks almost in a whisper. For a moment I pondered over his question. It caught me off guard.

"Why're you asking?"

Ed sucks in breath as he begins to scratch the back of his head. "I don't know," he stammers. "I didn't mean to be rude earlier. It's just—I want get this over with."

I stare at Ed momentarily. A sudden laugh builds up in my throat, threatening to burst through my mouth. I tried to keep it in, but the more I tried the more I wanted to laugh.

In the end the laugh flew past my lips, and the sound baffled me. It's been so long since I heard myself do such a thing that I couldn't stop, even if I wanted to. Ed watches me in awe, his eyes wide and mouth agape. I wasn't sure what he's thinking but I'm sure he was confused.

"Wha—what's so funny?" He asks with a pout. I shake my head, the corner of my lips tugging upwards.

"Sorry," I grin. "It's just the fact you feel bad for 'being rude'."

"How's that funny?"

"I just found it ridiculous, that's all. Looks like the Fullmetal Alchemist is a big softie~."

Ed's head jerks back with his eyes widening. Seeing as how his face intensely turns into a shake of crimson I smile in amusement.

"I was just being nice!" Ed exclaims. "You obviously seem upset!"

"That's called being soft." I affirm with a glint in my eyes. Ed presses his lips together like he was confusing his temper. He knew I was tempting him, and was trying to resist.

"Wha-whatever!" He grumbles before turning around. "You're handful, Y/n!"

I watch as the blond marches towards the car with my lips still painting a little smile. It was fun getting him riled up, more fun when his face gets red. I scamper after Ed, my mood better than a moment ago.

We've reached the car, but Ed stops abruptly. A soft squeak escapes when I stumble into his back.

"Hey!" I groan. "Why'd you stop?"

Ed doesn't respond, his back still turned to me. I pout in question as I raise a brow. The car was a mere two feet away, why wasn't he getting in? I made to poke his back but stop midway when I see his shoulders tense.

"Y/n."

My chest tightens hearing how gentle he made my name to be. I barely made out a, "yes," seeing as how my throat constricts abruptly. I wasn't sure what's with him, but seeing how is body tensed and hearing how he sucked in a breath worried me slightly.

"Your laugh," he begins finally. He scratches his cheek while releasing a sigh. "You should laugh more often."

With that he gets in the car leaving me to stand around like an idiot. It was miracle that I didn't pass out then and there.

/\/\/\/\/\/\

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