Off the Hook - Royai

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Off the Hook

"He doesn't even believe half the crap he's saying!" Edward threw up his hands in frustration, storming off.

"Brother!" Alphonse started after him, hollow clanking sounds filling the peaceful summer sky.

Colonel Roy Mustang, being a high ranking official of East Command, had an important PR meeting about the effects of the Ishbal Massacre. In reality it was a company picnic set at a mass Ishvalen gravesite and everyone from East had to attend. Everyone, including the Fullmetal Alchemist. Needless to say, he wasn't happy about being there.

"If he says one more word about "what a terrible tragedy" it was as if he wasn't a key part of it-!" Ed wringed his hands and let out a sigh. "I really hate that guy."

He wished that he would have left during the Colonel's speech, made a big scene and ruined his day, that way he wouldn't have spent so long sitting in a crappy plastic folding chair all afternoon. Too bad he actually did sit through the whole thing.

"It's funny," Ed muttered, "this is supposed to smooth over upset about the war and all it did was piss me off more."

"Aw, come on now Chief," Lieutenant Havoc came up from behind, clapping Ed on the back, "this is a grave matter."

"That's a terrible pun."

"I know." Havoc sat down in the grass and took a bite from his sandwich. Alphonse sat next to him as Lieutenant Breda, Officer Falman, and Sergeant Fuery joined them.

"Where is that guy anyway?" Ed asked, curious as to why the Colonel wasn't there yet. "Still talking crap with the higher ups?"

"I think Mustang and Hawkeye were going to check out the old battle grounds," Breda managed to say through a mouthful of chilidog, jerking his thumb in their direction.

"Thanks, hey you coming, Al?" Ed called back after starting off.

"I'd rather not go and see you make a fool out of yourself and the Colonel."

"Suit yourself!"




The battlefield was overlooked by a steep pseudo-cliff of a hill. Edward was sure that he'd be able to find them after getting a good look. Instead, he found them sitting at the top of the hill. Careful not to be seen or heard, Ed crouched low in the grass.

He glowered at Roy's back, silhouetted against the fading light in the sky. That stupid Colonel was probably saying something dumb. Ed didn't get why Hawkeye liked him so much, especially since he was always fooling around.

"-wish I could say what I really want to." Roy's voice drifted down to him.

"There's a time and a place for that," Hawkeye's voice was softer than usual, "and you and I both know it's not know."

Mustang leaned closer too her, until their silhouettes became one.

Hawkeye giggled. Edward's eyes widened in horror.

"There's a time and place for that too."

He knew there was . . . Something between them, but. . .

Mustang nuzzled, or kissed, he couldn't really tell, her neck. "Later?"

Edward stiffly turned around and walked away, his face contorted in a mix of confusion, surprise, and disgust.




"You look like you've seen a ghost!" Alphonse exclaimed once Ed had made it back to them.

Edward just looked at his brother before sitting down in the grass.

"So," Havoc handed him a plate, "Did you give the Colonel a piece of your mind?"

"I let him off the hook," Edward answered quickly and dived into his food, regardless of his loss in appetite.


When Mustang and Hawkeye made their way down to the picnic, Edward couldn't help but notice the barely hidden smile on the latter's face. Yes, he would let Roy off the hook this time.