Lunch Break [[Tag: Yume & Open]]

[Roy Mustang]

It was Lunch! Finally it was Lunch. The full length of the office day seemed like it would never end. Finally it was cut in half by the only time that Roy would actually be able to spend in a day accumulating sanity before he actually had the chance to go home. Lunch break was precious time that Roy spent roaming the hallways since he never bothered with eating much anymore. He disliked breakfast, he hated lunch, and sometimes he felt like he despised dinner due to all the obligations that came with each meal. Roy made it a regular habit to skip the first two and cut straight to the last one, but that was only on workdays. On the weekends he was conned into taking the girl of the moment to brunch, breakfast, lunch, dunch, dinner, and sometimes even all three consecutively. It was an engima to Roy how a woman was capable of eating so much at once.

Today he had decided that this lunch break would be best spent re-evaluating the corridor system. If Hawkeye happened upon on his way through the halls than this would be his easy excuse for roaming them. Eating or not eating during lunch break Roy was still being paid full salary because what was the point of having an hour off in a full work rotation -- especially since he was running the show here. The target of the hour was now the third floor and the fifth hallway, which was affectionally known as the operations level of Eastern Headquarters. It would have been a riot if anything ever actually got done in that section since half the time all the people down there seemed to be out on some sort of "manuever" or even a vacation. Specified leave forms had never seemed to pass through Mustang's piles of paperwork.

Or maybe the piles are just to damned big to even be able to find them when they pass through your desk.[/color]

Roy wondered briefly if asking Hawkeye to limit the amount of excess and "unnecessary" paperwork that passed through his desk would even help the matter at all but decided against it. If anything the pile would grow wider, taller, larger, heavier, but never smaller in any proportion. The thought would have normally caused Mustang to pout in private, but he was still out in the halls of the HQ that he was commanding so he had to remain outwardly emotionless. He had a reputation to protect of course.

[Yume]

Most of them were gone, now. The officers that usually inhabited the building constantly without much of a stop, always busy with something. And what a lousy day it had been, and already at lunch time she had a headache. She seemed to be filling out reports once in a while of the little tasks she pulled off with orders she had been giving. And writing out reports was certainly not her best talent to do. Especially with her attention span that seemed to leave as soon as she was prepared to write. And she was tired of coming across those occasional fools that don’t understand left to right, or in other words; equivalency. It’s not like she met many of them, it just seemed there were more and more around lately trying to prove them selves. A fool was how she put them, yet she always acted like she knew more to others, always unaware who might be the wrong one.

And now, after finished her last small task and not wanted to be the responsible one for filing any reports, she just wandered the halls of HQ, mainly trying to find the exit. It wasn’t particularly easy, given the girl’s sense of direction, though she barely had one. And the throbbing in her head was not helping. But at least there wasn’t anything that would slow her down. And yet another annoyance was the uniform she was permitted to wear. She didn’t even want to get bothered about it, even though it felt so hot and uncomfortable.
How could those officers stand wearing them practically all day? She thought pulling on the neck of the uniform her light brown eyes were drooping, the sign that she was defiantly tired. She just wanted a way out, and to find possible medicine. Anything was better than just enduring this. And as soon as she would reach home, she would defiantly change right out of the uniform.

[Edward Elric]

Wandering the hallways of HQ was none other then Edward,he had been around for a couple of days and decided to stay near the place.He wasn't hungry or anything,today was just a occasional visit to one see if he could hear if anything interesting was going on and two to bug the hell out of Mustang as he usually did.

Hands shoved in pockets,the blonde haired boy passed a few officers who we're mumbling something then burst into laughter.Grumbling something under his breath,Edward pressed on not even wanting to know what that was all about.Probably some joke between the two,a sick joke or just a regular funny one it didn't bug him.

What annoyed him the most was,when people mentioned his shortness or didn't bother to listen to him.Stopping he looked around trying to get his baring's,why was it that they had to make these damn building so big and make so many floors.What floor was he on anyways,the second or still the first.....stupid military buildings.

"Let's see I came in through the door,guess my mind has been elsewhere so just what floor am I on in this damn building.I think I already came up from the first,so this must be the secons floor".

[Roy Mustang]

][I'm going to bump into Yume first :] .... I didn't know your character's rank Yume, but since you said your character was an alchemist I figured that she was a major.][

Roy had been walking for quite some time now, he hadn't seen anyone. The place might as well have been deserted ten years ago for all the people that cared to come to work here these days. As he rounded the corner he almost ran straight into a young girl dressed in a loose fighting military uniform. He stopped in his tracks before acquiring the apologetic tone appropriate for the situation. "Excuse me, I wasn't watching." Roy replied immediately, his tone was courtesious -sp?= yet it also sounded almost dead. He was tired, there wasn't a doubt in his mind that he wouldn't willingly collapse on the carpeted floor right now for the sake of five minutes sleep. After bumping into Yume he appeared to have decided to keep on walking, but than the thought struck him.

Wait, wait! Person -- this is the perfect time to get a full scale report of what exactly has been happening on this floor the past few weeks. Stop -- turn around and ASK![/color]

Before Roy had started to walk to far in the direction in which he had been heading he stopped again. "Major, can I ask you a few questions?" There was a clear smirk on his face, but it seemed to be masked by the illusion of a smile. Young attractive females -- that was the real reason why Roy Mustang had any business in joining the military. Mini skirts, it was a policy that he would instill in the system once he became Furhrer. Judging by the looks of things he wouldn't be far off from doing that either. First it was Eastern HQ and than -- the world. Alright, so maybe Roy was a little to ambitious for his own good, but someday he'd figure that out. Roy had put on a tone of voice that held a decent amount of charm and innocence to it. Hopefully he could get the information that he was looking for, because the third floor needed to be put to work sometime.

Since he was absolutely sure that the girl wouldn't deny his request, the first question he would ask her was if she worked on this floor. If she didn't than he could always ask her if she had seen anyone around. And if that failed than a little "officer hunting" would be in order. Perhaps he would have to find Hawkeye too - just because she had a gun -- people feared her.

[Yume]

Yume had heard footsteps, but she didn’t take time to care about where they were headed. She didn’t even want to think much of it either, having to even just hear her own echoing footsteps in the quiet hall was enough for her right now. Everything seemed to agonizing her even more. She wasn’t prepared for when someone appeared suddenly in front of her, which conveniently snapped her out of her daze. She thought certainly that it was her own fault, not paying attention and trying to find her way out. She didn’t say anything; it was hard to right now. Maybe she should have asked? No, don’t let them think that she was just a mindless girl that couldn’t even find herself out of a building. Don’t tell anyone that might find that an amusement. She just shrugged it off and continued; half believing she was heading the wrong way by now. And how easy it was to forget where she had been before- everything appeared the same, boring colors.

And when she heard the same voice of the man again, she almost reacted too much than she would have liked too. Being paranoid sometimes and on the edge usually caused this, and it had still carried on even in this plain building. At least it was just flinching; better than other things. She had a certain feeling that the man wasn’t a plain officer, even though she felt like she had to of seen him at least once before possibly. And that’s why she was slightly edgy, and aware of everything that she did. She turned to him, face blank and eyes blinking curiously every so often.

Questions…? Wait- It wouldn’t be about… that… or that… would it? Would they even know and how could they?

Several of her actions coming to mind, few of herself slacking on previous duties she had to fulfill, and some of the trouble that had come after them. Some people just don’t take her too seriously as a girl in the military. And she had to go to certain extents to win their cooperation. Not always an easy task at all, and even with her patience. Being in the military wasn’t becoming so easy at all, and it was especially difficult to get through to gender biased people. But it just didn’t seem like a ‘sudden question’ things to ask about.

“And these questions…” She waited for an answer, eyes looking toward his way with certain innocence to them.

[Roy Mustang]

"These questions are concerning your business on this floor. You aren't employed in the Operations Department are you?" Roy asked, his voice tone was neutral he wasn't trying to hint at any sort of conviction right now. Currently he was just looking for evidence that would exculpate her of all the alleged crimes executed on this floor. Roy had never been one to point a finger before really assessing the whole situation. He was in the process of doing so now as his onyx eyes focused on the face of the young girl -- she was definitely looking very innocent at the moment.

Mustang glared expectantly at the girl, not trying to make himself seem to overbearing, but he could have been failing reasonably because he wanted answers. This floor was by far the worst out of all of the ones contained within the white marble walls of Eastern HQ. It had the worst reputation for having strings of unaccounted for absences, that was for sure. As Mustang stood before the younger girl he begun to realize that he vaguely recognized her. She was an alchemist. She was far to young to be anything else of importance to rise to such a high rank as Major. He begun to shift through his mental filing cabinent looking for more proof for this theory that didn't seem so far from the current truth. He could have seen her too when she was taking the exam. He made it a point every now and than to make it over to the Alchemy exams because he found the process nothing short of amusing. After having seen Fullmetal go through the exam, he had started going to the exams regularly again. Everytime he went it was almost as if he were reliving that one day that he had made it through. That was of course before all the stuff had happened with the war. Back than things had still been care free and a bloody war was something of the remote yet very close future. But these memories were a thing of the past, so why would he want to dwell on such useless information?

I wonder if she's going to tell me the truth. The young ones always like to lie to get out of trouble. Most of them don't know though that this is the method that causes more trouble.[/color]

Roy was a patient person and there was no doubt that he had about all the time in the world right now to just stand there and wait for the girl to speak up. She definitely seemed like the quiet type, but he hadn't given her the chance to say more than a few words to him so he could've been wrong.

[Yume]

A small sign of relief lay on her face, and she was mentally cursing herself for being so paranoid. Of course, why would someone just come up and ask her about such things? Why think of the worse case scenario? Those thoughts quickly left, followed by new ones. The officer must be at a rank much higher than she; those questions were only the responsibilities of high ranked officers, as far as she was concerned. Her thoughts arouse on what she should reply.

“No, I’m not working in the operations department… and I don’t regularly work on this floor but I am momentarily staying.” She decided not to just leave it at that. Apparently, by the tone in his voice he needed some type of job from her. And even with the fact that she was perfectly not in the right mood to do anything, with the annoyance of the throbbing in her head. But if her theory about him being at a high rank was true- and more and more she believed that so. His face seemed to appear in a while past… she probably had seen him when she first applied to the military. “If there’s anything I can do, I’m sure I could help out if there’s anything you need.” She stated formally, yet she wasn’t uptight as she was moments ago, and she was a little more relaxed.

Maybe I shouldn’t have given that offer… if it was something that had to be done immediately I would be no good. I just want one way- anyway to get rid of this damn headache. Or maybe he’ll change his mind… But then I’ll still be left with the task of finding my way out of this labyrinth… And it would be easier if I could think straight. And all this thinking…

[Edward Elric]

Edward was about to give up searching for anything in this damn building,that was until he heard faint voices coming from somewhere on the third floor.Rounding a corner he spotted Mustang and another person,was she someone who worked here or maybe a alchemist whatever the reason he kept hidden and listened to what they we're saying.

Wait why should he hide from that fire user,not like he could use his sparks in the building besides he wanted to know more about the girl with him.Slowly making his way towards the two,hands still shoved in his pockets he stopped just a few feet away with a huge grin upon his face.

"Hey Mustang don't tell me your trying to get this girl in a miniskirt,not like you don't think about young girls in those kind of things.I couldn't help but stroll along and come upon your conversation,don't worry I didn't hear anything since I just came up from the second floor so who are you".

Edward looked from Mustang to Yume,she seemed young or maybe it was just his thoughts running away with him again.He seemed to be going around alone these days,he was even more surprised no one had asked him where Alphonse was.

[Roy Mustang]

Mustang nodded, so she might have actually been telling the truth and there was no use prying into the situation anymore. But maybe he could get some useful information out of her despite the lack of interest in the topic. He noted that she seemed surprised that he was asking such a thing of her, she obviously hadn't noticed the rank on his shoulder boards. The military was too careless now, a decade ago people were snapping to attention and actually listening to orders now everyone was becoming increasingly relaxed and laid back. It was something that Mustang wanted to change, but he knew it was impossible to do such a thing. "Why are you here?" Roy asked causually, he noted her offering of help but wasn't sure if he would need it yet. There was still a lot that he had to do, but he wanted to find the operations people himself even if it took all day.

"I needed to talk to someone from this floor." Roy added as a sort of after thought to his question. It was important as far as he was concerned because no one in this department was renowned for their work ethic.

Edward's interruption of the conversation that seemed to be already dying although it had only started startled Mustang. He turned his head to see Edward pulled up to his full height (or lack thereof) behind him. "I almost didn't see you down there, Fullmetal." Roy responded snidely. "It's not in your best interest to strut around eavesdropping, you're lucky that I didn't turn around you may very well have ended up underneath my foot." It was another comment about height, it was the only way that Roy knew how to get back at Ed. He was taking his revenge again as he turned back to face Yume, he had to address these issues before he got distracted by Ed. Mustang smirked as he waited for Ed's temper to flare up and than go off.

That should distract him long enough so I can get some work done.[/color]

[Yume]

She looked up at him, blinking curiously. She was only staying in central until she was ordered a new task to fulfill- or found a new place she needed to be for her own reasons. Her life was starting to revolve around the military, and she barely noticed it. And gradually, she'd learn more and more information about the military and the world around. So for these reasons, she couldn't think of many ways to answer him. She was having little luck finding ways to answer, more and more. She knew he meant why she was here on the floor, which was because she was lost. But so far, she hadn't even found the stairs so she was still on the same floor of her room. And sense the military leant out rooms to state alchemists that needed one; she was staying there for the time. I have a room here, but… I was to leave for a short while, I need to get some medication.

She spoke, however showing no signs of needing any- As if to mean using it for future use. He didn’t respond right away, as another being entered her sight. Most likely an alchemist by means of being here. And as soon as he entered the area, he spoke to the man with black hair. They obviously knew each other, and by first judgment, it wasn’t a strong friendship. And by his question to Roy, a sweat drop appeared on the back of her head- as she was slightly surprised by his sudden coming. Her eyes met with the floor, but coming up shortly with a flush of red on her face. Her face was a little loose now, and she was more amused by the two. But then responded to the last of the blonde haired boys’ question.

Yume. She was planning on giving a full introduction but seemed to be more interested in the two and their comments on each other. She didn’t mean to seem dull, but just distracted to say anything more.

[Edward Elric]

"Your short jokes are getting old Mustang,but at least i'm not a hot bag of air ready to blow anything up".

He grinned then turned to Yume,she was staying here because she needed medication.Guess it made sense since the military lent rooms out to state alchemists,he heard enough while hiding behind that wall anyways.

ooc: Sorry short