Returning Home (Open to all)

[Greed]

Upon hearing her reaction, he felt he could breath a little easier. But only just.
He subjected himself to more punishment by the rain, due to not entering.
He stepped out of the way a bit, to allow Riza passage.
He still felt he was unwelcome here, and thus, he planned on respecting this sanctuary of his inability to do what was right.

[taisky16]

Tai remained utterly silent throughout all of this. The fact that his commanding officer was right here in front of hiom, drenched to the bone with Hawkeye -who followed him everywhere, it seemed- didn't fully register with him until the 'clink' of Winry setting his arm on a chair brought him back to reality.

As Winry herself flew out the door and into the rain to find the Elric Brothers, he found himself grabbing a discarded coat from a nearby chair and running for the door, seeing her disappear into the night after her childhood friends.

"But you forgot your coat!" he yelled back, swining it in the air within the safety of the cozy house. "Blast, she's too far away to hear me, and I can't run after her with the wires of my arm exposed." Sighing, Tai went back into the house and all but started as the fact that Roy and Riza were still there preoccupied his mind once more.

"Colonel Mustand and Second Lnt. Hawkeye!" he shouted, almost as if he'd been practicing this. He saluted wiht his rihgt arm, the other on the chair right next to Roy. "Lnt. Colonel and State Alchemist Tai Sky here! It's nice to see you, Sirs!" He let his hand fall to his side and bowed shortly before returning his bright blue eyes to his superior officer. Even though Riza ranked lower than him, he still respected her, so she got the gist of the bow as well.

"I apologize for my...erm...current state." His eyes darted to his armless shoulder, to the auto-mail limb, then back to them both. "I came here maitenance." He started to relax. He always got this way with military personel. He'd be all formal befoee he relaxed and felt comfortable to be himself again. That was why he'd gotten the title of 'Albus' Alchemist, after all.

"So," he started, trying to make conversation, "What brings you two here? Risembool is awfully far from East City. Is it the Elrics again? Surely I could help you out once I get my arm fixed?" Tai liked lending a hand whenever possible.

[Greed]

Tai's reaction to his being there was enough to bring him out of his 'trance.'
He perked a brow towards the individual.
"Don't bullshit me, Sky." he said flatly, skipping the formality of his rank even while keeping his last name.
"Do you really think I got to where I am by twiddling my damn thumbs?" he asked, testily.
Assuming that Tai assumed the worst of Roy's words, this would only make him lose his stomach when Roy said this;
"From the looks of this, that's not maintenance. It's repairs. If it was maintenance, you wouldn't be missing your arm like that." he retorted, now seeming slightly irritable.
"I've been around auto-mail for a while to know at least that much," he said, following it up with. "I know everything you've been doing. Of course, it was under speculation until I saw your arm, which proved it." he said, much like he did to Ed, a sarcastic voice with an under tone of 'I got something over your head, nice try, play my little puppet' much like he did to tease Ed concerning the stone. The beginnings of a smug look played across his face, though not fully, this was still no time for such.

[silverviper2134]

"Please don't antaganize Albus, sir" Hawkeye said with a sigh. "You're still soaked and wet gloves can't make a spark".

[Greed]

"Yeah, you keep telling me that." he hissed.
"You of all people should know, I am more powerful in the rain." he hissed once more, almost comically.

[[It's actually true. He is technically more powerful in the rain. If there is any spark at all, he can use it. Even the slightest on on his gloves, or a match. Which he seems to carry around.]]

He turned back to the male, to see his reply to this accusation.

[silverviper2134]

Riza just sighed once again, but a slight smirk made it's way onto her face. "Yes, I know that. I also know that the Rockbell's won't be too happy to see their home burnt to the ground because you got into a fight with another state alchemist".

[AG]

((Sorry Al...I will post after I finish a lecture I have to give on Thursday I should be done by tomorrow...if not then Tuesday))

[Greed]

Roy gave a comical sweat drop.
" 'Eh..." he said in reply to her.
A small, nearly invisible smirk appeared as she said this.
Whether it was to hide the torment that name brought him, or if it was a connection between him and Riza, was not forseen.

[[ Lol. If he sparks in the rain, the rain acts like fuel. Making his fire better, and giving it more range. Remember, air and rain have a lot in common on a molecular level. ]]

[akidasoren]

((It's fine AG ^^))

[AG]

Ed jumped back after Al blocked his attack. He smirked with a chuckle, he had to admit that his brother was getting better. It actually made him feel pretty good to know that Al made a good first move. The question he had to ask himself, "can he do that again?" Ed jumped up went for a kick as fast as he could just so he could see his brother's speed.

[silverviper2134]

Despite her usual demeanor, Riza did smile slightly. "I swear, sometimes you act more like a child than the Elrics" she told him. It was due to their close friendship she felt comfortable talking to him like this. She would never speak to a superior this way otherwise.

[taisky16]

Tai jumped back at Roy's words, startled fully by the accusations. A bead of sweat trickled down his forhead, but he brished it away, quickly gaining the compusure he had just lost. With a semi-stern look in his eyes he glared at his commanding officer, his usual smile now a purgnent frown.

"Excuse me sir," he spoke, trying to keep the hurt from his tone, and managing to do so quite well. "With all due respect, you should know full well what I'm capable of, even with a missing limb. But that's not the point. There are far more pressing matters at hand, aren't there?"

Tai took a step closer to Roy. It was amazing how someone a foot shorter than this 'Flame Colonel' wasn't backing down. Tai was gutsy. That, or just plain stubborn. Maybe even both. He wasn't where he was for nothing, after all. Drawing his voice to a whisper, he said:

"If not for me, you wou;dn't have uncovered the Fuhrer's identity as a homunculus in time to act, now would you?" He gave a sly wink, his frown turning upwards edgily. "And let's not forget that what I've done isn't at all treason against the State. I stumbbled upon Greed by chance and di what I could to stay alive. I befriended him, and before you say anything, I'm not betraying him."

Tai's eyes shone with meaning and self-confidence all the while he said this.

"Besides," he continued. "All he wants is his family back. After that stunt at Central I knew you'd be on me. If you want details, I'll give you them, but you know I'm a man of my word, so I won't belay any info Greed doesn't want me to let go. I'll tell you with full honesty he wants nothing more than to be free and doesn't intend the State any harm."

Tai took a step back and saluted.

"My apologies for rude reactions sir, but I felt it best if I told you the facts before you judged me."

((Seriously, Tai told Greed he wouldn't give the gang's wheareabouts are betray their secrets. I'm thinking of working Greed in with Roy to uncover Pride in public, as well as the homunculi, but he can't do that if Roy's at his throat, so this post is to prove Tai's stil loyal to Roy, as well as to Greed.))

[Greed]

||Lmao. Dude, I get that. But you missed a heck of a lot. Martel and Greed are barely on speaking terms. The devil's nest got turned into fireworks by, Wrath. Envy sided with, Greed. And from the looks of it, Martel is unintentionally pushing Greed over the edge. Since this is totally out of character, I can tell you this. Greed is thinking about just disbanding the whole group, and going in alone. LOL!||



Riza had her fun, of course it made Roy 'anime fall.' Regaining composure, Roy made a comment back.
"I still have you, so I should be okay." he said, honestly.
Tai was reacting to his accusations, he smiled. Seeming more like a smirk.
"Do you really think I did not already know everything?" he asked, smugly.
"I already knew. And if I had any intention of exercising the punishments for your crimes, you would either be dead or in jail. So, don't act like I am the bad guy." he said, finishing up the fact he already knew. Making Tai feel as if him telling Roy about the Fuhrer was just a test of loyalty, or something.
As Tei stepped up, sounding as if he was challenging Roy.
Roy had a playful smile.
"Well, you keep in mind I didn't get to where I am by kissing ass, I will let you know that right now." he remarked, aiming at the fact that he got there due to his actions and power.
"Oh, did I tell you I am up for a promotion?" he commented back, randomly. And the feeling that was there, of testing their metal. Was now gone. Roy had said the perfect thing to change the mood to a laughing and congratulatory mood. Laughing because of the sudden change, and congrats for the rank.
He smiled a bit.

[silverviper2134]

"Really, sir" Riza said, feeling herself flush slightly. "I hardly doubt this is the time." She looked at Tai and gave him a quick salute. Despite being younger than her, she still outranked him. She had to show respect. She turned back to Roy, blushing very lightly, not enough for Tai to see. "I was told we were here on business, not to act like we've been together for years. Unless we are going undercover for some reason" Riza told Roy, smiling despite herself.

[Greed]

Roy playfully saw this as a chance to get under her skin.
They had been childhood friends, and even went into the military together. He basically literally known her all her life. So, moments like this came as a treat.
"What are you implying by that, Lieutenant?" he said, slyly.
A slightly smug look on his face.
"Are we trying to imply we act like a couple, or something deeper?" he asked, playfully.
Seeming to totally forget about, Tai.

[silverviper2134]

The blush on Hawkeye's cheeks burned a little more, and she struggled to maintain herself. "Sir, have you forgotten what we came here for?" she asked him, closing her eyes in an attempt to regain her composure.

[taisky16]

((The base was underground, how the hell did Wrath manage that?! ._. And any chance of Tai seeking out Greed and convincing him that Tai isn't gonna leave him alone until he helps out? I kinda want Greed and Tai to bond a bit. =P))

Tai eased back after all of this. He had been afraid his actions would cause Roy to be furious with him, but luckily that hadn't been the case. He enjoyed times like these when he and his commanding officer compared mental strengths. It kept him on edge, and it was entertainng besides the point. Tai always lost, but he knew that Roy at lease acknowedged that he was intellegent.

"Oh, congradulations sir!" he beamed, saluting once more to the short, black-haired man as they exchanged smiles. "Man, here I was hoping to catch up, too! Only one rank away from tieing with you, and you go and get promoted! How about that! Haha!"

Tai nodded at Riza's salute. He really admired her determination. She was fierce, yet had a kind heart. She still cared about ranks, and this made Tai feel awkward for the age difference between them, but he repected it, just as he did her. An increase in rain upon the roof snaped him back to reality.

"I don't think the rain is preventing THESE sparks," he chuckled, magically seeming to glide just before the two as they each blushed. "You two want me to turn the other way, or am I to pretend this is all in some planned out code you two developed on the train ride here?" He slyly winked once more before reacing out a hand and patting Roy on the back.

"Don't worry, I'm just kidding sir. I won't say a-" There was a sound of rusting metal coming lose, and Tai's other arm clanged noisely to the floor, sending screws rolling across the floor. Wires sparked before fizzlin into silence.

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Tai shrieked, 'anime tears' spilling from his bright blue eyes. "Where on Earth is Winry?!"

After a bit (in which I expect Ro and Riza to laugh. xD) Tai pulled Roy aside.

"Sir. Please...would you consider taking me as an apprentice subordinate? You've got Riza, Havoc, Falman, Hughes, and the lot. I was hoping to join the group. I'd gladly support you. Which reminds me. Reach ito my back pocket, seeing as I can't do it myself."

((In his pocket is a personalized lighter engraved with Roy's alchemy symbol. It's top-notch steel with replenishable lighter fluid and will come in handy in emergencies. Tai crafted it with his alchemy for Roy when he joined the military, but could never find th right time to give it to him.))

[Greed]

"No, I haven't." he said, in that same tone of voice.
"But, in my book, this is a tad more important." he commented, almost sounding loving.
He placed his hand to her chin, making contact with her chin using his index finger and thumb, he raised her head to face him.
"Lets not hide a pretty face like that." he said, almost sounding sincere. For that matter, her being the only one at this point able to see his face, he really did seem it.

[silverviper2134]

"Sir, while I will not deny that I may be enjoying this, I hardly think this is the time" Riza said, her cheeks now burning with slight embarresment. She was very thankful when Tai spoke, offering Roy something from his back pocket. "Perhaps you should see what he means?" she suggested to Mustang, hoping it would work.

[Greed]

Roy heard the male ask for his company. However, Roy had a munch better idea in mind.
He leaned over, and kissed her on the forehead. Knowing the vast amount of embarrassed reactions she would give. Without much time for her to react, he removed his lips from her, and headed to Tai.
"Really now?" he asked, curious.
"So, how does being one of MY most loyal soldiers play into also being loyal to, Greed?" he asked, testing what Tai's reaction would be to such a seriously pressing question.
"That band of people, is loyal to to me above all else." he followed up.
"Greed, is currently on par with what I have planned, but if it came down to it were do your true loyalties lie? I only allowed them to join my quest due to their immense loyalty to me. Hell, I would trust Hawkeye with my very life." he said, not actually meaning to make that sound as romantic as it did.