The room became silent as no one knew what to say. The only sound was that of the rain pounding against the window. The Colonel couldn't help but wonder if Ferguson had been messing with him.

"Colonel...isn't there anything...anything we can do?" Alphonse's voice came out in a gentle tone that almost didn't sound like him. Roy was still holding Edward's metal arm, as though there was a glimmer of hope that something slipped by him. But as his eyes gazed over the steal, it was clear he hadn't missed what wasn't there. The reality of the situation made the lifeless arm feel even heavier. He tried to speak but the lump in his throat denied him any words. A simple shake of his head was all he could manage. Cautiously, he placed the arm down. As it made contact with the couch, there was a loud click of metal brushing against metal.

The sound caused Alphonse to bring his head up. He and Mustang exchanged a glance. The noise was too loud to be a normal thing. Roy picked it up again and Al noticed the front panel shift. It had been loosened. Grabbing hold of it, he pulled the plate off. Turning it over, he found a transmutation circle etched into the steal. The Colonel released the breath he was holding and slouched over the couch.

"That's what I was looking for. Ferguson said there was something on the automail that was kinda draining Fullmetal's energy. Something about the metal being a conductor...I don't know how it all works. Not my area of expertise."

"Yup, makes perfect sense." Knox commented as he itched the inside of his ear with his pinkie. Mustang stared in disbelief.

"Well damn Knox, thanks for giving us your insight. Whatever would we have done without you?"

"Yeah, you wouldn't have known how bad his condition was without me."

"How hard is it to check someone's pulse, really?" Roy rested on his palm, still leaning on the back of the couch.

"Well if you don't need me anymore, I can just leave." The now worn out Colonel waved his hand at the comment.

"No, no. I need you to stay at least till we know he's gonna be stable."

"Then maybe you should order us some food. It's getting late after all." Roy couldn't help but grin at the attitude change in the room. The air didn't feel as thick and everyone was breathing easier. Even Edward.

"Lieutenant," Roy glanced over his shoulder. She nodded and moved for the door.

"Yes sir, I'll be back in awhile." With that she exited the office.

The Colonel leaned back in his chair, the fatigue of the day taking it's toll on him. Between dealing with a maniac like Ferguson and then this whole ordeal with Ed, he was ready for sleep. Al was no longer hovering over his brother as Knox gave him another look over.

"Are you going to be okay, Alphonse?" Mustang was certain this had all been difficult for him. The armor sat back and seemed to be thinking about the answer.

"I should be okay."

"I hope you're not blaming yourself for all of this. It really was Fullmetal's fault." The Colonel knew how Al would never blame Ed for his own stupidity in a situation like this.

"I know, but it's hard to say 'I told you so' when he gets hurt. Trust me this isn't the first time." There was a slight hint of humor to his tone that brought a grin to Roy's face.

"Look who you're talking to. I know what you mean." Knox let out a loud huff as though he wanted attention. "All seems to be normal. He should be fine now." Roy just yawned in response.

"Yeah that's great, cause I might have to hurt him whenever he wakes up." There was a knock on the door which by this hour was getting on the Colonel's last nerve. "Come in." He reached up to rub his temples. Hawkeye walked in carrying two large bags. As hungry as he probably was, Mustang was more tired then anything else. He contemplated the drive home and realized he would most likely end up sleeping in the Barracks instead. His bed was just too far away.

oOoOo

It was mid morning before Ed finally woke up even if he didn't want to. He felt beyond tired as if he'd just ran a marathon or something. Rolling onto his side, he realized he was still in the Colonel's office. Attempting to sit up, a shiver ran through his body even though he wasn't cold. Finally managing to sit up, he felt the knot in his stomach tighten which made him just want to lay back down. He rubbed the back of his head, trying to remember what happened.

"Morning, Fullmetal." The low tone came from behind the couch, from the doorway. Glancing over, he saw Mustang walking back to his desk with a file in hand. "Glad you decided to join the living."

"Colonel?" A confused look came over his face as his head felt groggy. The last thing he could remember was the two of them arguing. Roy made a face as he took a seat.

"Don't remember anything, do you?" His annoyed tone almost brought Edward's defenses up but he was too tired and just shook his head.

"You were unconscious most of yesterday. Ferguson had to get one more 'prank' in while he had the chance." The Colonel held up the plate from his arm. Ed hadn't even noticed it was missing. Deep down, Edward knew he was going to owe the Colonel for this one too. Reluctantly he forced himself to his feet and cautiously took several shaky steps over to the desk to look over the etching on the inside of the metal.

"That bastard." Edward's insult came out weak as he leaned on the desk for support. Roy brought his weight forward, placing his chin on his hands.

"Seriously Ed, you were very lucky. None of us knew what to do."

"It's not like I planned for this to happen."

"I wasn't telling you to make you feel guilty." Roy inhaled sharply before he continued. "Maybe you should just take a couple of days off, okay?" Considering how awful Ed felt he had no desire to argue. While he was use to jumping from one bad situation to the next, taking some time off sounded good.

"Okay, thanks" He dropped his gaze. Before the Colonel could reply, the office door busted open. The suit of armor bolted into the room and rushed at Ed.

"Brother, you're better!" Alphonse tackled, knocking him to the floor. Getting back up he didn't let go, receiving a growl from Edward.

"Not if you crush me!" Al immediately apologized and set his older brother down.

"Alphonse, I'm putting you in charge of him now, got it. Don't let him out of your sight." Mustang pointed his finger up at the younger Elric.

"Oh so now you're gonna put him in charge of me, I don't think you have that authority." Ed crossed his arms, glaring down at him.

"Yeah and you'd be dead now, so get over it." A grin tugged at the Flame alchemist's mouth. "And if Al's in charge, you won't be blowing up any more buildings." The comment caused Ed's eye to twitch.

"I thought I already told you, that wasn't me," he stated through his teeth. "You Flame, you set things on fire, not me." He emphasized his statement by pointing his finger at the Colonel.

"You were with me the whole time, when would I have done it?" Alphonse let out a light cough, getting both of them to turn their attention to him.

"Actually I was the one who blew up the lab." The two of them stared in shock at him, unable to say anything. Another awkward minute went by. "Yeah, so Brother it's great that you're better now." Alphonse grabbed Ed be the arm and pulled him towards the door. "Okay Colonel, we'll see you later." He dragged his brother out before they could say anything else.

"Hey Al, I can walk, yah know!" Edward finally came out of his stupor. Roy just shook his head in disbelief. Staring at the large pile of paper work, he let out a sigh.

"I want a couple of days off," he grumbled.

The End?