: How to make a date :

Author's Note: This story is came from a silly idea I had when I was still in med school, at the laboratory, looking bored as I eyed at some chemicals. I playfully wondered, Can you make a date? Apparently this story came to life because of that silly random question and despite it's humorous contents, this story is also very heartwarming in it's own way. Though this story is focused on Roy and Riza, you'll find that other characters will also have some major involvement as the story progresses.

(Updated as of January 9 ,2013, just to clear some misspellings and add/rewrote some short dialogues/scenes that will not change the story's original plot. )

This is the very first Fullmetal Fan Fiction, I'd ever made public and coincidentally, most of my FMA stories will be related to this. Whether being a possible prequel or sequel. It's probably thanks to this story that I've ever had confidence in writing so I'm very grateful that I managed to write this and I really, personally, truly love this story and I hope you'll enjoy it as well.

Disclaimer: I don't own any rights regarding Fullmetal Alchemist and it's characters. This is only fan fiction.

~~~ Chapter One ~~~

-The Ingredients -

- Central Headquarters -

It was a typical day on Central. The past disasters of the Promised Day is now finally turning out for the better. All the things that were broken are slowly being rebuilt. And even after experiencing the earlier catastrophes, laughter can be heard outside Colonel Mustang's office.

" Ha! Ha! Ha! You've got dumped by a girl again, Havoc? " Breda teased and laughed as most of the people in the office laughed along.

" Shut up, Breda. It isn't funny! " Havoc said angrily, sending a death glare at Breda, who remained unfazed.

" The truth hurts, doesn't it? " Breda teased again with a wide grin.

Havoc groaned at the look of him, " It's not like you have a date either, Breda. " He countered while Breda sneered at him, " And so? " he replied mockingly. Both loosing their cool, they took a battle stance and was threatening to hit each other.

" Hey now, you two... Don't fight and argue." Fuery said as he stood up and went towards them. As he reached them, he went to the middle and tried to calm the two down.

Havoc sighed and shrugged his shoulders, " Yeah, Yeah! It's not like were arguing or anything. " he started, then smirked. " But seriously... Girls this days, can't see my charms. " He added proudly while Breda smacked him with the papers he's holding. " Is there, really? " He wondered as Havoc frowned.

But they soon shrugged their shoulders and both laughed it out because of the silliness.

" But I guess it is quite boring that we can't even get a decent date..." Falman said as the others sighed dejectedly in agreement.

" Well It is hard, since we barely have enough time for ourselves with this kind of work..." Fuery said and soon let out a sigh once again as the others look down sadly.

Then suddenly someone, who remains unaffected by the problem commented, " Eh? Is that so? A real man can find the time and can handle well with both work and women..." He said as he continued reading the daily newspapers as the others look at him curiously.

" Colonel, you make it sound easy..." Breda said as Mustang replied with as he shrugged his shoulders, " It is..." he said, remaining emotionless. He then turned a page and continued reading, not bothered by the stares he felt they were giving him.

The others continued to look at him with disdain. " Geez, Colonel! Just how do you do it? " Havoc asked as Mustang turned to look at him, " Do what? " He said, still unaffected.

" You, know... The girls...? " Havoc stated specifically as the others waited patiently for their superior's response.

Mustang thought about the matter to himself for a few seconds while he looked at the ceiling. A little later, he shrugged his shoulders once more and returned his attention to the newspapers. " I've done nothing special..." he said as the others sighed, " Then how do you make it so, easy? " Breda asked.

Mustang shrugged his shoulders lazily again, " I don't know. Must be my charms...? " He said without looking at the four, who were still eyeing him with disbelief.

" Hey. Colonel what's the secret..? " Havoc asked, determined to get some advice.

Colonel Mustang looked at him curiously, " Secret? " He repeated as Havoc continued, " There is one, isn't it? "

" Secret, eh? " Mustang said again as he began to mused about the subject again for a minute. Now forgetting the papers in his hand. The others looked at him curiously, eagerly waiting what their Colonel would say.

In turn, Mustang faced and smiled at them, " There isn't one..." He said with an obvious, amused look on his face.

The others felt like cracking up as they heard it. They felt themselves break to pieces and fell to the ground, defeated.

" I merely followed the Ingredients..." Colonel Mustang said with a mischievous smile.

Hearing that, the four quickly picked themselves up and came dashing towards the Colonel's side to hear him out.

" Just what do you mean about that, Colonel? " Havoc asked, his eyes gleaming, both excitedly and curiously.

" Will that really help us Find a date... Colonel? " Fuery asked, looking at Mustang pleadingly.

" This better be good, Colonel. " Breda said excitedly as he leaned forward his desk.

Then Falman repeated Mustang's words, " You, simply followed the Ingredients, sir? "

Mustang nodded and his smile grew, " Yes, The Ingredients... On, How to make a date. " He said, clearly amused at what the four looked like.

He contented, closed his eyes and patiently waited for the group's expected outbursts.

" H-How to make a date...!? " The four uttered at the same time. Right on cue, Colonel Mustang simply smirked at their reaction.

" You've got to be kidding, Colonel... How is that even possible? " Breda asked with a bit of disbelief.

Havoc still in a daze on what he heard absentmindedly uttered, " So you whipped yourself up a date? By using that technique...? "

" You could put it that way..." Mustang said casually as he opened a compartment on his desk. He took out a piece of paper and a pen and wrote something as the others eagerly looked at what he was writing.

" Here. " Mustang said, handing what he wrote to Falman.

Falman took it from him read it out loud, " Magnesium, Aluminum, Yttrium, Iodine, Argon, Sulfur, Krypton, Ytterbium, Oxygen, Uranium, Osmium, Uranyl, and Titanium. "

Then Mustang spoke teasingly, " and on the last part, There is question mark... Now what does that mean? "

The other's snatched it away, and read it over and over again...

" You don't mean... we have to transmute this...? " Fuery asked while Mustang shook his head, " No, Alchemy has nothing to do with it. "

" Just what are these, Colonel? " Falman asked, Mustang grinned and simply spoke, " The Ingredients... On how to make a date... the beginning stage. "

" The beginning stage...? " The four spoke as Mustang stood up and stared at the window, " Yes. That is the first and most vital step on how to make a date... In fact without using this method, it'll be impossible to even start the next steps. "

" And what are we supposed to do with this...Colonel? " Havoc asked.

Colonel Mustang just continued to stare at the window, " I gave you all, the ingredients... The rest is now up to you to find out." He said.

" Huh...? " The four uttered as Roy looked at them and slammed his hands on the table, he smiled before he spoke, " Jean Havoc, Heymans Breda, Kain Fuery and Vato Falman... Consider this as one of your missions... Go! find out this code, Go and decipher it! " He started as he made his way towards his team.

" Let Operation: How to make a date commence." He added.

" Huh? " Was the only word the four soldiers could manage to say before they were shoved outside the office by the Colonel.

When the four was out of sight, Mustang returned to his seat and began reading the newspapers again as if nothing happened.

" Silence at last, It's really quite a hassle to listen to their complaints so early in the morning..." He thought to himself.

" This mission... How to make a date is simply child's play and once they managed to decipher it... I wonder how their reactions will be the moment they figured it all out? " Mustang said talking to himself.

" Thought it maybe easy. It's hard because it's too simple as well... Very ironic, I must to say and there is only one person who knows this trick well..." He taught, then suddenly he felt uncomfortable.

" If she ever founds out about this and those four ignorant subordinates of mine, managed to give it to her...or worse, if those idiots lost it and by a chance it was found by her... gulp... Its as if I asked her out for a date myself. " He thought as he suddenly felt anxious.

" Well, I guess I don't really mind since I'm sure she will surely, no doubt reject it, hands down..." he thought in attempt to calm himself down. However he felt uneasy and gulped nervously again.

Unable to composed himself, he stood up and rush to the door. " I have to get it back..." He thought as he reached out to the door. but then, someone suddenly opened the door before him.

" Good morning, Colonel. "

- Somewhere in the hallways, with Havoc and the rest. -

" It truly is a good morning... " Major Armstrong greeted cheerfully, then looked at the group curiously, " What are you four up to so early in the morning? "

" Oh, nothing out of the ordinary, Major... It's just one of the Colonel's orders. " Havoc said casually as he shrugged his shoulders.

" What is that, If I may ask? " the Major asked as Fuery took the note containing the ingredients from his pocket, " He said to figure this note out... " he started as he eyed the contents once more. " Colonel Mustang calls this mission, Operation: How to make a date..."

" H-human transmutation! " The Major exclaimed nervously upon hearing it and panicked. The four on the other hand quickly calmed him down before the Major do any damage.

" It's not like that, Major Armstrong! He said that Alchemy has nothing to do with this..." Falman managed to say as the Major calmed down and snatched the note from Fuery.

He read out the contents,

" Magnesium, Aluminum, Yttrium, Iodine, Argon, Sulfur, Krypton, Ytterbium, Oxygen, Uranium, Osmium, Uranyl, and Titanium. "

The group was silent for a few seconds and broke when Major Armstrong asked, " So what's this? " He saw the four shrugged their shoulders in response.

" He just said that this is the ingredients in making a date... without giving us a single clue. That Colonel... We're beginning to think that we've been framed to doing this..." Breda said as he scratched his head.

" In what way are you thinking that he has framed you...? Do you have an idea, regarding this? " Armstrong asked.

Breda smiled and answered, " Well... it's rather a hunch than an idea... Since this is the Colonel we're talking about, right? So...someone has to know the trick to this... and that someone would no doubt be a girl..." Then he paused as everyone went silent.

" Are you saying that our true objective in this mission is finding the girl who knows how to decode this...? " Fuery asked as Havoc added gloomily " So that means that the lazy Colonel just want us to pass the message so he could go on a date without going to the effort of asking the girl himself..."

A cold, uncomfortable breeze past by the group as they mused about it.

Then Armstrong spoke cheerfully, " Well... regardless of that, We will still manage to figure the Colonel's secret if we pursue it! "

" Yeah... but... hey wait, what do you mean by we, Major? " Havoc asked, somewhat surprised.

" Even though I, Alex Louis Armstrong, who has been blessed with an artistically sculpted body...Someone who has inherited the beauty and art of fighting for generations, would love to help solve this mystery! " he said as he striped his shirt and flex his muscles with it's sparkling perfection.

" Huh? " Was the only thing the four could utter.

" To put it simply... Even I want to have a date. " The Major said as his face was filled of sparkles while the four looked gloomy. " We see..." they said as Armstrong continued to Flex his muscles.

" My muscles are singing a melody of anticipation! Can you not hear the symphony!? " he added sending chills to the four.

" Well, things seem to be very lively around here today! " Someone said behind Armstrong. The five smiled broadly and looked at her excitedly. " Lieutenant! " they all said shocking the innocent passerby.

" Uhh...yes? Is there something wrong? " She asked, completely befuddled by their outburst.

- Back with the Colonel -

" Is there something wrong, Colonel? "

" No there isn't, Lieutenant..." Mustang said casually as he went to his desk. " Ah, I guess I could let it go... Who knows? Maybe it's for the best... I hope. " He thought to himself as he sat down.

" Alright then... " She said as she made her way towards her desk that was just beside his.

" Colonel? " She started as Mustang looked at her and asked, " What is it, Lieutenant? "

" May I ask, where are the others? " The Lieutenant asked as she looked around the empty office.

Mustang just simply shrugged his shoulders, " I don't really know..." He said playfully, Hiding his concerns as Hawkeye sighed. " Colonel..."

" Well... I was going to look for them as well. Because I send them of for a little mission. It's been awhile, yet they still haven't returned. " Mustang said.

" Should I go look for them? " Hawkeye asked as Mustang shook his head. " Well, It's really a very... simple task. They'll be fine, I really don't know what's taking them so long. " he said casually.

" Just what did you make them do so early in the morning, Colonel? " The Lieutenant asked suspiciously as the Colonel tried in vain to change the subject, " It's just a little errand, Don't worry about it... "

Seeing that his Lieutenant was still giving him a look of suspicion," Just give me the paperwork for today so I could finish them quickly..." He said abruptly, with a little bit of disdain.

Hearing him say that, only made the Lieutenant even more suspicious. " Really..." she thought in disbelief but just sighed and decided to let it go.

" It's probably best if he does do his work. " She thought, as she opened her black leather messenger bag and took out some files, then she stood up and handed a bunch of stack papers to him. " Here they are, sir. "

Mustang looked at them in disdain before he took it from her, " Why is it too many? Well I did slack of every once in awhile... so It's natural that this would happen. " He thought dejectedly as he sighed and went to work.

" I should get this over with... and resist the urge to burn it all away. " He thought to amuse himself as he began to read the papers. He eyed the Lieutenant and saw that she returned to her desk and also began to work on her share of paperwork.

" Really... I don't really know what to do, now..." He thought as he looked back at the papers taunting him and continued to work.

Though he works hard on it, at times his mind wanders, Thinking about what his men are doing right now.

- Later in the Hallways, with Major Armstrong and the rest -

" Now, I really don't know what you want me to do... Honestly! " The Lieutenant said as Major Armstrong went chasing after her.

" Really now, all you need is inspiration! Allow me to help you! Let my Muscles inspire you with a beautiful, Melody! " The Major said joyfully.

" That really won't be necessary! " The Lieutenant said while she ran away from Major Armstrong as fast as she can in circles, comically.

Breda, Falman, Fuery and Havoc could only watched the two, running around while Sergeant Brosh suddenly went towards them and asked, " Just what is going on here? "

The other four shrugged their shoulders. " Let's just say that Colonel Mustang is giving us a hard time..." Havoc said as as he sighed.

" Huh? How so? " Sergeant Brosh asked, Meanwhile the four just handed the note to him. Thinking that it'll be easier to explain if he read the note's contents first.

The Sergeant read it and then turned to the group. " What are these? An Alchemy recipe? " He asked as the four shook their heads.

" No, But we received a mission from Colonel Mustang to find a way and figure this out. " Falman said as he took the note from Brosh.

" The Colonel named this mission, Operation: How to make a date... and so far we still haven't found even a single lead. " Havoc said, much to the group's dismay.

" I see, I really don't get it much though either.. .But still, I am actually curious... " Brosh started as he eyed Lieutenant Ross and Major Armstrong. " Can we tag along? We've got nothing much to do anyway than doing patrols. " He said as the others nodded.

" Sure, the more people we have, the more chance we will be able to decipher the code. " Fuery said cheerfully.

" If we could accept the Major's help we can surely need yours too. Also we need you to help us in stopping the Major's rampages..." Havoc said pointing at the two, Lieutenant Ross was now completely cornered by the Major.

" Are you inspired by my muscles, Melody...? Can you think of an Idea about that code? " Major Armstrong said as he flex his muscles, which is very close to the Lieutenant making her uncomfortable...

" There really is no need! " She said, but was completely ignored. Then she thought of a plan to make him stop. " I really don't know! But I have an idea... Why don't we ask the bookworm, Sciezska? She has read a lot of books... who knows, maybe she has an idea on how to solve this! " She said desperately as the Major let her go and thought about it.

" That is right... Let us go, my dear comrades! Let us go to the pillar of Knowledge! " The Major said as he went on pushing the group towards the Library.

" Don't we have anything to say against any of these? " The six people said as Major Armstrong pushed them around.

- At the Library -

Sciezska was busy rearranging the books when somebody entered the room. Breaking the door, sending chills down to her spine and panicked " Eh? what did I do to make you come here like that? " Sciezska exclaimed in surprise as she cringed.

" Bookworm-lady! " The Major said as he rushed towards Sciezska, not minding the books on the way.

" Bookworm-lady..." Sciezska whispered with disdain, but then shivered when the Major suddenly came to close.

" Do you know of a way to decipher this? " The Major said as he handed the piece of paper to Sciezska. Now as she saw the note, she quickly grabbed it away. momentarily forgetting the other's presence as curiosity takes over her.

" Magnesium, Aluminum, Yttrium, Iodine, Argon, Sulfur, Krypton, Ytterbium, Oxygen, Uranium, Osmium, Uranyl, and Titanium. " Sciezska uttered, seriously reading the contents over and over while the others were watching curiously as all went silent for a minute.

Then Sciezska looked up to them as the others looked at her, eagerly waiting for her answer.

" I don't know... What is this...? " Sciezska asked as she laughed sheepishly.

The others were very disappointed as all their hopes came crushing down.

" So it's still not good... Oh just how are we going to figure this all out? " The Major said as he broke down in tears comically, Sciezska backed out just in time to escape the Major's terrifying embrace.

" Just where are those loud, irritating noise coming? This is a place of knowledge! Idle time cannot be wasted here. " Major General Armstrong said as she appeared out of the shadows.

" My dear, Sister! " The Major said as the Major General looked shocked as she saw him. " Alex... Ah, I should have known that you were that someone making such a noise..." she said as she neared the group.

" I just got here awhile ago... I wanted to visit this library to refresh my mind for awhile. Being coped up at mountain the of Briggs can really lessen your knowledge since all you can see there are frost and violence. There really is not much trouble as well so I wanted to go here and read as much books as I can before I return to my castle. Now that I've said my reason for my visit...What are yours? " Olivier said casually as Sciezska handed her the paper. She read it as soon as she got it.

" And, just what is this...? " She asked as the Major replied, " Well to put it simply, dear sister. It's a message with a hidden meaning and it was given by Colonel Mustang. "

" Mustang huh... I admit, I was a bit curious about what this is all about for awhile, but since it's from him... It's probably up to no good. " She said as she ripped the paper in to pieces as the others grew pale.

The others looked down as the Major General ripped the paper to shreds and let it fall to the ground. " There are more important things to do than this silly games..." she said plainly as she walked out of the room, clearly amused and satisfied.

Once the Major General was gone, The group made a ran for the pieces of paper containing the ingredients, trying to fix it back together. "

" Oh, darn it! I just got my feet working together and later I'll be barbecue'd " Havoc said.

" What worries me is what he'll do to us... I could already imagine, turning us to meat and then roasting... Will I be serve, medium or well done? " Breda said sarcastically as he panicked.

" I don't think the Colonel will do that to us, right? " Fuery asked sheepishly and gulped nervously.

" Relax, guys. It's not much of a problem since I think I know the words by heart now... All I need is a spare paper to write it down. " Falman said as the three looked at him with hopeful eyes.

Then Falman looked at Sciezska and asked " Sciezska...Do you have some? "

Sciezska nodded hesitatingly and spoke, " I only have one stationary left and I was just about to write a letter to my mother..." she said as the others went near her begging.

She gave in and said, " Oh...Okay. But let me write it down to make it neatly... since I too, memorize it. "

The others smiled and cheered happily while Sciezska wrote the words neatly, " Magnesium, Aluminum, Yttrium, Iodine, Argon, Sulfur, Krypton, Ytterbium, Oxygen, Uranium, Osmium, Uranyl, and Titanium. It's like this, right? " she asked, looking at the group.

The others nod as they eyed the pink paper with heart designs.

" Yeah, good job... Amusingly, It looks like a love letter now than a simple ragged paper. You really have to draw hearts... and another thing that amazed me is that you've even copied the Colonel's hand writing. Just not the hearts designs..." Lieutenant Ross said as they laughed,

" Well sorry... I just write like that and It's not really much of a big deal, Sciezska said laughing along.

Then a few minutes later, they focused on deciphering the letter.

- Hour's later, It was already late noon. In the hallways.

" Fuhrer Grumman says that he has a great deal to talk to you about, Colonel. " Hawkeye said walking down the hallways with Mustang following by her side. " Yeah... It's probably about my request to Ishval. I may have to go there myself soon. " Mustang added casually.

Then she eyed the Lieutenant, " Given the chance... would you still follow me? " He asked looking at Hawkeye sincerely.

" I have to, until you reach your goal or else you'll just slack off, Colonel..." Hawkeye said with a small smile. Mustang frowned a bit at her comment, but soon smiled, nonetheless, he was quite pleased that she's still willing to follow him.

When they arrived at the door to the Fuhrer's office. Mustang knocked on the door and a moment later, was given permission to come in.

" Are you coming in with me? " He asked while Hawkeye shook her head, " No, I'll stay here and look out, sir..." she said in reply.

" Okay...wait for me here, Lieutenant..." Mustang said as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.

- In the Fuhrer's office -

Once he was inside, Colonel Mustang saluted and asked, " Fuhrer, May I ask what this is all about? "

" You should have an idea... since you were the one who requested it. " The former General said with a smile. " Sit. "

Mustang complied and sat down on a coach. " You're permitting me to go and change the policies on Ishval, Sir? " he asked as the old man smiled at him.

" Why of course. After all, you were the one who took the effort to take down the late Fuhrer King Bradley's reign and you're also the very reason why I'm sitting here. It's more of a thank you. Besides... with your plans on helping the development of Ishval and it's economy. I really think that It could be for the better of the whole country as well. " The Fuhrer said.

" I agree that it would be for the better and Thank you for giving me the chance to do so, Fuhrer. " Mustang said with a smile as he stood up.

" Wait... There's more. " Grumman said as he took something out of his table and moved closer to Mustang, who sat back down on the coach.

" Why not get your next star? " Grumman said as he revealed a box containing a shiny yellow star symbol, The Insignia of the rank Brigadier General. " You've been a Colonel for so long... Why not change it before you head out far in the east? Besides you deserve it... and maybe even more, Brigadier General Roy Mustang. " He added with a smile.

" Thank you, sir! I am deeply honored by your judgement. " Mustang said as he took the box from him.

" They say that the faster you rise... The quicker you'll fall but I guess you're quite an exception! You did earn it with your hard work... Even though sometimes you let some papers overdue and stack up... Still, you are my young Prodigy and perhaps even outgrown me. " he said as he patted Mustang's shoulder as Mustang smiled.

Later, Grumman added. " I was meaning to ask, who will you take with you? I am quite sorry but I can only ask you that you'd bring only one subordinate at the meantime since we have a lack of soldiers here in Central now so I'm going to have to borrow yours to make up for the loss. But of course, it is only a while till we get back our numbers... So what will you do? "

- Back at the Library-

" So what are we supposed to do now? " Fuery asked as all sighed. They have been trying so hard to decipher the code that Brigadier Mustang gave them yet they still have no lead to whatever it is.

" Man... we have skipped lunch too. I'm starving. " Breda said frowning as he held his stomach with his right hand. He groaned when he felt it grumble.

All of them sighed again. But soon gulped hard as the Major General entered the library again. " You guys still here? Really. Just what are you dedicating your time with? " she asked as she went near them.

The others panicked and Sciezska hid the letter neatly to a pink envelope with a red ribbon. " It's nothing, Major General ma'am! I was just making a letter for my mother! I wanted it to be perfect so I asked them for help. " Sciezska said as The Major General spoke with disbelief, " Oh, really? " Then she saw the others nod at the same time.

" If you're seeking for professional help... Why ask this clowns? Especially, why my brother? " She said as she grew curious.

" Can I read it? " Olivier asked as the group panicked again, after all they really don't want the letter to turn to shreds again...

" There really is no need, my dear sister! " The Major said as he took it from Sciezska and ran towards the window while the Major General followed him .

" I have already perfected it. " Alex added as Olivier scoffed, " You Alex? I highly doubt that. " She said as she reached for the letter.

" I will never give it to anyone. " Alex said as he raised his hand, Then suddenly a sharp breeze pass by and the letter slipped from his hand and joined the breeze out to the window.

They all rushed towards the window and watched the note came flying in the sky.

" My mother's letter..." Sciezska said sadly, crying tears ever so comically.

Then they quickly rush out of the library room and head straight to the Military grounds. Dragging the Major General along with them.

- Outside Central headquarters -

It was very peaceful outside. Unlike before, when the air is tensed and troubled. Now the grounds are being played by a black puppy who is jumping around ever so carefree and joyously.

Black Hayate was happily barking and playing around with a Blue butterfly, when something suddenly got his attention. He gently quirked his ears as heard loud noises to track where they're coming from. As he thought of his destination, he quickly made a run for it, then jumped to a nearby ledge and looked at where the noise was coming from curiously.

The dog let out his tongue, looking very playful and wagged his tail in delight as he saw a lot of people, whom he thinks, with his simple mind, are his Mistress friends.

He was about to go and greet them, when something else caught his attention. It was a weird object, flying with the breeze.

Forgetting the group of people because he finds the weird flying object more interesting, he chased down the weird object excitedly.

The object was nearly landing on a overgrown bush and he easily jumped over it to get the object as he wagged his tail in delight as he caught it easily.

It was a small rectangle object with a ribbon with heart doodles on it. Amazed and puzzled by his new discovery, he went running towards the Central Headquarters building. Looking very eager, to show the object to his Mistress.

Out in the distance, Olivier saw the dog running and she left the group without a word when they were preoccupied in finding the letter and followed Black Hayate inside the building.

- Outside the Fuhrer's office -

It took Black Hayate awhile to locate her mistress since the building was wide, but he soon found out where she is, when he recognized her scent and presence. He turned to a corner and saw her sitting on chair near the Fuhrer's office door, appearing to be in deep thought since she didn't felt his presence.

Black Hayate on the other hand kept wagging his tail eagerly and gently put down the note for a second and barked thrice to get her attention.

Hawkeye looked up and saw Black Hayate wagging his tail and looking at her happily. " Hayate? " She called out, shocked.

Upon hearing his name, Black Hayate picked up his loot and came running towards her. He stop as he got in front of her and put the note down on her feet. Then he put his paw on top of it, lifted it, then put it down again. A silent gesture of telling her that he found something and he wants her to pick it up.

And as soon as Hawkeye saw the Letter beneath Black Hayate's paw she took it from him. " Hayate...Where did you get this...? " she asked as she opened the envelope and took the paper out.

" ... This looks like the Colonel's hand writing... But part of it is telling me that someone else wrote it. But still..." She added as she read the contents.

" Magnesium, Aluminum, Yttrium, Iodine, Argon, Sulfur, Krypton, Ytterbium, Oxygen, Uranium, Osmium, Uranyl, and Titanium...I wonder..." she said as she looked at her puppy who was looking at her curiously.

" Is this what the Colonel was up to? Sending the others to figure this code out... ? " Riza said as she looked at her hyper young dog.

Black Hayate could only let out a a soft whine and look at the piece of paper curiously then eyed the window.

" So this maybe it. But... why do you have it? Did they figure it out and gave it to you or did you took it from them when they still haven't figure out this code? " she said as she petted, Black Hayate's head as the dog wagged his tail happily.

In response to her question, Black Hayate ran towards the nearest window. Barking, as If he's telling her Mistress to look, Hawkeye followed and saw Havoc and the rest searching for something.

" Ah, I see that they lost it then. You found it and apparently took it. Then you didn't gave it to them and instead gave this to me..." She said as she looked at the contents again.

" So you got it. " A voice called out, Lieutenant Hawkeye and Black Hayate looked back and saw Major General Armstrong standing at the end of the corridor with her arms crossed.

" Major General Armstrong... What brings you here? " Hawkeye asked as she saluted.

" I was dragged out by those buffoons and asked to help them search something so ridiculous... I decided to help in order to find out what it all is. Then I saw your dog, running hurriedly so I followed him. " Olivier said as she went near the two.

Then Olivier eyed the note. " That note, or the code rather... Do you know what it means? Those buffoons seem to call it, Operation: How to make a date..." she added.

Hawkeye looked at the words contents and smiled as she got the idea, " Knowing the Colonel... He'd used a joke like this. How to make a date? It really is quite simple if you know the trick. " She said as she put the note down.

Olivier asked curiously, " How so? "

Hawkeye turned the letter to her and repeat the words, " Magnesium, Aluminum, Yttrium, Iodine, Argon, Sulfur, Krypton, Ytterbium, Oxygen, Uranium, Osmium, Uranyl, and Titanium... " Then she pointed the First Letter of each word consecutively.

Olivier laughed, heartily as she got the Idea, " So it is easy to make a date..." she said in agreement.

" All you have to do is ask, and if you're lucky... You would have a date. " The Lieutenant said casually and petted Black Hayate.

" So in the end those buffoons were being fooled... But it is true in a way, Isn't it Lieutenant...? " Olivier said.

" Since you were the only one who managed to figure it all out... Now, Isn't that letter personally addressed to you? " The Major General said shocking Hawkeye, Then she smirked and turned back and walk away.

" I never expected that something like this would ever happened... It's very... Enlightening..." Olivier said.

" I only came here when I heard that Mustang asked for help from Miles. Heard him asking to help revive the Ishbal policies and such... I also offered him a hand although he may not like it..." Olivier said smiling wickedly as she shrugged her shoulders.

She continued to walk out of sight but not before, " Lieutenant... Do me a favor and smack him in the head for me... and It's up to you to answer that question on that note. " She said as she waved goodbye.

Minutes after The Major General left Lieutenant Hawkeye looked at the note in a different light, " What should I do, Hayate? " She asked as the dog barked happily, slightly nodding his head as she patted his head with a smile.

- At The Fuhrer's office-

" So... What will you do and who will you pick, Brigadier General? " Grumman asked as Mustang smiled, " I guess I'll have to count on my aide for that. "

" So you chose to bring my granddaughter, huh? I understand. Who would bring a man anyway..." He said as he laughed whole heartily.

Mustang laughed too for awhile confused, " Your Granddaughter? " he asked.

" You still have't figure it out? " Grumman asked and sighed as he saw Mustang look befuddled, " Your aide Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye is my granddaughter. I was actually watching her from behind every time. That's why I asked you once to let her be your wife. It was such a nice tease. Ho! Ho! Ho! But I was a little serious about it too... ever reconsidered my offer?"

" Huh...? " Was the only thing Mustang has to say at first. " Even if I did reconsider, sir... how would it work? I don't even know what she feels for me and the fraternization law... " He added but was cut off by the Fuhrer.

" True, I knew about the fraternization law... But still, since I am Fuhrer I could try to alter it a bit and let your relationship be, if you two would not abuse it. As long as you do your usual jobs properly and not show any romantic endeavours while inside the work area. I think it'll be fine. As for how she feels about you, why don't you ask her and find out? "

" It still feels like I'd be going to my own funeral. But as the way you put it... It could work out. I guess I could accept your offer and try. " Mustang said with a smile.

" Finally got you to reconsider, huh? So when will you ask her those special words? " Fuhrer Grumman asked as Brigadier General Mustang thought about it for awhile.

Then Mustang looked at his superior and smiled sheepishly, " Maybe one day, once things have settled down on our transfer to the east and after we help out the Ishvalians and their homes. There's still to much work to do... " He said as Grumman sighed.

" You're not getting any younger you know. But, Oh well... Don't come back here until you're married. " The former General joked as Mustang sheepishly laugh. Hearing those words made him think about his best friend. He then considers visiting him tonight.

" Oh, I'm promoting her to Lieutenant Colonel, Please deliver this to her..." Grumman added with a wide grin as Mustang curiously opened the box. In it was the Insignia of Lieutenant Colonel and just beneath it is a simple yet delicate gold band with a diamond jewel in the middle.

" ...I will, sir. Thank you. " Was the only thing Mustang uttered as the old man smiled then he stood up and bowed to the former General in farewell as he went towards the door.

- Outside the Fuhrer's office -

Lieutenant Hawkeye was still looking at the windows. Holding Black Hayate up close to her, they watched Havoc and the rest still panicking in the lower grounds, busy searching for something. She could not suppressed a laugh and her dog looked up to her, smiling.

" I think we should give this back to them... and as well as the answer to these riddle. Right, Hayate? " She said as the dog wagged his tail and barked once in reply as if saying yes.

Still carrying Hayate with one hand, She made small circles on the first letter of every word and added a message. Then she made the note to a paper plane. Then she opened the window and aimed it towards the group.

After awhile she threw it and watched as the paper plane note flew towards the others. Major Armstrong saw it first, then the rest followed and prepare for it's fall. But when it was about to land, suddenly a sharp breeze went by, and the note flew in another direction.

Hawkeye laughed again, as she saw the others failed attempt to catch the letter, over and over again.

She was so preoccupied in watching that she failed to notice that someone was watching from behind, someone who is clearly amused.

" The Lieutenant, Laughing? I wonder..." He thought as he made his way towards the window.

As he got there, he first looked at the window...To much of his surprise, he saw his men running around ridiculously chasing a pink paper plane.

" What are those fools doing? They look so stupid chasing it around... and look at their faces... They really looked like clowns chasing after a paper plane. " He said amusingly.

Then he turned to look at the Lieutenant, who was smiling at him.

" Aren't you the one who ordered them for such a thing, Colonel? " She said as she looked back at the others in lower ground.

" What ever do you mean...? " Mustang asked playfully as he look out through the window again too..

" She must've gotten the note... or someone told her about it. " He thought to himself as he glanced at her. Surprised to find out that she was looking at him.

Hawkeye then smiled warmly at him, " I heard from somebody what you've ordered them to do earlier this morning. Operation: How to make a date? Really, Colonel you should focus more in work, rather than this childish games of yours. " She said as Roy laughed.

" I can't do that. I can't live without doing that once in awhile. Make me. " He said childishly making the Lieutenant sigh. " Really, sir..."

Then Mustang saw his furry Second Lieutenant looking at him curiously.

Smiling wide, he bent down closer and patted the dog on his head and scratched him behind the ears, making Black Hayate softly growl in content and wagged his tail. " Hey, Hayate. " He said as the dog barked in acknowledgement.

" I see you've been promoted to Brigadier General, sir. " Riza said as she saw the Insignia on his uniform. Then she watched her superior straighten himself and looked at her.

" Yeah... and I've gotten the permission to make new policies concerning Ishval. But since of the shortage of soldiers here, The Fuhrer only allowed me to bring only one subordinate with me for the time being..." He said as he put his hand on his pocket.

" I see." Was the only thing she said.

Then Mustang smirked, " And I've chosen you... Will you follow me? " He asked as Hawkeye sighed, " Have I ever said, No? " she said in reply as she smiled.

" Great! And before I forgot... The Fuhrer ask me to give this to you. " Roy said excitedly as he got something out of his pocket. " Here! " He said as he reached out his hand to her while holding a small black box.

Then she took the box from him and opened it, She was at awe as she saw the Insignia of Lieutenant Colonel. " You've been promoted as well! Lieutenant Colonel Hawkeye, it's a very high promotion. Congratulations! " He said happily.

" Thanks, congratulations are in order for you too, Brigadier General Mustang. " Hawkeye said smiling as Mustang nodded and smiled back. " Your welcome and Thank you. "

Then he looked at her curiously and abruptly asked. " By any chance did you see the actual message that I gave to those four subordinates of ours? " He asked. Riza simply nodded in response.

" Well... I guess I could take this as a chance and asked her out. " He thought nervously as he looked down to the floor and contemplate. " Just to hang out and enjoy the night out. " He added to himself to calm down. He sighed and looked at her serenely.

" Lieutenant Colonel Riza Hawkeye? " He started, trying to not stutter due to his nervousness. She notice it but decided to just look at him curiously, " What is it, sir ? "

" With me promoting to Brigadier General and you to Lieutenant Colonel...Why don't we celebrate? Just the two of us! " He said as Black Hayate barked with a frown. " and Hayate here... May I ask you out? " He asked gulping the lump forming in his throat as he waited patiently for her reply.

She contemplated about it for a few seconds making Mustang even more tense. Then she spoke, " I'd comply But what about Black Hayate, here? Where will we go? "

" I know a place were he could tag along... so will you join me? " He said feeling tensed.

After a few more seconds of delibiration. Hawkeye smiled at him, " I would love to. " She finally replied as Roy grinned ecstatically and felt relieve. " She said yes! " He thought excitedly.

" Alright... Thanks for considering it. Shall we go? " He asked and he saw her nod so he then led the way with Hawkeye and Black Hayate following him from close behind.

Then he placed sis hand was still on his pocket. " Not, yet... I have to make it special. " He thought as he held the ring on his hand.

Mustang glanced at Riza, Who was holding Black Hayate close to her. " Yeah... I'm promise, I'll make it something she won't ever forget. " he thought determinedly.

Then suddenly he grinned, " Now, I wonder what those four are doing now? They'll probably be pissed..." He smiled at the thought.

- Back with Havoc and the rest -

It was almost sunset, They have finally gotten the note as they hurriedly took it out of it's paper plane form.

They all read it with open mouth in the end as they saw the circles within each letter, shocked to see the outcome. " M.A.Y.I.A.S.K.Y.O.U.O.U.T. " It spelled as the four came crushing down as the other four laughed.

" Really... Now is this what It's all about? " Ross said as Brosh added. " Oh, man... I was expecting more..."

Sciezska laughed, " Well... Think about it, after all it is important to ask her straight... So I think it's a lesson. "

Major Armstrong nodded and crossed his arms. " I agree... But I do admit I was expecting more too..."

" Oh hey, there's a note at the back... " Ross said as she read it out loud for everyone to hear.

" Please forgive the Colonel's childish request. But it truly is an advice, If you look at this matter logically... That is, if you want a date, you have to ask the person directly with confidence. Again, I'm sorry that the Colonel troubled all of you. Please don't place a grudge on him... he's just like this."

" Well it is true. I wonder who wrote this..? " Ross said as the others looked curiously at the note at the back.

" I know I recognized that hand writing... but... I guess let's just let it go. " Sciezska said as the other three shrugged. Then they turned to Havoc, Breda, Falman and Fuery who were still out of it.

" I can't believe we were drag into this..." They said gloomily as the others laugh, Then suddenly, cherry blossom petals fell on the group, all looked up and saw it fall beautifully as the sun sets... It Lightened the mood slightly.

" Cheer up, Comrades! Why don't we all go out for a dinner as a group? I'll pay for everything! " Major Armstrong said to lighten up the mood completely.

They all cheered up and said, " You'll pay for everything? " They said in unison as the Major nodded. The four stood up happily, forgetting their earlier dismay.

The group all left happily as the cherry blossom fell artistically to the ground. In a way, All had a happy ending.

- Somewhere... -

" Oh look how, pretty..." Riza said as they walked at a park. Looking at the falling Cherry blossom petals from the trees.

Black Hayate was happily following the two and was occasionally pouncing on some fallen cherry blossom petals on the road. He jumped a little too far and fall into a daffodil flower beds and he stood up, Shaking it's body sending the flowers gliding beautifully in the sky.

The two laughed as they saw the poor dog sneeze a couple of times. Riza then took Black Hayate, lifting him and held him securely on her arms. The puppy wagged his tail happily and leaned back on her arms in relaxation.

" Hey, Lieutenant Colonel. Come here... " Roy said as he looked at the setting sun, as it beautifully reflects on the lake, " It's very beautiful, isn't it? " He added as Riza smiled and nodded, " Yeah..."

The trio then watched the sun set and viewed the breath taking scenery the lake is offering them before they continued their plans for the night. With the little black puppy happily leading the way.

- End of Chapter One: The Ingredients -

Author's note: Just a random note,amusingly because of this I actually passed my chemistry test that day. So I must say, I couldn't think of a better ending. Actually I found out a few days later I could, that's why there's more chapters in store for this story. now It was originally a One-shot story, you see. But due to it's popularity and requests, I decided to continue writing it, excited to think about any possibilities this story could lead.

I'll be writing about the Date itself...also I'll be adding, the rest of the stages of how to make a perfect date. It's a random guide, which I only randomly thought about so don't take it too seriously. LOL, but I really think you'll enjoy it so read on! :D

For now, Thank you for Reading this and if given the chance, look forward for my next stories and also this story's next chapter.