A Day Of Rest

(ROY MUSTANG POV)

Out the window a black bird sits, perched upon a drooping branch of a large dead maple. Its black eyes dart around and then it spreads large, black wings, feathers unfolding and takes off into the sky. It's gone in a blink of an eye. My tired eyes blink, I know I have to work. I glance down at the papers in my lap. Neatly placed, fine lines sketched across it in black ink, a small black smudge on the far right corner catches my eye…how did that get there? I hear the creaking floor in my office; someone is trying hard not to be heard. I hear quiet breathing of the lungs and a sharp intake of breath when a loose floorboard protested against an ominous weight. I wonder who dares creep into my office when I wanted no one? I can almost imagine how he looks right now, Fullmetal creeping into my office to pull a very childish prank; I will then resort to a comment about his height and run for cover when he explodes in a murderous rage. I spin around in my chair my fingers poised to snap.

"Now, Fullmetal what bri-,"

I stop realizing it is not who I thought. Fullmetal wasn't in the room. Standing there in front of my maple desk was Lt. Colonel Hughes. My mouth agape I can only stare until some unseen force drives me from my shocked state.

"What brings you here, Hughes?"

A wide grin spreads upon his cheerful face and I frown. Here come the incredible wondrous pictures of the great Elysia. I am prepared to face the wrath of the pictures, but no flimsy paper is in my face. No picture of the sweet little girl…nothing. Hughes stares at me with his intense green eyes. He remains silent as if ignoring my question before. His eyes burned invisible holes into my skin; I can barely keep my eyes on his but do so anyway. He lets out a long raspy sigh as if he'd been holding his breath for quite some time.

"You know, being in the dark is bad for your sight?"

"Yes I am fully aware of that Hughes, now what is it that you want?"

He walks up beside me and grips my arm, hoisting me from my comfy chair. He starts pulling me towards the door, but I stand firm and keep my place by my desk.

"I have much work to be finished, I have no time for your games, Maes."

He gave me a look only a father would give to his son…a scolding look. Then he then looked at the floor smiling, eyes closed and shaking his head in disappointment? Grief? I don't know. Then he looked at me closely and with a soft smile he said,

"Sometimes you need a break in order to work."

"Knowing you, I am not sure I believe that."

A soft chuckle and he pats my back, hard, forcing me forward to the door. I grunt a little loosing my balance a bit at the sudden force and turn a glare at him.

"Yes, well, knowing you, Roy, you'd work forever and never take a break."

I open my mouth to disagree, but no words form. Just silent air flows from my mouth. He is right…I do over work myself. But without work there would be no pay and without pay there'd be no life. Suddenly I found myself being shoved out the door and into the bright hallway. The lights blinded me and burned my eyes. I blinked a few times until my pupils decreased in size to endure brighter light. Lt. Colonel Hughes drags me into the Mess Hall and shoves me down into a seat. I glance around, no one is here. I glance at the large clock on the wall and it reads midnight.

I should be sleeping but I have much to do. My nostrils suddenly fill with a warm chocolate smell. I look down at the table away from the clock and see a white mug placed in front of me with a brown liquid inside. Steam rises from its warm contents. Hughes sits next to me with a mug of his own and takes a sip after blowing cool air onto the hot liquid. I on the other hand don't bother and take a sip. I sputter after the liquid scorched my tongue and lip, waving my hand in front of my mouth in order to create a cool wind and tears bordered my eyes from the stinging pain.

"You know, it is hot chocolate…hot meaning not cool. Blow on it before trying it."

"Why am I even here? I have papers to sign and missions to be handed out."

"Trust me, have a sip after you blow on it of course."

I shrug and with a sigh of reluctance I blow across the top of the mug creating small vertical waves in my drink. I take a sip savoring the delicious taste of warm liquefied chocolate. I swallow feeling the warmth sink down my throat to my gut. Suddenly after drinking over half of the hot chocolate in my mug I began feeling calm…sleepy almost and very much content. How can one drink make one feel so…good?

"Hughes, what did you put into this drink? Sleeping pills?"

"Nope…oh and it isn't the drink. It is the break that is making you realize how tired you are and clearing your mind. Everyone needs a break once in a while you know."

Despite myself I smile. I drink the rest of my warm drink and place it with a clank onto the tabletop. My eyes droop and I find it hard to focus. Maybe all I need is a rest. Looking back up I find myself alone. The mugs gone and Hughes nowhere to be seen. I slowly stand from my warm seat and walk out of the mess hall.

After driving home I arrive in my room. I drop onto the large queen size bed like a dead person. With my feet I kicked off my boots and then threw off my blue jacket. Leaving the rest of my uniform on I listen to the sound of the whistling wind out my window and the soft creaks of the house settling.

Maybe Hughes is right…rest. Without my consent my eyes close and everything becomes dark, black even. My body slowly warms and my eyes feel like they're being glued shut…they probably are, but I won't know until morning because I am much too tired to move an inch.

In order to function one needs rest…I read that in a book once, though I never paid attention to the significant meaning in that small sentence. I smile slightly and just before sleep takes me I think; rest is the key to brilliant performance. Then everything fades and my thoughts become nothing and I drift into a deep and much needed slumber.

END-

This is my very first story...I hope you enjoyed it. My future stories will be much better than this(I hope)LOL.