"Fullmetal?"

Edward Elric had been giving a report on his latest venture when Roy Mustang stopped him, the Colonel peering over the written manuscript at the young alchemist's clothing. Which was his usual red hooded coat and black clothing underneath – completely different from the blue coat and braids Mustang himself wore.

"Why aren't you in uniform?" Mustang asked curtly. "You do know it's against regulations not to be wearing one while on-duty, don't you? Go see the quartermaster after we're done here to pick one up."

"I already did." Edward grumbled the words as he flicked his gaze towards the floor, a sour expression on his face.

"Then why aren't you wearing it now?" Mustang quirked an eyebrow as he added coolly, "Too proud to show your colors as a dog of the military?"

Edward continued to glare at the floor, silent for a moment. Then:

" …………they don't have one my size."

"Say that again? I didn't catch that."

"I said," Edward gritted, "that they don't have one in my size!"

Mustang was silent for a long moment. And then – he smirked. "Oh. I see."

"Not a word out of you, Mustang!" the young alchemist snapped, glaring across the desk at his commander. "I'm warning you!"

"Take it easy, Ed!" Mustang waved a hand placatingly. "I was only about to say that it's not surprising there wouldn't be one. You are the youngest ever to pass the State certification exam, after all. And while that does make you something of a prodigy, it's really not cause enough to justify a personal expense like a custom uniform. So I guess we'll just have to let it go."

"Yeah, whatever." Ed still looked in a sour mood as he settled back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Not that it'd be much of an expense," Roy added casually as he picked up the report again. "We wouldn't be spending that much on cloth."

"DAMMIT!" Ed fumed. "You just couldn't resist, could you Mustang!"