Fire and Ice - Recovery IP

Noticing that both men were her own co-workers, Ari smiled softly. "You know, you don't need to fuss over me." She commented loudly to gain everyone's attention. "I'm just a secretary that belongs behind a desk and not in a hospital bed."

This had startled the sleeping officer and he now sat wide awake staring at his secretary before clearing his throat and trying to regain a composed look. "Well, since there aren't any side effects from whatever they drugged you with, I suppose I could allow you back to the office. Though, seeing as you also had a couple of broken ribs, you should stay here for a few more days. I'll see to it that your work will be waiting for you when you return." Mustang explained calmly, trying not to laugh at the look of disgust on the young woman's face.

"That's a new low, Colonel, even for you." Ari snapped. "I'm perfectly capable of getting up and performing alchemy as well as doing my paperwork!"

"I'd have to agree with the Colonel, Major, it's just easier for you to stay here and get better than to risk a complication. Besides, I'll come by and visit every day after I'm done at the office." Havoc offered after getting the phone number of the nurse he had been talking (more like flirting) with.

"No thanks. You wouldn't really be visiting me, Havoc, as much as you would be chasing after every cute nurse you happen to meet, Havoc." Ari commented quietly. "Also, by the time you get out of the office, visiting hours will be over."

After a couple minutes of silence in the room, Roy began laughing. "You've already got your sense of humor back. Trust me, Leroux, you'll be back to work soon enough. Just enjoy a break from your paperwork for a while."

"Besides, Ari, if you push yourself to the brink of exhaustion every day doing paperwork and running it all over headquarters, your ribs won't heal properly." Havoc agreed. "Anyways, since you're up we better get going. Visiting hours will be ending soon."

"Right, I'll just get the car ready." Havoc responded with a wave as he headed out of the room.

"There's a reason you sent him ahead." Ari declared, grimacing slightly as she sat up.

"Observant as always." Roy chuckled. "Just relax some, Ari. I'm only returning something." That was when he pulled a silver bracelet with a single small charm on it out of his pocket, it had been found at Ari's house, broken. "While you were still unconscious, I had Hawkeye get this fixed for you."

When the bracelet was offered to her, Ari took it and placed it back on her wrist. "Thanks... I was hoping it fell into the right hands. I figured if I left it behind you'd know I didn't leave willingly." She sighed. "Now, if you don't mind, you should be back at your desk doing the work you won't let me do. Also, I intend to go home tomorrow, if the doctor allows it."

"Always rebellious, aren't you?" The tall man sighed resignedly, he didn't even understand why the young woman's attitude made him feel relieved. "You haven't changed one bit since Euda first introduced us." It was then that Roy began to leave the room. "I'm responsible for you whether you like it or not. Your sister wished for me to act as your caretaker and I am also your commanding officer."

"You have no right to bring up my sister's wishes, Colonel! She may have left me to your care without stating an age at which I'd be released completely from your care but I'm plenty old enough to take care of myself." Ari reminded sharply, trying to act offended even though she had started to accept the fact she wouldn't be able to escape from her commanding officer's sudden claim of responsibility.

"I'll stop by tomorrow to see how you're doing. Get some rest, Ari." With that Roy left the room, nodding to the blonde uniformed woman standing outside the room.

"I'll keep guard until Havoc comes tomorrow." The woman whispered. "Though, with how they let Leroux go so easily, I don't think she was their original target."

"Talk to Leroux tomorrow about it. I have a feeling she'll be more willing to speak with you than me right now, Hawkeye." With that, Roy left the hospital, wondering why it irritated him that his secretary seemed to be avoiding him.