Heart of a SIN - FMA Envy Fanfic [Edited]

21 - Chimera Thief

Arisa pov:

"Good morning, everyone! Here's your paperwork, Colonel!" I greeted cheerily as I stepped into the office. Smiling wide, I placed the stack of papers on the colonel's desk.

Raising his brow at my expression, he said, "Well, don't you look happy today? Did something good happen?"

"Not really," I said with a shrug. "I just feel really energetic today. So, where's the next set of paperwork to be checked?"

As I leaned forward with my hands on the table enthusiastically, Lt. Havoc spoke, "Something's not right about her."

Humming questioningly, I met his eyes with a big smile to which he added, "Yup, something is definitely wrong with you. What time did you sleep last night?"

"Around four," I said, picking up the new stack of paperwork and going to my table. I sat down, pulled out a pen and started on the first document. Lt. Havoc sighed and put a hand on my head sympathetically.

"You haven't slept for even four hours. You're just hyper because you're under-rested. I was scared for a moment – Arisa not getting annoyed at more paperwork? Not happening."

He ruffled up my hair in front and I had to set it right with a laugh.

"I'm not hyper. I'm just in a good mood," I said, laughing at the ruffle he gave me. I then began to work though paused and looked up upon feeling all eyes on me. Raising a brow, I asked, "What?"

"Did you meet your boyfriend on the way home or something? You look way too cheerful for nothing to have happened." This time, it was Lt. Breda who spoke. I twitched mildly but didn't falter with my composed expression. With a shake of my head I looked at the paper in front of me again while I answered.

"Boyfriend? Please, I'm not social. I don't know anyone well enough to have a boyfriend."

Except maybe Envy, I thought and I put a tick mark on one of the okay'd papers.

"Eh, that's true. It's probably just the lack of sleep anyway. You'll be back to normal in no time," Lt. Havoc mused, lit a cigarette, and went ahead with his stack of papers as well. Everyone else went back to their work as well, but Col. Mustang interrupted me from my paperwork.

"Arisa," – I met his eyes as he continued – "it seems the robbery case isn't getting any better. We haven't been able to find the person stealing all the items so I sent in a request to the Fuhrer to let us put you on the case. He's agreed on the condition that you don't do anything to worsen your condition."

Smirking smugly, I rested my chin in one hand. My expression made the colonel twitch, his expression a mix of annoyance and defeat.

Sighing deeply, he added, "And so, under my orders, you are to leave the office after lunch and get some sleep. We can't have you collapsing in the middle of the investigation since you barely slept last night, all the more since the investigation will have to take place after dark. As a major safety measure, you will just be an extra help to the team handling this mission. You are to use your skills to corner the thief but capturing him will be left to the others. To make sure you don't do anything that could get you debarred from the military, Lt. Havoc will accompany you tonight."

His words amused me. I knew he only meant that I shouldn't do anything that would make my injury worse and end up worrying everyone, but these guys gave me too less credit. I had healed well enough and I had a good amount of stamina. The bruise still ached occasionally, but it was apt to say that I was back to near normal – I had even started my workout routine, though restricting it to about 70% intensity. Kicking one thief's butt would be no problem at all.