Date 2

[incendere]

[The video opens with one of the most obnoxious sighs, and quickly reveals the culprit. One Roy Mustang is at his desk at the police station, surrounded by a few piles of paperwork that threaten to topple. His communicator is in his hand as he sighs again.]

Well, well, this place certainly knows how to keep someone busy. With everything that's been happening, it's hard to believe it's been a year since I first came here. To anyone who's just arrived, my apologies. [For being brought here? For not introducing himself? It's vague what he means, but he continues with an introduction nonetheless:] The name is Colonel Roy Mustang. If there's anything you need, you just have to ask.

Which reminds me. Considering the circumstances of recent events, it's been difficult to keep in touch with a few dates of mine, specifically a woman by the name of Portia. [Porter, he means Porter. Which can be gleaned from the attachment of his notes on the Porter here.] Despite being a bit shy, she was quite a popular woman, and enjoyed spending time with old and new Imports alike. From what I've heard, it sounds like she's been going through some difficult times. If anyone has any news from her, I'd appreciate it if you informed me.

[He's about to say something else, but there's a rather loud voice off screen that shouts, "Hey! Get off that phone, those papers aren't going to sign themselves!! What do you think this is, a resting zone?" With another loud sigh and rather pointed look at the comm, Roy reluctantly turns off the video.]

[Private to Lieutenant Hawkeye]

[A few minutes later, by text:]

Are you all right?

Comments

[video]

[captainpissoff]

[Looking a bit battered and bruised and rough around the edges, and completely lacking respect for any sort of subtlety and code work this post might be containing, this rogue right here might have the wrong end of the stick.]

This Portia bird. She like spending her time with Imports out of the kindness for her heart or does her time cost money?

Re: [video]

[incendere]

[Wow, rude, excuse me, do I look like that type of guy sheesh.

But I'm paranoid and don't trust these things, so hopefully you'll understand.]

I suppose you could say she simply enjoys their company. As far as I'm aware, she's never asked for anything in return. That being said, she can be difficult to approach, no matter what your intentions may be.

[video]

[captainpissoff]

[You look like a red-blooded male, bred. Who am I to judge?]

Alright then, let me speak plain: it's been a while since I dipped my wick. Am I likely to find favour with the lovely Portia if I tip my proverbial hat in her direction or might I have to resort to more... valuable means to attract her attention?

[video]

[incendere]

["Since I dipped my wick"???

ARE YOU SERIOUS IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING WHO ARE YOU how do i approach this discreetly.]

...I believe you're mistaken. Portia does not offer services such as that.

[darwinatrix]

...Mustang. If you'd like some advice on your love life, I suppose I can offer a few tips, even to a man as pathetic as you.

1/2

[incendere]

[WHO NEEDS THE LOVE LIFE ADVICE HERE IT'S NOT ME]

[incendere]

Is that so?

Well, I suppose I should thank you. After all, it would be hard to pass up a beautiful woman such as yourself, especially in matters such as these.

[darwinatrix]

[Implying she cares about it.]

Meet me in the cafe near me in an hour. Don't be late or I'll leave you with the check.

video;

[braided_icarus]

A year. And here I think it's a pain when I've been here--shit. If I last another...three months that will be me too. There abouts.

[Thanks for that reminder, Mustang. :l What is this concept of staying somewhere this long when he's spent the last few years of his life back home traveling Amestris. He rubs at the back of his neck irritably for a moment before raising an eyebrow at that last.]

Portia?

video;

[incendere]

I can't say it's been enjoyable. [Being stuck here is not preferable to fixing things back home.] Who knows? Perhaps we'll be able to return home in the near future.

[Which brings me to the Porter.]

That's right. It's been a while since I last heard from her, but it seems she's run into some trouble recently. Have you heard anything?

video;

[braided_icarus]

No kidding. I don't know. Not like we have any control over getting back yet. But maybe.

[He's aware there's nothing he could do but he'd be loath to leave if Kimblee and Winry were still here at least.]

Not off the top of my head. I can look into it though.

[Because it isn't like he's not intending to look into the Porter himself anyway and possibly already talked to Hiro about joining up and maybe breaking in.]

Text, Private

[equinamity]

[Someone is just okay at using the text function thus far--as such it may come as a bit of a surprise that it's the way she chooses to respond. It takes her a bit of time to reply, but finally:]

I am fine.

You are supposed to be working, sir. I have other duties to fulfill and cannot be badgering you to ensure you do so

[There is a long pause after that text is sent. And then...]

Are you all right ?

Text, Private

[incendere]

[It is a little suspicious that she would reply by text, but it's the length of time it takes to receive a response that has him a little on edge. He doesn't push it for now, however.]

I suppose I can't complain. Though, they seem to enjoy giving me the grunt work.

[And that's all he'll say in regards to his work.]>/small>

Sounds like you've been keeping yourself busy. Try not to overdue it too much.

Text, Private

[equinamity]

[TYPING IS HARD OK. Thankfully he can't see her struggling with the technology.]

Because you don't finish the work you're given.

I am on patrol but will be back at the station later this afternoon.

You should finish your work before then.

text;

[sassguard]

Haven't seen your date around, so I can't really point you in the right direction. But congratulations on the anniversary... if that's really appropriate.

Re: text;

[incendere]

What a shame. I suppose I'll simply have to look around a little more.

[Which he wouldn't mind doing anyway. But having more information from others would be helpful, regardless.]

I thank you, though I doubt it's anything to celebrate. That being said, with all this paperwork, perhaps a drink would be necessary.

[voice]

[extirpations]

[That is a pretty sad sight in all honesty. One of the many things he was fortunate enough to avoid, paperwork generally being a thing for other people to deal with.

And Mustang is not subtle. At all. But hey, the information on the Porter is interesting even if he has no intentions of trying to return home. Not that he has anything to say on that matter.]

A year? My, how the time must fly. It would appear congratulations are in order.

[Why is he even here? Oh right, because he has nothing better to do than try and ruin someone's day.]

Re: [voice]

[incendere]

[Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Or something like that.

At any rate, Roy does pause in his duties when he hears Kimblee's voice over the comm. Despite what he had told the Lieutenant, ignoring Kimblee was definitely a case of 'easier said than done'. Especially considering his history.]

I suppose I should thank you, though I don't believe it's anything to celebrate. [Said with a neutral tone as he slowly resumes looking over his paperwork.]

Sounds like you've managed to keep yourself busy, Crimson.

[extirpations]

[That is what he aims for - to be impossible to ignore or forget. Human lives are so short if one doesn't strive to leave his mark on the world then what proof is there that he even lived?

He hums at the reply, a smile crawling unseen across his face. He had wondered if Mustang had been too buried by inconsequentials to notice anything. Such a relief to hear that wasn't the case.]

I do my best. Much as you appear to be.

[Not as busy as he'd have liked to have been unfortunately although there had been ample chaos regardless. He just hadn't been as active a participant as he'd want, in no small way due to Elric's actions.]

Your sniper as well. She appears to have recovered from the shock of her arrival I'm pleased to say.

text; comm tag is "Hiro"

[microbrobotics]

[ That's a lot of information on the Porter... Hiro is definitely saving a copy of that. ]

you know Portia pretty well huh?

text

[incendere]

That's right. I suppose you could say we have quite a history.

However, despite our time together, we unfortunately lost track of each other over the months. Someone as popular as herself tends to gain a lot of attention. From what I understand, she's been rather busy.

[microbrobotics]

no kidding. i never even got to talk to her okay. so if you manage it i wanna know. i'm ...

[ Wow this metaphor is about to break down real quick. ]

i'm real good at talking to girls???

[voice]

[outlawrain]

...Is now the time to be lookin' for a date? We got bigger problems here and you're tryin' to hook up with someone!

[He hasn't read the attachment nor does he want to as he's fairly clueless and upset.]

Re: [voice]

[incendere]

Not at all. I'm merely attempting to gain more information on an old acquaintance. Considering the circumstances, it's possible she may be involved as well.

Besides, dates such as that are hard to come by. I'd hate to miss any opportunities.

Re: [voice]

[outlawrain]

Yeah, y'don't make it sound like it. You sound you're tryin' to go on a date now!