Secret Santa 2011 - xXCosplayxFreakXx

Merry Christmas ! For I am your Secret Santa on and have, not only drawn you something, but written you a small drabble as well. I hope to please!
Major Miles and General Armstrong (c) Himoru Arakawa and Square-Enix
Art (c) me

“Miles, what is this?"
"It's metal cleaner General."
"I understand that Major. Explain to me why you have given me this." Major General Olivier Mira Armstrong gave Miles gave one of her infamous cold stares, while holding up a relatively large brown bottle of metal cleaner (it was her favourite as well), complete with spanking new rag to accompany it (seemed to be good quality). Considering the time of year, it was Christmas at Fort Briggs. Which meant that near everyone that lived in Amestris would get gushy and googly-eyed. Yet, this festive season would have no effect of the Bears of Briggs (if anything, their motive would be doubled to prevent any Drachman spies trickling through the border). Especially a particularly strong-willed Major General, that showed great disgust at receiving trivial presents and the likes.
"You were complaining about how you were running out of it for your swords six days ago" Miles responded, saluting his superior officer with a blank mask. Olivier wasn't buying it. If she wanted anything, she would bark at one of her underlings to go and get it. Not give a subtle hint for someone to go fetch. She also knew Miles was well aware of this.
"Then tell me Major, if you're well aware of my habits, you should know that I usually get a soldier of a lower rank, don't I? And explain to me why you gave me this so close to the holidays?" The general's stood face to face with her aide, glaring him down, with a slight edge of flirting that few would notice (since most normal people would literally freeze at the gaze of the Ice Queen or go screaming for sanctuary from the general).
"As one of your Majors, general, and one of your aides, I felt that it is my responsibility to make sure you are in top form, along with any essential equipment. As for the date of it's arrival, the delivery of it took a lot longer than the company expected because of the snow. I apologize for the tardiness, general." Miles finished off, saluting his superior with a poker face few could pull of in front of the alpha female. Armstrong's glare hardened, and somehow, the temperature of the office seemed to plummet to freezing conditions of Briggs. The general eyed her subordinate, looking for any hole in his alibi that screamed, "'tis the season to be giving!". A minuscule defeated sigh escaped her lips, and she waved her hand in dismissal. "You can go now Miles. I need to think," with one final salute and a click of the door, the Major stepped out of her office. The Ice Queen's glare turned furious as she turned to the bottle of metal cleaner. It was beyond irritating; Miles gave her a perfectly valid reason for her to believe it was just him looking out for her, but at the same time, Olivier knew better. Oh, yes she did. With a string of foul-mouthed curses, she picked up the telephone.

------

When Miles stepped into the general's office the next day, he was quite shocked at the sight: his general had a trace of pink across her face, and holding out a small white box (along with the paperwork that Olivier would needed to be filled). Albeit her steely gaze, Miles could see a hint of embarrassment in his superior's eyes.
"Here is the paperwork I need completed as soon as possible. The box contains a glasses cleaner set. I need my men to be in top form. Do you understand Major?"
"Of course ma'am. I appreciate you looking out for me and I will start the paperwork immediately." taking the paperwork and cleaning set in hand, Miles dismissed himself from Armstrong's presence and closed the door. Outside, he looked at the small white box. The reason Olivier Armstrong gave was perfectly acceptable to think this wasn't a gift, but Miles knew better. Oh, he knew better.