Hearing Sadie’s reply, Roy reminded himself of two things: he needed to call Havoc by his first name to avoid confusion, and he was now Mister Mustang. That would take some getting used to. But, it was only for a few days, and he could manage that long without hearing his rank before his last name. Jean would have to adjust as well—no need to call him sir while they both stayed at his family home.
He kept that smile as Sadie spoke to him, gaze flicking back to the car with her last remark. Was that so? Did Jean’s letters and calls really say that, or was she simply trying to butter him up? Based on the look her brother wore, he leaned towards the former. Well then, he couldn’t say he expected that.
“I appreciate the compliment, Miss Havoc, especially, from someone as radiant as you.” Keeping his grin, he turned to Jean with his bag still over his shoulder. “No need to carry my things for me. You’re not my subordinate out here, Jean.” Saying his first name was odd. No other word described the feeling. Bracing himself, he followed the other inside. Hopefully his parents liked him as much as his sister did…
Jean. The use of his first name forced a stumble from the soldier, quick to right himself & he could only hope it went unnoticed. Hearing his given name from ROY was ... different. A good different, one that had him clearing his throat before returning to the task at hand. There were people inside the house eagerly waiting to greet the guests. Carding fingers through strands of blond, Havoc made his way over to the pair.
Sadie, to her credit, failed to notice the blunder. With a luminescent smile, the young woman waved off the Colonel’s remark. “ Please -- just Sadie. Miss Havoc is way too formal for these parts. ” They were casual folk, warm & welcoming to those from out of town. She then turned, walking over to the screen door. Grasping the handle, she opened it to usher the pair in.
Having caught up to Roy, calloused fingers cinched the fabric of the Colonel’s coat & Jean leaned in. “ Are you sure you’re ready for this? ” He asked, tone lowered as a caution so that the sole nosy onlooker wouldn’t be able to hear him. Roy was about to meet his parents, was Havoc even ready for this?
No time was allotted for a response before Essie Havoc appeared at the door, brushing past Sadie to greet Roy with a mighty handshake. “ You must be Colonel Mustang! Pleased to meet ya! Please come in, come in! You must be so tired from such a long journey. ” @flameleads