CHAPTER 1 - "My Beloved Taisa"

A/N: Hey, guys! So, this is my VERY first fanfic ever. Based off of the anime Fullmetal Alchemist, and my favorite character, Riza Hawkeye. I also added another character who plays Riza's little sister. Please READ and REVIEW. If you guys have any criticism or suggestions on how I can improve this story, it's very much appreciated. So, without further delay… Chapter 1 of Vulnerable.

I had cradled him in my arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Taisa... taisa..." I weeped. This was it. My beloved Colonel was slipping away. After YEARS of my protection, he had gotten himself to this point. No. I had gotten him to this point. He had lost too much blood. He looked more pale wth each tear drop from me that had fallen on his face.

"R-Riza..." Colonel whispered.

My head shot up as soon as he said my name.

"Colonel...?" I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. He chuckled lightly.

"Riza," he said. "I ordered you to call me by my name when we're alone... didn't I...?"

I sobbed and caressed his pale face as I said "R-Roy..." He smiled that gentle, caring smile. "That's better."

I hugged him gently.

Never wanting to let go.

"Riza... t-thank you..."

I pulled away.

"For what," I asked, staring deeply into his eyes.

"For... protecting me... it... means... the world to... me..."

"Col-Roy... Don't you die on me... Please..." I begged as I hugged him again.

"R-Riza... There's... something I've... been meaning to tell you for a while now."

"What is it, Roy?"

He spoke, but I didn't catch it.

I read his lips.

I love you.

His eyes slowly, slowly began to close. As they close... his solemn face begins to turn into a smile.

"Roy? Roy!" No response.

"No... no, please... Roy, come on. Wake up," I begged. Nothing.

It can't be. Please, dear Lord, don't take him from me now.

I promised. I SWORE to protect him, till the end, even if it cost me my life. Not the other way around. That was it. Roy Stafford Mustang, Colonel, my beloved Taisa... was gone.

That's when I couldn't take it anymore.

I screamed at the top of my lungs, and I didn't care who heard me.

"Taisa... taisa... please come back to me," I sobbed as I rocked Roy back and forth in my arms.

Just then, I felt a hand on my shoulder. My head shot up, and my best friend, second Lieutenant Rebecca, smiled sadly with tears in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Riza..."

Tears were flowing endlessly from my eyes as I threw my arms around my best friend. "Taisa... taisa...taisa..." I weeped over and over as Rebecca sobbed, whispering comforting words in my ear.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

The tears wouldn't stop. These never-ending, overflowing salty tears practically have a mind of their own. Neither would Rebecca's. After what had seemed like DAYS, I had finally composed myself, and Rebecca offered to drive me home. My eyes were soulless, my entire expression was as if I had seen a ghost. The ride home was eerily silent. Becky was driving and said, "So I hear your little sister is coming back from Liore." That's right. My younger sister Charlotte visited Roze-chan and is coming back today. Becky sighed sadly. "At least TRY to put on a good face for Charlie, huh?" I nodded, smiling sadly.

Minutes later, we were at my house. I hugged Becky and thanked her. "If you need me, I'm just a phone call away," she said. I nodded. "Thanks for everything, Becky." She nodded. "Anytime, Ri." Becky drove away. As I turn to open my door, I hear giggling and barking. Who was with Hayate? It sounded like a young girl.

"H-Hayate, cut it out already!" the girl exclaimed.

Wait. That voice. She's here already? She came here on her own? I opened the door and smiled at the sight before me. My 17 year old sister, Charlotte was on the living room floor, with Hayate licking her face happily. Charlie giggled.

"Hayate, hehe! S-Stop, that t-tickles!" I sighed. "At ease, Hayate." Hayate jumped off of Charlie. She stood up and smiled widely.

"Nee-san!" she exclaimed as she ran over and hugged me. I chuckled softly and kissed her head. "Hey, Charlie." She gently kissed my cheek and folded her hands behind her back, smiling.

"How are you here so early? I... thought you said you weren't coming till six."

"Hughes-san dropped me off. YOU were supposed to pick me up, but you didn't show, so I had to grab the key under the mat," Charlie replied glaring. I raised my hands defensively.

"You could've called me," I shot back.

"You weren't answering your cell," she replied pouting. I sighed, frustrated with myself and ran a hand through my hair. "Sorry."

Charlie walked over to me. "Did... something happen... today that's got you so... out of it... Nee-san...?"

I took a deep breath, composing myself. "Colonel... Mustang was... shot to death... today..." I said softly. Charlie gasped I. horror and her hand flew to her mouth. "Nee-san..." she said as she hugged me softly. I took another deep breath, forcing my tears not to come out. I couldn't cry. I wanted to stay strong, now that my sister was here. Yeah, right, I thought. Impossible. As of today... I, Riza Hawkeye... have reached my breaking point.

A/N: So, there you have it! Hope you guys liked it! What d'you guys think of Charlie? Please REVIEW. I'm in the process of writing the next chapter, since Spring Break just started, so yeah. Look forward to it, and thanks again.