01. sleep

"I have a favor to ask, Mustang,"

Roy hated being called Mustang. Ever since she joined the military, she had called him that. Protocol forced her to do so in public situations but even when they were alone, he was "Mustang". He looked quizzically at her. A favor?

"Please burn this off. Deface my back,"

Roy's eyes widened. What was she thinking? "How could I ever do something-"

"At least," Riza said, cutting him off. "I may not ever be able to atone for what I did here," Her eyebrows knit together in sorrow. Roy hated seeing her like this.

"But I can at least destroy the secrets off my back. There will be no more flame alchemists," She looked at him, her eyes filled with pain. "Can you do this? If so," She rose to her feet. "If so, please release me,"

She turned. The desperate look in her eyes broke Roy's already damaged heart. "I want you to set me free from my father's burden. Set me free from his alchemy," Her voice lowered to a whisper. "I'm begging you,"

Roy grit his teeth. How could he do something like that? Ever since he saw Master Hawkeye forcefully tattooed that dammed research on her back, Roy swore to himself he would never hurt her. But…which would her Riza more? A burn or living with death itself embedded in her skin? Roy clenched his fists. His face twisted up as he held his breath.

He let out his breath in a deep sigh that rumbled through his soul. "Alright. I'll leave as little trace as I can,"

Riza smiled a sad smile, her grateful eyes cast downwards. It made Roy feel sick to his stomach.

"Thank you so much. Thank you,"

Roy woke up, drenched in cold sweat. His chest heaved with heavy breathing. He sat up, catching his breath.

He looked out the window of his bedroom. It was a full moon that night. The moonlight cast shadows around the room, making everything look dangerous and foreign.

He swung his legs around so they were planted on the floor. He covered his face with his hands and rested his elbows on his knees.

He wouldn't be going back to sleep that night.

Author's Note: Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read this first chapter! I've finally decided to take the plunge and tackle the 50 themes challenge for the first time.

If you haven't figured out the title yet, here's a hint or two: Hawkeye. And the fact that Roy is a budding example of pyromaniac. Hopefully that helps... (:

Reviews, as always, are much appreciated.