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—
It was a day of mournful acceptance in Amestris on the chilly morning when Fuhrer Grumman was buried.
His death was anticipated after a long battle with a serious illness, but that did not make his passing any easier.
Colonel Mustang, along with Major Armstrong, Lieutenant Hawkeye, and all of their subordinates stood dutifully at their Fuhrer's graveside.
Once Fuhrer Grumman was laid to rest, Major Armstrong and the others paid their respects and left, one by one.
Eventually, it was only Colonel Mustang and Lieutenant Hawkeye standing side by side in front of Grumman's grave.
"I've heard that you're next in line for the Fuhrer's seat. Congratulations, sir." Lieutenant Hawkeye said, her eyes looking straight ahead.
"Don't congratulate me yet, Lieutenant. They still haven't made their final decision." Colonel Mustang replied.
Lieutenant Hawkeye thought of something else she would like to say, but…...she decided to stay silent and simply nodded her head and turned to leave.
"Riza?" Colonel Mustang spoke before she left, his voice quiet, barely above a whisper.
"Yes?" Lieutenant Hawkeye asked.
"Do you still feel that you would follow me anywhere?" Colonel Mustang asked.
There were many things Colonel Mustang would love to hear her say, but this was something he had to know…...
Did she?
"Of course, sir. I'll follow you anywhere, even into certain death." Lieutenant Hawkeye said dutifully.
Colonel Mustang heard the softness behind her words…
He turned to look at her, each gazing at each other with stoic expressions on their face for a silent moment.
Neither spoke.
Neither needed to.
The look in each other's eyes communicated more than their words could ever hope to express.
After a long moment of silence, Lieutenant Hawkeye nodded and turned, finally taking her leave.
Colonel Mustang faced Fuhrer Grumman again, and laid a single lily on his grave.
"Sleep well, old man." Colonel Mustang said softly, before making his way back to the car to resume his post.
—-
It didn't take much deliberation for the final decision to be made.
Colonel Mustang was officially announced as the new Fuhrer of Amestris.
The Colonel was well liked by the public and the announcement caused much celebration throughout the country.
Colonel Mustang was thought to be a fair and just man.
He had spent the last several years rebuilding Ishval, trying to make amends for the crimes of his past, and restore the ruined nation in whatever ways possible.
All agreeed that Colonel Mustang was an excellent choice for the position of Fuhrer.
Lieutenant Hawkeye was one of the firsts to come to his office and congratulate him after the announcement, bowing respectfully in front of his desk.
"Congratulations, sir." The blonde woman said.
"Thank you, Lieutenant. I'm glad you're here. There's something I need to tell you." Colonel Mustang said.
Secretly, Lieutenant Hawkeye felt her heart skip a beat.
Was he going to….
Would he finally say….
"I'll be assuming my new duties starting tomorrow, apparently. So, at least for a while, you'll have a new commanding officer."
Riza's heart dropped into her shoes.
That was it?
That was all he was going to say?
And a new commanding officer?
Couldn't he at least promote her to be his assistant?
If she could assist Fuhrer Bradley, she could assist Fuhrer Mustang!
Riza silently collected herself.
She would not argue.
"Yes, sir." The Lieutenant nodded, looking down at the floor.
"Tomorrow, as I leave my post as Colonel, I'm going to give you one last order. I expect you to obey. I trust that I can still count on your loyalty?" Colonel Mustang asked.
"Of course, sir. I've told you before, I'll follow you anywhere." Lieutenant Hawkeye replied, a hint of sadness in her voice.
Colonel Mustang wasn't surprised as she quickly bowed and left the room.
He hated that it had to be done like this, but, Riza didn't know and he couldn't tell her right now…..
Until he officially took over as Fuhrer, he was being recorded.
Just to make sure he didn't want the position for ulterior motives….
Colonel Mustang smiled to himself.
It was alright.
Lieutenant Hawkeye would feel much better about the situation tomorrow.
—
The sun rose over Amestris the following day, promising a season of new beginnings.
Roy Mustang assumed his duties as Fuhrer.
Several of his subordinates spent the morning moving his belongings out of his small apartment and into the mansion he would now call home.
As the day progressed, Roy found himself quite busy, as expected, but he had not forgotten…
—
Lieutenant Hawkeye was disheartened to find that there seemed to be some confusion over just who she was supposed to be answering to directly now….
She was expecting to have Colonel Mustang's last order as soon as she reported for duty that morning, but she had received nothing.
Lieutenant Hawkeye went about her usual duties, but silently, secretly, she was waiting….
The morning passed.
Lunch time came.
Lunch time passed.
Five minutes before evening dismissal, a soldier that Lieutenant Hawkeye did not recognize walked up and handed her an envelope.
"Is this from Col-, um, I mean, Fuhrer Mustang?" The blonde woman asked.
The soldier merely nodded and quickly left the room, leaving her to open the envelope before she could ask any more questions.
Lieutenant Hawkeye's eyes widened and she felt tears of anger and disappointment threaten to sting her eyes as she read:
Lieutenant Hawkeye,
From this moment forward, you are officially given an honorable discharge from all military service in response to orders from Colonel Mustang. The new Fuhrer approves of this order and thanks you for all of your years of service both to your fellow soldiers, and to your country. Please inquire at the social office for veteran's benefits.
Lieutenant Hawkeye was strong.
She would not cry, but that didn't mean she didn't want to…..
So, first he was going to ascend to his new position and refuse to accept her as his assistant or…...bodyguard…...or whatever….
Now he was throwing her out?!
The military was the only life she knew now!
She had served for years!
What was she supposed to do?
Where was she supposed to go?
How could he do this?!
Had power gone to his head that quickly?!
It must have, because it wasn't like Roy to leave someone behind, especially her!
Lieutenant Hawkeye quickly and discreetly turned in her I.D tags and hastily walked to her apartment.
She would return her uniform tomorrow.
Wiping at drops of wetness that were gently pushed from her eyes as she walked, she thought about her options.
There were lots of things she could do.
She thought she would be a soldier for the rest of her years, but…
Roy had started a new life.
Apparently, it was time she started one as well.
The military had let go of her, she needed to let go of the military.
She set her mind…...
—
And that was the end of Lieutenant Hawkeye.
The Lieutenant's military career ended with a single letter.
Riza.
She was just Riza now.
As Riza Hawkeye approached her apartment building, she blinked when she saw a long, black car outside, with a chauffeur standing next to it.
"Are you Riza Hawkeye?" The man asked as she approached.
"Y-yes. Yes, I am." The blonde woman nodded.
"Then on behalf of the Fuhrer, please take this box." The man said with a bow.
Riza scowled.
Why should she?
What was it, a sympathy gift?
A letter of appreciation?
Riza glared at the man but took the box from him, expecting him to then drive away.
But he didn't.
He stood beside the car, watching her.
She began to feel uneasy and she walked inside, going up to her apartment.
With a sigh, she opened the door, greeted her dog, and sat the box down on the counter.
She glanced out the window.
The man and the car were still outside.
Riza glared.
What was in that stupid box anyway?
Curiosity got the better of her and she ripped the lid off.
There was a note.
There were folds of black silk.
She picked up the folds….
Straps…
Waistline….
Hem…
Riza's eyes widened.
A dress?!
She immediately looked back in the box and saw a black velvet jewelry box and a pair of high heels tucked under the dress.
She opened the jewelry box to find a flawless pearl necklace.
The dress and the heels were exactly her size.
She looked at the note.
Riza,
I'm sorry it had to be this way. Amestris lost a good soldier today. Although you are no longer in the military, please accept your next mission, for me. I would like to cordially request your presence at the Fuhrer's mansion tonight. I've sent you some things to prepare with, and a man with a car to help you reach your destination safely. You'll follow me anywhere, right? Now hurry up and get dressed. I'm waiting.
Sincerely,
Fuhrer Mustang
Riza's breath caught in her throat.
She quickly ran to her bedroom and began to change.
Roy hadn't forgot her…
Roy hadn't left her behind….
Her heart was beating so fast her chest hurt.
Riza scowled.
Could Roy really not have mentioned something about this?!
—
At the Fuhrer's mansion, Roy had changed out of his uniform and one of his new subordinates stood in front of him, adjusting his tie.
"Is she here yet?" Fuhrer Mustang asked.
"I'm afraid not, sir, but Stanley is at her apartment and confirmed she did accept the box. But I will go and ask him again!" The man in front of him nodded, once Roy's tie was adjusted properly, he left to go check for an update on the status of the evening.
"Come on, Riza, hurry up." Roy sighed to himself once he was alone.
He looked out the window, to the patio in the garden, illuminated with candles, the table elegantly set for two.
"I'm waiting." Roy whispered as an excited smile settled itself onto his lips.