Their bodies fall back into their mattress as Roy held her close. He words of love and admiration were on his lips as he drifted out of consciousness. Riza was always taken by how peaceful Roy looked as he slept. Despite the many worries in their lives that caused many ceases and lines on his face, such details seemed to disappear as he slept. His grip around her seemed to tighten as her husband drifted further asleep. She normally didn't face him, but on this particular night, she decided to try something different. As always her thoughtful brandy eyes scanned over the man that held her. Her hues traveled along his side where she could clearly see the hues of pink that scarred his side. She thought she has lost him on that night, and Riza could still feel the tints of guilt for not having more faith in him. Trying to push out of the thoughts of her mind, she pressed the palm of her hand against his scar. It's leathery texture was quite the contrast with this surrounding tan flesh.
Her thoughts traveled to her husbands hands. Her own hand that was rested against his side now traveled behind her. Pull ing gently was quite difficult, but she managed to loosen his grip and rested his palm against her cheek. The pads of her fingers could still feel the remains of the transmutation Roy craved into his hand and the vertical gashes that now stood out. Such tragic memories were connected to his scars, and a constant reminder of her inability to protect the man she loved. In those instances, Riza was so afraid of losing him not only because his death would symbolize her failure to keep him safe, but what would her life mean if he wasn't in it. Roy for years gave the blonde a reason to wake up each morning when she knew she didn't deserve to. He brought purpose to her existence, and that was something she could never repay him for. "I love you." she whispered bring his hand to her lips.
She felt his hand travel along her back to her shoulder where own scar began. Her focus returned to his face. She could see the bits of sadness in his dark eyes. It seemed their minds drifted back to that day when he burned her back. "I should have been stronger." he spoke quietly, his digits still hovering over her scar tissue. Riza could see there was more she wanted to say, but instead, his hands traveled across her shoulders once more to rest against her neck. The scar on her neck was nearly invisible now, but Roy would always know its exact location. "I should have protected you." Those memories would never leave her husband's mind and she understand why he couldn't. She never would. "But I am here now." she reminded him with a soft smile. Riza wasn't sure on what she could say to ease his fears, but she hoped just knowing she would always be by his side would be enough.
"I can't lose you, either of you." his free hand rested against her stomach. A few weeks before the couple discovered Riza was pregnant and so many things began to collect in both their minds. But despite their fears the blonde knew everything would be okay. Roy was her husband now, no restrictions, limitations or fears could hold them back now. For the first time in their lives there was peace, and Riza would be sure that nothing would disrupt such tranquility. "everything is fine" she cooed him placing a kiss to his lips, "You have more important things to focus on." He chuckled bringing his wife in close, "You're my everything Riza, and nothing will change that. Not even a group of adult men throwing temper tantrums about their opinions." She couldn't help but to smile wider from his comment. "I love you." she repeated.
"I love you too."
Scars, both Riza and her husband had plently, but they didn't allow such physical trademarks define them as people. There were daily reminders of survival and to be grateful to be alive.