author's note: I've seen a lot of parental!Roy/Edward around, and they're so fantastically written, so I decided to give it a go as well, though this time with Hawkeye. I've adored the relationship both brothers have with her and Roy. I hope you enjoy. Feedback or constructive criticism is really appreciate.

Title: Weep The Night Away
Genres: Hurt/Comfort
Rating: K
Couple: Parental!Riza/Edward

Though, this time, Edward Elric could not contain himself.

When the clock struck seven in the evening, the adolescent doubted she would appreciate his presence. Somehow Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye managed to scare him without trying, a trait she possibly possessed her entire life. To Edward, she was a stoic, hardworking but frightening lady although that didn't mean she didn't care. Naturally, the woman would bottle strong emotions, feelings which tore her insides apart, teased her, made her weep –– internally.

So, maybe, would she understand?

Of course Hawkeye hadn't been expecting him and her surprise should not have held Edward back. A small, hesitant smile grew at her lips, large, gorgeous brown eyes staring tenderly into his own. However, his irises were shattered, sparkling through the tears which trickled down his rough cheeks. More shock. Riza's expression softened which only made him cry harder.

'Edward.' This time, her tone was no longer authoritative. There was no need for her to prove Edward could not touch her. She was not someone to mess around with, but right now, Hawkeye looked so soft and exhausted.

The Fullmetal Alchemist never needed pity, powerful and independent on his own, yet reality was a constant fever: all humans felt emotion, even the hardest. Edward's mask slipped to the floor and Hawkeye's followed, and she pulled him inside gently, murderous hands clinging to his.

Despite how pathetic he looked, how needy he was, Edward continued to cry.

Riza's heart tripped when she realised she no longer needed to look down on him. He had grown considerably fast since his visit at Fort Briggs, and this saddened the Lieutenant a little. Now she could understand why parents would say "how much they've grown" in a reminiscent manner. She wishes he didn't grow so fast, so suddenly, so out of reach.

'What's wrong?' Riza whispered, eyes finding his, promising this entire situation would be just between them.

Finally Elric could speak, though he didn't sound like himself: 'I want... I miss my mum...' It was such a short statement, so sweet, so pathetic and out of character, Riza felt tears threaten to escape. The two were somewhat similar, orphans (more or less), their mothers absent and all they could do was fill the hole with even more pain and challenges. Weak.

'That's okay.'

Edward stopped crying, his heart pace slowed and he could breathe again. That's okay. It was okay for him to miss his mother, to need her by his side, to want her affections. After all, the Alchemist was a kid, a baby. Too young.

'Edward, that's okay.'

And he flung his arms around her, squeezing the Lieutenant desperately, releasing the monsters which continued to grin at his misfortunes and lack of love. Seconds later, Edward scrunched his eyes closed when she carefully held him, not resisting, not ever resisting to this wonderful, perfect yet broken human being. His demons loved to play.

Never had Fullmetal displayed such emotion before her. It was frightening, to say the least, but Hawkeye continued to hold him, like a companion, friend –– like a mother he so dearly needed.

'You poor, poor little boy...'