A/N: I admit I have very little knowledge regarding the ways of the military - its laws, its rank promotions, its general logistics - so if there are any and all inconsistencies in this fic, I will have to apologise. I realise that I may be bending several if not many military regulations or whatnot, but I hope you can understand that this is a work of fiction and no way totally represents reality. Also, I don't know which country or nation Amestris is modeled after so, again, I apologise if you spot numerous errors in my representation of it. I own nothing, just my imagination and immense love for RoyAi (far too immense that it hurts my heart if I don't see them happy after everything they have been through, my poor bebiiis). And also, I tend to write sucky summaries so I apologise (once more, yes) if you can't see where this fic is going just yet. It'll be RoyAi centered with a sprinkle of our favoured characters here and there, along with future RoyAi babies. Just overall romance and family fluff (and future lemony snickies). I admit I don't have an outline for this (like with any of my other chaptered works), just general plot bunnies that I shall try to sew together the best I can. I would be grateful if you let me know what you think. Thank you! x
It wasn't particularly frequent that she was summoned to her grandfather's office. Whenever there was an issue that remotely concerned her, Riza would always be called to his home. That has always been the situation even before he became Führer of Amestris shortly after the demise (or should she say defeat?) of King Bradley. It had almost been six months since then.
Whatever Grumman has up his sleeve that morning, Riza was hard-pressed to be suspicious but she chose not to colour her feelings prior to the actual meeting so she could remain neutral when it happened.
The lieutenant saluted her grandfather and held her stance even after he ordered his attendants and secretaries to vacate the room when he was made known of Riza's presence. Riza didn't wait for a command to relax her stature once they were alone in the vast office.
"Have you been well, my dear?" Grumman greeted with a warm smile as he stood from his desk chair.
Riza shifted her balance from one foot to another. The last time she was here, she was Bradley's hostage and she couldn't help but recall the feeling of dread even if the threat has long been vanquished. "Well as can be despite the numerous work, Grandfather. Might I inquire regarding the reason you called for me?"
"Always direct to the point like your mother…" he smirked, turning from her to face the window.
"Grandpa. We're in the middle of work. This is not the time nor the place to be reminiscing," she muttered then crossed her arms.
A chuckle escaped the aged man's lips and he pointed vaguely to the highest stack of papers on his desk, beckoning his granddaughter to check them. He reclaimed his seat on his chair and watched Riza as she went through the stack of documents. From an outsider's point of view, her facial expression did not change. However, he was kin and he knew where to look to see the manifestations of Riza's emotions.
"I..I don't understand? Promotion requests? For myself?"
Grumman sat back against the plush chair and nodded, pushing back his glasses to his nose bridge. "Before you jump to any conclusions, no I did not make them. Mustang sure as hell didn't. No one that has worked with you did. It's all the council."
"But why?"
A sly smile coloured his grandfather's face and Riza wasn't sure whether he was amused at her and her reactions or at the general situation that she was in now. Or the council that initiated what was sitting before her.
"The military council has simply seen your efforts and deemed that your rank is not at all representative of such," he answered simply.
Hawkeye narrowed her eyes at her grandfather and took the seat before her, the gaze of her eyes vivid with suspicion at the papers that she perused earlier. "That can't only be the reason."
"Of course not."
"Grandpa."
Sighing in amusement, Grumman bit back a chuckle and decided to spare his granddaughter the prolonged misery of ambiguity. Once he schooled his expressions back into place, he steepled his fingers under his chin and looked at Riza seriously.
"The reason is true. All of the past promotions you have declined since you felt it more useful to be Mustang's adjutant until he reaches his goal. With the rate of everything before, you could very well be a rank below him since your work has almost matched his, if not surpassed it. We know you are half of the brains of any undertaking he has done and the council has long realized that. It frustrates them so that you are being limited to your rank when you could be more useful to the country if your rank is a bit higher."
"But—" she started but she was cut off by Grumman's hand being held up.
"But nothing. I know it's some sort of unspoken pact between you and Mustang to have you watch his back until he becomes the leader of this country but we're close to achieving that once my reign is over. And no one is stupid enough to prohibit you from protecting Roy if need be. While accepting the promotion will certainly change work dynamics, who's to say your future team and his can't collaborate?"
Riza was silent for a moment before she looked towards Grumman once more. "Say I accept the council's proposition… Isn't it a superfluous leap from my current rank to…" The first lieutenant paused and skimmed over the cover page of the documents. "Colonel?"
"Well, that's not my decision. It's the council's and they deemed it proper. Also, it's the council and they get to do what they want. I merely have the final say on most of the things they decide on," he shrugged.
The uncertainty on Riza's face was not lost on her grandfather and he sighed softly, reaching over to tip her chin upwards. "If it's any consolation, you are not the only one they are promoting…superfluously."
Riza blinked several times before pursing her lips. "What did the council eat recently?"
Grumman allowed himself a snort and a quick laugh. "They merely are revamping themselves in order to purge the corruption that has long plagued this country's government. With the stick pulled out from their arses, it's now possible for them to give credit to where and whom they are due. You are one of them, my dear."
"I need time to think about this."
The Führer pulled back and sipped his tea. "It's a luxury that you can't have, unfortunately. I'm signing these documents tomorrow."
Riza's eyes widened a fraction and she scowled at her grandfather. "And you choose to tell me 24 hours prior?!"
A cocky, unapologetic smile was offered as an answer.
"Grandfather!"
"Now, now, Riza. Think about the implications of such in the long run. You will be having a team of your own and will be able to do more than just babysit Mustang. Mustang will be the head of this country, which will promote him to the highest rank and you need to be at his heels if you wish to support him better. It's not going to take long, like I said. You will be back in each other's arms before you know it. And this time, legally."
Riza rolled her eyes dramatically, already used to the jibes Grumman has regarding her and Roy's relationship with each other. "For the last time, Grandpa, we're not—"
"Sure, yeah. Whatever."
Clicking her tongue, Riza eyed Grumman in exasperation. "Might I remind His Excellency that fraternization laws are in place in this military and—"
"So? Your relationship with Mustang has been a candidate for court martial especially when Bradley held office but no one can produce substantial evidence of abuse of rank or coercions or personal gain. In the eyes of that military law, you and himself are not violating anything thus far. But agree to the promotion to be safe. With you out of his command, you can properly be together. Also, I want great-grandchildren soon," he quipped.
"Grandfather!"
Grumman chuckled, clearly amused at his granddaughter's discomfort and the blush creeping from her face to what was exposed of her neck. "It's true! I want little kids to tell stories of how I blew up a train, among other tales. You'll let me babysit, right?"
Riza closed her eyes and let out a huff of exasperation. "You are jumping the gun, Grandpa."
"Funny that," he hummed. "He told me the same thing when I told him to marry my granddaughter so she can become the First Lady of Amestris."
Her irk was evident in her face now and she wasn't even exerting any effort hiding it. "When did you…? God, it doesn't even matter now. I guess it's true that the older one becomes, the less of a brain-to-mouth filter one has."
Grumman snorted once more. "It's much more liberating that way. So, you're agreeing, yes?"
Riza looked from one side to another before her eyes settled on the stack of documents before her. In her silence, she contemplated what her grandfather has said. Maybe climbing the ranks would be a good thing in the long run. If Roy were to take office once Grumman relinquished it, her current rank is subject for reassignment under another commanding officer. The thought alone left a bitter taste in her mouth. "It's not like I have any other options."
The old man put his hands together and his eyes brightened as a smile broke out from his lips. "Excellent! Now, if you could sign those…"
Nodding, Riza grabbed the nearest pen available and began to do as she was requested. "I'm assuming I'm the only one who gets to hear the news of their promotion from the Führer himself."
"Naturally. All the others don't need much convincing like you do, my dear. Then again, all the others aren't as stubborn as the Hawk's Eye."
It was Riza's turn to snort. "Must be a family thing."
"Oh no. I deem it a family treasure," Grumman sang.
"Hm."
The Führer's expression softened as he watched Riza sign every paper she needed to sign with flourish. "For what it's worth, I'm glad we are in agreement with this. I was a bit worried you would decline the offer. You will see in time that this will be one of the best decisions you shall ever make in your life, my dear."
Riza looked up at him, all calm now as she slowly makes peace with her decision. "You really think so?"
Nodding, Grumman offered a kind smile. "I honestly do. You may not see it but you do contribute immensely to the betterment of this country even if what you do mostly is keep Mustang in line. If he weren't kept in line, then I would weep for Amestris' future. It's because of your role in Mustang's life that he shines with potential to lead and reform our land. Somehow, this land is indebted to you for it."
"I think that's an overestimation of what I actually do."
Grumman smirked. "And you underestimate the impact you have. Think of it this way. Without you to light a fire under Mustang's ass, this country would not have a hopeful tomorrow. Sure, it will have Olivier Mira Armstrong as a ruler but we need her to hold the fort in Briggs. No one can do that but her, and no one can lead the country as a whole but Roy. Like I said, he shines with potential but you are the catalyst that realizes that potential, whether you see it or not."
Incredibly humbled, Riza clutched the pen tightly in her hand. "I don't know what to say to that."
Her grandfather shrugged and sat back. "You don't have to say anything. It may be a cloudy vision at the moment but the big picture is that we are gearing towards healing as a nation. We shan't remain stagnant. We need to play our parts. If the country is set to move forward, then so must its citizens. You included."
"That I understand. I suppose I cannot always remain under the wing of the General," Riza said softly.
"I agree. You should be standing beside him, instead of under him. I know he would be proud of you and happy for you. And he will be your greatest support just as you are his."
Riza clicked the pen close and pushed the documents toward Grumman. "Must you always be a romantic sap, Grandpa?"
"What so bad about it? I just want to see my sole granddaughter be happy and express her happiness openly without fear of losing everything she has worked for. You have been through so much at the age of 25 and you still have much to achieve. Your military career has always been fated to flourish but it's time that you allow yourself to recognize that you can have a happy life outside of that. Start with Mustang," Grumman nodded.
Her eyes casted downwards and she chewed her lip. "You always find ways to bring him into the conversation. Why is that?"
Grumman propped his chin on his hand as his elbow rested on the oak table. "I'm merely stating the obvious, since you seem to be so keen on ignoring what is in front of you. The man cares for you deeply, far deeper than the bounds of close friendship."
"I know that."
"Then it's high time you do something about it. You know he won't move unless you give him motive to do so. He has high respect for you. Anyone can see that."
Riza stared at the oak table in silence as she mulled over hers and her grandfather's exchange so far. "It's not going to be easy."
"Ah, but it will be worth it."