It was already late through the night. Riza's breathing was deep and even. But Roy couldn't sleep. It was one of these nights when one can't sleep. Too much on the mind. He was lying on the side, his back turned to Riza. Still waiting for the sleep to come, he sighed, and turned on the other side. Riza had her back facing him. Her blonde hair was lying softly against the pillow. The moon spread its blue light in the room, so that Roy could clearly see Riza's delicate figure. More faintly could he distinguish the tattoo on her back. His heart started beating more quickly. Her back. It was his life that he contemplated here. All he had learned. His pain. Riza's pain. Their promises.
Roy stared at the burning marks. He knew Riza's back by heart, yet it was still so painful to look at it. What he had done.
Ever so slowly, he raised his hand and, with great caution, brushed Riza's back with a finger. The burnt skin was rough. Riza... She was not only an important part of his life. She was his life. Without her, he could not be anymore.
Pain and affection ran through his body. He hesitated for a while, listening to her even breath. Then he put his arm around Riza's waist. Her naked skin was warm.
Riza either, could not sleep, though Roy didn't know that. When she felt his strong arm around her body, her heart sped up. She liked it so much, being in his arms. For once, feeling like the one being protected. She turned round, facing the Colonel. The Flame Alchemist. Her father's last disaster, her pain, her duty. Her love.
They wrapped their arms around each other, cuddling warmly. Roy put a single, loving kiss upon Riza's lips, and soon they both fell asleep, happy to share a rare instant of tenderness.
