Author's note: Done for a prompt list at LJ

Disclaimer: DO NOT OWN CHARACTERS


Dark eyes watched a single red droplet fall onto pristine white paper. It infused with the tiny fibers, spreading like an infection. An infection. He had been infected the same way. Once a person spilled blood, there was no going back. No erasing the stain, no matter how hard one tried. Just like the paper, his soul was saturated with the blood of his victims. It would never wash away. But he would keep reaching for atonement, in hopes it might eventually fade.

"Sir?"

"Ah ah Hawkeye! It seems I've cut myself!"

His smile… one day he would earn the right to do it freely and honestly. But for now… for now he would keep performing his counterfeit act.

"If only I had a pretty woman to kiss it for me, I'm sure it would get better!"

Riza's steely eyes narrowed just slightly and it made his own light a little. Her expression lived in seriousness. She was the same as he.

"It's only a paper cut, Sir."

"That doesn't mean it wouldn't get better if a pretty lady kissed it for me."

Yes, he would keep moving forward for the both of them… so one day he would be able to share a real smile with her.