chapter 1: The cold relationship between father and son
Roy and Riza lived happily with their two children. Saito and Sienna were making their lives much more interesting and they also gave them a purpose. The happy couple could not wish for more, but in Roy's case, there actually was something that he desired. While his relationship with his daughter was perfect, he had the impression that his son may be afraid of him. Afraid of his own father.
Saito rarely talked with him and has never asked him about his opinion or anything else. Not that he did not respect him. Quite the opposite-the boy did respect him strongly, but this respect itself was part of the reason why their relationship felt kind of distant. The poor child did not feel worthy enough of Roy Mustang's love and respect. He thought that he must do something to deserve them which was why he was doing his best not to fail or screw up in front of him. When he talked to him, it was in a professional, rather than a personal and family-like, manner. Also, he lacked the courage to reveal him that he was planning to become a writer, out of worry that he might get yelled at, or at least critisized.
Roy never knew what was the reason for the attitude his son was giving him, but he wanted to do something about it. His mission to protect and serve his country was one thing, but his mission to have a healthy relationship with his own son was far greater. The question was how was he going to do it. And then it hit him-he decided to take the entire family out on a short vacation. He was going to use it as a chance to get close to Saito. Spending a little time together when there is nothing else to bother them was the perfect option. No paperwork, no noises from the streets, no schedules. And what was said, was done.
Roy took a few days off for both him and Riza. They told the children that they were going out on a family trip:
-"Guess what, children?"-Riza attracted the attention of the twins.
-"What is it, mommy?"-Sienna was the first who responded. Saito was just standing next to her and was listening carefully, without saying a word.
-"We decided to go on a family vacation. The entire family."-Roy happily delivered the news to the children.
-"Will Black Hayate come too?"-Sienna asked, while holding the family dog in a loving hug.
-"Of course, he will. He is part of the family."-Riza said with a motherly smile on her face.
-"I have great plans for us."-Roy started to reveal his ideas to the children. Sienna was listening enthusiastically, but Saito was still as silent as before. He was excited as well, but not in the same way as his twin sister.-"But most importantly, we are going to spend some time together with you, son."-He looked at Saito and gently put his hands on his son's shoulders.-"We do not spend much time together and it is all my fault. With so much work on my shoulders, I do not have much time for my family, especially for you. I am sure that are going to have a great time together."
Although he never meant to scare him, Roy's words made Saito feel really anxious. The boy found the idea terrifying. To be left alone under the Flame alchemist's supervision, is not something he was fine with. But the Flame alchemist was also his father and he must not refuse anything. So he did not say anything and just nodded, while trying to hold his shivers. Roy noticed that Saito is feeling scared and he gave him a loving and warm hug. Saito shaked, but he did not push Roy. He was still scared, but there was something else that made him feel kind of...
To be continued...