Chapter 1: Pasta Night


Balancing expertly on a stone fence, Riza Hawkeye pointed and laughed at Roy Mustang who had fallen off. The autumn breeze danced through the trees and carried Riza's laughter far into the distance.

"Riza, stop laughing. A leaf blew in my face and I got distracted…Hey! I said stop laughing. It isn't funny." Roy shouted defiantly, rubbing his bottom while the seven year old girl's laughter continued to ring in his ears.

"You're just making excuses." Riza accused, still giggling. "You're a whole year older, so you're supposed to have better balance than me."

"Be quiet! It's the leaves' fault!"

"Sure, if that's what you say." Riza teased as she turned around, walking backwards with her arms out for balance.

"Show off." Roy muttered to himself.

"So when are your parents getting back from their business trip?" Riza questioned while keeping her balance.

"Tomorrow." Roy smiled happily.

"Aww, that means you won't be having dinner with me and Dad tomorrow night." Riza mentioned reluctantly.

"Well, maybe you can come to my house for dinner tomorrow. But I'll ask Mom and Dad about it when they get home tomorrow morning. Okay?"

"Okay then. Don't forget." Riza continued to walk expertly on the cobblestone fence as Roy followed beside her on the path. "Hey, Roy! I'll race you home to dinner!"

"Hey, wait for me!"

"Hurry up, or we'll be late!" Riza shouted before jumping off the stone fence. "Last one there is doing the dishes! See you later, Roy!"

"Ah! Not fair, Riza! You got a head start!" Roy exclaimed, trying his best to keep up.

The lively pair of children were soon approaching Riza's house. Remembering Tatsu, Riza slowed down and allowed Roy to pass her.

"Hah! Look who will be doing dishes now!" Roy declared triumphantly as he sped past Riza. I'm almost there! Just a little further!

Smiling slyly to herself, Riza followed quickly behind. Upon reaching the door and flinging it open, Roy was promptly flattened by the young husky who had happily bound from the inside the house to meet him.

"Ah! Doggie slobber! Riza get your dog off me!" Roy tried to fend himself but in vain as he was smothered with wet licks from Tatsu.

"I win. You get to do the dishes again." Riza said with a sly smile as she walked inside with a deliberately slow gait. "Play with Tatsu. I'll be in the kitchen helping Dad make spaghetti."

"Argh! Why do I always forget about Tatsu!" Roy muttered, bending down to pick up a ball. Stupid, evil dog. Why am I playing with you after you made me do the dishes?

When the noise of clanging pots was replaced by the clinking of plates and utensils, a pleasant aroma began to float outside from the open window.

"Dinner's ready!" Riza shouted, sticking her head out the window. "Don't forget to wash your hands."

Finally! You get to starve out here, you mutt, while I'm inside eating. Hah! Roy stuck his tongue out at Tatsu, who promptly leapt on him once again, smothering Roy with a second barrage of wet licks before dashing through the door that Riza was holding open. Eww, not again... Roy followed shortly behind and headed for the kitchen sink.

"Why does she get to eat in here?" Roy asked sullenly after washing his hands.

"She's part of our family, too, Roy."

Roy sat down at the table in the seat across from Riza, while her father placed three large bowls of spaghetti on the table.

"Alright, kids. Help yourselves."

"Thanks!" Riza and Roy chorused in unison.

Roy could hardly wait to start as he quickly shoved his fork into the savory bowl laid before him, and Riza followed suit.

"Mmmm… yummy." Roy praised as he helped himself to his bowl of spaghetti.

"You like it? I've been practicing hard." Riza answered proudly as she watched Roy savoring each bite. "Dad is a great teacher."

"It's quite easy teaching such a talented student." Riza's father added, and a smug grin appeared on his daughter's face. "But don't let it get to your head, young miss."

"Mr. Hawkeye, maybe I can be your apprentice someday, too! Then, I can make spaghetti for myself whenever I want." Roy fantasized excitedly about the idea of having spaghetti every single night.

After finishing dinner, Roy hoped Riza had forgotten about the dishes and began quietly sneaking out of the kitchen. To his dismay, Roy soon found himself being dragged back into the kitchen. Although he struggled, he could not break from Riza's grip on his arm.

"Where do you think you're going, Roy? You know you have to do the dishes. No excuses."

"Aw, but I don't want to do the dishes."

"Once Roy finishes, you two come join me by the fireplace and I'll read you a story."

"Really?" Roy responded. "Yay!"

Roy grudgingly made his way to the kitchen sink, while Riza cuddled with Tatsu by the fireplace in the study. Riza's father slowly browsed through the countless number of books occupying his library's shelves. After a few minutes, Riza entered the kitchen. Roy heard a stool being dragged across the kitchen floor and looked to see Riza climbing up beside him.

"I'll help you out. But this is only so we can hear the story faster. Okay?"

After finishing the dishes, Riza and Roy quickly scurried into the study. Riza's father was sitting his favorite chair with a book already chosen.

"Daddy, is that the pasta story?" Riza asked as they settled before him on the rug where Tatsu had settled down comfortably with a large bone.

"Yes. But after a little bit, you two need to go to bed. It's already late, and Roy's parents are coming back tomorrow morning."

"Okay, then." Riza replied reluctantly. "Let's start!"

"Once upon a time, there was a prince who ruled the Land of Pasta. He was a very selfish prince and never thought of anybody else…"