disclaimer: why yes, I do own the FullMetal mangas. they're sitting in my bookcase right now, judging me.
dedication: arakawa-sama because you said this is the chapter you'd come back for!
notes: it's been awhile, bear with me and please enjoy.
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It's been a long time, and there are still demons that drag upon Riza Hawkeye's ankles, trudge weight into her every step. There is Ishval, the Promised Day, and the marred flesh on her back.
There is coffee on the table, in its tiny porcelain cup, and it is wafting steam into the air. A stack of files neatly posed for his review and approval. Riza Hawkeye takes one deep breath, steps forward on her military boots, and pulls apart the curtains to a new day.
("Citizens of Amestris, we introduce you to your new Fuhrer—Roy Mustang!")
The door clicks open and Riza pivots on her heel as he steps lightly to his desk. The chair scrapes as he pulls it back and her salute falters when he smiles at her like that; blatant and unabashed. The sun spilling in through the window illuminates them both, as well as the swirling chinks of dust around them.
"Lieutenant," he breathes, like it is his favorite word.
"Sir," she chirps back, resuming at-ease position.
"We've got a lot of work to do."
Riza blinks, then nods.
(Seconds later, Retired-Fuhrer Grumman barrels through the room, poignantly and violently shaking his cane at the newly instated Leader of the Country. Amestrian guards, as usual, stand nervously behind him—lips pulled taut as they attempt to wrangle the old coot back outside. "Work that should include making my granddaughter the First-Lady of Amestris! Don't think I've forgotten, Mustang!" A nerve twitches on Roy's face, but still he sighs and moves in resignation. "Of course, sir. Of course.")
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notes2: make sure to drop a little review! Thank you!