He couldn't count the amount of times he had proposed to her.

The first had been years ago, before those pesky fraternization laws had even been an issue. It was back when he was studying alchemy under her father. Every so often, he'd find himself with a rare free afternoon and he enjoyed nothing more than spending this time with his master's daughter..

The two had begun to enjoy each other's company, though there wasn't much to do at the quiet little farm house. Luckily, they had each other to pass the time and RIza was always able to find create ways to do so.

"So what do you do again?"

"It's simple: you put the rock in the slingshot and then try to knock the can off the fence."

"That's stupid."

"It's not stupid."

"Okay, but why?"

"To perfect your aim."

"That's stupid."

"You're stupid!" She smacked him on the back of the head and took the slingshot from him. "Just leave me alone before I use you as target practice."

"Aw c'mon, don't be mad," he said. "I didn't mean it, Riza. Honest."

She took her loaded slingshot and fired at the fence, knocking over not one but two cans. A perfect shot.

"Hey, you're pretty good," he offered, genuinely impressed. "Can I try?"

"I thought you said it was stupid."

"It looks kinda fun,"he admitted. "What, are you afraid I'm better at it than you?"

"Ha, fat chance," she remarked with a chuckle. "You couldn't hit the broad side of a barn."

"Is that a challenge?"

"What do you think?"

"I think we should make this a little more interesting," he began with a mischievous smirk. "What do you say?"

"I'm listening..."

He knew Riza couldn't say no to a challenge, same as him. It was the best way he knew how to get her goat, and more importantly her attention.

"Okay, well there are 13 cans sitting on the fence. I bet you I can knock off more than you."

"And what do I get when you lose?"

"If you win," he continued, ignoring her remark. "Then... you're the queen this whole week. I'll do whatever you want: I'll jump in the lake, I'll cook your favorite foods, we'll play whatever games you want just name it. Anything short of sending me to prison or an early grave."

"It does sound tempting," she admitted. "So I assume the same applies if you win. Which you won't."

"Not quite," he said mischievously as he began to circle Riza. "What I have in mind for my prize is a little more... long term."

"What, you want a whole month or something?"

"No."

"A year? Now you're just being ridiculous."

"No. no nothing like that," at this point in time she associated this tone of voice with Riza trying to convince her of something ridiculous, but experience would show her it was something known as "flirting."

"If I win," he continued. "All I ask from you dear Riza Hawkeye is-" in one swift motion he took her hand in his and got down on one knee "your hand in marriage." His voice became booming and full, matching his dramatic movement.

She rolled her eyes. "Shut up."

He smirked and raised his eyebrows. "Why? Afraid you'll lose?"

"You're not serious."

"Let's begin our little game so you can find out," he stood up and smoothly took the slingshot from her other hand and put it to her face. "Ladies first."

She snatched it from him without a word and prepared to shoot. She drew back the rubber and and closed one eye, focusing on her target.

"So I'n thinking a summer wedding, what do you think?" came Roy's voice from beside her. "I can see you as a summer bride, personally. But, hey I know how particular brides ca me. I mean I'm fine with just eloping if that's what you want."

"You're trying to distract me."

"Is it working?"

She released and set the can flying. "You tell me."

Roy smiled; he knew it wasn't going to be that easy. He took the slingshot from her and went to take his turn. He copied Riza's form, but his rock flew with much less though still managed to hit the can. He handed the slingshot back to her, looking as of he had already won.

This back and forth continued: Roy attempted to distract her:

"Do have your vows written yet? I think I have mine pretty much memorized. I think you may cry, Riza. It'll be a truly touching ceremony."

"'Mrs. Riza Mustang,' has a nice ring to it, huh? Unless you want to keep your maiden name, which I guess it fine too."

"I think 'Roy Jr.' for a boy and for a girl... I really like the name 'Elizabeth,' I don't know what do you think dear?"

But her aim remained perfect. He, however, struggled to keep up with her flawless consistency. The skill came so natural to her, but he had to try very hard to keep up with her. Finally, there was one can left. The were all tied up, 6 cans each and it looked like Riza was going to win the wager.

"So," Riza began mimicking Roy's smug tone as she prepared to shoot. "I like what you were saying earlier about jumping in the lake. I think I'll have you do that first, then there are some dishes in the sink I've been neglecting. After that, we'll see what other chores are waiting to be done..."

But before Riza had the chance to think of further ways to torture Roy, he broke out his last resort: the one guarantee he had to throw off Riza's game. He slide over and kissed her on the cheek, catching her completely off guard. Her face turned a gentle shade of red as she lost her train of thought and, most importantly, launched her rock prematurely and completely missed her target.

"Well, well, well," teased Roy as he watched the rock fly way over the fence. "Looks like someone doesn't have such perfect aim after all."

"You cheated,"

"Tsk tsk tsk, now technically I didn't," he said as he removed the sling shot from her clenched fist. "You really should be more precise when making deals, especially with me. I'm sure once we're happily married, you'll learn to love my little antics." he prepared to take his shot. "Just wait until your father learns of our engagement! I'm sure I'm the son he's always wanted. I mean, after all I am-."

Clang! The can fell from its place on the fence, looked surprised. He hadn't remembered firing the slingshot. in fact, he hadn't fired the slingshot. Confused he turned to Riza, whose stance confirmed the origin of th rock. She looked back triumphantly.

"You cheated," he whispered, slightly impressed,

"Tsk tsk tsk, " she mocked. "You never said we had to use the slingshot. You really should be more precise when making deals, Mr. Mustang."

She turned on her heel and began walking back to the house.

"I really thought I had a chance," Roy mused. She stopped, a hint of smile lurked in her voice.

"Oh please," she said. "You think you can win me over that easily?"

"No, I guess not."

"Try again when your aim's gotten better," she offered as she continued on her way. "And go jump in the lake."