Author's Note: [February 14, 2011] Beware of the cheesiness I've bestowed upon this fic. MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA -ebil laugh- I forward my apologies for any OOCness here.

I dedicate this to an author on this site who's been an inspiration to me. Sadly, much of her fics have been removed, and she has ceased to write/post in this site. Her sense of humor, mature attitude, and creativity has been great help for this fic.

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Disclaimer: I, Candide Avedo does not own anything that has to do with FMA.

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You're My Valentine

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Riza continued to head down the hall to the supply room, maintaining to keep her head down. She didn't want to make an eye-contact for now. Furious with him as she had become, she felt bad for it. Roy didn't deserve her sharp tongue and tone just because of the possibility that she was indeed jealous.

Possibly? Face facts, already...

A low chuckle from her escaped. Facts.

Reaching the supply room, she used her key to open the lock. She pushed it open, to behold the room packed with various stationery items. Many boxes were stacked upon each other, while on a far side of the room a tall shelf was standing, packed with random supplies. Hoping to herself that it wouldn't be on a hard-to-reach shelf, Riza began checking to see if there was any order to this sporadic arrangement.

''If I didn't know any better Lieutenant, I'd say you were a little jealous.''

''The nerve... Going too far...'' Riza mumbled. She paused at a large box, assuming the one she wanted was below that.

Stupid Roy.

Working at the military involved wearing thick clothes that she considers never flatter her body. Whenever she did get the chance to dress down, wearing skirts and fashionable coats did Riza feel a little more feminine; but not necessarily pretty. Not once did she feel properly attractive. Then again, that wasn't in the credential for work, was it? She enjoyed working with Roy, perhaps a little more than what was prescribed. Sadly the consequences of her devotion to work had it's sacrifices.

She laughed darkly. The few men she dated didn't like it when their date were stronger than their male counterparts. They instead fled from her to prey on the delicate-looking fillies that many prefer.

If that be the case, Riza didn't want to be with a shallow man. Or be with one who couldn't stand having his woman be equal to him.

Therefore she learned to ignore many men's fruitless attempts to avoid any hassle on both sides.

Pulling out a small package of the cream parchment paper Roy liked so much, Riza re-arranged the boxes again to a safe location in the room. She had managed to be gone for ten minutes already, since she wasn't in the mood to rush and wanted to be with her thoughts.

After checking that the lock was secure when she left, Riza headed back to their office. The young man, a part of the couple she told off that morning blushed and hurriedly stepped out of Riza's way as she walked past.

More guilt flashed through her mind, bringing her back to him. She had to apologize. Her reaction today was most-definitely not like her, she went a little too far; Roy must be very displeased with her...

Then she remembered the flowers on her desk, and couldn't help but blush again. Someone gave her flowers, and she truthfully was pleased. Too bad he wanted to be anonymous. For now.

And the note... Riza's eyes widened. What did the note mean, ''I won't keep you waiting long''?

Removing herself from the sudden shiver she had, Riza juggled the package on one arm as she opened the door with her other hand.

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There, another shock greeted her.

The room was all dark, except for a single candle lit on her desk that very faintly illuminated the room. It was also quiet... Eerily quiet.

Immediately wary, Riza slowly pulled out her gun, entering the room. The package of parchment paper clutched tightly to her chest. Her footsteps were muffled; the only movement she was aware of. ''Hello?... Sir?... What's going on?'' Her chest felt tight with anxiety.

''Lieutenant, you should put your gun away. You could hurt someone with that.'' came a voice to Riza's right. The familiar sound of the door locked shut was faintly heard.

She jumped a little, feeling relieved. Scratch the idea of something sinister going on in the room.

Roy emerged from the shadows, to her field of vision. ''S-sir, you scared me... What's going on?'' Her hands felt her gun slip from her hands; Roy had simply taken the weapon, placing it on Breda's desk.

Some shadows in the room forewarned Riza that their desks had been rearranged, to two desks on each side of the wall.

The Colonel chuckled in the darkness, also removing the package of parchment paper from her grasp. ''I've gotten ready for my date.''

Riza looked at him curiously, peer into the darkness to get a better look at his expression. ''Sir, it's really dark in here; is she here already? If she is, I'll excuse myself sir.'' her voice faded, as Roy continued to look at her in the same odd way she noticed a little while before.

''If you haven't put two and two together, Lieutenant... I'm the one who sent you those flowers.'' he took a step closer to Riza, who's eyes widened.

''Wh-what?'' Riza stammered, blinking her eyes rapidly, trying to make sense of it all. ''I-I'm your date? The same date you didn't want to talk about this morning?'' she backed away, as Roy took another step forward.

Roy stopped, and snapped his fingers. Fire erupted from many parts of the room, illuminating many candles placed on various surfaces in a rapid procession. The room grew from faintly lit, to a moderately dim light. ''Yes, that's right... Riza.''

Another chill down her spine. The man in front of her was indeed dressed to kill. Roy had a laid-back formality with his crisp dark-gray polo-shirt paired with black slacks. A loosely tied necktie in a cream colour completed his look. Riza may have great respect for the man higher in rank than she was, but she wasn't immune to the sheer animal magnetism Roy was emitting.

Raw, dangerous, irresistible, magnetism.

He was pushing different buttons this time, Riza was positive. ''But... Why?'' she edge around a corner of her desk, trying to place something tangible between her and the man steadily advancing towards her.

Mustang paused. His expression was difficult to read to Riza. Was he serious, or teasing her? With clear cautiousness, Roy spoke slowly. ''Don't think I'm doing this just today because you've been very much on my mind.''

But of course, he had been planning this Valentine's Day for a bit, hadn't he? Just... It didn't make sense that it was for her...

''I know how you feel when I have dates on my own. You can't hide it from me.'' he said quietly, sounding as if he regretted mentioning that detail. ''I don't like causing you pain-''

Riza froze, as she realized he wasn't joking or teasing her. There was something in the way he looked at her that said so... He wasn't the man he would show in front of the other superiors, or fellow subordinates. She knew he was talking about that something that drew him to her, and ultimately her to him.

''-so I want to apologize for saying those words earlier.''

She didn't know what he was apologizing for. Wasn't she the one yelling at him earlier? Shouldn't she be doing the 'sorries'?

''And to be sorry for the pain I caused deeper than that. The scars I didn't cause physically.'' he had reached her now, face to face, a few inches apart. And for her trust and faith in him, the earlier incident was wiped from her mind almost completely.

There was no will to move away from him. When will he see that she followed him willingly... ''Roy... Really, you did nothing wrong.'' He was her weakness, and she couldn't care less.

Roy shook his head. He stared at her with a solemn look in his eyes. Eyes that took her breath away. ''I have a feeling I'm going to lose your patience with me soon.''

Riza smiled slightly. ''You're talking gibberish.'' she glanced to her left, to the vase of flowers. ''Listen... I'm sorry for overreacting today. And thanks for the flowers... They're beautiful.'' she smiled a little wider. ''The bear is adorable. I think I'll name him 'Elroy'.'' She was surprised when she felt him touch her chin softly to turn her towards him.

''I was being honest when I said they were incomparable to you.'' in a tone that indicated to Hawkeye that he knew she didn't believe it. He let go of her chin, studying her face closely. ''I don't think I deserve you.''

''Roy, I-'' Her eyes widened, as Roy interrupted by pressing a finger her lips. Successful at silencing his subordinate, he removed the finger gently, dragging it down to her chin.

''You can't object.'' he whispered, grasping both shoulders. ''I'm asking you to let me prove to you that you're still my number one.''

Butterflies were playing tag in her gut upon his words, and a strong flush flew to her cheeks. His Number One? It was difficult to believe it; but again, she had never doubted him before. She could see something in his eyes as he took both of her hands. He led Riza to where she hadn't noticed that a record player was set on his desk.

Roy's hand momentarily left hers to work the machine, and soon soft music filled the room. Sweet music filled their ears, and Riza found herself staring into her date's profile even closer. His silhouette was impressive in the candlelight. Playful eyes dared travel down past his chin. Riza blushed darker upon memories of having glimpses of what lay hidden beneath the fabric.

A chuckle wrenched her eyes upwards to meet up with his own that were sparkling with mirth. ''You're looking very red, Lieutenant.'' a smirk graced his lips. ''Care to share your thoughts?''

Blasted arrogant man knows what he's doing to me... Thought Riza darkly. ''I'm just a little hot, that's all.'' she was surprised when he pulled away.

''Feel free to remove your uniform, if you wish.'' The invite toyed with her, sending innuendos that she knew very well from him. Not backing down, Riza removed her blue uniform top, tossing it onto his desk chair. She returned to him, only to see his arms spread, enveloping her in an embrace.

''R-Roy, what are you doing-'' Riza squirmed in his arms, trying to push herself away from the solid wall of chest that his arms held her against.

He stared down at her innocently. ''I promised you I would embrace you as well. 'Elroy' was holding my place for me.'' Roy smiled, giving her an extra squeeze. ''You're still too tense. Don't tell me you're not impressed.''

Riza noticed the slight crest-fallen tone of the his last few words. She was flattered that he wanted her to be impressed. However a bigger issue was at hand. ''What if someone with a key comes, an unexpected visitor? If they see us like this...'' Riza let her voice fade, unable to entertain what would happen in that case.

Her partner, who had been revolving them around to the music, fell silent at her words. For a while she thought he ignored what she said, frowning into the darkness. The smile once on his face gone. ''I don't want to care right now.'' Roy replied, after some time later. ''I want to stay... Just like this.'' His arms rearranged themselves around her waist. Mustang threw her a concerned look. ''Why, do you care right now?''

The dangers of anyone finding them together like this was as clear as day. People would take advantage of Roy, if they knew they could use Riza to get to him.

Not now. ''I don't want to care right now.'' Riza whispered, smiling at him lightly. Her body rested against his now, relaxed, feeling safe in his arms. Time was moving, and Riza wanted to stop it. Badly.

Roy stopped their slow dance, briefly looking troubled. The facade he displays was torn down, just for her. ''Riza, I want to ask you again, just to be sure.'' he paused dramatically. ''Are you still willing to risk yourself by staying by me?''

Riza stared at him in disbelief. She made her face of disapproval, a look that Roy once said he found cute. ''You are such an idiot sometimes.'' she said softly. ''It's amazing how I'm not tired of confirming every time you ask.'' she punched him gently. ''I always have your back.''

Blinking, he laughed out loud. A rich, deep sound full of genuine mirth. ''I think you've called me an idiot more than a dozen times now.'' He caught her fist that was about to make contact with his arm, and pulled her close again. ''And I have your back.'' he slowly moved them around the room again, in time to the music.

He had her back, as she had his. They were better together, and lesser when apart. In times of trouble they could sense each others presence, to support one another when needed. ''Roy, I thought you know very well of how I feel about you by now.''

''Because I won't be taking you for granted.'' Roy replied lightly, stroking her arms. ''You're more incredible than you think you are.'' he cupped her cheek with his right hand. ''I lo-''

''Roy.'' Riza breathed desperately, glancing at the door nervously. ''What if someone hears us.''

''I'll burn them to a crisp.'' He said simply, lifting his special hand. But once he saw how serious she was, he sobered. ''You're right.'' he sighed, the feeling of disappointment mirrored with Riza's.

There was no telling if anyone was listening on the other side of the doors. It ached Riza to stop Roy from saying what she so badly wanted to hear. ''I do too, Roy.'' she said, a few moments later. ''You know very well I do.''

Her body then felt itself melt under his smouldering gaze. Roy's black eyes traveled down her lips, and back up to her eyes. A feeling that could only be described as a strong yearning and desire filled Riza. They were both leaning closer to each other, counting down the inches apart.

Then, Riza assumed the impossible was made possible.

Time stood still.

Their lips connected, bursting forth a torrent of emotion. Years of working together had only managed to create that build-up, and boy was it catching up to them now. His gentle lips expertly massaged hers, and she could feel the same need that he wanted. Riza's body arched closer to Roy's, eagerly deepening the kiss. Surprised by her forward movements, Roy held her closer, until they were nearly out of breath.

The passion was unstoppable. Riza's hair clip fell in a faint clatter, as Roy entwined his fingers in her hair, pulling her head back to worship her neck. Riza gasped lightly, reaching out to nibble on his bottom lip upon return. She had never felt so confident and attractive before, being in his arms. Both were on the verge of losing control; neither made the effort to keep it. He was firm yet soft, allowing her to try and keep up with him. Flustered hands touched whatever they could, seeking more of that delicious heat.

Incoherent words were whispered, blended with light moans, and fevered gasps. Riza couldn't believe the effect of Roy's voice by her ear. It grew husky, dripping with masculine sexualit-

-CRASH!-

A loud object crashing to the ground resonated beyond the closed doors.

Startled, they simultaneously broke apart, taking in deep breaths. Panting heavily, they tried to listen for any other sounds that may indicate someone trying to enter the room. Hearing none, they sighed in relief.

''That was... Close.'' panted Riza, clutching her chest. Her eyes darted up to Roy's form, who had been listening to the door carefully. She could barely believe what she had just done.

And yet... It felt so right. When they were joined, she had never felt so complete; more blissful than anything she could have imagined. Her heart had felt free, like a child running downhill, letting her legs carry her as fast as they could go. Much better than basking out in the warm glow of the sun on a summer's day.

Then realization hit her, like a runaway cart hitting a brick wall.

Hawkeye looked at Roy, still feeling the imprints of his lips left on hers. ''Roy... I guess we pretend this didn't happen tomorrow, right?'' she whispered, almost inaudibly. Riza knew the answer. It was just a mystery as to why she wanted to painfully rub it in for herself. She unknowingly had touched a tender spot that had the ability to cause incomprehensible misery.

Roy ran a hand through his hair. The expression on his face made Riza regret mentioning the day after. Misery was threatening to break him too. ''Yes... We have to.'' he mumbled almost angrily. ''At least while we're in the service.'' he aimed a small smile at Riza, tucking some of her hair behind her ear.

Words didn't need to be expressed. They both understood the sacrifices that were made, and their importance. To protect each other, they had to pretend things were just the same. It would be harder now to ignore the attraction they felt, especially when their kiss was left unfinished.

Riza felt her face brighten up a little. ''You know... It's only half-past three... It's still Valentine's Day.'' she flashed him a sly smile.

Roy smirked at her, unable to contain himself. ''You're right.'' he stepped closer to her again, enveloping her once more in his arms. ''I still have the rest of the afternoon, evening, and night to prove to you that you're still my Number One.''

''I'm difficult to persuade.'' replied Riza. Her heart fluttered at the promise of having the rest of the day to spend with Roy.

He cocked an eyebrow at the challenge. ''I'll persuade you one way or the other, Lieutenant.'' Roy playfully leaned in, nibbling at her neck and causing her to squirm. ''One last request, however.''

''Mhmm?'' With the way his expert fingers were toying with the hem of her shirt, Riza was ready to agree to whatever his request was.

''Can I be your Secret Valentine again next year?''

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Author's Note: [February 14, 2011] HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! N'uff said... I got fangirl-y writing this chapter. Totally had to squeal a few times. -cough- But yes, I'm fine.

Hokay, I know what you're thinking. It was cheese, cheese, cheese, and more cheese to me, and I love it. I stopped it there to let you imagine whatever happened after their office tryst.