Disclaimer: I don't own FMA.

A/N: Hey all! Long time no update! Seriously!

Well, here's the next chapter! Please enjoy! .

Longer author note after story!
Please read and review!

Rays from the sun slid between the blinds across Riza's face. She blinked awake, sensing the light through her eyelids. Stretching, she reached down to scratch Hayate, when only to open her eyes and find him staring at her. A smile slipped across her face as she scratched his head and looked into her dog's face.

"Good morning, Hayate," she greeted, sitting up. Looking over at her bedside table, she smiled at the picture. "Good morning, Roy." Hayate tilted his head, as if listening to her intently. Scratching behind his ears, she slipped from the covers, her bare feet coming in contact with the rug below her bed. Taking a step onto the wood floor, she felt the cold instantly pass through her, sending a shiver up her spine. Walking over to her dresser, Riza pulled out a shirt and socks; disappearing into her closet briefly to retriever her pants. Returning to the main part of her room, she dressed and went about her early morning.

Looking at her clock, she realized it was Saturday, meaning she didn't need to go into work until mid-morning. This gave her plenty of time to finish cleaning… Glancing towards her bedroom, she knew she wanted to continue reading her journal. Pouring another cup of tea, Riza grabbed her toast and set the items on the coffee table in the living room. Reentering her room, she picked up the journal and retreated to the couch. Making herself comfortable, Riza decided to flip to a later entry, one in which her handwriting was the neatest.

This entry looked interesting; having a very unique style all in its own. She couldn't remember ever writing like that. Currently her handwriting resembled the Colonel's, for when he wouldn't finish his paperwork, she would do it for him. He doesn't even know I finish his work for him. Why am I so foolish to help him like this? she thought, completely dumbfounded with herself. Moving her eyes back to the page, she began.

Dear Journal,

Grandpa is visiting for the first time in a while. He finally got time away from the military to come stay with us. Dad left to return to Central, although I'm sure it's alchemy related. Recently, alchemists have been returning to the military. Now the government funds them if they become State Alchemists after passing rigorous exams. Or at least that's what Ben explained—

----------What really happened----------

Riza sat on the porch, feeling the heat from the summer day. She could hear her grandpa caring for one of his pistols; taking each piece and cleaning it vigilantly before at last reassembling the whole firearm. Having watched and listened to him do this for hours, Riza knew which piece he was cleaned-up and was reattaching.

Colonel Grumman glanced at his granddaughter. He watched as she quickly dropped her gaze, getting caught staring. He smiled and looked up at her several times as he continued. "You can watch if you like, Riza. I don't mind," he said with a laugh. She turned her eyes back onto him as he checked the empty firearm before at last reloading it and returning it to its holster.

"Colonel, why did dad have to go back to Central? Didn't he finish his time in the military?" Riza asked, moving closer to her grandfather's chair.

"He did, yes. But now that the military funds state alchemist's research you're father will be able to further his studies," he explained, choosing his words carefully.

"So, does that mean he'll be away traveling?" Riza inquired curiously.

"There is a chance. But it seems all he needs are the right books. And the Central Headquarters has those books in its library," Grumman said, leaning back in his chair.

"If dad becomes a state alchemist, would we move to Central?"

"I'm sure you would. Probably into the place I live. It has many rooms and the city is very big, perfect for a girl your age." He beamed enjoying the look on her face. Just as he was going to explain further, Evelyn opened the screen door.

"Riza, you should leave your grandfather alone. He came out here to relax and get away from work," she said, looking at her daughter.

"Oh it's fine Evie. I don't mind at," Grumman tried to convince her. Riza nodded solemnly and disappeared into the house.

"Dad, must you tell her about Bryan's works?" Evelyn asked, slipping out of the door.

"She has a right to know her father is one of the greatest flame alchemists this land has ever seen! Why won't you tell her?"

"I'll tell her when she's ready. If Bryan becomes renews his state alchemist title, then I'll explain everything to her, but not now. Don't put such foolish ideas in her head. They always get her off her chores," Evelyn muttered.

"Alright, sweetie, I'll be more careful," Grumman relented. Evelyn returned inside, leaving her father to watch the horizon.

Flopping across her bed, Riza looked at all the boxes stacked about her new room. Rolling over onto her back, she stared at the ceiling, thinking back to the whole reason they moved. Once her father became a certified alchemist, they moved in with her grandfather, General Grumman. She had only seen Central once before, when she was much younger. Her new room felt empty, everything she had become so familiar was now gone in her home town.

Voices carried up to her from downstairs. Her mind wandered as she sorted them through her head. Grandpa…. Mom, dad… A knock to her door echoed through her empty room. Ignoring it for a few moments she closed her eyes pretending wanting to rest.

"Come in," she called, opening her eyes. Sitting up on her elbows, Riza saw Thomas in the doorway. He smiled and walked over to her, flopping next to her. "Anything new downstairs?"

"Nah, they're still deciding what to make for dinner. Nice decorating job," Thomas said, glancing around at the blank walls.

"Its not like you're room is any different!"

"Well, actually, my room at least has some of my old stuff on it. Grandpa said we could do whatever we wanted with our room. Ben has been working on his room for the past three hours. I can't wait till he either collapses or gives up," Thomas explained with a laugh.

"That's mean!" Riza crossed her arms. She may not have liked Ben all that much—for all the times he teased her—but she didn't like it when Thomas was mean to him at times. Ruffling her hair, Thomas sat up.

"Well, I'm just saying, Riza. He shouldn't try and get it exactly right. That could take him hours. Especially since that room is so much bigger." Shrugging, Riza continued to gaze at the ceiling. Noticing her bored expression, Thomas sat up. "Why don't I help you with your room? That'll give us something to do till dinner." Nodding in agreement, the two got up and started emptying boxes.

Riza instructed her brother where to put everything, mainly the items that she would normally need to stand on a chair to set up. Taking out a picture from a long box, Thomas carefully set it aside, waiting for Riza to tell him where to put it. She was busy arranging things on her book case, trying to get them just right. Most of the items were things she had collected over the years—small trinkets that she had found on the street, or in a little store. Her mind wandered as she held each one before placing it on the shelf. Each trinket had a memory with it that made her smile. Thomas saw the smile appear on her face, and turned back to his own task. It wasn't long till they had everything just the way Riza had wanted. Stepping into the doorway, she and Thomas looked around the room.

"It's perfect," she whispered. If she had done this alone, it would have taken her several days to get everything just right. Hugging Thomas Riza went over and flopped on her bed.

"You're welcome, Riza," Thomas mentioned, leaving her to gaze about her room.

----------Back in her Bedroom----------

—to me, but I can never tell when he's telling the truth.

We moved into our new house in Central, which is the same house Grandpa lives in. Thomas and Ben don't have to share a room anymore, which I'm sure Ben is happy about. Father became a state alchemist; a very important flame alchemist. I guess that means the end to our shooting lessons. Maybe we'll find a new place to practice.

Riza

Smiling, Riza leaned back and remembered the Central mansion. Her grandfather still lived there, at least, when he wasn't out on inspections. Closing the book she lay back on the couch, deep in thought. At least someone still lives in that old house. Ever since father died, I haven't been able to return, Riza thought, remembering that awful day. Shivering at the very thought, she drank a bit more of her tea and finished her toast.

Glancing at the clock, she noticed it was about time she headed to work. Whistling quickly, Riza stood and cleaned up her mess, leaving the journal where it sat on the coffee table. Washing her dishes and letting them dry, she checked her work bag and headed for the door, Black Hayate at her heels. Her walk to work was short, mostly because she had found an apartment not far from the base. She arrived the same way to work everyday; able to greet everyone along her trail. Whether it was store owners, neighbors, or the occasional old friend that was in the area, she greeted them and then continued on.

Nodding to the guards at the main gate, Riza headed for the offices, figuring she was the first to arrive as always. It was no surprise to her that she had to unlock the office door. After all, she had always been so punctual and prepared for anything. Seeing papers already on her desk for the work day, she traipsed to her desk, setting her bag in the empty drawer. Black Hayate curled on the cushion she had brought in for him, that was hidden under her table. Getting herself comfortable didn't take long. A mug of tea, her pen and paperwork. That was all she needed.

Taking the first file from the stack, Riza exhaled, clearing her mind, and then opened it.

Her work day at officially started.

Hey everyone!

Thank you for reading, and sticking with me for so long. I really appreciate it, and I really appreciate your reviews!

I really struggled with this chapter, as I couldn't quite figure out what should happen in this chapter. >. At one point, it felt like I was forcing my characters to talk. Ah! I couldn't stand that, so I rewrote various parts and that's how it turned out now! Yay!

If I don't update... please, check my livejournal. That's where I shall be posting information on my different fanfiction stories so you know how the writing process is coming with them. And, you will also know how close I am to updating, and what not. My name is: hagarenobsessed

Thank you everyone for your reviews and such! If I don't update again soon, please, please, PLEASE, bother me through e-mail! Tell me to update and what not. I may even ask for some of your help on what should happen and such.

The next chapter will probably not be part of her journal entries/memories. A bit of RoyAi going on.

Thanks again! (how many times could I say thank you? I'll never know. I really appreciate you all!)
:Flava Sava: