Title: A Princess' Dream
Author: Syv
Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist
Pairing: Royai
Challenge: 30themesongs
Theme: Slow Dance
Theme Song: "Save the Last Dance for Me" by Michael Buble
Disclaimer: I do not own FMA or any of the characters, nor do I own the song used in this fic.
Word Count: 2 983
Note: Gosh, it's been so long since I've last written. In all honesty, this idea has been in my head for ages now, literally. Because of this, it's undergone a few changes every so often. I just hope that now that I'm writing it, it'll come out nicely. Forgive the OOC-ness of people, especially Riza. I hope it isn't that bad. Oh, and I'm sorry if the story seems rushed, especially the last part. . By the way, last note, Maes is still alive in this fic, regardless of the time setting. It was for the purpose of the story, so do forgive me. Well, enjoy!
Warning/s: Much fairytale-ishness and cheesiness! Be prepared to drown in cheese! XD
The ballroom was brightly lit, and the entire place was decorated beautifully. The tables were adorned with fresh flowers, and the orchestra played sweet melodies throughout the night. Food was served in silver platters, and wine glasses clinked together to join the sounds of people's chatter. And my, how extravagantly people dressed. The men were decked out in tuxedos, and the women were gorgeous in gowns of various colors and styles. This was all to be expected, of course, for everyone was celebrating. It was the grand ball in honor of the newly appointed Fuhrer, Roy Mustang.
As the evening wore on, people left their tables and took to the dance floor. Amidst the sways and swirls of various couples, one man stood apart from them. Although the ball was in his honor, he was not partaking of the current events. Indeed, this man was Roy.
Instead of joining in on the dance, Roy contented himself with watching the couples glide across the room. It was one person in particular who happened to keep his attention, though. His eyes were riveted on her as she stepped gracefully about the floor. He was amazed at how her off-shoulder dress of glittering amber silk clung to all her curves, beautifully accentuating her figure and bringing out the color of her eyes. He was mesmerized at how her hair, cascading in delicate ringlets, swirled around her as she danced. Riza Hawkeye, his First Lieutenant for who-knows-how-long and the only woman he's ever truly loved for even longer, was no doubt a sight to behold that night.
You can dance
Every dance with the guy who gives you the eye
Let him hold you tight
You can smile
Every smile for the man who holds your hand
'Neath the pale moonlight
But don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me
Roy took his eyes off his stunning Lieutenant for a moment to glance at the object he held in his hand. It was small and covered in dark velvet. It looked deceptively like a typical ring box. There really was no one else it could possibly be for except the beautiful woman who captured Roy's eyes a moment ago and his heart, as well. He fiddled with it a while longer, his thoughts on when and how he would present his gift to her. He was nervous, definitely, but he wanted to give it to her just as much. Sighing for a moment at his almost petty dilemma, he lifted his head once again to find the cause for the said problem.
It didn't take too long for him to find her in the crowd. His eyes seemed to just naturally zoom in on her. She was currently engaged in a dance with another of the guests at the ball. She appeared happy enough. She was even laughing apparently. Roy was happy for her, of course, but there was no hiding that twinge of jealousy in his chest. Whoever she was dancing with must be a good man.
Oh I know
That the music's fine like sparkling wine
Go and have your fun
Laugh and sing
But while we're apart
Don't give your heart to anyone
And don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me
It was then that Roy noticed the light in Riza's eyes, a light that put her entire face aglow. That light was absent around the other men she had previously danced with, and Roy couldn't help feeling his heart sink at that realization. That man surely meant something to her, and Roy would be lying if he said it didn't hurt. All this time, he thought that Riza at least somewhat reciprocated his feelings. It would appear that he was wrong.
Just then, the said man twirled Riza around, and Roy was shocked to find out who exactly her partner was. It was no other than his Second Lieutenant, Jean Havoc. Roy had no idea what to think. Honestly, he might have considered fighting the man for the right to claim Riza, but if it was Havoc…
Roy had never intentionally taken any of Havoc's dates. More often than not, they dumped Havoc for Roy, without Roy actually initiating anything. If it was any other man, Roy would have fought for Riza, but if it was Havoc… Roy just hoped he would treat her well and take care of her.
"Roy! There you are! What are you doing, standing alone over there? C'mon, let's go grab a drink!" Maes cheerful voice called out to the new Fuhrer.
Upon realizing that Roy had not said a word at his arrival, Maes placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and asked, concerned, "Roy? Are you all right?"
"I didn't know Havoc and Hawkeye were together," came Roy's voice after a while.
"What? Don't be crazy! They aren't to…" Maes started, until he saw the two people they were talking about on the dance floor.
After a short pause, Maes said, "Hey, just 'coz they're dancing together doesn't mean they're a couple, y'know."
He gave a nervous laugh, hoping Roy didn't really believe that such a thing was happening. As Roy's best friend, he knew Roy's feelings for his Lieutenant, and he could only imagine what Roy must be thinking and feeling after seeing the way Havoc and Hawkeye were dancing.
"I've never seen her look like that, not when she was dancing with the other men. It's just with him. I can't compete with that. Even if I could, it's Havoc. I won't do that to him. I just… I hope he takes care of her," Roy said in a soft voice.
"Don't talk like that! We won't know 'til we ask them, will we?" Maes tried to convince him.
Roy chuckled, "You really don't need to hear it. Just look at them. Look at her. It's obvious."
Maes wanted to contradict Roy's words, but looking at Riza, he had to admit that there was indeed a glow about her face as she danced with Havoc.
"Maes, can you do me a favor?"
Maes looked at Roy upon hearing him speak. His eyes only widened as his best friend produced a small box from his pocket. Could it be…?
"Can you… can you give this to Riza later?"
"Roy, is this…? Were you…? No! Give it to her yourself!" Maes could only stutter.
The man shook his head dejectedly, "I can't, Maes. I might not be able to face them. I don't want to ruin her… their night. I just want her to have this. It was meant for her, after all. I think I'll leave early."
"Roy… are you sure?"
"Yes. Please, Maes."
"Okay."
With that, the raven-haired alchemist slipped past the people and out the doors.
Baby, don't you know I love you so?
Can't you feel it when we touch?
I'll never ever let you go
I love you oh so much
Just as Roy had left the building, Riza and Havoc came up to the man wearing glasses.
"Lieutenant Colonel! How 'ya doin'?" Havoc greeted with a smile.
"Ah! Second Lieutenant Havoc, Lieutenant Hawkeye! Or should I say, former Second Lieutenant and Lieutenant?" Maes immediately smiled at the two.
"No need for formalities, you two. It's a party, after all," came Riza's gentle voice, "Where is Roy, by the way? Wasn't he just here awhile ago, Maes?"
"Ah, ummm… that is to say…" Maes had no idea what he was supposed to say, seeing as it had only been a minute or so since his friend had left rather dejectedly.
"What's wrong?" Riza asked immediately, concern for their new Fuhrer obvious in her eyes.
Maes sighed. Might as well get it over with. "Roy… left."
"Why?" Riza looked to the man, clearly puzzled.
"He saw you and Havoc dancing together, and…"
The way Riza's eyes widened and the soft gasp that escaped her lips told Maes that she had an idea as to why Roy left prematurely, "He didn't…"
"He assumed that the two of you are a couple, so to speak. I did try to convince him otherwise, but… He saw something. He said… that you looked different as you were dancing with Havoc, Riza. When I looked at you, I had to admit that he did have a point. You may not have noticed it, but you were glowing. He was happy for you, as am I, but… ah, point is, congratulations to you two! I can't believe you guys are an item, and I didn't know! I'm in Investigations for crying out loud!" Maes laughed at his own joke.
"Wait, who's a couple? Me and Lieutenant Hawkeye?" Havoc asked, clearly surprised at this information.
"Well, aren't you?" Maes countered.
"No! Haha, I mean, Lieutenant Hawkeye's a fine woman and all, and even if I were to fall in love with her, she loves no one but the Colonel – I mean, the Fuhrer," Havoc laughed.
Maes looked to Riza to confirm Havoc's statement. Riza looked him in the eyes and said, "I love Roy. I don't know what he saw, but I don't love Havoc that way. I don't understand why he won't trust me."
Maes could only sigh, "You know as well as I do that this isn't a matter of trust, Riza. Roy does love you, and he believed you were happy with Havoc. In fact, he also said, if it were anyone but Havoc, he might have thought to fight for you. As it turned out though, he only wants what he thinks is best for you, at least in his own twisted judgment."
Silence reigned for a few moments among the three of them, before Havoc finally sighed and said, "Do you want to go, Lieutenant? I'll walk you back to your apartment."
At this statement, Riza replied softly but firmly, "No, Roy's the only one who ever walks me home from these functions."
You can dance
Go and carry on 'til the night is gone
And it's time to go
If he asks
If you're all alone, can he walk you home?
You must tell him no
'Coz don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
Save the last dance for me
Maes took that moment to hand Riza the box Roy had told him to give to her. "Roy left this for you. He didn't want to give it to you himself because he couldn't face the two of you just yet, and he didn't want to ruin your night. But he said that this was meant for you, so he wanted you to have it."
Havoc's eyes widened at the sight of the box, as Riza gingerly took it from Maes' outstretched hand. She took a deep breath before opening it, but she couldn't have done anything to stop the gasp and the tears that formed in her eyes upon seeing what was inside.
Nestled in a cushion of scarlet lay a golden pendant strung on a matching gold chain. The pendant was in the shape of a hawk, its talons clasping a fairly large stone of amber. When the light hit it just right, the stone sparked with an inner flame. It was breathtaking.
Havoc and Maes were awestruck as well as they caught a glimpse of the beautiful piece of jewelry. Maes then looked at Riza, hoping to figure out what she was feeling, but her bangs effectively hid her face from him.
All of a sudden, she looked up and said, "That stupid man!" And with those parting words, she fled from the room in the same direction Roy had taken.
Oh I know
That the music's fine like sparkling wine
Go and have your fun
Laugh and sing
But while we're apart
Don't give your heart to anyone
And don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me
Riza had no idea where Roy might have gone, but it seemed as if her feet knew just where to find him. They led her up a hill, overlooking the mansion where the ball was taking place. As she reached the top, she could make out the silhouette of a man. Although she could hardly see his features, she knew it was Roy.
Her tears had dried somewhat during her run to Roy. At that moment though, her throat seemed to have closed, and no sound would escape her lips. She stood there for a few minutes, unsure of what to say. Finally, she found the courage to take a step and utter…
"Roy…"
The man slowly turned around to face her and shoot her a smile, albeit painfully, but it was only for a moment. He quickly refocused his attention to the party that was taking place below them. After awhile, he managed to compose himself enough to say, "Congratulations, Lieutenant. I must say I was surprised. I didn't know you and Havoc got together."
Ignoring what he just said, Riza asked, "Why did you leave, Roy?"
"You know, I am the Flame Alchemist. I am quite capable of taking care of myself, Lieutenant." was Roy's only response.
"That wasn't what I meant! And please, Roy, we aren't in the office. It's Riza," Riza said, aware that it was usually Roy who uttered that line. She tried to ask again, "Why did you give me this, Roy?" She was referring to the necklace in her hands.
Without turning his head, Roy answered, "It's yours. I understand that it'll be awkward if you were to wear it in front of Havoc though, so you can just keep it if you want. If not, just throw it away. I'm not taking it back, Lieutenant."
Riza was hurt and frustrated now. She had no idea who the man in front of her was.
"I won't wear it! I won't wear it… because you won't put it on me!"
Roy was startled at this outburst, and he turned to face her as she continued her rant.
"I've always dreamed of receiving a necklace like this from you. And, in my dreams, you'd be the one to put it on me. It was incredibly sweet of you, and I would always feel happy thinking about it. Now that it's come true, it hasn't exactly turned out that way."
Tears were freely flowing down her face at this point, but she paid them no mind.
"I don't know what you saw awhile ago, but I don't love Havoc that way! All this time, I have watched your back not because it was simply my duty to do so, but because I couldn't bear it if anything were to happen to you. And haven't you ever noticed that you are the only one I ever dance the last dance with, the only one I let take me home?"
Her voice softened as she said her last words, "And for the last time, Roy, it's Riza. For you and only you, it will always be Riza."
With this, Riza was just about to collapse in sobs, but instead, Roy quickly pulled her against his chest so she was clutching his jacket as she cried. He held her tightly, his arms around her and his lips kissing her hair.
"I'm sorry, Riza. Please forgive me. I never meant to make you feel like this. I just… I didn't know what else to think. I'm sorry. Please stop crying. It hurts me to see you this way," Roy could only murmur soft words of comfort, hoping that Riza would soon calm down.
Each sob that left her lips was like a stab at Roy's heart. He truly regretted what he had done. He just wanted Riza to be happy. He thought she was happy with Havoc, so he gave in gracefully. He only realized then how wrong he had been.
When Riza's sobs finally quieted, he pulled away from her a bit and wiped the tears off her face. He began to apologize again, but Riza placed a finger to his lips. She lifted the necklace he had given her and shyly said, "Will you put it on me?"
He smiled and took the necklace from her hands. She then turned her back to him, at the same time, lifting her hair out of the way. He gently clasped the pendant around her neck, his hands lingering for a moment. When she turned again to face him, he cupped her face and proceeded to kiss her.
Their kiss was gentle, but filled with all the longing and love which they had suppressed for years. As they broke apart for air, Roy softly said, "I love you, Riza."
Riza could only smile as her hands encircled his neck, "I love you too, Roy. I have always loved you." With that, she pulled him into another kiss.
Back in the ballroom, Maes was talking with Havoc as the host announced that the next song would be the last for the evening.
"I guess they aren't going to be coming back," Havoc sighed.
Just as the lights dimmed and the orchestra started to play, Roy and Riza walked through the doorway. They made their way to the center of the floor just as the first strains of the song were heard. Once there, Roy proceeded to pull Riza into his arms in a delicate twirl, and they began to dance.
Maes and Havoc were delighted upon seeing the two lovers dancing together on the floor. Maes honestly couldn't believe how he had ever thought that Riza loved Havoc after watching her dance with Roy. There was no way to describe it – the way they looked together. There was no doubt that they were meant to be. He definitely wasn't the only one who thought so.
"Daddy, daddy!" Elysia ran to her father through the crowd. As Maes lifted his daughter into his arms, she said, "Uncle Roy and Auntie Riza look so beautiful together, don't they, Daddy? It's like magic!"
Gracia approached the father and daughter, and Maes pulled her in for a hug as they continued to watch their friends.
"They're together," Gracia said, and Maes could only respond with, "Finally."
Havoc too watched in awe as his superiors danced. Almost everyone in the room had stopped to admire the beautiful couple. Roy and Riza were oblivious though – their world only consisting of each other at the moment.
When the song finally came to a close, Riza lay in Roy's arms, and he swooped down to kiss her. They only broke apart when they heard the thunderous applause. Riza had the grace to blush at the attention, but Roy only tightened his hold on her before leading her towards their friends.
The number of guests dwindled as the orchestra packed up for the night. At the side of the room, Roy and Riza stood among their friends, enduring the long overdue teasing.
When things had finally settled down, Roy turned to Riza and said, "May I take you home?"
Riza's face lit up in a smile as she answered, "I thought you'd never ask."
So don't forget who's taking you home
Or in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me
Oh baby, won't you save the last dance for me?
Oh, you'll make me promise that you'll save the last dance for me
Save the last dance, the very last dance for me