"It's complicated." Ed said. It had become a lot more complicated in the last few hours.
"Typical alchemist." Hawkeye replied with a closed-eyed sigh. "You're probably thinking there's some secret formula, and once you crack it you'll know what to say."
Ed blushed. That was more or less how he thought women worked.
"No such luck, Fullmetal." Riza laughed. "I don't claim to speak for all women, but that's precisely the point. Sound like you're reading a script that you've practiced in the mirror, and you're not going to come across as very sincere. Just be yourself." She said, putting a hand on his automail shoulder. "I know you've probably heard that a thousand times before, but in your case it's true. You have a lot to work with. If I were Winry, I'd gladly have you as a boyfriend."
"And what if you weren't Winry?" Ed asked.
"I don't think I follow." Riza replied, confused.
"What if you were Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye?"
"I am Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye." She said assertively. "You're going to need to start over. I got lost about 15 seconds ago."
"Right." Ed said, tapping the index fingers on both hands together, breaking eye contact. "I'm not wording this very well so far." He added.
"Take your time. You don't need to dress it up. Anything you need to ask me, just ask, and I will answer to the best of my ability." Her tone was comforting, but maintained a degree of the methodical woman with nerves of steel he'd come to know. At least he could bet on a straight answer from Hawkeye.
"This is going to sound sudden." He said, trying his best to resume eye contact. "I know that because it feels very sudden for me too. I didn't really know you until today. I've only just started to get to know you now."
"Ed, that's not true." She said, smiling. The Lieutenant moved her hand from his automail shoulder and seized his human hand. "This isn't the first time you've spoken to me. You know that."
"Sure. I mean we've talked before. But only really at work. Or about work. It's always work related is what I'm trying to say." Ed explained, breaking eye contact again.
"Well, yes. That's true. But if you need to talk to me about something else, even at work I will do my best to be attentive where I can. Believe me, I know the value of having someone to talk to. I'm just curious as to why you've come to me?"
"Well that's just it. I didn't really realise until earlier today. In the office, I got butterflies." Ed explained.
"Butterflies? Talking to me? Ed, there's no need to be nervous around me. I'm not the judgemental type and everything I-"
"I just need you to listen for a second." Ed interrupted. "Sorry for cutting you off mid-sentence."
"No, really. Go ahead." Riza said, a little taken aback, but intrigued to hear where Ed was going with this.
"I never expected this. Not to mention it happening this fast. But… Lieutenant Hawkeye, I think I'm falling for you."
Riza broke eye contact this time. "Ed, I think I mentioned earlier that I'm not looking for a boyfriend."
"I hear ya." He answered, turning away. There was a lump in his throat now. But Riza did not relinquish his hand.
"Now I need you to listen to me for a second." Riza said, keeping a tight hold of his hand. Her voice carried its usual authority. But Ed could tell she was even more serious now than usual. "What I was saying was, earlier I mentioned that I wasn't looking for a boyfriend. But that's not to say I couldn't find one without meaning to."
"Now I'm a little lost." Ed said. It was not like Hawkeye to mince her words. Beneath her assertive tone was an undertone of vulnerability now.
"You spoke to me sincerely. You were yourself, and what you did took a lot of bravery. It was me who gave you that advice. Why do I feel I may come to regret this decision?" She laughed. "But I think I'm going to give you a chance."