Broken Promise:
Roy stared across the room at the young girl and almost had to look away. The way those golden eyes pierced right through him made him uncomfortable. Sara would not find the love or comfort she deserved here. There was no cure for broken hearts and disappointed dreams. His eyes flickered to the engagement ring she was absentmindedly twirling on her left hand.
His wife wasn't home at the moment and Roy felt awkward sitting across the room from his subordinate's daughter. Offering her tea seemed the appropriate thing to do, even if he'd rather have a glass of whiskey.
Sara Elric politely accepted and while she made small talk he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Her visits were routine and despite the stagnant air Roy knew things were changing. Fullmetal had called and asked about his daughter's visits, no doubt weary of his intentions. To be honest, Roy wasn't sure he knew. It was a case study which he was observing with the upmost scrutiny; why this beautiful young girl was still wearing a ring his dead son had put on her finger one year ago was top of that list. And yet a part of him, however small and selfish, wanted her to mourn his son for all eternity. Maybe studying Sara was his answer to the question he had asked himself a thousand times.
After what felt like an eternity she seemed to pick up on his exhaustion and mentioned something about it getting late. As she pushed the bangs from her face, Roy could see the strength it took to love his son and how that same strength was still being tested.
"I guess I should be going, I can be back tomorrow, I'm sorry I missed Mrs. Mustang."
There was no doubt she would come over, such a dutiful creature to keep them company during the anniversary of their son's death.
It was clear she was leaving, but her feet stayed planted, those golden eyes glued on him. Looking weary she took a step in his direction. Hands trembling she grabbed his hand and Roy felt himself freeze. It was the cold touch of metal in his palm that pulled him out of the fog. Tears were streaming down her face. "Take it." She whispered. "Please."
When she fled the room Roy didn't watch her go, instead he stared at the ring in his hand. Looking at it closely Roy decided he didn't want it either. They were all carrying it, the dead weight of his love or maybe the heavier weight of their own.
Setting the ring down on the table he studied it in much the same fashion he had Sara. How did it exist when Maes did not? It seemed foreign, a years' worth of pain still not sinking deep enough to bind him to the tragedy of it all.
When Riza came home she took the ring and put it in a drawer where it remained out of sight. A simple compartment for a broken promise.
Riza finally broke the silence. "She deserves to be happy again."
Roy wondered if she didn't just mean Sara.