A/N: So, this chapter is pretty long (12,000 words, including the authors notes)! Warning for lots of liquor. I also let my imagination flow with this one: I ended up thinking of a religion that would go with Xing culture and their Alkahestry. It would just make sense for a country with a selfless personality to have a religion to go by. So I did it, whoops.


15:24

Her eyes bolted open, along with the rest of her body. Her breath staggered for a minute, shaking out the jitters in her mind. Dream after dream, once being a reality for her once upon a time. She had a feeling those dreams were for a reason, as she hasn't thought of them once since. Rebecca told her earlier on the bench about the past, maybe it triggered something.

She allowed her breath to hollow out as she felt him slide his hand on hers, brushing his thumb across her knuckles. His hands were rough and strong, but still so gentle and loving. She let her eyes slide close, and lean her head back into the seat. She let herself have this much peace, if it was only a little bit of it.

Riza felt his lips on the back of her hand, lightly placing kisses. He saw her smile, encouraging him to continue.

Havoc looked in the back seat silently, tapping three times next to Rebecca. She pretended she was going to switch lanes, sneaking a peak to the dark haired man pull her best friend next to him. She raised her eyebrows, letting her teeth show as her lips widened across her face.

She kept driving across the city, traveling them to the beach. Without them noticing, she was able to call ahead with Madame and Hughes, so it would be fairly empty for the place to be filled from the people of the night before. The owners of the beach didn't seem affected, being easy with the ability for them to purchase it for a night. Of course, they were able to get some employees for the night so everything went smoothly.

There was a hotel next to the water and sand, filled with mostly two bed, one bathroom, rooms; enough for everyone to stay. There was also a main hall, though it was slightly smaller, it would fit everyone attending. There was also a grand piano in the main hall. It seemed surreal to her that it was two parties in a row, but that's Hughes for you. He did say he and his wife have been trying to set this up since he met them at the war grounds.

It didn't surprise Rebecca one bit, somehow. It did, but it didn't.

She looked back again while changing lanes, Riza laying back into Roy's arms as he laid a kiss on her forehead.

"Hey guys, not that I mind you being all lovey-dovey, you still need to be careful. I highly doubt anyone will try and put it out there and destroy your reputation," They flinched, "But it's still a risk. Even though Havoc and I are also disregarding rules-" Hawkeye responded with a strict tone, "They don't give a damn when it's two same ranking officers, do you ever see that Maryanne and Lucas fellow getting in trouble when they have sex every moment they have, even at work?" She scolded her friend, Jean having a sweat drop fall from his forehead.

"Okay, well Jean and I also have been having sex, but-" Interrupted again, "I know that, I walked in on the effects afterwards this morning, Rebecca."

"And you also cuddled me in the dirty sheets while I was naked, honey. I know this." Jean and Roy had hot faces, trying to shake the images from their heads.

'Oh, Riza, let's have some fun,' They both heard Rebecca's playful voice in their minds, rustling their hair to try and remove it.

"Those laws should just be removed." She heard Riza mutter under her breath, curling to her side in Roy's arms.

"We'll be there soon, so you should remove that attitude of yours before we arrive. I'm sure Madame will give you a nice drink though," Riza raised her head, licking her lips with a glint in her eyes. She was hungry for the liquor, the taste of being numb. She liked how alcohol made her feel; to her, it's the feeling you get of being so light in the water, weightless, without the fear of falling. If you just relax your mind, you can float, and be one with everyone else you meet and see.

"Hey, Jean, you do know that we drank the second day I was at the academy, right?" She saw him roll the window down, lighting a cigarette hanging from his mouth.

"Yeah, I forgot about that. Should we do the Paranoia and Dirty Pint game mix again? You'll most likely end up drinking a whole pint of liquor again." He laughed lightly through the smoke filling his lungs, letting a cough escape.

"Oh, be nice, Jean. She ended up puking for the rest of the night, and I had to help her with the near alcohol poisoning experience." He raised his eyebrows, "I can't believe she's still that much of a light weight, she dragged out a tube and everything, though." She hissed when the wind had a piece of hair fall from her ponytail, scooping it back quickly.

"Seriously, she never answered the question I asked." She smirked into the mirror, looking back at the pair. Riza's face was bright red, tensing in Roy's lap. He noticed, raising a brow.

"I asked her whether or not she had sex in the last few months then, and if yes to say who. She didn't answer and took the penny flip deal and had to drink a pint of dirty liquor." Roy pressed his lips together, remembering rather vividly those couple years ago.

"Oh, so it was that way, huh?" Havoc blurted out laughing, "Holy shit, I should have realized it, but then again," He paused, "I didn't know the colonel back then except for rumors."

Their secret was out, fumbling for words to throw back at the laughing couple in the front seats.

"I-If you tell anyone," Riza stumbled, completely flustered as Rebecca chuckled, "Don't worry, sweetie, we promise to keep the secret." Jean pouted, his cigarette going vertically south, but still remained between his lips, "We do?"

She patted his cheek, "Yes, Jean, we do. You don't want to lose your very pretty girlfriend, do you?"

He sighed in defeat, "Alright alright."

Roy and Riza let out a deep breath together.

"So what was it like, Riza?" Havoc pulled his lips in a smile, and if the lieutenant had her guns on her..

Yep, one is pulled to his forehead, "That is none of your business, second lieutenant. Funny how I'm a rank above you, don't you think?" He grit his teeth, "Yeah, though you did beat me fair and square on that second day," He thought back to it, "Pfft, dancing in the kitchen and yoga. I still doubt that's all it was." This remark got Mustang thinking to the old house, how a soft tune would sometimes leave her lips, swinging around the house delicately. She was like a flower falling from a blossom tree.

'Damn,' He thought to himself, 'All these things you do, still bring me back to the beginning. When they were alive and well.' He let the thoughts stop as she looked through his eyes, reading his thoughts as easily as breathing. She stroked his fingers, calming his mind.

"Thank you," He whispered, audible enough for her to hear, and closed his eyes. He saw a faint smile appear on her face, knowing exactly what it means.

'You don't have to thank me, Roy.' Was the look in her eyes, a loving, gentle remark that was rarely given from her.

"Hey guys, we're almost there." She glanced to Jean, who succeeded in throwing the butt of his cigarette out the window. The car followed a dirt trail, zooming through some woods. It was pretty, but the load music was heard as they passed a tree with a large yellow triangle on it, indicating the beach wasn't far off.

There was a parking lot, and it looked like a place for kids, in all honesty. A camp meant for the summer, where small children went for joyous purposes. Or maybe the opposite, it was a little edgy either way. More cars compacted the lot, people swinging and dancing to the loud music. No children were there, but there was Gracia Hughes, pregnant by her husband. He saw them greeting once again as they found a parking spot, near the entrance of the party.

Roy delicately removed Riza from him, slowly sitting up and getting out of the car, he almost forgot what she was wearing. She had a pair of shorts on, white with light dirt marks from earlier. She also had a grey tank top on, a black blouse covering herself. He only was really curious about the swimwear she had prepared. Probably something modest, knowing her.

As he got out the car, he stretched his muscles out, wondering his sight to Hughes who was waiting for them, having their suitcases from the hotel. He didn't pay any mind to it, though it did seem Riza's suitcase had a little more weight to it.

'Maybe from her shopping today? Must be.' He came to the conclusion quickly, but still didn't really spend more of his attention to the thing, containing her belongings, her under- he needed to stop himself. Scratching his head, he saw Rebecca and Havoc behind along with his Riza.

Wait, 'When was she my Riza in the first place?' He brought his fingers to his face, his nails rubbing against it. He dismissed the thoughts immediately.

Havoc and Rebecca were openly displaying their feelings, even with the amount of people from work were around. 'She was right,' He thought back to her words on the military caring to the fraternization laws. No one is paying attention, all the others are with the one's they love. Though he knows a few people have children, none of them are there due to the alcohol and the insane people displaying themselves on the beach.

There was fires nearing the closer they went to the scene, most likely fire spinners. It was quickly confirmed as people danced around the fire, the wielders spinning the fire behind them on a stage.

Havoc and Rebecca were hand in hand, rushing with Riza to come closer to the group. The Hughes family were fairly happy, as always.

"Okay, but seriously, do you know yet? I need to begin my shopping spree soon before I die of insanity." Rebecca freaked on Gracia, who smiled and shook her head. The other woman just sighed in defeat, then grinning to announce her readiness.

"Alright, is everyone ready? I have trays and trays off drinks waiting." A grouchy voice came to appearance, which subconsciously made Roy smile in fondness. Riza noticed steadily, glancing back and forth from the two. It was clear they were related, but the story she remembers was painful, even just hearing about it.


[Flashback]

"So, are you going to tell me a story before I go to bed, or what?" She smirked to the boy on her bedside, who looked dead tired from another day of study. He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, lowering one over her shoulders. She couldn't resist the smile on her face.

"Come on, tell me a story. Better than the one about the sword princess." She curled into his side, waiting.

"Alright, but this one isn't so happy," She got herself comfortable. He took a deep sigh before beginning.

"So, once upon a time, a boy and his parents were very close, and went on picnics all the time. When he was six years old, he was told he may have a younger sister or brother." Her eyes slid closed, listening to the story, images appearing in her mind.

"He noticed his mothers belly, and how wide it was appearing. It explained everything quickly." He took a deep breath as her arm went and cradled around his waist.

"Though, three months later in time, he saw his mother crying on a hospital bed, and they were told the terrible news of the baby not surviving, due to the birth being too soon, premature. His mother had stitches on the belly that carried the delicacy." She hummed, bringing her hands around his neck.

"They soon went on another picnic, after mourning the loss of the child that would have been his younger brother, not sister. The child didn't take a living breath in the world when removed." She opened her eyes, sliding back closed when she understood that it was his story, his eyes half closed and his mouth cringing and twisting. His eyes were watering, but he didn't allow any tears to fall.

"Another picnic was planned soon enough, about two months later, nearing the boys birthday. But, it became rainy that evening. The parents decided to go out for groceries, leaving the boy with his aunt and cousins." She felt one of the tears drop down to her arm.

"They didn't come home that night, and in the morning the boy woke up to the doorbell, rushing to see his parents, smiling." His voice was staggering a bit, and she felt his throat bob from his swallowing.

"He didn't see his parents, instead he was asked for an adult, not a parent." He exhaled raggedly, gulping more tears down, failing as she felt more on her shoulder.

"His aunt came to the door, and her eyes were wide from the news. His parents were in an 'accident'." She looked up the man staring out into space, she climbed over him, stoking his cheeks away from the tears, slowly bringing him back to reality.

"Their car was found in a ditch, another car that was stolen crashed into the one holding the boys parents. They were also found with their bodies in terrible condition. His aunt had to cover her mouth from wailing over the sight of the parents burned bodies, covering up the wounds from a sharp blade." His voice was struggling, cracking as he said the words. She hushed him, laying kisses on his forehead and cheeks. His breathing was shallow, as if he saw the images in his own head.

She was told happy stories most of the time, but she knew this was one he had to get off his chest. He clenched his hands in her hair, shaking as he finished his story, "His aunt took seven long months to obtain custody of the boy, becoming his foster mother. In those months he was taken care of by an orphanage in the area, who only allowed him to eat one meal a day. The children beat him and no one helped him. Soon enough after weekends after weekends of visiting from his aunt and cousins, he was able to leave the horrid place." She laid another kiss on his forehead, his breathing becoming easier.

"He was greeted by his cousins in his family home, a large house with a meadow growing in the back. His things were still there, and was given a small picture of his parents, when his mother was carrying the younger brother he was supposed to have." Another kiss on his cheek got his frown to remove itself, going to a straight line. His eyes closed, softly leaning into the kisses she gave him.

"They soon left the country side in the south, moving to a small town in central, where his aunt opened a small bar. He began school, and soon saw letters that were sent all over the place, far and wide in Amestris, and he began a thicker type of study of alchemy." She tilted her head to his last remark.

"He began studying along with the curriculum he learned at school. Then as the day came of the testing, he was able to become an apprentice of a man, who is crazy and absolutely unfortunate," She smiled to the comment, "But he also has a beautiful daughter, who is similarly crazy and unfortunate for dealing with the crazy man, and the other crazy man, and the man from school who keeps flirting with her-" She kissed him, laughing into his lips.

She removed herself, "Shut up, and go to sleep, okay?" He grinned, "May the boy at least get another kiss from the beautiful daughter?" She slapped him lightly, "Yes, the boy may, Roy."


She slugged herself to the group, snapping out of her memories. Madame had them follow her to the bar booth, which was set up shortly before they arrived.

"So hey, we were talking about Paranoia and Dirty Pint," Madame laughed, "Oh, boy. You're going to be reckless tonight, aren't you? Riza, dear, can you help me grab the bottle down on the second bottom shelf?" Riza got up quickly, reaching for the bottle she told her about, "This one?"

"Yes, thank you." It was a bottle marked with red, blue, and white stripes circling the width of it, crawling all the way up to the opening. It was a sparkling white wine, bubbling as she removed the skewer inside of the opening.

She poured a glass for herself, none for Riza, but gave her a sip.

"That's delicious," Madame smiled, "Yes, it's a vintage from my brothers wedding. You remember this one, don't you, Roy?" She poured the wine into a smaller glass for him, he let his lips curl into a small smile.

"Yeah, you gave me a sip when I came home from the orphanage, and I cringed at the taste." She laughed, remembering the face he made towards it.

"Yeah, almost nine years old, and you hated it with a passion, Roy boy." He sneered at the nickname, letting it slide.

"So, Paranoia and Dirty Pint? How exactly does that work, Miss Hawkeye?" She looked over to the woman sitting on a stool, who put her eyes towards Jean and Rebecca.

"Well, you know Paranoia is a clockwise asking questions that need to be answered to the group, and that if anyone asks they need to drink, right?" Chris nodded, pouring an order for a lady, sending off the drink with a smile.

"And you know Dirty Pint is basically a game of coins that we flip, declaring whether or not the person will drink whatever is in the glass?" She nodded, "Yes, and it's usually where a person adds their drink, if they choose correctly, it just passes to the next person and repeats. Once a person flips the coin and ends on the wrong side from which is chosen, they have to down the glass of whatever is in there." Jean laughed, "Yeah, that time we just added the whole table's drink, and was even nastier for Hawkeye since a couple people added their waters."

Madame hissed, "That's disgusting." Riza had to shake herself off from the memory, chills covering her arms, "God, Rebecca had to give me medicines, which made me puke for the night, if you didn't already know, Rebecca," She scolded her friend.

"Oh, sweetie, if only you didn't take up the offer with Jean, you would have been sober, and not have vomited on my favorite pair of jeans at the time, Riza." She rolled her eyes to the darker haired girl, glancing back up to the famous aunt.

"Basically, in the Paranoia mix with Dirty Pint, we did the Paranoia game for the most part. But if someone refused to give an answer, everyone mixed in their drinks to the center cup, and the person had to drink all of it, if the wrong side showed." Riza flinched to Jean who laughed loudly, "You got the nerve to call one of the strippers for a tube, which gladly it was a waitress. Everyone was yelling for you to drink, drink, drink, drink!" He got louder every 'drink' came out of his mouth.

Roy raised his eyebrows in amusement, tapping his foster mothers hand twice, indicating for a drink. She poured some gin into a cup, making him frown.

"Come on, Roy. Drink the terrible gin, and I'll get you whiskey for the rest of the night until it runs out." He glared at her, mumbling something in a nasly voice. He winced and shook his head from the vial liquid. It was dry, terribly dry.

"God, this stuff is horrible." She patted his shoulder, "Yes, yes, I know." She handed him a small bottle of whiskey for himself, he gladly removed the top and took a swig.

"Hey, Hawkeye," A darker skinned lady appeared with Hayate, giddy to see Riza. She got off the chair and bent down to hug her Shiba Inu, who gave her slobbery kisses.

"Hey, Kharla, that's a nice piece you got there." She was in a Xingese one piece, shimmering down her legs lightly, colors of gold and white. Her hair was black, dreaded and tied into a large bun. Her green eyes stared through everyone. In between her eyes and to her forehead were small gems, pressed into her skin.

"Yes, well, I thought I would dress for the occasion, Miss Hawks Eye." Everyone stared at the new lady, Roy casually drinking his whiskey.

"When did that name appear, I wonder." Havoc scoffed at the woman. She gave a warm smile, "Yes, well, it was around the eighth time she stepped into my office, mysterious man." Her eyes were bold, the green glimmering in the sun light.

"Roy, yes? Is it not early to be drinking at this hour?" She looked over to him, glancing back to Riza.

"You say Havoc is the mysterious one, when you're just as mysterious, Kharla Shells," He started, "And to answer your question: every hour is drinking hour." Havoc grinned, clinking his glass to his, "I can drink to that!"

Madame began talking with Kharla, asking about what she does, how her situation is, and the conversation was soon warming thanks to her.

"So you were helping Miss Hawkeye after the discharge?" Kharla let a mischievous grin take place, shrugging, "I am very sorry, but that is something I cannot discuss with you, Christmas." They all knew it was a yes, but it was still interesting to hear words leave her mouth in an accent they all couldn't place. It was like somewhere from the east, maybe the west. She was definitely alluring, but no one had the guts to say it.

"Kharla, are you married?" Jean snickered, everyone wide eyed as he let the question slip. She let herself a small smile, "Oh no, in my life, it is about the soul and body before the bonding to another being. Have you heard about Xing? My parents were from there, but traveled here for studies on your alchemy, while I took their studies in medicinal Alkahestry, and went to school for psychological study." She carried on the conversation, "The dragons pulse, is what ignites the power to help and protect. Due to this, a religion was born and taught to breathe with the dragon, keep peace with your mind and body. It's a peaceful religion, as you need to take care of yourself before other souls around you."

Everyone hummed in awe.

"And if someone disrupted that cycle, like wars?" Kharla laughed to the woman, "Oh, Riza, you know better than I do, that if such thing were to occur, there would be a quiet discussion instead of a war. If someone killed someone else, perhaps a child like the start of the Ishvalan war?" Everyone became slightly uneasy, "A priestess would end up cutting in and ask for the man or woman to please step down, and pray with her and the sisters, before heading to the Emperor to converse with the families to find the rightful path for the person." She glanced to everyone around her, who were taking those thoughts to their hearts. She knew the faces she was seeing, they screamed, 'Why is it like this here, then?'.

"Of course, there are slight debates over who will take the man's place, as he is becoming ill with his old age. One person of each family is to take a pilgrimage to find something of value to decide the Xingese fate, so don't be surprised if you see new faces, ladies and gentlemen." A couple of people stared at her curiously.

Mustang was starting to feel a small buzz, "So if your ancestry says you are Xingese, why aren't you white?" Riza glared at him, and he soon realized it was a stupid question. Rebecca muttered, "Oh my God." Laughing as she covered her face.

"I was told a hidden gene of mine makes my skin darker than others; I am the only one in my family with the trait, besides my deceased great grandmother on my mothers side. It's very curious." Riza's head perked up, "But don't you have a sister, Kharla?"

"Yes, she is setting out in the country in the west, taking her notes on alchemy as well. She is my twin, but she has pale skin, white as snow. Our eyes and hair match roughly, though hers are lighter in coloration. We are definitely one of a kind." She smirked to the girl, letting it fade as Madame took conversation with her again, handing her a fruity drink.

"Now, why are you not dressed for the occasion?" They all flinched.


15:40

After walking themselves to the hotel and checked in, they all went to their rooms. It was to no surprise Roy and Riza shared a room again, though there was two queen sized beds. There was a small table, and a large view of the beach. There were also two long dressers, with a television set mounted above them.

"How loaded is Hughes, exactly?" She muttered to herself, though Roy caught it.

"He comes from a fairly middle class family, though he doesn't see them much. He told me he left his home as soon as he was eighteen. I can't really imagine what he went through." His voice trailed off as Riza grabbed a small package from her bag, slowly making her way to the bathroom.

He was wrong about the piece she was wearing, two pieces of not at all 'decency'. He couldn't stop staring at the white beads that rested on her hips. Red and black patterns with a white thread. The straps hooked behind her neck, and she combed her hair out, only to find its way into a neat bun. His mouth was dry.

"Go change," She passed by him, staring into a mirror. Hawkeye made sure all little pieces of hair made its way into the hairdo.

'Damn,' he forgot how nice she can look. She's normally in the genderless military clothes, confining any femininity she possesses. He had to lock away any emotions he had, 'Or do you?' A little voice crept into his head. He thought back to earlier, they did happen to have a small moment to themselves.

"Are you really going out there dressed like that?" He questioned, looking at the small of her back and up again.

"What, you jealous?" She had a smirk, and for once she was able to switch sides with him. Usually he's the one messing with her feelings, not the other way around. He kept telling himself he didn't care, but his burning cheeks begged to differ.

"So, what if I am?" He didn't remove his eyes from hers, his brows furrowing. He didn't notice how she walked up to him, her thumbs trying to smooth out the lines he was making.

"You shouldn't get so stressed, you're going to age quicker than expected." Still he didn't move his stare, but he wanted to. His mind was the one screaming, but Riza's was calm, serene. It was a different attitude from the office, more mother-like and brought peace. He felt his heart race, falling into her eyes.

She was feeling a lot more peaceful from the encounter earlier, just hearing the three words helped her more than he could know. She wasn't so confused.

Her hands crawled through his hair, smoothing it back, laying a small kiss between his eyes.

"Go change." She whispered, placing another kiss on his lips. He kissed back, a little harder than he should have, but he was hungry for the way she made his heart race. She smiled, pecking him on the lips, "We'll have more time for this later. Change." His lips pressed into her cheek, leaving a trail down her jaw.

"Colonel," He grinned as he bit her neck, his tongue running over it.

"Colonel," She hissed, her chest rising and falling heavily.

"You know," Another kiss, "I've been thinking about that punishment, lieutenant." His voice was husky, all the more reasons to add a pool of heat in between her legs.

"Yeah?" Her voice shook as he sucked on her pulse point.

"Yeah," His hands gripped onto her bottom, running his fingers under the material blocking him.

"Hm," She hummed as he massaged her ass gently, "Colonel-" She felt a light spank, her lips curling into a smile, "You should go change, sir." Another spank on her ass, she giggled on his idea. It did feel nice, but he could definitely go harder.

"You know how Rebecca and I went shopping earlier?" She bargained to him, his eyes creeping up to meet hers, acknowledging her question, "Go check the package, sir." She let out a light laugh as he spanked both cheeks playfully.

He crouched down to the bag she told him about, opening it he found a corset, handcuffs, and a blindfold. Next to that package there was another small bag with knee-high heels. He gazed back at her, raising an eyebrow. She was standing there, arms crossed, with a pronounced smirk on her face.

"You're the devil, Riza."

"Maybe I am, sir." She purred to him, going back to the mirror like before, adjusting the top piece of her bikini, "I swear, it amazes me how she knew my size only by looking at me." After adjusting the clip behind her neck again, she walked back to her suitcase. She grabbed a few things: a towel, a pale blue blouse to cover her back piece, and her sandals. They were black, clipping behind her heel, splitting between her big toe and the rest. She fit the other one on, looking back to Mustang.

"I told you to get changed. A few times actually," She blinked at him, raising her eyebrows. Her eyes were fierce.

"Alright, alright, I'll get on it. Button your shirt though, it's a little revealing." He smacked her behind and winked at her, going to the bathroom and shutting the door behind him.

They all finally met up again by the bar, at a large wooden table with benches on each side connecting. Havoc and Catalina were still flirting, Maes and Gracia were still next to each other (though Gracia had her own chair set to the side, as the child inside her was kicking fairly hard), and Madame was passing out drinks like always, occasionally making a few martinis. Roy and Riza appeared soon enough, after she had to cover her neck with a light scarf. Everyone only had a vague idea on what was underneath, Hughes was adding it up quickly like always.

"So, what's with the scarf?" Hughes smiled deviously, enjoying the expressions they gave him. Roy scowled, Riza pressed her lips together and looked the other way. She was glad she had an excuse for the reasons on her mouth being swollen in appearance, putting it on the plumping lip gloss she was wearing. It was just an average lip gloss, but it was believable enough.

"It's chilly out, wouldn't you think, Rebecca?" She turned to her best friend for help, just to plead her to lie to him.

"Not at all, Riza, I think you're hiding something." A swing, and a miss. This wasn't easy. She muttered a curse under her breath, squinting at her friend.

"Your lips are awfully swollen, lieutenant, did something happen?" She was gritting her teeth, "No it's just my lip gloss, sir." She aimed the answer to Hughes, who just chuckled.

"Alright, everyone, calm down." A grouchy voice appeared. Madame set a round of drinks down for the group: Roy, Maes, Rebecca, Jean, Riza, Alex. Kharla said one drink was enough for her, thanking the round woman. She was just there to watch, apparently. It was a little different for Hawkeye to see Shells outside of work, drinking so casually, but it was nice. They had a.. careful relationship, strictly work speaking, most of the time.

"No one else is coming? What a shame." Chris complained a little, expecting more people to serve. Suddenly a wild smile came to her face as the girls came around, "Oh, girls? Are you participating as well?" They all giggled, sitting at the table.

"Of course, Madame. It's a downer seeing you so upset," One of them brightly said, laughing with the others.

"But who will see to the costumers, girls?" Roy butted in, slightly nervous.

"Oh, don't worry. We were double staffed tonight, Mustang. The other three girls that are usually on weekends decided to come along. They'll have their fun later, we promise." That just made him more anxious, due to the feeling that meant they would leave half way, the other three joining for the rest of the night. He glared at his foster mother, who had a mischievous grin to her face.

"You wouldn't," He dared, she tilted her head, "Oh I would, Roy Boy. Try to have fun, it's not everyday you're able to have it." She made him uneasy sometimes, but they were related. He had to remind himself that he was raised by her mostly, so she also rubbed her personality onto him. He tapped on the table twice, asking for a drink. She handed him a whiskey shot and he swallowed it down.

He still had a harsh look on his face, until Hawkeye rubbed small circles on the back of his hand under the table. His eyes softened, along with his clenched jaw. He glanced to her, and she curled her lips into a smile.

Just before the two left, they were kissing again, and he ended up leaving large marks on her neck. Okay, not just her neck, he also somehow got the small of her back. It was going to be hell if they ended up playing strip poker that she now knows how to play. So far, the only things covering the marks was her blouse and scarf.

"How about we play some strip poker," Rebecca persuaded, everyone nodding their heads except the pair.

"What, you have something to hide, Riza?" Rebecca purred with a smug look on her face, she could only respond with stutters, and a furious blush she couldn't fight off as much as she tried.

"Come on, that's not drinking though, Rebecca." Madame saved her, the woman actually saved her. She swore she saw a halo on the woman at this moment, until she said, "We can do that when she's not sober."

"You know, I thought you were an angel for a moment." Riza muttered to the woman, who happily grinned.

"Your version of the drinking game is cute, though I am making a few adjustments. Paranoia and Dirty Pint will be as followed- Is everyone listening?" She perked her brows to the table, who nodded eagerly.

"One person starts the whispers, go around the table clockwise. If someone does not want to answer something, they of course take a drink. Not a liter, but one shot. Every person will flip a penny along with the whispers, and if it lands on the right side, put it in the center glass. If it lands on the wrong side, you take that entire drink that is added up." Everyone understood, Havoc laughing, "That's better than what the hell we did as teenagers, huh, Riza?" She growled like a small dog.

"Yeah, you almost killed me with that drink. Do you realize the proof of that total ended up roughly a one hundred proof liquor? Making it fifty percent alcohol?" He let out another laugh, "Yeah, sorry about that. We still thought it was hilarious when you downed some of it, only to call over a stripper to bring you a tube!" He exclaimed, Rebecca joining in the chortles.

"You guys are awful." She whined to them.

"Now girls and boys, behave yourselves and start with the drunken fate games." Everyone stared at the lady.

"Who do we decide on who starts?" Rebecca asked Madame, obviously having the most experience. She hummed.

"What's that game you used to play when you were little, Roy?" She glanced to the man, thinking.

"Which one?"

"The one about the man and the river, or something,"

"I don't remember that one."

"Shit," She cursed to herself, looking over to Riza, "Did you have any games you used to play, dear?" She rose her head to the question.

"I didn't have a lot of friends-" Interrupted by Roy, "Oh come on, you can't say the people you got to throw water balloons at me weren't your friends. You even had someone hidden with a camera." She blushed slightly to the comment, "They mostly wanted to see how you'd react, since the guy literally everyone had a crush on-"

"They did not have a crush on me!" He threw his head back in frustration.

"Oh, yes they did, Roy Boy. Now, shut up and listen!" He pursed his lips, "Fine, I'm listening."

"Like I was trying to say," She sent a cold stare to the colonel, "I didn't have many friends, but there was an icebreaker game we did on break in class," She swallowed, just thinking about the game unnerved her, "It's called 'Darling if you love me, won't you please, please smile?'" She sighed, "It's a stupid little game, and I doubt it would break down who should start the drinking one."

"Well, it's early enough to play for awhile," Madame got everyone to agree, and Riza already regretted bringing it up.

"But who starts this one then?" Riza smiled innocently, Madame cussed again.

"Alright, everyone do something to get this on the road, I need more wine." Everyone looked around, where Havoc stretched his arms, wrapping one around Rebecca.

"This isn't getting anywhere." Rebecca started, looking around to the people at the table.

"Yeah, if only someone said, Rebecca, Darling, if you love me, won't you please, please smile?" He said them, smiling as he got her to have a small one on her lips, "Hey guys, the game started, and I smiled, does that mean I lose?"

"Yes, now you need to make someone else smile." Riza blurted out to her friend.

"Riza, darling, if you love me, won't you please, please smile?" Rebecca looked at her friend, crossing her eyes and wiggling her fingers in front of her face. She didn't crack.

"Damn it. What do I do now?" Rebecca sighed.

"You try on someone else, darling."

"Can I try on Havoc?"

"No, keep going until one person is left that you need to crack. That person will start the next game."

"If it keeps going like this, then you're sure to start it." Riza rolled her eyes to the comment.

"Alright," She repeated the line to Armstrong who giddily rose her up in his arms, sparkling as he did so. He was smiling of course. He set her down gently, rising up to Hughes, who cracked and went on to Roy. His friend tried not chuckling, really, but he made himself have so many chins, it was ridiculous.

"Okay, quick question, how did you get so many chins?"

"I have no idea, it's pretty fun, though; you should definitely try it, and count your chins, and we can have a contest on-"

"Hughes, come on." Roy wasn't impressed.

"You realize you have to move on to someone else, right?" He looked over to the remaining people, Riza, and Madame. Though, his aunt didn't exactly count, but did she?

"Oh, no, you're not saying it to me, Roy Boy." She and Hughes had the same wiggling eyebrows.

He turned to Riza, "Don't make me say it." He flushed, and she gripped onto his cheeks, "Aw, such a cute, wittle, baby! Not wanting to go on with the game!" She used a higher pitched voice to him, pressing his buttons.

She got close to his ear, "Do it, or you're seeing me in the outfit and getting absolutely nothing." she whispered the words delicately, making sure no one was able to see her words, let alone hear them.

"You wouldn't," He begged in front of everyone.

"Try me." She allowed these words to leave her mouth in the open, with a rather playful smirk. The glint in her eyes told him she wasn't joking on her half.

"Can't we do something else, other than me trying to get you to smile with weird words?" He attempted once more.

"No." Attempts fallen, and stomped on.

"Darling, if you love me, won't you please, please smile?" He said the words with a shy grin. She had to keep her lips pressed together, her mouth twitching to be pulled up. She raised her eyebrows, and the curve of her mouth proceeded to get a little bigger. At this moment, she wanted to punch herself in the face.

She knew it was stupid, but she was also competitive.

"Hey, Mustang, you could say the words to her," Rebecca winked at him, who frowned in return with an ice stare. She raised her hands in defense, giggling.

"Make me smile," Her voice was in a higher pitch, and she wiggled from side to side, nudging him on, "Or the next game is only going to wait even longer, colonel." She knew that last word would get something later, but he wouldn't go about it in front of anyone.

"I know that if you pointed your gun at me you would smile," She shook her head, "Oh, no, you're going to have to make me smile some other way. Too bad you won't see it," She yawned cutely, her hand waving in front of her mouth back and forth.

"I said the words, so that counts for something, right?" Madame set two double shot glasses next to him, filling them with gin.

"Drink up, or make the girl smile." She was downright malicious.

"Yeah, drink up, Chief; I know I could make her smile." He purred over to the two, setting a cigarette between his teeth.

"I doubt you could genuinely," He muttered between his teeth, his eyes aiming to the ground.

"What? Who was the one that knew her for two years, as she grew into a soldier? Passing lesson after lesson, gunpoint's, sneaking paths, combat, intellect," Hughes was amused as the colonel only got more frustrated by each word, silently listening, even though he knew he was going to burst at one point. She was noticing this as well, mouth going agape.

"That's enough, Havoc." She whispered to him, grabbing Roy's hand lightly, rubbing her thumb in small circles on the back of his clenched hands once more.

He was shaking in anger, soothing at her touch, breathing becoming easier.

"Get him some whiskey, Christmas," She needed him to calm down, her eyes never leaving his face.

She brought him some whiskey as asked, and left the pair, quietly retreating to her booth. The others stayed, softly talking among themselves.

"You okay?" She whispered to him, his lips twitched, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down. His voice was low and strained, "I'm fine." He gave out an answer that wasn't truthful at all.

"Don't give me that," Her thumb continued soothing his skin. He hadn't taken a drink yet; he knew better than to drink on his negativity.

"I was gone for a year, came back a week, and left for another year. And you decided to follow me-" She ceased him, "That was my decision on that last part. I waited, and I was fine with it. You know I would have followed you before then if my father wasn't so.."

"Strict? Demanding? Heartless? Controlling? Crazy? I could go on, you know." She laughed faintly, "I know. Good thing we were able to keep us a secret, though he probably heard us a couple times," She paused, "I did wait for you." He finally met her eyes.

"Though, some nights I made it to the bar for about those first two and a half months, the second time you left. I couldn't remember how to get home and wondered the streets for about three hours before I finally made it back, most nights." He had a curious look in his dark eyes, "And the rest were usually accompanied by strange men." She had no reason to lie to him, or even hide.

"Did you ever try dating?" He wondered, though he knew it would probably hurt to hear the truth.

"I did, but.." She took a deep breath before answering, "I never took it seriously. They were nice guys, but were too similar to me, couldn't make me really laugh. They only lasted for about a week, longest was two months."

"What happened?"

"I accidentally ended up calling your name on more than one occasion.." She removed her eyes from him, embarrassed. He was laughing, and his smile was large; a big toothy grin as he laughed.

"I don't mean to laugh, but that's golden." She wanted to slap him across the face, refraining as she enjoyed his laughter. It's been forever since she heard a honest laugh from him. She didn't care that everyone was staring at them, a shy smile appearing on her face.

Now she cared, as he hugged her, "Funny, you're not the only one." He murmured into her hair, her eyes softening. She got the courage to shove him off, everyone watching the two. She suddenly felt immense heat on her face, stealing his bottle of whiskey. She took a swig while he fought for it back, hitting him in awkward positions while he did. She giggled as he eventually retrieved it from the woman.

She shook her head as the whiskey went down, "I don't get how you can drink that stuff. Madame? How about something fruity?" She asked eagerly.

Soon enough, a fruity blended drink made its way over to her, a light yellow color.

"Pina Colada?" Madame nodded, "You know your drinks well, I'm surprised."

"It's not that hard to find that it's a Pina Colada. It's what I started on, and if you ask me, I think it's just about everyone's first drink." Madame pursed her lips, nodding in agreement. She stuck a cigarette between her lips, lighting it easily.

"Are you guys ready to start the game, or what? Hawkeye, I do believe you need to start." Hughes smiled to her.

"Alright, I'll start with the coin," She was passed a silver coin, "Alright, I choose heads." They flipped the coin, and it went on heads. She poured the shot into the center cup, and whispered into Roy's ear, "Favorite thing about me?"

"Laugh." It came out easily, and she smiled, cocking her head to the side. Her laugh was the ugliest thing on the planet, cackling and snorting when it was authentic. To Roy, it was the thing he loved to hear, he liked knowing she was having fun; it was downright beautiful.

People stared at them until Riza waved a coin in his face, "Choose a side, colonel." He tried snatching it away, failing. He watched her pour a shot of his into the center cup.

"You're not allowed the coin; we both know you'll cheat with it." He sighed, "Fine. Tails," She flipped it for him. It landed on heads, "You gotta drink, sir." He groaned, it was a mix of whiskey and rum. It wouldn't be so bad, but it would still be awful. It's around the equivalent disgusting taste of pouring rum into beer.

He took the drink, swallowing it down quickly, shaking out the jitters in him. He didn't mind rum, and he liked whiskey, but it was still terrible combined like so.

He turned to Maes, a question leaving his lips. Hughes said, "Every week," And to a suspicious girl, she had to drink. He poured a drink in the cup, vodka, and the coin he flipped went correctly. He didn't have to drink.

The music started to get louder around the beach, every speaker connected to each other. It felt familiar to Riza, and she immediately took her sweet drink, and started to drink it down.

Rebecca answered, "Nightly." With a wide smile on her face. She was suspicious, "What was the question?" Everyone hooted as she had to take a drink, "Okay, but seriously!"

Rebecca laughed, "Just think about this morning, okay?" She retraced her steps, and understood immediately: the question was on how often their sexual affairs were.

"Nightly?" Rebecca cackled into the air as she nodded her head, a blush appearing on her face. She flipped a coin, and passed the cup to Havoc.

She smiled as she saw Rebecca say something to Havoc, where he answered, "Jesus Christ, why would you even want to know that?" She raised her eyebrows cutely, "Answer."

"Alright, backside." He answered, flipping a coin. He had to drink three shots worth.

He smoked his cigarette quietly, blowing out the words to a cringing Alex, laughing out his answer being, "Two."

"What was the question?" Rebecca asked, cussing as she drank down a shot. Armstrong said nothing, though everyone at the table was sure it was innocent.

As Armstrong had to take a drink from his coin flip, the game went on for about thirty minutes until it went around the table another time, where it flipped with Roy asking Riza.

"About the consent,"

"Yeah?" She had a playful tone of voice.

"What does consent mean to you?" He knew Riza only had a few shots, but she was still able to control her mind and thoughts thoroughly.

"It means if I say yes to the person, it means go ahead, even if I'm a little wasted, or extremely wasted." People were staring at her as she said the words outloud, Rebecca chuckling as she knew what the question was already. Hughes was a little confused, asking the question, and being proposed with a drink. It was only time until someone decided to bring up a different game.

"Guys, this game is becoming boring," Roy whined, "Madame, get a different one going." Everyone laughed at the colonel, agreeing with him on a different game. They've had around three shots each, but it wasn't enough.

"Madame, do you have a deck of cards?" Riza asked politely.

"Yes I do," She handed the cards to the blonde, and she got up from the bench, "Everyone gather in a circle."

Everyone quickly did as she told, curious as they got down on the ground. Rebecca was kind enough to bring a blanket and lay it down for everyone.

"We're going to play something called Drug Dealer."

"Oh, no," Rebecca laughed to her friend, who winked at her.

"The deal has been made." Rebecca called out, chortling with her friend.

Riza sorted through the cards, making sure there was only an ace and a king within them. She shuffled them quickly, "Drug Dealer is a game where there is a cop and a drug dealer," Hawkeye started explaining to everyone, though Rebecca already knew the game.

"The king is the cop, and the ace is the drug dealer. The drug dealer will wink to one of the players, discreetly, and once the player notices the wink, they say," Rebecca barged in again, "The deal has been made."

"Then the cop identifies themselves, the king, and tries to guess who the dealer is," She paused, "If guessed correctly, the drug dealer drinks the number of cards left within the group, if wrong, the cop drinks the value on the persons card. So a three equals three shots."

"If you get caught making the deal, the dealer has to drink for five seconds, and the game restarts. The game also restarts when the drug dealer is found. Any questions?" She finished, passing one card to everyone after finishing the shuffle a few times more. She removed the high numbered cards, setting them in a small pile.

"Yeah, how do you know about these games?" Madame pondered, the group interested as well.

"I went out a lot when I became legal. My tolerance has gone back to normal since then; a light weight that I'm supposed to be."

"Yeah, even when we first started drinking every month, twice a month, you were pretty average. Then you drank less and less, and we were like, 'Yo, Riza, what the hell?' and what not." Jean smirked, the cigarette gone from his mouth for twenty minutes, now popping another one in.

"You really need to stop smoking, those things will be the death of you." She criticized, perking a brow to him. He waved her off, taking it out from his lips and setting it back in the container.

"So ace is the drug dealer, and king is the cop?" Riza nodded her head to Hughes, who was having more fun with this than the others already.

Everyone was handed their card, Rebecca winking to Havoc.

"The deal has been made." He told the group, and Armstrong introduced himself as the cop, guessing Havoc on the first try, "Wait I was right?" He was surprised, "I didn't see that coming, but at the same time: I did see it coming." He stated, laughing as Jean took eight drinks to himself.

Roy being a drug dealer, and unfortunately for him, Riza was the cop. He winked to her.

She grinned, "You're under arrest, sir." She showed him the king card, and he whined into his hands, "Why me?" The group laughed, completely shocked that it happened.

"Oh well, how many drinks do I take?" He cursed when told he was supposed to drink for five seconds. Though, she could make him drink eight drinks for all the other players; it was slightly unheard of, winking to a cop. But it was bound to happen.

He hesitantly took a bottle of whiskey, downing it for five seconds as the group counted for him. He didn't stop for air; he was out of breath when done.

"I can't believe you did Mississippi counting." He groaned, Riza shrugged, "I could have made you drink more than that, colonel." She mixed up the cards again.

She was a drug dealer, and she winked to Rebecca.

"The deal has been made." Rebecca said, where one of the girls put it out she was the cop, drinking three shots when she guessed wrongly. She guessed Havoc.

She guessed Armstrong, and had to drink two more shots.

Then she guessed one of the girls, drinking another four shots. She sighed as she became tipsy, but she was luckily a heavy weight. Nine shots barely did damage to the girl. 'No wonder Madame hired her,' Riza inwardly smiled at the thought.

She finally guessed Riza. The blonde took six shots that were laid in front of her, sighed heavily. It was vodka, she was okay with this. It was a strawberry lemonade vodka, even better.

"Would it be bad to ask for a tube for this one?" Rebecca got excited as she pulled a candy cane shape tube from her large bag, it was strange how many things she kept in there.

"Come on, chug that bitch!" Rebecca called out as her friend put her mouth around the hollow candy cane, Havoc at the other side.

"You ready?" She lifted up her middle finger in response. Roy couldn't help but chuckle at the woman, drinking six shots of liquor he knew she wouldn't keep down.

She was swallowing down the liquor, and it reminded her of her old life, the one she left behind. It was fun, but lonely. She finally got the last drop, whining as she pulled the tube out.

"Here comes the smolder," Hughes growled, and her face cringed as though she had a lemon. It was hilarious.

"Can we do something calming now, holy shit," She had to shut her eyes from her vision. All the people around her looked foggy, and she didn't like it one bit.

"How strong was that?" She asked, a higher pitch of voice, being told by Madame, "Thirty five percent alcohol, seventy proof, by Svedka." She introduced it like one of those popular infomercials on the radio.

"Svedka!" Rebecca sang behind her, making her jolt from her spot on the ground.

"When did'ya get behind me?" She felt groggy, and slightly sick. She swayed from side to side.

"Okay, okay, calm down." She hushed Riza, holding her from behind and coming her hair through her fingers. She moaned, "Why are you all such assholes to me, I never did nothin' to you," Rebecca chuckled lightly, "Because we like seeing you have fun, this is fun, is it not?" Riza soughed, "No, this is awful. You're so awful, 'Becca," She slurred her words to her friend.

Madame walked over to her with bread with butter, "Eat this, it will help." Riza tried grabbing the bread, but it looked doubled, "Feed me," She cried to them, receiving some light laughs.

"You heard the lady, Roy Boy, feed her." He rolled his eyes, taking the bread from his foster mother. He broke it off in pieces, placing a piece in her hand. She slowly brought it up to her mouth, rolling her eyes as she was pleased by the taste. After it was all gone, she snuggled up next to Rebecca, who gently removed her.

"Take care of her, will you?" She winked to Roy, who carefully slid himself next to the drunk woman.

"How drunk are you?" He asked her quietly.

"Very," She responded.

"It's good you know that." He smirked in her hair.

"Can we go back to the hotel?" She cuddled against him, enjoying the warmth he provided.

"You don't want to play more games?" He questioned, Hawkeye leaned into him more, "Mm-mm." Left her closed lips, denying the thought of having more fun.

"Just go back to the hotel and sleep?" He mumbled into her hair.

"Are you sleeping next to me?" She quizzed, the memory of two beds coming to mind.

"If that's what you please."

"That's not the only thing that I please," She smiled as his legs shifted behind her.

"Let's go back, then." Everyone was already gone from the two, enjoying the music and the flames from everyone. It was still early, but the commotion drained them. 19:12, he read on his pocket watch. Barely time to be sleeping. A short nap wouldn't hurt, though.


As they made it back to the hotel, she was able to see a piano, poking him a couple times.

"Play for me?" She hugged his arm, walking to the instrument. He sat down with her, picking up a small tune he would play around the house as she cooked dinner. His fingers stumbled a little, expressing how he hadn't played in awhile.

Another tune, a little more complex, started to come from the strings. It was light and could only be explained as a 'happy' tune, as he used the D major scale.

Her eyes started to flutter as she curled next to him, listening to his breathing and the music. It felt like home, even though she wasn't near one of the three houses she's been in the most.

Soon enough, more people entered the hotel, stopping in to hear him play and have some tea. Rebecca and Havoc appeared as well, being shocked from the music filling the halls and large room. It seemed surreal, the fact he knew how to play.

Madame Christmas was stopping in for her room, and noticed the couple with their mouths agape.

"He picked it up after my brother and his wife died, if you're wondering." They turned to her, a sad look to their eyes.

"Don't even start with that look, the pity will make him want to kill you. It's just how he coped for a few years." The looks on their faces didn't alter, as they looked back them.

"He looks so calm," Jean said quietly.

"Wow, so the colonel is actually playing for once? He never plays when I ask." He poked through with his wife, who had a soft smile, "We both know it's probably for her, Maes." She whispered to the group, who stared at her, then back at the two. Her arms were around his waist as he continued to play, his feet sometimes changing the musics pattern.

"How long does he usually-" Jean started, when Madame answered, "Usually play? For about ten to thirty minutes. Enjoy it while it lasts, he only really plays three times a year." The group looked at her curiously.

"His mothers birthday, his fathers, and the day they were put to rest for their murder." Their eyes widened, a sad look crossing them.

"Murdered?" Rebecca quietly said, Hughes nodding his head, "Yeah, murdered. He doesn't like talking about it, but it is one sad story. He said it took awhile for investigations to unravel it,"

Another song started, on the G minor scale, quick in its notes with one hand, slow in the other.

"He's really going to play this one now, huh?" Chris frowned, "This is the one played at their wedding when he was four, and this was played during the dance. Which fortunately, my brother knew how to dance, and so did his wife. It was beautiful, if you could even imagine."

The song continued, becoming light and jumpy, then simmered down into the soft tune it was. The music attracted more and more people.

Another tune was played soon enough when Riza said something to him, his head nodding in agreement.

His fingers tried to think with him when she told him about a song he played during dinner, the one where she would start swinging around the kitchen with her cleaning and cooking. The one where sometimes, she would hum along with it. It was a melody he was able to learn his fifth year, before he went to the Hawkeye's for alchemy. It was beautiful, but people could only stand and stare.

She remembered just as well as he did, the movements and humming she did around the old house. The floor boards creaked with her steps, but she was still light and bubbly. She started humming along with the music, and he forgot how soothing her voice was. She tapped a beat with her fingertips, dancing along with the song.

A person with a violin tapped his shoulder after a while, the music ending as he asked if he knew a song he showed a demo to on the instrument. He nodded his head, quickly starting the music, where the man lulled his instrument with the piano. It was on the major scale.

Even more people joined into the hotel after hearing the piano with the violin.

Someone came in with a bass, another with a viola. Someone else joined with another violin. Another person came in with a cello, all finding an agreement with tunes. Riza nudged Roy, indicating she was getting tired and was ready for bed.

He was quickly able to find someone to take his place, leading Riza and him to the hotel room they had for the night, after she spun in a circle gracefully with a light smile on her face. She floated with him to the room, shifting her feet with the music that grazed from their ears gradually.


19:32

She entered the room clumsily, tripping over her feet to be picked up by Roy.

"How sly, Roy," She giggled as he pecked her on the lips lazily, her arms wrapping around his neck.

"How klutzy, Riza," She met his lips again with hers, softly laughing against his mouth as they stood there in front of the door, wide open.

"Close the door, Roy,"

"I remember the first time you've ever said those words to me." He chuckled as she hit him playfully on his head, "When I yelled at you to, or the first time we ever really went anywhere with our emotions?" Her words were lively as he backed her against the door, effectively shutting it.

"Maybe." She hit him lightly.

"Stop being an ass, would you?"

"Ask a little nicer than that, and maybe I will." He mused to her, kissing her on the cheek.

"May you stop being an ass, colonel?" She got what she expected, groaning against his curved lips when he smacked her ass.

"Don't leave any more bruises, sir- mm," She got another hit, a little rougher as he massaged her butt afterwards, she giggled, "Roy,"

"Yes?"

"You do realize there's a chance we'll be playing poker later, correct?" He removed her scarf gracefully, "Why wait to strip your clothes when I can do that right now?" She rolled her eyes, "Such a pervert, Roy."

"Look at yourself, Riza," Her hand had slid down to his beach shorts, his shirt unbuttoned skillfully.

"How did you get so good at unbuttoning things with one hand?" He asked nicely.

"I've had practice," She kissed him hard, his lips dominating her head pressed against the door again.

"And not with me," He muttered as she put her hands to his face, soothing him as she pressed her lips to his forehead.

"Come back to me," She whispered, she knew his thoughts were wondering again. She kissed his eyelids, nose, cheeks, resuming back to his lips once more.

"Roy," She kissed him, "Roy," Another, "Roy." He finally opened his dark eyes, "I shouldn't have left you," She shushed him, "Hush, now."

"I shouldn't have left you, Riza." His voice was tense.

"Roy." She stroked his cheek with her thumbs, feeling him lean into it. He felt as if he was melting at her touch, "And I'm the great flame alchemist." He whispered the words, when he only meant to think them. He closed his eyes, his lips curling into a smile. She hummed, bringing him back into a kiss.

"Is there a reason we're still against the door, Roy?" Her voice was light.

"Hm, maybe not. Is it time for bed already?" She hit him again softly, giggling as he kissed her neck softly.

They made their way to the bed, rather sloppily. Kisses were given as they tripped, laughing when they did. He kissed her while taking his sandals off, and she gave him another before pushing him against the bed. She crawled above him, removing her shoes and her hands steadily removing her blouse to unravel the marks he made earlier. One underneath her left breast, another underneath her jaw, also on the left, where the scarf hid her.

"You're a dream." He whispered as she curled up to him, laying small kisses on his jaw.

"Go to sleep, Roy. Let's do this your way." He grabbed her face, planting another kiss on her heavily, over and over until their mouths became open enough for their tongues to meet, wrapping each other in their own warmth. She moaned in his mouth, and he finally released her. Kissing her again, he realized she tasted different from the mint and cinnamon she's always had. She of course tasted like strawberry lemonade liquor, but something else.

She tasted like him. He pulled her into a lazy kiss, "I," Kiss, "Love," Kiss, "You." She smiled against his lips, "You better, or someone's going to be in trouble."

"Maybe you're the ass here, hm?"

"I might love you, too, Roy."

"Might? That's not very nice," She kissed him tiredly, "That makes two of us that aren't very nice, then." He was massaging her breast subconsciously, he grinned.

"You haven't shot me yet, so I'd say you're liking it."

"I'm unfortunately tiresome, enough to not care for removing your hand." She delicately removed the words, pulling his lips against hers again.

"Or maybe you're sexuall-" She kissed him hard, "Shut up."


A/N: This took quite some time to write, wow! Keep checking my profile for updates; I post on their pretty frequently with some of my ideas and what will be going on, usually. I'm pretty sure with where this is going now, but it's still wild and dysfunctional with what my head is spinning around. I'm sure I'll be putting something with lemons soon, so watch out for those, whoops.

I have a very large head canon that you guys see here in this chapter that Roy plays the piano, and that Riza used to dance with it. But as you also see here, Riza was pretty drunk to the point of enjoying just listening to the music he learned. I also thought that Roy's parents cause of death was 'accidental' to people at first, but it was actually a terror of the parents going out for groceries, something normal, and unusually got into a car accident that blew up their car in the process.

I would also think that it took delicate time for Madame to gain custody of Roy, and that he had some rough patches within the times he wasn't with his family. In my head it was a two story, maybe three story house of the main family: Roy, his parents, his aunt, and I really believe that they were financially stable and had a butler or a maid, something along those lines. The meadow has always been in my imagination for his childhood house, something calming. Something calming for me, personally, is the sound of train tracks clicking and clacking, the smell of fresh air, and some city noise.

The part on him learning the piano? Just sort of came along with the boat I was floating with this. I would think he would have gotten therapy for the trauma he was in with losing his parents at a young age, being so close to them, where the therapist recommended being put into piano classes for coping with the loss. I wouldn't think he enjoyed it so much, but it did bring peace, hence the only really playing three times a year on the heart breaking anniversaries (when he left the Mustang household, before then I think he played all the time for the years he was coping with pain). I think he'd play anything for Riza though, their relationship being so close.

Wow, writing a lot here.

Anyways, I hope to post soon. I'm willing to take any suggestions (would enjoy those in my personal messages), and any reviews you can give me on the chapter(s) I've put out so far.