A/N: Alright, finally have another chapter here. I was going to make it longer, but I don't want it to be another repeat of the last chapter of 12,000+ words! This is roughly above 10,000 words. I'm probably going to do a rewrite when all of this is over, but I'm going to finish this as quickly as I can for you guys.

This is my first fanfic in about 2-4 years, as I used to write frequently on DeviantART. Writing has always been a hobby of mine, whether it's stories like this, or poetry. I haven't ever been real original with characters, but I do enjoy writing fanfictions like this.

Reminder that these flashbacks are always going to be significant in something. It's like a base with this story, whether it's displaying character affection, or giving them more of a background. In this case, it's going to be Riza and Roy. In another fanfiction I'll be doing, I don't think I'll have a lot of flashbacks for it (Gonna wreck it for you: it's Edward and Winry, and a little bit of Alphonse and May, after the promised day).

Warning for slight lemon!

Whoops.

Enjoy!


[Flashback]

He woke up to a sharp cry, it was from downstairs. He jolted out of bed because it was Riza, and he knew he needed to keep formalities at a sickening limit. He ran down the stairs, nearly tripping a couple times. He was taking a short break and fell asleep, but he didn't imagine something like this. She was injured slightly, but the action still made her peaceful body shatter like glass.

"Miss Hawkeye!" He ran over to her small body, flung across the room. She had her face covered, a bruise already daring to appear. Her father was the culprit, standing and yelling how she was a disgrace. A tea cup was broken on the floor, followed with the dark liquid mixed with two cubes of sugar that were slowly melting with the tea.

Her father wanted it green today.

Without moving an inch from her body, the door opened and a man with brown hair, streaks of gray forming with it. He had a mustache curling above his agape lips, fixing his glasses. He started yelling at her father, asking how he could deal with his actions to his granddaughter. The insane man had tears threatening his eyes, explaining her wrongs. Daring that she was disgraceful, trying to open his bedroom windows when he wanted it shut.

The man had cracked. He was becoming more involved with his research, and he finally cracked and hit his daughter, flinging her flimsy body across the room. Her bruises started to form in seconds, crying at the pain she didn't feel so often now the boy had been here.

"Her mother would never approve of this, and you know it," He had a hushed voice, moving his arms to the boy sheilding the girl, the bruise coming to appearance as she continued to softly cry. Her arms were defending her sides still, Roy brushing her hair back, trying to sooth her.

"She's not here, she's gone! She has been for years!"

"So you doubt her presence in this very room, judging your actions as I am?" Riza's tears were steadily moving down her face, continuing to make it damp and sticky from the effect.

"I told you, Elizabeth isn't here! That's why I need to bring her back, just a few more experiments-"

"Are you insane? She wouldn't dare want you to commit that crime against your own being, and hers!"

"She needs to come back, it's been long enough!"

"She's not coming back; death is permanent! Even you should know that much,"

"Elizabeth needs to come home; come on Elizabeth, where have you gone?" The man started questioning the air around him in a shakey voice.

"You need to take care of your daughter, which have you already forgotten that you hit her?"

"Elizabeth, where are you?" He continued to ignored the brunette.

"Berthold! You hit Riza, and you're not tainted with the slightest guilt," He followed the man to a room, where the yelling and cursing didn't cease to end.

After a few minutes, the yelling was stopped slightly, as the grandfather came to the door, "I'm very sorry. Please, take her somewhere safe and treat her wounds. She shouldn't be near this man, not even in the same room," He cringed, "Please, help her; take this address and cash and get there, fast. Take a cab." He shut the door as a frown became the most dominant thing on his features. He had tears glistening in his eyes.

"Let's go, we need to pack a couple bags." Roy helped her up, running to the rooms as she grabbed his sleeve. He turned to her face: she looked dead. Her eyes were emotionless, staring at the ground. Her lips quivered as she didn't want to cry, even though she had been for the minutes as the yelling carried throughout the small house. She needed to cry, but she kept wording to herself she was strong enough to handle this. The liquid kept threatening it's escape, and she whimpered as she withdrew her small hand, her whines puffing out her lips.

He understood completely, tugging on her arm as well, bringing her into an embrace. She stuffed her face into his chest as her tears dampened his shirt. He continued to soothe her as he brought her up to his waist, carrying her to her room. When he walked in, she tried reaching over his shoulder to shut the door, but he beat her to it.

She kissed him with force, making him stumble to her bed backwards. She was on top of him, sighing into his mouth as he returned her affections. He pulled away, kissing her forehead, "Not now, we need to get out of the house. His orders, Riza." He whispered to her, laying his lips softly to her, taking their time leisurly until he pulled away again, brushing away her tears gently with his thumbs.

They packed their things quickly, while she knew where they'd end up; he didn't. She knew they'd end up at her grandfathers, the house he raised her mother in. When they arrived, it was a large house, brown bricks coating the walls. The doors were large at the entrance, and when they walked in, one of the maids came to greet them. The girl was startled to find Riza, and a man with no name for the time being.

"Miss Hawkeye, what happened? I heard Mister Grumman left about an hour ago; is he with you? Who is this man?" She hollered through the house for the butler to grab the first aid. He came within a few minutes as they sat down on the sofa in the foyer.

As they explained things, Riza's hands were covering her face again, shaking as she wept.

"I am so sorry.. Don't worry, we have the spare bedrooms, free for your things to be here for your stay. When Sir Grumman gives us the word that you're safe to go back, then you can take it up with yourself to go back. We won't rush you," She dabbed the ice pack and cold wash cloth on her face where the discoloration was.

The maid helped them with introducing the Manor, ending with them going to their rooms, next door to each other. Soon after they settled in, the door ringed as Grumman walked in. The maids helped with his jacket, hanging it for him. Roy couldn't help but feel tense with the man; he didn't know what to expect.

It was dinner time, and they sat at the table. Mustang only got more alarmed by the second, when dinner was served. It was fine food, delicately cooked. Riza was silent as she ate peacefully.

"Now, I'm going to guess that you are Mustang? The apprentice, correct?" Roy's head shot up, nodding slowly as he looked back down to his plate. He cut the steak on his plate carefully, using the grain as his indicator on where to cut.

"Grandfather," Riza's voice cut through the starting conversation, "Is my father going to be okay?"

"Don't worry, I took care of the arrangements for his health. You don't need to worry about if he's going to eat tonight." He assured her, knowing she was the one who took over the house chores and cooking.

"I apologize, Riza, but I would like to know your friend here," He grinned to her, his glasses shining and fogging at the light.

"Now, how about we get to know each other? How old are you?" Roy tilted his head up, "Sixteen, sir."

"Ah, just a year older than Riza here," He glanced over to the fifteen year old that was just hit by his daughters widowed husband.

"What's your family like? Do you see them often?"

"My parents are dead, sir. My aunt took me in seven months after being in foster care," Riza heard the strain in his voice, the story coming back to her. Her eyes softened, and Grumman noticed it quickly, smiling inwardly.

"I haven't seen my aunt since I left, as she's here in central. You might know her as Madame Christmas, sir." Grumman laughed, "Ha! Yes, I do, actually. She's rather great for my work, picking up rumors for crimes here in the city,"

"She actually picked up intel on a drug deal a week ago, and we're almost close to catching them!" He exclaimed, Riza allowed herself to smile. For now, she's safe.

"Thank you," She quietly said, closing her eyes as she dipped her spoon in the mashed potatoes, garlic and butter coating them. They were fluffy and it felt good to be somewhere with peace. It wouldn't last long, she knew this, but at least she could pretend things were okay for once.

The cooking at the large house was splendid, incomparable to Riza's cooking she tends to do on a daily basis. She's gotten better, but this could be labled near a four star restaurant.

"The ladies sure have gotten beautiful with their cooking, Grandfather." She said tiredly, her eyes becoming droopy. He laughed lightly, responding with how many cookbooks have been filling the kitchen.

"They seriously have that many cookbooks? Isn't that a bit much, Grandfather?" She was playful, receiving another chortle.

"Yes, 117 cookbooks in total, Miss Hawkeye," One of the women came outside the kitchen, "We would be able to spare some, of course, if you'd like. We can start some lessons tomorrow morning, as well." Roy never saw Riza Hawkeye smile so genuinely, eyes glowing and piercing straight to his heart. He couldn't stop himself from smiling, as well, due to her reaction.

After dinner, they continued to talk at the table.

"No wife?" Roy was curious.

"She left me a long time ago; she didn't agree with Elizabeth running away with Berthold. They were in love, and I allowed it to happen. But then a sickness came that couldn't be cured, and you know the rest. Correct?" Roy nodded to him, glancing over to Riza. She had a smile curving her features, resting her chin against her intertwined hands. Her eyes were closed, enjoying herself.

It was quiet in the house, but there was always a light tune coming from the radio. Piano and other string instruments, never anything that was too upbeat. Although it was true her grandparents were seperated, there were pictures of the two dancing at ballroom events. It painfully reminded her of her mother Elizabeth. Always knowing her way to dance to any music, always knowing which way the song would end. Her father and the woman were happy, but she was taken too soon. Maybe it wouldn't be this way if she was still around.

"Do you care for her?" Grumman smiled at the two teens, Roy's eyes shot up, holding a deep breath in. Riza raised her eyebrows, glancing over to the boy that's blushing his face off.

Her grandfather laughed loudly again, looking at the two, "Don't worry about your friendship here, you two. If no one see's anything, then it does no harm, as my boys say!" He chortled as he got out of his chair, telling the maid something, and walking out of the dining room.

"He's kind of intimidating," He whispered to her, who tilted her head.

"Yes, but that's just who he is. He jokes for the expressions, so don't let him bother you that much." She sighed contently, the environment was better than home. Better than the silence and the outbursts of yelling, and the abuse that hid itself over the years. He normally only did it when Roy wasn't around, but now the secret was out. She didn't mind the change, but she'll have to go back, along with Roy. His training was far more important than to be held back by this.

"We should get some sleep," Roy said as the room got uncomfortably quiet. She nodded, taking his hands with hers from behind, leading him up the stairs and to the rooms. She felt small, going back to her given room alone. He slept okay, after rolling and tossing with the blankets.

She was shaking as the vision of her fathers craze running deep in her thoughts. She was in a cage, shaped for a bird. She saw him as though he was some kind of giant, laughing as he raised his pencils and wove through her body. She was bleeding and crying out for someone to help her, though in the bed she was silent as her eyebrows fumbled together, lashing out in the covers.

She woke up heaving. Her body trembled as she checked it for any wounds, except for the one on her cheek and nose. She breathed heavily before standing up, slowly creeping into his bedroom. She checked the hallway, finding nothing, and stood in the doorway.

"Riza?" He asked, groggy from the sleep he was in.

"It's three in the morning, are you okay?" He asked her, a pillow held against her chest. Her wrap on it became tighter, answering his question. He moved over on the bed, straightening the sheets and blankets for her. She became relieved as he lifted the side up for her, gesturing to her silently to lay next to him.

She felt his arms cradling her lovingly from behind, "Can you tell me a story, Roy?"

He thought for a moment, before beginning, "Once upon a time, there was a bird who couldn't leave her nest, as her family didn't want her to go far. One night, she left her nest, and flew across the sky, dancing to the worlds music," Her eyes closed, breathing becoming easier. It was a metaphore to her wanted life.

"She loved how free she felt, but soon enough: she was back in her nest. Her family thought she was safe with them as they slept, but she kept her secret. Believing it was for the best," His story continued as they followed with her dreams, her light breathing indicating she was asleep after minutes of his story.

Unknowingly, her grandfather was listening in on them, smiling as he knew there was nothing to be worried about. It was going to be a long month of them here, though. Her father was being watched for that amount of time, officers sworn to secrecy to keep the man safe, let alone them.

He let the officers know of the condition he was in, and that his granddaughter would be watched with him for the time being. He didn't report it this time, due to the fact Riza wouldn't want it. She would lose purpose if her father was gone, he knew this. For the meantime, she would be there for a few months.

There was another problem though: her relationship with the boy. They'll be getting closer, so he silently went to her room, writing a note for her to meet with him alone. They'd be having a talk.

xx

In the morning, she woke up still in his arms. Her body stiffened at first, only to relax into him. He stirred a bit as her fingers delicately moved along his skin. Her teachers won't be happy on her leave, but this was what needed to happen.

He groaned slightly with his wake, smelling behind her ear, "You smell like roses, has anyone ever told you that?" He mumbled the words down her neck, leaving goosebumps.

"Has anyone told you, that if you keep sweet talking like that, I might end up falling in love with you?" She felt his smile on the nape of her neck.

"Good," He responded, "Because I wouldn't want to be one sided." She raised her eyebrows to that.

"We need to get up, Roy." She felt him tighten his arms around her slightly, "Roy," She firmed, wiggling her body in his grasp, "Come on, we need to get up. Roy!" She giggled as she blew raspberries near her jawline.

"Fine." He let go, letting her leave the room without her pillow. She later found the note:

'Riza,

Meet with me when you wake up; without Roy. We need to have a talk.

-Grumman.'

She hissed with the note, knowing exactly what the talk would be.


08:11

"Roy," She sang to him, making him stir in his sleep. She kissed his chest, following her hands with her lips to his belly button, blowing raspberries on it. He mumbled something, his legs moving to her actions. She laughed gingerly when his face wrinkled, shoving himself into the pillow.

"Roy," She sang once more playfully, kissing down extremely close to his manhood, then going down to his ankles and toes.

"Stop that," His voice muffled into the blankets, toes twitching.

"It's time to get up, Roy." She whispered as her hands snaked back up to his thighs, brushing her thumbs nearing his member. She heard his breath hitch slightly, raising his chest from the aching pleasure. She gave another soft laugh, placing open mouthed kisses up his legs, until she reached his boxers again.

"Oh, you are excited, aren't you, Colonel?" He moaned as her fingers traced his length above his boxers, "It's a good thing this is silk, isn't it, Sir," Her hands slowly went above his size, rubbing painfully slowly for him.

"Riza," He groaned, trying to move his hands.

"Oh, no; last time was really bad of you to move your hands, Sir." He finally moved his eyes to the discomfort of his wrists, "You handcuffed me?" She giggled as she placed another open kiss on his thigh.

"Oh, yes. We can't have you touching me right now," She slowly slipped the tips of her fingers underneath his waist band, dragging it down. Her lips followed the fabric, then going back up again, placing the fabric where it was.

"What are you wearing, Riza?" His eyes tried to adjust, head throbbing from the light.

"Isn't that obvious, Sir?" She climbed up slowly, placing more kisses as she reached his mouth. He groaned as she placed herself above the fabric restricting him. He wanted to deepen the kiss, he wanted to lay his hands on her ass. She removed her lips, letting him take a glance at her.

'She's wearing the damned outfit.'

His eyes widened at the view, "Finally figured it out, Sir?" She teased, grinding her hips onto his. She smiled, "It's a very nice fabric, colonel; too bad you can only feel some of it's quality." His stomach flexed as her hands left a tingling sensation down his muscles.

She kissed down his jaw, his words vibrating on her lips, "I had a dream from the past, Riza," She glanced up to him, "Yeah?"

"Yeah." She continued her path down his chest, "Tell me about it. It must have been a good one for you not to wake up in a sweat," He looked up, his mouth dry from her mouth now going to his nether regions.

"Remember when we had to evacuate your fathers house for those few months?" She hummed as she kissed back up to one of his nipples, gently biting it. He gasped at the sensation before she removed it from her teeth, going back down to his belly.

"Grandfather threw preventatives at you the second day." She laughed as she remembered clearly.

"You said that your father only really hit you that one time," Her eyes laid on his, "I lied, Roy. You must have known that I'd do anything to keep my father safe."

"But-,"

"But nothing, Roy. He cared, I know he did. He just.. We didn't agree on much usually, you know that better than anyone. Let's just be glad Grandfather was there to make sure Father got back to his peaceful state of mind, Roy." He let out a deep breath.

"Now, please. May I resume where I was?"

"Will you remove my handcuffs?"

"No." She deadpanned, "I will, however, remove these," She tugged down his boxer shorts, running her fingers down his erection. He hissed in response as she inspected him slowly, "Sorry, Sir, but I believe it has been awhile." He smirked, "You can't possibly think I'm that dirt-" He let out a moan as she took him in her mouth, gently bobbing her head until he reached the back of her throat.

His handcuffs made noise as he struggled to pull her hair, "Damn it, Riza," She hummed, and his eyes rolled back in his head. Her hands kept his hips steady as to not interrupt her work. A loud pop came into the room, leaving him gasping as the cold air reached him.

She licked her lips, savoring his taste.

"I didn't mean it that way, Sir; I meant that I haven't had any experience for some time," She smirked to him as she saw some of his precum glide down his penis, "Oh, you're not allowed to be that close," She wiped away the liquid, licking it off her fingers. His mouth gaped at the image.

Her hair down, brushing against her light skin and that outfit.. Bright red thread going through the black fabric. Silk matching underwear, and on top of that garters with thigh highs.

"God damn, Riza," He grunted as she got close to his face, "You are the devil." She stroked him, enjoying the thickness of him.

"Are you going to be a good boy if I take these off?" She teased his neck with soft bites. He could see her tattoo and the burns he left, unfortunately still healing. The skin is finally molding together.

"Maybe," He smirked until her bright brown eyes reached his, "Roy."

"Alright, I'll be a good boy, I guess.." She unlocked the cuffs on his wrist, and he took his dominance, quickly putting the handcuffs on hers instead. She growled as he kissed her.

He loved this bed had such a beautiful headboard. The restrictions of these allowed him to have her hands steady connected to the top. He kissed her nose, "You're cute when you're angry."

"Roy, this is not what I meant by being a good- mmn," His hand rubbed between her legs, "What was that, Riza?" She whined when he pulled his hand away, muttering his rank again.

He scooped her legs up against his waist, and she desperately tried creating friction. He slapped her ass, "How many times did you call me sir, or colonel?"

"I don't know, s- oh!" A loud clap echoed through the room, forcing her knees to go weak.

"Was it over ten?" Her head nodded before she could stop the eagerness in the pit of her belly.

"Maybe I'll get some breakfast, lieutenant," She scowled at him, bringing her ankles up around his shoulders. He was successfully pinned to her chest, "You shouldn't underestimate me, Roy. How about we have another talk about the past?" His eyebrows raised.

"Do you remember who my Grandfather is, Roy? Or do I need to remind you?" She grinned as his face became quizzical.

"I actually don't, except he was a jackass."

"He's family, Roy, behave yourself." She sighed

"Alright, alright. What about him?"

"I-,"

Huge knocks were at the door, "Who's bothering us at this early hour?" Roy wondered.

"I don't know, undo these this instant!" She yelled at him quietly, getting him to quickly remove the restraints. He got his boxers and sweatpants on, throwing her one of his button-up shirts. It was a dark blue color, and she swiftly got the buttons done.

The knocking was persistent.

"I'm coming, I'm coming- Hughes?" He opened the door, his friend looked extremely out of breath.

"Grace, ah, the Gracia- The babe," He was stuttering for words and Roy's eyes widened, "Maes, calm down." His friend obviously didn't care the lieutenant was half naked. She picked up her clothes and things, and hurried to the bathroom to get changed. She came out in under a minute, fully dressed in casual attire. She packed a smaller bag for Roy and her, "Sir, get dressed immediately."

He frowned with wide eyes, "Alright, listen Maes, your wife is going to be fine." He helped his friend back up to a normal stance, as his hands were on his knees from trying to catch his breath.


08:47

Gracia was breathing heavy in the car, screaming at her husband on how she was going to kill him. Multiple death threats were given, and Riza couldn't imagine the pain she was in. Her water broke before Maes left his room.

"I thought she was a month away?" Riza spoke with , who was holding his wife's hand. It was hard to think they were only married as soon as they got back from the war.

Mustang was crying with his friend, but mostly because Hawkeye hit him in the shins for flirting with one of Gracia's cousins.

He didn't try flirting seriously with other women around her again.

They finally reached the hospital, second lieutenant Catalina calling beforehand for the midwife.

The woman that has been seeing through the birth was waiting at the doors with a wheelchair, Gracia gratefully sitting in it for them to wheel her through the hospital doors. She was still yelling at him, "Maes, I swear to God, I will fucking kill you in your sleep!" She gritted through her teeth, everyone coming to a shock from the woman's words. She screamed in pain once more as the doctors prepared the room for her, gently laying her into it.

The midwife softly asked them to leave the room until she was stable, explaining her blood pressure was at a peak that needed to be calmed. Hughes was shaking in the corner, his friend frowning as he walked over to him.

"Don't you dare tell the office about this," He wrapped an arm around his war buddy, his friend silently letting tears roll down his cheeks, "No, you need to not tell the office about this."

They agreed silently to not speak of the situation they were in ever again, except for the fact of Gracia bringing a life into this world.

It would be a few hours, if not a day for the baby to be delivered. They all knew this, but it was never spoken as the time flew by.


12:14

The baby wasn't delivered yet, but her breathing and blood flow was leveled finally.

"Would you like anything, Gracia? I can stop by the cafeteria and order something for you," Hawkeye offered, "Oh, no, Riza. I'm fine right now. Plus, Maes just got me a bar of chocolate for my cravings. I have some carrots to go with it, if you'd like." Hawkeye made a disgusted face, "I'll pass, thank you."

"Roy, dear, can you leave the room with Maes and the others, besides Rebecca and Riza? I'd really appreciate it." Gracia kindly asked, shooing them from the room.

"Okay, talk to us." Rebecca smiled with the pregnant woman.

"What are you talking about? The fact my head hurts from all that drinking last night?" Riza said innocently.

"Oh, come on, don't dodge the question!" Gracia pointed a glare to her.

"Alright, I may or may not have tried to seduce him this morning," Delighted gasps filled the room, "More information!" Rebecca pleaded with the woman.

"Remember that box that woman gave me for my first purchase?" Riza asked, receiving a nod from Rebecca, "Well, let's just say I had a little fun this morning-," More gasps, "But, was interrupted by your husband due to your pregnancy." She explained, the woman rolling their heads back in agony, "Damn it, and we've worked so hard to get you together!"

"Wait, you too, Gracia?"

"Come on, I can see the way you look at him."

"What do you mean?" She flushed at words.

"It's the same way I look at Maes. It's not that hard to tell you love him like he loves you," Her cheeks continued to get warmer.

"Are you wearing the outfit, Riza?" Rebecca was eager to see it, her eyes sparkling.

"I actually wore it underneath all of this, it's kind of uncomfortable.." She mumbled to them, unbuttoning her top for her friends. They nearly screamed, having to cover their mouths from the sight.

"Oh'm my'h, Goh'd that'sh s'ho beautifu's," Rebecca's words were blocked by her friends palm.

"Yes, now be quiet!" She looked around the room, buttoning her shirt again.

"How'd you do it?"

"I handcuffed him to the bed before he woke up." Gracia nearly spit out her chocolate dipped carrot, "That's lovely."

"Not as lovely as his chest, I bet." Gracia mumbled out, realizing what she just said, "He's come home with Maes on many occasions, mostly drunk, and he's basically stripped his shirt by the time they come home. It's kind of funny, really."

"Imagine your husbands face if he heard you say that!" Rebecca exclaimed.

"Oh, they know I look. I'm a woman, I can't help their charms. Though, Maes is definitely something," She trailed off, having to take a deep breath to release the thought from her mind, "Damn, he's good looking."

"I have no clue how he'll act after this," Rebecca wondered quietly, Hawkeye laughing, "We both know instead of pictures of her, it'll be pictures of the child. Double from what he usually talks about, that's for sure." Gracia hummed, then wincing in pain.

"Are you okay, Gracia?" Hawkeye kept her calm voice, "Should I get the midwife for you, Gracia? Gracia," Her eyes got wide as the woman wouldn't respond. She finally took a couple of deep breaths, "I'm okay, but yes; someone should get a nurse." Rebecca nodded to Riza as she left the room for Maes and a doctor.

"Gracia, are you okay?" Hughes came in a moment later, his wife humming to him, "Yes, dear. Someone might make an appearance today, that's all- Mm!" She grabbed Riza's hand, squeezing as she felt a contraction.

"Apparently, , your child isn't too far off from being born, after all." The midwife came through the doors with a clipboard, motioning to the screens set up to the large woman.

"You're around five to six centimeters in dilation, so it will be soon. Not now, but in a few hours, most likely. Keep drinking water, and you should be okay."

"God, get this thing out of me, or I will kill my husband," She threw another death threat, the midwife chuckling with the assistant nurse with her. Maes looked slightly thrown off, "I'm not sure if that's a thing to laugh about," Riza smiled to him, looking around the corner to Roy.

"I think these things are getting closer together, damn it all," She continued to hold Riza's hand in a death grip, until it finally blew over.

"If it makes you feel any comfort, some women have the contractions five minutes after the one before. You're lucky you've only had one every thirty two, Gracia. At least, that was this contraction time," Gracia whined for her husband, who gladly sat next to her on the other side. She pulled his arm into her, hugging him.

"Remember these things are a miracle, Maes, remember these things are a miracle." Roy sang through the room, his friend groaning as his wife wouldn't let him go. Not that he was really complaining, though she did have quite a grip on him.

"It's normal for... violence to be spewd to their lovers. One time there was a woman telling her husband his voice sounded like a dying toad, and the next she said it was butter. It's completely normal, Mrs., and Mr. Hughes." Riza saw Roy's gaze, mouthing the words, 'I swear to God, Roy, don't you put me through this.' He rolled his eyes, smiling to her. Rebecca caught the words, raising her eyebrows.

She jabbed her friend with an elbow, "Give me a niece or nephew soon," Rebecca whispered, Riza's eyes getting huge, "Not in a million years, Rebecca." She muttered, shaking her head.

Gracia held another death grip on Riza ten minutes later, "Maes, you need to shave your fucking beard, or so kill me, damn you, son of a bitch," She continued the insults until it stopped, "Have I ever told you how handsome you are, sweetie? Oh, you're so wonderful." She sighed with her forehead covered in sweat.

"Really never?" Rebecca asked sweetly.

"I don't want to deal with that yet."

"Yet!" Rebecca's eyes got eager; Hawkeye didn't like it.

Roy was still staring at her, wondering how she's not cringing from the tightness of Gracia's hands. Maes was chuckling to his friend, "You know what those girls are talking about, right?" The colonel closed his eyes and sighed.

Sixteen minutes, twenty three seconds later was another contraction, Riza actually having to use pain tolerance techniques from the woman's hand digging into her arm.

"This isn't fun one bit, is it?" She said dryly to the laughing room, Maes fighting off an urge to scream. His wife was clenching his shoulder with no way to escape.

It rolled over, Gracia leaving nail marks on the two.

"That's going to leave a bruise, isn't it?"

"Like you don't already have some to begin with," Maes said to Riza, her flinching to the comment, automatically putting a hand up to her jaw.

"Dear, just grab her the scarf from by bag, will you?"

"Yeah, yeah.." He handed her a grey infinity scarf, "Was this crochet?"

"Yes, a woman has a lot of free time when pregnant."

"I'm sure there is, the lieutenant colonel has told the office how nice your pies have been lately," She glanced to the man for a second, sending a soft smile.

"Yes, about that; can I have my crochet kit, sweetie?"

"Uh, yeah," Maes went to rummage through her bags, quickly retrieving the box of yarn and set of needles.

"Thank you. Now, Riza, come over here and watch and learn, yes?"

"I'm not about to argue with a woman going through labor," The room filled with more giggles, Rebecca seeing the true intentions of the girl on the bed.

"You see this string here?"

"Yeah,"

"This and this one kind of just, do this, okay?"

"Mhm."

"And then you have your starting knot for everything,"

"Yep,"

Roy was pursing his lips into a line to keep from laughing, the view was simply hilarious. He wasn't the only one, Rebecca, Maes, Armstrong, and the nurses were also chortling to the view.

The women kept talking to each other, until the large woman handed the things to Riza.

It reminded him of the past, Hawkeye picking up on things quickly. Cooking, cleaning, drawing, writing, not so much composing. She wouldn't go near alchemy unless it was simply drawing an array for him, already knowing so much from simple texts in the books in his room.

She already made a couple of rows for something.

'Something small?'

It was a soft pink and blue woven together, 'It's circling?' He questioned the fabric until it finally made to a circle. Everyone looked pretty amazed, even Gracia; though she had a figure that knew what the girl was making.

They kind of look like sisters, if he thought about it. It's like the way Havoc and Riza act together. He's certain Jean flirted with her at one point.

"Mustang, can you hand me my clip for my hair?" He jolted out of his thoughts, handing the item quickly. She grabbed her hair into a tail, twisting it until it faced the ceiling tightly. She clipped it swiftly, "I'm sure I don't need a woman in labor grabbing my hair like a small child." She clarified the room.

"Only a few more days of this vacation and we're all back to work," Havoc was in the room, "When did you get here?" Mustang was genuinely surprised.

"I decided to get some frozen yogurt; for the ladies," He winked to the nurses, Rebecca slapped his arm, tugging his ear, "I'm sure you know not to flirt while I'm in the room, Jean," He yelped, "I got it for you three women: Hawkeye, Hughes, and you!" She let her grip go loose, "Hey Gracia; lime, cherry, or strawberry?"

"Lime, please." She was given the lime yogurt, and gave her friend the strawberry.

"You know me so well, Rebecca." She relaxed to the flavor, enjoying the taste. She let out a small, "Mm," in pleasure of the strawberries in the yogurt.

"You know, I don't think I'll ever get tired of strawberries," The other two women agreed with her quietly, eating the creamy substance.


14:02

Gracia was in the room resting; the contractions started to mellow and she is finally able to have some sleep.

"It'll probably be a few more hours," Riza told the man beside her.

"Hm." Roy acknowledged the fact, "Hm!" He straightened his back, "Why don't you let me do your hair?" She started chuckling, "What?"

"You want to do my hair?"

"Yeah, it's long again."

"And it grows like weeds. I remember why I kept it so short during combat now. It's frustrating; it took four months to just grow past my shoulders."

"Well, I'm not cutting it,"

"Why the hell not? Mister, 'I want to do your hair'," He stuck his tongue out at her.

"Yes, I want to do your hair, Miss Hawkeye."

"It's been awhile since you've used that one, Mister Mustang." She smirked softly, letting it drain quickly. It was cold in that house for as long as she could remember; emotionally wise.

"And then I met you," She mumbled to herself, Roy raised an eyebrow, "Huh?"

"Nothing, shut up." Hawkeye shoved a bread roll in his mouth. He started eating it without question, "Bbrh crbn bi do chrour hrai?"

"You really shouldn't speak with food in your mouth, sir. You could end up choking."

He finished his bite of sandwich, "But can I do your hair?"

"Fine, but finish your food first."

Rebecca soon came out of the room with a nurse, "Did I hear the noodle can do hair?"

"Yes, and makeup." Riza responded for him.

"How the hell..?"

"I had a lot of sisters growing up, it's not too surprising that they'd teach me how to perfect a woman's charm."

"A woman's charm? Oh, come on it's-"

"I know, it's a lot more than just charm itself," His voice trailed off, "But it is pretty fun, sometimes." Roy mumbled, Riza catching it soon enough to raise an eyebrow, pointing a warning finger to Rebecca's words.

"Oh, but, Riza!"

"But nothing, Rebecca." Her voice strained from attempting not to laugh.

Without the two realizing it, he left to the men's bathroom down the hall. He swiftly washed his hands and made it back to where the two women were still bickering on the situation.

"So you let him do your hair, but not me, your best friend? I like to have fun, too, you know! Can I at least do your,"

"Rebecca."

"Nails? I can do them like I did them last time,"

"Rebecca."

"You know, with the little white tips and blue base?"

"'Becca."

"I thought you liked those ones!"

Riza sighed.

"I could do your makeup way better than that loser!"

Roy was thoroughly amused by the situation, the corner of his mouth lifting into a slight smirk.

"Could you now? Remember last time when I let you put makeup on my face?"

"I did say I was sorry for that one,"

"It gave me a reaction to that shit!" Rebecca gasped, "Oh, come on! You can't talk about Marybleu like that!"

"Well Marybleu gave me an enormous amount of acne,"

"What about Chechle'?"

"What the hell is Chechle'?"

"It's a brand, Riza."

"I don't know about makeup brands, Rebecca, I just grab whatever is cheap and go."

Breda showed up behind Mustang, "The hell are they talking about?"

"Makeup brands, apparently."

Breda snorted, "Never in my years of serving with Riza, have I ever thought she'd be talking about makeup products."

The two women became shocked at the new set of voices, "And do you have a problem with that? If you do, go through me before Riza; I'll whoop your ass!"

"Rebecca, calm down."

"I'll send you flying out to space!"

"Rebecca," Her friend was growling, she took the noisy person and pulled her into a hug.

"This is weird."

"Hugging me is weird?"

"Yeah, can I stop now? I'm not fond of physical interaction."

"Then hell no, you're hugging me until I say you can stop!"

"You're a lot of work, you know that?"

"Not as much work as Havoc, trust me."

Breda piped in, "Should we take a bet on who he's flirting with right now?" Hawkeye was shaking her head furiously to him, "No, no, no, no,"

"HAVOC,"

"Damn it, Breda." Hawkeye wanted to shoot him.

"Can I do your hair now?" Mustang chuckled to the group, receiving a glare from the blonde.

"Come on," She left the hallway, pulling Mustangs ear in the process.


"Why are we in the car?"

For some reason, it felt reasonable at the time to pull them all the way through the hospital until they reached the parking lot. It felt rational to find an opportunity to get them alone. But this also meant other means for having some alone time, which might be spent unwisely. She felt like an idiot at the moment, stressing too much on things that shouldn't be happening in the first place. It couldn't.

But damn, did it feel good to be bad.

"Because I really don't feel like being a nuisance to the hospital." She told a partial part of the truth. It was honest, but it wasn't.

"You need to relax more,"

"And how exactly am I supposed to- oh," He started massaging her shoulders, lips touching her ear, "Relax."

"For some reason I feel like this isn't going to help me relax either." His mouth just by her ear was sending shivers down her spine. "You confuse me, sometimes."

"Why?" Roy's voice was so deep, "Ugh," She shoved him off her, walking outside the car until she was in the back seat.

She should have just walked back to the hospital. He followed her questionably, until he slithered from the front to the back.

The buckle of his belt got caught on the seat. She raised an eyebrow. He pursed his lips. She quickly raised both brows, then putting them back to default position.

They had a language on their own; they didn't need words. Right as now, she was sending disapproving signals, laughing at him silently with her eyes. He didn't find it funny.

It's always been like this, especially at the dinner table when Berthold was there watching. She had to thin her lips into a line to prevent her laughter.

The one who laughs first looses. It's always been this way. The one who laughs first?

He snorted, "Ha!" She let out smiling.

"You know, I love that smile."

"I could always remove it."

"Yet you aren't,"

"Maybe it's a hint, sir." She removed her smile until he finally popped out of the seats grasp.

He bit his tongue smiling, reaching his hands out to her hips, "Roy," She inched towards the door grinning, "Damn it, Roy- HA!" He was tickling her sides, and she was laughing hideously towards the light movement, squirming in the back seat.

She was chortling so much it started to hurt, "Come on! Come on! It's supposed to be the other- Ha! Way around! Ow, stop it!" She playfully slapped away his hands, until one accidentally slapped him across the face a little too harshly. He ceased his actions, laughing while holding his head, "Okay, I deserved that."

"Yes, yes you did. Now can you resume with that massage?" She was slightly out of breath from the actions, taking deep breaths to regulate her heartbeat.

"It kind of hurts." She groaned to her chest, beating rapidly still.

"Shh, just relax now," He started kneading her shoulders, and she stopped him to remove Gracia's scarf, "Resume." She ordered.

The silence in the car became uncomfortable after some time. It sent Roy thinking about things that are too far from his grasp, and Riza was only thinking about consequences that could happen any day at anytime.

"You know, some day we won't be able to do this anymore. For awhile, at least." She said to him, pulling the man from his thoughts.

"Yeah." He agreed, "That's why I'll go to the top."

"You might get killed along the way, Roy."

"I'd never purposely leave you; that'd go breaking a promise I made a couple years ago."

"A couple years?" She tried to think of what happened those years. He left, joined the academy, came back, stayed for awhile. Her father died, she joined as well. Then the war. Then coming home with a discharge. And now, resting for some time until they are given orders. She knew they would be finding some alchemists soon, but it would be awhile before then.

"Wack-o made me promise him something," He told her plainly, "He told me to protect you, believe it or not."

"Too bad it's flipped right now."

"That doesn't mean I wouldn't hesitate to shield you from harm."

"I'm afraid that's not how it works right now, Roy. I need to protect you so you can reach the top. Then, and only then, can you protect me from harm. But if you end up dying because of trying to protect me, I'm sorry to say I won't want to live this life alone." He hugged her shoulders into him, unable to speak.

"Roy," She glanced up to the cars ceiling, reaching her hand behind to touch his face.

"Sometimes," He started, "Sometimes my night terrors include you lying there in your own blood. It's not fair."

"I'll try to not let that happen then," She said quietly, "But I can't make any promises. Not with our line of work." He was shaking, "Roy, come back to me."

"I'm here." He inhaled her scent. She was soft in his arms, but made out of muscle now, "I didn't say to follow me, Riza."

"I didn't want to stand at home and do nothing. I need to protect you," She paused, "And to make certain you won't stray from the right path."

"Did you ever think I was in the wrong place when we were in Ishval?"

"I thought all of us were. I saw an Ishvalan child die in front of me from the tall building. First day, too.

I thought I could have at least protected the individual, but it was too late once Kimblee was there. I should have known I wouldn't have been able to protect anyone."

"Except for the soldiers on our end,"

"Do you remember how peaceful it was for all that time? Not worrying about anything but ourselves?"

"Well, until we had to go grocery shopping."

"Father nearly killed you to keep you from me, those days."

"Do you ever think he noticed what was going on between us?" His voice was soft; he was calming down.

"Do you really think those times he did struggle against me, were really for just messing up his tea?" He flinched, "It's okay, Roy. But yes, he did know. Yelled at me all those times I woke up next to you, too. The door was wide open instead of just cracked; it wasn't the wind. He knew, he just didn't go to you about it."

"I wish he did. Why didn't he kick me out?"

"He told me you were a promising student, even though you broke the towers of books I'd have to clean up. If I might remind you, in alphabetical order, in category from destruction, reconstruction, and to any research studies, and even more. It was a hassle."

"I always did wonder how you knew so much about alchemy." He felt her lips kiss his hand lightly, "I didn't want anything to do with it. I did get curious from time to time, though,"

"To hell with just being curious, you looked at a few sentences of a book, an image, and drew a perfect transmutation circle in seconds."

"Did I ever activate it, though, is the real question. Which the answer is no, Roy. You just sucked at drawing them at first."

"Hey.." He defended, leading her to chuckle.

A knock came on the window, "Hey, guys, it's time." Havoc said hurriedly.


15:14

Moaning and screeching came from the room, the monitors connected to the woman going haywire. The doctors allowed Maes in, but only him.

Threats were tossed at the man many times more, continuing to fuss on how she'd kill him if the baby didn't come out already.

In about ten minutes, it became silent.

Crying of a small child came from the room, Rebecca having bags of small clothes for both genders already. Maes came out of the room, tears in his eyes, "I think.. I think it's safe now."

"Meet Elicia Hughes, everyone." Gracia was tired, holding a bundle of blankets covering the small child, still calling out to the world.

"A month early, but she is healthy. Congratulations, you two. Let's talk about registering her in our systems when you're discharged from the hospital. Please call if you need anything else."

"Oh, Gracia, she's beautiful," Rebecca softly called to the new mother, "Here's some clothes for little Elicia; I bought them just in time. I'll just save the boy's clothes until someone else has a baby," She hinted over to her other friends.

Riza just stood by the doorway, her friends scarf back around her neck.

"We should head back, don't you think?" Roy peered behind her.

"No, I'm going to help out here for awhile before I go. You can go, if you'd like."

"I'll stay with you then. Maes already looks like he's just about done for the day; it's only been seven hours since we left the hotel," His eyes met the couple in the bed, "But he could probably use some help and get some sleep."

"Roy, come over here!" His best friend instructed him, "Isn't she just beautiful?"

"Which one?" He got hit by Gracia, rolling her eyes over to Riza who mouthed, 'Thank you.'

"You get over here, too, lieutenant Hawkeye." Gracia handed her Elicia as she got over there.

Riza Hawkeye wasn't sure what to do with a baby. She just properly held the small thing, raising an eyebrow over to Gracia. She was so light. It reminded her of how painfully easy it is to break the child as well, and it scared her, but Elicia coo'd to the woman, closing her eyes and letting out a deep breath. This was oddly comforting. She didn't like children, they scream and throw tantrums usually. But this, was peaceful, prompting her how she could have something like this one day if she truly desired so.

But she couldn't now. It wasn't possible for her to be happy like this; she had a man to protect.

She let her guard down, just for this once to enjoy herself. Her footsteps lead her to a chair, sitting down with the infant and rocking in the chair softly enough for Elicia to go to sleep.

No one dared to say a word to the woman, or even about the woman. Gracia gave them one of those protective looks, defending the blonde with her child. Everyone in the room was genuinely shocked, to say the least. It wasn't everyday they saw Hawkeye, the strictest of all women, holding a child, and adoring it.

Soon enough, the light snores from the newborn were sending Riza into a sleep as well, her eyes softly fluttering shut. She was holding the child in her arms delicately, rocking back and forth in the chair until it came to a stop.

No one spoke for at least ten minutes.

Gracia gave a look, "It's safe to speak now, I think. But please keep it at a whisper," Her eyes searched around the room to the group, Roy standing in awe.

"Did you never see her with a child before?"

"I don't think anyone has," Mustang answered the woman, still looking at Hawkeye. Her breathing was so gentle, chest rising and falling.

"Shit, even just looking at her is going to make me fall asleep." Havoc scoffed, Breda agreeing to his friend.

"Yeah, it's almost like she's the one who just gave birth.." Heymans was believing this the more it was said.

"I did nearly break her hand earlier, I kind of feel guilty about it."

"Yeah, well, I think you at least sprained mine," Gracia nodded innocently to her husband.

"Wait, Roy, you seriously never have seen her with a kid?" Hughes was curious. He knew they have known each other before the war, but that means he must have at least seen her with some kind of kids.

"Other than being with Rebecca and learning the ropes on consoling them? No."

"Well it looks like you two may have to visit more often for Elicia, then; I know we'll need as much help as we can get."

"She looks a lot nicer when she's sleeping," Havoc was genuinely astonished at the sight of the lieutenant still, "It's not everyday you see her not yelling about everything," Gracia started to glare at him, "Maybe if you did your work like you're supposed to, she wouldn't need to yell at you. From what I hear, you normally aren't doing anything except making bets on silly things."

"Now you're starting to sound like her." Roy snickered with the group, "Watch out, guys, we have another Hawkeye."

"Okay, okay, that's enough." She noticed Havoc sticking his tongue out in concentration, a stick in his hand, about to poke the sleeping woman, "I wouldn't do that if I were you," She warned quietly.

"Fifty says I won't wake her up." Roy said, grabbing the stick from him, "Where the hell did you get this anyways?"

"On the way to get you guys, that's where. Fifty says you will wake her up." People made the bets, getting intruiged for the motions about to happen.

He dropped the stick, grabbing her purse instead. He shuffled until he found a comb, "Ah-ha," The boys were snorting.

Rebecca got up, only to gently take Elicia from the woman, "Wait!" Gracia alerted, "Just, wait. How do we know she might not-," Riza shifted in her sleep, holding Elicia a little closer to her, "Okay, maybe we're fine. Resume with it, Roy."

The chair luckily had room behind it, otherwise he wouldn't be able to go on with this without getting shot.

Hell, he might get shot anyways.

Hawkeye was not a woman to mess with, especially when sleeping. Even when they were just kids, if he tried waking her up, he'd be on the floor clutching his head due to the fact she always had some kind of weapon with her. One time, it was a baseball bat. Another, a hormonica; it hurt pretty badly that time. She has always been a violent woman, and he somehow picked up a skill on how to not wake her up.

"Rebecca," He whispered, "Get a mirror for me and put it in front of Hawkeye." She quietly did as told, "I don't get it."

"She makes a face when she's about to wake up. I'm surprised you didn't know this, being her best friend." The men tittered.

"Watch and learn." He snatched her hair clip, letting it fall around her. He quickly scooped it up with the comb, tenderly putting it back into his hands.

"She's a light sleeper, I'm surprised you've made it this far." Catalina whispered to him, making sure her words hit a direction opposite of her friends face.

He split her hair up into different sections, swiftly grabbing a clip for a group. The others were then intertwined carefully, nimble fingers exquisitely braiding her hair waves.

"Holy shit," Gracia exclaimed quietly, "Honey, why didn't I have him do my hair for our wedding day?"

"Because if I can't see you before the wedding, neither could he." Her husband stubbornly put.

He was twisting her hair pieces into a bun after doing the other side, being fragile with the circular motion for it, until it all formed a perfect ball at the back. He finally stepped aside, moving in front of her, brushing her bangs out on her forehead. When she moved again, he stalled his movements, waiting for her to go back to sleep.

"That wasn't the face, if I must tell you." He positioned his words away from the woman.

"Hey, Rebecca, do you have any of her earrings?" He was handed a box in reply, displaying three different pairs of jewelry. He chose a pair of light teal diamond studs, putting them aside while he unhooked her current white diamond stud earrings. His hands worked at a steady pace, making sure she wasn't making the face.

One ear, one to go.

After he did the other ear, he noticed her feet twitching in her sandals. It wasn't anything to worry about as long as she didn't make the face.

He crouched over to the earrings he had chosen, taking them apart and slowly putting them into her ears. She started to stir after the first ear, forcing himself to move away from her while observing her facial expressions.

Not the face.

He resumed when it stopped, putting the second piece in. He finally put the back onto the last ear, and stood back to observe. She didn't need makeup, and she would definitely wake up if he did put any on her.

He raised his hands in the air, "I do believe I win." The men sighed in defeat, Havoc handing in the pool of money.

"Well I still think you should wake her up, and show us the face."

"Fine," He moved back to Hawkeye, hoping she wouldn't punch him, and brushed his hand on her cheek, then moving his fingers in a tune that would sound beautifully on a piano. She stirred, scrunching her nose, tightening her eyes. He moved his head to the men, showing them the face. They all moved back when her eyes tried to open, adjusting to the light. She was frowning like a small child, groaning a bit.

She felt Elicia still in her lap, sound asleep.

Hawkeye sighed and threw her head back, "How long was I out?"

"I'd say long enough for me to do your hair," She raised an eyebrow, "And change your earrings."

"How didn't I wake up?"

"I picked up a skill on how not to wake you up."

"As in, you make a face when you're about to wake up," Breda clarified, Roy getting slapped on the arm light enough to not wake up Elicia.

"Don't babies usually scream and cry?" Havoc wondered.

"You mean like you?" Hawkeye deadpanned, holding her breath when the bundle in her arms started to shift, making noises of discontentment.

"Damn it," She cussed to herself, getting up from the chair, "Happy parenting day, you two. Lieutenant Colonel, you should probably take care of this for your wife." She smirked to him, handing over the child that started to stink.

Hughes wasn't phased by it at all, smiling as he took his child to the small station set up for them, "Oh that's just gross, babe." He called over to his wife, then going to a higher pitched voice, "Yes, you're gross. Yes, you are!"

Things would be different for awhile, that's for sure.


A/N: I'll hopefully have another chapter here soon, and better lemons. Probably in the next chapter or two, and then it'll be a time skip for a few times.

Reviews would be greatly appreciated!