I do not own FMA or its characters. Spoilers for Hawkeye and Mustang's past. This is AU.
Test Anxiety
Roy nervously wiped his hands on his pants. The practical portion of the State Alchemy test was due to start in ten minutes, and he could feel butterflies doing the cha-cha in his stomach. He was fairly certain that he had passed the written portion with no problems, but this would be the first time he would really use Flame Alchemy in public.
In the three weeks that Riza had been in Central, they had spent most of their time cloistered in Roy's apartment, so he could study the lines etched upon her back. He knew every single one of them by heart now. All he has to do was close his eyes, and he could see the dark red lines against her creamy skin. She was currently in basic training as Cadet Richard "Rick" Hawkeye before being sent off to officer training school. He hoped she was well. They had agreed not to exchange letters for fear of their ruse being discovered. He missed her presence, but this was what she had wanted, and he wasn't about to deny her that.
He had practice small things within the confines of the apartment and slightly larger attempts in an abandon lot, but Maes and Riza had been the only audience for that. There were close to a hundred spectators here today. His hands were shaking.
"Here." Maes thrust a small flask into his hands. "Drink that."
Roy eyed the metal container warily. "What is it?"
"Gracia's remedy for nervous. It won't impair your judgment, but it will take the edge off."
He shrugged and twisted off the cap, factitiously taking a sip. The liquid was warm and smooth, sliding down his throat and leaving a comforting heat in its wake. It tasted faintly of chamomile, honey, and spices,
Maes smiled. "Your wife also left something for you."
Roy took the thick manila envelop with a frown. He opened it to find a smile half sheet a paper reading:
Roy,
I didn't give you my father's research, so you could chicken out at the final step. These are for you. I hope they help. And remember that matches or a lighter will also provide a spark, and don't get wet or you'll be useless.
Riza
He could almost hear her reading the note aloud. It definitely sounded like her.
Inside the envelope was a pair of thick white gloves. Carefully embroidered on their backs was the transmutation circle he had crafted from the array on her back. Roy examined the gloves more closely and found they were pyrotechnic fabric. Slipping them on he experimentally rubbed his fingers together, the friction causing a spark. Concentrating more closely this time, Roy snapped. A small flame leapt from his fingertips.
Roy grinned. Now he was ready.
Theme: State Alchemist
