A/N: So sorry, I really was hoping this would be posted quicker! My thanks to MoonStarDutchess, mushra brisingir, RoyXRiza, 1st Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, winglessfairy25, Red's 21st and Cheiko Yumi Usama for taking the time to review. I hope all who are reading enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 11

Riza couldn't remember the walk back to her apartment, but she had somehow managed to get there. Her mind seemed frozen; she still couldn't comprehend what had happened. She shut the door to her apartment behind her and leaned her head back on the frame, allowing the bag of her belongings to drop to the floor. She had done the right thing, the only thing she could have done in that situation. She just hoped it had been enough. There was a part of her that suspected that before this day ended she would have to do something else, something she had dreaded having to do from the moment she set eyes on the photograph on the table. She only hoped she was wrong. Sensing his master's distress, Hayate padded slowly across the apartment to Riza. He whined pitifully, nuzzling her hand as he did so. She smiled half heartedly at the puppy, patting his head as she spoke.

"Well boy. Looks like we have a lot of packing to do." She attempted to keep her voice from trembling, but it was hopeless. She took a deep breath, refusing to let her emotions overcome her. She straightened, picked up her bag once more and resigned herself to the task at hand. At least, for the moment, packing her belongings would take her mind off Roy.


He wasn't sure how long the phone had been ringing for, but considering the situation, it had been ringing for far too long. The dark haired man was at his wits end. How could everything have gone so wrong in just a few short hours? He was trying to believe that there was a way out of this situation, but he was having a difficult time figuring it out. He needed help in this, badly. However, the only person who he could think of who could have even the smallest chance of rectifying this mess was not answering the phone! He was just about to give up when a voice on the other end announced that his prayers had at last been answered.

"Finally! I was beginning to think that the world was completely against me today!" Cried the dark haired man, forgetting himself for a moment. However, laughter was the only response he received.

"Despite what people seem to believe, I do have work to do around here. Now, what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call? Is everything progressing nicely?" The dark haired man cringed slightly at the tone of the other man. He wasn't exactly looking forward to repeating what had just happened.

"Well..." he began slowly, attempting to think of how to phrase the events in a way that seemed at least slightly encouraging. He decided to start with the positive elements.

"In a way, the plan was a success. It is my belief that the Colonel and his Lieutenant did finally confess their feelings to each other." He started, but before he could finish the statement, the voice on the other end interrupted.

"Well I am surprised! I thought it would take them much longer, considering how stubborn the two of them are! Well that just goes to show that they are perfect for each other. As I said before we should have started this mission years ago." The dark haired man sighed. He didn't like making people unhappy, and the voice sounded almost elated at the prospect of the two of them finally being together. However, he took in a deep breath and stated.

"There's a problem." Silence greeted him on the other end of the receiver. A moment passed before the voice responded, in a somewhat graver tone.

"What happened?" As quickly as he could, the dark haired man relayed all that had transpired concerning the Fuhrer's discovery of the two officers. He was once again greeted with silence as the voice on the other end digested the information.

"This is interesting." The dark haired man started, not expecting this response. Before he could even collect his thoughts the voice continued speaking.

"In fact, this could almost work in our favour." The dark haired man couldn't take it anymore. He did not like being kept out of the loop.

"What do you mean by that? The situation couldn't possibly be any worse! The two of them are forbidden by law from being together and Hawkeye is being transferred to Southern Headquarters!"

"Tell me." The voice on the other end of the phone stated, somewhat more calmly, "Do you remember what the fraternisation laws say?" The dark haired man looked stunned for a second.

"Well, yes of course I know what they state, which is exactly..."

"Which is exactly why this situation is more hopeful than it appears." The voice cut in. The dark haired man opened his mouth wordlessly at the receiver, wondering if the other man had completely lost his mind. However, his thoughts were cut short when the voice continued.

"The transfer is a more difficult matter to deal with. This may take a good deal of planning. I may need some damage control on your end, at least until I can personally assist myself."

"Yes of course, I have people here that are more than happy to..." the dark haired man's eyes widened in shock as he realised what had just been said.

"Personally assist!" He spluttered "does that...does that mean..."

"Yes." The voice replied. "I'm coming to Central.




"Yes Sir, I understand. Thank you Sir." Riza put the phone back on the cradle, her hands trembling as she did so. Her head dropped to her hands and she sighed. Two days she thought to herself. I knew that the transfer would be quick, but I expected that I would have at least a week. Oh well, at least that means I will keep myself busy. She sighed, looking up once more. She knew that she should start organising everything, but she felt so drained and miserable that she didn't even have the energy to lift herself from the sofa. She sighed and leaned back, closing her eyes. Perhaps she should just discharge herself from the military, lead a civilian life. She could stay in Central then, keep her friends, the small parts of her life they were not connected to the military. Maybe even she and Roy could have a real relationship then. But she knew that was just a fantasy. She had forgotten to be anything more than a soldier a long time ago, and she doubted she would be qualified for any other carrier. And as far as her relationship with Roy was concerned, she doubted that it could progress after what had just happened. It was her duty to protect him and help him to achieve his goal but she had failed, almost causing his reputation to be tarnished in the process. She hadn't been good enough as his aide; she was certainly not good enough to be anything more to him. She never had been. These events just proved it. She drew in a shuddering breath, forcing the tears that were threatening to fall to stay unshed. She had done her duty, nothing more. There was no reason for her to cry. Her thoughts were cut off when she heard a loud knock at the door. She groaned, hauling herself to her feet and stumbling across to the door. She threw it open and stared at the figure in the doorway.

"What are you doing here Sir?" She said with a sigh, refusing to look him in the eye.

"Can I come in?" Roy asked; keeping his voice as neutral as possible. Riza sighed and nodded, turning her back to him and walking back into her apartment. She heard him close the door but still refused to look at him. The whole situation was difficult as it stood, but him being here was sending her emotions through the roof. If she wanted to stay in control she needed to steady herself first. Without warning a pair of strong arms curled around her waist, embracing her from behind. Riza sighed and leaned into him, feeling comforted and relaxed for the first time in hours. She closed her eyes, completely contented. Mustang smiled to himself, breathing in the scent of her hair, kissing the top of her head as he did so. However the sudden movement caused Riza to snap back to reality. She opened her eyes and broke free of his hold, walking further into her apartment. Mustang frowned at her actions, worry starting to form in his mind.

"What are you doing here Sir? It's hardly a good idea for you to come to my apartment." Roy couldn't understand this. What did she expect him to do, just take this lying down? Act as if nothing ever happened?

"I had to see you." He stated

"Why Sir?" She still couldn't face him.

"What the hell do you mean why? I turn up to the office to find that not only have you been taken from my command but you're being transferred to Southern Headquarters!"

"I was only doing my duty Sir; it was all I could do to protect you." Mustang's hands clenched into fists as he closed his eyes at the blank tone of her voice. How could she act like it was all nothing at all? He knew that underneath her cool exterior she was hurting, but she refused to let him in. Damn 

it why couldn't she just let him in for once! But he had to stay calm. Confronting her, demanding that she tell him how she felt, attempting to tell her that she needn't have gone to those lengths for him was useless. She would only close herself off further. Instead he sighed and sat down on the sofa. Looking up at her back he asked.

"When are you leaving?" For a moment he thought he saw her tremble slightly, but if she did it was barely visible.

"In two days Sir, at eleven." Mustang's eyes widened. Two days? Was that all? He sighed and leaned back into the cushions.

"Well looks like we have a lot of packing to do then" hearing this statement Riza whipped around in an instant, staring at him incredulously.

"We Sir? What are you talking about?" Mustang smiled at her, getting up from the sofa and moving to stand in front of her.

"Do you honestly think I would let you go? If you can't stay here, then I'll just have to come with you." He closed the gap between them, holding her close.

"I can't lose you now Riza. I need you. I always need you." He whispered, tightening his grip on her. Riza's heart was torn. She didn't know what to do. He cared for her, cared for her so much that he was willing to risk everything he had worked for just to stay with her. She wanted to throw her arms around him, tell him how much she wanted him to go with her, to stay with her always. But she couldn't. She took in a shuddering breath and broke away once more.

"It's taken you years to get to this far, to make it to Central. To go to Southern Headquarters' would be a step down for you. You can't do that."

"I don't care." Riza turned and for the first time since he had arrived she found herself staring up at his face. She was shocked at the determination she found there.

"I will still become Fuhrer, someday. But I would never have got this far if it hadn't been for you, how am I meant to continue without you by my side? Going to Southern Headquarters may be a step down but it just means that my goal may take me a little longer. But it's all worth it. You're worth it."

"No." Mustang frowned at the woman before him. She was staring back at him, grim faced and determined.

"I won't let you." She continued, this time unable to look away from his face. "I am not worth sacrificing everything you have worked for. I'm sorry Sir but your emotions are clouding your judgement, and I cannot let you do this." As soon as she had finished she looked down at the floor, unsure of what to do now. She was shocked when Mustang spoke.

"My emotions huh? So tell me Riza, do your emotions mean nothing to you?" His voice was quiet, hurt laced in every syllable. Riza's body shook when she heard the statement. Why are you doing this to me? Her mind screamed in anguish can't you see this is killing me? However she pushed the thoughts from her mind and answered.

"I don't know what you're talking a..."

"You know damn well what I'm talking about!" Riza almost gasped at the volume and tone of his words.

"Don't you tell me that you don't feel a thing Riza Hawkeye, because I know that's a lie! You may pretend to be the perfect statue soldier, the ice queen but I know that this is hurting you just as much as it's hurting me. And you know how I know that? Because I damn well know that you love me just as much as I love you. So you can stop feeding me your bullshit right now."

"I never said that I loved you." Mustang flinched as if he had been shot. Riza stood head bowed, gazing at the floor once more. But her voice was strong, without a waver or a flickered to betray her thoughts. Yet she continued without looking up.

"I don't ever recalling saying that I loved you Sir. I don't know where you got that from but..." she cut short by his lips on hers. She hadn't noticed him cross the room towards her until it was too late. Riza tried to resist but failed, his arms almost crushing her as they refused to let her go. Although she was hardly putting up much of a fight against him. The kiss intensified, Riza losing all feeling in her arms as Mustang gripped her tighter, but she didn't care. She had never been kissed like this before, never been wanted by someone so much. It was almost as if he was trying to possess her, to make her his by just a kiss. She couldn't help but respond, loosing herself in the desperation and passion that they were both feeling. They broke away panting, but still Roy didn't let go of her. He leaned his forehead against hers, kissing her lightly on the lips before whispering hoarsely.

"Say it then. Tell me you don't love me Riza. Look me in the eye and say you don't. Because I know that you do and I know that there is nothing that can come between us." Riza raised her eyes to meet his. She sighed softly, breathing in his scent,leaning in and kissing him once. She pulled her arms from his grasp to wrap them around his neck. She gazed into his eyes.

"Roy." She stated slowly, and then she paused. Her gaze dropped and then she met his dark eyes once more.

"I don't love you. And there is no way that I ever could." And she let go, turning her body so that she was no longer facing him.

"I suggest you leave Sir, I have a lot of packing to do." She commented her tone neutral once more. There was silence in her apartment before the sound of military boots clacking on her flooring was heard, followed closely by the sound of the door opening. It slammed shut with a resounding crash. And with that she broke, falling to the floor hard, tears streaming down her face. She curled herself up into a ball, sobbing wretchedly, crying, almost screaming, not caring if the whole building heard her. She pounded her fist into the floor, the banging joining with her sobs. After few minutes her rage subsided and she was left with the despair, raising her hands to her face as she continued to weep.

"I'm so sorry Roy." She whispered through her tears. "But you have come so far, I can't be the one to stand in your way now, no matter how much I love you." She dissolved into incoherent sobs once again. She continued to cry until the sound of her own tears lulled her into a fitful sleep.

A/N: Ummm yeah...so...damn that was slightly more depressing than I originally planned, please don't kill me! I apologise if it's OOC as well. I hope its okay. Please let me know what you think with a review! Next chapter shall be up very soon. Until then!