Disclaimer: I don't own FMA.

AN: Hello everyone! This is the final chapter of The Gilded Phoenix! I am thrilled to be completing my first story, but also somewhat saddened that it's over. I want to give a quick shout out to my husband, who was kind enough to read the first several chapters for me...he's so nice. Also, thank you to Alice-in-chucks, jillyzee6, crazyhpcfan, Clic, and waddiwasiwitch: you guys gave me so much feedback on so many chapters and it really helped me to keep writing. And thank you to everyone who read or reviewed or followed/favorited. Any and all support was wonderful to see and please know that it was very much appreciated :)

Finally Alone

Riza pulled the car along the drive that led to a country house currently owned by one of her aliases. The driveway she followed was lined with towering trees and a light breeze rustled the leaves. Cool night air came in through the partially opened car windows and along with it wafted the scent of grass and trees. It had been dark for a good portion of their drive and lights glinted ahead; she'd set them to a timer, always prepared.

The drive there had driven them crazy as they chatted, occasionally glancing at each other with a grin. The light crackle of gravel sounded under the tires as she brought the vehicle to a stop before the front door of the idyllic cottage. Flowers still bloomed in front of the porch and a paved walkway led from the drive up to the house. Riza turned the car off and the pair exited, picking up their bags and making their way to the door.

She turned the key in the lock and opened the door to let them in, dropping her bag off to the side of the entryway. A moment later, she heard the clunk of Roy's bag hitting the floor and he was already pinning her against the door as she closed it with her foot. Soft lips met and Riza shook her jacket off, his fingertips trailing up her sides in the process of pulling off her top. Her hands found his chest and then wrapped around to his back as they kissed and her heart pounded. He trailed kisses down her neck and she pushed his coat off his shoulders, tossing it on the floor.

Gently pushing Roy backward in the direction of the bedroom, she reclaimed his lips and deftly worked her way down the line of buttons on his shirt. They kicked off their shoes and she felt Roy wrap an arm around her waist and pull her close, his other hand cradling her head. She slipped her hands into his open shirt, ran her hands up his abdomen, and then tore his shirt off and pushed him onto the bed.

Placing a knee on either side of him, she leaned down and kissed up his chest to his mouth, her fingers clenching in his hair as his hands ran over back. Chests collided and the contact of his skin practically set hers on fire. She grabbed one of his hands, threading their fingers together, and a soft moan slipped out, but she could not be sure from whom. Hooking her leg around his hip, Riza rolled them over and Roy reached down to unbutton her jeans.

The next morning, Riza smiled as she slipped out of bed and donned a t-shirt and shorts. Quietly treading out toward the kitchen to make coffee, she thought about how nice it was to be waking up next to him again. It was not that long ago that she assumed such a thing would never happen again. She measured out coffee grounds and put the requisite amount of water in the machine, setting it to brew and placing two clean mugs on the counter.

She opened the back door that led to a small patio and stood at the edge to look out over the backyard. The morning sun was warm on her face, birds were beginning to sing, and drops of condensation still clung to blades of grass. It had been too long since Riza had been able to escape for a while, so she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She smiled again when she felt two arms encircle her from behind and she leaned against him, resting her head in the crook of his neck.

"Are you ever going to tell me where we are?" Roy asked, kissing the top of her head.

She chuckled lightly in response. "It's just a little place one of my other identities bought last year. I needed somewhere I could go to still be myself…a getaway."

"It's beautiful. Do you think I could get a copy of the key?" He held her a touch more tightly.

"That depends."

"On?"

"On whatever we decide is going to happen now that we're back." A soft beep indicated that the coffee was done. Riza turned in his arms, kissed him, and led the way back into the house. She filled both mugs and handed him one, at which point they returned to the patio and took a seat at the table there.

They looked at each other for a moment and then Roy spoke. "I've been thinking about this." He paused to take a sip and met her gaze again. "You know what my plans are."

"Yes, and I think if anyone can do it, you can." She nodded as she drank from her mug.

"I want you to watch my back…and shoot it if I ever stray from my path." He sipped his coffee and looked around at the scenery as if he had not just mentioned her potentially killing him.

Riza's eyes widened slightly and she watched him; he was completely serious. "Well, Roy…"

He held up a hand and looked her in the eye. "Just…hear me out. I trust you more than anyone else, and I'm fairly certain you feel the same about me. You could never be the wife that waits for me to come home from dangerous missions. You'd rather be on the missions…and I'd prefer it that way, too. We work well together; we can protect each other. And…sure…we'd have to skirt some rules and regs but…"

"Roy," she interrupted him and held up her hand. "I was merely going to warn you that I will be disobeying any orders that I deem idiotic or detrimental to your well-being." She shrugged with a half-smile and took a drink of her coffee.

His expression of mild surprise quickly turned into a pleased grin. "Really? You're in?"

"Don't be stupid, Roy, of course I'm in. Someone needs to make sure you don't get yourself killed." She rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

"Hold on," he replied. "I'll be right back." Her brow furrowed with curiosity when he jumped from his chair and moved quickly back into the house. Riza could hear him rummaging around in his bag for something and then his footsteps came back to the patio. A second later he was outside and standing in front of her, pulling her to her feet. A thin chain dangled from his fingers, glinting in the sunlight, and from it hung an elegant band of white gold. "It was my mother's," he softly said. "And I want you to have it." Her lips parted, turned upward slightly at the corners as she looked from him, to the ring, and back again, taking in the full meaning his offer.

He carefully clasped the chain at the back of her neck and the ring felt cool against her chest. She picked it up with her fingertips, gazing at it, and then lifted her eyes to meet his with a smile. "It's lovely. Thank you."

They kissed and Roy pulled her into his arms, saying quietly, "I wish I could give you more."

Riza knew that the 'more' he referred to was not jewelry or other gifts, and she could tell he was lamenting the fact that their goals would keep them from the life they could have. She distanced herself slightly and placed her hands on either side of his face, looking into his eyes. "Roy, I want a life with you…whatever that may be. There are things I regret, but this decision will never be among them."

He nodded. "Riza, I…"

"I know." She grinned again. "I do, too."

"I know." They kissed and her hair started to stand on end once more, hand clenching around his arm. Riza broke away again, enjoying the look of keen disappointment on his face when she did so. Instead of pulling him toward her, she smiled while biting her lip and slipped her shirt over her head. She backed away, dropping the top to the ground, and when she was once more standing in the kitchen she let her shorts fall to the floor. Roy smirked and followed her trail of clothing, creating one of his own, all the way to the bed.

Much later, their limbs still intertwined, Riza finally asked him something that had been on her mind for quite some time. She ran her fingertips up his arm and said, "Roy, I need you to do something for me."

He looked at her, clearly curious. "Alright."

"At the risk of ruining this mood…" She cleared her throat and raised her eyes to his. "I'd like you to burn off the most important parts of the tattoo."

Roy's eyes widened and he stiffened as she saw a brief look of horror flash across his face. She tightened her grip on him, hoping he was not about to extricate himself from their current position. Regaining control of his expressions, he shook his head, "I…I can't do that to you. Why would you…?"

"I'm sorry…I know it's a terrible request. And to spring this on you now...well…I wasn't trying to soften you up or anything. I've been meaning to talk to you about this and that just sort of happened." She could not help but smile again at the thought.

"I know," he breathed, still coming to terms with what she'd suggested.

Riza took a breath and continued. "Please, Roy. I can't have it removed professionally, because then someone else would see it. And I can't keep living with these secrets on my back." She glanced away, gathering her thoughts. "Look how close the ARF came to flame alchemy. And when they were digging up graves? I know you were worried about them finding the tattoo. It's just another potential danger that we don't need."

She watched him as he thought about her request and her arguments in favor of it. After a good deal of consideration, he reluctantly nodded and said, "Okay. I'm not crazy about it, but I understand." He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him, as if to protect them both.

Riza closed her eyes momentarily in relief. "Thank you." Cupping his face with her free hand, they kissed and she placed her forehead on his. "I'm so sorry. But thank you."

A few weeks later, Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye returned to work at Eastern HQ, ascending familiar stairs and striding purposefully down well-known hallways. It was early in the morning, and she was making her way toward her grandfather's office along with Lieutenant Rebecca Catalina. The burns on her back were mostly healed, and now caused her only an occasional, mild discomfort. Roy had managed to permanently disfigure the most integral areas and symbols while keeping scarred skin to a minimum.

He may not admit it directly, but she got the feeling he was also rather relieved that she was no longer a walking record of flame alchemy. It gave her a great sense of freedom, and she thought he felt that a little as well. She and Roy remained the only two living people that knew about the tattoo, and the burns that now went with it. Riza had never told her grandfather or Becca, and she decided this was one secret better taken with her to the grave.

Becca's voice tore her from her reverie. "I can't believe you're leaving me. This is bullshit."

Riza chuckled. "I'll miss working with you too, Bec. But I'll still be around HQ. And I'll pull you in on missions every chance I get."

"Deal. And just so we're clear, I get you for lunch at least three days a week. And I get you every other Friday night." Becca inserted the key and let them into Grumman's office.

"So now I'm being fought over?" she laughed, following her friend through the door and depositing her bag on her already empty desk.

Becca waved her hand in mock dismissal. "I'll just iron out custody arrangements with Mustang during my break today." She paused as Riza chuckled and then added, "Oh, before I forget, we have another date with Olivier next Friday…she's coming into town one more time."

"Sounds good. And speaking of dates…isn't tonight date number two?"

"Yes!" Becca's face lit up with a smile. "The official second date. Jean won't tell me anything. He says it's a surprise…Why? Do you know something?" In her eyes Riza could see curiosity and her normal zeal for gossip.

"No, but even if I did I wouldn't tell you. Let it be a surprise, dammit." She shook her head with a smile. "You just have to know everything, don't you?"

"It's a point of pride. For instance, I know you really have your work cut out for you. Jean tells me that Mr. Flame stupidly throws himself into a lot of dangerous situations."

"At least I'll never be bored, right?" They shared a smile. "And hey, drinks at your place while you get ready for your date?"

"Of course! I can't be expected to get ready all alone with no alcohol. That's madness."

Suddenly, the door to Grumman's inner office began to open from the inside and Riza drew one of her pistols, aiming it toward the door; she heard Becca do the same. The General popped out, confusion evident on his face at such a reception. The two women quickly returned their weapons to their holsters and saluted. "At ease, ladies. And good morning. In my office, please." They followed him in and he continued, "A little jumpy this morning?"

"Not at all, General," Riza replied. "We're just unaccustomed to punctuality on your part."

Grumman chuckled. "That's fair, I suppose, Lieutenant. Now, I believe we have some business to attend to." Riza stepped forward and handed him the final form regarding her transfer to Colonel Mustang's team, effective that day. The General accepted it, nodded, and then hugged his granddaughter. "I'm sorry to lose you, my dear. But that boy does need all the help he can get. You let me know if you need anything."

"I will, General," she nodded, tears welling in her eyes. When Becca approached her they hugged as well. "We'll still be seeing each other."

"I know," Becca replied. "But this is kinda the end of an era."

"Fair enough," she laughed.

"Now," Grumman said. "You're both coming for dinner next week, correct?"

"Of course." The two women replied, nearly in unison.

"Wonderful. Now, off to work you two. I have a headquarters to run." The General winked and the three dispersed, each off to their respective assignments.

Riza grabbed her bag off her desk and exited the General's offices, directing her steps towards Colonel Mustang's office suite. She entered, dropped the bag on her new desk and waved at the team saluting her to be at ease. With a quick knock, she walked into Roy's office and saluted crisply, saying, "Good morning, Colonel."

"Good morning, Lieutenant. At ease." He took the form she handed to him and glanced over it before dropping it on the top of his desk. "Welcome to the team, Hawkeye."

"Thank you, sir."

"Just a couple things. Next week I need you to travel with me to Resembool. I want to investigate an alchemist that reportedly lives there."

"Yes, sir."

"Also, we already have another assignment. It has come to our attention that an especially prolific cell of a smuggling ring is operating within East City. We are to investigate, assess the threat, and shut it down. Do you think you can handle a little undercover work, Lieutenant?" He smirked.

"Certainly, sir."

They shared a look that lasted barely a moment and he said, "Please bring in the rest of the team."

"Yes, sir." Riza strode to the door, opened it, and said, "Meeting time."

When they were all assembled, Roy began. "As you all know, Lieutenant Hawkeye has joined our team as my second-in-command."

What followed was a chorus of, "Hey, Hawkeye!" and "Welcome to the team!"

"Thank you," she replied with a nod and a close-lipped smile.

"Now," Roy continued. "To our newest assignment."

Later that evening, Riza relaxed on the couch in her new apartment, a glass of wine on the table nearby, and reviewed some of the files pertaining to the smuggling ring that was to be their target. They had spent a good portion of the day tracking down leads and making arrangements for a first-stage reconnaissance of the group. Overall, the first day in her new position had been wonderful, though somewhat strange at the same time. She was looking forward to working more with team Mustang seeing as they had been able to function well together during their recent ARF/rescue mission.

She glanced sporadically at the clock and wondered how Becca's 'second official date' with Jean was going. Generally, Riza waited until a certain time and called her friend with a fake emergency in case she needed an escape from the date. With Havoc, however, she figured that particular service was likely not required. Taking a sip of wine, her hand wandered to the ring now hanging on a chain around her neck, and she smiled. Riza had never dreamt they would be back in each other's lives in such a monumental way. Everything was substantially different from her life just a couple months prior, but she felt this change was beneficial.

She turned her head toward the entryway when she heard the scrape of a key being inserted into the lock. Reflexively, she reached for the pistol laying near her and picked it up, eyeing the doorway. The door opened fully and Roy walked in, raising his eyebrows slightly and smirking when he saw a gun aimed in his direction. "Really? Isn't that a bit much?" He half-turned to lock the door, engage the deadbolt, and put the chain in place.

Riza shrugged, set the weapon back down on the table, and picked up her wine instead. "Some call it paranoia. I call it common sense."

He chuckled as he shrugged out of his coat, slipped off his shoes, and dropped his bag on the floor. He walked over to her with a smile, which she returned as she took a sip. When he reached her, Roy leaned down to kiss her and then joined her on the couch, taking possession of her wine and putting an arm around her shoulders.

"So, how was the Lieutenant's first day?" He asked her after taking a drink.

"I think it went well. How was your meeting with Hughes?"

"It was exactly what I expected. Most of the time he talked about his wife and how beautiful and pregnant she is. Then we fit in a little about work." Roy sipped again and shrugged.

"He irritates you. I think I'm gonna like him." Riza took the glass from him, drained it, and then straddled him, meeting his eyes as she started to remove his shirt. "No one saw you come in?"

"Definitely not." His gaze flicked to her lips and back up to her eyes, a smile growing on his face, and his hands started to travel up her legs. "All the shades are drawn?"

"Naturally." Riza kissed his neck and heard his sharp intake of breath; his hands found her waist.

She untucked his shirt and opened it, softly placing a kiss on his lips and then pulling back. They shared a small smile and she felt his arms tighten around her waist. This was so much more than they ever expected, or imagined, and now they knew better than to waste anything. Because sometimes terrorist organizations kidnap people, or other equally ridiculous things happen.

Riza leaned in, and they kissed.

Fin

AN: Thanks for reading, I hope you liked it, and have a great day! :)