A/N: Like it usually happens, I started thinking and then this came from my mind. I have no other words other than that.
Prompt 29: Paradox
Inspiration: Random.
Riza Hawkeye looked at her superior as she brought in the new stack of paperwork, and allowed herself to delve into her thoughts as she patiently waited for him to complete the given one. Better to let him feel like he was making some progress before she put down that thought.
It was at rare moments that she simply contemplated things, without analyzing a looming danger or strategizing quickly. Simple contemplation would lead utterly nowhere, and yet it was a relief to sink into her own thoughts.
Which were right now focused on Roy Mustang and what he was.
An utter, unsolvable paradox was what he was. Every inch of him was impossible, from his messy yet combed hair to his polished boots, and yet he existed. He was cold and smart, yet intensely warm like the fires he bore and, to be frank, an idiot. He was thoughtful yet reckless, experienced but naïve, arrogant but- no, his arrogance was one feature of him that remained constant. At least she could be thankful for the little things.
She knew he cared for all of them, all of his team – a bit too much, in her personal opinion – and yet, they were his pieces. The pieces with which to win a battle, and over time, the war. He was the Flame Alchemist, reputed for his power, and yet a wet matchstick that could not keep himself out of trouble no matter what.
"Am I that handsome, Lieutenant?" The object of her thoughts glanced up, a cool smirk on his face. Riza forced herself not to roll her eyes as she bluntly answered, "No."
He looked horrified. "That can't be."
'Childish yet mature,' she added to her growing list. Although she often wondered if he were Edward's age, she knew he could be serious when the situation called for it. Or, when he decided the situation called for it, which was far too rare in her opinion.
"I am only here to give you the new stack of paperwork, sir, not to discuss your aesthetics." She dumped the paperwork on the only space available, watching the colonel's eyes widen. He let out a defeated groan, but wisely didn't say anything, nodding to her. "Thank you, Hawkeye."
She saluted, and spun around on receiving the returning one. Walking out of his office and watching the team slowly file in, she decided.
Roy Mustang may be unsolvable, but some mysteries were definitely required in life.
A/N: Seriously, I just don't know. I think Riza went a bit OOC there, but overall, I'm just happy I managed to write this much. Now to study for my coming tests (sighs).
