They barely ever fought. Enough fighting had been done already – they hardly needed harsh, bitter words to cover their terrible actions. When they did fight, all their frustration and anger fell onto the other, and his neighbors had to stuff their ears with cotton if they hoped of getting any peace.

Roy couldn't even remember what they had been fighting about as he paused for a split second to breathe. It had to have been important, but what the hell was it?

His reply to her was short and vile (even he was unsure of what he said to her, but regretted it immediately after it passed through his lips), and he saw her take an involuntary step back.

"If that's how you feel sir, then fine."

Riza's voice was emotionless. The single tear that rolled down her cheek went unnoticed by both parties.

"I'll just be going, then."

There were borders, lines that neither of them dared cross. Too close too many times – it was only a matter of time before the legend Edward seemed to enjoy quoting would happen again. Their wings would melt as they passed too close to the sun, and they would plummet to their deaths.

The sound of her shoes echoed in his ears as she left him alone, and he did not try to follow her.

His neighbors heard her shoes as well, and tentatively pulled out one of the cotton balls in their ears. Deep, heart-wrenching sobs poorly muffled by paper thin walls assaulted their open ears before the cotton was stuffed back in hastily. The affairs of the mysterious young military man next door didn't concern them in the least.

Riza's hair was already soaking wet, but she didn't care. She leaned against Roy's building, trying desperately to reign in her emotions and failing again and again with every salty tear that escaped the eyes were so tightly squeezed shut. Shivers ran down of her spine, and Riza regretted not stopping to grab her coat on the way out.

Too late now. He was probably halfway through his third drink and already numb to the evening while she tried to grapple with the conflictions of her head and her heart.

Roy spotted the heavy black coat almost immediately, the one that still smelled faintly of his cologne. She would never admit to anything, but several months ago his overcoat had seemed to shrink over the course of the workday.

The overcoat in his arms was nothing but dead weight, a heavy burden he couldn't bear to put down. A pit of dread in the bottom of his stomach made Roy falter as he turned the doorknob. Shifting the overcoat in his arms, he gathered his courage and stepped over the threshold. Halfway down the stairs he realized he had forgotten his own coat.

It made little difference to him, but it was too late to go back anyway. If he did turn back, his nerve would either be lost or he would give into the temptation of a drink to calm himself.

He nearly passed her by.

Riza was leaning heavily on the wall of his apartment building, her head ducked down and arms folded tightly across her chest. His heart stung as her body shook. She looked so out of place there, so vulnerable.

The faint smell of his cologne blanketed her in warmth, and Riza's head snapped up in surprise, meeting his eyes. She drew the coat closer to herself, half expecting him to leave her alone.

Instead she felt his strong arms wrap around her and hold her tight, and the warm breath of an apology he would never think sufficient near her ear. Startled, it took several seconds for her to return the embrace.

Riza forgave him much too easily, but it was difficult to stay angry when he had mended a broken heart.

I know the border lines we drew between us

Keep the weapons down,

Keep the wounded safe;

I know our antebellum innocence

Was never meant to see the light of our armistice.

But how much would I give to have it back again?

How much did we lose

To live this way?

Little drabble, as well as an entry into Royai-fiction's contest on DA! I don't know how much sense this makes, but it was written at late hours of the evening. Forgive me. XD

I couldn't help putting in the lyrics at the end. Ever since Hayaaaateuh made an AMV to the song for Royai, I've been hooked and bent on writing a drabble. Until now, I've never been able to. Look up Hayaaaateuh on Youtube – she's a stunning talent! Also look up this song – Antebellum, by Vienna Teng.

Happy Father's Day!