We finally get to the juicy parts today! I've been really excited to write this part for a while haha. Originally I was going to make this a one-shot but I got impatient to post the first chapter lol. Well, here you go.
Embellishments dangled from the rooftops, illuminating the city, as Edward strolled through the streets of Central, occasionally lifting his head to admire the snowy scenery. The roads were piled in blankets of snow and a brightly lit Christmas tree stood in the center of the square, despite being the 2nd of November. A jazz band played holiday music near the corner store, throwing him back to the days of Resembool. Christmas had always been worthy of excitement back then. He remembered helping Al and Winry bake several batches of chocolate chip cookies all so they could catch Santa Claus. He wasn't exactly a believer of that kinda stuff, but other aspects of Christmas made him brim with excitement.
Yawning, he returned his attention to the pointless conversations strangers were having as they passed him. He could only hope he blended in with the mess of people on the street, though that was unlikely, considering the flashiness of his signature maroon-colored coat, leather pants, leather boots (what others liked to call 'terrible sense of fashion'), and well, short stature. In other words, he was hard to miss, even with the overwhelming amount of people in the area.
He then looked around suspiciously, making sure he wouldn't run into anyone - particularly people from HQ - and continued down the block, where numerous men's shops caught his attention. He gulped down the last of his hot dog, eyes wide with fascination at the shimmery accessories displayed inside the store. Luminous amber lights surrounding the glass pane lit up the contents within, increasing the shop's overall attractiveness to customers. He wrinkled his nose and pressed his face up against the window, tilting his head to get a better view of the items. A navy blue tuxedo stood out amongst the collection of clothing and seemed convincing enough for Edward to purchase as a gift. He could very well picture Hughes in such an attire, elegant and all, but it resembled the Amestrian military uniform too much for his liking. Maybe he could get the pink one instead?
Unfortunately for the boy, the idea was disregarded immediately when he read the price tag: 50,000 cens and it was on sale! Refusing to give up, he thoroughly examined the other goods in front of him before noticing a silver medium-sized watch with gold hands. The covering reflected off the ceiling, revealing his reflection as he peered down at it. Perfect.
But the little smile spreading across his features faltered shortly after spotting an oddly familiar man standing directly across from him, separated only by a glass window. The corners of Ed's mouth twitched in an unsightly manner as soon as he realized who it was. He happened to be staring at the same exact watch Ed planned to buy. Running gloved hands across his face, he groaned upon seeing the Colonel here of all places. Why, was the first word that crept into his mind. Just how bad was his luck today? Surely he had jinxed himself earlier.
Mustang looked up to see a fish- no that wasn't a fish. That was his youngest subordinate, Edward Elric, with his face squished up against the glass for some unknown reason. Oh, how he wished he had a camera right about now. He'd gladly snap a picture and hang it up on the wall of his office for everyone to see. Perhaps he could even donate it to an art gallery. Stifling a chuckle, the older man exited the shop.
"Fullmetal," he greeted with a smirk, causing the boy to flinch.
"...What the hell do you want, bastard?" Ed answered half heartedly, feeling all the life getting sucked out of him. Conversing with him was both mentally and physically draining.
Roy crossed his arms, "Didn't expect to see you here is all," he stated with a smirk. "And is that really a polite way to greet your superior, Fullmetal?"
The teen sighed dramatically, "My god, Mustang, I'm going to lose all my brain cells, I swear," he groaned, running his hands through his hair.
"Oh?" Mustang raised his eyebrows in amusement. Two could play this game. "Why is that? Am I too much for your little brain to handle?"
"I'M NOT LITTLE YOU JERK!" he fumed, earning some weird glances. "AT LEAST I HAVE A BRAIN! YOURS IS NON-EXISTENT!"
The older man sighed, "Lower your voice, Edward. I have a reputation to withhold," he shushed him, forcing down a migraine. "I can't be taken seriously if I'm caught outside with a screaming blonde midget."
"WHY YOU ASS-"
"Are you going to explain what you're doing out here so late?" Mustang interrupted, diverting the subject before the boy could start one of his short rants.
Ed didn't seem to realize the diversion and huffed, "That's none of your business."
"I was also informed that you had visited the office early in the morning. Seemed like you had something to tell me. Is that correct?" he inquired.
"You weren't even there to begin with so it doesn't really matter," Ed responded with a shrug.
The Colonel narrowed his eyes, "Fullmetal."
"Okay, okay!" Ed squeaked, giving in to the man's silent fury. "I was just going to ask you what Hughes likes… you know, because his birthday is coming up and all? It's not that important," he explained awkwardly, moving his arms in a somewhat exaggerated fashion.
Roy's expression softened into a smile. He admired the kid's desire to ensure he gave back to those who cared for him. Sure, he might come across as hard headed, stubborn, and generally not the most friendly person to be around, but there was a level of veneration and appreciation - or perhaps both - that was shared among those closest to him. Hughes was almost like a second father to the Elric brothers, which explained why they cared for him as much as he did for them.
Most of the time Ed brushed it off or flat out denied it, but there was a special kind of bond between the two brothers and his best friend he could only hope to achieve.
"I almost forgot!" Ed exclaimed, shaking him from his thoughts. "Al told me to buy some potatoes. He wanted to try making stew or something," he pointed towards the grocery store across the street. "I'll see ya later, or better yet, never."
Roy opened his mouth to answer as the boy turned to leave, that was, until he heard his adjutant's name. The fact it came from another man (one he wasn't acquainted with) completely threw him off. Out of curiosity, and to confirm he wasn't hallucinating, he turned his head towards the direction of the voice, stunned to see that it was indeed Lieutenant Hawkeye. Somehow she had been too preoccupied to notice him standing a few feet away from her with his mouth hung wide open. She looked incredibly stunning in that black v-necked dress with a long overcoat reaching past her knees and a white scarf tucked around her neck. Rarely did ever see her dressed like that, minus any undercover missions or formal parties.
Everything about Riza tonight contradicted with her very character. The Riza he knew disliked over-the-top garments and extravagant eatery, and he had been flabbergasted to find the exact opposite. She appeared to be alongside some slick chestnut-haired gentleman who was far too handsome for his liking. If he hadn't known any better, he could've mistaken them for a couple.
Swallowing the lump forming in his throat, he moved towards the window of the restaurant, keeping his eyes on Riza's supposed "date." He watched silently as the two settled down at a beautifully decorated table and spoke with their waiter. Riza seemed genuinely happy in the man's presence and their interactions implied much more than simply friendship. The way she laughed wholeheartedly at his jokes, the way his fingers brushed against hers, they seemed like the perfect pair. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't envious in the slightest.
But it was much much more than simply just envy. Oh no, it was a bunch of emotions mixed together, all trying to force their way out at once. There was hurt. There was confusion. Who the hell was this man and why hadn't he seen him before? Did Riza have feelings for him? How close were they? This whole time… had they been together without him knowing? Did Riza keep it from him, knowing that he'd shatter at the very thought of her being with another man? Why? What was he doing wrong? How could that man make her smile so effortlessly while all he seemed to do was make her upset?
He hadn't even met the man, but he hated everything about him so damn much. He hated how he looked at her, hated how he made her smile, hated how he held her hand, hated how he blushed at the very sight of her.
Roy stopped, taken aback by his own words.
No, that was wrong.
He didn't have the right to dictate her life. Riza deserved to do whatever she wanted. It's not like they were involved in any romantic relationship with each other. She could choose who she wanted to be with and it didn't have to be Roy.
Did he ever stop to think about how different Riza's life could have been if he never met her?
His pathetic ambitions wouldn't have sparked her desire to join the military and she would have been living a normal life like any other woman her age, not some sniper capable of killing thousands of innocent people. Nightmares of the Ishvalan war wouldn't plague her every night as she tried to sleep. She could have been married and started her own family already for all he knew. Much of her burdens wouldn't have existed if he simply never held the desire of becoming an alchemist. He was like an evil omen, spreading misfortune wherever he went, and that unlucky place happened to be the Hawkeye household.
As much as Roy wished to remain by her side, her opportunity for happiness in this cruel world was something he could never take away. If that man could elicit such a breathtaking smile from her, then he deserved to be with her.
"Hey..."
Mustang stuffed his hands back into his coat pocket and shuffled his feet at the sound of Fullmetal's voice. The bangs of his messy hair fell over his eyes and cast a small shadow, hiding the expression on his face.
Edward appeared to have finished buying the groceries he needed, given the plastic bags clasped in his right hand. He had seen the man gazing at the diner like a lost puppy longing for its owner.
What was he staring at?
He glanced at the window and sure enough, a blonde woman who looked exactly like Lieutenant Hawkeye happened to be dining with another man. Things seemed to be running smoothly between them.
"Why are you still here, Fullmetal?" the Colonel finally asked, moving away from the diner. "I thought you went back already."
Ed thought it best not to bring up Lieutenant Hawkeye and went along with the conversation, "I can't. I still need to get the gift remember?" he replied, glimpsing back at the restaurant as they walked further down.
"I doubt Hughes really cares whether or not you buy him anything."
"I know but I wanna."
There was silence.
"...Hey, Ed?"
"What?"
"Do you… ever imagine how things could have been for you and your brother if I… never recruited you?"
Ed looked up at him, "Good question actually. If you hadn't recruited me, I wouldn't have to deal with the pain of seeing your ugly face everyday," he said and grinned, waiting for some snarky remark from the Colonel. When there was nothing, a feeling of guilt brewed within his stomach. So he was being serious...
"...What I meant to say is…" he corrected, forcing down his childish pride for once. "I have, sometimes, but it's not like I regret joining the military. It was the only way I could get access to things that would help me get Al's body back. I would've joined the military either way, even if you weren't the one who recruited me. You just made the process easier… and I know I always talk about how much of a bastard you are but… I'm grateful for everything you've done for Al and I. You kept our taboo a secret…" he fiddled with his gloves, "If I ended up under the command of someone else, who knows what could've happened to us? Those other damn officers would've tattled on us a long time ago for the sake of climbing the ranks. None of them give a damn about anything other than power..."
Roy's eyes widened, "I… didn't know you thought of me that way…"
Ed's cheeks flushed, "Don't get the wrong idea! You're still a bastard… but quit blaming yourself for everything… I would've gone down the military route anyway. I chose to join and that was my own decision."
Roy shut his eyes and chuckled, "I'm that obvious, is it?" he didn't remove his gaze from the decorations surrounding the street lights, "Well I'm going to head back to my apartment. It's getting late. I'll see you tomorrow, Edward, and make sure to hand in your report on time."
Of course, that was a lie. He wasn't going home. He needed a drink. Badly. The conversation with Fullmetal lightened his mood significantly, but he just needed something that temporarily made him forget about today's events. Thinking about them made his head throb. Normally he would've gone to Madame Christmas's bar but she always stopped him from drinking too much, so he'd go to a different bar just for tonight.
Ed couldn't believe his ears. The Colonel was obviously upset over the Lieutenant, yet he wasn't going to do anything about it? The fraternization laws be damned. Even someone as dense as him could see they had feelings for each other, and Roy's pitiable state was driving him insane.
"So you're going to give up? Just like that?"
"What?"
"You're just gonna let her stay with that other guy?"
Roy turned away, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Cut the crap already!" Ed snapped. "You really expect me to just stand by as you wallow in self-pity? We all know you're going to stay this way for the rest of your life if you don't do something about it."
Roy gritted his teeth, "Listen, Fullmetal. Don't act like you understand me. I can't afford to just do whatever I want like you can," he said and hesitated for a moment, "She's my subordinate, nothing more…"
"Colonel...?"
The boys stiffened.
"Lieutenant…" Roy started, unsure of what to say. How much of their conversation had she heard?
Ed took this as his cue to leave, explaining that he still had somewhere to go and shot Mustang a look that read 'Just tell her or you'll regret it' before leaving them alone.
That damned brat… Roy thought, frowning.
He quickly straightened himself, "Apologies, Lieutenant. I was just…" he shook his head, forcing a grin. "How did the date go?"
"...It wasn't a date, sir. He was just a friend from military academy," she replied monotonously. "Nevermind that. I hope you finished all your paperwork, sir."
He tittered, "Relax, Riza. I finished everything already. Do you really have such little faith in me? I'm a grown man too, you know."
"You certainly don't act like one, sir."
"How cold," he professed, gesturing towards the buildings. "Here, I'll walk you home."
"That's really not necessary-"
"I insist. Come on, Riza," Roy grabbed her arm lightly, leading them ahead. "How often do we get a day to enjoy each other's company without the men's noisy bickering back at the office?" he pouted.
She sighed and gave in. He was right about that.
The air became still as they rounded the corner, any noise coming from the square finally drowning away. Little snowflakes drifted over their heads and nothing else could be heard other than a few cars whisking by. Roy had no choice but to focus on the small crunchy sounds his boots would make when he plodded through the snow - the trail of footprints left behind was satisfying to a certain degree, at least. No words were exchanged between the two for a while, rather they embraced the silence that fell between them, taking it as a suitable opportunity to reflect on their thoughts. He didn't know why, but Riza suddenly felt very distant, even though she was right next to him, and it wasn't often he felt this way. Everyone close to them saw the connection they shared without ever having to communicate verbally. Right now, he couldn't read her at all and it frustrated him.
"He didn't offer to take you home?" Roy was first to break the silence.
"No, sir. I told him it was fine for me to walk home by myself."
"I see…"
She peered at him from the corner of her eye, "Is something the matter?"
He smiled sheepishly and raked his fingers through his unkempt locks, "It's stupid... but I was thinking... if you hadn't met me, you would've been with that man, possibly living a happier life, isn't that right?" he laughed morosely. "I guess I just don't understand why you chose to follow me into the military... nothing good came out of it. I just ended up robbing you of your future, the life you could have lived, and failed to protect that innocent, beautiful smile of yours..."
Riza stopped abruptly, slowly processing the words he just said to her and pursed her lips. This again, she thought. The feeling of deja vu suddenly washed over her body, reminding her of the nightmare Roy had gotten some time ago. They had stayed on the phone the entire night when a panic attack hit him in the midst of his slumber, and she told him comforting words over and over until his anxiety lessened. She always knew he had a bad habit of putting the blame on himself for everything, even when he had nothing to do with it. Numerous times he had questioned her if he was making the right decision, especially when it involved the two brothers. He constantly worried about their well-being and made sure to give them guidance whenever he could. People who didn't see his true persona characterized him as merciless and menacing, for he was a soldier hardened by the horrors of warfare, but he was still only human. He still had emotions like everyone else did, and it wasn't a surprise that he needed words of reassurance once in a while. It warmed her heart to know he still came to her when he needed someone the most.
She turned to face him, "You're mistaken, Colonel. I told you once before… didn't I? You gave me a reason to live, Roy... a goal to reach. When you told me about your dream, I thought it was wonderful because it meant happiness for everyone. It meant no more wars, no more fighting, and no more hatred. Yes, it was naïve to rely on my father's research for that and we both know it, but it doesn't mean I've lost faith that it could happen," she spoke softly.
He gripped his arm tightly, averting his eyes, "But I… I took away any chances of you finding happiness and burdened you with my mistakes… You trusted me with your father's research yet I… I abused them and killed so many innocent people…" his hands trembled as he continued, "How could you stand to stay with someone who betrayed your trust? I don't deserve you, Lieutenant… I merely added to your pain… and here I was… jealous over some other man who could truly make you happy and give you the life you deserve…" he laughed darkly, "Pathetic, wouldn't you agree?"
Without thinking, she cupped the sides of his cheeks and ran her thumb over his skin, caressing it. His eyes widened at the contact and he stood unmoving, dumbfounded by her ever-so-rare displays of physical affection. If it were some other woman, he wouldn't even bat an eye, yet with Riza, his whole facade of suaveness seemed to vanish into thin air.
"...I've said it before but I'll say it again... listen carefully, alright?" she whispered. "No matter what, I will remain by your side, Roy, for as long as we live. You mean everything to me and that will never change."
Roy's eyes couldn't be any wider than they were now. Hearing everything from Riza like this made his heart flutter.
Had she unintentionally confessed to him that she returned his feelings too?
He smiled warmly and leaned into her hand, shutting his eyes as a faint blush crept over his cheeks and put a hand over hers, "That sounded like a proposal to me."
Her face had blossomed into a million shades of crimson, "Don't get ahead of yourself, Roy Mustang," she huffed.
He chuckled and pulled her into a tight embrace, nuzzling the crook of her neck before muttering, "Thank you, Riza."
And that is all. I know the story was short but it was just something that popped into my head one day. I hope you enjoyed it though :) I'd appreciate any feedback you all leave. I'll be posting longer stories soon.