Riza was strumming on her guitar distractedly as she stared into space. She was trying to kill time before she left her apartment to head into the city to Roy's place. He was cooking her dinner tonight and she was very excited about it. Something as mundane as dinner shouldn't be making her so thrilled, but Riza had discovered that every little thing she did with Roy enthralled her.

Her cheeks heated up when she thought he might be her soul mate. It wasn't a concept she believed in however she'd never felt so in love with anyone before. Not that Riza had much experience with love, but she just knew that this was different. Every waking moment she wanted to spend with him. Every time it killed her to drive an hour home from his apartment when she left. She knew she wanted to live with him. She could picture them getting married very clearly in her mind's eye. She could see them growing old together on a porch somewhere…

It was beautiful.

The night of the ball she'd stayed at his apartment then returned home for an afternoon shift at work. It was a short one – she was finished by half past five – so now it was a waiting game until Roy finished for the night at the bar. A thrill flashed in her stomach at the prospect of the weekend ahead. She was off work and would be spending the whole time with Roy. She was playing at the bar tomorrow night, but at least they could still spend their whole Saturday together.

Next week was her last week at the coffee shop. It saddened her to be leaving that life – and Izumi and Sig – behind, because it was all she'd ever known. It was her first job. In a way, it felt like home. Not because her apartment was above it, but because of the people. Izumi had taken her in, and Sig had asked no questions about it, he'd just handed over the key to her apartment without another word on the fact his wife was taking in a poor, homeless woman.

There was Edward, the snarky, but smart as hell teenager that always surprised Riza with his intelligence. He'd been accepted into university years early, along with his brother, and she'd spent many shifts chatting about life with him. Riza was his extra support and looked out for him, especially while working and there were some unhappy customers. Edward had a short temper so Riza quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation before Ed could say something he'd regret –

Her phone buzzed, breaking her from her dreaming and reminiscing. Seeing the little message icon blink, Riza hit open and saw a text from an unknown number. Curious, she opened it, her eyes scanning the little black letters.

I swear to god, it's not true what they're saying.

No offence, but there's no way lmao

What?

Riza scanned it again, then a third time. She had no idea who this was. What wasn't true?

Placing her guitar down on her couch, she crossed her legs underneath her and rested her elbows on her knees. She typed a quick message, asking who the sender was. Next, her phone rang, buzzing loudly.

"Hello?" she asked cautiously.

"Riza, hey, it's Olivier Armstrong." Riza's eyes widened considerably. Her mouth dropped open in her shock. "Just a quick heads up that what the media is saying is a complete and utter lie, and also reinforces my hatred of them," she added sharply.

"What… Olivier?"

"Yes," she replied impatiently. "They're saying I'm dating your boyfriend. Apparently, the paparazzi snapped a picture of you two when you were leaving the ball last night and they're spinning it that we're dating now." Olivier snorted as Riza tried to digest the information. She was so confused. "They couldn't see your face, saw long blonde hair, and instantly went to me." Riza could picture her rolling her eyes just by her tone. "As if there's only one woman in the world with long blonde hair. Anyway, just wanted to clear that up immediately, because there's absolutely no way that would happen," she reassured her a little too eagerly. Riza frowned. What was wrong with Roy?

Riza's phone beeped once, twice, then three times while she was on the phone with Olivier. She was so lost in her confusion that she never noticed the first two. After the third, she pulled her phone away and saw an icon stating she had a missed call as well as a message icon.

"Um, okay. Thanks, I guess?"

"Of course. Let me know what I can do to make this easier for you. I'll see you a week on Monday." The phone went dead.

Of course, a week on Monday was when she started at Armstrong Records. That jerked Riza back to reality. She stated down at her phone, still processing what had just happened.

Clicking the button to open her messages, Riza saw there was three from Roy, the last two not even a minute apart.

Hey, can you call me when you get a chance?

Riza.

.

The last one was just a full stop to try and get her attention on her phone. The missed call icon flashed at her slowly, lazily. She clicked her way through her phone, coming to rest on Roy's number, and clicked dial.

He picked up before the first ring even finished.

"Hey," he greeted. He sounded strained and worried. From his tone alone she could picture him on his feet and pacing, running a hand through his hair.

"Hey, Roy," she greeted. "What's up?"

"Um, I don't suppose you've checked social media this morning?" he asked, his tone nervous.

Riza blinked for a second, still confused. "Roy, I don't have social media." He knew that already.

There was a pause for a second. "Oh. Oh yeah, so you don't." He took a deep breath, letting it out in a rush.

"Roy, what's going on?"

"Well, the news of the day appears to be that I'm dating Olivier Armstrong."

Riza blinked again, letting it settle in, then everything clicked into place. She let out a long "oh" of understanding, shaking her head at the absurdness of it all. Riza supposed she should have seen something like this happening at some point. She was dating the poster boy for a very lucrative record label. He was famous, and of course, he wouldn't be dating anyone other than famous people.

Riza smiled to herself, despite her sarcastic inner monologue. It was a reminder that she was incredibly fortunate to have met Roy and fallen in love with him the way she had. Riza was eternally grateful to Rebecca for getting her that initial meeting. She knew not to take it for granted, and never would. Even to this day, she couldn't believe her luck.

"What?" Roy asked worriedly.

Riza chuckled. "Olivier's phone call makes sense now."

"What?" His question was sharp. "What did she say?"

Bless him, he sounded so worried.

"Nothing to worry about," she reassured him. In his shoes, Riza would be freaking out right about now too, so did her best to reassure him. "She just called two minutes ago to let me know this "news" had dropped. It was just a head's up, and to let me know that it's not true."

Roy let out a long sigh. "You know I would never do that, right?"

"Roy…" This went far deeper than she initially thought. "Of course, I do. You don't need to worry about that," she assured him kindly. "There's a reason I don't do social media, and it's because of all the shit like this that happens on it."

Another sigh left him. She could practically see him wringing out his hair in his hands to try and relieve himself of the stress this had caused him. He was worried she'd seen the news and thought he was cheating on her.

Riza wasn't lying when she revealed this was exactly why she wasn't on social media. The media did nothing but ruin people's lives, and the fact they were trying to do it to Roy made her angry. He was the best person in the world. He was so kind, so funny, and so caring to everyone. Riza had seen it in action. He didn't deserve this to happen to him.

"I know…"

"Do you want me to come over now?" she asked. If the roles were reversed, she'd probably want to see him so they could talk it over in person.

"Would you mind?"

"Of course, not," she replied, standing from her couch. She began to tidy up her living room, putting her lyrics notepad in her holdall by the door, packing it to go to Roy's. "I'll be about an hour and a half. I just need to let Hayate out."

"Okay." He still sounded so worried. She made the decision to pick up some wine and snacks on the way. They needed a night in, and although the plan was for Roy to cook dinner for them both, this news may have skewed those plans somewhat. However, she'd be happy with a takeout, so long as she was with him.

"Roy, honestly, don't worry about it. I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Okay. I love you," he added earnestly.

"I love you too," she smiled, unable to stop herself.

Ending the call, she hurried up in her packing, locking away her guitar, then called for Hayate to go outside.


He hadn't been able to concentrate at all. Hughes had text him and asked if he'd seen the "news" and Roy felt a lead weight drop in his stomach. The photo they'd used was of Roy and Riza leaving the ball last night, but it was angled so that no one could see her face, but it was clear it was him. He remembered that moment. He'd been helping her walk down the stairs at the front of the ballroom carefully. It had been raining during the event and he didn't want her to fall, as her heels didn't have good grip on their soles. A gust of wind blew her hair over her face, obscuring it. The media had latched onto that and had declared proudly that he and Olivier Armstrong were dating.

Because, of course, there was only one woman in the world with long blonde hair.

It had angered him. Very much so. How dare they spread lies like this?

Olivier text him shortly afterwards.

There's no way that would ever happen btw.

Roy felt the same way. Olivier was nice enough, but… No. He wasn't attracted to her at all. She was a beautiful woman, but her personality just didn't mesh well with his. Plus, she wasn't interested in the slightest. And, more importantly, Roy had Riza.

He bit his lip as he waited in his office. She'd told him not to worry but he'd never be able to relax until she was in front of him and he could see that it was all right.

"Hey," Riza greeted suddenly, drawing him from his thoughts. She entered his office at Ignis Bar with a stunning smile, ushering Hayate inside before her.

"Riza," he greeted. His mouth opened to continue, but nothing came out. Fear gripped his heart, afraid that this stupid media post and the vultures that had stirred it up had ruined what he had with her. He wanted to go over there and wrap her in his arms, but something held Roy back.

Her smile was bright as she set her bags down. She approached him and Roy just watched. There was nothing in her eyes that told Roy she was angry or upset. Riza greeted him the same way she did every time. Her arms looped around his neck and she kissed him happily.

"Good afternoon."

"Uh, hi." His response was flat and Riza was able to pick up on his inner turmoil. Her hands slid down to his hands, running down his arms, and she gripped them tightly.

"I saw the post. Denny showed me it when I arrived," she shrugged. "Bless him, he was so worried about me," she chuckled. "These people online will latch onto anything, won't they?"

Her tone was so casual. She truly didn't seem bothered by it, which Roy was glad about. After all, who would want news that their boyfriend was dating someone else plastered all over the internet? Sometimes Roy was just waiting for Riza to realise just how much of a hassle this was for her. When moments like this hit, he was a ball of anxious energy.

"It's not true," he blurted out without thinking.

She looked up at him, surprised. "Roy… I know that. I'm in the picture."

"I'm sorry, I…" He sighed, pulling away from her. He walked over to the windows in his office, looking down on the bar below. His hands gripped the decorative dresser in front of it, his knuckles turning white as he rested his weight against it.

A hand was placed on his back in comfort.

"I'm sorry this has happened. You don't deserve this," he added, his voice hoarse.

"What are you talking about?" she asked gently.

Roy bowed his head and closed his eyes. When he lifted it, he turned to face Riza. He faced the wonderful woman who owned his heart completely, seeing no judgement or irritation, just concern which was beginning to shift into real worry.

"You don't need to go through this."

"I'm… I'm not going through anything, Roy."

"They're saying that your boyfriend is dating someone else. Everyone will believe it!" he exclaimed, as if it was obvious.

"But… I don't care."

"What?"

"I don't care what all those people think."

"Half the world thinks I'm dating Olivier Armstrong, and you're okay with that? You don't care?" He couldn't believe it, and it showed in his tone.

Riza shook her head. "That's not what I meant." Her hand gripped his tightly. "What I meant was the people that matter to me know the truth. No one even knows we're dating, Roy," she reminded him softly. "Remember that. It's not like they're saying you're cheating on me with her. It's… Well, it's not harmless," she corrected herself. "However, it's not a big deal. These people will latch onto anything to stir up trouble. Don't let them."

He watched her expression, noting how she was earnest in the way she spoke, trying to get him to believe what she was saying. There was no betrayal in her eyes and Roy finally let himself relax.

"All right. I won't."

"Easier said than done, I know," she smirked. "But the people that mean the most to me know the truth. That's what matters." Her head cocked to the side. "You know… We could set the record straight."

"How?"

"What about posting a selfie on… whatever that photo app is called."

That… Was a great idea. It would definitely solve his problems about this whole fiasco.

"I love you, and the way you think."

Riza beamed at him. "Come on then, Mr. Famous Man. What one will you choose?"

"A new one," he smiled, drawing his phone from his pocket and unlocking the screen. He opened the camera and wrapped his arms around Riza's shoulders tightly. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, and he heard her giggle. Snapping the photo, she scolded him lightly.

"Don't use that one," she continued to laugh.

"Why not?"

"I wasn't ready!"

"Look at you, though." He opened the recent photos and showed her it. It was stunning and one he would cherish for the rest of his life. Riza looked so free and happy. "You look beautiful."

"A good one," she beamed. "One where people can actually see my face. Then there's no more confusion."

"I'm surprised you're so on board with this," Roy mused. "You don't like social media."

"I don't, but this whole thing is obviously upsetting you, and if this makes it right and eases that worry for you, then I'm completely on board."

Roy turned to look at her. The love he felt for Riza Hawkeye was swelling in his chest, threatening to burst forth. He was so overwhelmed he felt his knees shake. Right there, on the spot, he almost asked her to marry him. She was so perfect in every way and Roy never wanted to be apart from her again.

"Thank you," he murmured, sincere as he turned his attention to his phone, opening the camera app again.

"If it makes you happy then let's do it."

He kissed her again, setting his phone on top of his desk, the photo forgotten in a hurry. Riza sighed against him, her hands pressing against his neck while her fingers tangled in his hair. A growl rumbled in his chest as she tugged on his black tresses.

"Photo first," Riza panted once they'd broken apart long enough for her to speak. "Later," she smirked, looking up at him with sultry eyes. Roy would have lost it right there and then if she hadn't pulled away.

"Is that a promise?" he asked, his voice husky.

Riza smirked. "Absolutely."

Roy grinned and pecked her cheek. "All right. Serious photo time."

They took a few, ending up in a fit of giggles as they ended up pulling stupid expressions with one another. They were in peals of laughter by the end of it, too lost in the joy of each other to focus on taking a serious photo.

After calming down, they eventually caught their breath, sitting on the couch in his office to try and pick one for Roy to post.

"That one," Riza smiled. "That's my favourite."

Roy was inclined to agree. They both looked so happy together and the lighting was perfect. "Okay." He opened the app and pulled up the photo. "What will the caption be?"

"I have no idea. I'm not good at things like that."

"Hm… What about…" Roy thumbs moved across the touch screen, typing out what just popped into his mind in that moment.

Her name isn't Olivier. It's Riza.

"I'm not good at these things either," Roy replied nervously, showing her the caption. She was almost leaning over him to see, the back of her head almost obscuring his vision, but Roy didn't mind. He could smell her shampoo, and the smell that was wholly Riza. It soothed him for the moment, and he inhaled deeply, letting is wash over his senses.

"Sounds good," Riza smiled, turning to face him, suddenly very close to his face.

Hitting post, Roy placed the phone on his knee and waited.

"What now?"

"Just wait," he reassured her knowingly.

The comments pinged in one after the other at a ferocious rate. Roy caught a few of them, and they seemed mostly positive, however he frowned when a few bad ones caught his eye.

Who?

Who's that?

She's pretty!

Omg I hate her already.

How dare she steal him from Olivier!

Those last two made Riza laugh as she leaned back in her seat, but Roy frowned. How small minded these poor people must be. It irritated him. How dare they say that about Riza?

"Where's the delete comment button?" Roy muttered to himself, checking every option on the app.

Riza chuckled. "You're sweet." She pecked his cheek. "Don't let them get to you," she reminded him. Patting his knee, she stood when Hayate whined at the door. He looked back at Riza, shifting his paws. "I'm going to take Hayate out to pee."

"Do you want me to come with you?" he asked, pocketing his phone. He was half tempted to delete the photo already so he wouldn't see the hateful comments towards Riza.

"I'll be fine," she smiled. "See you in a few."