an: apologies for such a long break but it was literally just life that happened and stopped me from writing as much as i wanted to ;;_;; hopefully with nano ongoing atm i can get some extra motivation from that to get the next chapter finished up asap!
song for this chapter: mat kearney - better than i used to be
1914
never thought love never thought life
could take us far beyond what we believed
as long as i got your love next to me
better than i used to be
"So." Rebecca threw herself into the chair, barely waiting for Riza to even sit down at the table in the back room of Chris' bar. "What has been going on in Central, Riza?" Her voice was hushed as she leaned forward eagerly in her chair.
Rebecca's urgency had startled poor Sheska before Riza could even greet her with a hello. Eyes owlish but full of concern, Riza paused as she turned to greet their friend.
"I'll tell you all that I know, but it's not much," Riza replied. "But first," she added, turning to face Sheska, "hi."
"Hello," Sheska nodded. A timid smile overtook her concern, but the crease in between her eyebrows quickly returned. "What's going on?" Nerves had settled in Sheska, making her shift in her chair and also tip forward to hear what Riza was going to share.
Poor woman. Riza felt for her. When she'd called and invited Sheska out it really was to spend some time together of an evening, but now she would be dragged into this whole thing. That's not what Riza wanted for her.
Resigning herself, Riza let out a sigh. "I really don't think here's the best place at the moment –"
As if on cue, someone approached from behind Rebecca. The woman's expression changed as she walked, moving from neutral to breaking out into a bright grin as soon as she made eye contact. Given Riza's current circumstances after her talk with Fuhrer Bradley, she was instantly on guard.
"Riza Mustang?"
"Yes?" Riza eyed the woman up and down. She appeared to be innocent enough. Her brown hair fell just past her shoulders, sitting in a side parting. Hair was curled behind one ear, the other side falling forward as she smiled kindly down at Riza in her chair.
"Hi, my name is Irene. My husband is Lieutenant Colonel Andrews."
Irene spoke as if this would answer all of Riza's questions, but it created more. Remaining wary, she eyed the woman as Rebecca and Sheska did the same, although the latter did it rather shyly, her head angled to look down towards the table before them.
"Sorry to interrupt your evening with your friends." Irene continued to smile at the other two women, noticing the suspicion on their faces. "I just wanted to pass on my congratulations to you and your husband. A new addition to the family is always something wonderful to celebrate, and my husband and I wanted to pass on our regards to you both."
Irene held out an envelope for Riza to take, which she did. Eyeing the paper and weighing it by touch alone, it felt like there was a card held within. Giving it a gentle squeeze to test, whatever was inside was tough but not indestructible to break. It bent gently underneath the pressure. Remaining wary, Riza schooled her expression so that it appeared as neutral and grateful as possible while accepting it.
"That's very kind of you both, thank you," Riza replied.
"We'll be thinking of you both during this time," Irene added, meeting Riza's eyes straight on. For whatever reason, something held Riza there. Irene's eyes widened pointedly, as she gave a tiny nod of her head. "Let us know if there's anything we can do," she grinned, that look in her eyes gone. Without another word, she turned and left.
"What was that all about?"
Riza placed the card down on the table, giving it one gentle pat before retracting her hand, hiding it underneath the table. They both joined, her fingers wringing together with uncertainty. "I honestly don't know." She was just as baffled as Rebecca.
"That was nice of her, though," Sheska added, trying to see the best in the unexpected interaction.
Another woman approached, the same as Irene did, offering the same message and sentiment. This time it was a woman named Rose, whose husband was Sergeant Cairn, recently transferred from East City. Angela followed after her. She was an older woman, the wife of Major Cole. These names all meant nothing to Riza, however they may to Roy. These women, all coming forward with the same meaningful look in their eyes, obviously all meant something, but Riza didn't want to open up the cards in public. There was no telling what would be inside. They were inconspicuous enough, just like a normal greeting card, but Riza couldn't help but wonder. Perhaps… If she could slip behind the bar for a few minutes…
"I'll be right back."
She'd been lost in thought and had unintentionally interrupted Rebecca and Sheska's conversation. They both looked surprised at the sudden disruption, watching as Riza subtly swiped the cards into her purse.
"Is everything all right?" Rebecca's eyes were searching Riza's, trying to get a read on her mood. Admittedly, she'd been out of it that evening as she mulled over each woman's message, trying to make sense of it all. It was bothering her so much that she was going to leave her friends to find out.
"Perfect," Riza smiled as best she could. "Just need to use the bathroom."
It wasn't a lie, Riza thought as she left the two of them at the table. A quick detour on her route would allow her to open those envelopes in peace and find out what they contained.
"Is everything all right?"
Riza was startled by the sudden appearance of Roxanne. Her green eyes were scrutinising Riza carefully, unwilling to back down. Tonight, Roxanne's hair was tied back into a high ponytail, the long brown locks looking luscious and healthy in the lights of the bar. It swished from side to side eagerly whenever she walked, catching the attention of all she passed by. Calming her heart rate, Riza scolded herself for being so absent from her surroundings.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
Roxanne's eyes narrowed.
"Really, I am." Riza lifted the three envelopes in her hands. "I was handed these tonight. It's been bothering me that I don't know what's inside. Would you mind if I go inside the house to open them?" Riza nodded at the 'staff only' door.
Roxanne broke out into a smile and tutted, rolling her eyes fondly. "As if you have to ask. Of course you can! Come on," she ushered, opening the staff door for Riza.
She was guided inside, entering a hallway that Riza knew well. Just ahead, to her left would be the living area where they spent most of their time when visiting Chris. Taking a seat, Riza let out a breath and balanced the envelopes on her lap. There would be nothing held within the pastel pink, white, and blue paper that would attack her, but why did she experience such a foreboding feeling? Perhaps it was just the unknown. Giving herself a shake, Riza tore open the seal of the one on top, from Irene.
Riza blinked.
Inside was a 'congratulations on the birth of your child!' card, but a note slid out from between the stiff paper, removing Riza's attention from the well wishes.
Weston arrived at the store today, was the first neatly written sentence on the page. Esther is not the fondest of him but puts up with his appearances for Susan's sake. Ursula likes him though, along with Poppy and Preston. The twins have been fighting over his affection, much to Oliver's dismay. The poor boy is so crestfallen at their diverted effort but won't give up the fight. The same can be said for Rosalie. She feels the same way towards the dear boy, but Thomas has been diverting her attention as of recent. We think she may be susceptible to his charms. As for Yuri, he's still focussed on furthering Oliver's studies, much to his chagrin, but Ursula is good at pushing him towards where his attentions should lie, and away from such frivolous things.
"What?" Riza muttered is aloud, wondering why this would note would be included in a congratulations card –
Suddenly, Roy's game popped into her head. In Riza's mind, memories of 'I love you' stories, littered about their home, overwhelmed her. This was a message. This story was a message to her and Roy.
Dropping the thoughtful card, Riza picked out the names quickly and read the coded message.
We support you.
Peeling open the second envelope, and the third, Riza found a similar sentiment in each. Relief tugged her lips into a smile, and she sat back against the cushions of the couch.
"Everything all right?" Chris appeared from out of nowhere, almost startling Riza.
She turned quickly, nodding to her mother-in-law. "Yes. Everything's fine."
"What's that?" An eyebrow raised, looking down on the cards sitting in a pile haphazardly on her coffee table.
"Messages of support…" Riza turned back to eye them. "For Roy, from other soldiers stationed in Central Command. Their partners handed them over to me tonight." Lifting the congratulatory cards, Riza waved them gently. "Along with these."
She had been so focussed on the coded stories that she didn't properly look within the cards. A note fluttered free from the confines of the stiff card, floating onto Riza's lap. Squinting at it, she lifted it delicately into her hands.
"Along with a gift too, it seems," Chris chuckled.
"It's money." Riza blinked at it, dumbfounded that those women would gift her and Roy with money on the birth of their new-born child.
Chris shrugged. "People do that. It saves them having to worry about buying a physical gift," she added. "Then you can go out and buy what you need for the kid yourselves."
Riza was left to stare at the five hundred cenz note in silence as Chris wandered away.
Well, it was an immense relief that despite the sudden relocation of his team, Roy still had people behind him who were willing to support and lend their aid. Riza's fears of his future were appeased for the moment, knowing there were others out there who looked up to him and were willing to fight Bradley as well.
Pocketing the envelopes in her purse, Riza stood and slipped back out the staff door to the bar. Passing the bar itself, she ordered another water and waited for it before returning to their table.
"You were away a while," Rebecca commented upon her return, her voice low. "What was in them?"
Glancing up, Riza saw Rebecca frowning, instantly on guard to whatever the envelopes contained within.
Placating her worry, Riza shook her head and gave her old friend a reassuring smile. "Just some well wishes and support."
"Wait."
Roy sat up straight in bed, a thoughtful look overtaking his face. He motioned for the envelopes Riza had already opened. She'd already explained what was held within – the cards, the monetary gift, and the coded message to him.
"What?"
"Can I see them for a second?"
Wordlessly, Riza leaned over to her bedside table to pick them up before passing them to her husband.
Roy removed the card, ignoring the paper that held the message, and shook it, letting the note float onto his lap.
"Kids get us money too?" He picked up the note. "Oh damn," he muttered, "we need to have more kids."
Riza hit the back of her hand off his elbow gently.
"I'm kidding!" He didn't sound like it. Roy was eyeing the note with a curious but excited look.
"We're not exploiting our children for money."
"… What if I took them to the office?"
Riza's frown deepened.
"Y'know, everyone is aware I'm a family man," Roy continued, "it would be nice to show off the kid."
"To get money from your colleagues?" Riza's eyebrows shot up towards her hairline, daring him to confirm that was the real reason behind his plan.
"I mean," he scoffed, "that's what people do, right? When someone has a baby? Maybe it wouldn't hurt to –"
Riza hit the back of her hand off his forearm this time, but slightly harder. It caused his arm to falter slightly, the joint giving way as the limb tried to distance itself from her hand.
"Hey!"
"That's what you get for thinking of exploiting our kids," Riza snapped back.
"I was just making an observation!" Roy exclaimed. "That is what people do when kids are born. You wouldn't believe the amount of kids I've had to shell out for over the years," he grumbled to himself. "About damn time it was my turn."
Riza scoffed, lifting her eyes to the ceiling as she rolled over in place, pulling the sheet over her shoulder and making herself comfortable.
"I'm kidding, Dear," Roy crooned into her ear as his arm wrapped around her stomach.
"Sure you are," she replied, not believing him for a second.
"It would be a benefit though, right? You have to admit that."
"It doesn't matter," she barked.
"I'm joking!" The hand that had been around her stomach shifted, moving away and into the air in a show of surrender. "Sorry I mentioned it." Roy rolled away from her, settling into the bed with a sigh.
The room was silent for short bout as Riza continued to frown at his insinuation. Ire was festering in her chest, causing a light burn. They would not use their kids to get money from strangers. Even if it was a traditional gift, it made her uncomfortable and she wanted no part in it.
"Sorry."
His apology was soft and quiet, filling the room. It smoothed out her frown and put out that spark in her chest. It fizzled low, turning to an ember before leaving her completely. Her shoulders relaxed, peeling down from her ears as a deep breath left her lungs. That breath calmed her, giving her time to think.
Riza rolled back over, seeing Roy on his back, staring up at the ceiling. His lips were pursed and off centre, a sign he was chewing something over in his mind.
"Sorry I snapped."
Dark eyes met her own. The crease in between his eyebrows slowly disappeared, the skin of his forehead smoothing out.
"Sorry I upset you," he replied. "I won't bring it up again."
Riza huffed quietly. "I don't mind jokes. I don't know what came over me."
"It sounds like it was a mood swing."
Her irritation spiked again. Opening her mouth to reply, offended at his accusation, Riza stopped herself. His eyes had widened in realisation that he'd set her off again. There was a fear in them too which stilled her tongue. Riza's mouth promptly closed, accepting her hormonal reaction.
"I guess it was, yeah," she agreed sheepishly. "Sorry."
"Don't apologise," Roy replied simply. He rolled over to face her, brushing her fringe from her face and curling a strand of hair behind her ear. "I opened my mouth without thinking. Again. And I'm sorry I brought it up. I was just joking, though."
"I know you were." Her head turned, pressing a gentle kiss against the wrist that was resting by her face. Roy had cupped her face with his hand, his touch warm and gentle, as well as comforting.
"Did the mood swings happen a lot with Mia?"
"I don't think so." Riza cast her mind back, trying to remember. It didn't feel like it. But then perhaps it was biased to ask her. "I don't remember."
"I'll keep it in mind."
"I don't want to feel like I'm going to snap at you every two seconds though," Riza frowned, but at herself. That behaviour wouldn't do at all.
Roy shrugged. "We'll work through it. It won't be the first mood swing in the family and it won't be the last. In a few years, Mia will be all over that," he grinned.
Her head bowed in defeat. "I hope we don't end up with a moody teenager."
"I do too," Roy chuckled. "But, like I said, we'll get through it. Be as understanding with her as we can and give her the space she needs."
"It sounds like you've been through this before," Riza commented wryly.
"I grew up with so many sisters, remember? I learned my lesson after the first shoe was thrown at my head," he winked.
Riza gasped. "Who?"
"Roxanne," Roy laughed. "I was bugging her too much and she'd had enough."
"You were a little shit as a teen, so I can totally see it."
Roy's mouth popped open in shock. "Riza Mustang!" he exclaimed.
"What?" she giggled.
"I was not," he scoffed, scandalised.
"You're remembering differently."
"No, I think it's you that's remembering it differently, Ma'am," he accused, poking her shoulder gently.
"Don't poke me," she pouted, poking him back.
"What are you going to do about it, huh?" His provoke came with a wide grin, reaching right up to his eyes and causing the corners to crinkle.
It reminded Riza so much of the boy she grew up with and the innocent young man she'd fallen in love with. It came out in rare moments, but it was heart-warming to see. Underneath the lines and scars life had left him with, Roy was still Roy, and he loved her completely, just like she did him.
"Why don't you tell me what I can do about it, Colonel?"
Roy hummed, shuffling over to her side and rolling Riza onto her back as he kissed her forcefully. Propped up on an elbow, his free hand moved to cup her chin, holding Riza in place as they broke apart and Roy stared down at her with so much love in his eyes, it felt like she may cry.
"I love you, Riza," he smiled fondly, a hint of his mischief still remaining, dancing playfully in his eyes.
Bending his head, Roy pecked her lips once, then her nose, then her forehead. His freehand moved from her chin to rest upon her stomach. The ends of two of his fingers were resting on her bare skin, making Riza gasp quietly. Slowly, as his head bent to claim her lips once more, Roy's hand moved and slipped underneath her pyjama top, his touch hot as his thumb caressed her skin lovingly.
"Love you too, Roy," Riza breathed, eyes fluttering closed as his touch relaxed her immediately.
Then suddenly, a massive yawn overtook Riza. It was loud, making her eyes water, the moisture bunching at the corners.
Roy just laughed. "Looks like someone is tired," he murmured.
She almost snapped at him again for moving his hand, but a wave of fatigue overcame Riza before she had the chance.
"Sleep, love." A kiss was pressed to her forehead again, making Riza melt at his touch. Roy cuddled into her side after turning off the lights. His face was buried in her hair, his lips resting just above her ear.
"Love you," she mumbled tiredly.
"Love you too," he laughed quietly, returning his hand to her pregnant stomach once more, this time, above her pyjama top. It was the warmest, most comfortable, and most relaxed Riza had felt in a long time.
