an: hope you guys enjoy :)

song for this chapter: phil collins – you'll be in my heart


1914

yes you'll be in my heart

from this day on now and forever more

The day the newest member of the Mustang household was born into the world started out just like any other.

Riza, exhausted before it even hit nine o'clock in the morning, hurried their easily excitable daughter to get ready for school as quickly as possible after Roy left for work. They made it to the school gates just in time for Riza to give Mia a quick kiss and for Mia to give Hayate a scratch behind the ears in farewell.

Chuckling, Riza turned away from the school once Mia entered the building. Hayate was whining quietly, sorry to see his best friend disappear for the next few hours.

"Come on, Hayate," she ushered, signalling for him to walk.

Despite his vocal despair, Hayate obeyed but kept looking behind him to see if Mia would suddenly appear. It had been years, but this was his behaviour every time. Riza didn't want to see her dog suffering, however it was amusing and warmed her heart to know they shared such a strong bond. Nothing would ever tear those two apart and Riza was grateful for it.

They walked along the pavement towards the centre of town to the large park. It was slow progress. Most days, Riza felt like she was moving through honey, but the doctor assured her that walking was still good exercise and an activity she should be partaking in as much as possible. It may also move the baby on further, which Riza was completely in favour of. She loved their child and didn't mind being pregnant in the slightest, but she wanted to meet them already. Her ankles weren't too sore thanks to Roy's foot rub that morning. However, the pain still plagued her and they were almost always in constant pain in the evenings. Her back pain had finally eased a little, thankfully. Instead of it being short and sharp it was a constant dull ache. Headaches became her most prominent gripe, but Riza felt that was more manageable. As least she could move around more easily with a sore head, compared to back ache.

If Riza could bend down comfortably and let Hayate off the lead, she would. She winced as she twisted, feeling a light cramp in the muscles of her stomach so opted not to push her luck. Instead, Hayate had to walk dutifully by her side on his lead, which he didn't seem to mind. He wandered and Riza let him, sniffing the edges of the path and foraging through piles of old dead leaves that hadn't quite disintegrated yet in the winter cold. He never once pulled.

He's such a good dog, Riza thought fondly as she watched him stop and wait for her to catch up. Once she did, he continued onwards, and this happened throughout their walk like clockwork. Riza enjoyed watching his antics. She loved their little pup.

Once home, Riza sat down on their couch, spent. That discomfort in her stomach was still present but it came in short bouts. As time moved on, the bouts prolonged further, but it was probably just the baby shifting. She'd been warned that would happen as she reached her fortieth week of pregnancy, and the same had happened with Mia as well. Until the pain came, Riza would try not stress herself out too much.

It was really nice, Riza realised, not to have coursework to go through while Mia was at school. After achieving her certification, her days opened up completely. Riza didn't know what to do with herself having so much free time. She'd need to find something new to fill her focus, but while waiting on Baby Mustang to be born, she allowed herself a break. Once the baby arrived it would be all hands on deck and she'd probably not sleep properly for months. Roy reasoned with her to enjoy the peace while she could.

The first contraction hit, waking Riza from the light sleep she'd fallen into on the couch. It was uncomfortable, the sharp pain lasting only a few seconds. Heart thudding inside her chest, Riza pulled herself off the couch just in time for her water to break.

"Uh…" Never had a more eloquent sound come out of Riza's mouth in that moment as she stared down at the puddle of water on the carpet. "Oh… Shit."

That was quick.

Hayate looked down at the puddle. Riza was afraid he'd come over and sniff or drink it. Then he looked up at her, cocking his head to the side.

Another contraction hit, painful and leaving her breathless. Clutching her abdomen, Riza breathed through it while Hayate whined at her feet. His ears pulled back as he stared up at her, distressed by Riza's current state.

"It's all right, boy," she panted. Sweat trickled down her temple, making her swipe at it irritably.

He was hot in her heels as Riza hobbled over to the phone.

"Colonel Mustang," Roy greeted professionally once Riza had made her way through the process of the operator.

"Roy," Riza greeted. She opened her mouth to continue when another contraction hit. Riza gasped as a sharp pain shot through her. The timing was 'perfect' and she rolled her eyes before they squeezed tightly closed and grit her teeth.

"Riza?" He was instantly alarmed, proving Riza's assumption correct. She would have liked to get out what was happening to her first before Roy heard her groan in pain. It would only make him fret.

"I'm fine," she choked out, clenching her jaw hard. "I'm all right. It's the baby, Roy. My water just broke."

"Holy shit."

Riza burst out laughing but it quickly turned to a hiss of pain.

"Oh, shit, um… Right." He was flapping on the other side of the phone, flustered after her sudden announcement. Just like Riza had predicted.

"Roy, I'll get you at the hospital," Riza told him.

"What?" He squawked at her, horrified at her suggestion. "I'm coming home to get you!"

"I'll get Chris to come. She's closer," Riza reasoned.

They'd already had this conversation, which Roy agreed to. When faced with the sudden appearance of his child Roy was freaking out. All sense of reason had gone out the window.

Riza's breathing finally evened out as the wave of pain passed. Her shoulders sagged in relief. Riza tried to catch her breath as she leaned against the wall beside her heavily.

"Riza –"

"Go to the hospital," she urged him, stressing the importance of that command. "I'll see you there."

"Riza!"

"Roy, for God's sake, just go!" Riza cried. "It makes no difference who takes me!"

"But –"

"Go," she almost growled. "You being there is more important than making me wait longer for you to pick me up." There was a short, sharp stabbing pain once more. Her fingers dug into the skin of her stomach as her eyes squeezed tightly closed. "At this rate, the kid may be born here if you don't stop arguing with me and get off the phone."

"Right. Okay." He sounded calmer now that he had direction. It also sounded like he was psyching himself up to make the journey. "All right. See you soon. I love you."

"Love you too, Roy," she smiled, hiding her gasp behind a harshly bit lip until she heard the click of him hanging up. Once he had, a loud groan of pain left Riza's lips, but she still reached with shaking fingers to dial Chris' number.

"Chris? My water broke," Riza panted into the phone.

"On it," Chris barked, and there was the sound of movement. "See you in ten minutes."

She hung up.

Quick and efficient, that's what Riza needed.


Riza batted her eyes open and was greeted with the sight of a hospital room. Every muscle in her body felt sore, strained and fatigued after the few hours of labour she'd endured. There wasn't much strength left in her to lift her head off the pillow, so she rolled it in place, moving from one side of the room to the other.

In the chair by her bedside, Roy was snoring gently. He looked as exhausted she felt, head tipped over the back of the chair with his nose pointed straight up to the ceiling. He would probably have a crick in his neck when he awoke. His legs were sprawled out, hanging wide open, the muscles completely relaxed. Arms were hung over the sides of the chair.

Their new-born child rested in the tiny crib beside Roy. One of his hands gripped the railing of the crib as he dozed, desperate for that connection between himself and his son.

Son…

Riza smirked tiredly, remembering the mop of black hair she'd seen on her son's head before he was whisked away to be cleaned up by the nurses. Their little one had given her such a hard time after her water broke, that once he was born, meeting him was a blur before quickly falling asleep in her exhaustion. The last thing Riza remembered seeing was their child resting upon her chest as Roy looked on, tears in his eyes but a massive grin on his face.

Throat dry, Riza cleared it, feeling a scratch of pain. Smacking her lips, she thought about how desperate she was for a glass of water.

Roy snorted, sitting upright and blinking tiredly. He muttered her name, still looking half asleep before eyes fluttered closed once more. A deep sigh left his lungs as he settled back into the chair with an uncomfortable grimace.

Unable to help herself, Riza laughed. However, her throat was so dry and irritated, it caused her to break out into a coughing fit.

"Riza?" Blinking blearily, Roy forced himself to focus on her.

Offering him a tired wave Riza silently reassured her husband she was fine.

"Riza!" In a flash, Roy was upright and leaning towards her. He grasped the hand closest to him tightly, rubbing his thumbs over the back of her palm as a comfort. "What do you need? Is there anything I can get you?"

"Water," she requested.

His warmth left her hand as both reached towards her head, but off to the side. On the bedside table, apparently there had been a pitcher of water left. Riza hadn't even noticed or seen it. Not that she had enough strength to turn her head that far to see.

It dribbled down her chin, pooling in the hollow of her neck, but it was cool and refreshing nonetheless. Roy wiped away the excess liquid carefully and settled back into his chair, a tired, yet immensely proud smile on his face.

Riza took in his appearance. Her labour had been relatively quick compared to Mia's. Within a few hours she'd birthed Baby Mustang and brought him into the world. Still, Roy looked drained and Riza had expected as much. Upon her arrival, he'd been flapping again, both stressed for Riza and frantic on her behalf. It was his first time going through it so she still worried. He'd been working himself up into a frenzy as Riza rode out her contractions. Chris managed to keep him calm when Riza couldn't which she was thankful for. She thought he might faint in the delivery room, but Roy didn't. He managed to keep himself upright and present for her, patting the hand that was holding him in a death grip.

"How are you feeling?"

"Tired," Riza answered, cracking a smile, "but I'm happy."

"Me too," he beamed.

"Where is he?"

"Right here, Riza."

Roy wheeled the crib over to her bedside, moving it between himself and the bed.

Her head wouldn't lift for long off the pillow, causing Riza to huff in frustration. But, after a quiet chuckle from Roy, he stood and leaned over, supporting her had as she gazed down at her child. Easily, he slipped in behind her and the pillows, taking all her weight. Riza's abdominal muscles ached but she pushed through. Her child was more important than her pain.

Baby Mustang was perfect. His face and body were tiny. His little fingers were gathered into his palm, resting up by his face against his rosy cheek. His smallest finger twitched, elongating for a moment, before curling back in with the others. Riza's entire body melted at the sight of him. That mop of black hair stuck up on end with static as it rubbed against the sheet in his crib. The white swaddle was tight against his tiny body, making him seem so much smaller than he was.

"He's amazing," Riza choked out. She laughed, wiping away a tear as she groaned.

"What?" Roy laughed along with her, tears in his own eyes as he gazed lovingly down at her and rubbed her upper arm affectionately.

"With Mia I was a sobbing mess after giving birth," Riza chuckled. "It seems it will be happening again," she sniffed.

Roy laughed. "You're allowed to be, I think," he murmured. "He's worth crying over…" He trailed off and Riza watched as Roy stared down at the baby, completely in awe of what he was seeing.

"I'm glad you're here," Riza whispered, moving her eyes so she was staring down at Baby Mustang too. Her head tipped to rest against Roy's cheek. A tight pressure on her fingers distracted her for a second.

"Me too," Roy whispered, eyes shining as he lifted her hand to his lips. A hard kiss was pressed to the back of it.

"What shall we call him?"

They'd discussed names. One stuck out for Riza the most, but she wanted Roy to admit it and accept it completely himself before she pushed the idea. It was fitting, naming their son after their late friend, Riza thought. A lovely homage. Whether Roy committed to it or not, Riza wanted to see. She hoped he would because she knew how much it would mean to him.

Roy swallowed thickly as he gazed down at their son. He was silent, struggling to come up with his answer. Patiently, Riza followed suit and simply stared at Baby Mustang so she could marvel at his tiny fingers and nose, giving Roy all the time he needed.

"I know what you want to call him," Roy whispered.

"Is it so wrong?"

Roy shook his head. "Not wrong. Not at all," he reassured. "But…"

"What, Roy?" Her prompt was gentle. Before the birth she purposefully hadn't brought it up because she didn't want to upset him. However, they needed to get to the bottom of it before it was too late. Riza didn't want there to be any regrets.

"I don't know if I can name him after Maes," Roy admitted quietly.

"Why not?" She was genuinely curious. What were his reasonings?

"It… I don't know," he admitted in defeat.

"You can tell me," Riza urged.

"I know but…" His breath sounded strangled before he cleared his throat. "I don't know… It feels like it's too much," he mumbled.

"We named Mia after your mother," Riza reminded him.

"I know," he admitted. "So it's your turn to choose who we name him after." He was trying a different tactic.

Riza shook her head. "There's no one in my family worth naming our son after."

Roy huffed.

"It will be a lovely homage to your brother," she whispered. Riza gripped his fingers tightly to give them a quick squeeze.

Roy cleared his throat, his spine straightening. He blinked the tears from his eyes and sighed heavily in acceptance.

"Are you sure?"

"As sure as I've ever been," Riza nodded.

Roy glanced at her out the side of his eye.

"I've known this would be what it would boil down to if we had a son," Riza admitted. "I have no issue at all with it, so long as you're happy with the choice."

He tried to cover up his tears by clearing his throat again. He shifted, gripping onto Riza tightly as he stared down at baby Maes. A choked sob left him, which Roy also tried to hide, but the second one was impossible to restrain. Soon, tears were falling down his cheeks.

Riza grinned at him.

"Welcome to the word, baby Maes," she cooed quietly as Roy sniffed and nodded in agreement beside her. He was unable to speak.


"He's named after Uncle Maes?" Mia's voice was barely above a whisper as she gazed down at Maes in his baby carrier. Her eyes were wide as she tried to take in every detail of her baby brother. She'd already stated his tiny fingers were her favourite thing about him.

Riza nodded. "He is."

"That's so cool… Was I named after anyone?"

Roy cocked his head then grimaced. "You were," he replied carefully, "but I'll tell you all about that once we get Mum and Maes settled."

Announcing that she was named after her grandmother would confuse their six-year-old, so Riza understood Roy's hesitation. According to Mia, Chris was her grandmother and had been for her entire life. It wasn't worth confusing her just now without an opportunity to explain properly so Mia would understand.

"Okay!" Her grin was back on her face as she skipped after her father. Since meeting Maes she hadn't ventured far from his side, desperate to keep her eyes on him.

Vanessa helped Riza inside the house, grasping her elbow lightly for support just in case. She'd been too tired to reassure that she was fine and could walk by herself, so let her sister-in-law guide her inside.

"Do you want to go upstairs?" Vanessa looked at Riza expectantly, awaiting direction.

"The couch is fine," Riza answered. She wasn't quite ready to leave her family just yet.

Mia meeting Maes was one of the most adorable things Riza had ever seen. She'd gasped so quietly, creeping over to look at him, silent as a mouse, afraid to disturb him. Riza melted as she watched on, feeling tears prick the corner of her eyes. She was so considerate of him already. Now that they were home, she was hovering over his baby carrier once more in the centre of the room. All she did was stare at him in wonder.

"Need anything Riza?"

She shook her head before shooting Roy a grateful smile.

"Would you like a coffee?" Roy extended the offer to Vanessa.

"That would be lovely, thank you."

Riza was eased onto the couch with the help of Vanessa. Once she was seated, her sister-in-law flipped her hair out of the way before looking expectantly back at Riza.

"Do you need anything? Any more cushions?"

"No, I'm all right. Thank you though, Vanessa. For all your help."

"Of course," she beamed. "It's no problem, you know that."

Vanessa had stepped in to help them home from the hospital. It was no secret that Venessa and Riza had 'become' friends during their time frequenting the Ladies Night at Christmas' Bar. It would raise no suspicion if a friend helped Riza and Roy make their way back home from the hospital. Chris had left after meeting Maes. Riza was sure she'd seen tears in the gruff woman's eyes but didn't announce it. Secretly, Riza grinned to herself with the observation. The woman loved her grandchildren very much.

Mia was silent as the adults talked in the room, completely focussed on her brother. But Maes started to fuss quietly as Vanessa was finishing off her coffee and Mia started to worry.

"Mum?" Her voice was full of fear as she stared wide-eyed down at him.

Maes swiped a hand at his cheek after he yawned, face screwing up as he made tiny noises of discomfort.

"I got it," Roy answered immediately, standing from his armchair. His mug was placed on the floor as he strode over, crouching down beside Mia.

"What's wrong with him?"

"Nothing bad, Mia," Roy reassured with a light laugh. "He's maybe a little uncomfortable."

"Can I help?"

Vanessa cooed in the background.

"He might need to be changed, or he might be hungry. I'll go and find out what he needs," Roy explained. "Thank you for offering though, Mia. That's very kind of you."

Lifting Maes into his arms, Mia watched on, wringing her hands together.

"She's adorable," Vanessa leaned over to whisper.

"She is, isn't she?"

"Mia Bear loves her brother," Vanessa giggled. "Your kids are so adorable."

Riza beamed.

"He needs changed," Roy announced. "I'll be back in a second."

Mia walked to the door with her father but stopped on the threshold. Roy continued onwards to head up the stairs to Maes' room.

"Mia?"

She turned, biting her lip.

"Come over here," Riza beckoned, opening her arms.

Mia clambered onto the couch as her Aunt Vanessa scooted over. She cuddled into Riza's chest, her hands clinging onto her shirt.

"What's wrong?" Stroking her forehead always managed to calm her, so Riza brushed her fingers across her skin to try and ease Mia's fears.

"I'm worried about Maes," Mia admitted in a whisper.

"Why? He's okay. There's nothing wrong with him."

"But he's so tiny!" she exclaimed. "And he looked upset. I don't want him to be upset."

"Babies cry, Mia," Riza explained, cuddling her daughter close. "Maes will be doing a lot of that from now on. He can't speak yet so that's how he tells us something is wrong."

"Did I cry a lot?"

"You did," Riza grinned. "You woke us up through the night all the time."

She pulled away, horrified.

"That's what babies do," Riza shrugged. Lifting a hand to her hair, Riza reorganised Mia's mussed up fringe and smoothed it down. Her hand trailed down to cup her cheek, the other booping her on the nose. Mia giggled, squirming away.

"Do you think he'll wake me up?"

"We'll try very hard to make sure he doesn't. Maes will be sleeping in our room for a little while so hopefully he doesn't. If he does, Dad and I will help him. You can just go back to sleep," Riza reassured.

Nodding in acceptance, Mia relaxed against the cushions. Fondly, Vanessa patted the top of her head, running her hand through Mia's ponytail. It was reorganised on her back, trailing down her spine. It had grown longer since her birthday, falling in between her shoulder blades now.

"Mum and Dad will do everything to make Maes happy, just like they do for you," Vanessa reassured cheerily.

"They do make me very happy," Mia agreed, assuring her aunt that was the case.

Riza laughed. "I'm glad, Mia Bear. You and Maes make us the happiest people on the planet."