an: only one more to go after this! hope you enjoy!
epilogue is complete it just needs a few more tweaks. it should be up by the end of the week :)
song for this chapter: lighthouse family - lifted
1915
it doesn't really matter 'bout the rain
'cause we'll get through it anyway
we'll get up and start again
Roy's shoulders rose and fell sharply with his deep sigh. He nodded in reply to Marcoh's question. Riza watched as his expression turned from one of anticipation to determination.
"I'm ready, Doctor."
"All right."
Marcoh entered the room and Riza silently gave Roy's hand a squeeze before moving off the bed. Doctor Marcoh had to set himself up around Roy and she didn't want to get in his way, however, couldn't help but notice Roy's hand lingered within hers for a moment longer as they parted. He didn't want her to leave. Neither did Riza. Still, she moved back to her chair and watched Marcoh prepare for the time being - not that he had to do much. When everything was ready, she'd return to his side.
"Keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them," Marcoh instructed as he removed something from the depth of his jacket pocket. Riza couldn't see what it was, as it was enclosed tightly within a fist. "I'm going to work on one at a time and I need your eyes to be as still as you can make them. I recognise and understand you may be desperate to see if the procedure worked, but if I'm working with a moving target that's when accidents can happen."
Riza's stomach tightened at that last part. She wiped her sweating hands on her hospital issue trousers before clasping them together in her lap.
"Okay, I will. I'll keep them closed." Roy's fingers fidgeted together before lowering to the edge of the thin hospital mattress. He couldn't grip on tight, but she recognised his desire to do so, to hold onto something, anything, to anchor himself. Riza wanted to offer that.
Glancing up at Marcoh she noted he was still busy with his explanation and initial examination.
"You will feel a sharp stinging sensation as the severed links are repaired. Your eyes will be sensitive upon first opening as well, but after a few minutes your vision should become clearer and better. So, try not to be too disheartened if the world is blurry when they first open."
Roy nodded. "Riza?"
His call was a request, but his tone held absolutely authority within it. Curious, she leaned around Doctor Marcoh to get a better look at him. Marcoh had moved in front of Roy to assess his eyes, lifting his eyelids one after the other.
"Yes?"
A hand extended out towards her. An invitation to join him on his bed. Riza didn't think Marcoh would protest against it, but now, the reason for the authority in Roy's tone was understood.
She stood and granted his silent request. Gently, her hand slid into his and Roy latched on.
"I want you by my side," he murmured.
"I'm right here, Roy. I wasn't going anywhere." Her attempts to pacify him were rewarded with a soft smile. It cracked the firm look of concentration on Roy's face, which Riza had come to recognise as unease.
"I know you weren't, but still, it makes me feel better." He patted the back of her hand before returning it to the mattress of his bed.
Marcoh was silent as he continued his assessment and didn't acknowledge her movement across. So, Riza studied Roy as they waited. Anxiety was almost oozing out of him now that the moment was here, so she held on to offer whatever comfort she could. It was a feeling Riza shared with him. This was not a typical medical procedure, and Riza hoped that whatever it entailed would be worth it, and that ultimately, it would work.
"Ready?"
"I'm ready," Roy confirmed. He let loose a long sigh then nodded with his lips pressed into a thin line.
Marcoh placed the stone atop Roy's left eye. After a brief moment of concentration the stone started to glow, and red sparks of alchemic energy leaped out of it. Riza resisted the urge to recoil away from the energy. She knew it wouldn't hurt her, but her experience with it in the past had her instinctively wanting to move away.
Roy gasped then hissed in pain. He instinctively flinched but apparently Marcoh anticipated such a move. His hand followed Roy as he reared back slightly before halting in place immediately. Roy's fingers gripped onto her hand with more pressure than he'd been able to apply before. His breathing picked up and Riza started to fear he was in a lot of pain. She grasped his hand tightly within both of hers and remained steadfast beside him.
"Are you okay?" Marcoh eyed his face critically.
"Fine," Roy forced out, answering Marcoh. "I'm all right."
"The left eye is healed. I'm going to move over to the right."
"I'm right here, Roy," Riza murmured. She stroked the skin of his wrist to try and soothe his agitation. Now he knew what to expect, Riza hoped it would abate somewhat. It wouldn't stop any pain, but it may help him relax a little.
Again, red sparks ignited from the stone and Roy hissed. His jaw was clenched, and his body stiffened, but he never flinched away. Riza's heart ached, wishing she could do something more.
"Not much longer," she encouraged.
"There." Doctor Marcoh's announcement came after what felt like an eternity. "I'm finished, Colonel. That should be them healed. Keep them closed for another ten minutes," he added quickly as a warning. "Let the repairs settle and your eyes adjust. Then you can open and test them."
"I'll watch the clock," Riza offered as she gave Roy's hand an encouraging squeeze.
He exhaled slowly and nodded. "Thank you, Marcoh."
"I'll give you both some time. I need to do a quick check up on Mr. Havoc."
"Thank you, Doctor," Riza replied, sincerely grateful for all of his help.
He nodded to them and left the room without a word. Now, they had to wait and see if the procedure had worked. It sounded almost too good to be true, so until Roy opened his eyes, Riza would have a hard time believing it.
"This is torture," Roy chuckled.
"There's not long to wait now," Riza replied. She lifted a hand to brush his hair away from his eyes.
"This will be the longest ten minutes of my life. I'm sure of it."
"I know," she sympathised. "It's long for me too. But it's better to be safe than sorry. Giving your eyes time to heal is more important than rushing into it."
"Always the voice of reason." Roy tutted, but he still grinned.
He received a gentle nudge from her shoulder for his troubles. "Of course," she replied evenly.
"I want to see you."
"I know you do, Roy," Riza replied softly, but she was quickly interrupted by Roy shaking his head slowly.
"That's not what I meant. I want you to be the first thing I see after I open my eyes."
Riza paused. Roy lifted the hand he was still holding towards his chest. He reached across for her other hand, which was offered without hesitation. Both were brought to rest above his heart, clutched within his grasp.
"Will you grant me my request?"
Riza snorted lightly at his passionate, but playful, way of asking. "I will grant you anything you wish, Roy. Of course, I can do that for you."
"Good. Thank you… Because I don't want the first thing I see again to be a standard hospital room. I want it to be the woman I love." All playfulness had been dropped and his tone was sincere.
"Roy…" Her expression softened as she looked at him.
"I've missed you terribly and want it to be you. Plus, it seems only fitting," he added as a smirk threatened to spread across his face, "that as my vision is returned, taking me out of this endless darkness, the first thing I see is the light of my life."
Riza chalked the sudden surge of tears up to her worry and stress over this situation and how successful it would be. But he was incredibly sweet, and it made warmth spread across her chest and settle within her heart. Riza's stomach flipped pleasantly as she gazed upon his soft features. His smile was radiant, filled with so much love and adoration that it almost took her breath away.
It was too much, but in the best way possible.
Riza lifted a hand to place it upon his shoulder gently. She tapped her finger against him three times and Roy inhaled in response. Riza's lips caressed Roy's lightly while her hand slid from his shoulder, up to his neck, then into his dark hair.
"You're not allowed to say things like that," she muttered as she leaned her forehead against his.
"Why not? Was it too sappy?" He sounded pleased with himself.
"It was pretty sappy," she sniffed with a quiet laugh as she wiped away a stray tear from the corner of her eye.
He chuckled. "It's only the truth, and I would never lie to you about something like that, you know that," he grinned.
Riza pulled away. A wobbly smile graced her features as she ran a hand lovingly through his hair. She brushed his fringe off his face again and lifted herself up, pressing another kiss to his forehead.
"I love you," she whispered against his skin.
"I love you too, Riza. Forever."
Her head bowed to rest against his and in the silence, they remained there, still, basking in the presence of each other.
"Is it time?" His voice was quiet as it broke through the silence. Roy almost sounded scared. She felt the pressure against her hand tighten as he waited for an answer. It was a momentous occasion after all that had happened, and there was a part of Riza that was terrified as well.
What if it didn't work? The thought was tiny as it floated around her mind, but it was still there. It held enough gravity to it that it made her pause.
It wouldn't change anything between them. It would only alter their course and they'd be back to square one. Back to where they'd been on the Promised Day. They'd manage though, and would figure out Roy's options, but Riza knew how much he had riding on this being a success. Not just professionally, but personally too. This was a chance to watch his children grow up. It was an opportunity for him to see them again. A chance to see her again.
"It's time," Riza whispered.
Roy took the deepest breath and let it out in a controlled movement.
"Take it slow," she advised, suddenly worried that any quick action would be painful for him. "How do you feel right now?"
"I feel… Nothing. No pain, no discomfort… Nothing at all. Everything feels normal."
"Okay. Whenever you're ready." Riza slid herself off the edge of the bed and crouched in front of him. She gripped onto Roy's hands tightly and brought them to rest in the centre of his lap. "I'm right here," Riza encouraged.
"Right here, waiting for me to see you again?" His quip was meant to lessen their unease, but it didn't quite work.
"Yes," she answered him with a soft tone. Pushing through her nerves she even managed to crack a smile. "That's all I want for you. Now's the moment of truth."
There was one final deep breath then slowly, ever so slowly, Roy cracked his eyelids open.
Riza's heart lifted into her throat and her smile dropped as she closely scrutinised his eyes. Immediately she noticed they weren't the same muted grey as they'd been before. They were rich and dark, like they'd been previously, before the Promised Day. They were his eyes. The same ones he shared with their daughter. Riza tried not to let herself get too worked up, but tears had already started to appear as hope swelled within her chest.
Roy squinted as he moved his eyes to settle on her face. He was looking directly into hers but gave no indication he could see her.
"Roy?" She sounded so worried but couldn't help herself. Riza wanted this to work so badly. It had to work. After all of this – all the discussions and all of their planning – it had to succeed. Roy had to be able to see his children again.
"It's you," he breathed. His tone was reverent, and the features of his face relaxed into an expression of awe and wonder.
Riza's heart almost stopped.
His eyes widened, but Roy winced and squinted suddenly after the quick movement. It didn't deter him, though. "I can see you."
She surged up from her knees. Both of her hands came to rest upon his cheeks. She looked at him in amazement. Her gaze switched between each of his eyes and Roy followed her movements. He was slower, but he was looking at her directly.
He could see her.
Roy's face lit up and he grinned. Riza thought it was the most wonderful smile she'd ever seen, so full of hope and joy. His fingers lifted to loop around her wrists, and he gripped onto her. They sat there, staring at one another in both disbelief and relief.
"Is… Is it blurry? Is it clear?"
"It's a little bit blurry in places," Roy answered, "but Marcoh said that would happen. Most importantly, I can see." His voice trailed off to a whisper, suddenly overcome with the revelation. His face crumpled and at the same time Riza moved forward. Their lips met as they were both overwhelmed with the news.
"You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Roy murmured against her lips. He kissed her again before she had a chance to reply. "I never want to let you out of my sight again."
Riza let out a choked laugh. She lifted a hand to cup his cheek as she pulled away. Her thumb wiped away one of his tears. "I'm so happy for you," she whispered.
"I missed you so much, Riza."
Roy's arms wrapped around her shoulders. Hers snaked underneath his arms and gripped onto his torso, allowing Riza to bury her face into his chest, while Roy's head lowered to press into the crook of her neck – on her good side. They remained there, both feeling at peace, until a knock at the door disturbed them.
"Well?" Doctor Marcoh looked at them both expectantly.
"It worked, Doctor. Thank you."
Roy stood and strode over to him with a confidence Riza had longed to see again. When he'd walked while blind, Roy had been overly cautious. The majority of the time he had an aid, but in the rare times he didn't, his movements were careful and controlled. Now, he stood straighter and moved steadily.
"Thank you so much," he repeated as he shook Doctor Marcoh's hand vigorously.
Marcoh grinned. "That's good to hear, Colonel. I'm pleased it all went well. How are your eyes? Any pain?"
Roy shook his head.
"Any discomfort at all? And how's the vision? Still impaired or back completely?"
"There's no discomfort and it's still a little blurry around the edges, but I can see clearly enough straight ahead."
"I imagine that will be disorientating at first, so make sure you remain careful as you move. There's no telling if it will come and go, or if it will return and progress slowly. If you lose it completely then we'll need to consider further treatment. It may take more than one for it to return permanently."
Riza's stomach tightened as she listened. She'd been so caught up in the excitement of it all, that option hadn't even been considered. Further treatment wouldn't be an issue, Riza thought, but after regaining his vision, to have it disappear again so suddenly, would take its toll on Roy, she was sure. It would take its toll on anyone.
"Of course. I'll keep in touch."
"Once you're discharged, and if you're comfortable, I have no issue with making a house call for any check-ups."
"That…" Roy turned to look at Riza, looking for her opinion on his offer.
"I see no issue with that, of course," she agreed. It would certainly make things easier for them.
"That would be great. Thank you, Marcoh."
He nodded and offered him a smile. "While I'm here, would you like your hands repaired at the same time?" He motioned towards Roy's bandages.
Riza hadn't even thought about that.
Roy shook his head. "No. That won't be necessary."
"All right," Marcoh nodded. He handed over a card with his phone number on it. "I'll be staying at the Central Hotel should you need me for anything."
"Thank you." Roy shook his hand once more before the doctor left. When he turned, his expression softened. "I could look at you forever," he announced, walking over to where Riza had perched herself on the edge of Roy's bed. "You know that, right?"
"I do now," she smirked.
"Don't get me wrong," he murmured. His head bent low, so their faces were close, but never touching. "I could already do that. But now, after so long, that's all I want to do."
"The country won't run itself while you stare at me," Riza snickered.
"No," he sighed dramatically, "unfortunately, it won't. I wish it would though," he added quickly before stealing a quick kiss.
"That's not very responsible, Colonel," Riza replied dryly.
Instead of replying, Roy simply stared at her. It caused her expression to soften, and Riza cocked her head to the side as she regarded him.
"What?"
He didn't reply right away though. Roy shook his head and a fond smile spread across his face. A hand lifted to cup her cheek with such care that she melted into his touch.
"It's nothing, it's just…" He was looking at her with such wonder.
"What, Roy?" Her query was quiet and soft.
"That's the smile I remember," he grinned. The pure elation was clear as day on his face.
In the days following Roy regaining his sight, the team visited him one by one to offer their congratulations. Breda clapped him on the back with a grin. Fuery's face lit up when he heard the news and shook Roy's hand enthusiastically. Falman called from Briggs, giving Roy his first opportunity to venture out of his room by himself and walk without aid. Riza was never far from his side though and kept an eye on him, but his gait was confident and purposeful as he walked towards the nurse's station to speak to him.
Havoc ventured through as well from his own hospital room. His physical therapy was treating him well and he was building muscle again. Riza had yet to see him physically walk, due to him being kept to the confines of his room, but she was excited to witness it. She couldn't wait.
Roy nodded to Havoc in the doorway, who grinned in response and offered a lazy salute, along with a hello.
"It's good to see you again, Havoc," Roy greeted with a smirk.
He was wheeled only to the threshold of the room. Shakily, Havoc pushed himself to his feet and out of the wheelchair. Gripping his walking stick, he walked forward with a proud smile that lit up his whole face. Riza's heart soared as she watched him take steady steps forward.
"Congratulations on getting your eyesight back, Mustang."
"Congratulations on walking again, Havoc."
"You already said that to me," he commented. Havoc reached forward and shook Roy's hand.
"Yes, but now that I can see it, I can believe it." Roy stood from his chair and offered it to Havoc, who nodded his thanks and moved towards it.
"Are you calling me a liar, Mustang?" Havoc's eyes twinkled with mischief as he asked his teasing question, pretending to be appalled.
"Never." Roy placed a pillow behind Havoc's back for support and the Lieutenant sighed happily as he sat back in the chair. "But I promised myself a few months ago, when we were in here together, that I would see you walking again. And now I have," he grinned.
"Ah, so I'm only here to feed your ego. Got it."
Roy nudged his shoulder to tell him to knock it off and Havoc laughed in response.
"Do you want to stay for a while?"
"I'd love to…" Havoc looked over his shoulder at the nurse who'd escorted him through, seeking permission to do so.
"I'll come back in half an hour," she stated before closing the door behind her.
Edward and Alphonse paid them a visit as well. Roy's face lit up completely when he saw Alphonse Elric in the flesh and Riza watched as pride surged through him. He stood from his chair and walked towards the young man to shake his hand. Riza was sure she saw a tear in his eye after finally setting eyes on him, but she couldn't be sure. She wouldn't blame him because she'd felt the same way when she first saw Alphonse on the Promised Day.
"It's good to hear you're healed, Colonel," Alphonse grinned. He sat across from them in his wheelchair and Edward sat beside Al in a hospital chair.
"Same to you, Alphonse," Roy grinned. "I… I honestly can't believe it. I'm proud of you both. It's amazing all that you've achieved.
"You used the stone, didn't you?"
The mood of the room shifted after Edward asked his question. It wasn't accusatory, however it was serious. What was supposed to have been a heart-warming reunion had suddenly taken a turn. Riza sat back and watched the exchange quietly. Edward didn't sound impressed that Roy had done such a thing with the Philosopher's Stone. His lips pursed and pressed into a thin line when Roy confirmed it, but he simply nodded in response.
"That's not really our business, Ed," Alphonse interjected, speaking in a low but warning tone.
"I know it's not," he replied defensively. "Make sure you do good on your promise though," he warned Roy.
"I will, Fullmetal." Roy's voice was solemn as he made his promise to the former alchemist. "It will not be in vain. I can assure you."
"Good." There was a brief silence then his voice softened. "Good. I'll hold you to that." It wasn't a threat, per se. His tone had turned friendly, but Riza knew Edward meant every word.
"I would expect nothing less from you, Fullmetal."
"It's not Fullmetal anymore," Edward added. His voice was lighter and broke some of the tension in the room. "I'm leaving the military." He sounded like he was boasting.
"Are you going home?" Roy guessed, but something told Riza he'd been thinking this would be their course of action for a while.
Edward nodded. "I have no reason to remain within it. We achieved what we sought out to do." He glanced over to his brother and smiled. "I guess, now it's your turn, Colonel."
Roy nodded. "Are you sure you want to leave? I could use some trusted advisors in my journey to the top."
"Oh no," Edward hurriedly assured him. "I have absolutely no interest in that."
Roy lifted his hands in surrender. "I had to try," he smirked.
"We're going to go home and surprise Winry and Granny," Alphonse replied. "I can't wait to see them again and show them what we've achieved."
"Do they know you've got your bodies back yet?"
The two brothers shared a look after Roy asked his question.
"You haven't told them yet, have you," Riza accused lightly.
"We wanted it to be a surprise!" Alphonse exclaimed after a brief silence.
"Have you at least called to tell them you're alive?"
"Yes," Edward replied, sounding like a teenager being scolded by a parent. "What do you take us for, Colonel? Of course we did. They know we're okay… They just don't know the finer details yet," he muttered.
Both Roy and Riza lifted an eyebrow at them.
"The surprise will be worth it," Edward reassured, before sliding down sullenly in his chair.
Riza uncrossed her arms and moved them from her chest. She shook her head fondly and smiled at them both, not doubting for a second that the surprise would be a wonderful one for Winry and Mrs. Rockbell.
"Always with the dramatics," Roy tutted, looking heavenward.
"Dramatics," Edward echoed. "That's rich, coming from you."
As the two bickered back and forth Riza smiled warmly at Alphonse. "How are you feeling, Alphonse?"
"I'm okay, Mrs. Mustang," he replied cheerily.
"Riza," she corrected with a laugh, for what felt like the millionth time.
"Ah, yes," he replied sheepishly. Alphonse rubbed at the back of his neck. "Sorry."
Riza waved him off. "Don't worry about it. I suppose I won't ever get you to break that habit, will I?"
"Maybe in a few years," he offered with a tentative smile.
"I'll take that."
The two said their goodbyes shortly afterwards. Roy sighed as he watched them leave. A look of pride settled on his face, followed by a contented smile.
"They really did it," Riza remarked as she sat back down in the chair beside him. She'd stood to open the door for them both.
"They did." He shook his head and scoffed in disbelief. "I can't believe it. It's… It's wonderful to see."
"How are your eyes?"
"Fine," he replied simply. "No issues today."
Riza felt herself relax. "I'm glad," she smiled in relief.
"I… don't want to jinx it, but –"
"Then don't say it," Riza interjected hurriedly.
Roy froze and stared at her. "Really?"
"We better not." She dropped her gaze. "I'm not superstitious but…" Riza sighed heavily. "I don't want to go through all of that again."
He was silent for a moment as he regarded her.
The potential setbacks Marcoh had warned them about did come. When Roy awoke the day after the procedure his vision was almost completely impaired again. A terrified call of her name woke Riza from sleep and she was alert the moment she realised who it had come from. Roy was lying on his back, his eyes wide open and searching, but he could see nothing. The irises hadn't changed colour like they had before, so Riza reassured him of that. It was a sign, at least. Riza didn't know what it was a sign of, but it was something to hold onto. She'd hurried out of the room to the payphone down the hall. Doctor Marcoh must have still been asleep when she called, but assured Riza he'd see them within the hour to assess Roy's condition.
As they waited his vision did return somewhat however there were still blind spots. Riza reassured Marcoh was on his way in and would be with them soon, but she could see the toll it was taking on Roy already. His chest heaved with deep breaths and he didn't talk much as he lay in bed. There was a crease in between his eyebrows constantly, which Riza eventually managed to smooth out with her thumb. Once the muscles of his face relaxed she didn't stop. She continued the action until Marcoh arrived, trying to ease some of his turmoil.
He used the stone again and Roy's vision cleared. It was clearer than it had been after the initial treatment, but there was still a deep worry within both their minds. What if this was to be his life from now on? The stone wouldn't last that long. It wouldn't be feasible either. And would it ease and get better over time? No one could answer their questions because no one knew. All they could do was wait it out and see what happened.
The same thing occurred the next morning, but it wasn't as bad. On the third morning though, Roy's vision was clear as soon as he woke and didn't waver. Still, Doctor Marcoh came in for a check-up, and stated he'd keep coming in early each morning from now on. Roy was quiet throughout the whole day, as if waiting for his sight to disappear… but it didn't.
It had happened with Havoc too, he revealed to them in a grim tone on that third morning. News had reached him of what Roy was going through.
It didn't mean the procedure didn't work, it just meant there was more work that needed to be done, Havoc explained as he tried to put their minds at rest. Feeling had returned to his legs almost immediately after his own procedure, however there had still been numb spots, he confessed. Havoc had initially never mentioned the numbness, as he thought it was simply part of the recovery process. There were times on that first day where he'd faltered completely and the feeling left his limbs. He'd panicked, but Marcoh used the stone and it returned.
However, Havoc did reason that it was because the legs were large, long limbs, and there was a lot to work with, so they needed more work to heal everything. The eye, while smaller than a leg, required more finesse and finer tuning.
From the way he spoke, Riza thought he'd clearly considered this quite a lot. She'd really appreciated his support and reassurances during that time. Roy did too. He'd been silent as Havoc discussed it with them, but still nodded and offered his thanks in a quiet voice.
Watching Roy go through that turmoil hadn't been easy on Riza either. Her heart broke for him as she heard his quiet, broken groans when he woke up, realising the darkness he thought he'd escaped from was back, rendering him terrified. It was a lot to go through, to have it returned and then snatched away again. It dashed their hopes slightly but Riza never gave up. She dutifully rang Doctor Marcoh. She sat at Roy's bedside and offered him comfort, letting him know he wasn't alone in his own dark world. Someone was there on the other side, listening to him and there for support. Just like she always would be.
It was not a regular practice, so of course they had no way of knowing how Roy would fare as the weeks and months went on. Basically, all they could do was hope for the best.
Thankfully, the issues they'd run into hadn't lasted for too long. On the fourth morning there were no issues at all and if anything, Roy commented that his eyesight was better than it had been before the Promised Day. Marcoh said the developments were promising. He hadn't needed to use the stone at all that day and Roy stated his vision remained bright and clear, never once wavering.
Riza took that as a good sign and held onto it tightly.
"Okay, I won't. Sorry."
She glanced up at her husband, returning to the present. With an outstretched hand, he gestured for her to come over to him. Riza did so and ended up being pulled into his lap. Roy bent his head and placed a light kiss against her bandaged neck before wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I don't want to go through it again either," he murmured against the skin of her shoulder. He'd shifted aside the neckline of her shirt and rested his mouth upon her bare skin. They were silent but every so often, randomly, he pressed a kiss there and Riza felt herself relax against him.
"It's time to exercise your hands."
"Five more minutes," he mumbled against her skin.
"Roy –"
"I want to hold you for a bit. I can do it better now," he added, giving her waist a squeeze. He was right. He was able to apply more pressure than before. "And I want to be close to you."
Riza leaned into his hold further and rested her head against Roy's. "All right," she relented with a sigh. She was not annoyed with him though. Riza understood his reasons and appreciated the sentiment very much.
It had been a long time since they'd been able to sit comfortably and hold one another like this. A while since they'd been so close. A slow smile spread across Riza's face, realising she was happy. They remained there, simply existing within each other's space.
After ten minutes or so, Riza extracted one of Roy's hands from around her waist. He pouted, which made her snort quietly, but she didn't stop. The bandages were unwrapped carefully and Riza inspected the skin beneath. It looked healthy and was healing nicely. The doctors were happy with its condition and progress.
"Slowly," Riza murmured as Roy's fingers twitched now that his palms were free from their confines.
With an open palm facing downwards, Roy bent his wrist from side to side slowly. After that he practiced flipping his hand over a few times. There seemed to be no obvious issues. Riza scrutinised his face carefully every so often to look for pain but could discern nothing. There was nothing in his features except concentration, accompanied by a light sheen of sweat on his nose.
Still with an open palm, Roy bent his wrist up and down this time. He grunted quietly to himself and Riza looked up sharply.
"Sore?"
"A little," he grimaced as he tried to bend it again.
She placed a hand atop his to make him stop. "Move onto the next one."
His fingers curled inwards carefully towards his palm but couldn't go too far into a fist. Riza nodded and noted in her mind his progress. Once he'd tried to make a fist five times she murmured for him to take a break. After a minute, he did another five repetitions. After that, they moved onto the next exercise. Roy had to try and touch each finger to his thumb. The pointer made it the furthest, but the others had a long way to go yet. However, progress was being made, and Riza was pleased with it.
Riza took his hand into hers and started to massage the palm and his wrist. Roy sighed beside her ear and Riza felt his body relax. They were quiet as she did so, then Riza turned his hand over and worked through the muscles on the back of his hand as well that surrounded the wound. It was a long slice. Too long.
The memory of Bradley's sword piercing through it, and Riza seeing the other end of the blade poke through the other side of Roy's palm, made her stomach tremble unpleasantly. Her lips pursed together, and her movements slowed without her noticing.
"Hey," Roy called to her softly.
His hand escaped her grasp, but it wouldn't have been difficult for him. She was already a million miles away, back in those tunnels, back to lying in a pool of her own blood, and seeing her husband being forced through the Gate against his will. The images flashed unbidden in her mind, making Riza flinch.
"Riza," he encouraged as he brought his hand to her chin. He turned her head slowly, so she was looking directly at him. It took a lot of effort on his part, but Roy managed.
She glanced up to meet his gaze and in that moment Roy understood completely. It wasn't the first time she'd massaged his hands, or the first time they'd done these exercises together, but right now… The reason for his injuries was hitting her again.
But one look at him… Roy was concerned, however sympathy and understanding were clear within his gaze as well. He'd been through the same thing she had, so understood completely.
Riza focussed on those dark eyes as they flicked between hers, waiting for a response. They were her anchor. They'd been so grey before, a far cry from the colour she'd always loved. Now, they were back.
Reminders of their progress since the Promised Day were right in front of her, so Riza took a deep breath and tried to calm herself, holding onto them tightly and refusing to let them go. They were healing. There was a long way to go yet, but there was clear progress. They were making their way through it together.
"I love you." Roy's voice was low and he spoke slowly and evenly. However, his declaration was passionate and full of love. "And I'm right here." His fingers guided hers to rest atop his heart. It beat steadily beneath her palm, a welcome reassurance that he was okay and they'd made it through. Roy's expression softened and he gave her his winning smile. The one he reserved only for her. "I'm getting better and I'm not going anywhere. So are you."
Riza wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her chin on his shoulder. "You came back," she whispered as confirmation for herself. Her hand came to rest against the back of his head, her fingers becoming buried within his long, dark hair.
"I did." She felt him nod. "You couldn't get rid of me, even if you tried, Riza," he snorted, "I'm here forever."
His promise was as firm as his hold as Roy's arms held her close. A kiss was pressed against her cheek, causing the corners of Riza's lips to tug upwards into a small, pleased smile.
"I cannot put into words how terrified I was, being unable to see if you were all right throughout all of this and verify for myself that you'd been treated. I knew you had, but the mind can be cruel. Especially after what we experienced."
Riza swallowed and nodded against him. She was acutely aware of the feeling he was describing.
However, when Roy next spoke, his voice was ever so soft and reassuring. "But… You came back as well." He lifted his head to part them, but only far enough so they could see one another, causing their breaths to mingle together as they spoke. "You were right here waiting for me and were always by my side."
"Of course," she whispered.
"And I'm right by your side as well, for whatever you need," he promised quietly. His eyes bored into hers, willing her to understand.
She smiled and nodded. Riza knew he would be, without hesitation.
When Roy tilted her head down so he could press a chaste kiss against her forehead, Riza's eyelids fluttered closed, and she felt herself melt beneath his love and affection.
"We did it together," he smirked at her. "We're a pretty good team, if I do say so myself. That's a sign we're meant to be together, I think."
"Well, I already knew that," she mumbled. Her forehead came to rest gently against Roy's.
"So did I."
Riza released another sigh and willed the rest of her unease to leave her alongside her breath. Roy was right. They were both alive and not going anywhere. Soon, they'd be home. Soon, their family would be whole once more.
"We always make our way back to one another." Roy pulled away and lifted both his hands to her forehead. He brushed her fringe aside and offered her a loving smile as his fingers trailed across her brow, to her temples, then down to her chin. His light touch made her shiver and caused gooseflesh to rise on her arms. Her scalp tingled pleasantly. "We always find each other when we need it most, don't we?"
Riza buried her face into the crook of his neck. "We do," she whispered against the column of his throat. There was a comfort to his words that she couldn't describe but was grateful for.
"And we always will," he added firmly. His arms wrapped around her waist. "After everything that's happened, I wasn't kidding about not letting you out of my sight again," he chuckled. "You know I'll do it too," Roy teased.
She snorted lightly. "That'll prove difficult with our work."
"How about not straying far from your side then? Previous commitments – like work – permitting, of course." Riza could hear the smirk in his voice.
"I like that," she smiled against him. Riza tightened her arms around his neck, holding him closer and Roy returned the gesture. He pressed another light kiss atop the bandages on her neck, then one upon her temple. "I like that a lot," she whispered.
Because they always would find a way back to one another. They already had, so many times before. Not much could keep her and Roy apart. That had already been proven. That's just the way it was with them, and the way it always would be.