BWinner's Note: Finally, a confession! With how my pacing in other stories usually goes that actually took forever(even if it happened over the course of like one week's story time). I'm trying super hard not to rush things, and so far, I hope that's working out. I mean I'd like to hope I've conveyed that they've had deep feelings for each other for a long time and they're only now bubbling to the surface, but that's up to you readers not me ^^; At this point I'm not ashamed to ask for feedback, so drop me a review on how this is going, good or bad…

Crossing the Line - Ch. 6

Roy held her in his arms for perhaps longer than he should have, relishing the fact that she was finally in his embrace. When he released her, he reached out and took her hands in his own, needing her closeness right now. Admittedly he hadn't thought too far beyond discussing his feelings with his Lieutenant so he was slightly at a loss for what to say.

"I hope you realize our affections towards one another does not deter from the work we should continue to be doing before Havoc arrives and Doctor Marcoh comes to help the two of you," Riza finally broke the silence.

"While I would normally agree with you, I am under doctor's orders not to stress myself further, and that means for now I'm not to continue with my studies," he joked with a playful smirk.

"Are you saying that because you want to have an excuse to sit here holding my hand, or are you saying that because Doctor Knox actually gave you strict orders not to work?" The frown in her tone was obvious.

"Actually, it's a bit of both. In Doctor Knox's exact words, I needed to have someone, 'come over and read something relaxing or get that pretty blonde assistant of yours to take you for a walk…' his second option seems like a fine idea and it's a perfect excuse to go for a stroll arm in arm," the playful grin on his face grew. "We won't even look suspicious; I am blind after all."

"Good lord," Riza grumbled. "Well, I don't suppose it's entirely the worst idea, you've been cooped up in either the hospital or this apartment after all. Besides, Hayate will need his afternoon walk before we meet up with Breda and Havoc."

Roy's grin turned to one of victory as he was helped off the couch and towards the entryway of the apartment. Riza helped him get his shoes on and made sure he was comfortable before she called for the small black and white dog. Very soon the trio was off and Roy gave a contented sigh as he felt the warm afternoon breeze on his face. His arm was hooked gently with Riza's and it struck him just how comfortable and natural it felt. At this point he didn't much know or care where they were going, being in her presence was soothing, and he trusted the woman at his side to lead him along in a suitable manner.

"I thought we might go for a walk through the park near here," Riza suggested. "Black Hayate will be able to stretch his legs more and perhaps we could get coffee from a vendor near by."

"Lieutenant, that sounds like an absolutely fine idea," Roy agreed.

A few moments later they were seated together outside a small café at the edge of the park. For the most part Roy sat sipping his coffee in silence, not wanting to force any kind of conversation. Already he had coaxed more out of the woman across from him than he could recall doing before. So, when she broke the silence again, he was a little stunned.

"It's incredible, you know," she began. "What you're doing for Havoc, I mean. I've never doubted you to be anything less than devoted to any one of us on your team… but even some of the most devoted leaders wouldn't think to do what you are."

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't entirely unselfish," he admitted. "I had a perfect team, and that bitch took one of my most important players… Most importantly though, Havoc didn't deserve the hand fate dealt him so to learn I could reverse that, I really had no other option."

"Selfish or not, I know he'll appreciate it, Colonel." Her voice was soft, yet serious.

Roy lowered his head a little, averting a gaze that wasn't there. He felt responsible for Havoc's condition, having been so sure of himself that he had gotten her that first time. Hawkeye must have understood because she didn't press the issue any further.

They stayed at the coffee shop for only a few more minutes more before picking up and continuing their walk through the park. As Roy heard the sounds of nature, and the odd child playing in the distance he relaxed a little more. Things might have still been slightly chaotic in the government, and rebuilding efforts in Ishval, and Liore would take time; but the public oblivious to such things went about their daily lives in peace, and that was something that soothed Roy very much. When the young Colonel envisioned the country, he eventually wished to preside over he envisioned life as days like this most of the time.

They carried on the walk in a comfortable silence before returning back to the apartment where Roy unceremoniously tripped up a couple of the stairs while Riza graciously assisted him and refrained from laughing. Once back inside Roy contemplated looking for an excuse to keep the blonde woman close to him but decided against it; he had pushed his luck a lot in the past few days, and to ruin that by being overzealous would be catastrophic. Luckily for Roy he wouldn't have to think about it that long as the phone soon rang, it was Breda, with news that Havoc had finally arrived at the station in Central.

At last things finally felt like they were happening, and Roy was eager to discuss plans with his comrade and friend. The drive to Breda's home, where they would be meeting up with Havoc, felt long and Roy found himself slightly on edge. He knew he shouldn't be nervous; he wouldn't have demanded Havoc return to Central if he didn't think the man would become a member of his unit once again. However, there was still that slight pang of nagging doubt in the back of his mind.

When Roy and Riza finally arrived; Breda ushered them into his home quickly and quietly, cautious of anyone who might be witness to the goings on between the group. Roy stood silent for a moment, thankful that he couldn't see whatever look the young man was giving him right now. When Riza helped him to a chair he sat down with a deep breath and began to explain.

"I know right now you're likely wondering what you're doing back here, and I'll be frank; I need your help," Roy admitted.

"Gee Chief, I thought you and I had come to an agreement that I wasn't going to be much of that in my current state," Havoc was doing his best to sound flippant and amused, but Roy could hear the annoyance in the back of his voice.

"That's actually what I brought you here to discuss, and I know it seems crazy to have brought you all the way here when I could have explained over the phone, but I wanted your answer in person. Havoc, I have access to a Philosopher's Stone," Roy hesitated for only a second waiting for a reaction. When he was met with none, he assumed he was either being stared at dumbstruck, or Havoc was actually interested in what he had to say. "Doctor Marcoh showed up to the hospital shortly after I was admitted. He told me that he had still retained one of the philosopher's stones that he had created those many years ago in Ishval and he offered to use it to help cure my blindness, but on one condition, that I help rebuild Ishval and set things right in that nation. Considering Ishval was already something I had been planning to work on I agreed, but I only did so on one condition, that he restore the use of your legs first," he finished.

"I – Wow that's a lot of information to absorb," Havoc stammered out.

"Havoc, I can't do this without every member of my team, and that most certainly includes you. Will you help me?" Roy's tone was serious, but with a slight pleading edge to it.

"Well, my parents might not be exactly thrilled about the idea, but you know I always have your back Chief. I know you have a plan and if I can do anything to help rebuild the relationships between our two nations, I want to be a part of it," the young man agreed after a moment.

"You have no idea how relieved I am to hear you say that," he confessed. "You'll stay here for now, and I'll contact you when Doctor Marcoh will be coming to help the two of us. We both have some long roads of rehab, but it'll be worth it."

"Actually, I can answer that right now," Breda interjected. "Forgive me sir, but I got word from Doctor Marcoh this afternoon that he's going to be held up another week at least. He received a message from a former patient in the town he used to live in who only got his whereabouts from a friend here in Central. Apparently, it's quite urgent and he agreed to leave right away. I would have called you sooner, but by the time the message got to me, Havoc was already on the train."

"I see," Roy mused. It was a frustrating setback to be sure, but not something entirely shocking for a man like Doctor Marcoh. "If that is the case then I hope you won't object to being roommates during that time."

"Don't sweat it boss, we'll make it work," Breda agreed.

"Yeah, you got it; besides it'll give me more time to think of what the hell I am going to say to my parents," Havoc chuckled.

Roy stood and gave an understanding nod before reaching out his hand and being met with another warm and delicate one, Hawkeye's of course. She gave his hand a subtle, but reassuring squeeze before pulling at his arm to lead him from the home. Roy allowed himself to be led to the car, but paused before getting in.

"What do you say we go get a drink and something to eat?" he suggested. "It must be close to dinner time by now."

"Close enough Sir, where would you like to go?" she asked, her tone somewhat mechanical.

Roy could tell she wanted to play this off as a professional scenario, and he waited until they were both seated in the car before continuing. "There's a pub a few blocks down the street from where I live, I thought it might be nice to have a drink and a meal there and unwind a little."

Hawkeye said nothing and merely started the car. Within a few minutes they had arrived at the pub and were seated in a booth. Roy wasted no time ordering a pint of beer to go with his sandwich and fries and wasn't entirely surprised when his partner merely requested water and a soda; she likely still considered herself on duty and would never dampen her reflexes with alcohol. When his beer arrived, Roy instructed the waitress to put it directly in his hand and when he was confident she was gone, he took a generous swig before reclining back in his chair.

"Despite my aversion to paper work, I'm not actually used to sitting idle like this for so long. It's strange, but at the same time maybe it'll be nice to have a chance to relax," he mused.

"Yes," Riza agreed quietly. "I suppose things will be rather chaotic when Doctor Marcoh returns. It's best to savour it now."

"And you're not put off staying and caring for your superior officer another week?" Roy ventured hesitantly. 'Especially all things considered from the past few days,' he added mentally.

"That's a rather silly thing to be asking considering I've been taking care of you this long already," came the reply in a deadpan tone. "However, no, I don't mind caring for the man I love," she added softly.

Roy's eyes widened a moment at her confession, had she just said that? He allowed himself a relieved smile and continued to nurse his beer. Riza was definitely right now, this was a moment to be savored; after all this was likely as close to a date as they would ever embark on for a very long time. However, once more Roy found himself in a situation where he was mute, the two had been practically inseparable for the last month or so, and had spent so much time together before that as colleagues, Roy felt it would be kind of stupid to ask something so trivial as, 'got any hobbies?' He knew one thing for sure though, in the years the two had been together Roy couldn't remember them ever discussing something that didn't involve the war or a mission. It was sad to him really, had their lives really become so one dimensional?

"This question may come out of the blue Lieutenant, but where do you see yourself once we achieve peace?" he asked after a long moment.

The food arriving to their table prevented her from answering right away. Once things in front of Roy were organized and he was eating comfortably, he got his response.

"If I'm being honest Sir, I've never thought about it," she admitted. "Ever since joining the academy it's been battle after battle; I was thrown into the Ishvalan war before I ever even obtained a real military rank. I know war isn't all I've ever known, but it feels like all I've ever known."

Roy felt guilt beginning to knot into his stomach. He knew that she had been the one to make the active choice and put on the uniform, but that didn't change the fact that he felt somewhat responsible for giving her the nudge to do so… Standing over her father's grave spouting off naïve idealism… it seemed so easy and straightforward in those early days. If Roy had any clue back then of how influential he would be and the horrors they would have to commit, of the atrocity that was Ishval, he would have kept his mouth shut.

"Don't you dare let that statement make you feel guilty. I'm not saying I would have joined the military no matter what, but I'm certainly doing more for this country than I ever would have if I had stayed where I was. I may have faced horrors, but I also know that the reward will outweigh any of that," she stressed. "If anything, you helped give my life direction, I don't blame you for anything that's befallen me based on the decisions I've made.

"I see… well thank you Lieutenant, that's reassuring to hear," Roy mused softly. She really could read him too well at times.

The two continued their meal in silence and in short order Roy signaled for the check. He handed Hawkeye his wallet to pay the bill and the two left. When they arrived back at Roy's home Riza helped him to the couch before going into the kitchen to make them some coffee. Black Hayate gave a few excited yips before leaping into the Colonel's lap, and it struck him how domestic this all felt. It was so different from his normal comings and goings, even more different than how he was brought up, but he wouldn't deny that it was nice. A soft smile crossed his face.

The rest of the afternoon lulled by, and Roy actually allowed himself a moment to relax and soak in the peacefulness of it all. Havoc had agreed to return to duty, and even though Marcoh had been set back in his plans to assist the two of them with the Philosopher's Stone, it meant that he would be able to spend some real time with Riza, and time that wasn't necessarily focused on work. Things were beginning to truly fall into place and it was nice to feel like he was getting back on track.

It wasn't before long though that Roy found his body listing to the side, his eyes drooping. Although it was likely still early, he asked Hawkeye if she would mind helping him to bed. Last night's incident regarding the night terror was finally catching up to him, and he decided it would be in his best interests to retire for the evening. She agreed and dutifully helped him to his bedroom and handed him his pajamas; since the colonel had become more properly adept at dressing and undressing himself, she was about to leave before Roy caught her hand.

"If it's not too forward…" Roy began almost hesitantly, "would it be alright if your escort requested a kiss?"

He heard her inhale sharply, and there was an air of nervous tension. Perhaps he had pushed things too far, until…

"I think that could be allowed…" her voice was soft but had no hint of a tremble.

Carefully Roy felt up her arm to reach for her face, he cupped her cheek in his palm and gently stroked her lower lip with his thumb. Slowly and with slight caution he tilted his head and bent down until he felt his lips touch hers. The hand that had been on her cheek cradled the back of her neck now and he brought his other, pajamas and all, to wrap around her waist. It was a tender feeling, and Roy being a gentleman kept it innocent and sweet, knowing better than to push too hard from a woman who had already given so much. Breaking away at last he gave a warm smile and stepped back.

"Good night, Riza."

"Good night…" was the whispered response. Then quickly and quietly she was gone.

TBC…