Chapter Summary: Roy worries about Riza while Riza worried about what she is going to do about her pregnancy. Lots of UST, confusion and more innocent touching.

Author's Note: Chapter Title is taken from lyrics by Jason Chen's Unexpectedly. This is a longer one, folks. Hopefully, it makes up for the wait.

Chapter Four: Thinking about all we've been through

Riza left her final lecture and breathed a sigh of relief. Despite what she said to Rebecca, she wasn't sure she would make it through the day. But she did. Fellow students pushed by her but she kept a leisurely pace. Her notebook clutched against her chest, she walked down the hallway. She remembered when she had started college every hallway looked the same and she struggled to find her classes. Every few yards the beige walls were offset with colourful modern art paintings.

She thought back to the professor's reminder that today's lecture was likely to come up in their end of year exams. Typical. Her notes for today's lecture were useless. No matter how hard she tried, her mind kept wandering. She would have to rely on the lecture notes her professor put up online instead. Usually, she made her own notes too. She might be in a minority but she found she learned better when writing by hand. She even made copies of notes in coloured pens. Roy always teased her about that. She smiled at the thought of her friend. His last lecture should be over by now too.

Maybe I should text him and see if he is free?

Almost like she had conjured him up, he rounded the corner in front of her. His face lit up and he gave her a lopsided grin before walking over to join her.

"Hey, Riza." He resettled his backpack strap on his shoulder. "Another week is done."

She smiled. "Roy."

"You hungry?"

Her stomach was a little tender but she should try eating something light.

"Sounds good," she said.

"And I can drive you home after," he offered.

"Thanks!" She put her notebook in her satchel and swung it over her shoulder. "How boring was Wharton's lecture today?"

"It was fine," Roy said.

"Says the political science nerd." The corner of her lips curved upward. "Roy, he was putting everyone to sleep except you!"

He put a hand on his chest. "Did you just call me a nerd?"

She turned to look at him a smirk on her face."What ya going to do about it?"

His eyes widened, his mouth worked but nothing came out. I sounded like I was flirting, didn't I?

He stared her down, his gaze boring into hers. "What do you want me to do about it?" He moved closer and her breath caught in her throat.

Is he going to kiss me? Do I want him to kiss me? What am I doing? She took a step backwards and she thought she saw a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. I must be imagining things. We always tease one another. But before she could say anything, there was a call of "Hey kids!" behind them.

Hughes came up behind Roy and wrapped an arm around him. He looked from one to the other. Riza could feel the blood rushing to her face.

Dropping his hand, he arched an eyebrow. "Oh, sorry, did I interrupt something?"

"No, you didn't," Riza said in a rush. "Do you want to come for food?"

Roy was wearing a strange expression she couldn't decipher.

Hughes shook his head. "I have to get home and pack."

Roy frowned. "Where are you going?"

Hughes rubbed the back of his neck. "Gracia and I are going to a wedding. One of her cousins is getting married and when he found out Gracia had a boyfriend, he insisted I come."

Roy grimaced and clapped him on the back. "Oooh, meeting the family, buddy?"

Riza sent Roy a warning look.

"What if they hate me?" Hughes asked.

Riza squeezed his shoulder. "Don't be silly, they will love you."

Roy nodded. "You have nothing to worry about. And besides, Gracia is the only one that matters in the end and you haven't scared her away yet."

Hughes smiled at that. "Yeah." He nodded at them and walked off, looking a little more confident.

Roy smirked and watched his friend disappear.

"Working this evening?" Riza asked.

"Yeah, it is Friday after all." He shrugged. "I don't need to close up though. I'm owed after last night."

"Well that's something, I guess."

She felt a little disappointed. Jean and Rebecca were going out and she didn't feel like going along. If Roy was free, they could go out to the cinema or go for ice-cream. Anything to keep her mind off her pregnancy. Because if she alone, she would have time to think and she wasn't ready to make such a life-changing decision just yet.

Roy glanced at Riza as they entered the sports cafe. Neither of them was particularly into sport unless it was to support their friends but the cafe had become their usual haunt. Good hearty meals for a reasonable price were precious as a student.

He gestured towards the blue booths in the dining area. "What do you want? You should sit down and I'll get it?"

She shook her head. "I'll come with you. I would prefer to see what they have before choosing."

There were only a few customers in front of them as they waited. Roy watched her out of the corner of his eye. She was wringing her hands and his stomach plummeted. She was pretending to be ok like she always did. He couldn't imagine what she must be going through.

Roy's pocket vibrated and he took out his phone. It was a message from Chris reminding him that he was starting a half hour early.

"Sometimes, Chris drives me crazy," he said to Riza.

She gave him a sympathetic smile before turning to browse the salads.

He typed in an irritated "I know - you don't need to remind me" and hit the send button.

He also remembered the unread message from Katie earlier. He had completely forgotten about it.

Opening the message, he read: "Roy, are you free tonight?"

He bit back a smile and wrote: "Sorry, I'm working tonight but I can meet you tomorrow for brunch. You know where."

He put his phone back in his pocket as the line cleared ahead of them. Riza bought a salad and some water while Roy asked for a coffee and a toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

After they paid for their food, they found a free booth down the back. They sat down, an unfamiliar silence between them. He was still trying to shake off the weird moment between them earlier. He thought for a moment that she was flirting with him but her reaction at Hughes' arrival confirmed that she was just teasing. He was relieved that he hasn't done anything more stupid than babble. She was his best friend and she was vulnerable right now. He ran a hand through his hair and glanced at her again. Her eyes were unfocused and she was absently playing with her salad.

"You alright?" He winced immediately as soon as the words were out. She blinked and turned to look at him. "Sorry, stupid question."

"I'm fine as I can be." She drew her eyebrows together and crossed her arms. "You don't need to treat me like a delicate flower, you know."

"I'm not, Riza. You're the strongest woman I know." His voice softened and he put his hand on hers. "That doesn't mean I can't be concerned about you."

She stared at their entwined hands and he pulled his fingers away. He was doing everything wrong.

"Riza-"

He was cut short by a voice that sounded so unlike Riza that he wouldn't have believed it came from her mouth if he hadn't witnessed it.

"I'm not strong," she whispered. His eyes met hers. "Your aunt is strong. Rebecca is strong."

He frowned. "You're strong. If you don't believe in yourself, you can believe me." Her face softened and he cocked an eyebrow, "You do trust me, don't you?"

"Yes," she said softly. "Of course, I do."

"Well then, believe me, you can do whatever you set your mind to do." He leaned forward and make sure she was looking in his eyes. She needed to know how amazing she was. She didn't see the incredible woman her friends saw when she looked in the mirror. "No matter what you chose, you won't be alone. You got loads of people who would fight fires for you." She looked like she was going to burst into tears, so he smiled and added, "Or dragons?"

"Fight dragons?" She chuckled. "You're watching too much Game of Thrones, Roy Mustang?"

He pursed his lips. "I'll be happier when the book comes out."

Sitting on the couch, Riza's legs folded were beneath her. She flicked through the channels looking for something to settle on while she waited to perform her duty of telling her roommate of how fantastic she looked for her six-month anniversary date.

The blonde bit her lip. She intended to take advantage. Cleaning the apartment would be a good distraction from her whirring mind. She could have a bath, maybe put on a face mask and watch a movie. All without distraction.

At the sound of a door creaking, Riza turned her head as Rebecca came out of her room. The brunette was wearing a blue knee-length dress and her hair was spilling around her shoulders. Riza wished her hair had more life instead of just hanging limply. Rebecca stopped beside the couch and spun around.

"How do I look?"

Riza put down the remote control. "Becca, you look stunning."

Her friend grinned. "I do, don't I?"

The blonde wiggled her eyebrows. "I don't know if you're going to get to the restaurant in one piece."

Rebecca giggled before sobering and sitting down next to Riza. She took her hands and scooted closer. "Are you sure you don't want to come out with us?"

"Three is a crowd." Riza shook her head. "Don't worry, I'll be fine, Becca. Go - enjoy yourself!"

Rebecca bit her lip. "Maybe I shouldn't go?"

The doorbell rang and Riza gave her a light push.

"I'm not going to be the reason you bail on your date." Riza tried to ease her worries with a smile. "Go ahead, Jean is waiting."

She wasn't sure her smile was convincing but her friend went to the door. Riza couldn't see him from her position on the couch but she did hear his expletive-laden compliment. She stifled a laugh as he walked in. He was wearing a black suit with a blue tie that brought out his eyes.

She let out a wolf whistle. "You scrub up well."

Jean preened under the compliment. "Why thank you, Riza." He gazed adoringly at his girlfriend. "Not as well as Becs here."

Rebecca beamed and kissed him on the cheek. "Oh, you charmer, I knew I was dating you for a reason."

"Well, this charmer is going to use your bathroom before we go." Jean grinned and disappeared leaving the two women alone.

"Are you sure you will be alright here on your own?" Rebecca asked, her voice low. "I can cancel if you like and we can hang out."

"Don't be silly." Riza rolled her eyes. "I am looking forward to having the apartment to myself for once. Might get to clean the place without having you under my feet."

The dark haired woman swatted her on the arm. "Hey!"

The blonde's lip twitched. "Come on, Becca, you're messy."

"And you're obsessed with cleaning."

"Hardly!" Riza rolled her eyes. "This place needs a good clean and I've restrained myself so far." The blonde gestured to the messy coffee table. "And then afterwards, I'm going to pamper myself."

"Alright," her friend said and wagged her finger, "but if you need me, just let me know and I'll come right back." She put her hands on Riza's shoulders and squeezed. "Whenever my bestie needs me, I'll be there."

The scent of cleaning products was in the air. Riza surveyed her work and smiled at a job well done. There was something very satisfying about the aftermath of a good clean. The mugs had been washed, the old newspapers and magazines were in the recycling bin and she had dusted and cleaned the apartment from top to bottom except for Rebecca's room of course. She wasn't that much of a glutton for punishment.

After washing her hands in the sink, she made a cup of herbal tea and settled back on the couch. She took out her tablet from her satchel and logged into the university portal to download the lecture notes. The professor didn't put up the notes until after class. Riza was sure he did in on purpose to encourage his students to attend. She clicked on the download button when her phone rang. She took her phone from her pocket and sighed when she saw it was her dad. She loved her father but they didn't get on. Ever since they lost her mother, their relationship had steadily gotten worse. Still, he fed her and kept a roof over her head but she missed the love she saw Rebecca's parents had for her. And while Roy had lost both of his parents, his aunt loved him a great deal and the staff at the restaurant were all like a big extended family. She paused before answering, the hairs going up on the back of her neck.

What if he knows? What if he can tell?

She shoved down her paranoia. There was no way he could know. After all, besides the doctor, only she, Rebecca and Roy knew. Before Riza could press the accept call button, the call disconnected. She cursed and rang back immediately. Her father didn't like to be waiting.

"Riza," his disapproving voice said.

"Sorry, Dad, I missed your call."

He grunted. "When are you coming home? I haven't seen you in a month."

Riza grimaced. "I guess I could come for dinner tomorrow."

"Make it Sunday," he said brusquely. "Your grandfather Grumman-" the word was filled with disdain "will be in town and he wants to see you."

It figured. Someone else wanted to see her. She tried to ignore the familiar sense of disappointment.

"Alright, but I can't stay over because I have class first thing on Monday morning."

"I don't care about that, Riza. Just be here for eleven o'clock sharp."

She tried to ignore the sting those words caused. "I'll be there."

He didn't say anything; he just hung up. She massaged her temple and took a deep breath. That was the last thing she needed right now but she couldn't get out of it. She checked her tablet to make sure the notes had downloaded. Once she was satisfied that they had, she turned it off. She picked up her tea and turned on the faucet in the bathroom. A nice bubble bath called. She was sure she had earned it.

Roy balanced a box of Riza's favourite chocolates and a pizza on one arm as he locked the car door.

"Hi, Roy!"

He looked over in the direction of the voice. A familiar red-haired woman was standing two cars over. Up to a few years ago, she had been working in his aunt's restaurant. These days he usually saw her when visiting Riza; She was living a few doors down from Riza and Rebecca's apartment

"Oh hi, Cara. How are you?" He took the key out of the lock and rebalanced the pizza and chocolates.

"Good - I'm just finished work."

He smiled sympathetically. "Same."

"Your aunt does run you ragged, doesn't she?"

Roy made the mistake of shrugging and his quarry wobbled. Managing to save it, he said, "You do know Chris, don't you?"

"Still the same, I see." She jerked her head towards the door of the apartment block. "Are you going inside?"

He nodded and she waited for him on the sidewalk. They walked to the door together and she held the door open for him.

She shook her bangs from her face. "My good deed for the day."

When they stepped inside, Cara arched an eyebrow. "Who's the lucky girl? It's Riza, isn't it?"

Roy could feel his face burning. "Yeah, I'm just calling over to my friend. Emphasis on the word friend."

"Hmm." Cara tapped her watch. "It's pretty late to be dropping by for a friendly visit. It's more like a booty visit."

"Oh, haha," Roy said sarcastically as they entered the elevator.

They both got out on the third floor and parted with a friendly wave. Roy went to Riza's apartment and rang the bell. He didn't ring ahead. He wanted to surprise her. He was about to ring the doorbell again when the door opened. Riza was standing there in a pink bathrobe, her hair soaking and in her slippers. His mouth dropped open and his eyes dropped to her bare legs. He swallowed and he tore his eyes away immediately. His heart thudded in his chest, his mouth dry.

"Uh hi," he stammered. "I can go if-"

Her eyes went down to the pizza and chocolates in his arms and she broke into a smile.

"No," She tugged the bathrobe down. "Come on in, Roy." She stepped back and let him in the door.

Roy rubbed the back of his neck and swallowed again.

He didn't miss the pink tinge in her face. She dipped her head. "I -uh - I'm going to get changed into pyjamas."

"Ok," Roy said weakly.

She dashed into her room and he put the pizza box down on the coffee table. He should have rung beforehand but she did look happy to see him if albeit embarrassed. He went to get some plates and cutlery. He didn't dare sit still lest his brain returned to forbidden thoughts.

When Riza returned she was wearing black pyjama pants with a matching panda top.

"Cute pyjamas," he said. She stuck out her tongue and he smirked. She sat on the couch and he plopped down beside her. "Sorry, I didn't warn you I was coming, I wanted it to be a surprise."

"It was a nice surprise but don't make a habit of it. It's a bit late to be just turning up."

Remembering what Cara had said earlier he grimaced. "It's just I was thinking about you and I knew Rebecca was out tonight."

She arched an eyebrow. "Easy up, Roy, you're beginning to sound like a stalker."

"Hey!" She looked at him the picture of innocence, eyes wide. "I was worried about you, alright?"

Her mask slipped and her face softened. "I know." She leaned her head against his shoulder. "You're such a great friend to me. I don't deserve you."

"No, you don't," he teased, "can you start deserving me by eating some of the pizza I brought?"

She leaned over and opened the box. Roy's mouth watered at the pepperoni pizza.

"Seeing as you brought the food, Roy, you can decide what to watch." Riza handed him the remote control.

He hummed as he flicked through the channels. "Something lighthearted and funny, yeah?"

"Yes," she muttered through a mouthful of food.

He finally settled on a buddy cop movie they both had seen in the cinema before. He hoped it would be just as funny.

"Good choice!" She went for a second slice of pizza. "Up to anything for the weekend?"

He shook his head. He wasn't sure why he wasn't telling her about his planned brunch with Katie but he wasn't sure he wanted to tell anyone about that. Was it a date or was it just too old friends reconnecting to see if there was anything left? And it was stupid anyway, he reminded himself, their reasons for breaking up hadn't changed. He couldn't talk to Riza about it, she had enough on her mind. Hughes and Havoc would just tease him. Chris and the girls would be even worse. He would just meet her for brunch and then they would go their separate ways until they meet again.

"Roy?" Riza was waving a hand in front of his face. "You're miles away."

He grimaced. "Sorry. How about you?"

"Dad is insisting that I come home on Sunday for some dinner with my grandfather." She stabbed at a piece of pepperoni with a fork. "So, who knows what's that about."

Clenching his fists, he glowered. I've wiped many of her tears due to that man.

"Do you want me or Rebecca to come along with you?"

"No, it's just a stupid dinner. I'll be fine."

Roy put a hand on her shoulder. "How are you, really?" he asked softly.

She was silent so long, he thought she wasn't going to speak. Her eyes were wet and she whispered, "Terrified, Roy. I'm so scared."

He pulled her into his arms ignoring the piece of pizza she dropped into his lap as she embraced him and started to sob. She grabbed hold of his shirt and buried her face in his chest.

Rubbing soothing circles into her back, he whispered, "It's going to be okay."

Jean and Rebecca stumbled into the apartment, surprised to see the light on. They were even more surprised to see a sleeping Roy and Riza curled up on the couch. Riza was lying on top of Roy and he had his arms secured around her holding her in place as they both slept soundly.

Rebecca lifted an eyebrow, "Those two need to fuck like yesterday."

"If they haven't already," Jean said.

"They haven't, I would know." She grabbed his hand. "C'mon, let's go before we wake them."

"Shouldn't we, you know, wake them up?"

"No, honey, leave them right where they are." She let go of his hand to rummage into her handbag and took out her phone, a gleam in her eyes. She took a quick photo. "Blackmail material."

Jean grabbed a throw from one of the armchairs and put it over them as gently as he could.

Pressing the light switch, Rebecca snorted."They don't need a blanket. They're keeping each other warm, Jean."

"Mmmm - how about I keep you warm, Becca?"

To be continued...