"Knock, knock!" Maes called into Roy's apartment as he stepped out of the lift. Riza felt Roy's body vibrate as he groaned. Currently, they were sitting on his couch watching television. Roy's arm was wrapped around her shoulders, his fingers brushing her arm gently. It was a good thing his hands were above the fabric because if he'd been stroking her skin like that, she would have been gone, making it a very uncomfortable and embarrassing situation for herself.

She'd never been the most touchy-feely person. She had her relationship with her estranged father to thank for that. After her mother died when she was a child, he'd abandoned her, locking himself in his room or his study, doing god knows what. Riza didn't care enough to discover what was more important than his only child.

Also, it wasn't in her nature to be too affectionate either. She'd been in a relationship with a man before Roy who was too affectionate, and it pissed her off. Big time. He'd been so clingy, texting her once an hour to ask how her day was going. Same as it was an hour ago, mate. Eventually, it got to the point where she just ignored his texts. That was when she knew it wasn't working out but didn't want to break up with him in case it caused him to do anything drastic. Hell, he'd called her "the love of his life" after dating for a few months. Yikes. She'd broken up with him shortly afterwards. They barely lasted a year.

The honeymoon period didn't exist in her mind, apparently. She wasn't big on public displays of affection. Rebecca had told her it was because she hadn't found the right person yet, but Riza wasn't sure. It worried her slightly. She felt her stomach doing somersaults when Roy smiled at her, however when she thought about him, she felt… nothing new. It was the same with everyone else. She loved Rebecca to pieces, but she didn't feel that love inside her whenever she thought about her friend. In her adult years, it had become concerning and made it difficult for Riza to sort through her true feelings.

"Hey, Maes," Roy greeted casually, not at all bothered that he had his arm comfortably around Riza's shoulders and showed no signs of moving.

"I've dropped off the money at the bank this morning," Maes stated, beginning to rattle off everything he'd done for Roy. "Jean called in sick. I got his shift covered. Kain is going to do it and Heymans is one man down in the kitchen tonight. I'm still working on getting that covered but I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to drive that car – Well, well, well," he beamed, finally realising who else was in the room. "What do we have here?" he asked, facing them and placing his hands on his hips, a collection of envelopes grasped in one hand.

"Hey, Maes," Riza greeted somewhat nervously with a little wave. Roy didn't seem bothered by the fact they were cuddling on his couch, so she drew on that too and forced herself to relax. She knew Maes. She would say they were becoming friends, so she fought the nerves, calming herself.

"You waste no time, do you?" he quipped, chuckling at Roy. Riza's brow furrowed slightly in confusion, wondering what he was talking about.

"Maes," Roy warned, shooting him a pointed look before returning his attention to the TV.

"Fine, I won't meddle, like you asked." Maes rose his hands in surrender. He placed the envelopes on the coffee table and backed up. "Just promise me one thing?" His gaze flicked between the two of them.

"What?" Roy asked irritably.

"Put a sock on the lift door, or a sign, so I know when not to come a knockin'." He cackled to himself and dodged the pillow Roy threw at him, bidding them a cheery farewell while Riza's face turned scarlet.

She was only just becoming comfortable with cuddling on the couch. Sex was such a faraway concept right now, especially with Roy. That feeling tightened in her stomach, hoping that he would understand.

"Idiot," Roy muttered under his breath. "Ignore him. He's just trying to wind me up. We don't have to do anything until you're comfortable with it."

Riza tensed momentarily, then relaxed, feeling her worries soothed somewhat.

"Were you worried about that?" he asked, his hand stilling on her arm.

"I… Uh, well, I –"

"Take your time," Roy offered her kindly.

"I mean, I've had sex before," she explained. "But… it took a while for me to be comfortable with him. He was kind of a friend before we got together, so it was easier, you know?" she admitted. "But with you… You're essentially a stranger. I'm sorry, but I don't… I don't know when –"

"Hey, it's okay," he smiled, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "Take all the time you need. I mean it. Not to be dramatic, but I would wait for you Riza Hawkeye." She blushed furiously and Roy laughed loudly, hugging her against his body.

"We're taking it slow. One step at a time," he stated, as if he could sense she was a scared and timid animal that needed coaxed out and into the light. There was a part of Riza that hated it. "You set the pace."

"Thank you," she whispered gratefully.

"I mean, I guess I like you enough to wait. I suppose I could do that," he joked, then grinned as Riza's expression turned to one of distaste, but there was amusement in there too. "All joking aside," he added softly. "I mean it. Take all the time you need." His smile was genuine and Riza felt her stomach flipping again.

There was a part of her that felt this was too good to be true, that there was going to be a catch, but she just hadn't discovered it yet.

The place erupted once more and Roy grinned, joining in with the enthusiastic clapping from the patrons in his bar. Riza thanked everyone and stood, giving a small bow and a smile before disappearing backstage, where Roy met up with her.

"You were amazing," he told her, proud of his girlfriend and her performance. He snaked an arm around her back, pulling her gently towards him and giving Riza a proper kiss. She sighed against him, her body melting against his. Roy stroked her bottom lip with his tongue. Every time he did that, she shuddered against him. He loved to tease her and hear her reaction. It was music to his ears. Pulling away, he gazed down into her eyes. "I missed you," he added, giving her a quick peck.

"I missed you too," she admitted, gaze turning shyly away from him. Roy grinned and wrapped her in a tight hug.

"I'm so proud of you." Roy was proud of how far she'd come since her first performance. Three months ago, she was as incredible as she was now, but over time she'd grown more confident and charismatic, her banter and dry sense of humour in between songs making everyone laugh.

"Thank you," she grinned. "Although, I think you're biased on the "amazing" part."

"Absolutely not," he murmured, tipping his head to kiss her again. Roy smirked to himself as her arms gave him a quick squeeze as they wrapped around his torso. "Ask anyone else in there and they'll tell you the same."

"Riza!" Maes called her name, rushing up, acting as if he'd ran a marathon and not the ten feet from the bar. He was breathless when he spoke, causing Roy to raise an eyebrow at his antics.

"Maes, tell Riza she was incredible," Roy urged. "She doesn't believe me."

"Well, you've always been an incorrigible flirt." He leaned over to whisper conspiratorially to Riza. "He'll tell a woman whatever she wants to hear." Roy felt his stomach tighten uncomfortably but was placated when Riza giggled. He glared at Maes. "Anyway," Maes added, turning his attention towards the star of the night. "I have something I wish to discuss with you, if you can manage to pry yourself away from your boyfriend for five minutes?"

"I don't know…" she trailed off, looking as though she was seriously considering his question. There was a hint of mischief in her eye. "That's a big ask."

Maes gestured lazily to Roy. "He'll survive. If anything, it will be a good thing to get a break from him," he added, jerking his thumb behind him towards Roy.

"Hey!" he protested while Maes chuckled.

"Come on. I've been meaning to do this for months, but I've never been able to catch you. This conversation didn't seem fit to do over the phone either. I much preferred to do it face to face. And, now that you're finally back, I think this is the perfect time! Come," he finally stopped his excitedly babbling, placing a hand on Riza's shoulder, gesturing towards the stairs that led up to Roy's office. "Step into my office."

Roy rolled his eyes then started after them.

"Okay, so do you remember when I asked if you would like to become a regular performer on our live music programme?"

"Yes."

"Okay, well, Roy and I have been thinking – and to be honest this was decided before you two were canoodling so there was so preferential treatment there – and we'd like to offer you a regular slot on either a Friday or a Saturday."

"Oh yeah. Yes, I'd love that!"

Maes beamed. "Excellent!" He opened the door and the two stepped though, still not realising Roy was behind them. The door almost smacked him in the face.

"Thanks, Maes," Roy deadpanned, stepping in after them.

"You know, I wasn't joking when it would be a benefit for you two to spend more than five minutes apart."

"This is my office," Roy pointed out.

"You'll still survive!"

"Don't you think I should be present for when we do something big like, I don't know, sign an act?"

"That's my job, not yours," Maes winked. "I'm in charge of live music remember."

"And who owns this bar?" Roy retorted.

"What, you don't trust me?" Maes sked, feigning hurt. Roy just rolled his eyes.

"Fine, if you're going to be a baby about it, pretend I'm not here," Roy stated, walking up to the cupboards behind his desk. He needed to get Riza's payment from the safe anyway, that's why he was there. It wasn't to intrude on their little meeting.

But… He hadn't seen his girlfriend all week. She'd finished work at eight o'clock in the coffee shop then drove straight to the bar to play at nine. Could he be blamed for wanting to spend some time with his girlfriend?

"Okay," Maes turned to Riza excitedly, clasping his hands in front of him. "How about it? Play for us regularly?" he asked. Roy thought Maes was about to cross his fingers in the hopes that she would say yes.

"I'd love to," Riza answered immediately and Roy grinned to himself as he pulled the money out of the safe.

"Yay!" Maes exclaimed. "Okay, so, we run live music all weekend – Friday through to Sunday. Of course, we'd like to offer you the Friday or Saturday slot because they are our busiest nights, however we can move it about week to week to whatever suits you. Since you're the first act we've signed, you get first pick," Maes winked. "And, we can be flexible, right Roy?" He opened his mouth to agree, but Maes soldiered on without him. "If you choose a Saturday then decide one week you want a night in with this dork, then we can make that work too, right Roy?" Maes turned to face him, awaiting his answer with a too innocent look on his face while Roy glared at him.

"Yes, that's fine," Roy replied softly, ignoring Maes and shooting Riza a smile. She was amused, that much was clear on her face, and Roy was glad at least someone was enjoying their conversation. However, he knew Maes thought this was probably the most hilarious thing in the world, so it was two against one at this point.

At the end of the day, it was all good banter, but Maes really knew how to grind Roy's gears when he wanted to, and that irritated Roy on occasion.

"Can I pick a Saturday?" she asked. "It's just, I don't work as late on a Saturday and I'm more likely to get them off my work so I can get here in time."

"Perfect!" Maes clapped his hands together in his excitement. "Okay, I whipped up a form for you to fill out. Look at me, being all professional," he beamed, seemingly very proud of himself.

"Yeah, wow," Roy replied with sarcasm.

"You know, with that attitude, you can go now," Maes responded with an overexaggerated sad pout.

"I'm not going anywhere," Roy scoffed, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. "Who knows how you're going to slander me in front of my girlfriend. I need to stay and stick up for myself." Roy noticed how Riza's hand paused in her writing, stuttering slightly at the use of the word "girlfriend" and he smiled. He had to admit a thrill went through him when he used the word himself.

For the first time in a long time, he felt truly happy in his personal life.

Maes sighed dramatically. "Fine."

Ten minutes later, Riza Hawkeye was a signed and regular act at Ignis Bar.

"Congratulations, Miss Hawkeye," Maes offered, shaking her hand then bringing her in for a friendly hug.

"Thank you, Maes. Thank you both for this opportunity," she replied sincerely, gaze flicking between them both.

"It's our pleasure. You're a phenomenal singer, Riza," Maes replied, dropping all teasing and banter. "And, I have a few more things in the pipeline for you, if you're interested?"

"Absolutely," Riza cut in. "Singing is what I love, and I would kick myself if I lost out on an opportunity."

A smile slowly spread across Roy's face as he watched the exchange. Before, Riza may have blushed and shied away from the praise. She was still extremely modest when complimented, but now, she grinned and accepted it. It had been beautiful to watch her come out of her shell, both in a professional setting, and a personal one.

Although, when Riza was with him, she was so different compared to when she was around those she didn't know too well, like Maes. They were friends, but she'd only seen him briefly in passing, maybe two or three times a month, at the bar before she took the stage and he left for the night, or when she was around at his place, hanging out.

A thought just occurred to him in that moment. Roy realised he hadn't been around to her apartment yet. He instantly felt bad making her travel all the way into the city to see him, when he should be making the effort to go to hers as well.

"I can't believe it," she whispered excitedly when they left Roy's office and begun to descend the stairs.

Roy chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, kissing the side of her head. "If anyone deserves it, it's you," he replied, meaning every word. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you," Riza added, looking up at him. "Really. You gave me an opportunity to prove myself and I will forever be thankful for it."

Roy smiled down at her softly. "It was my pleasure. And, it was also a very happy coincidence."

"It was," she chuckled in agreement. "I… I've been very happy these last few months, Roy, and it's because of you."

"Oh good, because I feel the same way," he grinned, watching her drop her gaze shyly. Roy laughed and kissed her cheek. "Come on, let's celebrate with a drink."

"I'm driving," she reminded him, amused.

"A mocktail, then. Only the best for you! Jean!" And celebrate they did.

"I was thinking," Roy began, swiping his fingers across the condensation on his glass. It was past one o'clock in the morning now but Riza didn't seem to mind one bit, making no move or hint she wanted to leave. "I feel bad making you trail all the way into the city to see me every time we meet up. How about next time, we meet up at your place?"

"Oh, that… That would be lovely," Riza began. "But my roommate is in the middle of decorating right now and the place is honestly a mess."

Roy watched her for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, that's fine," he smiled. "But I do still feel bad –"

"Don't," she replied quickly. "Honestly, it's fine. I really don't mind. It means a good day out with Hayate and with you being who you are, I wouldn't want to cause a hassle for you."

Roy felt his face fall, his shoulders slump. But she was right. He was famous and attracted attention, so he couldn't take public transport. His car was expensive and flashy, so would still attract attention in the less populated outskirts of Central. People were used to seeing him kicking about the centre of the city, especially around his bar, and he often took pictures or handed out autographs on the street when out for the day. In a quieter area though, it may create chaos, and he didn't want to ruin Riza's day like that.

But he did notice her tiny slip. Her smile seemed strained for a second. The beginning of her initial reply to his request sounded rather sad. Sadder than it should have been. It was almost as if it was an excuse…

Roy didn't want to push her, so he nodded and agreed. But he still felt bad about it. If she wasn't comfortable with him coming around to his apartment just yet, then that was fine. He would wait. He just hoped everything was okay.

It just meant that next time they met up Roy would have to make it up to her. He'd make sure he knew just how much he appreciated her putting up with his troublesome and unconventional life.