AN: wooo getting right back into the swing of this fic

a happy royai is a good royai my soul feels blessed uwu

"Miss Hawkeye?" A male voice called to her over the applause and cheers from the crowd. Turning, she was surprised to see an extremely tall, muscular man. He towered over Riza, and while that would have been intimidating, he exuded an extremely friendly energy with his smile. His blonde moustache matched the one curl of hair on his bald head.

"Yes?" she asked. Rebecca took a step up beside her, curious about what this conversation would entail. No doubt she was ready to jump in and defend Riza if necessary, Riza thought, amused.

"My name is Alex Louis Armstrong and I work for Armstrong Records." Riza felt herself pale. Armstrong Records was a big name in the music industry, and this man was interested in her? "I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time?"

Riza was too stunned to answer.

"Yes!" Rebecca answered for her. "Yes, you can. Rebecca Catalina," she greeted, offering Alex her hand to shake. "Riza's manager."

"A pleasure," he smiled.

Rebecca shouted over the din of conversation and music to ask Jean what room they should use for a meeting. Distractedly, told them to use Roy's office. He was out tonight at a meeting with his own record label. He never stated what it was for, and Riza supposed it wasn't really any of her business. They hadn't been together long enough to warrant it, she thought.

"Miss Hawkeye," Alex began once they were closed off from the music in the bar. It was muffled now they were in Roy's office. Riza smiled to herself, breathing in the smell of Roy that lingered in his office. It calmed her nerves and put her at ease. "As I said downstairs, I represent Armstrong Records right here in Central. I listened to your set tonight – and have done before. You're really good, and I believe you could be a star!" he announced enthusiastically. Your voice is incredible, and your skills with the guitar are brilliant. I've never seen an audience so attentive before as they listened to a single musician and her guitar." He chuckled to himself. "Even the gentleman next to me hushed his friend when he began to talk while you were playing. The people love you!" he beamed.

Riza was sitting in her chair, stunned. He was interested in her? She still couldn't believe it. She hadn't been lying to Roy before when she'd stated that it had been her dream to go pro for so long, it almost felt like it would never happen nowadays. Then this opportunity had just fallen into her lap, completely unexpectedly. Excitement pushed her to say yes, right now, forgoing whatever conditions were set, however she collected herself. Riza remembered why she was doing this – to tell her stories to the world. She didn't want anyone to alter her story to fit their listener's preferences. Stay calm. See what he offers. She was no lawyer, and would prefer to get someone objective to look any deal or contract over for her, before signing anything. Maybe she could get Roy to look at it, he was a pro in this business after all –

"Miss Hawkeye?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow in concern. Rebecca was looking at her expectantly, urging Riza to respond with wide eyes and a pointed look.

"Oh, right, sorry. I was… You took me by surprise there."

"Understandable," he smiled. "I apologise for any bluntness."

"No, not at all! It's fine. This… This was unexpected."

"Is it something you would be interested in?" he asked, question genuine.

"I would be, yes," Riza started immediately. "However, I would need to consider any offer first. My music is very dear to me and I want to make sure it's treated right."

"Of course," he stressed. "I completely agree. To reassure you, at Armstrong Records our clients are treated with the utmost respect, along with their music. You will have full creative control."

"My client would like to have this in writing," Rebecca chipped in.

"Of course," Alex agreed, "That goes without saying. It will be the first part of the contract, rest assured."

"Okay, good." Riza smiled at Rebecca's antics. It was good having her here to back her up. Riza felt herself relax slightly. What Alex said was good to know. She wasn't saying yes, but it was a good place to start. She'd need to go home and thoroughly research this company before agreeing to anything.

"That's reassuring," Riza chipped in, offering her own opinion on the subject.

"I'm not going to push you to an answer," Armstrong stressed. "I just wanted to approach you professionally and state that we are interested in offering you a contract. It is completely your choice, however I think you'd do well at Armstrong Records," he smiled kindly.

He left shortly after shaking both Riza and Rebecca's hands, thanking them for their time. Alex said he'd be in touch with Rebecca soon, and would send over a contract he'd drawn up.

"I can't believe it," Riza whispered once they were alone, staring around the office, expecting something to jump out and state it was playing a trick on her. Nothing came, just the offer of a tight hug from Rebecca. Her friend grinned at her, opening her arms.

"Well, you better believe it, because you're good enough. You got an offer from Armstrong Records," Rebecca stressed, squeezing Riza's body tightly. "That's… Incredible!"

"Did you doubt my abilities that much," Riza joked.

"Not at all," Rebecca replied immediately. "But Armstrong Records. They're a big name in the business. Are you going to consider it?"

"I'd be silly not to, right?"

Rebecca let out a little squeal. "Oh, I'm so happy and proud of you! You got your first offer! My Riza is growing up!"

Riza chuckled, thanking her friend. She was a never ending show of support. Although sometimes she pushed and pushed, sometimes in directions Riza wasn't initially comfortable with as they were outside her comfort zone, but they always panned out in the end. Initially, playing at Ignis had been a bad idea to Riza. She'd only found out when they'd almost arrived at the venue. It was a high end bar – full of rich kids – and Riza had been convinced they'd never enjoy her stuff. Not only did they absolutely love her, but she'd also met Roy out of it, and that was something Riza would always be grateful for.

She couldn't wait to tell him her news.

Roy sighed and relaxed into the seat of his car as he pulled away from the offices of Central City Records. The meeting has been stressful. They were nagging him for new material but Roy had nothing to give. He still made them money, Roy knew that from the paycheck that came in every month. He was still popular even after his years hiatus, so didn't see what the hurry was.

In truth he'd managed to write a full song since meeting Riza, and with another currently in the works. He was still so busy with the bar, so finding the time was hard. However, lyrics would come to him in little moments they spent together, and he'd quickly jot them down, leaving the notes page of his phone a jumbled mess of meaningful lyrics to him, but with no way to link them together.

But, this was showbiz, and it was demanding. He'd need to come up with some more material soon - even just a few fully completed song lyrics - otherwise things may turn south for him, and fast. He was valuable, he knew, but he was still contracted to produce content. Roy knew he wasn't invincible.

Switching on the car music system, Roy switched to play the CD - Riza's EP. Maybe as he drove, he could find some more inspiration.

She inspired him easily, and that wasn't lost on him.

Instead of going straight home, he stopped in at Ignis to see how everything was going. It was just past midnight, and Riza would be finished playing by now. He was disappointed he'd missed her singing, but even more so that he'd missed her completely -

Except he hadn't. He walked into the bar and everything was in full swing as normal for after midnight on a Saturday night, but what caught his attention was Jean leaning against the bar, grinning at a woman with a familiar messy bun atop her head, and a brunette next to her. They raised their glasses in unison for a toast, except it was off balance and they missed, spilling alcohol on top of the bar and sending them into a fit of giggles.

"Good evening, ladies," he greeted. Riza whirled around in her chair, almost falling off and causing both Roy and Jean to reach out as a reflex. Roy caught her before she could, straightening her in her chair.

"Hey!" she exclaimed happily. She was drunk. Her cheeks were flushed pink, eyes dancing with excitement.

Roy pecked her cheek before taking up the stool next to her. "Jean, have you been getting my wonderful girlfriend drunk?" he accused good naturedly.

His bartender shook his head before straightening. "She's been doing a mighty fine job of that herself," he joked, straightening as another customer caught his eye to serve. He moved away, and Roy noticed that Rebecca followed his departure carefully, letting out a quiet sigh.

"What's the occasion?" Roy asked, amused at how she swayed in her chair, eventually leaning all her weight against him.

Rebecca whirled around in her stool to answer for Riza, abandoning staring after Jean. "She got an offer!"

"For what?" he asked, chuckling as Riza moved to place her head on his shoulder. Eventually, Roy just stood from his chair so that she could be more comfortable. He kissed the top of her head before looking at Rebecca expectantly.

"A contract with Armstrong Records!" Rebecca exclaimed proudly.

Roy's heart thudded in his chest. That was… "That's amazing!" he exclaimed, joy coursing through him. He knew Armstrong. It would've been Alex who contacted her, and he was a good man. She'd fit in well with that company, Roy thought. They were big, however probably the best for Riza in terms of how she wanted to pursue her music career. They were very artist-based, giving their artists full creative control. That's why they were so big, because they were good to their talent. Central City were in it for the money – something Roy wished he'd found out before signing a five year contract with them, however, he was stuck now and they had been good to him in the grand scheme of things. But Roy knew though that he'd be prouder of that last album if they hadn't been so involved in the money-making scheme.

Roy couldn't have been prouder or happier for Riza.

"I'm so proud of you," Roy murmured lowly into her ear, so only she could hear him.

"Thanks," she grinned, cheeks pink, expression equipped with the brightest smile he'd ever seen. It made his heart beat faster inside his chest, and heat rise to his own face. He was possessed with an overwhelming urge to kiss her, so he did.

Riza moaned into it – loudly – and Roy smiled against her, relishing the moment and how she clung desperately to his shirt as their tongues moved together.

"Oy, oy!" Rebecca called. Regrettably pulling away, Roy saw Rebecca grinning at him, with Jean doing the same as he pulled a pint of beer, just further down the bar. "Check out these two! Why don't you go up to your office?" she giggled, waggling her eyebrows. Riza blushed a deep shade of pink, but Roy had wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a quick squeeze.

"Not when we have so much to celebrate," Roy replied smoothly. "Jean! A rum, please."

"Coming up!"

Their celebration lasted for another two hours. The bar had quietened down, so Jean had managed to join them. At Roy's tipsy insistence, Jean had even had a drink despite being on the clock.

"I'm not going to fire you," Roy reassured him. "If I was, I wouldn't tell you to have it."

The bar slowly emptied and it was left with just the four of them.

"We should probably head home," Jean announced as the hands on the clock slowly crept towards three o'clock in the morning.

"You're right," Roy replied, yawning loudly. This was not how he intended his evening to go, however it was an incredibly pleasant turn of events. He chuckled at the sight of Riza. They'd moved to one of the lower tables as it became apparent she would probably fall out of the bar stool. Rebecca wasn't much better. Now, Riza was almost asleep against him, her head a comfortable weight and warmth against his shoulder. Her eyes fluttered open at the mention of going home, but promptly closed again.

"I'll lock up," Jean offered, the least drunk of the four.

"Okay, thanks man. I owe you one."

"You owe me nothing," he laughed.

"Rebecca, do you want me to call you a cab?"

"No… I'm good." Drunk Rebecca snuck a glance at Jean and grinned, who smiled in return.

Oh. Oh. It took Roy's alcohol soaked brain a while to catch onto that one, but sure enough, they'd been making eyes at each other all night.

"Oh… Okay."

"I'll just wait…" she sighed wistfully, leaning her head against a closed fist. Her elbow was resting against the table top, eyes watching Jean's every move as he quickly made his way around the bar to lock up. He'd disappeared for half an hour earlier to cash up his till, so only really had to lock up.

"I'll…" Roy glanced down at Riza. He wasn't entirely sure what to do. He couldn't take her home, he wasn't legal to drive, and she certainly wasn't legal either. She was also half asleep. If he put her in a cab – not only would it cost a fortune – she'd probably fall asleep and not wake up when she arrived at her home. Plus, he didn't want her travelling that distance alone in a taxi. He'd be too worried in case anything happened.

They'd go back to his place. He didn't have a guest room, but he had a bed and he'd take the couch.

"Hey, Denny," Roy greeted into his phone.

"Hey Roy! How's it going?"

"Good. Listen, can you come and pick us up at the bar? We kinda had an impromptu celebration tonight."

"Of course I can. Give me ten minutes and I'll be there."

"You're a life-saver, Denny," Roy thanked.

True to his word, Denny arrived outside ten minutes later in a black sedan with blacked out windows. Riza was standing, but swaying on the spot. When Roy had moved her to standing, she whined quietly and her head quickly found his shoulder again. Her arms wrapped around his torso, holding on tightly, and Roy grinned to himself. Riza had never been openly affectionate before, and Roy respected that. However, now she was clinging to him like a spider monkey, and Roy was secretly pleased. Once seated in the car, she didn't like that she had to stay on her side of the car, pouting when Roy slowly explained to her that yes, she needed her seatbelt and no, she couldn't cuddle into him. He'd just grinned throughout, amused.

Roy guided her into his bedroom carefully, eventually managing to get her to down a pint of water. She whined and protested feebly, but it would do her the world of good in the morning.

"Stay," she mumbled, wrapping her arms around his neck and nuzzling her face against his cheek. God, he wanted to. He wanted to hold her close and lie by her side as she slept. He'd fallen for her, Roy had realised tonight, and done it fast. However, he wouldn't take advantage. She may still want it, however she wasn't sober enough to think clearly and Roy had been raised a gentleman.

"I'll be right –"

"Roy," she whispered. Her eyes were open now and focussed on his face, tears collecting in them. "Please," she pleaded.

He was torn. After a moment of indecision, he nodded. "All right. Let me brush my teeth and I'll be back."

"Thank you," she mumbled, body relaxing as she sighed quietly in relief.

When Roy did return, she was sound asleep. He paused at the bottom of the bed, smiling at the woman who had most definitely stolen his heart. He knew now – there was no doubt about it – that he loved her. He chuckled at her quiet snoring, rounding the bed to kneel at her head. Stroking her forehead, Roy leaned over and placed a kiss upon it. Riza sighed underneath him, rolling over in her sleep to face him, cuddling further into his duvet.

He spent a moment just watching her. She was so beautiful. With alcohol in her tonight, she was so much more free. Gone was her shyness and she was more comfortable around him, and also more comfortable receiving his affections. Roy was pleased, and hoped that would remain while she was sober. If it didn't, he'd give her time. Roy had joked before when he said he'd wait for her all those months ago, but he truly meant it now. He'd give her all eternity if she needed it.

"Goodnight, Riza," Roy bid her, kissing her forehead again before he stood and left the room, leaving the door open slightly behind him so she wouldn't be completely lost if she got up in the middle of the night. He also turned on the light inside his en suite bathroom, and left the door ajar.

Leaving, Roy grabbed the throw on the back of the couch and made himself comfortable, falling asleep with a happy smile on his face.