AN: what? two updates that's not three months apart? has hell frozen over?

also this will still be a ~happy~ fic i promise but as usual riza's dad is a d*ck so she'll always have angst SO enjoy some hurt/comfort angst uwu

That Sunday was the most perfect Sunday Roy had ever had in his life. Riza dozed on and off as they watched film after film. She'd wake up halfway through, and ask what was going on, and Roy would explain it to her. He should probably be worried that his explanations put her back to sleep again, but Riza sleepily admitted that she liked the sound of his voice, and it lulled her to sleep. It took every fibre of his being not to puff out his chest proudly. Instead, he smiled down lovingly at her, continuing to stroke her hair.

Currently, Riza was laying across the couch, wrapped in the fluffy throw, with her head on a cushion on his lap. Roy was sitting up, watching the film while his hands absentmindedly ran through her hair.

"I don't want to go home," she whispered.

"I don't want you to either," he murmured in reply, sighing at the impending time that would mean their amazing day together would end.

"I have to work tomorrow," she groaned, turning her head and burying her face in the pillow. Roy supressed his gasp, as her head put sudden pressure on a rather sensitive place.

"What time?" he forced out, closing his eyes to try and drag his attention away from the sensation on his lap.

"Five thirty."

"Ew."

Riza huffed out a laugh. "Tell me about it," she grumbled.

"Why don't you get a different job?" he asked.

"I'm…" She sighed, and Roy didn't think she was going to answer. "I'm kind of tied in with this one." Her voice wavered and sounded nervous, for some reason. "My landlord owns the café I work in…"

"Okay, but that doesn't mean you can't find something else. Something that suits you better."

Riza sighed. She sat up, and while Roy was grateful for the loss of contact before things became embarrassing, he sensed she wasn't happy with something. He eyed her carefully but saw no indication. Her gaze was on his coffee table, her expression blank. Her eyes though… They were undecided. There was something brewing in their depths, and Roy couldn't tell what.

"I…" Riza bit her lip.

"You can tell me anything, you know that, right?" He gently took her hand in his, giving it a squeeze. "That doesn't mean to say I'm going to pressure you into anything, but there will never be any judgement from me, okay? I just want to help ease your mind a little if I can."

Her teeth freed her lip after a long pause, and Riza nodded in assent. "I do." She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Okay, I'll tell you."

Roy paused the film then turned his full attention towards her. This was something big, and while dread was creeping up his spine unpleasantly, he swore he would hear her out, whatever it was, and reserve any decisions or thoughts until the end.

"My father kicked me out of my home out east," she whispered. Roy had to strain to hear her. Given the volume and the quiver of her voice, this wasn't something she spoke about often. Roy felt honoured Riza thought so highly of him to reveal her past. He listened intently, his brow furrowing in attention as he absorbed her story.

"We got into an argument – he never believed in my dream to pursue music – so he said I had to give it up – give up my passion – or leave his home. So, I left.

"It's never been easy," she swallowed. "I struggled a lot in the first year. Then I found the coffee shop and got a job there." A small smile overtook her face. "My boss – Izumi – has always taken good care of me and offered a discount on the apartment above the shop. I had to explain to her my reasons for leaving home and then she practically gave it to me. I paid rent and bills, but at a discounted price. Her and her husband Sig have been very kind to me."

"You still work at that coffee shop, correct?"

Riza nodded. "Yeah." Then she swallowed. "I'm indebted to them. In my head, forever, but Izumi always tells me not to be silly. She gave me that apartment rent free for a year. There's no way I couldn't be."

Roy took her hand in his and gripped it tightly. "They sound like lovely people."

"They really are," Riza confirmed quickly. "I couldn't believe my luck when I entered that apartment with just my guitar and a suitcase full of clothes. It…" She blinked furiously and Roy smiled at her in comfort, giving her hand another squeeze. "It was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me," she whispered.

Roy's heart ached for her. He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand, brushing over her knuckles. She'd obviously had a troubled childhood. Roy felt anger towards Riza's father. Who kicks out their own daughter just because they want to pursue a passion? That always irked Roy. He'd seen more than his fair share of those kind of scenarios. It wasn't fair. Music was a beautiful gift someone gave to the world. Whose right was it to squash that down and repress it? Without their arts, humanity was nothing interesting.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Roy offered. He wracked his brain for anything. Then, an idea popped into his head.

Riza glanced up at him almost fearfully. Roy supposed she thought he was going to offer her money, but Roy knew that wouldn't go down well, and she'd never accept it anyway. She wasn't a charity case, so Riza didn't need him to insult her in such a way. No, he had a better idea.

"I… I don't know," she stuttered.

"How about I help you with the Armstrong contract?" he offered.

Riza perked up a little. "Really? You would?"

Roy didn't take her question to heart too much. "Of course, I would, Riza. I know this industry inside out at this point, and I want to make sure you get the best deal."

"Do you… Do you think I should go with them?"

Roy cocked his head in thought. "Armstrong is definitely the best company for artist's freedom. They're focussed on the music and the artist. Those two take top priority. Money is a goal for any company, however they're rich enough and make enough money from their strategy that there's nothing to worry about in that regard." Roy reached for his phone, sliding his thumb across the screen to open it. He searched through his contacts. "Yeah," he muttered to himself, finding what he was looking for. "I have Armstrong's number if you want to contact him?"

"Oh, I have his card." Riza moved to stand, but stopped short, falling back into the couch. She groaned quietly, closing her eyes.

"Still feeling sick?" Roy asked. He pressed the back of his hand to her forehead to check her temperature.

Riza groaned and nodded in response. "It's in my jacket pocket… Somewhere."

"It's all right. We can deal with it another day. Just a head's up too," Roy added. "Maes has been planning to try and recruit you for Central City Records for months." Riza's eyes bugged out of her skull. "Probably since your first gig." Roy was amused at how her cheeks turned pink in embarrassment. "You're just that good, Riza," he winked.

"Thanks," she muttered.

She was incredibly adorable when she was flustered, but it was tragic how lowly she thought of herself and her performing ability. She was absolutely incredible. Roy was baffled at how no one had snapped her up already, but on the other hand he was glad they hadn't. If someone had, he may have never met this incredible woman.

"Think about it. There's no harm in asking for a contract either. You don't have to do anything with it if you're not happy and you can request changes. Negotiations are key. Just read it over and send it over to me and I'll double check it."

"That's sweet of you," she murmured, flicking her gaze up to him, a grateful smile on her face. "Thank you."

Roy grinned at her. "It would be my pleasure, Riza."

"I really need to go," Riza muttered but still made no move to leave. She was so comfortable in Roy's arm. It was unfair really, but she still had an hour's drive ahead of her. If she even made it that far. She still felt ill.

Damn her and her over excessive celebrating.

Roy chuckled above her and Riza felt her stomach flutter at the sound. "I don't see you moving, Miss Hawkeye." Riza smiled to herself at his comment. "Do you want me to drive you home?"

Automatically Riza shook her head, sitting up from lying with her head on his lap. She already missed the feeling of his hand in her hair. "No, it's too far for you –" Ria closed her eyes to stave off another wave of nausea. Good god. Will it never end?

"I'm driving you home," Roy chuckled.

"No, it's fine –"

"Riza, you almost puke every time you move."

"Roy –"

"You can't drive yourself."

"No." Silence descended over them. Roy was paused between standing, looking at her with a very surprised expression. Immediately she regretted the harsh tone she'd used. Fear had overtaken her at his insistence to drive her home.

Roy won't point and laugh at you because of where you live.

Riza took a deep breath, staving off the panic of both embarrassing herself and maybe having to explain why she'd been so short with him.

But what if he does laugh?

Riza wouldn't be able to handle that. She would be crushed. Like everything else she'd nod, accept it, and move on. It was her way. But… Roy made her so happy. If he did it would be a very long time before she could trust someone new again –

"Riza?" Roy asked her. His voice was quiet, reminiscent of how someone would coax a wounded animal out from the shadows for help.

You don't need help. You've come this far by yourself.

"I should go," she muttered. Riza stood. The throw that had provided her with warmth, comfort, and his scent all day dropped from her shoulders like it burned her. She was panicking and now she needed out. If she didn't get out now, she may need to explain herself.

This is no way to live, Riza.

The two voices in her head were pulling her apart in two different directions. She felt her nausea rise again, threatening to overwhelm her.

"Riza." Roy calling after her made her haste to grab her things even faster. She almost tripped pulling her shoes on. His hand on her arm had her jerking away from him. She was like a caged animal. The walls were closing in on her. She needed out.

"Thank you for today," she muttered, not meeting his gaze. Tears threatened to fall when she realised this would probably be the last time she'd ever see him. She'd blown it with her own personal fears. It was childish really, but she only had herself to blame.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

"Goodbye, Roy," she added with finality. The effect was lost on it, because her voice cracked.

Before she could turn around, arms enveloped her tightly. Her torso was pressed against his, crushed against him. Roy's scent filled her nostrils and that was the catalyst that made the tears fall. She struggled in his hold, her arms pushing at him to try and break free.

"Let me go," she tried to order, but it came out as a sobbed whisper.

"I'm not letting you go," he whispered, his statement taking on two meanings. "Not like this."

Riza froze against him. Then, she crumpled. Something inside her broke, opening the floodgates. Instead of fighting Roy, her hands clutched at his t-shirt desperately.

"Come on," Roy whispered. Even his voice sounded thick, but that must have been a trick of her imagination. That wouldn't be the case. Riza heard Hayate whine at her feet as Roy guided her back over to his couch. His arm was tight around her shoulder as they moved, almost keeping her upright. She shouldn't be thankful for it, she should be leaving, but her heart yearned for this comfort. She'd received so little of it in her life that it was like an addictive drug when she did receive it. "Have a seat."

Riza perched on the edge of his couch. She hung her head, her hair falling forward to hide her face. Why did she always have to ruin things? Roy put his hands on her waist, and Riza certainly did not expect him to scoot her onto his lap. His arms remained looped around her waist as he rocked them both gently.

"Just let it out, Riza," he murmured. "Let it all go if you want. I'll be here to catch you." She crumpled for the second time in ten minutes.

Half an hour later she'd finally calmed down enough to talk.

"I'm such a mess," she muttered, wiping at her blotchy face.

"Not at all," Roy shot back instantly. "You're beautiful inside and out." Her stomach flipped again, forming a delicious burn inside of her. "Do you want to tell me what that was all about?" Riza stiffened in his arms. "You don't have to, but if you want to unburden yourself, I'm here."

"I…"

Roy kissed her temple. "Take all the time you need."

It took a few tries, but Riza finally managed to gear herself up to explain her actions. Funny, how just a short while ago she'd been so terrified of that she'd been thrown into a panic. Roy's kindness had soothed her, but it was still nerve wracking because this was something, she'd never shared with anyone before. Not even Izumi or Rebecca. She put on a brave front and they didn't need to know how insecure she was.

"I'm scared," Riza finally admitted quietly.

"Of what?" Roy prompted.

"Of… Of you."

"Me?" he asked in disbelief.

"I mean," Riza stuttered hurriedly, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. He'd stopped rocking her backwards and forwards in his surprise, and Riza didn't want him to be hurt by her comment. "Of you… coming to my home."

"Why?" he asked gently.

"It's…" She looked around helplessly. Since beginning her explanation, she'd yet to meet his eyes. She couldn't. Not while revealing this.

"… Nothing compared to my home?" Roy ventured carefully.

Riza pressed her lips into a thin line. She nodded.

Roy's shoulders sagged in defeat and she was terrified she'd hurt or offended him. "Riza," he murmured. "That's nothing to worry about."

"It is to me," she stated nervously.

"Is your home warm?" She turned and met his eyes, questioning him with them. He repeated his question, his expression a frown.

"Yes."

"Is it safe?"

"Yes."

"Is it the best place for you right now, in regard to your work and personal life."

"… Kinda. Yeah."

"Then that's all that matters to me," he stated simply. "I love you, Riza. Truly I do." Her mouth fell open in surprise. She felt the same way, but hearing it back… From him… "And if you were the poorest person on the planet, that wouldn't matter to me. Materialism and money mean nothing to me. It's the people in my life that matter most. Yeah, I've done well, but through talent and hard work. I'm entirely faithful that you could do so much more and progress so much farther than me in half the time.

"I've had to dump half my friends – which was horrible, by the way – and that hurt me the most, compared to when an album or single didn't sell. Who cares about that? It just means I use it as a learning experience and learn for next time. I need to hone my craft further. But who would I be in my life without the people that raised me and shaped me into who I am today?" he questioned. Riza had no answer for him, because of course, he was right. "Money can't shape me into being a good person. Only my real friends can. And you, of course."

Riza rested her head against his shoulder as he spoke, letting it wash over her. She repeated it over and over again, scolding herself and telling herself she had nothing to worry about.

"And I meant it when I said I would wait for you," he smiled. It was brilliant, lighting up her drab life every time he did it. His love was adding more colour back into it slowly. It had been so slow at first that Riza never noticed it, but after meeting Roy she couldn't deny that she felt happier in every aspect of life. Her mood had picked up and she felt better about herself – with the exception of today when her self-esteem was at its lowest. "So, take all the time you need, Riza. I just ask one thing of you."

"Yes?" she whispered, glancing up at him.

"Don't sell yourself so short. You're an amazing human being and every day I'm grateful I met you. Not to be dramatic," he grinned. "But you've literally lit up my life." Riza froze, because that was the same way she felt about him. "You've given me hope."

"What for?" Her brow furrowed, unable to decipher what he meant.

"For personal relationships again. Everyone wants me for my money, but you had no idea about me, and I love that so much. You were real and it gives me hope that there are other people out there in the world like you."

Riza closed her eyes and let the tears fall again. He was so sweet and perfect… There had to be a catch somewhere. There had to be. There was no way she was so lucky.

"I think…" Roy started, pausing for a moment. "You're very insecure." Riza tensed, but he was right. "Does that stem from anything that you know of?" Riza nodded immediately. Oh, it did all right. Thank you for that, father. "Okay. I think we can work on that, if you're willing?"

Riza turned and pressed her face into his sodden t-shirt. "You're too good to me," she murmured. She felt him chuckled underneath her face and Roy kissed the top of her head.

"You bring it out in me. You make me better. So, thank you for that."

For the first time since her breakdown, Riza smiled.

"But, baby steps," Roy smiled, dare she say it, lovingly at her. It baffled Riza, because how could he love someone who was such a mess like her? "Let's leave it for another day."

"Please," she whispered.

"How about I take you home, Riza?" Hesitantly, she nodded. "It would be my pleasure," Roy added with a loving smile. He made a move to stand, but Riza hesitated again. In an unexpected move on her part, she pressed her lips fiercely against his. Roy responded instantly, bringing his hand up to the base of her neck, tangling his fingers in her tresses. That burn that had formed in her stomach from before was back with a vengeance as his hands skimmed up her bare arm. Riza shivered.

"I love you too," she whispered after they broke apart.