AN: [insert eyes emoji]
Roy stole glances at Riza while he drove. She was dozing again in the passenger's seat, her head against the cool glass of the window. Roy chuckled at his amusing thought. How could someone sleep so much in one day? There was a niggle at the back of his mind that it had less to do with the alcohol and more to do with the long hours she worked. Riza pushed herself hard. Roy had noticed that. He just hoped it wasn't too hard and that she was getting enough rest.
It was Rebecca who had drove them both into the city on Saturday so at least they didn't need to worry about getting Riza's car home. Roy's car zipped easily in and out of traffic as they made their way to Riza's in the Sunday evening. He was well within the speed limit, but it was always so effortless to manoeuvre his way through traffic in his sports car.
"Just in here," Riza murmured quietly. Roy almost missed her directions.
"Up here?" he questioned, slowing the car considerably. The turning led up a small one-way street. Cars were parked on one side, all facing the one direction. There were a few shops along the street, but not a whole lot on offer. There was a cosy looking coffee shop, a convenience store, and a small, quaint, bookstore.
"Yes," Riza replied. Roy turned up and searched for a place to park. Pulling in, he easily parked his car in the only available space. With a smile, he noticed he'd parked right behind Riza's car.
They both exited the vehicle and Roy took a quick glance around his surroundings. The street was quiet. The houses on the opposite side looked warm and cosy – an amber glow emitting from behind drawn curtains and the chimneys on the roof puffing with smoke. The other side – the way Riza was heading – was made up of the three shops, with apartments above them. She headed towards the coffee shop without waiting for him, but it gave Roy the chance to notice her tensed shoulders. Hayate was quiet as he walked by her side, glancing up at his master every so often, as if he was worried about her.
As soon as Riza stated she should leave earlier Roy felt his stomach sink to a level below his feet, and dread prickled over his entire body. He was so worried about her and her mental state. After that outburst, how could he not be? He had no idea what had brought it on. It was like she panicked – she was ready to turn tail and run at the slightest thing – and it reminded Roy of a deer caught in the headlights. Granted, he had pushed more than he probably should of, but it was just common sense. Every time she sat up, she looked like she was going vomit, and Roy would feel awful letting her get herself home like that. He'd done that more than once and it never ended well. Roy could no longer remember the amount of times he owed Maes or Denny for cleaning puke of someone's car because he was too inebriated or hungover to do it himself. He wouldn't be a very good boyfriend if he let her get the bus or train home either, now would he?
She was such a genuinely lovely person. Her heart was so kind but there was a darkness lurking in there, just under the surface. Roy wanted to become aquatinted to it, to find out a way to help and assist with easing her worries, but Riza wasn't the type of person who would open up about that so readily. The best he could do right now was just be there for her and shower her with all the love she so rightly deserved. In time, she might tell him, but that was up to her. Roy just hoped she wouldn't leave it too late.
Picking up the pace, Roy lengthened his stride and grabbed the door Riza was holding open for him. Stepping inside he was greeted with a chill from the concrete walls in the hallway and stairwell, causing him to shiver slightly. Riza started up the stairs, still not saying a word or meeting his eyes. Roy considered making a comment, but there was nothing particularly lovely about the stairwell, so he opted against it. It was unnecessary and would just be a meaningless way to fill the silence.
A dull brown door stood before Roy after only two flights of stairs, and he waited patiently for her to open it. Anticipation prickled over his skin, but in a good way. He was excited to see her home. He pictured something incredibly cosy and warm – like her personality.
Stepping inside, Roy found he wasn't far off his assumption. There was a chill in the air because she hadn't been in it since yesterday, but it truly did look incredibly comforting. The first thing he noticed was a large tapestry hanging on the wall next to her television. When Riza hit the switch for the lights in the dulling evening sun, the little fairy lights turned on and cast a warm glow inside the room. It reminded Roy of Christmas, and he smiled to himself. That was always a special time for him, so it was lovely to associate that with Riza. He was more than happy to.
"Um, make yourself at home," she murmured. Riza pottered about her home, turning on lamps and turning the television on for him to entertain himself with, but Roy didn't want the television. He just needed her. Before he could reply, Riza entered her kitchen. Curious, Roy followed behind her. It was small, but perfectly sized. It had everything she needed, and the small window was overlooking a large park behind her building, stretching as far as he could see in the creeping darkness.
Riza obviously didn't expect him to be behind her, because when she turned, she jumped and placed a hand on her chest as if to still her racing heart. A surprised but quiet "oh" left her lips, and Roy smiled sheepishly back at her.
"Sorry," he apologised. Roy turned his gaze to the window. "But I caught a glimpse of the view through the hatch there, and I was curious. You're so lucky to have a view like this." His was impressive – he saw the whole of Central City from his penthouse suite – however that was nothing compared to the greenery that stretched before him now. It was a welcome break from the constant dull grey, and Roy was in awe of it. He almost forgot what it was like to have a view like this.
"It – It's okay," Riza stuttered. She spun in place and opened her fridge, causing Roy to frown slightly. She was obviously uncomfortable, and a weight settled in his stomach because he was more than likely the cause of her discomfort. "Would you like a drink?"
"Just a water, please," he stated his mind already working to try and find a way to ease her worrying.
"Just head through. I'll bring it in a second."
Roy nodded and cast one last glance at her, concerned. Riza's back was facing him, unfortunately, so he had no insight into how she was feeling.
"Thank you," Roy grinned. He'd taken a seat on her couch and found it was surprisingly very comfortable. Not that he expected it not to be, however it was one of the most comfortable ones he'd ever sat on. Much more comfortable than his own. "Riza?"
"Hm?" she asked, finally looking up at him and meeting his gaze. His suspicions were correct, she was nervous with him being here.
"Why don't you take a seat? We can watch some television together?"
"I…"
"Riza? What's wrong?" It was abrupter than Roy intended it to be, but he was worried about her. This wasn't healthy. Her insecurities were probably running rampant in her mind, and that was unfair. She didn't deserve that. She was too good and too pure for that to happen. Finally coming to a decision, Roy figured the only way he'd be able to help was to face this head on with her. Hopefully, it would be the right move. He'd done it before when she appeared to shut herself off when Roy had first asked why she hadn't gone pro yet. That had worked out in the end, so hopefully this would be the same.
"Nothing's wrong," she replied instantly. He knew it was a lie. He could see that it was a lie. Her hands were clasped in front of her comfortably, but the whites of her knuckles were showing.
"Riza, come and sit," he stated, patting the cushion beside him.
She did so, her movements slightly stiff. Roy wrapped his arm around her shoulder gently, then tugged her against his side. A quiet but surprised gasp left her as she was suddenly pressed against his side. Roy kissed the top of her head before speaking. "Where did you get that?" he asked, nodding towards the mandala tapestry on her wall.
"Um, I don't remember… Why?"
"I love it," he stated. "I was wondering if I could get one for my own home." Roy chuckled to himself, then continued. "It would certainly brighten up the bland, white, walls. The lights are a lovely touch too."
"You think so?"
Roy grinned, staring at the little lights. "Absolutely. It reminds me of Christmas. All my family gets together, and we have Christmas lunch together. It brings that kind of nostalgic warmth with it, you know. That probably sounds ridiculous."
"No… No, I don't think it does," Riza admitted. He expected her voice to be quiet, but it was stronger than it had been since her outburst at his home a few hours ago. "I think it's lovely." Roy squeezed her shoulder.
"This is very early, I realise that, but I think it would be nice to share that with you someday." Riza tensed underneath his hand, but Roy continued. "I mean, my family is chaos and completely overwhelming at the best of times," he chuckled. "But they're the best people you'll ever meet. You've already been claimed as one of our own."
"Really?" She sounded genuinely surprised.
"Oh yes. My adoptive sisters have already said they'll kick my ass if I hurt you," he laughed. "But I don't ever intend for that to happen, so I think I'll be okay."
"You've… You've told your family about me?"
"Oh yeah," he stated as if it was obvious. They'd extracted the information from him almost painfully after one of them saw him being "particularly cosy" with Riza one night after she'd played. Aside from the occasional kiss, Roy kept it to a minimum at the bar, because it was a professional environment. It made him wonder where they'd seen it, and just to be a tease, his sister, Vanessa, had just winked and walked away. "They're all very excited to meet you. I've already warned them to calm down and bide their time since we're both very busy, but would you like to? One day?"
Riza was silent for a long moment, and Roy's face almost fell. "I really would."
Roy grinned. "I would love that too. But we've got plenty of time for that," he added. The "plenty of time" comment thrilled him slightly. It was bold to assume they'd be together forever at such an early stage, but he truly loved her. He'd fallen for her so hard and so fast that Roy was taking it as a sign. If he could help it, he would never let her go.
"Yeah," Riza replied. Roy heard the smile in her voice and grinned again. Her hand slid up his chest and rested atop it, moving from being limp by their sides. "Plenty of time."
Roy opened his mouth to continue but was interrupted by a yawn from Riza. "Do you want to go to sleep?" Riza nodded against him, making him chuckle. "Okay."
Riza pulled away from him but didn't move far. She just sat up straight. Shooting him a quick glance. "Can…?" Riza bit her lip.
"What is it, love?" he smiled. He reached over, brushing her fringe out of her eyes, his fingers running from her temple to her chin.
"Can you… stay with me? For a while? I know it's unfair, I'm sorry –"
"I would love to," he grinned. Roy pressed gentle a kiss to her lips. "I wasn't being presumptuous," he added when he pulled away. "But I always have an overnight bag in my car. Shall I bring it in?"
Riza bit her lip again and looked away for a second. "You wouldn't mind?"
"Of course not," he smiled, kissing her again. "I won't be long."
Riza lay awake for what felt like all night. She was acutely aware of Roy behind her back in her bed and there was nothing that would take her mind of it. Half of her wanted to jump his bones every time he sighed in his sleep where the other half wanted to cower on the edge of her bed, as far away from him as possible. The smell of him filled her nostrils, creating an intoxicating smell that she both craved but resented at that exact moment in time.
She was up in four and a half hours for work. She just wanted to sleep.
Initially, there had been no intention for him to stay the night. She just… She gave into her weakness and just wanted him near her. It was a craving for company, to put it simply. Hayate was her perfect companion, however there was something different about having a person there to talk to. Rebecca would always be her person, however Roy… She couldn't explain it. It was a different kind of comfort, she supposed. One she wouldn't get from her oldest friend. All Riza knew was that tonight she just wanted him. She just wanted his company, his voice to soothe her, and his touch to wipe away her childish and unnecessary worries.
She felt like such a fool when he'd first entered her apartment, but Riza couldn't help herself. She was so nervous. It was awful, because that was her happy place. It was her haven, and the thought of opening it up to someone had terrified her, regardless of the fact it was Roy. It was awful, because it was only then that she realised just how insecure she was with every aspect of her life.
Riza hated it.
It was a wonder Roy didn't scoff and turn and leave her there. Who would want someone with so much baggage? Who would want a partner who was as much hassle as her?
But… He'd stayed. Without complaint. Roy seemed to be very happy about it. It baffled Riza. He should be halfway home by now, Riza just a distant thought. Instead, he'd fallen asleep extremely quickly in her bed – while holding her protectively against his body, his arm tight around her waist – before Riza could suggest he go home.
In reality… she wasn't ready for him to leave. After her embarrassing outburst and how Roy dealt with it, then her obvious nervousness and how he'd calmed her down and soothed her, Riza wasn't sure she ever wanted him to leave.
It both thrilled and terrified her at the same time.
Roy sighed in his sleep again, his head shifting, and Riza froze in his tight grip. His breath shifted the hair against her neck and Riza had to gasp out loud. She tried extremely hard not to, but this was torture. She bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut tightly. There was no way she'd be able to sleep now. Not with Roy's breath lifting so much gooseflesh on her arms.
She was screwed.
He breathed against her again and Riza whimpered. She tied to think of anything to get her mind off the hand hovering above her stomach, but nothing came to her. If she shifted just the right way, his fingertips would brush the skin there and she would be gone. She'd be lost to her own emotions and there would be nothing she could to do stop it.
It was torture, but the best kind.
"Riza…" Roy moaned quietly. She froze, white hot fear slamming into her. It washed over her body, afraid she'd been caught out, but he moaned again in his sleep and pulled her tighter against him. Riza squeaked when she realised his very apparent problem.
Oh god. Oh god, no.
Riza's face turned bright pink.
On the one hand she was pleased, thrilled, actually, that he was obviously having a very pleasant dream about her, on the other, it was so much worse because she could feel it and hear it.
Impulsively, Riza rolled abruptly in his hold, turning to face him. It snapped him out of his dream and groggily, Roy blinked a few times, trying to waken up. His eyes drooped and he breathed her name once more, still half asleep, but Riza wasn't going to let him get away with it any longer. In a bold move, she pressed her hand hard against his cheek, calling out his name.
She wasn't sure where this forwardness had come from. It wasn't like her. However, she'd been tortured by him enough and it was time for him to put an end to what he'd started when he fell out for the count as soon as his head hit the pillow of her bed.
Roy's eyes blinked open again. Finally awake, his brow furrowed when he saw her. Opening his mouth, he stopped and froze completely, surprise and shock overcoming his features. There was a hint of embarrassment in there too, but not too much.
Riza licked her lips, suddenly lost. Her boldness had abandoned her, and she was left floundering with a man who had obviously been dreaming about her in a certain way. Riza wanted to join in on the fun he'd been having, but she was suddenly stuck. She didn't know what to do.
Realisation dawned on Roy's face and he slowly lifted one hand to her cheek. Riza's slid and dropped down to the small space between them. Her fingers brushed the skin at Roy's neck, and he gasped quietly, affected by her touch. Although extremely nervous, it still sent a thrill through Riza.
A hand was suddenly cupping Riza's cheek and Roy drew her mouth to his agonisingly slowly. He stopped, his lips hovering just above hers.
"Are you sure?" he whispered.
Riza answered his question by pressing her lips hard against his. It was like an animal had awoken inside of them both, and Roy was all over her. His mouth moved across her body, worshipping it with kisses and eliciting noises from Riza that would make her blush furiously in any other circumstance. At that moment, however, she was too far gone to care. His hands lit a fire across her whole body and Riza never wanted it to stop. If she could help it, she'd never let that fire fizzle out and die.
If she hadn't been awake and hadn't bore witness to his dream, it would probably have never escalated to that point. One thing was for sure though. Riza was extremely grateful for the release of tension between them. It brought them both closer to one another emotionally, something she'd craved her entire life. Roy had given that to her. She would be eternally grateful for it and would cherish this feeling for the rest of her life. Now with a taste, she wanted more.
[insert shaking eyes emoji]