Author's note: Riza and Roy awake in a compromising position. They go to visit Kuo who surprises them with another request.

Chapter Four

Roy awoke to the cooing sounds of birds outside the window of the hotel room. He opened one eye. He was so comfortable and warm. Sighing contentedly, he opened the other eye. A tendril of blonde hair tickled his nose. He sucked in a breath and turned his head. Riza was curled into his side, his arm pinned under her. Heart fluttering in his chest, he smiled and before he could think it through lightly kissed her hair.

What I would do to wake up like this every morning?

He should have regretted the tender action but he didn't. She looked so peaceful in her sleep; he was loathed to disturb her by freeing his arm. He could feel her breath on his cheek. Her hair was hanging over her face and he brushed it away.

She's beautiful. Even her bed hair is adorable.

Riza moaned slightly and snuggled into him. Roy gulped, noticing her hand was close to his injured side.

Fuck.

He couldn't roll onto his bad side and despite all the room on the bed, he was pinned to one corner. He might have no choice but to go back to sleep and wait for her to wake up. He closed his eyes again.

"Mmmm," she moaned.

His eyes snapped open as her hand started to drift downwards. He was grateful for his baggy pyjama pants.

"Riza, wake up!" She groaned and he reached for her hand before she went any further south. "Riza!"

Finally, she cracked open an eye. "Huh? Colonel?" She stared at him for a moment before she realised their compromising position.

"Sorry, I can't roll over onto my other side and you're lying on my arm."

Her eyes widened in recognition and her hand clapped to her mouth. Roy tried not to laugh as she crawled backwards.

"I feel -" she began before she cut herself off.

He turned to look at her. Her face was pale and all humour left him as he stumbled out of the bed.

"Are you alright?" He walked around to her side of the bed. "You're not going to get sick are you?"

She groaned again and rubbed her temple. "I hope not. Moving was not a good idea." Lying down again, she moaned. "My head hurts and my stomach hates me."

He tried to bite back a smile.

She put her hand on her forehead. "I see I'm still wearing last night's clothes." She frowned. "I don't remember going to bed."

"You fell asleep on me." He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. Her eyes bulged and she covered her face. "You know you're going to have to get used to sleeping without me again."

"Remind me never to drink again." She rolled over to lay face down on the pillow. "I'm so sorry."

"I'm not," he said quietly. She froze and he instantly regretted his candour. They were here for the mission and this - whatever this was between them even if it was love - had to wait. Maybe they would never get a chance to see it. Maybe she would get tired of waiting and marry someone else. He tried for a chuckle but it felt hollow to his own ears. "I quite like Drunk Riza."

She grunted in reply before rolling over to face him again, her face earnest. "Roy?"

"What is it?"

"Thank you" Her voice was so soft he almost didn't hear her.

"For what? For being a gentleman."

She shook her head then grimaced shutting one eye. "Ugh, my head. I mean, thank you for everything."

Roy stepped forward. "You're starting to sound maudlin?"

Her lips tugged upward. "Just hungover and strangely sentimental."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll have to remind you of that, the next time you're pissed at me for getting behind on paperwork."

"You don't need to remind me how trying you can be sometimes."

He chuckled. "Rest up for a while. I put a glass of water on your dresser last night if you need it. I'm going to have a shower and get dressed."

"Thanks," she mumbled. "Sorry again about earlier-"

Don't be.

"Don't worry about it. It's already forgotten."

Hardly. He decided a cold shower was in order as the memory of her hands on his body and those moans were a distraction he didn't need. They had a mission to fulfil. No matter how they felt, their feelings had to come second.

Riza cracked open an eye. She had gulped down the water and closed her eyes before falling asleep again. She could hear the sounds of Roy moving around the room. She felt a little better but she hadn't tried moving again. Two nights of drinking in a row. When was the last time she did that?

"There's another glass of water and some aspirin on the table."

Her face flushed as she remembered how she had been clinging to Roy in her sleep. Oh, god. At least I was dressed.

She sat up in bed, trying to ignore her queasy stomach. "Thank you." She didn't dare look at him. She got up gingerly and swung her legs over the bed, every movement doing nothing to settle her stomach. She could feel him watching her.

"You know you don't have to come if you don't feel up to it," he said.

In one swift motion, she stood up and turned to look at him. "That's not happening. You're not going in there alone." Despite the pounding headache and the blood rushing to her ears, she managed to stay on her feet.

He smiled a lazy slow smile. "If you say so."

Her eyes narrowed. The bastard had just played her and playing her when she was hungover and not thinking clearly was unfair. Also, his shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his well-defined chest, which was probably another one of his tactics. Damn him.

She crossed her arms and sat back on the bed. "You should have stopped me drinking."

He chuckled. "I tried to but you wouldn't listen.

She rolled her eyes and put the pills in her palm, swallowed them and chased them with water.

"I made such a fool of myself. I'm embarrassed especially-"

"For using me as a pillow?" She looked up at him and he was smiling. "I've been told it's a talent of mine."

Her lip twitched. "You're incorrigible. That ego of yours. I'm surprised your head doesn't fall off your body."

He lifted an eyebrow. "I wasn't the one trying to snuggle me."

"Are you ever going to let me live this down?" Standing up slower this time inwardly wincing at how high pitched her voice sounded. It didn't help her headache any either. At least she could move now without wanting to hurl.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I wasn't complaining. Honestly, it wasn't a bad way to wake up."

She could hear the longing in his voice and scrunched her eyes shut. "Roy, don't!"

He sighed. "I know. I'm just being honest." She opened her eyes and he was in front of her. He met her gaze unabashedly, his eyes blazing. "I know as well as you what our position is. I wish things were different but we made our bed."

He turned away, not before she saw the tic in his jaw.

"Maybe someday?" Her voice was but a whisper and she wasn't sure if he had heard her. He didn't react as he went to the corner to get his suitcase.

Someday. A day that would likely never come given their jobs and their ambitions. She physically ached for that day. For some day when she could kiss him passionately and show him just how much she loved him. Heat rushed to her face as she remembered his starring role in her dreams the night before. Running her fingers through her hair, she took a deep breath.

"What's wrong?" Roy looked at her again, his eyes were full of concern. He had discarded his shirt and had another one in his hands.

"Just hungover," she lied. She wasn't sure he bought it.

"Entirely self-inflicted."

Her stomach dropped. "Yeah." She coughed. "Why are you changing your shirt?"

"There was blood on it. Don't want to frighten Kuo." He was still watching her, a furrow in his brow. "Are you sure you're alright?"

She nodded, swallowing as his eyes swept her face like he was trying to get inside her brain. A look that was somehow much more intimate than any of those charged and heated moments they had shared in the last few days. She dropped her gaze from his face and her eyes drifted down to his chest.

"Riza?" She snapped her gaze back up. "Do you want some coffee?"

Forcing a smile, she stood up. "No, I think I should take a bath first."

They had a long day ahead. It would help calm her mind. At least she hoped it would. And maybe Roy might be fully dressed when she got out.

Roy knocked for the third time on the door of the house, a stony-faced Riza standing behind him. Despite the wait, he had a good feeling about this and he had learned to trust his gut through the years. As a young naive man, he had ignored his misgivings and others suffered greatly for it. Since then he paid much more attention to his instincts. Despite his own cautious optimism, he could tell Riza was anxious. Her hand kept drifting to her holster and she was grumpier than usual, although he conceded that could be due to her hangover.

She looked around. "I don't like this waiting. This place is very open."

Before Roy could answer, the door opened.

Kuo bowed his head. "Apologies for the wait. I was out back." He gestured for them to follow him. He led them back into the same room. "Please sit, make yourselves at home. I'm going to get some coffee."

The man disappeared and they sat on the couch.

Roy arched an eyebrow. "So, now we find out."

"I thought you were confident of success."

"I'm confident, not a clairvoyant." Her lip twitched and warmth filled his chest. "We won't know for certain until he tells us."

"And what will you do if he says no?"

"I'm sure we can convince him of our good intentions. You know I actually feel better destroying the research than delivering it to the Fuhrer."

"I don't trust him fully either. I know he's my blood but he's never been my family."

Roy reached for her hand but she pulled it away like she had been burnt. He felt a little hurt at the rejection but lately, he'd been freer with his affection. A little too free, he knew. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it as Kuo returned into the room with a tray with coffee.

Roy forced a smile. "Thank you for your hospitality."

Kuo put the tray down on the coffee table in front of them.

Riza shifted next to him. "Have you decided to give us the research?"

Roy arched his eyebrow and caught her eye. She mouthed sorry.

"No offence, Kuo," he said, "we do appreciate your hospitality. We would like to get down to business as soon as possible."

Kuo turned around. "I had a think about your terms. I agree but I have one more condition. I hope you understand."

Roy inclined his head. "Please continue."

The man coughed. "I want you to allow me to return to Amestris to visit my wife's family. They can't afford to come here and I promised her I would make sure they were taken care of."

Roy's eyes widened. He could feel for the man but he couldn't protect him from being arrested. It was over his pay grade. His best bet was to appeal directly to the Fuhrer and that old coot would no doubt be looking for something in return.

He clicked his tongue and looked the man in the eye. "I can only give you my word that I will do my best. The Fuhrer or more senior members of the military have the right to overrule me."

Kuo creased his forehead. "Surely as a senior member of the military, you would be able to ensure it."

"General Mustang is correct," Riza said quietly, "He does not wish to give you false hope."

Kuo sighed and ran a hand through his thinning hair.

Roy nodded. "If you were to return and someone wanted to question you about your wife's research they could take you in."

"I understand, but I have not seen my wife's family in years. I'm willing to take a chance."

"I have an idea but I am sure if you're going to like it." Roy rubbed his chin. "Would you be willing to speak to the Fuhrer directly?"

"The - the Fuhrer?"

"Yes - he is one person that could ensure your entry. We could write in the letter that you are sacrificing the research in good faith and you are asking to be let back into the country. You are willing to confirm this directly with the Fuhrer when you arrive."

The other man's lips thinned. "And this would be extra proof for you that you didn't steal the research."

Roy shrugged his shoulders. "Better than just the signed letter at any rate. It's also your best course of action if you wish to enter the country legally and unmolested."

"The Fuhrer will still be pissed," Riza said in an undertone.

Of course, he would but this might soften him up a little. Kuo was no shrinking violet. Roy was sure that he would hold his own.

"How would you feel about talking to the Fuhrer?" He searched the other man's face.

"I'll do it." Kuo held out his hand and Roy shook it. "Can't say that I would enjoy it but I would vouch for you having burnt up the research. Once the research is gone, what would he want me for?"

"Honestly, I don't know. However, the Fuhrer likes to collect people and he rarely does something without a purpose. He sent me here and he knew there was a link with my mother."

"I see," said the other man. "Well, I suppose I should get her research papers then."

While Roy was examining the papers making sure they were indeed what Kuo claimed, Riza composed the letter. She had the better penmanship or so he liked to remind her. She knew Roy's interest was piqued in the woman's research but he would do the right thing and burn the papers as that was his agreement. It was nice seeing Roy like this, all young and full of curiosity. It reminded her of the boy he used to be when he originally came to work under her father. She listened to the men talk as she scribbled.

"Your wife has a very strong code," Roy was saying. "Only someone with a lot of time could begin to crack it."

Kuo laughed. "My wife was a very intelligent woman."

"Certainly from what I've heard."

"There is a lot of conflicting information about you, General," Kuo said. "Arrogant upstart, ambitious womanizer and man of peace. Which one is the real Roy Mustang?"

Roy chuckled. "I've already told you more than I should."

"I hope my trust is not misplaced," Kuo said seriously.

"The General is a good man," Riza interjected. "I trust him implicitly and so do the rest of his team."

She glanced at Roy. To her amusement, she noticed his cheeks were pink. For some reason, he always found it hard to take a compliment when it came from her.

Fool of a man.

"It is all down to my team." He lifted his chin. "I could not take all the credit. We are not searching for redemption; we will never make amends but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try."

The other man nodded. "I am glad to hear you say that."

Riza smiled and went to join the two men. She held out her finished letter. "I'm done if you both wish to review it."

She passed it to Roy first. His dark eyes scanned the paper. He caught her eye and nodded in approval as he finished.

He handed the letter to the other man. "Mr Kuo, what do you think?"

The other man took the letter and began to read it.

Roy looked at her and patted her on the arm. "Job well done," he whispered. His eyes were warm and she allowed herself the indulgence of losing herself in them for a moment.

Kuo coughed and she snapped her eyes to the other man.

"This looks fine," he said, a small smile on his face.

"Great." Roy took his gloves from his shirt pocket and smirked. "Let's get down to business so."

Kuo looked around frantically "Perhaps this isn't the best place to have fireworks?"

Riza took the letter back from Kuo. "I assure you he has pinpoint accuracy. I trust him with my life."

Roy's toothy grin probably was not reassuring the other man. "You and your belongings are entirely safe."

Despite Roy and Riza's reassurance, Kuo insisted they burn the papers in his back garden. Roy tried not to smile at the dumbstruck look on the man's face when the papers went up in flames and extinguished just as quickly. All that was left was ash.

"All done." Roy took off his gloves and put them back into his pocket. "When that's cooled down, you probably will want to dispose of the ashes."

Kuo's mouth still hung open.

Riza stepped forward and handed the letter and a pen to Kuo. "We just need you to sign the letter, Mr Kuo."

He clamped his mouth shut and nodded accepting the letter and pen. He signed it and handed the letter back to Riza.

"Thank you," Roy said. "We should probably leave. We need to send the Fuhrer a telegram to let him know we will be heading home tomorrow."

Kuo inclined his head. "Let me walk you both out."

The three walked back into the house, through the living room and into the hall.

At the front door, Kuo coughed again. "Actually, there's one other thing I meant to give you, General."

A frown on his face, Roy said, "What's this?"

"I found this among my wife's things. It's a picture she had of herself and your mother. You can see your father in the background too." He chuckled. "Go on, take a look."

Roy took the picture from him and studied it. He had only one other picture of his mother. A wedding day picture his father had sent Chris. His parents looked very much in love but they weren't looking into the camera. He only had a vague memory of what his parents had been like. Over the years their faces had become a little fuzzy. But in this picture, he could see his mother's face properly for the first time in years. A lump formed in his throat. This was his mom and she was alive and laughing in the picture. He had a happy childhood growing up with Chris even if it was unconventional and probably unsuitable for a small boy. Still, he never filled that ache that the passing of his parents left. He didn't like to think about them very often.

"Th- thank you." He met the other man's eyes. "That was really kind of you."

"It was nothing," Kuo said. "It was lying among my wife's things; I thought it should be given to someone who would appreciate it."

He felt rather than saw Riza come up beside him. She took his hand and gave it a quick squeeze before letting it go.

Kuo smiled and opened the door. "Good luck to you both."

To be continued...