Fever

Disclaimer: I still don't own it.

Author's note: Elle Renald is completely fictional (as far as I know and was made up for the purposes of the fic. Think of her as Ella Fitzgerald—she is famous for the time period in the fic). Also, this is back in like 1910, or whatever, so $700 is a lot of money.

Aumi-Chan & Zamnand: More Cookies:)

skyhigh: Yay! People familiar with old music:)

silentstarlight: yes, yes I am. You knwo what's really evil? This entire story is already written. i'm just too evil to upload it all at once--that and the comments help me tweak people in later chapters ;)

Flava Sava, Erin Elric and The Air Alchemist: Ask and you shall recieve:)

Chapter 4 – The Lady in Red

Riza smiled at her reflection in a mirror encircled in light bulbs. She felt wonderful. 'I can't believe they clapped!' she thought to herself. Protecting Mustang was a thankless and unnoticed job. It felt nice to finally be appreciated for something. 'Maybe I should be someone else more often.' She mused.

"You have a beautiful voice." Someone said behind her.

Riza knew who it was before she even turned around. She turned to face him quickly, praying inwardly that Hughes really wasn't there. He was there though, in the flesh…and complimenting her at that. "I thought that was you on stage," he said. "My wife told me to tell you that you did a wonderful job. Personally I'm inclined to agree with her—you know my wife has good taste." He said with a wink, "After all, she chose yours truly here."

Riza was still so stunned she could barely speak, " How d-did you-"

"Oh, Gracia wanted a cup of coffee, and you happened to walk on stage."

"I-I" she started, desperately trying to find the words. She was never one to stutter, but the entire situation was just too overwhelming. If he told anyone, no one would ever take her seriously again. The office would be hell, people would hum little tunes under their breath and Mustang—'Oh God! Mustang!' "Please don't tell the Colonel!"

"Oh why not? You did terrific. I'm sure everyone would love to see it!"

"No! Please don't tell anyone! I'd never live it down." She pleaded, feeling sick at the thought that he'd tell anyone.

Hughes attempted to calm her, "Don't worry Lieutenant, I won't say a word…but I was wondering if you could do me a favor…"

She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, "What sort of favor?"

"Well you see, Gracia was very impressed with your abilities, and I have yet to get her an anniversary gift, and seeing as how 'Fever' is one of her favorite songs, I was wondering if you'd sing at our anniversary party…" he said as he looked at her hopefully.

Riza thought about it for a moment, she'd already heard about the Lieutenant Colonel's anniversary party, pretty much everyone had—Mustang, of course received an invitation. "No." she replied flatly.

"Why!" he ask desperately.

"I won't make a fool out of myself in front of Mustang."

"Oh yes, I'd forgotten he was coming…"

"Miss? Miss?" The little round manager called to her as he rushed around the corner.

"What do you need?" she asked him curtly. This entire business was becoming more than she'd anticipated and the sooner she was able to settle things with the Lieutenant Colonel, the faster she'd be able to get out of this place and back to her plain, boring life.

"I'm glad I caught you before you left. You see next Friday I'd lined up Elle Renald to sing, but she was forced to cancel on me. You did an amazing job out there tonight…could you possibly fill in for her on Friday?"

What was with people tonight and asking her favors? She was beginning to feel a little like a soccer mom that'd promised to bake cookies for the entire district. Still, being asked to fill in with someone as well known as Elle Renald was flattering. She couldn't help but be a little taken back, after all Elle Renald was her favorite singer. "I don't know what to say…"

"Say you'll do it." Hughes said unexpectedly, for a moment Riza had almost forgotten he was there. Both the manager and Riza looked at him. "It'll be perfect," he continued. "The Red Herring will have an act for Friday night and you can sing for Gracia at the same time!"

Riza continued to stare at him. "I'll pay you," the manager offered, trying hard to convince her. "You'll get $700."

Riza turned to stare at him, her eyes widened. '$700 for singing!' It was an insane amount of money for just singing a few songs.

"Please." The two men said in sync.

Riza couldn't say no "…All right." She responded, still a little shocked.

"Wonderful!" the manager said, "I'll start making the promotion posters immediately! …What's your name Miss?"

"No names." She said firmly. "I want to remain anonymous."

"Then what am I supposed to put on the posters?" he asked.

The three sat for a moment, trying to think of some solution. It didn't occur to them until Hughes glanced down at Riza's little red dress. He snapped his fingers in enlightenment. "You could use a stage name! You could call yourself, 'The Lady in Red.'" Riza and the manager both smiled.

"Perfect," the little man said, "I'll start making the posters immediately. Just be sure to wear the same dress on Friday," he told Riza. He turned to walk away, but he stopped for a moment and snapped his fingers as if he just remembered something. He turned to her and said, "I'll need you to come back every night this week. We need to choose some songs and do some sound checks. I want to make sure that this show is a smash." Riza only nodded…this whole business, 'The Lady in Red', excited her. This was just what she'd been waiting for lately, she needed a break from the norm—and boy was she getting a break! Not only was she getting a break from the office and military, but she was getting a break from herself.