Fever

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Author's Note: Another song is in this one...and I don't own it either. It's called "Why was I born?" And I don't have it on my comp : (

Chapter 8 – Close to the Heart

The next song started. The song had a slow tempo, and was primarily piano. A sad expression played about Riza's face as she started to sing.

"Spending these lonesome evenings
With nothing to do
But to live in dreams that I make up
All by myself"

"Dreaming that you're beside me
I picture the prettiest stories
Only to wake up
All by myself
What is the good of me by myself?"

Riza's mood began to drop as she started singing. This song was more personal that the last. She hadn't originally wanted to sing it, but the manager had pushed her to pick a slower song. This song played her emotions like piano keys. The more she sang, the more she wished a certain someone was listening.

"Why was I born
Why am I living
What do I get
What am I giving"

"Why do I want a thing
I daren't hope for
What can I hope for
I wish I knew"

Riza watched him day in and day out, giving him everything he needed, but she couldn't help but want, couldn't help but wish, that he'd give her something in return…more than a sly smirk…more than just a few kind words here and there. She never asked for much, but some days she wished Roy would look at her more than just a soldier…the song was beginning to get to her. Her throat tightened and she forced herself to look at the back of the room, it was easier to sing if she didn't have to see Hughes' face. 'I wonder if Maes knows why this song is close to my heart…' she wondered absentmindedly.

"Why do I try
To draw you near me
Why do I do I cry
You never hear me"

"I'm a poor fool
But what can I do
Why was I born
To love you"

Roy froze where he stood. Riza was staring holes through him. He felt like she was singing to him. 'Is that how she really feels?' he asked himself, 'Have I really been so blind to her?' Suddenly his more rational side took over, 'No. This is only a song…nothing more.' He thought trying to convince himself, but something in her voice made him think there was more to this ordeal than he realized.

A short bridge in the music began and Riza couldn't resist looking at Hughes any longer. She glanced down at her friend. His eyes burned with understanding. Within one moment their eyes made a silent exchange.

'You won't tell him will you?' Her eyes asked.

'Your secret's safe with me.' He replied. A small smile played on her lips as she started into the final stanza.

"I'm a poor fool
But what can I do
Why was I born
To love you"

The song ended and the lights dimmed and just like that she was gone. Roy's eyes searched furiously in the dark. 'It can't be over!' he screamed inside his head. He was just beginning to really love seeing her like this.