Young Lovers: A Royai FanFic

Disclaimer: I don't own FMA… It is annoying to constantly write that… .

And now time for some response to reviewers (Sorry if I missed you, I try my darn hardest not to forget anyone.):

Unexpection: Love is so giggly! XD I can't hold back my smiles…!

Rizahawkeye21: Well guess what? You were right! X3 Read to find out what happens.

Yularouge: Royai is the very best! X3 And now we'll see more of it since they both confessed their feelings.

Cashmeritan: Cliffhangers are so fun! XD

Tear drops of flaming darkness: I'm glad you enjoy this!

InuTachi lover: Hurray! I feel so powerful all of a sudden!

flOofymikO: Here's the new chapter so go ahead and find out what happens next!

BGwildRose: I have Crystal pop up again, sorry. But trust me, things will not end up pretty for her!

Tsuiraku Nami: Thanks for the review!

Chapter 15: Hardship

Alex was wondering around from room to room as the party was reaching its peak. Some time had passed and there was no sign of his daughter. After dinner, it was like she just disappeared. It all became clear when Mr. Mustang stated that his son was also missing. There was a long pause as both fathers thought about the situation. Afterwards, neither one was mad, just laughing. Mustang began thinking back on how he commented on Roy and Riza. He found it strange how it just seemed to happen.

It was then that Alex decided to ask Mustang a few more details about his son. There was a little bit of concern with it was revealed that Roy has had his fair share or girlfriends and then some. However, he assured himself that Riza would not slip into any trouble without being fully aware of the consequences. She's smart. If anything seems wrong, she'll handle the situation.

At that moment, there was a loud crash followed by some screams. By the sound of it, it was coming from the front door. Alex rushed over with Mustang following close behind. When they got there, Alex nearly fell over. The military had arrived. The front doors lay on the tiled floor and it was proof enough that things were not going to turn out well. It didn't take long for the two soldiers at the door to announce their intensions.

"We have been deployed here from Central to recover one of our soldiers, General Alex Hawkeye."

When they spoke his name, everyone turned to face him. Alex sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Surely you two would have more manners than this if you come from Central."

"We have orders, General. I suggest you comply by them. As for the rest of you, we doubt there'll be much of a party left so move on out." It didn't take long for the guests to file out of the house except for Mustang. He remained at Alex's side and told his wife and daughters to go on home. He didn't bother to ask about Roy at this time. Chances were that he was with Riza and it was probably better this way at the moment.

One of the two soldiers began to approach Alex and Mustang. They were only about two feet apart when he motioned towards the door. "You don't have time to run away because you're to come with us immediately. You may grab what you need but I can only grant you twenty minutes. Furthermore-"

The soldier was cut off by Alex's sudden attention towards the staircase. Riza stood right above then, her eyes filled with shock. She feared many things but she never imagined that he would be leaving her so soon. Roy was standing right next to her, a comforting arm draped around her shoulder. No one said a word as Alex began to walk up the stairs. However, he paid no attention to her. He brushed past her and made his way towards his room to pack his things.

He came back with a small bag, still paying to attention to his daughter. The bag was dropped in front of the soldier who picked it up and started walking towards the door, signaling Alex to follow. He was just about to walk out of the doorway when he felt something pull at his arm. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"Father… You're not really… going are you? Please… say something… to me…" Her voice was cracking and tears were rolling down her face. It was devastating for Alex to see once he turned around. He kneeled down and pulled at her chin to have her look at him. It was amazing to him how she could easily be driven to tears when he always advised her against it.

"Riza… I'm sorry but this is a punishment I have to take. If it were up to me, I would have left my profession a long time ago. Stand tall and be strong for me until I come back. Trust me, I will come back." His eyes lifted to Mustang and Roy, who had come to stand beside his father. Mustang nodded to their wordless agreement. Next he looked to the servants of the house, who also agreed to look after her and so Alex turned his attention back to his daughter. "Remember that you have all the strength necessary to survive in this world…" He gave her a hug and a kiss on her head before turning to leave with the military.

A long, bitter silence fell on everyone. Slowly, the maids began to pick up after the mess. The butler wandered off into the kitchen after looking at Riza with concern. Roy and his father never moved. They were both afraid of making things worse. Seconds later came in Maes. Finally Hayate came walking in and started nudging at her leg. It was then that Riza did something and bent down to pick up her puppy. Hayate wiggled around a bit in her arms but, after seeing she was depressed, started to gently lick at her cheek. Still holding Hayate, Riza walked to the stairs and sat down on the steps. She was cradling Hayate as if she was afraid the puppy would run off and leave her.

Mr. Mustang then decided to sit next to her. She didn't flinch or say a word, only sat there. He reached over and patted Hayate on the head and then cautiously asked Riza how she was feeling. There wasn't much of an answer. All she did was bury her face into Hayate's fur. Roy's father sighed and moved closer to her, wrapping his arm around her. It all happened so fast that he barely understood what had just happened. He didn't mind looking over Riza. Alex was a good man and he was sure of it. However, something in the back of his head was very curious as to why he left so abruptly.

"Mr. Mustang…?" Startled out of his thoughts, he looked back at Riza. "I'm sure it's getting late." She lifted her eyes to Roy and Maes. "You can all go if you want to…" Just as the three were about to protest, Riza suddenly let go of Hayate and fell asleep on the steps. The three men just looked in surprise as her breathing was becoming steady so quickly.

Mustang stood up and looked at Roy and Maes. "Nothing for it, you two. I'll go put her to bed and then we'll go home. Just wait-" Before he could tell the boys to wait outside, Roy had approached Riza and was already picking her up. "Roy, what are you doing?"

Roy didn't respond; his eyes were fixed on Riza. His father studied him hard and finally decided it was probably best to leave him be. He and Maes stood around in the main hallway while Roy started walking up the stairs to get to Riza's room.

He was amazed at what he saw. Her room was so elegant and beautiful. What astonished him more was the size of her bed. Five people could sleep in that thing easily! What does she need a big bed for? He sighed and walked up to it and gently placed her down. However, Riza stirred and gradually opened her eyes to see him. "…Roy…?"

He smiled. After all that happened, after that big interruption… she was looking at him again. They stopped a moment as Riza dove into her blankets, feeling very cold. Right after, Roy sat down on the bed and brushed away some tears that were still on her face. "I'm as shocked as you are Riza. Don't forget that I'm here for you. No matter what I'll come help you. For now though, you should get some rest."

She smiled back at him and nodded. Just for the sake of the good things that happened tonight, he leaned over her and kissed her softly on the lips and pulled away. He whispered to her that he'd come back tomorrow and just spend time together. Riza agreed, saying that it was a really good idea. Again she thanked him and also apologized for what had just happened. Roy insisted that the problems she was going through would not be handled by her alone. It was enough to make her blush and turn away. She could hear him chuckling softly as he said good night and walked away.

Mr. Mustang and Maes were playing around with Hayate by the time Roy came back down. The puppy stopped, took one look at Roy, and dashed off in the direction of Riza's room. Maes laughed and proceeded to ask Roy if Riza was going to be alright. "She'll be fine Maes, as long as we don't leave her in the dust…"

Maes grinned and started walking outside. "Of course, we'd never do that to her." The butler and Roy's father were finally picking up the front doors. Using alchemy, Mr. Mustang made quick fixes and asked that they be careful.

Nobody said a word as they walked back to Roy's house. Both Maes and Mr. Mustang were curious about what was going on between Riza and Roy. Maes already knew that they both felt strongly for the other, but he had no idea how the confession from Riza went. Roy father was still very blind to the whole thing. He suspected it a little but there was nothing he could go on. They appeared out of nowhere together and that alone was enough to raise suspicion. Not being able to handle it anymore, he spoke up.

"Roy… Is there anything going on between you and Miss Riza?"

He stopped walked and looked at his father. Well, it really is about time he asked about that… He straightened up and cleared his throat. "I know what you're thinking, Dad. In fact, I don't blame you for thinking it. I'll admit it now. I do feel something for Riza. Before you say anything, just understand that these past days have changed my whole outlook. What I feel right now goes far beyond any simple teenage relationship. You may think it's strange but I know how I feel."

Mustang couldn't believe what he was hearing. His son just openly announced that he had strong feelings for Riza. He wasn't going to try ad think he was lying. There was a sort of bright fire in his eyes that made him believe that Roy's words were true. It really must be that he cares deeply for her. He smiled and they all kept walking. "Would you go so far as to say that you love her?"

Roy looked up at the stars and closed his eyes. "Yes, I love her and she loves me too…" Maes grinned.

Sunday morning at the Hawkeye Mansion…

Riza felt very uncomfortable this morning. When she pushed away the bed covers, she realized that she went to sleep in her dress. Getting out of bed didn't sound too appealing. The maid must've sensed that feeling from the beginning because she soon came in with a try of breakfast. Riza sat up and thank her for doing that. However, it was dismissed by the maid's wishes of simply seeing Riza feel better.

Hayate, who had been sleeping next to her, suddenly woke up to the smell of Riza's breakfast. Sure enough, on the side, was a small bowl that had food for the puppy. She smiled and placed it beside him, warning him to be careful when eating on her bed. Unlike Hayate, she didn't start digging into her food. There were still too many problems going on in her head. The biggest of all was the reason why he was taken away. Both her father and grandfather had told her that the military may come and take Alex away but…

"They never told me why my father would be taken away. Did they assume I already knew or is it that they don't want me to know?" She stared right at the oatmeal that sat in front of her. Picking up the spoon, she finally started eating.

By the time Roy showed up, Riza had already freshened up and was wearing white dress with a blue ribbon tied at her waist. He didn't immediately say hello to her. At first he simply watched her walk around the den. Every once in a while she'd sit down but stand right back up in a manner of seconds. When Riza finally noticed him, she smiled at him weakly and raised gestured a hello to him. He came slowly at first. Now was not a time to be scaring her off. Keep in mind that she just lost her father… Try not to do anything stupid.

"How are you feeling, Riza?" He watched her sigh and sit back down on the couch. When he came to sit beside her, she leaned her head onto his shoulder. Roy didn't say anything but he understood what her answer was. It was then that he got a good idea in his head. "Why don't we take a walk? We'll take the pup and we can just clear our heads for a bit. You know that you could use the time. I honestly don't think staying in here would be good for you…"

Riza agreed and grabbed her purse, keys, and Hayate. She told the butler that she'd be back soon and walked out with Roy.

Elsewhere…

Crystal and her two friends were walking the streets today and doing a little window shopping. They talked about many things, including Riza. "So did you hear? Riza's father left to go work in the military and she's living alone right now."

Crystal laughed. "Oh she is just making things too easy for me. I'll teach her a lesson or maybe even two…"

Author's Notes: Chapter 15 is now done! I guess you might call this a transitional chapter if it felt like we didn't go anywhere. Be warned though, Crystal and her friends are up and about. If you thought Crystal was mad, wait till she finds out Roy and Riza are in love! There's something to think about while I try to write Chapter 16. Reviews please!

BloodAura