Chapter Seven

Roy felt a little grungy in his dress uniform even though he had washed up the best he could. Bob was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Riza who had gone to wash the sheets. Warmed by thoughts of her, Roy put in a call to the base to see when a rescue would be mounted. He heard a clacking noise as he hung up the phone. He turned and made a little face. Riza was dressed in one of her academy uniforms.

"You know how to make a girl feel good, Mustang," she said crossly, giving him a withering glance. "I was not about to make breakfast in my ball gown."

"Sorry," he said sheepishly. "That is just one ugly uniform."

Riza tapped her toe, her look of death deepening. "Was that the base?" She nodded at the phone.

"They'll be around to plow us out in an hour or so." He sounded disappointed at the prospect of a rescue.

"Good, then get into the kitchen and start the oven. Make yourself useful." She swatted him lightly

"You found me useful last night." He pouted.

"And right now I'm finding you annoying," she replied, apparently still irritated at his mistake of not finding her attractive in her Rennsalaer uniform.

His pout deepened. She nodded towards the kitchen. "Yes, ma'am." Roy slogged into the kitchen and put some coal into the old oven. He started the fire. "Anything else?"

Riza looked over her shoulder. "Just this." She slipped her arms around his neck, kissing him hard. "Now, what do you want to eat for breakfast?"

"You," he said breathlessly, his hands smoothing over her back.

Riza's chest hitched. "As fun as that sounds...I think I hear Uncle Bob moving upstairs and he'll expect something to eat with his morning whiskey."

"Damn." Roy tugged on his tightening uniform trousers. "Eggs and bacon would be good. Probably should see what we have to work with."

Riza opened the ice chest. "No bacon that I see. There's sour cream and some preserved lingonberries. See if there's flour in the canister, Roy. I can make pancakes."

Roy nosed into the canisters then brought her the one containing flour. Riza took out the sour cream, milk and eggs and started turning them into thin crepe-like pancakes. Roy dusted some lingonberries with sugar and put butter on the table to soften.

"Uncle Bob will want some meat. I thought I saw sausages in the ice box. You could fry those," Riza said and Roy just gave her a pained look. "What? Oh, will you grow up."

"Easy for you to say," Roy fetched the sausages. He let them dangle from his fingers.

"All right, so maybe it wasn't my best suggestion or your best comparison," she said, with a wicked smile.

Roy's jaw dropped. "Riza! Okay, I'm sorry about the uniform thing."

"As well you should be." She smiled at him.

Roy just snorted and slapped the sausages into a frying pan.

"I have the cooking under control, Roy. Father used to have an array to dry clothing. Can you do that?"

He nodded. "Just transmute the water to vapor."

"Well, the sheets are upstairs drying in front of the fire. Please hurry them along," she suggested.

"Okay."

Roy went upstairs to take care of the bedding. He even remade the bed then headed back downstairs to help Riza. They had the breakfast just about on the table when a bleary-eyed Bob poked his head into the kitchen.

"Smells good. You kids are up early," he said, looking a little hung over.

"After last night, we'll have to get back to base as soon as we can. They're sending someone to help dig us out," Roy said. "So, we figured we ought to have a good breakfast before heading out into the snow."

"Did you have a good night's rest?" Bob's gaze slid between Roy and Riza in such a way they couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. Riza transferred pancakes with grim determination.

Roy nodded, tugging at his jacket collar. "Good enough. Using alchemy like that leaves me tired," he lied, hoping Bob wouldn't know any better.

Bob nodded, reaching for a plump sausage, slicing it up sloppily. "Alchemy never did my brother's health much good from what I could see. You ought to be careful young man."

Roy decided keeping on Bob's good side was his best bet. "I am, sir."

Most of the breakfast passed in silence except for the clacking of silver ware and a dull sound from outside that they all presumed was the plow. Roy helped Riza clear the table. "That was good, Riza. Thanks for breakfast."

"You're welcome. I could use some help with the dishes if you don't mind." Riza saw his lip beginning to curl. "You can dry them."

That seemed to mollify him some. Together they made short work of the dishes while Bob retired immediately to his den. They went to find him when someone knocked on the front door.

"That's probably the soldiers coming to tell us the car is free," Roy said, going for the door. He opened it to Keddrick. Both men stared at each other for a moment, shocked. "What are you doing here?"

"I was about to ask you that," Keddrick sniffed, his snobbiness back in place after his humiliation of the night before.

"I spent the night." Roy shot him a salacious smile, ignoring the unhappy sound Riza made behind him. "So, what do you want?"

"I have business to attend with Mr. Hawkeye that has nothing to do with you, Slant." Keddrick glared at him.

"Careful there, or I'll make you wet yourself again." Roy smirked and Keddrick's face went a mottled red.

"Roy! Just let him in," Riza said, glaring at him. "Uncle Bob, Keddrick Thorne's here," she added loudly.

"Come to think of it, it was Riza and her gun that actually did the deed to you last night. That's even funnier." Roy's look went positively devilish.

"You foul mouthed little..." Keddrick grabbed for Roy.

Riza got between them, shoving them both apart. "This is not a school playground. Can you two possibly act your age?"

"Is there a problem here?" Bob asked, coming into the foyer. His brown eyes were hot with annoyance

"No, Uncle. Roy was just explaining how he got stuck here because of the snow and had to spend the night in his old room," Riza said, glaring at her lover for implying anything else. "I think the plow almost has us free."

"Snow?" Keddrick asked, confused, and she wanted to hit him, too, just for assuming Roy had spent the night in her room.

"You know, the white stuff on the ground. The car got mired. How did you get here?" Roy asked, wishing his good morning hadn't been ruined.

"Horseback, which means I can't stay long. That old stable won't keep Splash of Class warm for long," Keddrick said. "But there is some business I didn't think could wait, sir." Keddrick addressed that to Bob.

"Of course, come on into the den," Bob said, beckoning him to follow.

"Sir, before Cadet Hawkeye and I head out, I did want to ask if you've come up with a price for your brother's alchemic possessions in that attic room," Roy said, determined to interfere with Keddrick.

"Yes," Bob said and quoted a high price. Keddrick's eyes gleamed maliciously at it.

Roy stroked his chin as if thinking it over. "May I use your phone?"

"Of course."

Roy placed a call to the bank and gave them his details, authorizing the transfer of money into Hawkeye's account and promising to come by to sign any necessary paperwork. He kept his eyes glued to Hawkeye and Keddrick. Bob was looking at him with a mix of disbelief and avarice. Keddrik's looks could be distilled and bottled for pure disdain. Roy read a novel of offenses in Keddrick's faces for him 'pretending' he could work within Keddrick's monetary level. "There you go, sir. I'll come by with a truck to get the stuff as soon as I can. They need to talk to you about your account information to complete the transaction." Roy held out the phone to a startled Bob.

"This has to be a joke," Keddrick sniffed, with a dismissive wave of his hand, as if he believed this to be a play staged for his benefit.

"Oh, it's no joke. Major Mustang has a very big bank account and he loves showing it off," Riza said ruefully, giving one last glare of doom knowing they were having no effect. Her uncle's look of disbelief had melted into pure greed as he hurried gave the bank what they needed. Keddrick still looked like he didn't buy into it. Riza sighed. "I need to go get my coat so we can go, sir."

"I'll run up and get it. Would you like to take your dress, too? Is it in the armoire?" Roy asked, feigning ignorance as to where her clothes were.

"Yes, thank you," she said moving closer to him. "See if you can do it without getting your tail feathers caught in the railing, you peacock."

He scowled at her but ran up anyhow. To her relief, a pride-wounded Keddrick went into the den with her uncle, leaving her alone. Roy came back with her coat and her gown draped over his arm. He leaned close and whispered, "Your jewelry is in my pocket. I'm sure you didn't want to just leave it here."

He helped her into her coat and held the front door for her. The frigid wind whipped inside and they both reluctantly stepped out into it.

"Thank you. And before we get outside where the soldiers can see." Riza slapped him on the back of the head. "That's for not controlling your pride. I can't believe you! Why don't you just announce to the world what we did." She slapped him again.

"Ow." Roy rubbed the back of his head.

"Okay, that felt good. Now if only I could slap you every time you get out of control, however, I'm not sure my hand could handle that." Riza gave him a dark look.

"I can't believe you did that," Roy whined, looking like a puppy who had been swatted for taking a leak on the rug.

"I should enlist Hughes' help in keeping you in line." Riza sighed, looking deflated. "It would help if one of us held equal rank."

He rolled his eyes. "Speaking of Hughes, I wonder if he got stuck at Avaron's."

"Trust me, not a snowflake to be seen and he still would have gotten stuck at Avaron's," Riza said wryly.

"I know he was rather hoping for that," Roy snorted, putting a steadying hand on Riza's arm "Damn, this snow is deep. Be careful."

"Hoping for?" Riza groaned. "You boys are pigs sometimes, you know that, right?"

Roy's answer was a squall as he went down on the ice. "I hate this place!"

"Maes is right. You need to get stationed back in your temperate hometown. Too hot or too cold, all you do is whine." She thrust a hand out and hauled him up. "You didn't lose my jewelry, did you?"

He felt in his pocket, finding the jewelry safe in the pocket. "No, but my pocket watch just went places it didn't need to go."

"Poor Major." She shoved him toward the passenger side of the car. He gave her a surprised look. "Junior officers are supposed to drive, you know."

Roy gave a shrug and got in the passenger seat. "Wonder what business Thorne had with your uncle that just couldn't wait?"

"I don't know, but why does the mere idea make me nervous?" She started the car.

"Because you're a wise woman."

X X X

"I thought you were never going to get off duty," Avaron said, serving Riza some tea laced with whiskey.

"I was barely on duty." Riza laughed. "Householder gave us commendations and told us to take the day off."

"Well, if you spent your evening wisely, you probably could use a little rest." Avaron beamed, tossing her legs up on the couch unceremoniously after kicking the ottoman over to Riza's chair. Why should men be the only ones allowed to put up their feet?

"Are you fishing for details?" Riza grinned, hoping for the chance to brag.

Avaron's green eyes gleamed eagerly."Right down to the color and kind of underpants. Maes' were blue boxers."

"I can not believe you just slept with someone you barely even know," Riza gave her friend the gimlet eye.

"Why not? He was fun and you didn't answer my question." Avaron pouted at her.

"I don't know...I know he had some but I don't remember what they looked like. That part went rather fast," Riza admitted, sipping her tea.

"Hell, I sure hope the rest of it didn't go fast." Avaron shot her a sympathetic look.

"No, no, that was not fast at all. That was very nice." A dreamy expression floated like summer clouds over Riza's face as she shifted on her chair. "He can be very sweet...when he's not being an arrogant ass."

"You just summed up most men, dear. So why are you here with me and not back there wearing that luscious exotic creature down to a nub?" Avaron purred.

"Because, we're back on base and we're forbidden to fraternize and since we both have roommates it makes it a little difficult...that's why last night was so important," Riza replied sadly. "I can't exactly get off base whenever I want to, let alone tell Uncle Bob that Roy needs his old room back and oh, by the way, so do I. He might be a drunk but he's not stupid."

"My parents are gone and Igrayne prefers to stay at the Academy. Take the few hours you can get off base and bring that boy here. Make sure he brings his friend," Avaron suggested, a lubricious gleam in her bright eyes.

"What are you suggesting now?" Riza's eyes widened.

"Not that! My word, you've really turned into a sex-addled soldier haven't you?" Avaron laughed. "Good for you."

"You really mean it? We could spend a little time here?" Riza didn't dare hope too much. She knew the moment she joined the military to protect Roy that if she ever wanted to spend time with him it would be on the sly, that they'd have to steal every moment together.

"I'm serious. My parents won't be back for a couple of weeks. Take advantage," Avaron encouraged. "Of course, you'll have to tell me a few little details, like just how pretty is it when it's all woken up."

Riza's lips pulled into a tight line. "I think you just say these things to be shocking."

"Speaking of shocking, last night's doings were that and more. I think I'll be able to sell an article about the hostage situation to Central papers. I'll even spell your name right...though I should probably leave out the part about Mr. Pissypants." Avaron drained her mug.

"Yes, if you plan on living in this town." Riza sighed, trying not to laugh at Keddrick's misfortune. "Well, I guess it did help relations here in town, us saving the day."

"You were magnificent," Avaron assured her. "And who knows, if these articles sell, maybe I can get a position on the paper in Central. One day I might be writing about your exploits again."

"Maybe you will at that." Riza sounded happy for her friend and if she were stationed in Central whenever Avaron got there, they'd both have so much fun.

"So," Avaron leaned in conspiratorially. "Want a few tips on things you can do with your mouth next time?"

Riza nearly drowned in whiskey-laced tea.

X X X

"You know, you're not nearly as pretty to go to bed with as Avaron," Maes said, looking across the room as he snuggled down in his bed.

Roy hesitated as he changed into his night clothes. "And you're a whole hell of a lot less likely to get lucky tonight."

"Speaking of which, Major It's Not Like That, did you mess with a bobcat on your way home last night?" Maes pushed his glasses up.

Roy glared over his shoulder. "You're just lucky that these uniforms have high collars or you'd have to explain to General Householder just how you made relations better with the townspeople." Roy nodded toward the love bite on Maes' neck.

"Wasn't her uncle in the house? You getting brave?" Maes put his glasses on the night stand.

"I alchemized an escape route should it be necessary," Roy admitted, climbing into bed.

Maes whistled lowly. "And the best I can do is to make sure I have no loose change in my pockets in case I have to dress in a hurry in the dark."

"There are advantages of alchemy." Roy snugged the blanket under his chin. "Damn, it's cold in here. At least Riza's room had a fireplace."

"Not to mention a hot body to curl up with...I'm still not going to curl up with you," Maes said, wagging a finger.

"You just stay on your side of the room, freak." Roy pouted. "Now I'm all spoiled. I want my fireplace and my beautiful girl in the lacy silk nightie. You wouldn't look nearly as good in it."

"Frighteningly enough, you might. You have the legs for it," Maes replied, waggling his eyebrows.

"That's it, I'm alchemizing a wall between us," Roy groaned, rolling onto his side so he could look at Maes. "You're scaring the hell out of me."

"Like you and Riza scared it out of Thorne last night?" Maes laughed.

"I'm not likely to wet myself," Roy said, amusement creeping into his voice at the remembrance of Thorne's embarrassment. "Thorne showed up at the house this morning."

Maes went serious. "And how much of an ass did you make of yourself?"

"Riza hit me twice," Roy admitted.

Maes slapped a hand to his forehead. "That much? That has to be a record."

"I just wish I knew what Thorne wanted with Hawkeye that he had to come out on such a bad morning. Business could have been done over the phone," Roy said, rubbing his chin.

"Thorne probably heard Householder telling you to take Riza home. He probably didn't go there to talk to Bob. He wanted to catch Riza alone and instead found an exotic rooster in the hen house." Maes chuckled. "That had to be a blow."

"Yeah...I don't like this, Maes. Something's wrong, I can feel it," Roy fretted.

"We're sleeping alone while your rich, handsome, cowardly competition is free to move about and do as he wishes, yes, that's wrong," Maes replied.

"More wrong than that." Roy scowled. "I don't know what yet but something is wrong."

"Nothing you can do about it now. Talk to Riza tomorrow if you're that worried. Have her talk to Avaron. That girl knows everyone's business. She can keep an eye on Keddrick when we can't," Maes suggested.

Roy made a noise in his throat. "Good idea, Maes." Roy only wished it was that simple. Somehow he suspected it wouldn't be.