Originally Published: March 18, 2021

Last Edited: April 5, 2022

A/N: I'm struggling with writer's block. Thankfully I have a few buffer chapters, so the publishing won't stop (I'm currently writing chapter 19). That being said, I've been reviewing old chapters and editing them. Nothing content wise has been changed, but good golly gosh, Chapter 3 was horrible from an editing perspective! XD

As always, thank you for the reviews and the new follows and favorites.

Chapter 10

Wine

Saturday, September 14, 1918

The front door snapped closed as Chris stepped into the crowded kitchen with Roy, Vanessa, and Madeline. Roy turned to face his aunt, anxiety spiking in his blood as he met her cool gaze. "Did you have to...?"

She folded her arms under her generous bosom, scowling at him darkly. "Yes, I did. Was it consensual? She didn't answer the question."

He shifted uncomfortably, crossing his arms as his mind raced through the events in the bedroom. Madeline grabbed a washcloth, wetting it under the faucet as he tried to explain, "When I... When I asked, she brought up a condom. I didn't have one, so I went with oral. She didn't- say yes, but she kissed back. And she didn't tell me to stop. After..." he felt his cheeks heat, glancing around the three women.

Madeline wrung out the washcloth and turned off the sink, passing it over to him. "There. You still have some... right here," she rubbed the edge of her lip.

The heat in his cheeks spread to his chest and ears, burning his skin as he accepted it, cleaning off the evidence. "You were saying," Chris prodded, her navy gaze sharp as she watched him.

He swallowed, bunching up the cloth in his hand. "I'm not comfortable talking about this," he informed them flatly, his attention on his aunt.

"I don't care. I'm watching out for Riza," she answered just as bluntly.

His jaw tightened as he stepped past the emotion of it, "After she climaxed, she asked me to fuck her- not in those words but that's what she meant. I told her no, and that's when you knocked on the door."

"You denied her? Again?" Vanessa demanded, stormy eyes wide in incredulity.

"No! We had already established I didn't have condoms. She knew that and she'll know that's why I said no."

"Sounds like you need to buy some," Madeline added under her breath.

"Fine. I'll go shopping. I need to go buy groceries and dog food anyways," he replied testily.

"Roy," Chris interrupted, blocking his way from the kitchen. He met her gaze as it softened, her aging face tilting slightly. "She could still say no. This sounds like a heat of the moment event and she was pretty unhinged when I tried talking to her about it."

He took a steadying breath, squeezing the washcloth in his hand tighter, moisture clinging to his skin. "I know."

Roy stared out the window at the proper deluge outside. After his conversation with his aunt and the girls, it was nice to have the place to himself, but the house felt empty without her.

Hayate was curled up in front of the fireplace in the other room, snoozing away as Roy leaned on the windowsill, fingers drumming on the ledge. She'd been gone for hours, Roy left silently battling the fear she wouldn't come back. That he'd chased her away. That he'd gone too fast, too soon.

His only comfort in that was Riza would come back. Even if it was just to take Hayate away and give Roy a well deserved slap to the face. She promised to watch his back and get him to Fuhrer.

Riza Hawkeye didn't break promises.

Still, it was getting late, the sky was growing dark from more than just the heavy rain. He groaned, pushing off the windowsill, forcing his steps into the kitchen. He rifled through the pantry, freshly stocked with groceries. The least he could do was have food ready if- when she did come back.

He began peeling some potatoes and carrots, taking his frustration out on the produce as time seemed to drag on. She'd appreciate a home cooked meal, and with Roy's limited cooking knowledge and the poor weather outside, stew seemed the best choice.

Roy was turning the burner on under the assembled concoction as a hesitant rap came from the door. Before Hayate could even lift his head from his paws, Roy had bolted, bare feet thudding on the hardwood floor. He yanked the door open, instantly taking in the sight of Riza, drenched from the rain, carrying a large duffle bag.

"Sir," she greeted weakly.

"Ri," he exhaled, grabbing her shoulders and pulling her into the house and into his arms. She was shivering, water soaking into his own shirt instantly. She initially sighed in relief, leaning into him; but almost instantly she stiffened, pulling out of his arms harshly. She shot him a glare, grabbing the door and snapping it closed.

"If we're going to do this, we have to be careful." She stalked past him, leaving a trail of water in her wake as Hayate approached her, barking in greeting. "Hey, boy," she returned wearily. "Can I use your shower, Sir? Not that I need it, but I'd like to warm up."

"'If we're going to'..." his mind was stuttering on her words. Finally processing further, he focused on her. Her head turned to look over her shoulder at him, whiskey eyes tired and no-nonsenses. "Of course. I'm making some stew, that should help too."

"Thank you, Sir," she murmured, steps turning towards the stairs. His eyes focused on her duffle, his feet springing to action.

"Let me," he prompted, taking the bag from her hand as he inserted himself to her left. "There's plenty of room in the dresser and closet. Please, make yourself at home," he urged her into his room, taking her bag to the foot of his bed, dropping it off.

"Sir," she sighed, following him and grabbing the duffle. "If anyone finds out I'm staying here, my things should be in the guest room," she explained wearily, leaving the room to cross the hall.

He followed her, feeling a little lost as he stopped in her doorway. "But you said... Are we...?"

She opened her bag, pulling out some toiletries and a silky, champagne colored piece of cloth he couldn't identify. "We'll talk about it after I shower. There are things we need to clear up and I have- conditions."

"Riza," he received another glare from her before she slipped her way past him, the bathroom door snapping shut behind her. He caught the audible click of the lock latching, the sound causing him to grimace. Did she not trust him to leave her be as she showered?

Maybe she didn't. He hadn't exactly respected her boundaries that morning. Exhaling heavily, he trudged back downstairs, returning to the stew. He worked his way through the motions as the shower began running upstairs. Hayate was sniffing the pools of water from his mistress, quietly lapping up the mess. At least he wouldn't have to mop.

His mind began working through what she had left him with. Conditions. It wasn't a no, that was good. It might not be all he'd hoped for... granted, what he hoped for was an impossible marriage and happily ever after as Fuhrer and First Lady.

He scoffed at the thought, grabbing a pair of bowls and spoons for them to use. He looked at the bubbling pot, stomach suddenly dropping as he panicked. He should offer more than stew. There should be a side and some bread. Flowers, candlelight, beef wellington, wine, asparagus, hors d'oeuvres, romantic music, fancily folded napkins!

There was stew and bar seating.

He urged himself to the corner of the living room, passing Hayate who had taken his spot in front of the fire again. A cabinet tucked into the corner encased a radio Fuery had gifted him for Winter Solstice a few years back. It had been collecting dust in storage, but what better time to make sure it was still working? Within a few moments, the radio static broke as the frequency honed in on a jazzy little number, the music filling the space warmly. He turned it down so it was just floating in the background, satisfied with the mood it provided.

Candles? He had the fireplace- and Hayate! What was more welcoming than a dog? Roy rushed to the linen closet under the stairs, pulling out an old throw blanket Madeline had washed before bringing over. A pair of pillows caught his eye and he snatched those as well. He spread the blanket across the floor, Hayate cracking an eye to watch him work as he placed the two pillows a comfortable sitting distance apart.

Running through a mental checklist, he cursed softly at his lack of foresight. He should have stopped by a florist while he'd been out. That was fine. This was fine.

He stealthily rushed his way upstairs and into his room, stripping hastily from his casual sweats. Picnic in the living room. He dug through his closet, pulling out a maroon button up and black slacks, changing in a rush. Tucking in his shirt, his eyes caught onto his nightstand, a lump forming in his throat. Maybe. He opened the drawer and pulled out a little square of plastic, shoving it into his pants pocket.

The water shut off, the pipes trembling briefly with the change. Gritting his teeth, he tiptoed his way out of his room and back downstairs, moving straight for the kitchen.

Wine. He had wine. He opened the liquor cabinet, looking at the zinfandel before spinning to the fridge instead, looking between the rosé and riesling. Wine with stew? What the hell was he thinking?! Roy shrugged and grabbed the rosé. He vaguely remembered seeing Riza drink some rosé at a Military Ball a few years back. He screwed an opener into the cork, but didn't pull it out yet.

He moved to the pantry, pulling out a baguette. He wasn't useless after all. Wrapping the loaf in aluminum foil, he opened the stove, placing the bread on the rack. Instead of doing the lame man's heating, he grabbed a lighter, clapping his hands before flicking the flint. The burst of flame filled the open stove before puffing out just as quickly as it had started. He carefully grabbed the wrapped bread, foil warm but not hot. He peeled the foil back enough to see fresh steam coming from the loaf. Satisfied, he quickly wrapped it up again.

"What are you doing?"

Roy nearly jumped out of his skin with Riza's voice. He spun to face her, baguette in hand. Her hair was wet, dripping small trails onto her champagne colored robe. The silk left her curves very defined, tied snuggly around her figure. A plunging neckline, three quarters sleeve, and length that only just went past her knees left a lot of skin visible, especially compared to her work uniform. His brain about exploded as he noticed her erect nipples poking through the clinging fabric.

Eye contact, he reminded himself, meeting those doe brown eyes. "Finishing dinner," he answered simply, trying a smile.

She glanced over him, uncertainty in her gaze. "I thought you made stew."

"I did. I was just heating up some bread," he waved the baguette for her demonstratively.

"I saw the set up in the living room."

"I thought you'd want to eat near the fire, since you were cold." Right! That made a lot more sense than candlelight.

"You changed."

He shrugged, "My clothes got wet when I hugged you."

Her eyes flicked towards the bottle on the counter, "And wine? With stew?" He had nothing and she knew it. A slight tinge of pink colored her cheeks as she asked, "Would you like me to get dressed for our date, Sir?"

He took it as permission to check out that gorgeous robe of hers, heat threatening to rush to his crotch. "I rather like what you have on," her blush deepened, Roy noting a slight sparkle to her eyes. "But you're welcome to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. I like whatever you wear." Or don't.

"I'm going to keep Hayate company. Will it be much longer?"

"Not at all," he promised. She turned, stepping from the kitchen and into the living room. His eyes flicked down to watch her hips and thighs, the slight bob to her walk telling him she was aroused. Damn Chris and her extensive lessons on women's body language. He was trying to be a gentleman.

He forced himself to focus on the food. He began slicing the bread, giving them a basket before he began serving the stew into the prepared bowls.

He grabbed some wine glasses, the bottle, and the bread first, taking them out to her with careful steps. She'd sat on the further pillow, legs crossed and tucked around the edge of the makeshift cushion as she scratched Hayate behind the ears.

"Comfortable?" he asked, placing their things down.

"Enough. May I pour the wine?"

"Please do. I'll be right back," he promised, rushing back to the kitchen. He returned with their bowls and spoons, sitting down carefully so as not to spill.

Riza held the wine firmly by the base of the neck, easing the cork out. A satisfying pop came as she freed it, pouring the pink liquid into the two glasses. "This reminds me of something we would have done as kids," she murmured, setting the bottle aside.

"Plus the wine," he smirked, placing her bowl and spoon next to her thinly covered thigh.

"You always did have flare," she shrugged, taking a sip of hers as she passed Roy his glass. "Thank you. I didn't know I needed this."

"It's just stew."

"On a blanket in your living room. You even dressed up and pulled out the wine," her expression deflated as she shifted to her bowl, blowing delicately on the creamy meat and potatoes.

"What is it? And don't say 'nothing', please. I want this to be an open conversation."

She sighed, not even trying the stew as she returned the spoon to her bowl, placing it to the side. She lifted a hand to dig through her wet locks, parsing her hair with her fingers. "I was out there for hours, and every place I went to almost immediately told me they didn't have any apartments. Two places took a look at my uniform and told me quite rudely to get off their property. I don't think there's a place in East City available. When I went to pick up the car at Headquarters, I even checked the dorm registry. There's only five openings, and with Hayate, that really isn't a choice. It might be my only option, though."

"You can live here. If it'll make you feel better, we can even work out some rent and utilities, but honestly, you don't need to. I'm on a General's salary now and this is a very small house."

"Two beds, one and a half baths? It's hardly a house. It's spacious though. You need new furniture."

He gave her a peculiar look, "What's wrong with my furniture?"

"Well, you could use a kitchen table, for one. Your front room is empty and you really need to switch out that couch."

Roy's brow furrowed as he looked back at said couch, sitting innocently against the wall. "What's wrong with my couch?" She didn't reply, grabbing her bowl and finally starting to eat. Amused, he tried again, "What's wrong with my couch?"

"I don't like it," she said around a mouthful of stew, shrugging as she grabbed a piece of bread. Now she had started eating, she made it look like quite a sport, not leaving her mouth empty for longer than she had to between swallows. Roy felt a chill as he recognized the behavior: She'd missed a few meals. He recalled seeing her eat on the train ride yesterday, but since then...?

"Why don't you like my couch? It's rather comfortable," he reminded, picking up his own bowl and trying a spoonful. The potatoes were still a little firm, making him glad he'd left the rest to simmer.

She swallowed a mouthful of bread with apparent difficulty, focusing on her bowl, "Bad memories. The couch is fine, but- well, you sort of abandoned me on it."

As she continued to eat, Roy looked back to the couch, ice creeping through his chest as his stomach dropped, apatite dissolving like ash in his mouth. He silently vowed to drag it out back as soon as it stopped raining and set the thing on fire. Riza didn't need that kind of reminder and he didn't want that night still standing between them.

"Alright. New couch, kitchen table, any suggestions for the front room?" he asked, hoping to change the topic from the bitter memories.

She used a piece of bread to clean out the bottom of her bowl, looking thoughtful as she chewed, setting the dish down on the blanket. "Armchairs and bookshelves? Put your alchemy stuff in there. This room could actually use two couches and a coffee table."

"How about you just furnish it, and I pay?" he shrugged, grabbing his wine and taking a sip. The cool liquid stung slightly, but had a pleasant flavor to it.

"That's something a wife would do," she murmured, taking her own wine and tasting it.

"I thought I made that clear this morning. I can say it more directly," he caught her blush as she took a larger gulp of her wine, the alcohol coloring her cheeks further. He leaned towards her, balancing himself with a hand between them. "I want to marry you, Riza."

"How?" her whiskey eyes locked onto his, wide and desperate. "I won't leave the Military until you're Fuhrer and I won't let you leave either. We've gone too far, we've done too much."

"The current Fuhrer wants us married. We'll go to him."

"Go to him?" Her voice lowered, her eyes narrowing. "We can't. Don't you see? You've already made enemies by climbing the ranks so quickly. If Grumman were to make an exception for our relationship, it would undermine all three of us. The Military Council would take away his power and influence because of his blatant favoritism. Your position in the Military would be questioned and you'd likely be demoted, at least to Brigadier General, if not back to Colonel. And I'd be viewed as an abuser of power, influencing my grandfather and Commanding Officer because of my close connections with both of you."

She shook her head vehemently, her words sinking in as true. He grimaced, fist forming and bunching up the blanket underneath them. "Then we get married in secret, or wait until I am Fuhrer, and I can marry whomever I damn well please."

"Roy," she sighed, shoulders visibly sagging. "There are consequences for taking this path. What if someone finds out I'm living here? What if one of us dies? After the Promised Day..." her voice cracked and she shook her head again, clearly troubled.

"Riza," he broached gently, reaching forward and taking her hand. "Your entire life you've been putting others before yourself, pushing back your needs and wants because it was 'inconvenient' or 'undesirable'. You've resented the gifts given to you by friends and your grandfather because you felt you didn't deserve them.

"We have had close calls and tragic events like Ishval and the Promised Day. We'll keep having them as we keep fighting to better Amestris. Can't I, please, give you some happiness in life? Before we run out of time."

Her eyes flickered down to their joined hands, swiftly returning to his gaze. There was hesitance and caution in those hazel orbs, her lips parted slightly, her cheeks rosy. "Roy, I don't... It's so much."

He tenderly lifted his free hand to brush her cheek, treasuring the soft feel of her skin. "We'll be careful. Damn the consequences, we'll do our best to avoid them and cherish the time we get together. Riza, I love you. I've loved you for years."

She looked down, pulling her hand from his just to move the glasses and bowls between them. She scooted herself and her pillow nearer, her head settling against his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her frame, pulling her closer there on the living room floor.

"I don't see how we could get married. But- at the risk of becoming a hypocrite, I'll be your lover, Roy. If you swear to me that your playboy persona is really just a cover like your aunt claims."

He started slightly, looking down at her, "She told you?"

"Right before I left," she nodded, honey eyes lifting to meet his, her cheek still pressed against his shoulder. "Is it true? You- really don't sleep around?"

He exhaled a breathy laugh, his arms wrapping tightly around her. He buried his face against her neck, allowing himself to deeply inhale her fresh, soapy scent. "I'm so glad she told you. She made me swear to keep it from you. Yes, I don't sleep around. The only times I did were years ago and it always felt like I was cheating on you."

"Sort of hard to cheat when we weren't together," she pointed out ruefully, Roy grimacing at the obvious pain behind it. "How- long ago?"

He sighed against her neck, regretting the confession, but she deserved to know, "Eight or nine years ago. I was at a really low point. I thought this- us- wouldn't ever happen. It wasn't worth it. Please don't dwell on it."

A silence blanketed over them, Riza not relaxing. Roy sensed her desire to speak, rubbing her side warmly, "What is it?"

"Was one of them Vanessa?"

He pulled back, meeting her whiskey gaze, a soberness to her face. He moved to cup both of her cheeks, holding her eyes intently. "The girls are like sisters to me. I haven't slept with any of them- including Vanessa." She broke his gaze, staring at his abdomen evasively. "'Kay?"

Her arms wrapped around him as she nuzzled his shoulder, her body finally relaxing. Coiling his arms around her, he buried his face against her neck again, this time catching her unique gunpowder and lavender scent. Without thought, his mouth pressed against her neck, the slight seam of her scar tickling his sensitive lips. He dipped his mouth lower, finding her collar bone he softly bit her ivory skin, sucking gently.

She gasped, knees raising as she clutched to him. "Roy, you haven't eaten," she rushed.

His brow furrowed as he pulled back from her. Her face was flushed, knees squeezed together as her breasts rose and fell shallowly. "Are you trying to divert me?"

She clambered from his arms, grabbing her bowl and mostly empty glass. She stood, hips swaying as her bare feet smacked quickly across the wood floor, disappearing into the kitchen.

"Ri!" he scrambled to his feet after her. He found her serving herself seconds, her expression worn. The sight instantly derailed him from his pursuit, concern flooding him. "You missed a few meals."

Her shoulders tightened, her voice defensive, "Not intentionally. With the apartment debacle and argument with Rebecca I forgot to eat last night. And with Chris here this morning after we... I had to get out. I've hardly had time to think today, let alone eat."

He moved up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. She sighed with the contact, leaning back against his chest. "I feel like it's foreboding, with your aunt and the ladies already knowing we're... We haven't even slept together yet."

"Well, technically we have," he teased, kissing her cheek. "Multiple times, if I might add."

"You know what I mean," she began spooning stew into her mouth, less desperate this time around. "Get off, Roy. You need to eat too."

"I'd rather hold you. I've had plenty of meals, and not enough of you," he lowered a hand, running it across her abdomen towards her pelvis.

She jerked out of his arms, shooting him a glare. "Not tonight. I'm exhausted."

He had to bundle up a flash of frustration with her announcement. That morning had already bordered on non-consensual and he wasn't going to push that line again. He raised his hands innocently, turning and moving back into the living room.

Hayate watched him with a strange light to his eyes- like he was glaring at Roy too. "What?" Roy feigned innocence as he bent down, picking up his bowl and glass. "I didn't do anything to you."

"Have you fed him?" Riza called from the other room.

Shit. "Not yet," Roy confessed.

"That's probably why. I'll let you do that so he forgives you," she chuckled as the sound of the kitchen tap running reached his ears.

Sighing, Roy clicked his tongue, urging Hayate to follow. He obediently climbed to his feet, his tail betraying a single wag. As they entered the kitchen, Roy took in Riza leaning on her elbows, hands in the dishwater. Setting aside his things, he joined her beside the sink to get a good look at her. There were bags under her eyes, the light to her irises dimmed by weariness.

He wrapped an arm around her, squeezing her waist lightly. "Go to bed, I'll clean up."

Her attention shifted to him, a tired sigh escaping her. "You'll eat, right?"

He traced a kiss on the edge of her mouth, "Yes. Now sleep."

Her wet hands slipped out of the water, grabbing onto the front of his shirt. She initially pulled him in for a kiss, just to lean her weight against him, pushing him back against the counter. He was far too aware of her silk covered curves flush against his frame. Her kiss was almost languid, her tongue slowly running across the seam of his lips. He opened his mouth to her, pressing back against her as he grabbed her waist, unable to resist making his arousal known.

It suddenly hit him that this was the first time she'd really initiated, his mind buzzing with the implications. His hands naturally slid down the curve of her hips to her thighs. Dear god, she wasn't wearing underwear. Desperate to know more, one of his hands slid up her side to the edge of her breast.

Fuck.

He broke the kiss, flames rushing through his veins. "You're naked!"

She blinked, cheeks red. "What? No I'm not?"

"I mean..." his eyes flicked down to her robe, heart thundering in his chest. "Under your robe. You're not wearing anything."

"I just showered," she shrugged, trying to pull away from him. He caught her damp wrist, pulling her back as he met her half way. His hands found her hips, the edge of his mouth twitching upwards as he felt her warmth against his crotch again.

"You came down here just wearing this, and you're too tired for sex?" he cocked an eyebrow, his fingers finding the tie around her waist, slipping between the ribbon and her robe.

She blushed, shifting uncomfortably. "Roy, please. I'm- we've done a lot already today. I need to slow down a little."

"Was it the marriage discussion? Am I scaring you?"

"I'm a virgin," tumbled from her mouth, "I'm not- I'm not ready. I am tired- and intimidated," her eyes glanced down towards his waist. He took a hasty step back, letting a space grow between them. Her eyes flashed back to his, her jaw setting, "I thought I was ready, but... I just want to sleep. Sorry," she barely breathed her apology.

He shook his head, "No. I- I should have thought... I'm glad you said something." She nodded jerkily, hugging herself. "You should go lay down. I'll take care of everything down here. Get some rest," he offered, making sure his voice was gentle.

"Can I... your bed?"

"I'd love to have you," he answered, a bit stunned she was taking that initiative, especially after what had just happened.

She gave him a weak smile, "I'll see you in a few minutes," she whispered, taking a step backwards before turning and leaving him and Hayate in the kitchen. He met Hayate's black gaze, exhaling slowly as he felt himself come down.

"Right. We need to eat."

Hayate gave a quiet yip in response.

Roy moved to the pantry, pulling out the bag of kibble and filling Hayate's bowl. Hayate's appreciative bark helped Roy relax as he grabbed his own bowl, forcing himself to eat the now cold, undercooked meal in silence with his companion.

So, Riza was a virgin. He hadn't ever really considered it before, but with the confession, it made sense. Her governess and father had both been stringent in encouraging modesty, Roy remembering his disappointment when Riza had traded all of her miniskirts with longer ones the further she had physically developed during puberty. Besides outside influences, he'd never known her to date, never seen her show interest or gossip about men. Whenever Catalina, or even occasionally Ross, had brought up the subject in the office, Riza had deflected casually.

But then a third factor came to mind. He felt dread bubble in his stomach with his unsatisfying meal, his spoon stilling in his hand. Riza likely didn't trust anyone with her body because of her back. The scar, the tattoo, the implications of their relationship. When he and Hughes had chased Kimblee away, that had been her first concern- her only one.

He set his jaw as he began cleaning up with a bit of haste. Putting away leftovers and cleaning dishes. Unplugging the sink, he moved to the living room, Hayate following him with a slight whimper.

Roy paused, looking down at the dog in confusion. "What?"

Hayate gave a little yip, his paws padding over to the back door. "You want to go out? It's raining."

Hayate whined, scratching at the door impatiently. Roy sighed, moving over to open the door. Hayate bolted out into the fenced back yard, clearing the porch before doing a squat.

"Oh," Roy looked away, leaving the door open for Hayate to come back in when he was done with his business. He moved over to the radio, shutting off the music before he gathered the pillows, returning them to the linens closet.

Hayate's return came with a swift shaking and jingling of his collar. Roy turned to find quite a puddle near the door and Hayate circling the blanket in the middle of the floor, curling up right in the center.

"Are you going to clean that?" Roy asked, Hayate meeting his gaze with wide eyes. "You cleaned up Riza's puddles." Hayate didn't move, his head still erect.

Roy moved over to the door, closing it before looking back at Hayate, who was still watching him. He had a nagging feeling that- in that moment- Hayate was sizing him up. Riza was clearly the alpha, but where did Hayate and Roy fall in the line? Who was beta? Who was gamma? Why the question was coming now likely had to do with Riza's previous deference to Roy at work. But here, in private, Roy had displayed the opposite.

He frowned, deciding how to best demonstrate that he wasn't beta or gamma. He was alpha. Riza was his mate. They were equals and Hayate should show both of them respect.

Roy crossed over to the blanket and Hayate. As he stepped onto the blanket, Hayate's ears folded back, growing. The sound was low and quiet, testing to see if Roy would back down. He didn't. Instead, he stepped closer, staring the dog down with a firm gaze.

"Lieutenant," Roy growled back, Hayate's ears fidgeting as his own growl silenced. "Heel," he commanded, unwavering. Hayate didn't move beyond a slight nose twitch. Their staring contest continued, Roy narrowing his eyes, growling wordlessly in the back of his throat.

One, two, three heartbeats, and Hayate rose, moving beside Roy's left foot. Roy didn't show his relief as he calmly moved forward, not looking down at Hayate as he did. The slight jingle of his collar and padding of paws told him what he needed to know as Hayate stayed at heel.

Roy rounded the living room widely, making his way back to the door and Hayate's puddle. He stopped, Hayate's steps stopping with him. Looking down at his follower, pointing down at the puddle. "Clean."

Hayate tilted his head, looking questioningly at Roy's finger, then the floor. He whined quietly, looking back up at Roy. "Clean," Roy repeated, his tone gentling slightly.

Hayate stepped forward, hesitantly beginning to lick up his mess. After a few seconds, Roy straightened, slowly turning and stepping towards the blanket. Hayate whined behind him, Roy turning back and pointing at the puddle again. "Clean," he repeated, Hayate quick to obey.

Roy picked up the blanket from the ground, folding it twice before moving towards the fireplace, carefully laying the folded blanket a safe distance from the flames. Checking back on Hayate, he found the puddle gone, Hayate sitting with a questioning look.

Roy moved to one knee, patting the blanket gently, "Bed."

Hayate sprung forward, tail wagging as he climbed back onto the blanket, circling once before settling down. Roy moved to scratch behind his ears, murmuring a quiet, "Good boy. Sleep well."

Hayate lowered his head to his paws, eyes closing. Roy stood, turning off lights on his way to the stairs, glancing back to make sure his Lieutenant was still where he'd left him, illuminated by the fire light.

Smiling softly, he finally climbed the stairs, feet feeling heavy as he quietly stepped into the master bedroom. The light was already off, and as he stepped in, reaching back for the hall light switch, he hesitated.

Riza's silhouette lay with her back to him, damp blonde hair spread across her pillow and shoulders rising and falling gently. He'd known she was tired, but he'd hoped she'd be awake.

Glancing back at the hall light, he pulled his hand back from the switch, leaving it on. He edged the door mostly closed, leaving a crack for light to come in, keeping the dark at bay and the blindness from returning.

Unbuttoning his shirt, he stepped over to the dresser, trying to be quiet as he pulled out his flannels and started to change. Reaching into his pockets, he was reminded of his impromptu change earlier, the pockets empty except for the plastic crinkling on his right. He pulled out the square, staring at the condom.

"Roy?"

He instinctively tucked the plastic into his palm, turning to see Riza with her head lifted up from the pillows. "Hey. I'll just be a second," he reassured, turning his back on her as he hastily began to strip to just his boxers.

The patter of rain on the window sent a chill up his spine as exposed himself, swiftly determining it was a night to wear a shirt. Pulling his pants on, he slipped the condom into the new pocket, his heartbeat rising to his throat.

Grabbing a random shirt from the drawer, he pulled it over his head as he walked over to the bed. He burrowed under the sheets, not satisfied until he had an arm around Riza's waist, his eyes level with her shoulder blades.

With his touch, she sighed in a rush, her muscles visibly relaxing as she curled back against him. "Did you eat?" she mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

He gently ran his fingers down the back of her hairline, exposing her neck and giving her a kiss. Pulling away, his hand traced down her back, finding the raised skin of her scar underneath her robe. "Yes, and I let Hayate out for the bathroom."

"And the dishes?"

He smirked, kissing her neck again, "I did those too. Since you're asking questions, I think I'll ask one." She hummed in response, Roy hesitating, wondering just how awake she really was. He bit the bullet anyways, his focus moving to the feel of her scar. "Have you not slept around because of this? Your scar?"

She didn't respond for a long moment, Roy wondering if she had fallen asleep again. When she spoke, her voice was low but clear, "I haven't because I don't feel this way about anyone else."

She rolled over in his arms, shifting to be level with his face, her eyes reflecting the hallway light in the dark. She tucked an arm under her head, holding his gaze steadily. "I struggle with anyone touching me. Rebecca, you're aunt, my grandfather. It's probably because of- because of my father. For a long time, the only touches I received were painful.

"And then there was-" she cut off, inhaling sharply. She swallowed hard before trying again. "There's been other bad experiences, just to reinforce that discomfort. Pride. Kimblee. The Promised Day. I don't- I don't want anyone else touching me. Just- just you."

He ran his hand up her back, finding her scar yet again. "This hurt, though. I heard you scream. I watched you cry."

"I wanted it, though. Not that I'm a masochist, but- it's my favorite part of my back."

"But you hide it- just like when you started wearing your hair down to hide this," he moved a hand to her neck, brushing her scar with two fingers. She tensed with the touch, pulling her head back from his fingers.

"I hide the tattoo, not the burn scar," she emphasized. "And this-" she lifted her own hand to her neck, "When you look at it like that, I just see the horror in your eyes. It unnerves me. I hide it from others because when they look at it, it feels like a pack of wolves considering whether they'll rip out my throat or not."

He glanced back down at her neck, carnal desire suddenly growing in his chest. He met her eyes again, lips parting, "Can I try something?"

She held his eyes for a long moment, her gaze calculating and breath shallow. She nodded once, exhaling slowly.

He gently grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand away from her neck as he drew closer. He nudged her chin up with his nose, hovering his lips above her throat. The barest touch of his lips against her skin encouraged his erection, his flannels feeling tight.

After a prolonged moment, he ran his tongue up her throat. From the hollow of her neck he slowly inched up to just under her chin. Her breath caught, her body twitching once in his arms as he did so. Finishing his path, he ducked back down, purposely breathing on her wet flesh before carefully catching her throat with his teeth, dragging them across her skin.

Dipping his head, he delicately bit the base of her neck, giving her a gentle suck. A gasp escaped her throat, her body rigid in his arms.

He inhaled slowly, shifting his lips again, sucking and pressing kisses along more of her neck. After a few more, he pulled away, opening his eyes slowly, he examined the darkening red marks before lifting his gaze to meet hers, her eyes half lidded.

"How was that?" he breathed, squeezing her middle comfortingly.

"It was... No hickeys above my turtleneck, Roy," she evaded, rolling in his arms, turning her back to him again, the new position nestling her rear against his crotch.

He nuzzled the back of her neck, kissing it softly. "Alright, but how was it?"

"I- Roy," she sighed exasperatedly.

He pulled her hip more firmly against him, making sure she knew he was aroused. He then slipped his hand to her pelvis, edging the bottom of her robe open, fingers caressing her triangle. She exhaled in a huff, her breath coming shorter as he slipped his fingers into her folds, not surprised to feel how wet she was.

"Did you like it? Is that what got you wet?"

She moaned softly, her head tilting back against his, damp hair pressing against his cheek.

Lifting his head off the pillow, he brushed her ear with his lips, softly asking, "Can I make you come again? I don't need anything, I just want to please you."

"Roy," she breathed, her rear thrusting against his length tauntingly. He shifted his fingers to her slit, gently pressing two in. Her breasts heaved with shallow, heavy breaths. He shifted his free hand under her to fondle one, squeezing her mound greedily as he began finger fucking her. She mewled weakly, her hips beginning a rhythm against him, her head tossing.

"Shit, Ri. Tell me you like it. I love it. Your juices. Your pussy. Your tits. Oh, fuck."

"Such... oh, such crass language," she whimpered, her expression twitching with displeasure while at the same time her upper leg hooked over his, giving his hand more access.

"I can stop if you'd like."

"No," she whined. "No, don't. I'm gonna..." she moaned, her hands joining his, one at her breast, the other between her legs.

"Are you close, love? Are you enjoying yourself?" She began panting heavily, each exhale coming with a new moan, each moan rising slightly in pitch.

He watched in awe, his mind obsessed with each sound she made. He met her thrusts with his own, inhaling sharply with the friction on his length. Her breath suddenly stopped, a squeak coming from her throat as her body began to quiver in climax. Satisfaction burned in his chest as she writhed slightly in his arms, her skin burning against his.

As she began to breathe again, each exhale came with a weak exclamation of his name. He gently pulled his fingers from her, her body trembling with each breath. Reverently, he edged her robe closed again, shifting both of his hands to her abdomen, squeezing her against him as his cock twitched. He resisted the urge to roll her over and take her. He could wait.

He had to.

Breath slowing, she reached over her shoulder, her hand brushing his jaw lightly before letting it collapse back to the bed in front of her. He nuzzled her neck, feeling her body relax.

"Yes, Roy, I enjoyed myself," she relented, her voice quiet. "But if I was tired before, I'm exhausted now."

"I won't apologize," he grinned, kissing her neck before pulling away from her wet hair yet again. "I am deeply satisfied with my accomplishment."

She gave a short snort, twisting in his arms again, laying on her back. "Maybe you should be. I haven't been able to get myself off for a few months now. Here you are, doing it twice in the same day."

His brows furrowed with that confession as he propped himself up on one elbow, looking down at her properly. "Months? Have you just been overworked? I can..."

She cut him off by running a hand behind his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. He grunted in surprise, instinctively returning it. He ran his hand up her torso, brushing her breast on his way to cradling her neck. Her tongue entwined with his, a gentle moan coming from the back of her throat.

He broke their lips apart, their shallow breaths mingling as he loitered over her mouth. Opening his eyes, he found her already staring up at him, a light in her eyes as her mouth twitched with a smile.

"Don't worry about it, Roy. I don't think it'll be a problem anymore."

He swallowed with her words, a subtle fire burning in his veins as he held her gaze, desire mixing with admiration. "Ri..." he trailed off, looking down at her lips again.

She ran a thumb across his jaw, smiling softly up at him. "I need sleep," she whispered.

He inhaled, dipping down to give her one more slow, soft kiss. "Goodnight," he breathed, pulling away to settle back down on the bed. She rolled to face him, her eyes heavy with warmth and fatigue.

"Goodnight- Roy," she murmured, her eyes sliding shut. Her breath slowed and deepened within moments, the muscles in her face relaxing as sleep claimed her like a thief in the night.

He licked his lips, fascinated by his luck as he settled into his pillow more.

She hadn't run away.