Originally Published: April 22, 2021
Last Edited: April 5, 2022
A/N: Thank you all for reading! I appreciate all the support!
Fair warning, I may have to put this story on hiatus. I'm still stuck on the same part of the story that I've been stuck on for nearly two months now, and not for lack of trying. It feels like I'm slamming my face against a brick wall and making negative progress, if anything. (Last week I loved chapters 16 and 17, and this week I want to obliterate them.)
If I do have to go on hiatus, I'm going to write some fluff. A Royai crossover with a Disney fairytale love story. The longest I'd allow that story to be is probably a 5 parter, then I'd come back and see if I can make any further progress on this story.
*Exhales heavily* That being said, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 15
Communiqués
Thursday, September 19, 1918
Riza's bangs fell over her left eye, obscuring the visual distortion of her non-dominant eye as she focused on her scope. Smoothly pulling back the bolt handle, she loaded the chamber, releasing it as it snapped into place. Already aimed, she pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The recoil of the rifle kicked against her shoulder, making her whole body jerk familiarly.
Roy shoved her against the kitchen counter, their mouths locked as he pulled her pajama top open, his hips grinding against hers heatedly.
Riza didn't pause to confirm her hit, shifting her barrel infinitesimally as she aimed for the next target. Smoothly pulling the bolt back, she cocked the rifle again. Another bang. Another kick from the gun.
His arms coiled around her hips from behind, pulling her rear flush with his erection. His hand pushed into her pants, caressing her womanhood as he playfully nipped at her ear.
Shifting again, she pulled the bolt, aimed the sights, pulled the trigger. Another bang. Another jolt.
He kneeled before her in the shower, her shoulder blades pressed against the tile wall as her fingers curled into his soaked locks. His damp hands caressed her bare thighs, his tongue dancing across her clit tauntingly.
Aim, pull, bang, jolt.
"Nine seconds," Vulcan reported, interrupting her fantasizing further about her sexual exploits over the last few days. Her panties were wet, and she scowled as she moved her face back from her scope.
"Give me another magazine," she held a hand out for him, popping the empty magazine out with the other.
"That was the last of the box, Major. Would you like me to get you some more?"
She paused, looking over the bullet riddled targets at varying distances across the range. "What time is it?"
"1633, Ma'am."
She pushed herself up to her knees, pulling her gun between her legs as she put the safety on, checking the weapon for any damage. It had none, but old habits die hard and it wasn't a bad one to keep after the War.
"I have something at 1700. Let's clean up," she ordered, collecting the magazines and gun case, pushing herself up to her feet.
Vulcan moved over to the set up table, picking up the requisition form and swiftly filling out the amount of ammunition they'd used for the session. She joined him, grabbing her cleaning kit and swiftly breaking down her rifle. She could spend hours cleaning the gun, but instead she gave it a quick once over, cleaning out the familiar gunpowder and excess grease. She sniffed slightly as she pulled a cloth through the barrel, pursing her lips at the aroused heat flushing through her veins with the innuendo, her mind pulling up fresh memories of Roy's length sliding in and out of her.
This had happened the last two days as the work day had wound down. With the workload properly delegated, the entire Team was leaving at 1700 on the regular now. As they got closer to the hour hand hitting five'o'clock, her sexual drive grew more insistent.
The problem with today was she wasn't going home. Knowing Rebecca, she'd drag their shopping trip out until stores started closing around 2100. The idea of waiting another four hours to have her sexual needs met had her on edge.
Funny how she'd gone years without, leading to only slight discomfort. Now going a few hours resulted in desperation.
She wasn't becoming sex crazed, was she? There was more to her relationship with Roy than the intercourse. There was just- a lot of it right now. Was that normal? The term 'honeymoon phase' floated into the back of her mind as she reassembled her gun, a heat rising in her cheeks.
"There. Mind signing off on this, Major?"
She looked at Vulcan, remembering his presence once again. She glanced down at the form, taking the pen from him and reviewing it swiftly.
He'd proven to be pretty good in the range, on par with Catalina, Havoc, and Ross at least. In the field was a different question, but one she couldn't gage without an actual event.
She signed off on the form, passing the pen back before swiftly returning her rifle to its case. "Do you have a date, Major?" he asked casually.
"With the other ladies," she answered. "We're going shopping."
"I'm supposed to accompany you for public outings," he broached lightly. She froze, looking up at him. He had a playful smirk on his lips, his head tilting as he added, "But after seeing your shooting, I don't think you need any help. You're as good as they say, Hawkeye. Better, even." She glanced back down, zipping the case closed. "Besides, with Catalina and Ross there, you've got plenty of back up."
Exhaling softly, she slung the gun over her shoulder. "Thank you, Lieutenant. I- appreciate the confidence and the respectful distance you've been offering."
"You don't need me," he looked down at his own gun, already cleaned and packed up. "Grumman is just being overly cautious. Paternal instincts, likely."
"I am his only family," she agreed. "It's just- frustrating. I'm sorry that's come out on you."
"No, I get it. You're no Janet Bradley, or Sharon Hakuro. You're a military woman, and they usually run independent. I'd just be lucky if I ever did end up saving you from some threat."
Riza found a soft smile, "Thank you, Lieutenant. It's good to know you think I'm capable."
"Right. You have somewhere to be, I'll hand in the form to the range master."
She glanced at the clock on the far wall, 4:39. "Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow," she offered before quickly moving to the women's locker room. Once through the door, she ran to her locker, discarding her rifle inside. Taking out her jerkin, she locked the door closed again. Pulling her jacket back on, she half jogged through the room to the far door, forcing herself to slow to a brisk march as she exited the room.
Her blood pounded in her ears as she moved, her mind conjuring a terrible and fantastic idea as she made her way back to the Staff Office. She didn't have to wait. She bit her lower lip at the implications. She'd be breaking her own rules, but weren't they already breaking the Anti-Fraternization Laws?
She fidgeted in the elevator, brushing her fingers through her hair nervously as butterflies built up in her stomach, heat rising in her chest as her heart raced. As soon as the door opened, she lurched out, steps quick as she went down the short hall and entered the Staff Office. Breda and Havoc were already packing up to go, Fuery sitting with Hayate in his lap. (He'd agreed to watch Hayate for the evening so she could go out shopping with the ladies.)
Rebecca jumped to her feet, "You're here! We're just waiting for Sheska to finish a few more things and we can go."
"Perfect. I just need a word with the General," Riza replied, crossing over to his door, giving it a brisk knock.
"Alright," Maria shrugged casually, looking over Brosh's shoulder and pointing something out on the paper he was finishing.
Riza didn't miss the way one of Rebecca's eyebrows rose as Roy called for her to enter. Ignoring her, Riza grabbed the handle and pushed her way in. Closing the door behind her, she quietly fastened the lock, jaw tight until the latch softly clicked into place.
Roy was bent over the last few documents he had to finish for the day, glasses on and a hand dug into the back of his hair. "How can I help you, Major?" he asked, not looking up.
Eager anxiety coursed through her veins as she fumbled with the clasps of her jerkin. She pulled it off as she passed between the coffee table and one of the couches, tossing the fabric dismissively aside as she moved to her belt buckle, tugging it loose.
She rounded his desk, heart thundering in her throat as she stopped next to him. "Roy...," she croaked out, her voice quiet. She- well, she hadn't successfully initiated intimacy with him yet. That first rejection Monday morning had made her even more nervous to push this boundary with him. Thankfully he'd initiated every time she'd grown this desperate so far, but she knew she couldn't let him continue to dictate everything in their physical relationship.
His brow furrowed as he looked up at her. His pen went slack in his fingers as his eyes fell to her unbuckled belt. Swallowing hard, she popped her button and unzipped her fly. "Help me," she whispered.
His eyes widened behind his glasses, face turning a bright scarlet as he smacked his pen down on the desk. She flinched, taking a reflexive step back as he spun his chair to face her. "We're at work!" he hissed in a whisper, eyes darting towards the door.
"I know, but I need you. Rebecca's probably going to keep me out all evening and I can't wait that long," she explained in a rush, heartbeat growing louder in her ears as more liquid pooled in her underwear. Her face was growing hot as she fidgeted her toe against her other boot's heel, tempted to kick it off.
His eyes racked down her torso to her crotch again, his blush fading as he hissed, "Fuck, Ri. You're..." he cut off, jaw clenching. He suddenly rolled his chair towards her, hands catching her waist. His fingers hooked in her belt loops, jerking her forward and off balance.
She barely cut off a yelp as she was pulled into his lap, one knee wedged between his thigh and armrest, the other awkwardly extended behind her. One of his hands moved to pull her face to his, crashing their lips together as he guided her other leg onto the chair so she was straddling him properly.
Moaning against his mouth, she relaxed on top of him. Settling properly into his lap, she could feel his erection harden against her pelvis, her breath growing more shallow in anticipation. She curled her hands from his shoulders to cling to him, hugging his neck as she bobbed her hips against his groin.
He groaned, twisting his chair towards the desk and shoving her against it. The lip of the desk rammed right into her kidneys, making her gasp as she pulled back from his mouth. "Ow, Roy..." she hissed, moving a hand to push away from the desk.
He grimaced, kissing her lips briefly. "Sorry," he breathed, a hand groping for the top drawer to her right, pulling it open.
"What are you doing?" she hissed, lower back aching as she glanced at the drawer. He triggered a false bottom, the wood propping up. From the hidden compartment, he pulled out a now familiar, square package. "You have condoms here?" she demanded, looking back at him.
He hooked his arms under her thighs, hoisting her easily onto the edge of the desk as he stood up before her, still between her legs. "I forgot a condom once, I won't give myself an excuse to forget again," he chided, thumbing her lower lip briefly before his hands fell to her waist. One moved more to her crotch, rubbing her above her trousers.
She whimpered, bobbing her hips against his hand. "I don't know- if I should be disappointed- or pleased with that decision," she admitted breathily, grabbing a fistful of his jerkin as she unfastened the clasps, desperate to reach skin.
"I just won't tell you who gave me the idea," he murmured, fingers hooking under her waistband as he began shimmying her pants and underwear down. They fell down to the top of her boots at her knees, her thighs and womanhood exposed to the air as she peeled open his dress shirt, running her fingers up his warm and chiseled chest.
"How much time do we have?" he asked, his gaze fixated on her eyes as he unbuckled his belt, the familiar zip of his fly quickly following.
"Not long. I think Rebecca suspects," she confessed, a hand dropping to his scar, fingers absently finding the two divots where he'd been pierced and pressing softly against them.
He pushed his pants and boxers down, her eyes falling to see his length spring loose of the restrictive clothing. A lump grew in her throat as her hand not occupied by his scar slid down, curling around his shaft like he'd taught her.
"Ri," his voice came breathily, a hint of warning in his voice.
She ignored him, beginning to pump his length as she leaned forward, daringly running her tongue slowly up the center line of his torso, from just above his navel, all the way up to his collarbone. A tightness grew between her legs as his breath caught, her ears burning as she pulled away. She looked up at him with heavy eyelids and embarrassment, finding his face was tinted pink, his lips parted as he watched her with lustful eyes.
"Did you like that?" she breathed, brushing her thumb over the tip of his cock.
He shuddered, a hand moving to cradle her jaw before he swooped in, plundering her lips again. His hot tongue ran across hers, drawing a soft keening from her throat as she kept rubbing his length. He huffed against her lips, hands fumbling with the packaging of his condom as he pulled his mouth back, dragging his lips to her jaw. He dusted a kiss there, lips brushing her earlobe next. "I thought you said we were short on time?"
"I-" she cut off as he grabbed her wrist, easing her hand from his length. He let her go, nipping softly at her stud as he shifted between them. She knew he was putting the condom on, and she tried not to let herself grow discontent with that knowledge. She knew it was for her protection, but she was growing frustrated with having a barrier always between them.
Closing her eyes tightly, she gripped his open lapels, scooting herself to the very edge of the desk. "Roy, touch me," she begged.
He growled possessively against her ear, a hand finding her area, fingers rubbing her wet clit. She gasped, her knees reflexively tightening around his hips.
"Damn!" he breathed, stepping closer as his tip joined his hand, finding her entrance. "You're always so wet!"
Moving her hands to brace herself on the edge of the desk, she pressed her cheek against his, reveling in the feel of his facial hair, his glasses acting as a nuisance against her temple. "Hurry," she whispered, desperate to feel him inside again.
He pushed in swiftly, Riza gasping with his penetration, her entire body burning with pleasure. The heat made her clothes feel more than uncomfortable, but she didn't have time to take them off now.
He began a steady rhythm inside her, a moan escaping her throat easily. "Shhh," he urged, his breath caressing her cheek as he shifted, drawing her in for another kiss. She eagerly met his tongue, sucking on his open mouth as she caught a hint of his coffee. She jumped one of her hands to his shoulder, clutching at his uniform as he began driving into her with more force.
His mouth broke from hers, his hand falling to her rear as he pulled her closer on the edge of the desk, thrusting into her heavily. "What got you- so horny?" he panted, continuing his rhythm.
Was he- talking? During sex? Riza had swiftly learned the difference between making love and- this. She was used to him checking in with her when they were doing the gentler, more endearing version, but when they were 'romping'...? Ever since she'd commented about his uncouth language while fingering her from behind, he'd mainly kept quiet during their more lustful exchanges.
"Major," he growled, nipping her ear almost scoldingly, "I asked you a question."
She shivered with the authority in his voice, "The range... I kept thinking about you," she gasped, tightening her thighs around him.
"That begs the question, how did you do?"
She pulled back, meeting his burning gaze. Despite herself, she broke into an open mouthed smile. "Better than usual."
He gave a soft, approving hum, "Impressive. Can I take credit?"
She gave a breathy laugh, "You're not the one who was shooting."
He nuzzled her ear, his thickening facial hair scratching her cheek pleasantly. Shit, her bra felt tight under her turtleneck. "No, but you were thinking about me."
She moaned lowly, heat rushing through her as her body began winding up, her mind obsessing on the feel of him inside her, her eyes fluttering shut. "I- I always shoot better- when I- when I think of you," her voice rose in pitch, a keening coming from her throat.
"Shh, shh," he urged, "We can't let them hear us."
"Roy," she mewled, tossing her head back, her other hand leaving the desk as she wrapped her arms behind his shoulders, gripping his jacket.
He groaned, silencing her with his mouth again as he began thrusting into her harder and faster. She kissed him back, trying to keep her moans quiet as his hand slipped between them, fingers finding her clit again as he began rubbing her in time with his thrusts.
It was too much. Her body seized with her climax, jerking with the high. She lost sense of all else, vaguely aware she'd stopped returning his kiss as waves of pleasure gushed through her entire being. He broke their mouths apart, pumping into her more erratically as he buried his face against her shoulder.
Easing off her high, she turned to watch the side of his face. A bead of sweat ran down his temple as he shuddered, the muscles in his jaw clenching. Panting, she caressed his hair as he came, breathing roughly against her neck, nuzzling her more deeply.
As he slowed, regaining control, he gently pulled out of her. That disappointment from separating returned, leaving her with an empty feeling between her legs, as well as a pleasant throbbing from being thoroughly pounded. His fingers slipped across her core, caressing her as he lifted his face, meeting her mouth for a slow kiss.
Breaths steadying, they broke apart, Roy finally withdrawing his fingers as he held her gaze for a long second, a satisfied adoration replacing the lust from the last few minutes. She smiled weakly at the sight, her ears buzzing from pleasure.
He pulled back, fumbling for the box of tissues on the edge of his desk. Pulling a few out, he wiped his fingers before tenderly cleaning her area as he caught her eyes again. "Better?" he whispered roughly.
Swallowing, she nodded, glancing around and grabbing his pocket watch from the desk, opening the face with a click. 5:01. "I have to go," she whispered, meeting his gaze guiltily.
He nodded, pulling back and throwing the used tissues into the trash under his desk. "What were we talking about?" he asked in his normal voice, grabbing more tissues to take care of himself.
She slipped off the desk, pulling her panties and trousers up, tucking herself in and zipping herself back up. "Vulcan's performance on the range. He's on par with Catalina and Ross, not quite at Havoc's level. If we ever need another sharpshooter, we have one."
"That makes five, good... Shit," he hissed.
She looked back while tightening her belt. A wad of used tissues in his hand drew her attention as he stared at the trash. "Sir?"
He glanced over at her, then down at his hand. "I can't just leave a condom in my bin. What if a janitor notices it?"
She hesitated, buckling her belt slowly as she considered. "Burn it?"
He jerked at the suggestion, looking at her with wide, affronted eyes. "I don't even want to imagine what that would smell like, Major."
She cringed, understanding his reaction. "Take it home?" she proposed weakly, not eager to suggest such a thing.
He looked at his hand, then sighed in defeat. "Everything comes with a price, doesn't it?"
She followed his gaze, then reached forward. Grabbing the tissues from his hand, she gave him a quick kiss before pulling back. "Fix your clothes and finish your work, Love."
She could see the protests on his lips, but he stopped before the words formed. Head cocking to one side, a smile tugging on his lips, he asked, "Love?"
Her heart sped up, her face burning as she realized what she'd said. "I have to go."
He caught her elbow as she tried to pull away, closing the distance with a step. "I love you too," he murmured warmly, kissing her cheek. His hand slipped to hers, taking back the tissues. "And I'll take care of my mess, Major, thank you very much."
Cheeks still hot, she swallowed hard, licking her lips nervously. "I- I'm sorry I haven't said it, yet."
He pulled his boxers and trousers back into place, hastily buttoning the bottom of his shirt so he could tuck himself in and zip up his fly. "I don't need you to. I already know. So, if that's what you're worried about, don't be. Take your time."
"It's just- you say it so easily," she rushed, her voice breathless, guilt writhing in her chest.
He frowned, buckling his belt as he shoved the tissues into the bottom of his pocket. "With words. I mean, I was nervous as hell when I first told you, but I was glad to get it off my chest. But you... Love's burned you a lot in life. Including me. It's easier for you to show love than say it. But I have no doubt you love me, Riza," he explained as he buttoned up the rest of his shirt.
A knock came at the door, drawing both of their eyes instantly. "Shit," she hissed, rounding the desk and grabbing her jerkin, pulling it on hastily.
"Have a good evening, Major," Roy said in a firm voice, letting it carry.
"You too, Sir. Thank you for your time," she added, carefully unlocking the door as she glanced back, giving him a meaningful look.
"Anytime," the warmth in his expression outmatched his casual tone. Put back together, he looked more lively than when she'd entered, but unchanged beyond that. She hoped her uniform looked undisturbed too.
Riza opened the door to find Rebecca there, a cheeky grin on her face as she glanced between them. "Excuse me, General, I'm stealing her," Rebecca announced, grabbing Riza's forearm and tugging her close, wrapping an invasive arm around her shoulders. She steered Riza away, the Staff Office having emptied in the time she'd been inside.
"The door was locked. Did you have fun?" Rebecca whispered with a sing-songy tease to her voice.
Riza shrugged Rebecca off, shooting her a glare, "Where are Sheska and Maria? I thought we were all taking my car?"
"We are! They went to the bathroom, we're going to meet them downstairs," she answered, thankfully not trying to pry or tease further.
"I love it! Sheska, you should dress up more often," Maria smiled warmly as she tried encouraging their shy, little secretary.
Riza had to agree, the banana yellow dress had a gathered skirt that fell to her knees, a princess cut bodice and a boatneck collar. Modest and flattering, perfect for Sheska. And even better, it was from the summer clearance rack.
"It needs something," Rebecca mused, tapping her chin as she examined the dress critically. Sheska stood awkwardly under her scrutiny, hands fidgeting together as she chewed on her lower lip.
"A matching headband would be cute," Maria suggested.
"Yes, yes, keep them coming," Rebecca urged, stepping forward and brushing a part of Sheska's skirt flat.
"A white handbag?" Maria tried.
"Mmm, how about brown?" Rebecca asked, checking for Maria's agreement and receiving a nod. "Riza, suggestion," she snapped, pointing at her.
Hesitating, Riza looked over Sheska again. "A cardigan? It's a summer dress, and East City is a lot cooler than Ishval."
"Right! Of course! Maria, could you look for one?" Rebecca asked, "I think the white would be a good choice for that. Or cream."
"On it," Maria stood up from her seat, draping her own picked out clothes over the back of the chair before moving back towards the racks.
"I'm going to go look for a bag and a belt. Belts are all the rage right now. You'll be so cute!" Rebecca squeaked, briefly dancing on her tiptoes, hands squeezed into fists near her shoulders as her eyes scrunched up with an excited smile. Like a switch had been flipped, her body relaxed and expression grew calm as she turned towards Riza, "You still wanted to try that dress on, right?"
Riza looked down at the maroon dress she held in her lap, hesitating slightly. It was a bit- expensive. Not that she couldn't afford it, but it was hard to make herself spend that kind of money on anything, let alone something frivolous. "I'll try it," she relented.
"Right, you get into that while we go look. Sheska, stay here so we don't have to hunt for you," Rebecca instructed before whisking away.
Sheska gave a nervous laugh, "I didn't expect Rebecca to be such a fashionista."
Riza stood smoothly, stepping over to a dressing stall and going through the curtain. She double checked that it was properly closed before beginning to undress from her uniform. "It's been a hobby of hers for years. Back in the Academy, when she wasn't talking about boys or our lessons, it was always clothes and fashion. One of her previous C.O.'s got mad at her for it, and since then she's tried to keep her mouth shut."
"She got in trouble for that? I'd think talking about boys would be a bigger problem."
Riza smiled as she unzipped the back of the gown, stepping into it as she pulled it up. "It was at a Military Ball when it happened. Rebecca didn't like her C.O.'s wife's dress, and it turned out to be a family heirloom. You know Rebecca. Her mouth is sometimes a loose cannon."
"Oh, dear. I see where this is going," Sheska gasped.
Riza chuckled with the memory. With her sleeves on properly, she gathered her hair over her shoulder before reaching back to zip up the dress. "The thing is, she..." Riza cut off as she felt the zipper snag. Attention shifting, she tried to wriggle it loose, pulling down to just find it stuck that way too.
"Is everything okay in there?" Sheska asked, her voice drawing closer.
"The- zipper's stuck," Riza gritted her teeth, trying to tug as carefully as she could both ways.
"Do you need help?" Sheska offered. Eyes widening, Riza switched hands, trying more desperately to free the slider to no avail. "Major Riza?" Sheska prompted.
Breathe, she told herself, letting go of the tab. She needed options. Sheska, Maria, Rebecca.
Rebecca was the safest choice. She knew Riza had a scar, even if she'd never seen it before. But showing her would lead to an awkward conversation with the likelihood of Rebecca's temper flaring.
She also trusted both Maria and Sheska to keep confidences, especially concerning something about her and Roy. The problem with that was it might lead to questions which would stray too close to her secret affair with Roy.
Could and might. Sheska was right there. She was certainly kind and understanding and there was the added benefit she was so reserved. She knew what to keep private and did a very good job at it. The problem was she knew how to read Ishvalan. It had been one of the reasons she and Roy had decided to take her on when preparing for the Restoration efforts. That and her connection to Brigadier General Hughes.
What were her other options? If she owned the dress she'd just cut the damn thing off, expensive price tag or no. If she was at home, she could just ask Roy.
The last option was asking for an associate's help. They might know nothing about Roy's transmutation circle and wouldn't ask about the tattoo or the scar out of courtesy. But if they happened to know alchemy...
She inhaled, lips parting as she prepared to say what she was about to. "Sheska, can you promise me something?"
"Um... yes? What is it?"
"Will you- keep confidentiality if I have you help me?"
"With- with what?"
"Yes or no, Sheska?" Riza's voice hardened, tense with the situation as it was.
She squeaked on the other side of the curtain. "Of course I will, Major!"
Riza grimaced, turning her back to the wall so no one could see it through the curtain. "Okay, I could use your help. Come in." Sheska cautiously pushed her way in, looking at Riza nervously. "Close the curtain completely," Riza instructed, Sheska's eyes falling to her neck, blushing slightly.
Right, the hickeys. They were beginning to fade, but were still clearly what they were. Dismissing the thought as Sheska twitched the curtain completely closed, Riza braced herself against the inevitable. "You can't tell anyone," she whispered.
"I think everyone in the office knows about the hickeys, Major," she whispered back.
Riza felt her cheeks heat, breaking eye contact. "That's not what I'm talking about."
Sheska tilted her head in confusion as Riza collected her hair again, pulling it over her shoulder. She slowly turned her back to her, ducking her head as she began nervously sawing at her lower lip.
A soft gasp was accompanied by a wispy "Oh." Her skin crawled as she could practically feel Sheska's eyes reading the visible text. "F-Flame Alchemy?" she asked in a small voice.
Riza lowered her eyes further, staring at her feet in shame. "Sheska," she prompted, just wishing it was over.
"R-right," Sheska stuttered, her hands tugging at the back of the dress for a few moments before the resistance finally gave way with a distinct vrrrip. Her hands pulled back hesitantly, "Um, why did the General burn it?"
Riza closed her eyes, a burning sensation crawling up the center of her chest and into her throat. "Because I asked him to."
"If- if you didn't want it, why did he give it to you in the first place?"
Eyes snapping open, she turned to face the shorter woman, fury replacing her shame. "Roy Mustang would never mar my skin in such a way," she hissed, keeping her voice low. "My good for nothing father drugged me at fifteen and put that- vandalism on my back before giving me the worst beating of my life."
Sheska's wide eyes seemed magnified by her glasses, her face pale as Riza felt her breath shorten, her palms growing clammy with sweat. "I-I'm sorry, Sheska. Please, don't- don't tell anyone. The only people who know are my grandfather, the General, and his aunt, and of them, the General is the only one who's seen it."
Sheska reached forward, grabbing Riza's forearm in a comforting grasp. She flinched with the touch, phantom pain searing through her arm as she jerked back, but not enough to break free. Sheska instantly let her go, guilt flooding her face. "Riza, please believe me, I won't tell anyone. Not Kain, or Rebecca, or anyone. I just- I want you to know you can talk to me about it- if you need to. It sounds like you have a lot of unresolved emotions around it."
Riza took a shuddering, calming breath, leaning back against the wall and covering her face in her hands. After a few slow breaths, Sheska hesitantly spoke up, "Um, your father was Berthold Hawkeye, right?"
Lifting her face from her hands, Riza looked at Sheska, perplexed. Older Alchemists and Military Brass occasionally asked her or Roy about her father, but Sheska...? "Yes?"
Sheska shifted awkwardly, wetting her lips as she took a steadying breath. "I'm sorry to bring it up, it's just- Brigadier General Hughes used to have some files in his office about your father."
Riza blinked, confusion replacing everything else. "He did?"
"Some encrypted communiqués from General Mustang were with them. He was asking about falsified reports on a Colonel Needen's death in 1896. Apparently your father killed him?"
Riza tensed, jaw clamping shut as she processed just who this Colonel Needen must be. She could still picture his face, cocky and confident as he held a gun to her mother's head.
"Falsified reports?" she asked, the rarely felt swirl of hatred swimming through her veins.
"Sheska, Riza, where did you go?" Maria called outside the curtain.
Sheska squeaked, jumping slightly. Riza settled into a mask of calm, pushing aside the conversation for later. She could ask Roy about it herself. "Sheska was just helping with my zipper," Riza announced, pushing her way through the curtain to find Maria holding a few cardigans to her stomach.
Maria blinked, then smiled warmly at her, "That dress looks really flattering on you, Riza."
Glancing over at the plethora of mirrors, she took in the sight. The narrow, square neck showing a peek of her cleavage and framing her neck and face. A gathered stitch accented the broach just right of the collar, the silk hugging her hourglass figure down to her knees. A false wrap ruffled down her left hip, the 3/4 length sleeves tugging comfortably at her elbows. It helped that the maroon complimented her hair and skin tone too.
Her eyes flitted to the back, making sure there wasn't any visible ink or scaring. "Rebecca wasn't joking about the hickeys," Maria lilted, voice warm as Sheska followed her out. "Any more contact from James?"
"Not yet," Riza replied cautiously, not missing the way Sheska started, looking at her with wide eyes. Knowing Sheska, she probably knew about Lieutenant Colonel James Mustang, and right after Riza had admitted that Roy was the only person who had seen the tattoo... She had to fight a grimace as Rebecca joined them, holding a few belts and purses in hand.
"Riza! You're gorgeous!"
Riza's cheeks prickled as she brushed her bangs out of her eye. "I believe we were here helping Sheska," she reminded, ducking back into her changing room and hiding behind the curtain.
"Right. What cardigans did you find? Let's try some on!" Rebecca chirped.
Filtering them out, she rubbed her face in distress, processing the last few minutes. Sheska saw her back and might have figured out who the mysterious 'James' was. She had no doubt she'd keep the discoveries quiet, but it still set her stomach into knots. Then there were the reports Sheska had mentioned... What had Roy been looking for? Why? That would be easier to handle. She just had to ask when she got home- if she kept her head long enough before her libido took over like it was wont to do.
With the thought, a heat rushed between her legs, her cheeks warming as she stepped her ankles together.
"Perfect! Riza, come look at this!" Rebecca cried joyfully.
Grimacing, she swiftly unzipped her dress, stepping out of it as she began scrambling to pull her uniform back on. "Give me a second, I'm still changing," she replied briskly.
"Do you like it, Sheska?" Maria asked.
"Yeah, I do," she replied, sounding more confident.
"You have some white shoes, right? They don't have to be heels, flats work fine too." Rebecca prodded, Sheska giving a sound of agreement. Riza pulled her turtleneck over her head, flipping her hair loose from the collar. Collecting the rest of her things in her arms, she hesitated, staring at the dress.
Roy had said he wanted her to dress up for his birthday party. The dresses Maria and Rebecca had picked out were for the upcoming event on Wednesday night too. Bracing herself, she grabbed it before stepping out of the changing room again. She found Sheska, her outfit complete except for her shoes. It now had a white cardigan and a thin belt pinning the sweater to her dress. They'd even found a matching headband like Maria had suggested.
Dumping her things on her vacated chair, she began pulling her shoulder harness back on. "You look lovely, Sheska."
"Thank you!" she beamed, seeming to ease into accepting their compliments more.
"Alright, go change back, I'll buy these for you," Rebecca urged.
"Wah! You don't have to!" Sheska protested.
"She'll insist," Riza smiled slyly, pulling her jacket back on.
"Come on! We still have another store to visit!" Rebecca began herding Sheska into her changing room.
"We do?" Riza asked, pausing as she fixed the maroon dress on its hanger. They'd already visited the make-up store, then here. If Sheska already had shoes, what else did they need?
Rebecca's grin grew mischievous, "Yup. This stop's mainly for you. Maria and I both agreed."
"Me?" A pit of nervousness grew in her stomach with that announcement.
"Don't spoil it! We need to take Sheska there too," Maria grinned, speaking in a false whisper.
"Where?" Riza pressed.
Riza clutched her purchases to her chest as she unlocked the front door, pushing her way into the front room. Roy's warm voice was coming from the kitchen. Riza eased the door closed and bolted it shut quietly as she realized he was talking to someone- and not to her.
"... a lead on Armstrong. Don't worry too much about what she's hiding. I already know."
"Then why do you want to know about Hakuro?" Vanessa's voice was growing more familiar, Riza relaxing slightly as she pushed off the door, moving towards the kitchen.
Vanessa was leaning on the bar, her seafoam green dress clearly one of her work ones with its low, off the shoulders neckline and tight miniskirt. Roy was in a button up, vest, and slacks, his shirt untucked and his reading glasses on. They both turned their attention to her, the friendly smile crossing Vanessa's face catching Riza's eye.
"Hi Elizabeth! Hope you don't mind, I need to stay the night in the guest room."
Clutching her bagged clothing closer, she asked, "Why? Is something wrong at the Bar?"
"Oh, no," Vanessa rushed, pushing herself off the counter and standing up straight. "Roy and I had to talk business. Information transfer and request. I just left with him under the guise of spending the night. Sorry," she offered, giving a pained smile.
Riza glanced at Roy, a guilty tension to his jaw. "I'm not cheating on you, Ri. But if I'm going to keep working with the girls..."
"No, I get it," Riza rushed, despite still feeling awkward with the concept. "Um, Roy, could you start some of my tea? I'm going to go change and take care of these," she gestured with the bags in her arms.
"Ooh, he said you went shopping. What did you get?" Vanessa perked up, eyes bright.
"A- dress. And a birthday gift," she added simply, careful to keep her expression clear.
"She doesn't want to tell us what she got," Roy smirked, pulling out the kettle from the cupboard and filling the pot. "Probably wants to keep my present a surprise, right, Love?"
"Perceptive as always, Sir. Excuse me," Riza offered Vanessa a nod before backtracking to the stairs, climbing up. She shifted the bags in her arms as she ducked into the guest room. She'd been planning to hide the 'present' in one of her dresser drawers, but she didn't trust leaving it where Vanessa could pry. It was bad enough she knew about them and the pregnancy scare, she didn't want her to know about the purchase Rebecca and Maria had talked her into.
Closing the door, she hung up her new dress in the closet, checking that it was laying flat before she began changing from her uniform into her pajamas. She frowned slightly at the silky material, wishing it was one of Roy's shirts instead. Odd how a few days had drastically changed her favorite sleepwear so completely. With Vanessa in the house, she refused to walk around with her thighs so utterly exposed.
Disappointment tangled in her chest, part of her glad she'd snuck in some sexual time at work, the other part frustrated she wouldn't get more tonight.
She grabbed her second purchase from the night out, folding the bag on itself and tucking it under her arm. Grabbing her Desert Eagle, she left the guest room, ducking into the master. Flicking the light on, she moved to the dresser. Despite her insistence to keep her clothes in the other room, Roy had still cleared out a drawer for her. Slipping the bag inside said drawer, she closed it with a slight snap, face heating as she realized what that drawer could be filled with over time.
That was, if he liked it.
Heart speeding up, she slipped the gun under her pillow before stepping out, lighting down the stairs to find Vanessa on her way up. "Oh, excuse me, Major. Goodnight!"
Riza sidestepped her, surprised. "Goodnight," she returned, slowing her pace as she reached the main floor. Moving into the kitchen, she found Roy holding a burning piece of paper over the sink, his free hand gloved in an ignition glove.
He glanced back at her, a tired smile lighting his face. "Hey. Your tea is ready," he nodded to the steaming cup waiting on the bar, Riza instantly lamenting the lack of honey, sugar, or cream next to it. She still picked it up delicately, sipping the wretched liquid and resisting a gag.
Roy gave her a sympathetic look as he dropped the last corner of the burning paper into the sink. Pulling his glove off, he moved over to stand beside her, facing her as he ran his hands across her stomach and lower back. Her pajamas slicked across her skin with his touch, sending a pleasant zing up her spine.
"I forgot to tell you something," he admitted, drawing her gaze to meet his eyes. "Olivier Armstrong is being blackmailed by Hakuro. We think he may be trying to claim the Fuhrership for himself."
Riza lowered the cup a fraction, giving him a curious look. "Is that what you were talking about with Vanessa?"
"Yes," he answered cautiously, "but that's not what you should be worried about. As delighted as I was about your little visit this afternoon, we both agreed to not do that at work."
She ducked her head as her shoulders tensed. "I know," she murmured.
"Armstrong is fraternizing with Colonel Miles," he rumbled, "Hakuro discovered them and she came to me for advice."
Miles and Olivier? With the mention of discovery, Riza's blood began to rush in her ears. "Roy, there's something I have to tell you."
"I'm worried Hakuro is attempting to place a mole near us, to catch us in a similar situation," he continued, squeezing her middle lightly. She pursed her lips, sipping the tea and pushing past the distaste. "I know you were pressing for caution in public, but now I am."
Turning her face away from him, she placed the teacup on the counter evasively. "I'm sorry, Sir. It won't happen again."
He exhaled harshly, coiling his arms around her properly as he nudged her cheek with his nose, his warm breath dusting her skin. "That's not... I don't want you to apologize for that. It made my day, Àirén."
She sighed, relaxing slightly with his reassurance. "I broke my own rules. It really shouldn't have happened. I'm sorry Roy. I can't hold you to one standard and break it whenever I want. I'll do better," she promised, easing into his embrace.
He brushed a kiss on her cheek, squeezing her middle as he pulled her closer. "You had something to tell me?" he prompted.
She didn't answer immediately, deciding where to start. "I think Sheska's figured out that James is your code name. I haven't confirmed it, and she hasn't asked, but- she saw my back."
He pulled back, meeting her gaze with a cautious calm, his eyes searching hers. He moved his hands to her hips, guiding her to face him. "That's why we burned it, Ri. It's- fine," his voice tightened on the last word, Riza feeling the same sentiment in her own chest. It wasn't 'fine'. It never could be.
She took a steadying breath, looking down at his navel as she moved to hold his arms, her fists curling into the fabric of his sleeves. "I know, and I trust Sheska not to tell anyone- about my back or about us, but- no one else has seen it, Roy. Not even Rebecca. I just- wish it wasn't there."
"I am not burning you again," Roy's grip tightened on her hips, pulling her against him.
She shook her head, moving her arms around his shoulders and pressed her face against his chest. His familiar, smoky scent flooded her, easing her worries and fears. "I'm not asking you to. I just- I just need you to hold me."
His thick arms engulfed her, warm and comforting. "Gladly. Every chance I can, my Queen."
Her cheeks heated with the pet name and she nuzzled her face against him. They stood like that for a long moment, the house quiet, her ears catching onto the steady sound of his heartbeat.
"Want to move this to our bed?" he asked after a few moments. A soft whine grew in the back of her throat, her hands moving to the front of his shirt, clutching it tightly as she nuzzled him more insistently. Roy laughed lightly, fingers brushing the back of her hair, "What in the world was that for?"
"Vanessa's here," she whispered, looking up at him with an abashed stare.
"One, sorry. Two, why are you bothered by that? The girls staying after information transfers is the whole reason I made a guest room in the first place. I used to always end up on the couch- which we've yet to replace."
She sighed, pulling away and grabbing her tea. "I just..." How exactly was she going to say this? She ran her eyes up and down his figure, her cheeks warming as she tried, "I thought we'd have the house to ourselves tonight. Black Hayate is even at Fuery's."
The edge of his mouth twitched into a smirk, a now familiar heat entering his eyes. He stepped closer, moving his arms on either side of her and backing her up against the counter. He wasn't touching her, but his proximity made her skin prickle, arousal rushing to pool between her legs. "Did you have something planned for me tonight, Major?" he asked in a low rumble.
The heat in her cheeks spread to her ears and chest as she evasively picked up her tea and sipped it. The taste instantly made her gag, pulling her from the moment as she tried to compose herself. Roy's demeanor changed instantly, his hand gently brushing her cheek in a comforting gesture. "Are you alright?"
She shook her head, "It's vile, and I swear it tastes worse each time." She gently pushed past him to the sink, free hand gripping the edge of the counter as she forced down the rest of the liquid. Bending over the basin, she shuddered, turning on the faucet and filling the mug with water, gulping down the refreshing liquid to wash out the taste of the tea.
Exhaling, she turned off the sink, steadying herself as she swallowed hard. Roy pressed against her side and back, one hand running through her hair, the other rubbing her upper arm. "If it's that bad, don't keep drinking it. Vanessa is skeptical it even works. Why keep forcing yourself?"
Standing up properly, she turned towards him. Nuzzling her cheek against the front of his shoulder, she lifted her gaze to meet his. "Roy..."
"I mean it. "
Grimacing, she closed her eyes, fighting the temptation to agree. "You know why I have to. Reliable or not, anything is better than nothing."
"Well, I disagree!" He turned her, holding her by the shoulders, his gaze desperate. "The timing is shit, but if you're pregnant... Ri, I want to have kids with you," he struggled with the words, anxiety in his eyes as he brushed her bangs back. "I- I didn't want to say it because I don't want to make you feel obligated. Hell, pregnancy and birth and children are scary, and I want you to feel safe and comfortable before we even consider it, but we may not have that luxury. Besides, I'm not the one who has to be pregnant. It should be your choice whether you want to or not. I just... I wanted you to know. If you do want babies, I'd be delighted to- oblige."
His cheeks colored with the confession, his grip loosening on her as he took a respectful step back. Her heart raced, a warmth bubbling in her stomach that had little to do with the tea. She looked away, embarrassed.
"Roy, I don't..."
"You don't have to," he rushed, drawing her eyes again. "You don't have to know what you want, yet. I- I really shouldn't have said anything. I want you to decide for yourself if that's something you want or not."
Want. There was that ugly word again. "I don't want to talk about this right now," she offered stiffly. "I want to go to bed," she announced.
He winced, grimacing as he clearly caught the bite in her voice. "Alright. Do you... Would you like me with you?"
She held his hesitant gaze, sighing as she realized he'd purposely avoided using the word 'want'. "Yes, Roy, I would like you with me. You keep the nightmares away," she explained, resisting the urge to retreat on herself. Taking a steady breath, she reached for his hand, lacing their fingers together. "Come on. Vanessa probably won't appreciate the lights being left on. I'll help you to bed."
He grimaced at her words, but nodded stiffly. With that, she gently guided him upstairs. Passing the lightswitch in the hall, she flicked it off, plunging the house into darkness. Roy tensed through their shared grasps as her eyes adjusted to the dim shadows. Odd that something so basic was robbed from him. But then, they were both scarred in different ways. She led him into their room, easing the door shut and taking him to their bed.
"Do you want the lamp turned on?" she asked, urging him to sit.
He sighed, not letting her go as his free hand began unbuttoning his vest. "Yes and no. It's a bit too bright to sleep with."
She leaned closer, dusting a kiss on his forehead before pulling away. Rounding the bed, she brushed her fingers along the lamp stand until she found the switch, twisting it on. She squinted against the sudden light, pulling back and moving to unbutton her shirt. Taking off the silky blue top, she lighted it over the lamp shade, dimming the light as it took on a bluish hue.
"That is a fire hazard," Roy stated, torso twisted to watch her as he pulled his vest and shirt off.
"Me or the lamp?" Riza teased with a flat voice, not missing the way his gaze flickered to her exposed breasts.
He paused, meeting her gaze. "Both."
Amused, she leaned over the bed, one arm bracing her as she snatched his shirt from his fingers. Not taking her eyes from his gaze, she smirked as he seemed to struggle keeping his eyes on her face. "What if we drew the curtain?" she proposed, standing up and pulling the sleeves right-side out before shrugging the still warm fabric on. She buttoned only the middle three buttons, her cleavage ridiculously low and her navel showing.
"Someone could spy on us through the window," Roy pointed out, standing up as he began undoing his pants, his eyes falling to her belly, eyeing her hungrily.
"Then lamp, fire hazard, or dark?" she asked, shimming out of her pajama bottoms, leaving on her plain, cotton panties.
His eyes seemed intent on devouring her as he kicked off his shoes, pushing his pants down. She was far from oblivious to the tent in his boxers, but she refused to acknowledge it.
"Lamp," he determined.
She snatched the fabric off of the lampshade, turning her attention to refastening the buttons, then folding it.
"Riza," Roy voiced, a strain to his timber.
"Yes, Sir."
"Can we... Are you in the mood to... You've gotten me really horny."
Finishing folding her pajama bottoms, she looked up at him, keeping her expression clear. There was an aroused heat to his face, but his eyes held desperation. She initially dismissed it, unwilling to participate with Vanessa across the hall, but just as quickly she recalled how he'd jumped to please her in his office.
Her fingers twitched on her folded clothing, a heat rising in her skin. "Laundry in the hamper," she instructed softly, placing her pajamas on her nightstand. He nearly jumped to obey, collecting his clothes and separating his plethora of pocket items from his pants.
Evaluating herself, she pulled the cover down on both sides of the bed, pushing the sheets back as her hair hung over her shoulders. "I'm going to need some foreplay," she warned, climbing into the bed.
Tossing his clothes in the hamper, he pulled his glasses off, digging in his nightstand for a condom. She shifted, trying to get comfortable as Roy climbed on top of the bed, crawling over to her. She winced as the bed creaked under his weight, tensing at the sound.
Hovering over her, he paused, his obsidian eyes searching her face intently. After a long moment, he sighed, pulling back as his focus turned to tugging the sheets down to admit him.
Brow furrowing, she lifted her head, watching as he settled in beside her. "Roy?"
"I don't think you'll enjoy it if you're this tense," he supplied, laying on his back and looking at the condom between his index and middle fingers, a slight frown creasing his face.
She rolled towards him, sliding a hand across his bare pectorals, enjoying the feel as she drew his eyes. "I'm not against it, Roy. I just don't want Vanessa to hear."
His eyes measured her for a long moment, "You know she's worked in a brothel for close to fifteen years, right? I'm certain she's heard worse. I know I have."
Riza's cheeks heated, her feet finding his legs through the blankets, she gently teased the soles of his feet. He jumped, twisting his feet away as he turned towards her, wrapping his arms around her. "Riza," he hissed, squeezing her warmly.
She smiled, nuzzling his neck. "Just because she's heard others have sex doesn't mean I want her to hear me."
"Didn't stop you at the office today," he teased. "I had to muffle your voice several times."
She gently swatted his chest, her scowl mixing with the urge to smile at the memory. "Those walls muffle sound better than here."
"Mmm, walls," he hummed, a hand sliding smoothly into her underwear, fingers slipping between her folds to caress her entrance.
Heat flushed through her as her body instantly gushed lubricant at his touch, a tightness growing between her legs. "Roy," she hissed.
He smirked playfully, "Don't deny you want me, your body's already made it clear you do."
"I wasn't," she replied tightly, her hand sliding down his arm to his wrist poking out of her panties. "But there's something I need to ask you about."
"Right now?" he simpered, leaning closer, lips loitering barely a centimeter from hers. His fingers pushed into her slowly, curling inside her to draw a moan from her mouth.
"I- Roy," she panted, losing her train of thought.
"You can tell me to stop, Ri," he reminded, fingers pumping in her slowly.
Keening softly, she tugged his wrist back, panting as he slipped out of her. "Give me- five minutes, Roy. Five minutes."
He grew still, eyes intent on her as she recomposed herself, fishing for the last thing she'd needed to ask him about. Exhaling slowly, his hand still between her underwear and pelvis, she forced herself to focus.
"Sheska asked me about my father. Apparently she came across some files while working for Brigadier General Hughes about him. Falsified reports concerning my mother's death? She said the investigation request came from you. What were you looking for?"
He paled, his eyes widening as he pulled his hand away from her core. "Those were encrypted communiqués."
"This is Sheska we're talking about, Roy. Photographic memory, Sheska. If she didn't know the codes then, she does now."
He let her go, sitting up and turning his back partially to her, staring towards the window. Exhaling in a huff, he dug his fingers into the back of his hair, head bowing.
"Roy?" she sat up next to him, hesitating before she tried resting a hand on his bare shoulder blade. When he didn't flinch or tense, she slid her arm around his waist, scooting right next to him.
"I didn't mean to keep it from you. I just didn't want to upset you by bringing it up," he began, voice low.
"I'm not upset, I just want to know why," she reassured.
Exhaling slowly, he began, "When I found out a Colonel had been killed, I was confused why there were no repercussions for Berthold. My father was a Lieutenant Colonel, and even at five, I remember the investigations, the MPs, the manhunt that didn't end until their murder was imprisoned. He's still there, rotting behind bars for killing a high ranking officer and a civilian. Why wouldn't a Colonel receive the same justice?
"A few years after the War, you went to visit your mother's grave for the anniversary- fifteen years, if I remember right. I had a chess match with Grumman that day and we got to talking about your leave. He showed me- the report on the incident. The accounts of the two subordinates, the autopsy of the Colonel, the description of the proto-Flame Alchemy.
"I asked Grumman why this Colonel Needen hadn't received any justice like my father had. He said he didn't want you to get hurt. Elizabeth had been murmured, he didn't want to lose you too.
"Still, an incident of that nature should have gone to Central Command. The situation should have been out of Grumman's hands. So I asked Hughes to investigate the death report on Colonel Needen."
He grew quiet, lifting his head and staring ahead of them. Riza gently squeezed his waist, trying to elicit a response. "The reports that ended up at Central claimed he had a heart attack," he shook his head slowly. "Medical autopsy, eye witnesses. And the body? The family 'decided' to cremate him," he finally turned, meeting her eyes with clear remorse. "They were all signed by then Major General Michael Grumman."
His words slowly sunk in, her heart palpitating in her chest. Her grandfather had lied about her mother's death? Not exactly, but because of his interference, no one came to prosecute Berthold Hawkeye for homicide. No one had come to take her away from the mad man he became after murdering his wife. Nine years of abuse and isolation because her grandfather hadn't wanted her killed.
The memory of Chris Mustang's confession a decade ago came to mind. "...he asked if I would consider letting Roy take up the apprenticeship. He explained what happened to your mother, and that he was concerned for your safety... he knew it would be too dangerous for both of you if he went to take you away..."
Her gaze focused on Roy, his attention fastened on her, eyes keen. "Alright. Thank you for telling me," she whispered, voice small. She gently pulled away from him, laying down in the sheets.
"Ri, I wasn't trying to sneak behind your back, I was just..."
"Lay down, General," she interrupted, rolling over so her back was to him. "I'm not mad. I'm just... I don't know what to think."
He was silent a moment before the bed groaned behind her. The sound of his drawer opening made her ears twitch. Plastic rustled before he closed the drawer again, finally laying down behind her. His arms eased around her waist as he pulled their bodies together, his breath caressing her cheek.
"What's going on in that head of yours, my Àirén?"
She sighed, closing her eyes against the light of the bedside lamp. "Did Ms. Mustang ever tell you how my grandfather asked for her to let my father train you?"
"No," he answered slowly. "This is news to me."
"The entire reason we know each other is because of Grumman," she filled in, not caring to tell the whole story. "That is the only reason I'm not furious with him right now."
He didn't respond beyond a comforting squeeze around her waist. Roy carefully gathered her hair, laying it over her shoulder so he could kiss the nape of her neck. Sighing, she released some of the subconscious tension in her body. "I promised you five minutes..."
He gently shook his head, Riza feeling the motion on their shared pillow. "We could use a break anyways. Besides, I just want to hold you right now."
A warmth swelled in her chest, tugging a smile on her lips. Twisting in his arms, she turned back to face him, easing her knee to rest on his thigh as she ran her hands across his torso.
"Roy," she began, heart thundering in her chest as she held his ebony gaze. Shifting her hands, she cupped his scruffy cheeks. "I- I..." her courage suddenly strained, snapping like a twig. Her cheeks heated, eyes ducking. "Thank you," she inserted instead.
He ran a hand sensually up her side, guiding her chin up until their eyes met again. His gaze flickered to her lips in silent promise as he leaned closer. "I love you too," he breathed before capturing her lips.
She inhaled sharply at his kiss, heart racing against her ribs. He knew. He knew what she'd been trying to say! Of course he knew. He'd told her so earlier- but he knew.
Wrapping her arms behind his neck, she felt a single, happy tear escape her eye, burning a trail down her cheek before it fell onto the pillow below them.