Hello!

Here we are for this 3rd OS.

1923: Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye are tried for their war crimes. How will they redeem themself? What kind of future can they expect after this trial?

Warning: lots of FLUFF ahead!

I hope you'll like it!


Rebuildings


The tension in the courtroom was palpable. So many things were at stake with this trial, and the jury members, the judge and the lawyers chose their words with care before speaking. Everyone knew that one sentence could change the verdict for the best or for the worse. It was the first time in Amestris History that a trial for war crimes was organised, because this concept hadn't been included in the law before last year, thanks to Führer Roy Mustang. Said man was now on the defendant bench. After four years spent in restoring a legislative power independent from the army, helping to rebuild the war-devastated regions, re-establish healthy diplomatic relationships with the neighbouring countries, he had left his post.

From his bench, Roy listened his barrister expose his history and Riza Hawkeye's. She was sitting next to him, because they'd decided to be tried together, ready to hear the sentence for all their war crimes.

Many people had testified for or against them. Edward and Alphonse Elric, former major Armstrong, acquitted a few days ago, Dr Marcoh, and even Scar, who had already been tried four years ago for the murders of the State Alchemists and sentenced to permanent exile in Ishval. The members of their unit had spoken too, about his desire to change the country for the best.

Honestly, Roy didn't know at all how this judgement would finish. The galleries for the audience were full, and the trial was exceptional enough to be broadcasted on the radio. The session was lasting for three hours and he ignored how long it would last more.

He was nervous, but he knew since the end of the war and his decision to change Amestris that his fate was uncertain. He wasn't worried about himself, but about the woman sitting next to him. In her formal grey suit, her hair down, Riza seemed unwell. Roy had seen her pale face, and her trembling hands mopping occasionally her forehead with her handkerchief. Was she ill? Roy felt bad for not asking her. He wanted to take her hand, caress her hair, look her in the eyes and say that all would be fine, that he would be by her side whatever the verdict would be.

The one thing he was conscious about was the fact that their shared feelings couldn't help their cause. After the Promised Day, things had changed between them, and even if they couldn't unveil their relationship, they had decided to live together at the end of Roy's term. Nothing was official, but lots of people knew the nature of their relationship. Roy regretted not to be able to start a family with Riza because of their guilt. When the trial had begun, he had taken a decision. He would ask her hand in marriage, whatever the result of this long final session. If they had to be killed, it wouldn't be before they had cleared all the things they missed between them. It could seem awfully tragic, but Roy refused to lose the moment.

His pockets were empty, for he couldn't bring anything in the courtroom, but Riza would know he was serious even without a ring.

He brought back his attention on the people speaking. Prosecution, representing the Ishvalan people they'd slaughtered during the war, was once more exposing its arguments. The penalty they sought was a long jail sentence and new rebuilding actions in Ishval.

Roy rose an eyebrow, surprised. He expected Ishvalan to be uncompromising and merciless, however they were allowing them to live.

"Has someone anything to add before the jury leave for deliberation?" The judge asked to the courtroom. Armstrong stood up.

"Can I speak to one of you? I have something to share, but I don't want it to be known before it is official."

The jurors exchanged glances, and the judge showed one of them. Armstrong approached him and leant to his level. He whispered something, and the juror briefly seemed surprised as he looked at Riza. What did Armstrong know? Roy wondered. He hadn't said anything about his intentions to anyone.

Then, the jurors left the courtroom. Roy felt the knot in his stomach tighten. Riza didn't look well, and he cursed his helplessness to reassure her. He wanted to take her in his arms, whisper sweet words, relieve her from her worries. But they were in public and couldn't allow themselves to have tender gestures for the other. They had agreed on this, and Roy didn't want to renege, even if it was difficult to keep his promise.

Endless minutes passed. Then, half an hour later the jurors re-entered in the room. The audience stood up, waiting for the sentence to be pronounced. Roy was standing straight, clenched fists on his tights. Finally, the time had come. Looking to his right, he saw Riza clinging to the railing. Her knuckles turned white. Roy admonished himself. He couldn't take her hand. Not now.

Reluctantly, he focused on the juror who'd just made a step forward the others.

"After our deliberation, the defendants Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye are sentenced… to carry on the redeeming of their sins. Therefore, they must settle in Ishval, work for its inhabitants and help in the recreation of peaceful region and country. This decision is unanimous. You will be charged with the repairing of the damages of the war, for this generation and generations to come. This sentence is effective starting now, and for the rest of your lives. It has not been influenced by Mr. Armstrong confidential statement.

The room exploded in uproar. Everyone had something to say, and reactions were various. Roy heard furious cries, happy cries, he saw tears, smiles and winces. However, he didn't care. His heavy burden had just been lifted from his shoulders, and several questions turned in his mind. Why was this sentence so light? Had something convinced the jury to be so indulgent? Why had the juror nodded toward Riza when he'd spoken about generations to come? More importantly, what had Armstrong said?

Roy turned to Riza. She was on her knees. Relief was showing clearly on her face, but the tears on her cheeks worried him. He listened to his heart and kneeled beside her. He gave her a happy smile.

"It's done, we've made it.

"It has only begun, Roy", Riza replied, her voice full of emotion. "All begins today."

She looked at him lovingly, and her hand, attracted like a magnet, landed gently on her belly. Spluttering, Roy realised what meant the juror. The generation to come began now. He put his hands on her face, tenderly caressing her cheeks with his thumbs.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded, and Roy swallowed. He tried to make the lump in his throat disappear. Their future appeared so certain, so beautiful and so clear, and he wanted to cry. However, Riza's cheeks were wet, not his.

"Hey, I'm here," he whispered, wiping her tears with his knuckles. He drowned into her amber eyes, seeing only joy, like a reflexion of his own. "I'm happy," he added, smiling.

"Me too", she replied, giving his smile back.

"Since when do you know?"

Since when was she keeping the news for herself? Since when did she know? How could he not have seen it?

"I only know for two days, but the analysis show that it's been one month."

One month… One month since the fruit of their love had begun to develop within her. One month since the future, their future, was quietly growing in the safest place in the world. Roy made a promise to himself: he would protect the two beings he loved the most, he would protect them from all the threats from the world. Their future place would not lack of threats, despite what they already had made and would carry on making.

He frowned, intrigued by a thought. "How is Armstrong informed?

"Earlier, when I was going to the toilets, I fainted, and he caught me before I fell. He was so worried I had to tell him my state.

"He's always been thoughtful about you", Roy remembered, relieved.

He remembered that night, when the major had replaced her during her wait next to his car, when their fates had taken a major turn.

"Then it's what he's said to the jury?" He suddenly understood. He had to ask them how the deliberations had been, and if Armstrong revelation had not influenced their final decision. For now, the most important was in front of him. Lowering one hand, he put it on Riza's hands, on her flat belly. He leant and kissed her slowly. Then, he whispered in her ear. "Will you marry me?"

Riza shuddered. She pulled away, her hands on his torso, and he could read her silent question in her eyes. He shook his head. "It has nothing to do with the news. I intended to ask you, whatever the verdict would be. If we're able to provide a safe home to this child, our child, it would be for the best."

A strangled laugh escaped her lips, and she was smiling through her tears. She grasped his collar and pulled him to her, kissing him hard. Roy kissed her back passionately, deepening it to the point they parted out of breath.

"Is it a yes?" He knew his smile was reflecting hers when she replied. "Of course, idiot!"

Roy had never been happier in his life. He embraced Riza, enjoying her presence and her scent. He could redeem himself, helping the rebuilding of Ishval and live beside Riza. He would start a family. His family. The lump he though was gone reappeared and tears flowed on his cheeks when his heart roared with joy.

"Chief, Hawkeye, would you let us congratulate you?"

Roy and Riza parted. Havoc, Breda, Fuery and Falman were on the other side of the railing, wide smiles on their faces. Roy realised that the courtroom was still full of people, most of them looking at them. He'd been so focused on Riza and his happiness he'd forgotten about the place they were. He rose and helped Riza to get on her feet. Like this he was higher than his former team, so he went down the stairs of the defendant bench, followed by Riza. He greeted his friends, who hugged them affectionately.

"We have to celebrate!" Breda suggested.

"What do we have to celebrate?" Roy asked, smiling.

"Your reduced sentence, of course", Fuery replied. "We couldn't believe it when we heard it.

"We believed you would be sentenced to jail, or worse", Falman assured.

Roy stood beside Riza and took her hand. "We've got two other things to celebrate. Two happy events.

"We're going to get married", Riza said, stepping closer to Roy. "And we're going to be parents", Roy added, before the other could react.

After a fleeting second, Havoc roared, attracting the last people who weren't looking at them.

"We really have to celebrate, then!" Fuery exclaimed enthusiastically.

The barrister approached them. He shook hands with Roy, a smile on his face. "I think I have to congratulate you", he began. "Your pregnancy had been revealed only once everyone had given their opinion and the sentence had been decided", he added, speaking to Riza. "Your actions alone mattered in this case, not your situation."

"That's really reassuring", Riza replied, shaking his hand. "What will we have to do next? How long do we have before leaving for Ishval?

"You will get two weeks to settle. The first two years your actions will be monitored regularly, as well as your integration in the community. Depending on the results, the monitoring will be spaced in time. Then you will have full freedom. Of course, you will be allowed to go to Amestris, but with the guarantee that you will come back to Ishval. One more thing, Mr. Mustang: your eligibility has not been removed. You can still be candidate for elections."

That was interesting, Roy thought. However, it would be later, when they would be better regarded among the people they had slaughtered years ago. That wouldn't happen before a long time, though.

He thanked the barrister and took Riza's hand. When they left Central's Court with the team, a horde of journalists and photographers was waiting for them down the stairs. Naturalness took over and he answered some questions about the jury's sentence with the ease he had acquired during his four years in presidential term. Once they got rid of the journalists, who wanted to know if "at last" something was happening between Roy and Riza, they sought refuge in Madame Christmas' new bar.

There they rejoiced and celebrated the many things they had to, including their reunion. Since Roy had been in power, they hadn't had lots of opportunity to see each other. Chris Mustang enjoyed the good news her foster son told her. She wished them the best.

After a few drinks, the more for Havoc and Breda, the less for the others and none for Riza, they parted, but not without the promise they would reunite again to prepare the wedding. Roy and Riza wanted to keep things simple, but they couldn't do anything in front of the eagerness of the people they had known for so long.

Hand in hand, Roy and Riza wandered in the streets of Central, until they faced the black gates of the military cemetery. They exchanged a glance before going through the gate. They each had someone to speak to, so it wasn't an accident if their steps had led them there, without even speaking about it.

"We know each other so well, Riza.

"After all this time, some things don't need to be said, they are clear now.

The way her lips stretched made his heart beating faster, stronger. He felt like he was back to the beginning of their relationship, when they were both shy, uncertain of where this secret love would lead them. Maybe it wasn't so bad, to discover the other again, more. To choose the other each day and advance together in life.

Their first stop was in front of Maes Hughes' grave. Roy kneeled. "Hughes, can you believe I've never forgotten your advice? Even if it took me long enough to follow it. All these years I've found someone who supported me. But I feel free to marry only now. Some would say I'm not looking far enough, but my happiness is beside me. I'm sure you suspected that Riza would be the woman who will share my life. She chose it like she had chosen to follow me in the military. And we're going to have a child." He paused, feeling Riza's hand on his shoulder. A child, can you imagine? I don't know what kind of father I will be, but I think you've been the best example I've got in my life. I'll try not to annoy others with photos of my lovely wife (Riza's hand squeezed his shoulder a little more) and of my child who will be lovely as well. Watch me as I make this world a better place, my friend. Watch me as I make my naïve and idealistic dream a reality. Watch us as we mend our faults with our own hands. Watch us as we work for a clearer, happier and more peaceful future."

He rose, and Riza's arm nestled around his waist, as if it always had been its place. He put his hand on her shoulder, bringing her closer, the closest possible. They stayed a moment in front of the grave, and Roy thought about what he had said.

At first Maes had been dubious about his objective being realist. However, he hadn't hesitated to grant him his support, to keep him rooted. Roy was happy to have had a friend as Maes Hughes, even if he had left too soon.

Still silent, Riza lead Roy between the graves to one that had nothing more than the others. Only the name in golden letters made it special: Georges Grumman, 1936-1921. Riza stood in front of the tombstone, staring at it. Eventually she made her mind and spoke.

"Grandfather, I always thought it was too bad we couldn't speak more together. We have been separated by life; you were too busy, or we weren't in the same place. Now that you are gone, I feel like I can speak more freely than before. It's ironic, isn't it? At least, you can listen to my projects for the future. I'm sure it saddened you I did not become first lady of Amestris, but life has its own projects. You still can rejoice because I'm going to marry the man you hoped I would choose. And I'm carrying his child. I'm sad because you won't be able to meet your great-grandchild, although I will bring you photos when we'll be allowed to come. We are leaving Amestris, you know, for a place laden with memories. Some are not good memories, but we are going to create new ones. We are going to rebuild Ishval. We will manage, you'll see Grandfather."

Riza shivered in Roy's embrace. Roy turned his head and saw her eyes shining too much, her smile trembling lightly. He bent over and kissed her temple, caressing her back in comforting circles. Riza leant against him, tightened her hold on him and laid her head on his torso.

"I love you." It was a whisper, but it filled Roy's heart. Some things were clear enough to be said without speaking, but these words were among those that needed to be said out loud, since they could do it. He whispered too.

"I love you."


Bent over the cradle, Roy admired his son. He was a small being, but full of life, and had cried as soon as he was in this world. He was sleeping soundly, eyes shut, and fists closed. His short black hair was tangled, and his round mouth opened each time he breathed.

Roy turned on the bed to look at Riza. She was asleep too, exhausted by the long labour. The delivery had been long, and Roy had stayed by her side for all these hours, worrying about her, wondering if it could go wrong. However, the midwives had been efficient and professional. Roy reminded he had to thank them when they would come back to check on Riza and the baby. For eight long hours, he -his hand- had suffered with Riza. He had realised how Ishvalan architecture was well designed to keep freshness inside. If the heat outside had been in the house, the events would have been worse.

Roy took the hand of his wife and let a content sigh out. He removed strands of her fringe that hid her face and wiped the sweat from her forehead. He smoothed a frown on her skin before putting his hand on her warm cheek. Riza moved lightly and opened her amber eyes. She glanced at him, tired and smiled.

"How are you?

"Feeling a bit dizzy", she admitted. "And you?

"I'm happy. One year ago, in the middle of the investigation for our trial, I didn't know such happiness could happen to me. And yet…

"Here we are."

Roy nodded. Words were stuck in his throat, so he only gave her a tender smile. So many things had happened to them and the people they had helped during their first months in Ishval were helping them in turn. That was the way of life he had dreamt about, a society where everyone protected the others his own way.

He laid down on the bed beside Riza and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her belly was still swollen, but he could surround it more easily than the night before. He placed his head on her chest and closed his eyes. They could rest a little, they had deserved it, hadn't they?

Before he fell asleep, he felt Riza's sweet lips on his forehead. "We have to find a name for this future we're fighting for", he whispered. Then, he sank into sleep.