It's different when the crackle of the fire isn't caused by flame alchemy; it feels a little more natural, brings up less memories. The warmth of the fireplace's blaze seemed to seep into her skin, as she leaned against Roy's side.
The only sound in the room was the crackle of the fire as it bit into the wood and filled the room with the faint noise. The room's calm as Riza rests her bare feet against the cool floor, slowly warmed by the gentle heat in the living room. Roy's hand is securely tucked against her opposite side, holding her close.
In all of the years since they'd first met, it felt like the first time that they could let their guards down, that they could relax together. There was no war happening outside, no busy paperwork to fill, nothing to say that they couldn't sit by each other and take a break from work for a day, no alchemy, no guns, nothing but each other and the quiet crackle of the fire before them.
Slowly Riza's brown eyes began to close, and if she listened close enough, she could hear Roy's heart beat against her ear. It is the perfect end to the day, and Riza doesn't intend to fall asleep right now and leave her husband to put out the fire. It feels like that title is a long time coming; sometimes, since it's so new, it doesn't feel real.
She's so used to being known as Riza Hawkeye, so used to her age old nickname from the war being based off of her last name and her skill with a weapon. Truthfully, it feels like slowly shedding the old skin of who she used to be, even though she hasn't really changed all that much.
"Are you falling asleep?" Roy shifts a little next to her.
"No." She informs him, opening her brown eyes. The warmth of the fire seemed to settle over her skin, and soothe her. Really, if she let it, she could fall asleep from the warmth and the almost quiet.
"Okay." Roy doesn't argue; he doesn't want to tonight. He's told people before, only half jokingly that he was scared of her. He knew that she wouldn't hurt him unless the situation was so dire that she had to; it's why she doesn't feel scared of him. Flame alchemy's driven so much out of her life, and yet, she doesn't fear Roy with it, knows that he'll probably die with the secrets of it.
It's a calming thought, the idea that she doesn't have to bear this burden alone, because she has Roy by her side. He'll bear his own share too.
"Thank you." She shifts to rest more solidly against his side, and rests a gentle hand overtop his. It feels odd to be so affectionate with him, to be allowed to. She's grown so used to the old restrain of their relationship, back when so much as wishing to be together like this was a thought and a feeling that they had to push down. Years had definitely passed and allowed them these small comforts.
"You're welcome." Roy shrugs; she's thanking him for all of today, though it's such a little joy that it nearly feels like something she can't thank him for or shouldn't. Riza isn't entirely sure if Roy realizes all that she's thanking him for. It isn't important enough to clarify anyway, so she sinks back against his side and into the quiet where the fire is it's own voice and the only one speaking in the room.
It's almost surreal to be this relaxed or to see that Roy is just as relaxed. His shoulder's are comfortable, no tension pulling them tight, and though his eyes aren't drooping as he mostly watches the flames, there's a kind of quiet calm and peace about him. It's rare to have such a calm day after years and years of anything but calm.
Yet, this day feels so perfect that neither of them mind the rarity of it, instead with the crackling of the fire as their background noise, they savor this special, one of a kind day together.