Had to take the latest two chapters and repost them. Here they are again!
"Lieutenant, thank you for meeting me," the Fuhrer King Bradley stated, motioning the saluting woman to sit across from him. "I was hoping that you would be willing to answer a few questions about your leave."
Riza nodded slightly, "Yes, Sir. I enclosed a copy of the note explaining why I need to take the last trimester off. Or was there something else that you needed to know?" There was a nod as his one good eye focused on her face. He leaned forward and gently rested his elbows on the desk he sat behind.
"Well, you see, there are a lot of rumors floating around since you revealed you were with child last week. No one seems to know who the father is. Would you care to enlighten me?"
"S-s-sir," she began nervously. "I… would be lying if I said I knew. There was a dark haired civilian whom I… allowed… to take advantage of me drinking on my day off."
This made the King Bradley's eyebrows raise with disbelief, "Lieutenant, I would have expected better of you. Are you sure you do not know?"
Riza nodded before looking down at the scrutinous gaze, "I am sure. I don't remember what his name was."
"And we are sure it isn't Colonel Mustang's child?"
She froze, wide eyes going straight to the Fuhrer's singular one. Her jaw dropped in a look of surprise. It took a few seconds before she recovered. "Sir, that is… preposterous. I am his subordinate and we both know what any fraternization would lead to."
He watched her, his eye narrowed as he looked over her face for any signs of lying. "You two have known each other for much longer than the military has been in your lives. I know that you two are close and people like to talk…"
"No, Sir. People like to create rumors to explain why they are nosy. There is nothing between Colonel Mustang and I other than a friendship and my loyalty as his subordinate. Please, do not read into the talk of anyone other than he and I."
The gaze remained for a moment longer. She felt as if her very soul was being peered into. After what seemed to be an eternity, the Fuhrer leaned back into his chair and immediately smiled.
"Well, good. I would have hated to try you in your current state. Now, what are your plans once the baby is born? Will you be keeping it or will you be putting it up for adoption?"
Riza sighed at this, "I… honestly have made the decision that I should give him or her to a loving family. I cannot provide them with the love and attention they need while continuing my career in the military. I have been visiting with a few couples but I haven't found one that I care for yet."
This settled in the room for a few moments before he nodded again, "So you plan on staying with us here in Central?"
"Yes, Sir. I couldn't leave. I feel my purpose here is not yet complete."
"Very well," the Fuhrer said, watching her closely. "We would be most happy to keep you in your current position once you are ready to return, of course. I would, however, like to see you every two weeks until then. Just for tea and to make sure that you aren't too out of place when you return. Do you find that fair?"
Riza stared at him for a moment before quickly nodding, "Of course, Sir. Yes. I will be here."
"Good. You are dismissed, Lieutenant. have a safe time away."
Another short one. Sorry. I promise the next one I post (which might be in two days) will be at least a thousand words! I am going to get around to Roy confronting Riza about everything. Don't you worry! Review, follow, and favorite and I will be your best friend!
