Theme 70: Giddiness

The night air was crisp and bitter, the clouds in the horizon promising a downpour in a couple hours. The streets were mostly empty, as all the Central citizens with some sense decided it was too cold to stay out late. To say the least, the atmosphere was miserably cold, but that didn't stop the sweat from gathering at the top of Roy's brow as he and Riza made their way to the Hall where Fuhrer Grumman was having his birthday. Hopefully there will be more than just a birthday to celebrate tonight, Roy thought as his hand brushed the small velvet object in his pocket. He swallowed thickly and glanced at the woman on his arm. She was absolutely beautiful, more stunning than any other woman he could think of or create in his mind.

Which made tonight that much more terrifying.

"Roy?" He blinked, realizing that they were standing at the entrance to the hall. Riza was looking at him, her expression confused and slightly humored. "Are you ready to go inside?"

Roy made an unintelligible noise that was not quite "yes" but was a sufficient enough response, and the pair walked into the large building.

The air immediately thickened upon entry to the enormous banquet hall. Hundreds of people swarmed around in the too warm room. Young men and women laughing and drinking, old government officials expanding their networks with military generals while their wives chatted amongst themselves, bored of the political talk. Everyone was dressed in their finest formal wear, however they looked as if they all had sticks wedged painfully up their rears. Roy smirked at the thought.

"I'm sure not even half these people know the Fuhrer," Riza commented as a caterer whisked by, skillfully balancing a tray of champagne glasses with one hand. Roy quickly grabbed one and took a sip, trying to settle his nerves.

"Of course not, they're just here for the party," Roy squinted, trying to find the old man. "Come on," He said, pulling Riza across towards the center of the room. They made their way over to Grumman, who was in a circle of older men and apparently in a serious conversation, the way his brows were pulled together and his eyes stayed concentrated. Once he saw the couple, his face brightened.

"What a wonderful sight, you two are!" Grumman laughed as he shook hands with the pair while the older gentlemen dispersed. "Thank goodness," he said, referring to the absence of the men. "I'd prefer not to talk politics on my birthday. It's quite boring, don't you agree?" The young couple nodded.

Roy drew in a shaky breath. "Riza, would you mind grabbing me another champagne?" He had long ago deposited his still-full glass at a nearby table to create an excuse to get himself and the Fuhrer alone together. Her eyes betrayed her confusion and slight suspicion, although she nodded and went to scout the area for a caterer.

Grumman glanced at Roy, smirking. "I'm guessing you're finally taking me up on my offer." The old man said knowingly. "Come on General, let's take a little walk."

They made their way through the crowd to the front entrance and then outside, the icy air cutting through their bones. Roy leaned on the stone wall, welcoming the cold air into his lungs and steadying himself, as he felt faint. Grumman stood in front of him and smiled. "I remember that."

Roy looked at the old man in confusion. Grumman elaborated. "I remember the night when I was going to propose to my wife. I could barely walk, much less talk. I felt like I was going to collapse at any moment, I was so dizzy with fear and adrenaline," He chuckled at the memory. "When she said yes, I actually passed out. I know what you're going through."

Roy closed his eyes and sank down onto the pavement below. After a few moments, he laughed. "I can't believe I'm this... scared." He ran a hand through his hair, overwhelmed.

"Proposing to the woman you love most is a scary thing! I knew my wife was going to say yes, yet I was still terrified." Grumman said, offering a hand to help the frightened man to his feet. After pulling Roy up, he gave him a hard clap on the arm. "Man up, soldier."

Roy nodded, smiling, then made his way inside the hall again. Grumman stayed out in the night, breathing in deeply and reminiscing about his wife, and wishing she were still with him. He felt a sudden rush of happiness. Although she was gone now, he was blessed to have found someone he held so close to his heart and loved so dearly with every piece of his soul. Not many people could say they found a love like that, but Grumman could say that, luckily, he did.

Hearing the applause from inside the banquet hall, Grumman smiled, glad that Roy had found his too.

I AM SO SORRY I've been away for so long. and i am SO TERRIBLY SORRY THIS CHAPTER IS SO POOPY. I've been busy with school and sports and breakups and more school. I haven't had any time to write but I should've made time and for that I apologize. I will not give up on this fic though, I promise you that! I am truly sorry for being gone for so long. Next chapter WILL be up soon, I promise.

Xoxo

Me!