N/A:
Hello!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Given the holiday, I thought I'd write this one-shot which is part of one of the ideas I have on my to-write list. Golden and I are both tennis fanatics and recently last month one of the most important tournaments of the year happened so I was encouraged to get this idea out of my head because I'm not sure when I'll be able to work with this AU.
Just to give some context to this work, it is a modern AU and there are 5 major tournaments, better known in our reality as Grand Slams/Open. The tournaments in this universe are as follows: Aerugo, Xing, Drachma, Crete, Amestris.
The title "Matchpoint" was suggested by Golden and it is a term in tennis used to refer to the point to win the match, so I think it fits the story.
Well, I hope you enjoy it and I hope you can share your opinions.
And finally I want to give a big thank you to Golden for being my beta.
See you until next time.
Greetings!
Matchpoint
Riza sighed before taking a drink of water. She was catching her breath after she had finished her tennis practice with her best friend Rebecca.
"That backhand of yours is seriously becoming one of your best and scariest shots. Especially if you manage to master the backhand parallel." Rebeca commented.
Rebeca and Riza were 20 years old and it was already their second year on the world professional tennis circuit after spending a couple of years on the junior circuit. They had participated in doubles and singles and recently Riza had participated in the mixed doubles at the last Aerugo Grand Slam.
"Yes, that's what my dad tells me but I still need to work a lot on that shot." She said as she grabbed a towel to dry her sweat. "I just won't be able to do it in a tournament anytime soon, at least not until May."
Rebecca exhaled heavily. "I don't understand why your father has you banned from the upcoming tournaments if your grades are going so well."
"He just wants me to have a career so that when I stop being a tennis player I can support myself in something else."
"Come on, Riza. With your talent and, above all, aim, you'll no doubt be the number one ranked player for quite a while and with that you'll make a fortune that will last even for your grandchildren."
Riza laughed. "I think you have too much hope for me, dear friend."
"Because it's true, I wish I had that aim of yours. Besides I recognize that you're better at singles tournaments than I am but you and I in doubles will soon be tearing it up."
"No doubt we are a good team, I just hope we are sufficiently prepared with the little practice we are going to have together. Wouldn't you really prefer to look for another partner for the doubles? It's not fair that because of me you lose rhythm."
Rebecca immediately shook her head and put her arm around her friend's shoulders. "Oh no, don't even think I'm going to let go of you. You won't get rid of me that easily. Riza, Aerugo was our second Grand Slam we played as pros and look we made it to the third round. Not bad, so I have no doubt we'll get to fight the finals soon." Riza smiled. "Besides, at least your father allows you to come to the club to practice once a week and that's enough. Only I'm not promising you that I'm going to let you off easy in singles when we face each other."
Riza smiled. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
The two girls grabbed their things and headed for the club's showers.
"By the way, will you be participating again in the mixed doubles with Mustang in the Xing Open?" Rebecca asked.
She nodded. "Yes, I talked to him last week and he said it didn't matter that we couldn't participate in tournaments until May. According to him with both of our talents and our timing we don't need much practice to get up to speed."
"Cocky as always, isn't he?" the black-haired girl commented jokingly. "I can't blame him though, you two had a great turnout for your first time at a Grand Slam. Not just anyone makes it to the round of 8 on their first try."
"Well, it was a lot of luck but also don't forget that Roy and I know our playing styles very well."
"Right, you guys have known each other since you were kids."
"That's right, plus he says it'll help him to focus for the end of his career."
"Right, he's already graduating this summer, right?"
"Uh-huh. Like me, his parents made it a condition for him to continue studying if he wanted to be a professional player."
"Well he's doing very well, he's already ranked tenth and if the next Slam he makes it to the finals he could move up to fifth." Rebecca smiled, "You're no slouch though, Riza. You're 2 years younger than him and you're already ranked fifteenth, you could certainly become number 1 in the women's division ahead of him in the men's."
"You're not that far behind Becky, you're only 2 spots behind me, so surely you're going to catch up and even overtake me in this time."
"Maybe, but that you will certainly sweep when you participate in the Slam."
"We'll see how I get to the tournament."
The two girls went into 2 individual showers that were next to each other to continue chatting.
"And still nothing between you and Mustang?" Rebecca asked suggestively.
"What do you mean, he's my friend. Besides he lives in Central."
"But whenever he comes to visit his aunt he spends time with you. Besides, you two have always been close, whenever you can you watch each other's game for support. And with your recent debut as a couple in the mixed doubles you're not going to deny to me that you didn't see the ship the fans are making with you. You can't deny that you didn't see the #royai on the social media."
"Becky, Roy and I are just friends so it's normal for us to support each other-"
"But you'd like to be something more, wouldn't you?"
"Becky, he's my friend-"
"Which you've been in love with for a while now and don't deny it." She added at last holding up a finger when she heard Riza want to interrupt her. "That's why your last relationship didn't work out because you kept thinking about Roy."
"Becky-"
"And you know, I get the impression that he has feelings for you too and it's not just friendship."
"We're just two good friends, that's all."
"Because Mustang lacks the pants to declare his feelings for you or because the jerk likes to have all the girls after him."
Riza sighed. "You're hopeless, Becky."
"But tell me, Riz, if he confessed to you and asked you to be his girlfriend, would you accept?"
"Why do you ask that kind of question if you well know that's unlikely to happen?"
"Answer."
The blonde sighed. "Yes, I'm in love with him and if I saw that he really felt the same way about me, I'd probably say yes." She answered in such a low voice that Rebecca almost didn't manage to hear.
"I knew it!" Shouted Rebeca triumphantly.
"Rebecca." Riza scolded her.
"Whoops."
When they got out of showering and changing, they headed for a coffee shop.
"Hey, and since you don't have a beau at the moment, what are you planning to do this Valentine's Day?"
"I had thought I'd spend it at home studying for my next exam."
"Oh, come on Riz. Since we both don't have beaus and this holiday is also for friendship why don't we go out to the mall and go shopping?"
Riza was about to say no when her friend put on her best puppy face.
"Okay, let's do it."
"Great, this way we'll celebrate our friendship and bachelorhood." Rebecca said animatedly as she raised a fist in victory.
"Hey, Roy, where are you going?" Maes Hughes asked his friend as he walked into the apartment he shared with him as he saw him getting ready to leave.
"I've got things to fix."
"I hope you didn't suddenly change your single status overnight."
Roy shook his head. "Not at all."
"You know, if I didn't know you are crazy about Riza I'd think you didn't make it past the second date because you don't want to bother with gifts today." Maes said jokingly, before switching to a serious tone. "When are you going to acknowledge that what you feel is love? And especially when the hell are you going to declare those feelings to Riza?"
Roy had long been in love with Riza but refused to let her know his feelings for fear of spoiling their friendship in case she didn't reciprocate. However, during the last Grand Slam as they spent more time together at practices and matches, he realized that he couldn't keep his feelings to himself any longer and that he had to try to win Riza's heart because he really enjoyed every moment by her side and now that he hadn't seen her he resented her presence greatly.
Roy smiled, "That's what I'm going to fix."
"Really?"
Roy nodded.
"I hear it and I don't believe it. So you're going to East City?" Maes asked.
"That's right, I'm taking a flight there to make the most of the time."
"So you're going to propose to her in the middle of Valentine's Day?" asked Maes cheerfully who couldn't contain her excitement, so much so that he almost looked like he wanted to jump for joy.
"Yes, I spoke to her yesterday with the excuse to say hello and I was able to find out that she would be spending the day shopping with her friend Rebeca at the mall. Hopefully I can surprise her and find the right moment to confess my feelings to her."
"Apparently you have it all planned out, my friend. It's about time. Best of luck, although I don't think you need it because I have a hunch that Riza has feelings for you."
"I hope you're right, Maes."
Maes glanced at the backpack Roy slung over his shoulder noting that it didn't seem to be carrying much of anything. "You're not staying in the East? Because you look pretty light on baggage."
He shook his head. "I can't, I have an exam tomorrow that I can't postpone. I have to pass it so I can focus on the upcoming tournaments." He sighed and a smile tugged at his lips. "Although... if Riza accepts me, I'll find a way to go visit her more often."
Roy and Maes were about to graduate that summer so they both only participated in a few tournaments so as not to completely neglect their studies and worked hard with their coaches whenever possible.
"Well when she says yes to you, we need to set up a double date. I know Gracia will love it, she gets along great with Riza."
"Maes, take it easy. There's the chance she'll turn me down."
"You'll see she won't." Maes said confidently.
Roy smiled gratefully at his friend's encouragement. "I'd better get going, I'll see you in the evening, my friend."
"Have a good one. Say hi to Riza."
During the 2 hour flight, Roy was thinking about what would be the best way to propose as he looked at the 2 white gold charms each on a chain of the same material, which he had bought a couple of months ago. Both were in the shape of a stylized 'R' but the one that would be for Riza had a few small rhinestones that made it sparkle slightly. He hoped that those charms could be worn by the two of them as a token of their relationship but in case she didn't return his feelings, he planned to give her charm to her anyway since, first and foremost, she was a very valuable friend to him.
Thinking about his fear of rejection, he sighed. I never thought I could be so anxious and nervous. He thought as he tried to distract his mind by contemplating the clouds that were passing by at the moment.
When Roy arrived in East City and before heading to the mall that Riza had told him about, he stopped for a moment to buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Once satisfied with his purchase, he resumed his way and a few minutes later entered the mall, deciding at that moment that it was time to call her to get her exact location.
"Darn! I forgot my receipt!" Rebecca complained.
"Shall we go back to the store?" Riza asked.
"Wait for me here, so you can take advantage and see those new sports suits your sponsor is putting out so you can tell them which one you want, I've already made my choices. I won't be long."
Before Riza could reply Rebeca had walked away leaving her in front of a sports store where she started to observe what was in the shop windows. Suddenly her phone rang, startling her to see who was calling.
"Hey, Roy. To what do I owe your call?" Riza asked surprised but happy to hear his voice.
"Hey Riza, can't I say hi to you?" Roy asked in a teasing tone of indignation as he continued to walk around the mall looking everywhere to try to find her.
"Sure you can but I'm really surprised you're calling me so soon."
"It's just that I thought you might need a little break from Rebecca's craziness." The black-haired man said jokingly.
She laughed. "Tell me about it. We've been going from store to store, for now I have a little break because she forgot her receipt and left me waiting in front of a sporting goods store."
Roy turned to the map of the mall and cursed internally as he realized that the mall had at least 5 sports stores.
"According to her, she wants me to take the opportunity to check out my sponsor's new designs." Riza sighed. "As if it's that easy to get the design you like."
Thank you, Riza. Now I know which store you're in. Roy thanked the blonde in his mind as he identified a sports store exclusive to the brand that sponsored Riza.
"Well when you least expect it you'll have that option. Especially when you're number one in the rankings." He commented as he hurried to reach the second floor where the sports store was located.
"Thank you for your good wishes. Maybe someday I'll make it and so will you. By the way, shouldn't you be out on a date on this day? Or are you continuing your tradition of not having a girlfriend on this date to save money?" Said the blonde in a joking tone.
Now it was his turn to laugh. "Now you are going to bother me with that too? Maes just told me the same thing in the morning. But for your information this day is not only for lovers but also for friends and what better than talking to you."
"You're right about that, maybe we should meet before the tournaments start to spend time together, like when we were kids and you came to spend summers with your Aunt Chris."
Roy stopped as he saw Riza with her back turned looking into the store window. He was across the aisle that was separated by a fountain.
"Why don't we do it right now? Maybe today is my lucky day and I can go on a date with you."
"What do you mean, Roy? You're at Central-" Riza said in confusion.
"Why don't you turn around and confirm it."
Riza did as instructed and to her great surprise saw that Roy was on the other side of the fountain carrying a big smile and a bouquet of flowers.
"Roy..." She was speechless, she couldn't believe he was in East City with a bouquet of flowers in front of her.
He started to approach until he heard another voice on his call with Riza that stopped him.
"Riza!" She turned to her right to find a blond boy with blue eyes who was one of her friends in college. He was carrying a bouquet of red roses, which he was quick to make a point of handing to her. "I love you. I can't keep my feelings quiet anymore. I love you and I really wish the two of us could be a couple."
"Jeremy." Was all she could manage to say. She hadn't expected someone to propose to her, let alone in front of Roy.
Roy. She thought a moment later and returned her gaze to where Roy stood, who had now changed his cheerful expression to a serious one.
"Roy, wait this-"
"Don't worry, Riza. I understand, I shouldn't have come on the spur of the moment when you have things to attend to." He interrupted her.
"No, Roy, please wait."
"See ya." He replied before hanging up his phone and starting to walk away from the place.
"Riza-"
"Jeremy, I'm sorry, I really am. You're a really nice guy and I appreciate you as a friend, but you deserve someone who loves you the same way and I can't do that because my heart belongs to someone else. Please excuse me." She told him with an apologetic expression.
She hurried away without waiting for a response from the blond, following the route she caught a glimpse of Roy had taken, but since there were so many people she couldn't find him. She dialed his cell phone but he didn't answer. Damn it, Roy. Please pick up.
Being so focused on her search she bumped into Rebecca, who had been coming in her direction quickly when she saw her walking in a hurry.
"I'm sorry, Becky, but-"
"Yes, I imagine you're out looking for Mustang. I saw what happened." The black-haired woman sighed. "Wow, what timing on Jeremy, just because he's been your friend for a few months he already expects you to love him."
"Do you know where Roy was headed?"
"Not really but I ran into Jean and asked him to follow him when I saw what was going on. Call him, he sure has him in his sights."
Riza nodded and quickly looked up Jean's number.
"Jean? Hello-"
"Hey, Riza. Don't worry, he's on the third floor terrace."
"Thanks, Jean. I owe you one."
"Don't worry."
Riza hung up and hugged her friend. "Thanks, Becky. I owe you one, too."
She returned the hug and grabbed the pair of shopping bags Riza was carrying. "Go, I'll take care of this and Jeremy." She told him with a smile. "You better tell me the details later."
She nodded. "Thanks."
Riza hurried to the place Jean had told her to, trying to communicate with Roy all the way but he still didn't answer. When she reached the entrance to the terrace she was met by Jean, who with a slight nod pointed to where Roy was then retreated offering her a slight smile of encouragement.
Roy had left the bouquet of flowers on a nearby table while he was leaning on the railing watching the landscape with a sense of sadness. Why the hell did I have to take so long? Why did I run away? I should have smashed that jerk's face in... But... Will Riza love him? He sighed heavily. Why does loving have to hurt so much?
Riza noticed his mood and how thoughtful he was so she decided to sneak up on him so as not to upset him. When she was a few steps behind him, she decided to make one last attempt to call him on the phone. Being so close to him she could see how he sighed as he heard the device but didn't make the slightest attempt to take the call.
"Why aren't you answering my calls?" She asked in a low voice so as not to startle Roy.
He startled slightly at the sound of her voice but didn't turn to look at her. He thought about lying to her by telling her he hadn't heard his cell phone but he knew she had noticed he was ignoring her so he ended up opting to stay quiet.
"Why didn't you wait for me?" The blonde asked.
"..."
"Please answer Roy."
He exhaled heavily. "Because I didn't want to be a bad third between you and your little boyfriend." He replied in a harsher tone than he would have liked to use.
Riza sighed. "I know you heard that at the time he proposed to me-"
"Don't remind me." She was interrupted by the black-haired man.
"I turned him down."
He finally turned to look at her. "Well I'll save you the trouble of having to turn down two people on the same day."
Roy ducked his head and started walking past Riza, who immediately grabbed him by the wrist to stop him.
"What do you mean? Why did you come precisely today unexpectedly?"
There was a pause that seemed eternal to Riza until he decided to speak.
"Because I wanted to see you." He raised his gaze to meet those mahogany eyes that always captivated him. "Because I wanted to confess to you how much I've loved you for a long time." He ducked his gaze. "But I didn't count on some fucking asshole beating me to it."
"You really love me?"
He nodded. "But you don't have to feel bad about not reciprocating my feelings. Above all things I cherish our friendship and I don't want to lose it for anything in the world, that's why I hadn't told you before." He sighed and ducked his gaze once more. "I'd better go, I'm not good company right now. I just need a couple of days-"
Roy didn't finish speaking because he was surprised to feel Riza's arms around his waist hugging him tightly. He froze for a moment, especially when he heard what she was saying to him.
"You're silly, I've been loving you for a long time too but just like you I didn't want it to spoil our friendship. For that reason I rejected Jeremy because my heart has an owner and that owner is you." She whispered in his ear.
He couldn't believe what he had just heard so he gently placed his hands on Riza's shoulders to pull her slightly away from him to look into her eyes.
"Really?" He asked, looking at her intently.
At that moment Riza could see hope rekindle in the black-haired man's onyx gaze, which made her smile. "Really."
Roy's features immediately softened and the expression of joy again made its appearance. He pulled her to him to hug her tightly, lifting her slightly off the ground so he could spin her around for a few seconds making Riza laugh. When he stopped, they separated slightly so they could look into each other's eyes.
"I love you, Riza." Roy said with a wide smile and a warm look full of love.
"And I love you, Roy." Replied Riza with flushed cheeks and an intense glow of joy in her eyes.
Without wasting any more time, Roy leaned over and kissed her tenderly and gently on the lips. They both closed their eyes and let themselves be carried away by the moment. With their previous partners they had never felt what the kiss was provoking in them at that moment. It was something extraordinary and at the same time familiar because the affection for each other had always been there. When they were out of breath they broke apart and Roy placed his forehead on Riza's.
"I can't believe you're here telling me you love me." Riza commented.
He kissed her lightly on the lips. "And I can't believe you love me too." He caressed one of her cheeks. "So, can we give it a try for a romantic relationship between us?"
"On 2 conditions." Riza replied as she raised 2 fingers to the level of the black-haired man's face.
That confused Roy slightly. "You say."
"One." Riza began as she held up only one finger. "Whatever happens between us, let's keep our friendship, because truth be told it would hurt me to lose it."
"I totally agree, what about the second one?"
Riza raised the second finger again. "That if there comes a time when... we no longer have interest in each other we tell each other up front instead of cheating on each other."
"Believe me, I would never lose interest in you and I would never cheat on you. But if those are your terms I accept it because I want to be by your side." He said with a loving smile. "So, will you accept to be my girlfriend?"
Riza smiled and kissed him before answering. "Does that answer your question?"
Roy's smile widened and he pulled her to him to hug her tightly. When they pulled apart, he took her hand and led her to the table where he had left the bouquet of flowers for her to take a seat. He took the bouquet and offered it to her with a smile.
"I'm glad I didn't get rid of them."
She took the flowers and stroked the petals. "They're very pretty, Roy. thank you so much!" Riza said before kissing his cheek.
"Not as pretty as you."
"You're such a flatterer." She replied smiling.
He shook his head. "I'm only telling the truth. Oh, wait." He started going through his jacket until he pulled out a thin rectangular box. "This is for you too."
"Roy...you shouldn't have bothered. What you've told me and the flowers are more than enough."
"No bother, I bought this a couple of months ago but hadn't found the opportunity to give it to you." She carefully placed the flowers on the table and took the box from Roy's hands. "Open it." He said.
She did as he instructed and was surprised to see the charms in the shape of the letter 'R'.
"I thought we could use the charms as a token of our relationship." He said in a soft voice. "I know it sounds kind of corny but only with you would I like to have this kind of relationship."
Riza's smile widened. "Who knew Roy Mustang would have this cheesy side? I've never seen this side of you in the time I've known you."
"I would venture to say that you are the only one who knows me like the back of her hand and so it is only to you that I am showing this side of me. Believe it or not, you are the only one who brings out the best and the cheesiest in me." He commented smiling.
"I like this side of you that I'm getting to know." She stroked Roy's cheek. "The charms are beautiful, Roy." A mischievous twinkle peeked out of her mahogany gaze. "Which one is yours, the one with the little sparkles?"
"Riza!" He grumbled slightly pouting but began to laugh as he saw her do the same.
She picked up her charm. "Will you help me put it on?"
"Of course." He took the chain with the charm and gently pushed her blonde hair aside to finally attach the chain. "There."
"Now, let me help you with yours." Riza said as she busied herself placing the chain with the charm on Roy. When she finished she said. "Now we are both ready." She said with a smile.
He nodded. "I'll always carry it with me, so I'll have no excuse not to stop thinking about you." He commented as he grabbed his charm in his hand.
"Me too." She said doing the same with her charm.
"What do you say we have our first date?" He proposed.
"Sounds like a great idea." She replied with a broad smile.
Roy stood up and offered his hand to Riza to help her up. When they were both standing Roy hugged her tightly.
"I love you, Riza." He kissed her forehead. "Happy Valentine's Day."
She returned the hug tightly. "I love you, Roy. Happy Valentine's Day."
He kissed her tenderly before hugging her again.
The two enjoyed the rest of the day strolling around the Mall, the park and an invitation to lunch from Roy to Riza. They talked about many things as they strolled around holding hands until it was time for Roy to get ready for his flight back to Central, but not before promising her that he would come back to visit her as soon as he finished his exams because he couldn't bear to see her until the pre-Grand Slam tennis tournament.
It was no surprise that during the Xing Open the #royai was trending on social media when fans saw Roy and Riza wearing their respective charms during their matches and especially when on one occasion or another fans and cameras caught them holding hands and Roy stealing a kiss or two from the blonde after the matches.