A/N: My thanks to all who reviewed last time! Hope you all enjoy this, as there's not much more of the story left.
Chapter 13
Crying did help at all. Riza knew that, but she hadn't been able to stop herself. She could fee Roxy staring at her out of the corner of her eyes as the two of them walked aimlessly through the streets. Riza wasn't exactly sure why they were simply wandering, but it was easier than talking about what had just happened. While Roxanne had not said anything yet, Riza was almost certain that she knew what was going on. Almost as if to prove her theory, Roxy suddenly stated
"It will get better. Just give it time." Riza nodded, but said nothing. She didn't want it to get better. She didn't want to get over Roy, move on just like she knew everyone was going to tell her to do. In the past few months she had realised that she really did not like being alone, despite what she had constantly insisted. More than that she wanted Roy, no one else. No one would ever be able to fill his place in her heart. But there was no chance of him coming back to her now. Roxanne's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Marguerite is going to meet us in a minute." Riza nodded. Then she stopped in the middle of the street. She stared up towards her friend.
"I need to go fetch black Hayate. Can the two of meet me there?" she asked. Roxy nodded
"Of course. But are you sure you're going to be okay over there my yourself?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. Riza sighed and smiled half heartedly.
"I'm not incapable of going to fetch my dog." She replied. Roxy laughed.
"I know. I know. I'll see you in five." Then with a wave of her hand she turned and started off down the street. Riza watched her go for a moment, her smile dropping. She turned on her heel and made her way slowly towards the kennels. This was going to be tough. Her emotions were hard enough to control at this moment; she had no idea if she was even going to be able to cope when she would have to face Roy in the morning. That's what you get for having a relationship with your commanding officer she thought to herself sadly as she continued on her way.
"Brother, I really, really do not think this is a good idea." Edward sighed and turned around to face his brother. The suit of armour stared back at him apprehensively.
"Come on Al, we won't be there for too long. I only want to take a look that's all." Al hesitated, his hand scratching the back of his head nervously.
"Still, brother, I'm not sure that it's safe..." he began, before Ed interrupted him.
"It's only a few streets away from headquarters, so if anything happens it's not far for us to go to get help. But nothing is going to happen. All we are going to do is have a quick look around then go back, I promise." Suddenly the Fullmetal alchemist frowned
"Besides, it's not like I could do anything else. Not with somebody tagging along." Winry narrowed her eyes at the comment.
"The last time you walked down this street you had to drag me out here to fix your arm. I'm making sure you don't try and do anything stupid again." She replied. Ed sighed and began muttering to himself as he continued to walk. Winry smiled brightly up at Alphonse before following Edward. Al sighed and resigned himself to following the both of them. Well, he thought to himself, at least if Winry's here, brother can't get into too much trouble.
As the door of the kennel's opened, Jessica looked up from her desk and smiled as she saw who it was.
"Hey there Lieutenant Hawkeye." She greeted cheerfully. Riza attempted to smile, but failed miserably. Seeing the woman's expression, Jessica frowned.
"Is everything alright?" she asked worriedly.
"Yes, everything's fine." Riza responded in a neutral tone, keeping her eyes averted from the woman's face. Jessica frowned but didn't say anything.
"I'll just get Hayate for you." She stated kindly, walking into the room behind her. Riza sighed and leaned against the reception desk tiredly. The door clattering opening behind her caught her attention. However, before she could even turn around and see exactly who had come through the door, she was engulfed in a hug.
"Hey Rizzy." Marguerite whispered, hugging her tightly. Riza smiled as she hugged her friend in return.
"Hi." She responded softly. Marguerite released her quickly and smiled encouragingly at her.
"You know, we can get you good and drunk, that'll take the edge of it for the evening." She stated innocently. Riza couldn't help but laugh at the odd statement. Roxanne tutted.
"I swear that's your answer to everything." She muttered darkly.
"She's not the only one."Laughed a voice from behind them. Riza turned and smiled as Adrian and Jessica returned. Adrian handed her Hayate, who automatically started licking Riza's cheeks, almost as if he could tell she had been crying. Riza smiled softly at the animal in her hands.
"At least that made you feel better." Jessica stated with a smile. At the woman's statement Marguerite turned and looked at her.
"Have we met before?" She asked. Jessica started slightly, confused by the question.
"Ummm... I don't think so." She replied. "But I'm Jessica, nice to meet you." Marguerite nodded, but didn't say anything in return. Adrian turned his attention to Riza.
"Are you feeling alright Lieutenant Hawkeye?" He asked. Riza sighed. She was getting fed up with answering that question.
"Yes, I am fine." She replied.
"I hope that Colonel of yours is treating you right." Adrian stated sternly. Riza flinched at the statement. Roxy and Marguerite exchanged worried glances, yet before either could say a word, Riza spoke.
"The Colonel and I are no longer involved." She stated, with no hint of emotion. Riza paused the moment that the statement was out of her mouth. She didn't know why she had chosen that exact moment to speak. But then again, it was about time she started excepting what had happened.
"Well, I am sorry about that. But I have to say, I think you're better off without him. I mean, everyone knows he's a filthy murder. He's beneath someone like you." Adrian stated.
"What the hell! Adrian, what's wrong with you!" Jessica cried, hitting him on the arm. Riza said nothing, she simply turned and walked out of the door, allowing it to shut behind her. Roxy and Marguerite glared daggers at Adrian before turning and leaving.
"Wait!" Jessica cried. Marguerite continued to walk, but Roxy turned and looked at the woman.
"Tell her I'm sorry. I really hope she feels better. Adrian's a jerk; I really hope that she doesn't take what he said to heart." Roxy looked back at her for a moment, silently.
"Okay." She replied shortly, before turning and joining her friends outside. Riza and Marguerite were standing just outside, Hayate now standing patiently beside his master.
"Hey Riza, you okay?" Roxy asked.
"You want me to go beat the crap out of the two of them?" Marguerite asked. Riza shook her head slowly.
"No, don't there's no point. Besides, Jessica didn't do anything." Marguerite frowned, but then sighed heavily.
"Whatever. I can't really be bothered anyway. I'm so damn tired." Roxy turned and regarded her friend.
"Yeah, why were you so late anyway?" she asked. Marguerite groaned.
"You know Greg, that really pervy bouncer who stares at your rack instead of your face when he talks to you? Well he had this massive freak out just before I had to leave." Riza froze mid stride.
"Why?" Roxy asked.
"Well, he was acting fine all day, then the next thing I know he starts swearing and yelling at Larry. I have no idea why he started freaking out. I heard him say something about being tricked, like how dare they try and take the piss."
"What else?" Riza asked sharply. Worry was forming in her mind now. Marguerite frowned.
"Well, he ran off pretty quickly but as he went past I heard him say 'that bastard and his friends won't do this again'. It's pretty weird I mean... Riza, you okay?" But Riza was already gone, running back towards headquarters. Damn it Roy, I hope I get there in time!
Maes Hughes sighed heavily as he walked through the corridors of headquarters. He couldn't believe his bad luck! After his conversation with Roy he had returned to his office, only to receiver a telephone call from the higher ups demanding that he submit an investigations report on the failed attack upon the Fullmetal alchemist. Now he was running terribly late and probably wouldn't be home in time to put his beloved daughter to bed.
"Why that couldn't have waited until morning I'll never know." He grumbled to himself as he made his way towards the exit. However, he stopped as something odd caught his eye.
"Roy?" he called as he walked into his friend's office. For sitting at his desk with his head resting on his hands was the flame alchemist. He didn't bother to even glance up as his friend approached.
"I thought you had gone home." Roy muttered. Hughes stared at him. He couldn't remember he had last seen Roy so disillusioned.
"Roy, what the hell's happened." Roy sighed, still not raising his head.
"I fucked up big time Maes." He stated soberly. "She's gone. I've lost her." There was silence in the room for a moment.
"I didn't even mean what I said." Roy continued. "I love her, I didn't want her to go. But I guess that's what I get. It's just a fact that someone like me never deserved..." He was cut short as Maes slammed his fist into his face. Roy banged his head against his desk, having been knocked down with the unexpected blow. However, before he could do or say anything further, Maes grabbed him by the collar and dragged him up to meet his gaze.
"Damn it Roy, stop drowning in self pity!" He cried, his voice echoing through the empty room, "If you love her like you say, then do something about it! Find her, talk to her, apologise, whatever, just don't sit in the dark! What good is that going to do either of you!" The two stared at each other for a second, both in shock at what Hughes had just done. Slowly, Maes lowered his friend back down to his chair, and turned away.
"Sorry." He mumbled sheepishly, "I overreacted, I shouldn't have..."
"No. No, Maes you were right." Roy stated. He turned his eyes up to his best friend and smiled. Hughes smiled widely in return. Suddenly an idea popped into his mind.
"You know Roy, nothing says I love you like a diamond engagement ring." He teased. Roy smirked and stood, grabbing the velvet box from his desk.
"You know Maes, for once; I think you might be right."
Edward was pacing back and forwards in the alleyway, muttering under his breath with every step. Al watched silently, knowing that it was best for his brother to get through his musings before interrupting him. Winry sighed and leaned against the wall. She glanced around nervously. Although she had put on a brave face in front of the brothers, in actual fact she was rather against the idea of coming back to the place where Ed was attacked. Also, it was starting to get dark, the shadows extending eerily in the half light. Winry gulped as her imagination started to run wild. This was not the time for such thoughts.
"Damn, there's nothing here. I was sure I could find something about this guy if I came back." Ed muttered, kicking the ground maliciously as he spoke. Al walked over to him.
"It's alright brother, I'm sure something will turn up soon." He stated encouragingly. Edward glanced up at his brother and managed a small smile.
"Yeah, you're probably right Al." He stated. Edward turned and smiled at Winry.
"You ready to go?" He asked. Winry smiled in return as the two caught up with her. They all turned and made their way back towards the high street. Just as they were about to turn out of the alley, a dark shape blocked their way. Edward stopped abruptly, moving to stand in front of Winry.
"Well, not exactly what I wanted. I was making my way towards headquarters to find that bastard Mustang. But I suppose the young alchemist will do just nicely." Hissed the figure as it advanced towards them.
A/N: Please review.