A/N: So to start this off I went with something simple and short. There isn't much in this one, but the changes should be visible enough. Also remember that only a few things are 'Fixed' everything else is subject to change.
Roy Mustang twitched nervously as he stood outside the door to her office. In his right hand a silver cane in his left a bouqet of flowers. He cautiously reached a hand out until it brushed the door. Then he groped for the knob. Cold metal shocked his skin and he wrapped his fingers around it and turned it. The door fell back granting him entry. He stepped into the office.
"Mustang, what brings you here?" Cain Fuery asked from somewhere to his left.
"Hey look who's here!" Heymans Breda almost shouted.
"SHH!" Roy hissed.
There was chuckling now. "So you finally got the courage?" It was Jean Havoc's voice. His was closer and to Roy's right. "Careful Chief, we just rearranged the place." He said
Roy nodded but continued on his own for the inner offie door. He could hear the pensive breaths of the soldiers who had once been his subordinates. He managed to make it to his destination without bumping into anything. Now that he'd gone blind he was nothing more than a friend. Albeit a friend who nosed around in their business.
The Flame Alchemist stopped outside the door listening. It was true what Dr. Knox had said about his other senses picking up the slack for his eyes. At first the increase to his hearing, touch, and smell had felt strange and alien, but now a year later they were almost as familiar as the inky darkness he was forced to live with.
If only Marcoh's stone hadn't faded after healing Havoc's paralyses.
Now he was standing like an idiot in front of the door to her office. It had once been his, but now that he'd been removed from active duty the office belonged to Captain Riza Hawkeye.
He was proud of her for sticking it through. Even if it meant she wasn't following him per se, she was still working hard at the goal they had shared together for so many years.
He reached out for the door and knocked on it.
"Come in." Came her reply. He opened the door and stepped in making sure to hear the click when it shut.
"Have you got those files typed up for me Fuery?" Riza asked. Roy could tell she hadn't even looked up at her guest. He heard her pen scrape against paperwork and felt a twinge of relief that he didn't have to deal with that anymore.
"Sorry, no files." Roy said taking a few steps deeper into the room.
"Oh sorry General." Riza said setting her pen down. Roy smirked. "I thought you were Fuery."
Mustang couldn't help but feel amused at her insistence on calling him by a rank. His last rank to be honest. Promoted to Brigadier General and then retired from active duty. Fuhrer Grumman had hated the idea of losing the famed Flame Colonel to something as simple as a loss of eyesight so he'd switched him to something called 'standby'. Only in the case of an emergency would he be granted any authority.
For Roy it meant that while no longer in the thick of military action, he still had his rank and a place at the Fuhrer's meetings. Mainly it meant that he was available to give suggestions and opinions along with the other top brass. While it didn't make him feel any better about his situation it gave him the perfect opportunity to convey his ideas.
It also meant that he had more free time on his hands, and that meant he had had a lot of time to think. Thinking led to conclusions, some good and some bad.
His reason for visiting Hawkeye was the result of a conclusion. Whether it was good or bad depended upon the following results of his next course of action.
"May I ask to what do I owe this visit?" Riza asked. Her usually controlled voice was laced with a cheerfulness rarely granted to anyone. Roy wondered if she missed being his subordinate enough to get excited at this little visit.
"I just wanted to bring you these." He offered the flowers. The last time he'd offered to bring her flowers she had bluntly turned them down. That had been a different time in an altogether different life.
He heard the Captain stand and approach. Her fingers brushed his as they lifted the weight from his hand. "Thank you." She said, "They're beautiful."
Roy relaxed a little, even if he'd bought an ugly bunch of flowers she still would have said that. It wasn't his fault if he couldn't see what he was buying.
"Is that all?" Riza asked gently.
"Actually I had a question for you if you have the time."
"Please sit down." Riza put a hand on his elbow leading him to the chair that faced her desk. He didn't protest, she was the only one he allowed to guide him without permission.
"Are you busy tonight?" Roy asked.
"Working late, sorry." Riza replied. There was curiosity in her voice.
"How about tomorrow night?" Mustang suggested.
"I'm free, why do you need something?" It was a genuine curiose question.
"Perhaps some company." He replied.
"Oh?"
"Just dinner, nice and relaxed with no chores or business discussions."
"You mean a date?" She asked.
Roy felt the heat rise in his cheeks. "Something like that I guess." He replied.
There was a long pause and for a moment he panicked that she would say no, despite there being no danger for them.
"What time?" Riza finally asked.
"Six." Roy replied smiling. "I'll be waiting outside my building."
"I'll see you then." Riza said before sighing at herself. Why had she used the word see?
"Till then." Roy replied quietly. He was forced to imagine the smile he hoped was on her face as she rose from her desk and walked him to the door. He heard her open it and he turned his face towards her.
"Should I bring anything tomorrow?" Riza asked. Roy recognized it as an old habit. Once upon a time she'd been his wingman. Now they were just old friends, and for Roy that wasn't good enough. In the last six months he'd spent less and less time with Hawkeye. He missed long boring days in an office getting scolded for stupidity or laziness.
"Not a thing but yourself." Roy replied. "Tomorrow." He murmured as he pulled his arm away and relied on the cane to guide him towards the door. She closed her door behind him.
"Alright pay up." Breda laughed.
"Aw man not again." Fuery whined.
"My luck still sucks." Havoc sighed. Roy heard the door ahead of him open as he chuckled at the men he had entrusted his dream to. A man's footsteps approached fast and he was obviously carrying a heavy load.
"Scuse me!" A harried alto voice snapped at Roy as he was shoved aside by someone shorter than himself. Thrown off balance the alchemist stumbled into Havoc's desk. The Lieutenant offered a steadying hand on his former CO's elbow.
The laughter died instantly.
"Thank you Havoc."
"No prob chief."
"What's the meaning of that?" Feury demanded in annoyance.
The sound of a package being dumped and then a huff. "He didn't get out of my way." The strange voice announced as if it justified pushing someone out of the way. "It was like he didn't see me coming."
"He can't." Breda murmured softly. Roy thumped the desk he was now leaning against with his cane in emphasis.
"I didn't notice," the stranger sounded mortified.
Roy smirked at the corner behind the stranger. "A battle wound." He explained.
"Then you're?"
"Brigadier General Roy Mustang the Flame Alchemist." Fuery announced.
"I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking." He tried to apologize.
Roy bit back a frustrated sigh. The worst of it all wasn't his own inability to see, it was the way people changed their attitudes towards him. People would be rude to him until they realized he was blind and then suddenly act like civilized humans.
"What's your name?" Roy asked.
"Daniel Achers."
"Don't apologize." Roy said coolly. "Had I wanted I could have moved out of your way."
"Still," Daniel tried. But Roy held up a hand silencing the protest.
"I have no use for the pity of strangers, Daniel." He said before dutifully marching to the door and after finding the knob he left. Roy counted the steps silently down the hall.
Roy was waiting outside his building at a quarter till. He hoped he was dressed properly. Everything felt right, he just hoped it matched right. It was his actual first date with the only woman he could ever imagine any furture with. There was reason for him to be nervous.
Never had they talked about changing their relationship. Would they ruin a good thing or make it better? He wished he could see her approach. He wondered what she would be wearing. Ideas filled in his head and he imagined something simple but beautiful.
Roy fought the urge to run his fingers through his hair. He'd done his best at using gel to slick it back, but he was worried that it didn't look right.
After what seemed like an eternity of standing there a familiar voice reached his ears.
"Mustang," the call was awkward, as if Riza had been unable to say his first name.
"Call me Roy."
"Yes S-Roy." Riza replied.
He chuckled. "Tell me what you're wearing." He murmured as he offered her his arm. She took it and sighed.
"I'm wearing a brown skirt with lace on the hem and a blue blouse with short sleeves." She obliged.
"Hair?" Roy asked.
"Down."
"Shoes?"
"Brown heals."
"You look beautiful." Roy said leaning in close.
Riza laughed. "Thank you." She said genuinely.
"Let's go." Roy kept his cane in his left hand and walked Riza to the curb. Roy listened for traffic and waved his hand at the street. He didn't even flinch when the cab slammed to a halt right in front of him. Riza had tightened her grip on his arm, but she relaxed now and opened the door.
"Where can I take a lovely couple like you two?" The driver asked.
"Harlowe's Court." Roy replied.
"Of course." Riza and Roy climbed into the car.
"Such an expensive place?" Riza asked once the car began to move.
"Why not?" Roy asked. He placed his hand on the space between them and he felt her fingers lace over his.
"I hear the food is excellent." Riza thought aloud.
"So what do I not know about you?" Roy asked. It was a fair question, for as long as they'd known each other there weren't many secrets between them.
"I've been listening to the radio lately." She answered. "I'm liking this new band Transmutary the sound is different, but it's fun and upbeat."
"I think I've heard them."
"What about you?" Her fingers drummed against his.
"I don't have as many nightmares as I used to." This was said with a shrug, "Maybe it means I've let things go, or I've forgiven myself, or I know I finally got my punishment."
"Punishment?" The word came out a little harsh.
"You heard me. I won't make my goal, I'm punished even if I had a selfless vision, that vision is lost." Roy whispered.
"Now what?"
"Now I chase after the most amazing woman in the country." He grinned.
Riza sighed. "You should refrain from such reckless declarations." She said this giggling though.
The cab slowed to a stop and Roy paid the fair. They stood on the street and Roy frowned deep in thought. "I can't remember if I ate here as a child. Is there a depicton of a knight on horseback on the front?"
"Yes." Riza replied. Roy wondered if her eyes were glowing in the light of a lamp, he imagined it was that way. Sometimes not seeing was fun, he could make up whatever visual he wanted. So in his mind she was standing in a sensible but flattering outfit, her hair down, and the lamplight glowing in her velvety brown eyes.
"Then we'll enjoy the meal." He said charging for the building. Riza grabbed his arm and pulled him to the right a few inches. The movement was sudden and he stumbled but regained his footing. He turned his head in her direction confusion on his face.
"You'll run into a pillar." She explained.
Roy blushed. "Please lead on." She laced her arm in his and the two walked together Roy carrying the cane like it was a fashion accessory instead of necessary. They were seated at a quiet table in a little corner. The smell was tantalizing and it made his mouth water. Riza ordered only because she had to and the two were alone.
"So did Hughes' pestering finally get to you?" She asked.
"Maybe." He said. He fingered the glass of water in front of him. I hope that brandy gets here soon, I need something to bolster these nerves.
"I haven't seen the Colonel in a while, how is he and the family?" Riza asked.
"Gracia is pregnant again, Elicia is almost five, and Hughes is still pushing mountains of paperwork at lightning speed." Roy replied. It was obvious that the two men were good friends. And the one thing Hughes couldn't refrain from doing was pestering the alchemist about his single status.
Food arrived so the talking was cut down. Roy felt her eyes on him and he paused in the middle of bringing a full fork to his lips. "Is something wrong Riza? I don't hear you eating."
"Oh." Riza suddenly started scooping food onto her fork. "I was merely enjoying an amazing sight." She admitted.
"What was that?" He was curious as to what she considered amazing.
"I'm just always reminded of how strong humans are when I see them overcome even the most overwhelming challenges."
Roy smirked and then continued the action, but after all that talk he'd shifted either his face or his arm or both, so he ended up shoving sautéed mushrooms into his nose. To which Riza laughed good-naturedly. He didn't think it was that funny, but he smiled as his fingers found his napkin and he wiped the grease off his face.
The food was excellent and the night pleasant, until Roy walked right into a waiter pooring wine for the table next to theirs. The waiter cried out and then there was an indignant shriek. A woman's voice raised in pitch announcing her dress was stained. The waiter apologized then yelled at Roy.
"Why don't you watch where you're going!"
Roy bowed his head. "I am sorry, I didn't know you were there. Please let me help."
"How could you not see me?"
"Because he's blind." Riza said coming up to Roy. "But he can still fix the dress, he's an alchemist."
The woman huffed. "If he thinks he can remove wine from silk then let him try."
Riza and Roy knelt and she guided his hands to the bottome edge of the dress. He clapped his hands and focused on the red wine flowing out of the silk and into his hands. He heard the crackle of energy and then an exstatic cry.
"It's fixed!"
"Amazing." The waiter said no longer fuming.
"Here." Roy said offering a stone in his hand. He didn't know the color, just that it was a crystal made from wine that would last only for a little while. The waiter took it and the two returned to their seats.
"Sorry Riza." Roy said.
"Don't be," She replied.
"I feel like such a mess sometimes." He admitted.
"Understandable."
"I hate it." He admonished himself.
"Why?" Riza asked him.
"Because I feel so helpless, and incapable sometimes. I hate relying on others for simple things I used to take for granted. I hate that I can't protect you and the others anymore, and that I can't be there to fulfill my promise to you and Fullmetal."
"I'm still working towards that. We all are. Someday a future generation won't even remember the atrocious state of Amestris." She assured.
Her voice soothed his anxiety just a bit. "I really miss you and the others." He murmured.
"We miss you too, but we keep up the work." She offered. "Sometimes we get something done and we still feel your hands on the project."
"I miss knowing every little detail of what goes on." He murmured.
"It's different yes, but it's still just as boring, now there isn't hardly any action." This wasn't said as if she found it boring but in a way to lift his spirits.
"Riza, I don't think I can handle dating you for very long." He began.
She sighed heavily. Roy knew they were just to close to date over and over again, there wasn't much left to learn about the other.
"We know each other so well. I just think maybe it would be in our mutual interest to join together formally." He continued.
Roy reached out a hand and she supplied her own.
"I'm not the easiest person to be around, and I have my issues, and being blind makes me useless, but I can't think of a better way to keep moving forward than to ask you to be more than my teammate. I want you by my side always. I want to offer you something you've denied yourself."
He paused to reign in emotions. He had almost been about to cry, something he loathed to do. Riza shuddered and he felt it in her hand. Perhaps she was crying.
"Willyoubemywife?" The words came out rushed and nervous. Even though he was pretty sure she felt the same way about him he didn't know how she would respond. His heart beat erratically in his chest.
Riza's response was sudden and surprising. Roy felt her fingers slip out of his and for a brief moment he feared she had gone to plan how to turn the offer down. Then he felt something entirely new. Soft lips coated in lipstick pressed against his own.
He momentarily forgot how to kiss as he realized whose lips they were. He'd never felt her lips against his before. They felt warm and inviting. Then he kissed her back and his lips pressed against hers hungry for passion.
Then the restaurant broke out in applause and the two pulled back a little embarassed by the attention. Roy felt her slip away and heard her sit back in her chair. He cleared his throat before attempting to speak.
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes Sir."