This is my first author's note so I want to say first Thank you everyone who has read this story up to this point for your time, I cant really say how happy it makes me to know that even if one person could enjoy this work it brings a joy I cant describe. I can see why a real author love to do what they do and write. I first wanted to write romantic and special moments between these two but it seems I cant help but want to write a big story as well so please bear with me, it might actually be a long story. As you know I wish I could update once every week at least but as you know life sometimes makes it hard to do so with personal life and work and so on. I never thought about reviews and such but I would do appreciate it a lot to those that give them good or bad I would love to hear it and those who are following my story feel free to let me know what you think also, it helps me grow. Thank you once again to all of you reading this and as I do appreciate everyone who does. I would like to thank Ruby and Hawkstang for being the first to motivate me as my first audience and make it this far. Thank you and I hope you enjoy, things might develop slowly but more good things will come!

Roy stood up to shake the hand of his best friend who he hasn't seen in a year but before he even extended his hand out to him he was embraced in a hug by Maes.

"God damn its good to see you my friend!"

Roy was never a physical person and didn't like people getting too physical with him, there was only two people he allowed and didn't mind no matter how much they did, Riza and Hughes.

"Same here my friend" Roy said as he patted his friend on the back his way of returning the hug.

Maes turned to see Riza sitting on the couch, Riza got up and formally extended her hand

"Its good to see you again Lieutenant Colonel" Riza was way too formal

"Geez can this girl ever see me as a friend?" Thought Maes

"Riza, we are not on duty, can you please just call me Hughes or Maes and drop the military drill?" Maes said trying to break the awkward behavior between them.

"Ill try Sir" Riza simply answered not knowing what to do. "Thank you for your hospitality"

"Of course you guys are my friends, you are welcomed here anytime in my house." Maes sincerely wanted Riza to see him as a friend and equal. He knew how much Riza meant to Roy and being his best friend he wanted to get close to her also. Roy told him how he met Riza when he was small and knew they have known each other for along time so he never knew why they tried to hide their relationship from him. Either way it didn't stop him, as a matter a fact, it probably made it worse not doing so. He made it into a hobby to pester Roy about his relationship with Riza, he would tease him every chance he got and never gave it a rest, to him those two were meant to be together a long time ago, he just couldn't figure out why the hell they still weren't.

Maes wife Gracia walked out from the kitchen

"Dinner will be ready in five minutes everyone" She kindly stated

"I hope you know better than to come here and not expect to eat my wife's delicious home cooking!" Maes gleamed with joy

"Yes my friend, I prepared myself exactly for this day" replied Roy sarcastically

"That's what I like to hear! We have a lot to catch up on buddy! How long are you here for?"

"We are here till next week. I have to say I wish I came here on better terms to visit you, I cant say I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

"Ah yes, now this was something really unexpected if I say so myself" replied Maes with a hint of suspicious that Roy caught. "But never the less im glad your here bud."

Maes turned to see Riza who still stood next to Roy with a serious face, he got the sudden urge to do what he loved to do to them, tease them.

Maes swung an arm around Roy's neck and got close to him as if to whisper only between them.

"So...Tomorrow you meet the beauty from the North huh? Are you excited?!"

"About what?"

"To see her of course!...Are you?!"

"Why the hell would I be excited to see someone like her?!"

"What are you talking about?! Aren't those the kind of woman you love?! Those are your type aren't they?!" Maes burst more loudly but Riza was hearing them loud and clear from the start.

"What the hell makes you say that?!" Roy letting Hughes get the better of him

Hughes just gave Roy a huge grin and turned around to see Riza. They both got the message loud and clear.

"Are you out of your damn mind?! Besides it's been a long time since I seen the ape woman! Stop talking nonsense!"

"Colonel would you please stop acting like a child and act like a proper adult" Riza simply stated in a cool and calm voice, but Roy got the secret message behind her voice, if he kept acting like that he might end up with a kick in the ass by the end of the night.

This was the best way for Maes to get Riza to show some emotions and true colors but sadly just as he was just getting started his wife came back out again from the kitchen.

"Okay everyone! Thanks for the wait, everyone please come this way and have a seat." she kindly stated.

"Saved by the wife buddy! Alright lets all go eat my wife's delicious food!"

As everyone walked to the dinner table Roy gave a quick glance to Riza trying to send a message that he was sorry for his statement, Riza met his eyes for a second but didn't indicate anything if she did or not. They sat down Riza and Roy sitting next to each other and Maes and his beautiful wife on the other side next to each other facing them. There was quite some delicious looking dishes on the table they could see like salad and tri tip beef marinated in sauce.

"God bless this meal and everyone one in this house and thank you for sending my friend and his wife to share it with" Maes said as he gave grace and still teasing Roy and Riza.

Roy just cleared his throat and looked at Riza which just stayed quiet not saying a word, it seemed like she wasn't going to give in to Hughes childish plays.

As Roy filled his plate and took the first bite he was amazed of how delicious the food was indeed, for once Maes was not joking about what he said.

"Missus Hughes this food is really delicious, I actually have to say I am envious of my friend eating like this every day!" Roy said complimenting her.

"Oh stop please your being too modest." Gracia replied blushing

"Hey hey now Roy! Don't go trying to steal my wife by flattering her like that! Remember you have yours sitting next to you!"

"Yes im sure she must cook very delicious for you and with lots of love" Gracia replied trying to take the heat off her.

Roy couldn't but be intrigue by the thought of Riza cooking for him and now Gracia calling Riza his wife it seemed a whole lot different than Maes saying it, it actually made him blush a little and take it serious, so he decided to play along.

"No, she does not like to cook. If I ask her to make me even a sandwich im afraid it would cost me my life. Would you consider running away with me?" Roy now teasing Hughes.

Riza was now caught off guard, she never heard Roy tease Hughes back like this especially in front of his wife. She turned around to face Roy and give him an eyebrow.

"Hey Roy what ar..." Hughes now surprised as well not expecting a reply like this.

Gracia just laughed out loud."Oh Roy I think if you keep teasing me like that your wife might get upset with you."

"Worry not beautiful maiden, it seems like she has become bored of me and no longer has any interest in me. So what do you say?"

"As much as it sounds temping I don't think I can come to separate two people who looks so beautiful together. Plus it doesn't look to me that way anyways." replied Gracia as she gave Roy and Riza a smile and looking back at her husband indicating she was just playing along with Roy.

Riza was now turning a little red as her cheek starting feeling hot, the compliments were getting to her and she she felt happy and uncomfortable at the same time, they were teasing Gracia too much.

"Thank you for the compliments Mrs. Hughes but the Colonel and I are not married, we just work together." Riza responded back trying to clear the misunderstanding.

"Oh...is that so?" Gracia replied looking at her husband now confused.

"Yes Mrs. Hughes it is, but we just don't work together I have also known her since I was young so that makes her a precious subordinate." Roy replied without hesitation.

Riza's eyes widened as she heard those words come out of Roy's mouth. She was surprised he would say such a thing so openly to them, she wasn't sure how she felt about that.

"Yes well im sure she is then, it must be tough to find someone you can really trust and place your life in their hands. I know I cant do much for my husband but ill do what I can for him." Gracia replied looking at her husband.

Roy looked at them and remembered what he wanted to say to Maes when he saw him again but now he was able to not only say it to him but his wife as well. He placed his fork and knife down and sincerely gave them a bow.

"I'm really sorry I was not able to make it to your wedding, there is no excuse I could ever give you that will make up for that."

Riza was very surprised tonight, it seemed that's all she was feeling since coming here. She was really grasping how important this man was to Roy. It seemed he placed a great deal of trust and confidence to him.

"Don't ever lower your head to me Roy. I know what life you live and the things you go through. We all have the same kind of life so I understand. Don't ever apologize for that my friend."

"Its because of that which makes it more important, those things only happens once in life and I can assure you I will regret not being able to see it my friend."

Gracia and Riza looked at the two and could clearly see a connection so strong that it seemed like nothing could ever tear these two apart. Maes looked at his wife and nodded perhaps confirming something he also wanted to tell Roy.

"Well Roy then I can tell you how you can make it up." He looked at his wife and took his hand with hers and held it tightly."Roy, would you please do me the huge honor of being the god father of my child when its born?"

Roy looked at his friend as if he didn't understand what he just said and was still processing the words.

"Wait...are you saying?..." Roy trailed off

"My wife is pregnant, im going to be a father Roy." Maes was now full of joy and his happiness was all over his face

"Congratulations Maes! I'm soo happy for you man!"

"Thanks my friend but what about an answer to my question?"

"I loved to! ah..but I mean...i just don't know how much I can be there for him or her when its born..i mean its just so hard, you know what kind of life I lead... I mean are you sure about that?" Roy sounded less confident as he went on.

"It would make me really happy Roy." was all Maes said as he gave him a smile

"Then I'd love to, thank you...for choosing me" Roy was deeply touched.

"Great! Isn't that great Gracia?! Oh man shes only a month pregnant but I cant wait! "

Maes didn't stop talking about the baby after that, he kept talking about it through out the whole dinner until they finished eating. When they finished eating Roy and Maes went into the living room to talk privately together and share some drinks in celebration, Riza helped Gracia to clear up the table and wash the dishes, she at least wanted to show some gratitude for the delicious meal she made.

"Congratulations on your blessing, I wish you a safe delivery Ma'am" Riza told Gracia.

"Thank you Miss Hawkeye," Gracia eyed Riza as she cleared the table of the dishes and couldn't help but want to know more about this beautiful lady. "I don't know why but I feel that you would make a great mother, have you ever thought about it?"

Riza was still unsure about how much she wanted to share and say about her or Roy so she didn't know how to answer her.

"I'm not sure Mrs. Hughes, I have never thought about it, as long as im in the military I don't have to." Riza said honestly

"Yes, that's true but I still think its important to us isn't?..Perhaps to us woman. It seems its in our nature to do so. You never are ready for something like this, its just like love, its part of love, its something created with the person who you love more than anyone. No matter what happens you will make it work."

Riza took the dishes to the sink where Gracia was and stood next to her to help her soap the dishes and listen to her, she didn't say a word but just gave her a small smile.

"Did you know It took me along time before I even gave my husband a chance to talk to me or go on a date? It scared me, I mean, its scary to get to know someone for someone like me and he was in the military, someone from the military scared me a lot. The life you have to carry as someone you are with from the military is scary and lonely. That made me want to see him less."

"So what made you changed your mind?" Riza said softly

"He never gave up. He came to my work place every day to buy me a flower. He was such a cheerful person I couldn't ignore him. Before long I kept thinking about him, on the days he didn't show up I would wonder why he didn't show up and if he was okay. He slowly crept into my heart before I knew it."

"Your husband is a very good person, he has a good heart. I'm sure Roy would say the same thing"

Gracia stopped and looked at Riza. "Are you and Roy only friends?" she was straight as an arrow asking Riza honest and sincerely.

Riza didn't turned to face Gracia, she kept her eyes on the sink. She couldn't come to tell her what she really felt, she couldn't be honest.

"Yes, were only friends"

"I see." She started once again to rinse the dishes but after a short while as she finished the last of the plates she had she told Riza.

"Miss Hawkeye, because we live a life different than a civilian's we have to understand that what we have one day we might not have the next. Cherish what you have and your feelings. Be honest with yourself, don't waste any precious second holding back something so important."

Riza once again didn't turned her gaze anywhere but the sink and didn't respond, she sincerely felt that Gracia was trying to push her to admit her feelings about Roy. She couldn't help but wonder if Maes was the one responsible for this or it really came from her, perhaps she just wanted to give her advise on something she herself was quite aware.

In The meantime on the same time this was happening...

Roy and Maes was sitting on the couch with a bottle of whiskey that Maes had stored to drink with Roy to celebrate on his wedding but wasn't able to open.

"Haha! I'm glad I was able to crack this baby open! Cheers to me and you my friend!" Maes cried happily

"Cheers!"

After a couple of shots in Maes narrowed his eyes expressing what he was about to say was serious.

"Roy, I'm really happy you are here in central but im still not sure why."

"Me neither. The reason sounds like a load of crap, the Fuhrer has never done something like this before so what the hell is going on?"

"I'm not sure either but a couple of weeks ago something has been going on in central. Bradly's underlings have been acting weird and bringing in more people i've never seen before. It seems there might be some changes in the future but I don't know what."

"I thought I was suppose to be meeting the Fuhrer today but it seemed he wasn't here on Central today."

"Its been hard to tell if he's in Central or not, it seems his track and activities has been covered and confidential, nobody wants to say a word about it." Maes took another shot of whiskey.

"That bastard is up to something Maes I know it. After Ishval we been the ones cleaning his mess! We are just hardly able to keep peace and a good relationship with Drachma and Xing after all that. They took it as Tyranny"

"Yes and they are already on edge with knowing that all we do is build army and alchemy. All they think we care about is power Roy, they think we will overthrow them any moment"

"But that's impossible, their land is twice as big as ours, how can we do that?"

"Land don't mean anything Roy, We have fifty million people here. They see a land where everyone is a potential soldier or alchemist. The power of alchemy alone is enough to scare them and we specialize on that Roy."

"Of course, after that slaughter in Ishval who wouldn't think that. Ill die before that ever happens again Maes."

"Roy be careful, give me time to find out what's really going on, in the meantime don't do anything stupid."

"Me?! I'm going to say the same thing back to you Maes! This could be very big my friend. More bigger than we can imagine and you are about to be a father. I don't think I can no longer ask you to do something like this anymore." Roy took another shot and looked at Maes with a face he gave him when he was dead serious.

"Do you really think that's going to stop me?"

"Yes it will because im asking you to stop if you are really my friend!"

"Roy, you know what we promised after that day, I am not going to go back on that!"

"Yes you are! Because that is no longer what matter's most in your life you hear!" Roy swung around to grab Maes by his shirt

"Swear to me! You will not go that far to put your family in danger!"

Maes looked deeply in Roy's eyes and just gave him a nod, he knew that Roy was serious more than anything, he was not going to convince him other wise.

As Roy released Maes shirt he heard footsteps of Riza and Gracia walking back from the kitchen to the living room. Roy poured another shot and gulped it down as Riza walked in, she just stood there looking at him wondering how much intoxicated he was already.

"Great." was all she said as she looked at Roy.

"Relax Lieutenant this is a great reason to celebrate! Its not everyday you become a god father."

"Yes, I do feel very sorry for the child on that decision." Everyone looked at her with a shocked face at her first joke on the whole night. Maes and Gracia laughed.

"Must you always make me look bad at times like these Lieutenant?"

"Yes Sir, its my way of getting back to you for making me go through all that trouble when you get drunk"

"Common Lieutenant, I am not a horrible drinker! I can take my whiskey just fine!"

Maes and Gracia looked at them and both knew one thing, they really were a good match together. It was never boring to watch them and Gracia thought it was very cute how they acted with each other.

Riza sighted."Common Colonel, we have a big day tomorrow and its getting late."

"Yes, I suppose we do. Thank you once again for everything, I will come visit you again when I can" he said mostly indicating it to Gracia as he would see his friend in Central. "Goodnight my friend"

"Goodnight Roy, Riza." Maes said as he shook their hands.

"Have a great night you two." Gracia said as she waved them goodbye.

Roy and Riza walked out of the house and started to walk towards the main street where they could catch a taxi. Riza eyed Roy the whole time never taking her gaze off him.

"Whats wrong?"

"Nothing. I was just surprised on how you acted back there, you really trust him don't you?"

"Yes I do. He is my closest friend. I hope you can come to trust him too."

Riza walked quietly along Roy, she couldn't answer to that question right now. It seemed it would take time.

"Does he or his wife know anything about us?" she spoke softly making sure only Roy would hear.

"I have never told him anything personal about us and he shouldn't know about us being together since it just happened a couple of days ago, not that I would tell him."

"I see"

Roy gave it a minute to see if Riza asked anything else but as she didn't he now wanted to ask her something.

"Would it bother you if I told him?"

"About what?"

"About us" It seemed Roy really wanted to tell Maes, she was surprised he would ask to tell him.

"I don't think it would be a good idea." Riza responded sincerely.

"I see. So you never talked or thought about saying anything to Rebecca?"

"Ive'd thought about it, but I wont." she simply responded

"Okay" Roy wanted to tell his friend and share the happiest thing that ever happened to him with him but if Riza wanted to keep it between them, then he would respect her decision.

They walked again in silence and before they approached the main street to catch the taxi Roy grabbed Riza's hands and pulled her into a little alley between buildings and softly pressed her against the wall.

"Roy?"

Roy cupped Riza's face in his hands and put his face between the side of her face and the nape of her neck. He pressed his body towards her as to feel it against his. He took his other hands and wrapped it around her waist to push her body towards his.

"Roy are you drunk? This is dangerous!" Riza now confused

"Please, I need to do this. I'm not going to make it back at Central if I cant feel you like this once in a while."

"We cant be doing this in Central Roy" she manage to whisper

"Yes I know, that's why Riza, please just let me" Roy wasted to time in taking in Riza's presence. Once again he inhaled greatly to take Riza's scent into his body intoxicating it. He remember Gracia's words back at dinner.

"My beautiful Wife..." Roy meant to only imagine it but it slipped his mouth just lower than a whisper but Riza caught it.

"Roy?" That's all she manage to slip of her mouth before Roy's lips sealed it off, but those three words remained echoing in her head like a lullaby that reached her heart. Very soon her mind went blank as Roy's lips and tongue brought her to the point of ecstasy. Her knee's were going weak, she was grateful at the moment that Roy held her body tightly against his but the feel of Roy's body firmly against her was only helping her reach the breaking point faster. She was now only focusing on holding back the great urge on taking Roy there and then knowing they could no way show up to Central with these kind of feelings they had right now.

"Oh God.." She only manage to say as Roy's right hand found Riza's breast and gently stroked it

"Roy.." was all she was able to say but Roy got the message.

"I know... just a little.." Roy now buried his face in her chest closing his eyes taking the feel, warm and heartbeat.

Riza embraced Roy's head with both her hands and tried to calm heart that was beating fast and her heavy breathing. They stayed what seemed like more than 10 minutes before they looked at each other gave one last kiss on the lips and walked out as if nothing ever came between them. They walked to a cab, took it to Central, went in as if nothing had never happened between them that night. As they reached Riza's place first Roy just stood with her for a moment, said goodnight and walked away. Riza didn't respond, she just quietly went in, changed and went to bed to continue what she really wished would come next after in the alley, Roy would also do the same that night.