Believe

By craziestanimefan

Warning: Mild spoilers for chapters 94/95.

She stood at the fresh grave, unsure of what to do. Where would she go? What was she going to do with herself? Riza stood straight, strong, and primly, just like her father had always instructed, but she was so lost. She knew none of her other family, or even if they were alive at all. It was just her father, his apprentice, and her. That was all she had.

A hand rested on her shoulder. She didn't have to look back to know who it was.

"Thank you," she said quietly, just staring at the lettering of the gravestone. "With the house in disrepair and the rest of Father's funds gone…"

"It was the least I could do as an apprentice for my teacher," he replied, and he stood by her side as she gazed at the remnants of her family.

There was an awkward silence for a while. They were two strangers that had lived in the same house, eaten the same food, even used the same bathroom, but they were complete and utter strangers. She knew next to nothing about this man that the young boy she had known had become but his name.

Roy was different. She wasn't quite sure if it was a good or bad different yet. He'd grown taller since he'd left, a good three or four inches. His hair was still as dark and still as messy. His eyes…they were the eyes of a soldier, hard and disciplined.

"What are you going to do, Riza?"

She heaved a sigh. "I'll…I'll think it over. I'm not quite sure what to do or where to go. Father made sure I got an education, so I'll get by somehow." She paused and looked at him, and he saw just how uncertain she was about her future.

"If you ever need me," he said, "feel free to contact me in the military. I'll probably be in there for life."

"Don't die," she commanded.

"Don't jinx me," he joked, but he knew for her sake as much as his that he wouldn't die. He stared down at his hands apprehensively. "Honestly…I can't guarantee you that. It's a risk in my job as a soldier to die, maybe even like a piece of trash along the road. But-" he clenched his hands "-I want to protect people, and if I can do that, then I'll be happy."

She smiled softly. He looked a bit sheepish after confiding in her and scratched the back of his head out of embarrassment. But it was a nice dream to have, protecting people and being happy. She could trust her back to this man and his dream. He certainly was different, and it was a good different. She wanted to believe- no, she believed in him with all her heart.

Roy didn't know how long he sat hunched on the cold stone floors. Deep in the foundation of that dank building he was tested, and for the first time he almost failed. He nearly lost himself and his path. It was a frightening, sickening thought to think that in that one moment of anger he would throw away everything he and his comrades had worked for, everything that Maes sacrificed his life for. Roy was truly disgusted with himself.

Riza made no effort to approach him. She simply let him sit there, quietly nursing her wounds and watching if he could heal his own. If he couldn't, then that was why she was there: to support him in every way she could.

"Why are you still here?" he bit out hoarsely. She was slightly taken aback by his question.

"Pardon?"

He looked at her, and she saw something she hadn't seen in many years: a gaze so lost, so unbearably broken.

"Why are you still here with me, Hawkeye?" When she didn't respond, he felt his temper flare as he snapped, "Answer me, Lieutenant!"

"I am here out of my loyalty to you, sir." She answered confidently, so smoothly, too comfortably to ease his mind.

"Why."

"Why?"

"Why are you so loyal? I know you saw what I nearly did, Riza. I was willing to risk everything for that one bout of vengeance! How can you accept that?"

"I didn't accept that, sir. That's why I nearly shot you in the head. With these two hands, I nearly fulfilled that promise I made to you so long." She smiled wryly, her lips tight and jaw clenched. "Inwardly, I prayed I wouldn't have to. The good man I know as Colonel Roy Mustang was in there somewhere, confused, torn, and sad, but in there. I'm glad that he's back, and that I didn't have to follow through." She reached to lay a hand on his arm, but he shied away and turned the other direction. Determined, she firmly gripped his shoulder and turned him towards her, trying to catch his eyes but failing.

"I dragged you into this mess, haven't I, Riza?" he asked. "That secret you entrusted to me, all the blood that you've spilt... I know how heavy a burden it is for you too." He forced himself to meet her gaze. "I'm sorry."

"Well, I'm not," she said unwaveringly. "You gave me hope for the future. You gave me a world to believe in, and I believe in you, the one who brought that vision to me, even more. I trusted my back to you and that dream all those years ago, and I still do today." She sucked in her breath and did one of the boldest things she'd ever done: she hugged him. "That is why I follow you, sir. That is why I'm still here."

Roy wasn't quite sure what to do. Never before had Riza displayed such physical affection, and it had been a long time since he'd felt a warm embrace. He felt a calming love, a supportive friend, and a fierce protector in this hug. Turning his face into her neck, he hugged her back.

"Thank you, Riza."

The rumble of the walls brought them out of their peaceful reverie. Suddenly reminded of their place and goal, Riza pulled away.

"Are you ready, sir?" she asked, slipping back into the familiar role of military lieutenant and gunman. She tightened the bandage on her shoulder, slung her rifle onto her back, and quickly reloaded her semi-automatic handguns before helping Roy up. "This battle is not over." She looked at him. "Don't die."

He looked back at her. "I won't," he said firmly. With a deep breath, he added, "And should we have the chance for a new start after this…I still want you by my side, Lieutenant."

"You already know my answer, Colonel. To hell and back, I will follow you."

He took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers, and kissed it lightly. "Not to hell. To the future."

She smiled. "To the future."