Look! The request I got from 69! (aka thnderthighs314 on tumblr, my 69th follower. have you followed me on there? all these things come out days in advance over there.)
I hate the ending, but I really had no control over this thing. It's one of those fics that takes the reigns right at the get-go and writes itself. And when I say hate the ending, I mean the way it ends, not the event at the end.
Enjoy!
"We can't keep them, you know."
Roy looked up from his place on the floor. "Why not? Not even one?"
Riza sighed, before settling down next to Roy. "You know how lightly I sleep. The cries would wake me up. You weren't even there when I delivered them, so you don't have a say."
"We have to keep them." Roy grinned as Riza shot him an annoyed glance. "What do you want to do, shove them out onto the street?"
"No. I was thinking of finding a nice home for them. Edward already has two, and with all that room in that huge house out in the county I'm sure he wouldn't mind a few more. I know Winry wouldn't object." She reached her hand out to touch the mesh.
"Her grandmother does have a lot of experience in raising them," Roy grinned wryly. Then he frowned. "But they're his children-"
"He doesn't exactly get a say." Riza's mouth turned down into a frown. "I'm not happy with him, leaving me with a mess like this."
Roy snorted. "Wouldn't that be more your fault, not his?"
"Hey!" Riza punched his shoulder. "Okay, so maybe it is, but that doesn't mean we're ready for this many!"
"Why not? The more, the merrier!" Roy spread out his arms, indicating their entire one-bedroom apartment.
Riza punch him again. "Do I need to get out my gun?"
Roy's face became panicked. "No! Really! I'm good!" he exclaimed, waving his hands in a surrender.
Riza smiled. "Good."
They spent another few minutes in silence.
"Won't your grandfather be upset?" wheedled Roy. "He likes them too-"
Riza laughed. "Then, by all means, he can take one!"
Roy reached into the basket in front of them, gently cradling one of its occupants. "Can you honestly tell me that this face does nothing for you?"
Riza's face softened, and she reached out to take the newborn from Roy. "I already agreed to adopt the mother. This is a small apartment, Roy, there isn't room for all of Hayate's puppies."
"It doesn't have to be small..." mumbled Roy.
"What do you suggest we do, move out?" Riza grinned wryly.
"Yes."
Roy's sharp reply caused Riza to look up from the puppy, confused.
Roy took a deep breath. "Riza. Many years ago, you swore to follow me to hell and back. Ever since, you've always watched my back, protected me from dangers that I didn't always know were there." Roy shifted around, and kneeled in front of her. "I don't want you at my back anymore. I want you at my side." He reached for his pocket, fumbling, before pulling something out.
Riza's breath caught.
"Riza Hawkeye, will you marry me?" There, resting open in his hand, was a ring. Not just any ring- her mothers ring. The ring that had been missing for over a decade.
"How- that-" Riza struggled.
"A lot of searching," Roy responded, voice shaking.
Riza shook her head, trying to clear the daze that settled over her thoughts. One quick inhale, and then- "Yes, you idiot."
She should have been more prepared for his lips.
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Wryder