He was nervous. Why was he so nervous? True, the whole womanizer image was a facade for the most part, but it was still unlike him to be nervous over a woman, especially Hawkeye. She hadn't made him nervous since they were young. But perhaps his nerves were due to the fact that she didn't want him to know who she really was. Maybe it was from that small part of him that had some doubt.

The evening had to go according to plan, any error no matter how small could lead to all of his hard work go to waste, or at the very least make things very uncomfortable in the office.

Mission aside, his mind was set on making the night as perfect as possible. Regardless of who she was, Riza of Erika, Roy knew she had little time to enjoy such frivolous things as night out. He saw no reason why he couldn't do further investigation while treating her to a lovely evening at the same time.

"Good evening brigadier general," the red head smiled as she opened the door to greet him.

He smiled back, he felt like some dopey little school boy. "Good evening, I hope I'm not late."

"No, actually you're early," she said, surprise in her voice.

"I know," he admitted sheepishly, "I actually got here awhile ago but I didn't want to be too early so I've been sitting in front of your house for the last 20 minutes. But only because being early is considered rude in some cultures and I didn't want to be rude but then I started to get worried that your neighbors would call the police and so I-."

"It's fine," she cut him off with a laugh. "I think it's sweet that you're so excited about tonight."

"You do?"

"Of course. You've worked so hard, it's nice to see you're proud of getting a little recognition."

"Yes, of course, that's it," he replied. And then he remembered. "Oh, and these are for you." He practically shoved the bouquet that he had been hiding behind his back in her face.

"Tulips?"

"Your favorite."

"Yes," she said, taking them in her hands, not taking notice of the fact that she had never once told him her favorite flower. "I'm afraid I don't have a vase for them."

"I thought as much," he said, bringing his other hand from behind his back to reveal a small blue vase.

"Well don't you just think of everything?"

"I certainly do."

"Well, why don't you come in while I put these in some water?"

Her apartment was simple, and look as though nobody lived there at all. Inside was just furniture, no personal belongings or mementos to suggest any aspect of Erika's personality. She seemed like the kind of person who would love that sort of thing, yet her private surroundings indicated that she never intended to have anyone visit. Maybe he was just overthinking it, true she was still moving in, but it was just suspicious enough to satisfy his ongoing theory.

"You're not wearing the dress I sent you," he noted. Granted, she still looked stunning in the dark blue one she had selected. It was simple, but it did her justice. A sweet heart neckline and lace sleeves and its length made her legs seemed even longer. She wore her hair down and curled. But his eyes seemed glued to her legs, he was an advocate for mini-skirts for a reason, and she seemed to be that reason.

"It was lovely dress," she confessed. "But Rebecca picked this dress out for me as soon as I told her you had asked me to go, and there's no saying no to that girl."

"Understandable. Next time then." Of course, the fact the dress had an open back, which Riza would never wear for obvious reasons, had nothing to do with it. No, that would be too easy.

"Mustang! Fashionably late, as usual!" exclaimed a fairly drunk Rebecca as he led Erika into the ballroom.

"Catalina! Drunk early, as usual!" joked Mustang.

She raised her eyebrow and Roy knew she was preparing a few choice words for him, as did Havoc who nervously stepped in between the two. "Hey there chief! Great turn out, huh?"

"It certainly is, Havoc," he agreed with a grin. "It's nice to see some many people support the effort."

"The effort would be nothing without you sir," said Erika, matter-of-factly. She believed she was merely stating a fact, but Havoc and Rebecca shared a knowing glance.

"Woah now there Erika, don't go inflating his ego anymore," joked Havoc. "His head has gotten even bigger ever since you agreed to be his date."

"Please, it's crowded enough in here without Mr. Flame Alchemist turning into a hot air balloon," added Rebecca, taking another sip. "With any luck it'll rain later and take him down a few notches."

As if on cue, Erika burst into laughter. It was the kind of laughter that consumed her whole body and she had to hold onto Roy's arm for support. It rose and rang and just when it was about to cease, it toppled over itself and restarted even stronger. And by god, it was contagious. Such remarks at Roy's expense usually brought an eye roll and the occasional jaunty comment from him, but something about the way the woman beside him could not contain herself got to him and he joined in.

Mostly because he knew that laugh. Not many people got to hear that laugh. It brought to mind one evening when they were young, sitting across from his master's daughter, both supposed to be consumed with their studies. She was shy, but she as the only friend he had and he was doing anything and everything to get her attention. But she refused to acknowledge his hijinks of paper balls, card tricks, and knock-knock jokes. But just as he was about to give up and return to his notes, his chair gave out from underneath him and he found himself sitting on the floor. Embarrassed and confused, he looked up to Riza whose face lit up instantly and was overtaken with a lively laugher. She shook and tried to cover the sound with her hand but failed. She was sorry, she said between breathes, she wasn't laughter at him, she sore, she was so sorry, this was so embossing but he didn't care, it was adorable. It could listen to it all day if she let him.

Without a doubt, it was Riza's laugh.

After a while she stopped, suddenly aware of all the eyes on her. She cleared her throat. "Terribly sorry," she said, embarrassed, "That was entirely unprofessional of me, I apologize sir."

"Don't be," he said with a smile. "It's a party after all, I can take a joke or two at my expense."

"And I've got plenty of 'em," added Rebecca.

She blushed, nevertheless. "Party or not sir, there are still many important people here who want to speak with you. I already saw two possible sponsors for the volunteer committee on our way in. I think if we try to, we could-."

"Erika," interrupted Mustang. "I appreciate your dedication, and I do intend to get plenty of work done tonight, but before any of that I have one request."

"And what's that, sir?"

"One dance," he said, extending his hand to her.

"I'm afraid I'm not much of a dancer sir," she said shyly.

"No need to worry, I happen to be an excellent dancer," he said gently. "Just follow my lead."

"Are you sure this is appropriate sir?" Erika asked as he led her onto the dance floor.

"I'll be dancing with plenty of wealthy widows and daughter of investors tonight," he said. "Allow me this one indulgence."

"Well I-." he spun her around before she could properly reject him. Then he pulled her close to him, their faces mere inches from each other. It was nothing scandalous, it was merely how people danced. He held up her right hand in his left and wrapped his other arm around her, gently placing his hand on her back. She looked at him somewhat dumbfounded, surprised at his forwardness. But why should she be? Mustang was known to be a notorious womanizer, but there was only one woman who knew he only did it to keep up appearances.

"Well I suppose it is the least I could do, at least for one song."

And so they danced for one song. And the song after that. And the song after that. They hardly noticed the songs changing. She danced fairly well despite having no experience. Almost too well. It was true that Mustang was an excellent leading man, but the way they danced suggested they had known each other for years, in sync like lifelong partners. She anticipated his every move and trusted him complexly, like only one woman ever had before.

And he was sure, he couldn't be surer. The way the chandelier lights reflected in her eyes, highlighting the golden flecks hidden in her brown eyes. This was Riza, living and breathing in his arms. Regardless of if she wanted to continue the facade for whatever reason or have things return to the way they were, he could use this one night to let her know he would do anything so long as it meant she was with him. She was alive. He just needed to hear it from her to put his heart and mind at ease.

His mind made up, he stopped. He brought his lips close to her ear, and felt her tense up and bit as he came closer to her.

"I need to speak with you privately," he whispered. "There's a closet just outside the ballroom. Meet me there in five minutes. Alone."

He darted away just as the song ended, before anyone could ask him for and a dance or a few words for a column. She was left standing alone in the middle of the ballroom, contemplating for the first time whether or not she should follow him.

He waited in silence and darkness until at last he heard the door open and close quickly, followed by the sound of high heels shuffling towards him. His hand traced the wall looking for a light switch.

"So lovely of you to join me," he began as he flicked the light on. "I didn't think you-."

"Really? That's the line you wanna go with?"

"Rebecca?" remarked a very surprised, and slightly embarrassed Mustang. "Look, I'm flattered and all…"

"Oh shut up," she said, rolling her eyes. "Look, we don't have much time. I don't want to be seen walking out of here with you."

"Lord knows I've stolen enough girlfriends from Havoc…"

"Anyway, I need to talk to you about Erika," said Rebecca very seriously. "Doesn't she… remind you of someone?"

"No, I'd have to say she's one of a kind,"

"Oh cut the crap," she said a little more desperately. "The way she laughed earlier, you can't tell me that didn't bring someone to mind?"

"Catalina, what are you…?"

"It's Riza!" she exclaimed in a loud whisper. "C'mon Mustang! She was my best friend, and I just can't shake this feeling. When I first met Erika, it felt like I had known her for years, you can't tell me that doesn't mean something. I can't help but be suspicious!"

So, Roy wasn't the only one who saw it. But he didn't want to tell her everything just yet, just in case.

"Suspicious of what?"

"I don't know," she confessed. "But there's only a handful of people who have heard Riza laugh and you're one of them. I can tell you had the same thought. It was exactly how she used to laugh when we'd go out for drinks and talk about you."

"Wait, when did you go out for drinks and talk about me?"

"You think someone can spend all day with you and not need a shot or two afterward?" she inquired with a raise of her eyebrow.

"But, um, wh-what kinds of things did she say about me?"

Rebecca gave him a gentle smack on the head. "Stop changing the subject," she demanded. "You know Riza better than anyone, so I can only imagine you saw through Erika months ago. Unless this is one of those weird undercover missions you two were always going on, we need to get to the bottom of this."

"You're right," he admitted. "I'm thankful you see it too, I was worried I was going crazy. But a few minor similarities aren't enough, I need concrete evidence it's her before jumping to any real conclusions."

"I'm guessing you already have a plan?"

"Yes. I just need to be alone with her. Ten minutes is all I need."

"And you were going to complete this investigation in a supply closet?" she asked sarcastically. "Ew, were you going to-?"

"No!" he exclaimed before she could finish. "It's not… I mean… I know what it looks like but…"

"Uh-huh," said an unconvinced Rebecca. "Look, if you're going to do this, whatever this is, then you're going to go it right. Go to the east wing, it's far enough where no one bothers going there when there's a party happening. I'll convince her to be there in 10 minutes and I'll take care of anyone who may be looking for either of you."

"You'd really help me?"

"Of course," she said gently, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Losing her was hard on both of us, and if there's a chance to get her back then we've got to do whatever it takes. I know you're a good guy Mustang, and nobody will ever be good enough for Riza, but you come pretty close."

"I don't know what you're implying Catalina, but I'm grateful for your help,'

"Sure thing," she said with a smile as she opened the door a crack to make sure the coast was clear. "Besides, we both know the only instance Riza would ever follow you into a supply closet would be if your life was in danger. Wouldn't want a repeat of that time when you were teenagers and found out the hard way that her hall closet didn't lock."

"She told you about that?!"

Rebecca sent him to a large library, each wall filled entirely by books, old and dusty. Windows stretched long enough to frame the outside sky, but he pulled the curtains to ensure their privacy. A part of him worried she wouldn't come and his absence would be noticed, but he attempted to push aside these doubts as he read an excerpt from a book on alchemy, his nerves refusing to fully calm.

"Hello?"

She came! But she didn't see him, and he remained hidden for just a moment to observe her. She looked around the room, not trusting her to be alone. Classic Hawkeye.

"Hello there," he said at last, though he could tell she was not startled.

"Oh! Brigadier General! You startled me!" Always committed to the role. But he saw right through it.

"A thousand apologies," he said, waking down the stairs towards her. "Foot startling you and for the secrecy. I'm affair I recruited Rebecca into my scheme, but I simply had to speak with you alone."

"If it's not urgent, could the matter wait until Monday, sir?" she inquired, her voice filled with sincere worry. "I'd hate for any gossip to arise if word got out that you and your assistant ran off to God knows where alone."

"I'm not too concerned with gossip," he said as he reached the floor and sauntered over to her, her back against the door prepared to leave at a moment's notice. "It's not like I haven't heard worse. Besides, I have it on good authority that we won't be the talk of tonight by a long shot."

(It was true. Rebecca has seen to it personally that she and Havoc be the center of attention. She merely had to comment on Mustang's superb dancing skills and the man made it his mission to show her a thing or two about dancing.)

"Regardless sir, I really don't think this is a good idea,"

"What's not a good idea? Two friends having a conversation in private?" he was dangerously close to her now.

"Friends?" she repeated, her tone both intrigued and skeptical. "Not coworkers? I take it this is pleasure rather than business."

"I suppose you could say that," this was his voice reserved for Elizabeth. "But, the laws that forbid mixing business and pleasure were abolished a while ago, so I see no harm."

She sighed. She let go her grip of the door and walked to him, staring at the ground as if looking for the right words to say. She reached forward and straightened his tie, a nervous habit Riza had developed after his first promotion. Her heels allowed their eyes to be level and he saw them smiling even though her lips were not. Her lips…

"It's true there's no law agaienst it, but I do have a policy, Mr. Mustang," she said lightly. "While I am flattered, I find the ordeal rather unprofessional, I hope you can understand."

"Why Erika, are you letting me down gently before I've even confessed anything?"

"I thought I'd save you the trouble,"

"That's very kind of you," he said. "But I think you know me well enough to know that once I set my mind to something I intend on following through."

"I haven't known you that long, sir."

"I disagree," he said, firmly placing his hands over hers.

"You're drunk."

"I haven't had a single thing to drink all night."

Her eyes met his. She saw how gentle they were, so soft and sure and full of love. Completely enamored by her presence. They were safe and cool and somehow managed to block out the white noise of the party downstairs and freeze time so only they existed for a moment. She realized all too late that she had become lost in them, and her own widened in horror.

This is what she had been trying to avoid.

In her mind, she was objecting, finding the will to leave and was halfway down the hall. In her mind she was preparing the perfect way to let him down easy, to erase the hopeless thoughts he had of her from his mind for good. To let him know she wasn't who he thought she was.

But these words became muffled when he started to kiss her.