Disclaimer: I do not own FMA. Hagane no renkinjutsushi belongs to Hiromu Arakawa.
Roy stood at attention, staring blankly ahead as the pallbearers brought the mahogany coffin past him. To his left stood Alphonse, Hawkeye, and Havoc. On his right were Falman, Fuery, and Breda. All had similar expressions on their faces.
"I will not cry. I will not cry…" Roy repeated in his head like a mantra.
As the coffin was covered, Roy felt tears streaming down his face despite his resolution. He pulled his hat a little lower over his face as the mourning party slowly broke up and walked towards the fresh grave.
"Maes, I wish you were here right now," he murmured and jumped when a hand rested on his shoulder.
"Too many comrades buried here, Sir." It wasn't a question. Roy lowered his head.
"Indeed, Lieutenant. Indeed." The two stood like that for a long time. Suddenly, Roy turned to look at Hawkeye.
"Lieutenant, I'm not going to live without him. I can't live without him."
"Well, Sir, I think that's extremely selfish of you. That's not a quality I thought you had."
"I know. I'm sorry, Lieutenant, but…"
"I'm happy for you," Hawkeye interrupted. "You deserve to do something for yourself." Roy looked up, surprised.
"L-lieutenant?"
"We will lose the greatest leader this country has ever had." Roy nodded.
"Lieutenant, you will become Furher in my place." Riza saluted, but her voice lacked her usual briskness.
"Yes, Sir," she said quietly.
A/N: I'm really sorry it took so long to post the rest of this story. I hope to finish it today. Read and review and leave an honest critique. A cookie or two if you do.