Thank you for waiting patiently and continually supporting this fic, it is much appreciated. Here's the ninth chapter. Enjoy~
I don't own FMA. I only own the plot and OCs. Neither do I own any of the songs or artists mentioned.
Hawkeye opened the box once more and laid the dress open on her bed. It was beautiful and looked very pricey. Why would she leave such a beautiful garment behind? Riza tried it on and it fit perfectly on her. She then tried the gloves and boots. Riza faced the mirror. Why, the dress looked like it was made for her! Riza then remembered the picture of Roy and his ex-wife in a small frame by the foyer. Riza shuddered then took the dress off.
Hawkeye barely slept that night. Too much questions were roaming around her head. What did Emily mean by it will give Roy much pleasure if I wear that dress? And why would he give it to me if it was his wife's? And what did he mean by I wouldn't just look like that if he got on me?
Riza buried her head in the soft pillow once she thought about the last sentence again mentally slapped herself for it. What are you thinking, Riza? He is your employer. You can't think about things like that. Riza only had one hour of sleep before she had to wake up. She got up at two to take a warm shower and get ready. Riza took a canvas backpack with her.
There, she folded the riding dress into the back pack. She wore the boots under a pair of dark wash jeans and a dark brown turtle neck shirt that hugged her body tightly. It was one of the undershirts that she wore under the blue boxy military uniform. She would never have to wear that uniform ever again. The thought of it made Riza instantly miss the office and the training fields but her thoughts were interrupted when there was a knocking on her door.
Riza opened it to see who it was. Who would've thought, it was Roy Mustang himself. "Good morning, Miss Hawkeye." He greeted her. Roy wore a red silk dress shirt and black slacks.
"Good morning, sir." Riza opened the door a bit wider, not to be rude.
Roy looked down to see her wearing the boots. He grinned at her, showing her a perfect set of white teeth. "I see the boots fit. How about the dress?"
"Yes, sir. It fits me perfectly." She replied sternly.
"Will you be wearing it later? You don't have to if you don't want to. It was just a suggestion."
"I will bring it, but I don't think I will, sir. I have a feeling I can't ride side saddle with me having to cope up with the kids. Edward looks like he can handle a horse." Riza said, truthfully.
"Yes, he can." Mustang replied. "Come down for breakfast, the kids are already eating." With that, Roy left and proceeded down stairs to the kitchen.
(((-)))
Once Riza arrived downstairs, she saw the two little boys eating the waffles like there was no tomorrow while Micha was talking to her father.
"Well, Leila can't go, Jadine already has plans and Johnny said that he had to do something with his dad. So it's only Daniel and his little brother Lorenz that's going to come."
Roy chocked on his orange juice. Micha got out of spitting range and rubbed her dads back.
"Easy on the juice, dad!" Micha exclaimed.
"I wouldn't have chocked if you didn't mention him coming." Roy's voice still sounded a bit strained and coughed a few times. Micha rolled her eyes and sat back down.
Riza approached them and greeted them all a good morning. The little boys had their mouths full, so they didn't greet back. Micha on the other hand just looked at her and drank her milk. Riza looked at her chair before she sat down. There wasn't any sort of contraption visible, so she sat down.
"It's too early for a prank." Micha mumbled. "Anyway," She said a bit louder, "dad, why don't you want Daniel to come? He's nice."
"He's not nice once I find out he wants to steal my princess away from me." He mumbled childishly.
Edward and Alphonse laughed while Riza stifled hers. So it was true that fathers couldn't accept it if their daughters were being courted by other guys.
"Dad, he is not!" She argued. "He likes some girl named Michelle."
"That's your named mixed up!" He argued like a child.
"No it's not." She retorted. They were interrupted when Micha's phone rang. "Hello?" She answered. "Oh, Daniel! Yes, good morning too… you're already at the station? So is Uncle Maes? Oh, ok. We're already leaving… Yeah, see you. Bye." Micha ended the call and got up. "They're all there. Dad, let's go."
(((-)))
Riza was awestruck by Roy's car. It was a sleek and stylish black Porche. Roy hopped in the driver's seat and Micha slipped in the front passenger's. The two boys scrambled to the back and Riza followed. They had the windows rolled down. As they approached the train station's parking lot, Roy pulled into a parking space and killed the engine. Everyone got out and took their bags with them.
Roy payed for their train tickets to the east country side, Rizembool. Hughes had reserved a cottage for them and told called in to ready their horses at the stable.
"Good morning, buddy!" Hughes greeted his best friend.
"'Morning, Huhges." Roy greeted. He looked behind him and saw Gracia. Elicia was sleeping in her mother's arms. "Gracia, you're looking lovely as always." He smiled.
Gracia smiled and greeted him as well. "Oh, Roy…" She saw Riza standing with his kids. "Who might she be?" She asked nicely.
"Oh, this is Miss Riza Hawkeye. She is our new babysitter." Roy introduced her while she and Gracia got acquainted, Hughes pulled Roy away with him until they were out of ear shot.
"Hey, Roy, I see you really hired her." He grinned.
"Yeah, so? She was one of the only people who were serious about the job, and she seems capable." He defended.
"Yeah… right. Next thing I know, I'll see a picture of you and her making out on a tabloid magazine." He teased.
"Maes!" Roy snapped.
His best friend laughed. "Well, I wouldn't be teasing you if you just got a wife… a nice wife. You know… someone who doesn't lock your kids up in a room." His jolly expression turned serious. Roy's features hardened and ignored Hughes. He made a bee line for the train that was already calling in for passengers.
It was a three hour ride from Central to Rizembool. There were barely any people in their car. There was just an old couple that sat on the other side of the car and a man whose head was hanging because he had fallen asleep. Riza on the other hand, stayed awake. She kept her eyes peeled. Roy was sitting in front of her. With his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were closed, but it didn't look like he was sleeping. Alphonse on the other hand was lying down on his lap, sleeping. Edward was on the other booth, sleeping on Micha's lap while she listened to Daniel playing soft chords on his guitar.
Once the train let out a sigh as it reached the station, Roy's eyes opened and he too let out a sigh of his own. He ran his hands through his black hair and picked his little boy up in his arms. The party got out of the train and did a head check before leaving the station. There was already a van from the stable, waiting for them. The kids were now fully awake. They all looked out the window and enjoyed the never ending green meadows.
In thirty minutes, they reached the stables and the cottage. The little ones scrambled out and chased each other on the open space. It was only seven-thirty, and being in the country side, it was pretty cold. Riza had to take Ed, Al, Micha and Roy's bags to the cottage for settling. Gracia was letting Elicia walk on the grass while Maes was snapping away using his camera.
"Well, that's not good." Roy smirked. "He's going to have more pictures to shove up my face." He mumbled sarcastically.
Riza looked bemused. She continued to carry the things inside the cottage. It was made of wood and stones. The cottage had a very country feeling to it and very comfortable. After she had fixed everyone's things, she proceeded to the stables where everyone gathered.
Once Riza came in, the smell of horse flesh and droppings hit her like a bitch slap, but the party didn't seem to mind it. Micha was already brushing her horse's hair and Roy saddled up his stallion. Once he caught sight of his babysitter, he called her and let her choose a horse.
"Which one would you like to ride, Miss Hawkeye?" Roy asked and presented her with two medium sized horses. One was brown, and the other white.
"I'll have the brown one, if it's ok." She answered. Roy opened her gate and pointed Riza where she can find the gear to use on her horse. Its name was Chestnut. An appropriate name, Riza thought. His coat is a brilliant color of it. Riza spotted one of the stable's care takers, readying Gracia and Elicia's horse. The two didn't seem so in to it. Ed and Al on the other hand was brushing their own horses and putting the saddles on them without breaking a sweat. Winry and Lorenz, Daniel's little brother, needed some help from the boys.
Once all the horses were ready, Roy, Ed, Al, Micha, Maes and everyone else went inside the cottage to change into their riding clothes.
Micha was the first one out. Micha, as expected wore clothes that were flamboyant, but looked comfortable and appropriate for riding. Her riding boots and shorts complimented her legs very well. She already had her riding gloves on as she darted to the stables.
Roy's family came out wearing designer riding clothes. Roy's was simple, but very masculine and fitted him perfectly. Black riding boots and pants, a white red collared shirt with a number on one of the sleeves. The two brothers wore almost the exact same thing, like how twin brothers dress, but the color of their shirts differed.
Riza disappeared in a small room, debating with herself if she should change into the dress or not. Gracia was just wearing jeans, boots and a riding shirt.
"Maybe I don't need to after all." She mumbled to herself and left the dress in her canvass bag. Once Riza stepped out of her room, everyone had already gone outside. Hell, everyone has already mounded their horses and was good to go. The only one they were waiting for was her. Hawkeye hurriedly made her way outside and neared her empty horse, careful not to step on its fresh droppings.
"Do you need help, Miss Hawkeye?" Roy asked, getting off his stallion. Everyone was quiet and watched the two.
"No, I can manage, sir. Thank you." Riza answered politely. As soon as Roy got back on his horse, Riza placed her boot in the boot loop and took hold of the saddle. Once she placed all her weight on the boot loop, the belt that held the saddle on the horse fell off.
Riza landed with a plop, her upper back was tainted with horse crap and so was her neck and lower parts of her hair. Roy quickly got off again to help her up.
Micha was trying to hold back a laugh, the kids started to snicker, Gracia looked so shocked while Maes simply looked amused.
"Are you ok?" Roy helped her up, and examined how bad the waste stain was.
Riza took in a deep breath to calm her down, but that wasn't such a good idea because the stench from the horse droppings on her back made her want to vomit. "I... I'm fine." Riza answered, with holding her anger.
"Micha." Roy gave his daughter "the look", as everyone would call it.
"Rule one: Always make sure all the straps, horse reigns and the saddle are tightly in place before mounding your horse. Everyone knows that." Micha stated simply.
Roy looked at his best friend for a backup, giving him the same look.
"What? It's true, buddy." Maes grinned.
Roy groaned. "Everyone can go ahead. I'll wait for Miss Hawkeye to clean up."
It was the kid's turn to groan. "Awww, dad!" Edward whined.
"Blame your sister, Ed." Roy pointed at her.
"Oh, fine. Be that way!" Micha exclaimed and turned her horse around and left the group with a trot.
"Hey, Micha, Come on!" Daniel called for her and galloped his horse to catch up with her.
"Sister, wait!" Alphonse followed as well. Edward shot his father a glare before turning his horse into a fast gallop.
"Wait for us!" Winry shouted and she and Lorenz followed.
"Looks like they're not on your side buddy." Hughes snickered. "I better catch up with them. We'll wait for you on the hill." Maes turned his horse to their direction and Gracia's horse followed.
Riza was already half way to the cottage when Roy looked back at her. "Irritating little brats." Riza grumbled and cussed in her head. She had to keep her cool. She was famous for keeping a level head and keeping her emotions intact and hidden. She could be itching to shoot you but still keep a smile on her face. That was none other than 1st Lieutenant Elizabeth "Riza" Hawkeye. But this isn't 1st Lieutenant "Riza" Hawkeye anymore. This was Riza, the babysitter—the babysitter of three annoying little brats, to be precise. She never knew it was so hard not to end someone's existence.
"Miss Hawkeye!" Roy called her as he jogged to keep up. "Please, let me apologize for my daughter."
"You are not at fault, sir. Therefore, you don't have to apologize." She replied blankly. Irritation was wrapping her tone.
"You have to understand. Micha has… Been through a lot." Roy defended softly.
"As have I, sir." Riza snapped.
Roy remained quiet. No babysitter or employee had ever snapped at him like this. His eyes grew wide and the porch of the cottage seemed to be shaking from Riza's anger. "I am so sorry, Miss Hawkeye. I will talk to them but please try to understand. Micha's been through more than what you can imagine and it's my fault she has. So let me apologize to you." Mustang's voice was so soft and sincere.
It was hard for Riza to hold on to her anger. These dark eyes that met hers were so gentle despite its sharpness. These eyes that searched hers were impossible to tear away from. He held on to her gaze for what seemed like hours. Silence.
Riza finally made herself look down and nod her head. She then entered the cottage to clean up and Mustang followed. Once he sat down on the sofa, the whole cottage was silent except for the sounds of falling water from the shower.
(((-)))
"Hey, come on, Micha, it is your fault." Daniel said. "There's no need to be mad at your dad."
"Has anyone ever told you that you're not helping?" She bit back sarcastically.
Daniel never took these things from her seriously. He understood why she had always been so touchy about things like this. "Now you have." He chuckled. Daniel noticed her lips curve upward and stifled a laugh. "See, I make you laugh. How is that not helping?" He grinned.
Micha pulled her horse to push Daniel's, making him lose his balance for a while. "I hate you, you know that?" She laughed.
"Yes, I hate you too." He joined her in laughter.
Everyone else finally caught up with them. "Well, I see things here are fine, since you two are laughing." Hughes said. "It's getting kind of hot, let's head for the hill and get under that mango tree."
He led the way and everyone followed. Hughes was thinking about his best friend and the babysitter. I wonder what they're doing now. It shouldn't take that long to clean up. A smug smile crept up his face as he thought of a dirty scenario. "You go, Roy!" Hughes cheered out loud and laughed, making him look like a lunatic in front of everybody.
"Who's he talking to?" Daniel asked Micha quietly.
"I don't know." She whispered back.
"Is he always like this?"
Micha nodded her head and replied with a wink, "that's uncle Maes for you."
(((-)))
Riza shampooed her hair more than five times and washed her body more than ten times just to get that wretched smell out.
Once she was drying herself, she heard a soft rapping on the door. "Miss Hawkeye? Do you need anything there?" His voice muffled by the door.
"No thank you sir. I'm fine. I'll be out in a minute." She replied. As soon as she placed the towel around her body she realized, "oh great, I don't have anything to wear." She mumbled. Except for one thing.
Roy waited patiently outside for her. Mustang simply sat on the sofa, thinking about random thoughts that swam into his head. His pocket started to vibrate. He reached in and grabbed his phone.
"Where are you and what's taking you so long?" It was a text from Maes. Roy hit the reply button and started to push the buttons with his thumbs.
"Still in the cottage. We're almost done." He clicked send and placed it back in his pocket.
It started to vibrate again. That was a quick reply. Thought Roy.
"Really? Doing what? :" That little emoticon was all Roy needed to see to know what Hughes was implying.
"DAMMIT HUGHES!" Was his reply and shoved the phone back into his pocket.
"Touchy, I see. :-" " Hughes replied. Roy didn't even bother replying anymore. His best friend is such a tease.
He heard the old hinges creak open. Roy stood up and craned his neck and body a bit to the side to see her.
Riza came out with her head bowed. She was wearing the riding dress. Roy was shocked. The dress fit so well on her. Not only that. She looked beautiful.
Mustang couldn't hide his shock. "I-I-umm…" Roy stuttered for a while before clearing his throat, "I'm glad the dress fits you, Miss Hawkeye." He said firmly.
"Yes. It does. Thank you so much for lending it to me, sir." Riza replied softly.
"Let's go. Everyone's waiting." Roy strode out the door and checked Riza's horse before letting her get on. "Here, I'll give you a hand."
"It's ok, sir. I can do it." Riza said sternly.
"No, I don't want you to fall again."
With that, Riza faced her back on the chestnut mare's side. With Mustang's calloused hands on her waist, he gently lifted her up on the horse, side saddle. Riza felt quite embarrassed. She thought she was heavier than she looked. But her employer didn't say anything at all.
"Are you ok with side saddle?" He asked as he mounded his horse.
"I'll manage." Riza smiled thankfully.
Mustang returned the smile then dug his heels to his stallion's belly. Riza followed behind him. They rode in silence and Hawkeye was starting to hate side saddle. It was uncomfortable for her. She always wondered how those regal ladies managed with this.
Nearing the hill, and seeing the grazing horses nearby, Roy and Riza heard an acoustic guitar playing and a blend of voices, singing a happy little tune.
Everyone seemed so happy, singing along and very well too. Daniel was playing the guitar, and singing along with Maes. Micha and Gracia soon joined in. The little children swayed from side to side in delight.
"Afternoon Delight." Roy smirked.
"Excuse me, sir?" Riza made her mare go a little faster to hear him better.
"They're singing Afternoon Delight by the Starland Vocal Band. A cute song." He snickered.
As the two got off and neared the crowd, Riza heard how each and every single one's voice sounded. Micha was hitting a high note, nearing the end of the song. It stunned Hawkeye how well the teenager could sing.
"Sorry, Riza." Micha apologized after she sang the song. Her eyes narrowed for a split second but dulled after a split second.
"It's ok." Riza smiled. She suspected the sudden hostility in her eyes was because of the dress. Hawkeye thought it was better to drop it and just stay alert for anything Micha might do to her.
"Play another one, Daniel!" Hughes hit his back, causing the said person to gag.
"Ok, umm, everyone knows the Beatles, right?"
"My favorite band." Micha grinned.
Daniel started playing and singing softly. Hughes joined in and sang to his beautiful wife too; only instead of saying "Michelle" he replaced it with "Gracia".
"Now I know where he got the name from." Roy mumbled.
They sang old songs all morning, from James Taylor to Don McLean. Riza actually enjoyed Gracia's company, Ed and Al didn't need much taking care of, and there were no more pranks. That day was just all for fun and bonding.
Hi guys! What do you think of this chapter? Thank you again for reading and supporting this fic. I'm sorry I can't update as fast. My internet has been down; I've been really busy with school and extracurricular activities as well. I'll be posting a link on how Micha and Daniel looks like on my profile page real soon. ^^ Please drop a review my way. They help me improve. Please tell me what you think and what you want to see. OH, AND PRANKS TOO. :
Love, Kiara.
