I reread my previous chapter. Damn. I spotted so much typos and mistakes. OTL Sorry. For those who have been asking, no this story is not dropped. It almost was but I changed my mind. I'm just really busy and STUCK. No inspiration. College hunting is too tedious for life.

I'm very happy to see that some people still read this story, though. *tears of joy* ; w;

I don't own FMA or its characters. I only own the OCs and plot.


The car ride was far from quiet. After chattering and sharing stories, the family went on singing to the car's well built sound system. It was a different experience for Riza and she was very amused. She also saw the more jocular and softer side of Roy Mustang.

"So, what do you kids plan on getting?" Roy asked casually.

"Same old, same old." Edward replied dryly.

"Maybe I'll have a milkshake this time." Micha mused.

"Oh, oh! Daddy, can I have cake?" Alphonse asked excitedly.

"Sure thing sport. After you finish your broccoli." Roy smirked.

Alphonse pouted. "But they give me extra helpings."

"All the better!" Roy laughed heartily. "Don't you want to grow big and strong? Hell, you can grow taller than your brother."

"He almost is." Micha muttered.

The eight year old turned exploded. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO TINY THAT HE'S SMALLER THAN A PIECE OF BROCCOLI?"

All those seated in the sports car laughed.

-;;

Much to Riza's relief, there were no paparazzi or anyone with a camera. It was a quiet restaurant with a very homey feel to it. The staff was kind and friendly, serving everyone with a million dollar smile. What caught her attention the most was a family portrait of four. They all looked ecstatic, their eyes gleaming with joy.

The five of them were shown to their table and given menus but the waiter didn't even bother asking what the children wanted, instead, he gave them choices. Roy laughed a bit and told him that he would just have the special and then all eyes, heads and ears were turned to the lovely lady in blue.

"So, what will you be having?" The waiter asked, smiling.

Riza scanned the menu again quickly and just decided on something that was familiar to her. "I'll have the roast beef and a coke." She replied.

"Alright then. Ten minutes for your orders." The waiter grinned. He took their menus and another one came and set glasses with ice for each of them and poured some water.

"Hey, dad, I checked our schedules." Micha took a sip of water. "I asked Maria what you're schedule was and she said she could arrange it in such a way that you'll have a whole week free." She grinned.

Roy studied his children's faces. "This means I'm going to have hell before or after the trip, right?"

"It doesn't have to be, daddy." Al grinned. "We can help you!"

Micha nodded her head in agreement. "Paper work, planning… project proposals?" She smiled, teasingly.

"I appreciate it, but I can manage. I just have to look up this new structure the company's building." Roy explained.

"You mean that hanging bridge?" Edward asked, interested.

"Yes, that one." Roy nodded. "It was a very good suggestion. When we take the train, we should see the future site."
"That's great!" Edward cheered and laughed mischievously. "I'm only eight but I already got a bridge built."

"Runs in the blood, sport." Roy smirked. "Your sister hasn't even gotten that much done for her age."

Riza leaned in to pay more attention. In the Mustang family, achieving greatness would start as soon as the child is born. The pressure must be heavy. She thought.

Micha's mouth opened in shock. "WHAT?" she protested. "I have a Children's hospital, a foundation and I designed that resort you partnered with! How can that be not much?"

"Well, princess, you're sixteen. By the time you enter college, you should be holding a company by then." Roy explained calmly. I had two when I was in first year and top in my class."

"Well, I'm sorry I hate math." She rolled her eyes. "But I am on the honors' list! I may not be the top, but grades' just a number." She reasoned.

"She has a point, daddy." Al agreed, innocently.

Before anyone could say anything more, their food arrived. Roy went on, giving his children a sermon about not settling for second best. In fact, they shouldn't even settle for best because they have to be better than the best.

The more Riza thought it over, she realized that everything in the children's schedule were mostly skill related instead of fun related activities. Children the boy's age should be out running around in parks and flying kites instead of having advanced math lessons on perfectly sunny days. They should be watching Saturday morning cartoons and resting instead of having a rushed breakfast because they were running late for their private economics classes.

These kids have it tougher than people think. Riza thought. She looked at the children's faces. Edward stared at his food stubbornly, Alphonse chewed slowly, nodding his head submissively and Micha was poking her food. Riza felt sorry for them. Even if some part of them do enjoy the classes, you know they would rather be doing something else. It was out of line if she were to speak up, so she stayed silent.

Riza was stone quiet throughout. She only spoke when they got home. She ushered the two boys into their rooms to freshen up and the teenager locked herself in her room. Roy was busy. He had a Skype meeting.

Everyone was eager to get dinner done. It was so awkward. It seemed like everyone went to sleep early.

Strange. Riza mused on her bed. It's only nine and the mansion's so quiet. How queer.


I don't even want to think about how overdue this is. I'm terribly sorry for keeping you all waiting. But, like I said, I'm still glad that people still read this story! I'm very touched. ; w; I have one more entrance test to go. Wish me luck! Results come out this January. *Hides in hidey hole* I'm so scared. ._.

I hope you guys liked it! I know it's short and boring, but the next one will be better—I hope. I'll have it up next week. :D

Leave me a review, please. :D