I just reread all the chapters and damn… I have a lot of typos and grammatical errors. Sorry about that. I guess I should be more attentive when editing. -)

But what I really want (more like, NEED) are Beta readers and people who can help me edit. If any of you can refer me to anyone, that would be much appreciated. :D

I don't own FMA of any of its characters. Neither do I own the movie plot that I have mentioned in this chapter. I only placed it in for familiarity to the readers and in order for readers to get a better feel of the story. I only own the OCs and the plot.


The train was slithering across the beautiful scenery that Creta offered. With his legs crossed and a gloved hand on his chin, Roy leaned on the cool glass and looked far into the view. He had so many things on his mind that he didn't know what to think of anymore. He was thinking of various things to do before leaving for his family ski trip. There were preparations to be made, not only for work, but for his kids. It was hard being both a dad and a mom. Maybe Maes was right. Maybe he did need a wife.

Roy closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind. He didn't want to think about that right now. He had a wife. He doesn't need another one. Painful scenes of his past flashed in his mind. He closed his eyes harder. It was the image of his ex-wife that made him want to scream. Her soft curling locks and her strong gold eyes captivated him. Always has and always will. He remembered the first time they met. Their first date, the first time they kissed. The first time they—

Knock knock.

Roy opened his eyes abruptly. Someone was knocking.

"Come in," his voice was hoarse.

His assistant came in with a cup of coffee and a muffin. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, sir but I thought you would like some refreshments."

"Thank you, Maria. Just set it on the table," Roy said.

"Are you alright, sir? You don't sound too good." Maria commented.

"I'm alright. Just a bit tired. These business trips always drain me," Roy continued to look out the window.

Maria nodded and added, "Mr. Maes called in for you, sir. He said you should call him back. He sounded urgent."

Roy simply nodded and Maria silently closed the door and left him alone in his cabin. Roy closed his eyes again and drifted to sleep.

(((-)))

The train finally came to a stop at the Main station in Amestris. He stretched a bit and looked at his celphone. No calls or text messages. He smirked. Looks like my kids forgot about me. Roy thought, jokingly.

He took his suitcase and opened his cabin door. Maria and his small crew were already waiting for him. They all walked out together. There weren't a lot of people on his side of the train. (That was because he bought out the whole area to himself and his crew) He looked around. There were supposed to be cars to pick them all up and send them home. Instead, he saw his kids, and Maes' family, waiting for him. This made him smile a little. Al ran to him and he picked him up. Ed was surprisingly warm today. He came up to his father and gave him a hug. Micha gave him one as well. Soon, everyone approached him. His crew members took their leave.

"I missed you, daddy!" Al said. "Why did you leave without telling us?" His eyes were almost watering.

"I'm sorry, sport. It was really sudden. I trust your sister told you, though?" He looked at his daughter for a while before looking back at his youngest son. Al just nodded. "There's no need to cry, sport. I'm already here."

Al just hugged his father's neck harder. Hughes shook his hand. "You really left without saying anything, buddy. How was it?"

"Sorry about that. It was alright. How're you, Gracia? You're looking lovely," he smiled.

Gracia smiled and nodded. "I'm fine, thank you. Glad to have you back," she said.

They all went out for lunch in the same place where Riza had lunch with Roy when she was accepted. Apparently, that was their favorite place to eat. It was a small, quiet bistro. The owner was very welcoming and had a heavy accent. He personally served them their food and even gave the kids free ice cream. It was a very pleasant get together.

After that, Roy took the kids to the mall. They bought tons (and I'm not kidding when I say tons) of chips, chocolate and DVDs. They were planning on having a movie night.

Riza trailed behind the four of them. Just seeing them like that was more than enough to make her feel very warm inside. Roy was carrying Al and holding on to Ed's hand and Micha was too. They looked like exactly like how every family should be: happy.

Once they got home, everyone freshened up and ate dinner before proceeding to their theater. Riza was going to retire to her room but there was a small knock on her door. She opened it but didn't see anyone. She heard someone clear their throat. Riza looked down and saw Edward.

"Oh, Ed. Sorry, I didn't see you down there," she said.

The little boy looked like he was going to blow his top. "WHAT? I'M SO TINY THAT YOU HAVE TO LOOK DOWN SO LOW?" he fumed.

Riza's sweat dropped. He surprisingly cooled down pretty fast. He crossed his arms against this chest. "Father's calling you to watch the movie with us," he mumbled.

Riza was surprised. "Thank you for the invitation but it's alright. I'd rather sleep and—"

"YOU CAN'T REFUSE," Edward shouted. "Everyone in the house is watching!"

Riza blinked, "everyone?"

"Yes, everyone!" Edward rolled his eyes. "No hurry up. We can't start the movie without you." He left her and started walking back to the theater.

It was Riza's first time in the theater. Even if she's already worked for Mustang for more than a month, there were still rooms that she didn't enter. She knew where they were, but she never really bothered looking inside. She felt like she was intruding. The theater was in the basement. It was huge. There were six rows and seven Lazy Boy chairs in each. It was luxurious and very cozy as well.

The Mustangs were in the front row while the house staff occupied the ones from the second to the fourth row. Riza was going to take a seat at the back row but when Roy patted the chair next to his, how can she refuse?

"It's not necessary, sir," she whispered.

"Yes it is," Roy replied.

"But—"

"I insist," Roy grabbed her arm and made her sit.

She stumbled a bit and then fixed herself in the seat next to him. This man is unbelievable. Riza thought.

They were watching an animated film. It was about this sinister villain, who needed three little girls to break into his nemesis' lair. Instead of just achieving his goal, he ended up softening up to the three girls. His colleague thought that he was softening up too much so he gave the girls away and grew lonely without them.

Riza felt quite odd while watching the movie. There was a bit of familiarity to it. She was so engrossed in the movie that she didn't notice the little things happening around her as much. Edward was coughing a bit; one of the maids was blowing her nose while the gardener was snoring lightly. Usually, she would have noticed all of this, and even take notice of that time these were all taking place. But not tonight. There was something about this movie that made her heart have this weird gnawing feeling in it.

Roy crossed his legs and placed one elbow on the armrest. He was slowly dozing while watching but he couldn't help but notice that Riza seemed so into the movie. Her figure was illuminated by the screen. She was in cotton pajamas with little flower prints on it. Roy thought it was really cute. Her scent was intoxicating. He kept sniffing it in. He wanted to slap himself because he thought he looked like he was sniffing in drugs or something.

To break his trance (and Riza's) he nudged her. Riza's head snapped in his direction.

"Yes, sir?"

"We're going to Drachma for skiing in a few days," Roy whispered. "I need you to prepare everything. Ask Philip to help you find the equipment."

After a short pause, Riza whispered back, "Can I have a day off?"

Roy was taken aback. "What for?"

"I don't have snow clothes," she replied.

Roy chuckled quietly. "Don't worry about that, Miss Hawkeye. Micha will handle it."

Riza stared back for a moment, thinking.

Roy interrupted her thoughts. "Do you know how to ski and snowboard?"

"Yes, sir."

Roy looked back at the screen and smirked. "Good."


Short chapter is short. I had more in mind for this chapter, but I guess I lost it. I have so much things to deal with. Enrollment's coming up, I have requirements to prepare and I need to keep my emotions at bay.

The next coming chapters are already planned and outlined! Thanks to a good friend of mine! I've been consulting her about the story, lately. :D

If there are any editors and beta readers lurking there, please please please! Help me? :D I suck at editing. Hahaha.

Thank you for all the previous reviews. It touches me to see people who still wait on this fic. I hope it makes you happy.

Please drop a review my way! I'd love to hear what you all have to say. And if you want to see certain things happen, please tell me so I can consider it. Thank you!