24. Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper)

A/N: Pretending that Riza's father and Chris Mustang knew each other somehow.

"Riza…"

"Mmm…" Riza slowly blinked. She had never been quick to wake.

"Riza, you'd probably be better off in your own bed for the night."

What?

Oh. That's right—she'd curled up on the couch in front of the fire and had fallen asleep entirely. She had been waiting for her father to come back from visiting Chris, but he'd probably been snowed in.

"Sensei called a little while ago—he won't make it back until tomorrow. My mom forced him to stay." Roy sounded embarrassed.

Typical Chris—looking out for the welfare of others. "What time is it?"

"Eleven. I'll be up for a little while."

Riza nodded and pushed herself up and off the couch, stumbling a little bit from the head rush. Roy put his hands on her shoulders to hold her steady.

"Riza?"

"I'm fine." She stepped back, and Roy's hands slid from her shoulders. "Good night."

Roy nodded, but followed her to the stairs. Riza barely noticed. She was just so tired…

"Riza!"

She was vaguely aware of swaying forward, trying to correct the problem, and then falling backward off the third stair.

Thump!

"Owww… Ugh… You okay, Riza?"

It took her a second to catch up. She had gone backward, unable to grab the railing quickly enough, but instead of hitting the floor directly, she had landed in Roy's arms, the force knocking the both of them to the floor.

Now she was awake.

"Roy! I'm sorry... Are you alright?"

"Yeah. I'm fine." Releasing Riza, he rose to his feet and gave Riza a hand up. "You really scared me, there. Does this always happen when you're tired?"

"If 'this' is a lack of coordination… yes," admitted Riza. "I just take a while to wake up."

Roy looked away for a moment, committing the thought to memory. "I'll remember that next time."

"You're planning on this happening again?"

Shrugging, Roy muttered, "You never know. I'd like to think I'm prepared for most eventualities, catching someone asleep on their feet among them."

Riza yawned. "Well, thank you. I should get upstairs, though."

"Riza…"

"I'll be fine. I'm awake enough to make it up the stairs now." Riza hurried up the stairs.

Roy had to smile as he climbed the stairs, as well.

Riza was already in her room by the time he reached the top. He leaned against the wall outside. "Riza?"

"Yes?"

Roy sighed. "I guess… I… I'm glad I was able to catch you, you know?"

"Yes…"

Ahhh! What IS this? What am I trying to say? "It's just… let me know if I… can catch you again," he finished lamely. "I mean, if you ever feel like it's just too much, I'll be here for you. I promise." He paused. "I really don't even know why I'm telling you this, but I feel like it should be said. Just one of those things, I guess. 'Night, Riza."

"Mmm."

Roy shook his head. He didn't know what was with the two of them tonight—was it just that Hawkeye-sensei wasn't there?

Maybe… maybe it wasn't such a bad thing, after all.

A/N: I was really tired when I was writing this, but I did have some firsthand experience falling down a set of concrete steps, so at least that part was accurate. This will probably have been edited by the time you see it.

However, don't be afraid to tell me what could use work. I'd love to hear your thoughts!