49. Chances (Five For Fighting)
A/N: And now, we're pretending that the fighting is over, harmony is restored, and life goes on. (Sonic the Hedgehog reference, anyone?) Roy is in some sort of position of power, but… well… just read on, please.
"I think I almost would have preferred being found guilty of having committed war crimes of my own volition. Then, I wouldn't have to figure a way out of this whole mess."
Roy sighed. His eyes were bleary from reading document after document detailing in the minute about how exactly Amestris was going to go on as a better country. It was driving him just a little crazy at the moment. Who knew that there were so many details that people wanted his opinion on?
Well, they probably didn't. It was just the expected degree of thoroughness that came with the job, Roy supposed.
The door opened. "Sir? Are you still working?"
Even with his eyes closed and his head back, Roy had to smile at the voice. "Aren't you usually getting after me for not doing my work?"
Riza stepped into the office, shutting the door behind her. "You shouldn't work yourself so hard that you get sick, though. How will that help anyone?"
"And here I thought you'd never see reason," Roy teased. "You're going soft on me."
"On the other hand, if you do make yourself sick, I can always bring the work to you," Riza offered with a slight smile.
Roy shook his head. "So harsh, so harsh. For a moment there, I thought you might be falling for me."
He'd given her every opportunity to do so, too. Time after time, he'd shown his vulnerable side to her, although that was more because Riza was one of the few who actually understood him during those times.
On other occasions, he'd given her an out, his blessing to leave if she wanted or needed, but she never had. She'd stood by him time and again, watching his back, keeping him sane, and, when he thought about it, not indebting herself to him.
That she'd stuck with him so long said something about him (and about her—that was obvious), and though Roy was sure he knew what it really was, there was always the distinct possibility that it was really an entirely different reason.
Well, he'd never know until he tried. He stood, and Riza looked up. "Riza." Surprise wormed its way onto her features for a moment. "I've been given the ultimate second chance to make everything right. Everything. But there's one thing that matters to me above and before all else. Will you be willing to spend the rest of your second chances with me?"
Of all the ways Roy could have asked, Riza had known that this was among them, but had not been expecting to hear it. But that didn't matter now. All that mattered was her answer, unflinching and unhesitating.
"Yes."
A/N: Well, now, I couldn't've made that much more cheesy, could I? But I had fun writing it.