Author's Note: Haven't written a Royai drabble in a while and I've been inspired to try a young! Roy/Young! Riza fic

#56- Skillful and Clumsy

She couldn't help but to curiously peak into the study that her father usually occupied to get a better glimpse at the new pupil who had graced their household. For years now it had just been her and her alchemy obsessed father, so once she had arrived home and her father told her they would be having an extended guest, she took the first chance she could to see who would be staying with them.

At the desk, staring down at the book in front of him was a dark haired young man. He had to have been a couple of years older that her. She tried to hold back a blush when she noted he was actually quite good looking. She shrank back around the corner when his gaze made its way back to the door. "Sensei?"

'Damn!' She thought and quickly made a move to get away, but not smoothly enough. She turned right into her father's chest just as the new comer came walking curiously out of the study. Her father raised an eyebrow expectantly.

"I see you wanted to meet my new pupil," he said and she nodded mutely, lowering her gaze as her cheeks reddened. It wasn't lady like to be acting as she was and from the look her father had given her before walking by, she knew he was thinking the same thing. "Roy, this is my daughter Riza. Riza, Roy is going to be studying alchemy here for some time." Roy nodded and held out a hand. Riza shook it, though not looking up.

"Nice to meet you," Riza nodded and moved to leave. "Hawkeye-sensei, I finished reading the pages you suggested." There was a moment of silence.

"Riza!" Swearing under her breath, the young blonde stopped where she was and turned to her father. "Why don't you give Mustang a little tour? I need to take care of some business."

"Yes, sir." She waited for Roy to catch up with her and held back a sigh. She had seen letters come to her father and knew why there were people either asking about his studies on flame alchemy or asking to become an apprentice, but she never thought he'd take someone in.

"So you name is Riza, huh? That's a nice name." The blonde looked over at the dark haired male next to her in confusion as he smiled at her.

"Um, thanks…" She answered uncertainly.

"So, how old are you?" She pursed her lips slightly. He was a nosey one, wasn't he?

"I'm 15."

"Ah, you're only a couple of years younger than me. I'm 17." Riza nodded absently and proceeded to try and explain to him the simple rules of the house, where not to go, and where to find what he would need.

"Father is usually in his study and sometimes misses meals, but I do the cooking around five." She explained casually. Roy nodded, a curious look on his face the entire time.

"So, do you study alchemy too?" He asked as she led him outside.

"No," She had never really thought of it as something she would try her hand at. Not after seeing how it possessed her father. "It's not really my thing."

"Alchemy is for the people. How could you say it's not your thing?"

"I just don't like it."

"I can get you to like it." Riza frowned. He was too comfortable and cocky for a new comer. She watched as he walked over to one of the blossoming trees and broke off a small branch. He led her over to concrete when he drew what Riza recognized as a transmutation circle. A smug look crossed Roy's face.

"Watch this," In a bright flash, the branch was twisted and turned into a flowery crown. He grinned at his success and handed over his alchemic creation. Riza looked over the design curiously. She had never seen her father do anything like this.

"Wow, you've really got a skill." Roy laughed and shook his head.

"No, that's just the basics of alchemy. A child could do this. I want to learn something amazing. Something that can help people." Riza stared at the glowing teen in front of her with a thoughtful expression and smiled slightly.

"That sounds great." Roy looked at her and must have noticed she was beginning to relax because a wide grin crossed his face.

"Wanna see what else I can do?" Mr. Hawkeye was watching the pair from his study window and had seen Roy's small display of alchemy. Apparently it must have impressed his daughter because the 17 year old started to run to get something and tell tight on his face within the first three steps. The blonde man shook his head in a knowing manner.

No matter how much skill the boy might have had, Riza was going to have to not be present during lessons. What good was a skillful alchemist that was clumsy in the presence of a female?