Goodbyes are always hard when you love someone.

010. Promise

While her father stood next to her with a straight face and showing no emotion, she wasn't having as easy of a time. They were now standing in the doorway of their home facing the young man who had once graced the steps six years earlier in hopes of learning the secrets of alchemy. Now he was at the door once more with his bags packed and ready to journey off to military academy. Riza would be lying if she said she wasn't dreading this moment from the day he first shook her hand.

She had only been around nine or ten years old when he had arrived with his foster mother. Even then he had an expression of determination and a hopeful gleam in his eyes. He had always been nice to her and welcoming. He challenged her to show other emotions that her father would not respond to, and she felt more human with him around. He was like an older brother for her at one point, and then it developed into a deeper feeling the older they got.

Now, here she was, sixteen and miserable as she watched her best friend stand before her saying his good byes. "Are you sure you're making the right decision?" Her father asked. The raven haired young man smiled apologetically.

"Yes, I think I am. I can gain plenty of connections and I can find a way to provide a better life for you and Riza-chan." Her father made a face before sticking his hand out.

"Take care of yourself then, Roy." Smiling, he reached out and shook his hand before turning to the upset blonde who was holding back tears.

"Take care of things while I'm gone."

"I know." She answered shortly, holding back a cry.

"And I promise to write every day." There was a silence as she nodded her understanding. Sighing, Roy turned to the soldiers who were waiting for him. "I'll be going then." He gave a small wave and Riza noticed the sad smile he gave her before he turned and began walking away. Her father didn't wait long before entering the house, muttering something about a waste of talent. She didn't agree though.

"Roy-san…" The tears began flowing down her cheeks before she took off running in the direction the male had walked into. She hated not being able to tell him how she felt. How she was going to miss his cocky, troublesome ways. Having someone to bother during thunderstorms. Having someone to laugh with, share secrets with, and even care for her. She was going to miss it all. "Roy-san!"

"Riza?" She ran directly into his arms as he turned and caught her against his chest. "Eh, what's going on with you?"

"Promise you won't forget about us!" She didn't allow her face to leave his chest as her arms tightened around his back. A chuckle was heard and he patted her on the head.

"How could I forget you? You're family."

"Promise you won't forget us and you'll always write."

"I promise I won't forget you and I'll always write."

"And promise you'll come back home…"

"I promise to come back home."

"Come back home to me." There was a pause and he felt him press his lips to her forehead.

"I promise, promise on everything that I'll come back to you." He slowly pulled away from her and grinned. "Now you get home and be strong for me, alright. I'm not gonna be able to get through this knowing you're miserable." Riza nodded, wiping the tears from her face.

"I'm sorry."

"You be good. And promise me you'll be strong." Riza nodded silently.

"I promise I'll be strong." Roy nodded and gave her a warm smile before grabbing his bags and continuing with the military men who had come for him. Riza stood and watched them before she could no longer make out the shapes of their figures. She was going to be strong until he came. She promised after all, and she wasn't one to go back on her word.