In which Roy Mustang discovers not everything new is terrifying.
066. The pounding of a heart
He was skeptical about the entire process but Gracia had assured the pair that everything was safe. To Roy, scientists were just getting bold and the machine that he was being introduced to was in no way inviting. Sitting in front of him, Riza remained cool and calm, her once cropped hair now having grown to her shoulders. She was listening to the man patiently as he explained what was to be expected. Roy was too busy wondering what side effects could come with the use of the contraption in the room. "Now if you could just lean back, Mrs. Mustang, we could get started." Complying, Riza nodded and raised her shirt so that her swollen belly was exposed. Turning to Roy, she gave a smile.
"Would you relax." She requested lightly as the doctor rubbed a strange jelly over her stomach, asking questions about any complications, eating habits, and so on. Riza had answered casually while Roy watched intently. He had been eyeing the machine in disapproval. He had wished he'd listened a little more to what the doctor had said because soon he was holding the handle of the contraption.
"Now what's going to happen is as a rub this over your belly, we'll be able to hear your baby's heart beat." Roy's eyes widened. Yes, he wished he had listened better earlier. "This has no effect on the baby and unfortunately we can't see inside there just yet, but many expectant parents like to hear their baby." A warm smile had crossed Riza's face and she snaked her hand into her husband's. Roy allowed himself to relax, squeezing her hand back. When the machine was turned on, the doctor rolled the contraption over Riza's abdomen for a moment before a sound filled the room.
"What's that!" Roy chocked out, caught completely off guard by the rapid thudding sound. The doctor gave a knowing chuckle.
"That's your baby's heartbeat. It might sound very fast, but its to be expected." He answered. Roy allowed the sound to sink in and slowly, a proud grin crossed his face. "Sounds like you've got a healthy one in there." The doctor stood, flipping off the machine and handing Riza a cloth to clean the jelly away. "It would be great to have the technology to get an image as well, but this is the best science has given us so far."
"As long as the baby sounds healthy, I'm happy." Riza answered as she finished cleaning herself up an pulled her shirt down. The doctor smiled and excused himself to retrieve the prenatal pills. Riza looked up at Roy from where she was sitting and grinned. "What do you think? Did you hear the heart of another alchemist in there?" she teased. Letting out a laugh, Roy placed a hand on her belly and leaned forward, pressing his ear against it, remembering the sound of his unborn child's beating heart.
"Oh yeah. That's definitely the heart of a great alchemist."
Author's Note: I did a little research on the ultrasound machine before starting this because i wanted to be as accurate a physically possible. But this is because I believe Royai is forever canon even if we didn't see any Royai babies at the end of FMA. But I know they're coming!