029. Existence
Sometimes just being there is all certain people need to get through their day. Roy Mustang had been certain that Riza Hawkeye didn't even have to be in the same room as him, so long as he knew she was in the same building and in one, untouched, piece then he was fine. His day would go along smoothly with his small teases directed towards Havoc, bets with Breda, and tormenting of Falman, Fuery, or Fullmetal if the call came that day.
As for Riza, he was certain the more chipper point of her existence revolved around the companionship of her black and white shiba inu, Black Hayate. Ever since she had taken in the pup as her own, Roy was highly convinced there wasn't a moment in time that the dog wasn't with her. Every moment of everyday the canine seemed to be in her company if not too far off. Roy was certain that even if he had once blurted out he couldn't concentrate unless she was near that this was the same sentiment she might have shared about her darling pooch. So, as he stood in the doorway of the living room watching the blonde silently hold the tired dog in her arms and stroke his fur silently, he couldn't help but to feel dread take over him.
They all knew that Black Hayate wasn't immortal, despite the talents the dog may have possessed, but no one had really taken into consideration the canine's age and that you added seven years to that of a human year. Walking up to the couch and sitting next to his wife, he smiled solemnly as he reached over and scratched the aged dog behind the ears. Riza's eyes were blocked by her hair and she seemed to refuse to look up. "He's been really tired lately. I don't want the kids wearing him out after school today." She finally stated quietly.
"He can rest in our room today." Riza nodded, not saying another word. Hayate had lifted his head slightly and licked the back of his mistress's hand before nuzzling his head into her lap. Roy noticed the female stiffen and soon her shoulders went slack as the dog closed his eyes. Not saying a word, Roy wrapped an arm around her shoulder as she began to shake and a change in her breathing was heard.
Yes, he was quite certain that the existence of her loyal canine companion had gotten her through more than even he could imagine. Was a selfish to wonder if he could ever fill that part of her heart that was reserved simply for Hayate?