041. Coat

Riza had rushed to her apartment door after some hesitation, at the impatient knock that sound on the other side. She had caught sight of the clock during his rush and frowned slightly. Who could possibly be visiting her at such a late hour? Fighting back an irritated sigh, she yanked over the door, stern look set in place, only to drop at the sight of Edward Elric staring back at her innocently, arms full of papers. The fifteen year old shrank back under her intense look and his cheeks seemed to redden. "Ah… um sorry to bother you at such a late hour, Lieutenant." The young alchemist choked out, holding the papers out to her hesitantly. "Al and I were studying late again and Havoc asked me to drop these off to you."

The fact that Edward was dragged away from his intensive Philosopher's Stone study was strange enough, but Riza allowed a slight smile to cross her face as she nodded and took the files. "Thank you, Edward, but you didn't have to do all of this. Second Lt. Havoc could have left these in the office for me." She informed, leaning into the doorway with a sigh. Ed stiffened slightly and Riza noted a slight change in his face color. Was that pink dusting across his cheeks?

"It's not too much of a problem. I needed to stretch my leg anyway." He informed, tapping his right leg for emphasis. She noticed a change in his disposition and although he was talking with more confidence, he was shifting under her gaze.

"Well be safe walking home, Edward. It's dark out." The boy's eyes snapped up to her and he seemed ready to argue when his eyes fell on something behind her. He cocked his head to the side and twisted his face in confusion.

"Hey, is that Colonel Jackass's coat?" Riza stared blankly at the frowning teen and allowed her gaze to fall on the sloppily hanging coat over the back of the chair in her small kitchen. She could have stated it was hers if it weren't for the ignition gloves hanging sloppily out of one of the pockets. Turning, she gave a shrug.

"He left it earlier." She answered. Ed stared at her blankly. "He had a rip in it and asked me to sew it up for him."

"You have to deal with him after work too?" The look of disgust the crossed Ed's face caused Riza to laugh and nod.

"As terrible as that may sound, yes Edward, I have to deal with him after work." Ed gave a shudder and shook his head.

"You're way too good for him, you know."

"So I've been told." Adjusting the files in her arms, Riza placed a hand on her lip, fixing Ed with a parental look. "Now you need to be on your way. It's late and I'm sure Alphonse is worried about you."At these words, Ed's eyes widened and he let out a groan, slapping his hand over his face.

"Argh, and I told him I'd be right back! Thanks Lieutenant! See you tomorrow!"

"Good night, Edward." Riza called after his retreating form before sliding her apartment door closed and securing the locks. When she turned around, she was greeted by the confused expression on a certain dark haired, groggy alchemist clad in his boxers. Rubbing his eyes, he stared at her in a daze.

"Who the hell was that?" Riza placed the files on the coffee table before she made her way over to the confused man, grabbing hold of his wrist and pulling him towards the bedroom.

"It was Edward."

"What did he want?" Suspicion came through his tired voice.

"He was dropping some things off for Havoc." Riza answered, slipping into the bed. Roy dropped next to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and snuggling closer to her.

"Hhn,"

"Oh and Roy?"

"What's up babe?"

"Start hanging your coat away in the closet like I said."

"….. yes ma'am."