A/N: This story assumes Roy doesn't know about the relation between Riza and General Grumman yet.
Perfect Match:
"Seems like you're building quite a reputation here in the East among the ladies," said Lieutenant General Grumman one afternoon to the young man sitting across from him. Roy laughed.
"Well, I have to thank you for that, sir" he answered, moving his knight in front of the General's bishop. "After all, you are the one who introduced most of them to me."
Grumman laughed as he pondered his next move. The young Lieutenant Colonel was proving to be quite an interesting character. He knew there was something special about the boy the day he stepped into his office and immediately took him under his wing. "So take a special interest in any of them?" he asked as he moved his rook.
"There's one but she's not in that group."
"Meaning she hasn't fallen under your charms yet."
"You could say that."
Grumman chuckled as Roy made his next move. "Just remember that if you need any advice don't hesitate to ask. I was quite the ladies' man back in my day."
"Actually…" Roy scratched his chin as he watched the General capture his pawn. "Your advice would be appreciated. My new reputation as a playboy isn't exactly making it any easier to charm her."
"Interesting. So what have you done to attract her attention?"
"Umm…what I've done with every other girl?"
Grumman smiled. "Hmm…It seems you've had it easy picking up in the past with women immediately falling for you simply due to your good looks and fame. Unfortunately it sounds like this girl will need a little more work to attract. But don't worry," he added as he moved his bishop. "I have a few tips. Check."
"You have my full attention," replied Roy as he moved his queen and captured the bishop.
"First, give her flowers when you see her. No girl can resist getting a fresh bouquet. Check."
"Flowers. Got it."
"And give plenty of compliments. Jokes also work as long as you time it right. Also be a gentleman by doing things like holding the door for her. Basically treat her like a lady and she'll fall for you. Checkmate." He dropped his queen in front of Roy's king.
"You win again, sir," Roy said.
Grumman laughed. "Better luck next time, Mustang," he said as he placed a mark in his notebook.
"Indeed," Roy answered as he put away the chess set. "Anyway, any more advice?"
"Hmm…" Grumman tapped his chin with his pencil. "There's this trick where you pretend to yawn and wrap your arm around her shoulder. If she doesn't brush you off then you know you're on her good side and can go for the kill."
Roy smirked as he stood up. "I better get back to work before Hawkeye hunts me down. Thank you for the advice."
"It was my pleasure." Grumman watched the young man head toward the door. "But you know…" Roy turned around. "If things don't work out between you and this girl there's always my granddaughter. I think you two would be perfect for each other."
Roy grinned. "Don't get too ahead of yourself, General," he replied over his shoulder while exiting the office. The door quietly shut behind him. Grumman leaned back in his chair and grinned.
The Lieutenant Colonel was definitely an entertaining character.
A few days later,
Grumman sighed as he sat down on a bench in the park and pulled out his newspaper. He had just met with one of his contacts earlier and had decided to relax a little before heading home.
While he opened his paper, he heard a pair of voices behind him. Turning around he saw his granddaughter sitting on another park bench nearby talking to a familiar raven-haired man. Lying next to her was a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Well I'll be damned.
He couldn't help but grin. So she was the one he was after. Hiding his face behind his paper, he positioned himself so he could eavesdrop on their conversation without being seen. The two seemed to be enjoying themselves. After a while, he saw Roy yawn and place his arm behind her. Riza looked at him suspiciously but didn't move. They talked a few minutes longer before her leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Riza's eyes widen in surprise and Grumman saw her cheeks flush red with embarrassment.
This doesn't look good.
He cringed as he watched Riza quickly get up from the bench and slap Roy across the face. He could've sworn he heard her say something about "not being as easy as his other conquests," before watching her storm off leaving a very confused Roy in her wake.
Well that certainly wasn't unexpected.
Carefully folding his newspaper, he got up from the bench and made his way towards his naïve pupil. The young man was still looking in the direction Riza left.
"Turned you down eh, my boy?"
Roy turned around. "General Grumman!" he exclaimed, still rubbing his red cheek. "I'm afraid your techniques didn't quite work." Grumman chuckled.
"Well my advice was for seducing an ordinary woman. I'm afraid women like her require even more finesse."
Roy frowned at his remark. "Sir, excuse me for asking but how would you know that she isn't any ordinary woman?"
Grumman chuckled louder. "She reminds me of a woman I once dated in my younger days. She was a real beauty but impossible to seduce. Gave me the cold shoulder every time I tried to flirt with her. I had almost given up after trying for months before she finally succumb to my charms."
Roy smirked. "And how did you manage that?"
Grumman smiled at the younger man and laid a hand on the Lieutenant Colonel's shoulder. "Be honest with her. No games. Treat her with utmost respect, and most of all, love her unconditionally. Trust me, Mustang. Women like her are rare and definitely worth the extra effort." Patting Roy on the shoulder once more, he turned to leave.
"Oh, and by the way," he added, turning back at Roy. "If you even think of fooling around behind my granddaughter's back I will personally see to it that you're demoted down to Private. Otherwise, welcome to the family." He smirked when he saw Roy's jaw drop.
"Riza's your granddaughter???"
"I always said you two would make a perfect match," he replied while tuning around and walking away. "Looks like you finally took my suggestion."