The days wore into weeks, which turned into months, and soon a year had passed in the divided country. Fuhrer Grumman spent the year rebuilding as best he could, and managed to achieve some peace. He set up a parliament and allowed groups to democratically elect their leaders. While he would have the final say, the Parliament quickly took some actions to help resolve the conflicts, and Grumman served as a fine mediator.

Slowly but surely, those in the group who attacked Colonel Mustang and his Lieutenant were weeded out, and either killed or imprisoned. However, as their numbers grew smaller, they became harder to find, and they never caught Creever, who Julia mentioned was the leader of those particular rebels. But, with the establishment of the Parliament and the unification of the country, they felt safe in believing he had crawled back to the hole he came out of. That's not to say, he would never be back, but it was safe to say he would be gone for quite a while.

The Colonel, who was quickly promoted to a top-level General, and his Lieutenant, who was also appropriately promoted, returned to life the way it was. It was comfortable for them, though every now and then they did have nights together in secret. Riza had been right, the sickness tied a tight knot that couldn't be undone. And, honestly, she wouldn't have wanted to untie it anyway. This setup was working, and the General was even closer to his goal.

In fact, he was so close, that rumors he would be the next Fuhrer swirled. He kept a level head and a straight face, knowing that nothing was for certain until the day actually happened, but he was secretly excited. Grumman requested more audiences with him, and he quickly became the leader's go-to person.

And so, it was no surprise when Grumman called an audience with him one afternoon in late spring. The Colonel entered the room with a slight bow and exchanged formal greetings with the leader. The Fuhrer gestured for him to sit on one of the couches in the sitting area of the office and he did so, the older man taking a seat opposite him.

"How are things?" Grumman asked politely.

"Great, sir," Roy replied. "We have had few incidents since we last met. I dare say my team is getting a little out of practice, with things not exploding every other day." He chuckled, having adapted to Grumman's sense of humor. The older man smiled.

"Ah, well, I'm sure they relish the idea of not fighting for their lives all the time," he said. "Yes, the country seems back to normal. The Parliament is doing a marvelous job. It has been quite the… eventful few years hasn't it?"

"Yes, sir," Roy said. "Very eventful. But it is thanks to you that we have a democratic system. Without your wisdom and guidance, we were able to unify the country and bring together radically opposed groups. I can't imagine anyone else being able to do what you have done, sir."

The Fuhrer smiled at that, looking particularly humbled. He paused for a moment, and let a comfortable silence settle over them. Roy was not unnerved by the lapse in conversation and knew this meant the older man was thinking about what to say next.

"I can think of someone," the Fuhrer finally said and Roy raised an eyebrow. "You."

"Me, sir?" he asked, taken aback.

"Yes, of course. You're a little hotheaded, but your ideals are in the right place. You have shown loyalty and dedication to this country and her people that far outweighs that of any other. When in the face of danger and destruction, you chose the just side, risking all you had worked for, while others ran away from the truth of the matter in fear. Yes, General Mustang, the only other person in this whole country fit for my title is you."

Roy smiled at that and sat back, relaxing slightly. So, this was going to happen today. "Are you trying to say something, sir?" he asked with a knowing smirk. He knew as well as Grumman that rumors of the Fuhrer's retirement were swirling.

"In fact I am," the older man said, amused. "As you know, my leading this country was only meant to be a temporary thing. I have wanted and strived for this position for as long as I can remember, something I'm sure you relate to. But, I am old, and I have had my fun. For the past five years, the country has needed a gentle ruler who can easily bring people together. I have done that. Now, we need a strong, willful Fuhrer who can keep Parliament in check and lead against adversaries. I also find it important that the new leader have guidance from the old, and still want to be around to help." He paused and looked at Roy with intense emotion. "And, I believe that the next leader is you."

Roy was silent for a moment. He'd imagined this conversation over and over again, but never thought he'd actually have it. He'd dreamed about how he'd respond to this exact comment but now found himself speechless.

"Sir, I-" he started out slowly, trying to find the words as he went along.

Grumman held up his hand. "I know, it's a big ask," he said. "All I need to know is: do you accept?"

"Yes."

"Marvelous!" Grumman's face lifted in a radiant smile and another comfortable silence fell over them. Roy drank it in, trying to become as aware as possible. He was going to be the Fuhrer. His goal was about to be accomplished. He never wanted to forget how he felt in this moment.

"And now," Grumman continued after a pause. "I know there is something you would like to ask of me."

Now, Roy was confused. "I'm sorry, sir, I don't know what you mean," he said, his brows furrowing. Was this a test? Was he supposed to ask some important, wise question about the key to leading a country? If that was the case, he was surely failing.

"Oh, I think you do." The Fuhrer smirked. "It's been a long time coming, my boy. And finally, you can make good on my request to you."

Roy stared at him in confusion until a light went off in his head. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. He stared, unsure if he was correct in his assumption because guessing wrong would be utterly embarrassing.

"Yes, yes. That." Grumman said, reading his thoughts.

"But-"

"You're the Fuhrer. You've reached your goals. You also set the rules. And you don't think everyone who would care doesn't know? My boy, I'm not one for gossip, but it hasn't even slipped past me!"

"And you are okay with it?"

"To be frank, it's not my decision to make," Grumman smiled with a sparkle in his eye. "But yes, I am."

Roy smiled, wider than he'd ever smiled in his life. All in one day, in just one conversation that lasted mere minutes, he'd been given everything he'd ever wanted. He fidgeted, wanting to leave immediately, but also knew he needed to stay to be polite. Grumman laughed at him and how quickly the stoic, polite man had become as anxious as an excited puppy.

"Go, General Mustang," he said, standing. "We'll discuss the details of your appointment later." Roy nodded and jumped up, grabbing his hand quickly as he muttered a rushed goodbye. He then hurried out of the room and, once out of the palace, ran as quickly as his legs would carry him all the way back to Hawkeye's home.

He pounded on the door frantically, causing Hayate to bark back until a concerned and completely unamused Riza opened the door. Her hair was down and she was wearing a tshirt and sweats. But, she looked like the most beautiful woman in the world.

"Is there a reason why you're banging down my door and setting off my dog?" she asked with only the slightest hint of amusement as she cocked her eyebrow at him.

"The Fuhrer just called me in for an audience." He said, unable to stop his giant smile. That was all he needed to say, Riza knew what the audience had been about immediately. She gasped and smiled back at him before wrapping him into a hug.

"I'm so happy for you, sir." She said as she stepped away from him. But, Roy didn't move any further back. He grabbed her hand and stared at her intensely for a long moment. The silence was both exciting and uncomfortable for Riza and she felt a certain buzz about him that she couldn't place.

"Lieutenant Colonel Hawkeye," he started in the most steady voice he could manage. "Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Her eyes widened and then she broke into a huge smile. So, there had been more to the meeting. She knew her grandfather had meddled in this, but she couldn't be happier. A smile danced on her lips, the happiest smile she had ever worn, and the shine in her eyes told Roy that the answer was yes.

But, Riza loved keeping her fiance on his toes.

"I will think about it."

The end

Thank you to all who read, faved, reviewed, and enjoyed! Writing this was super fun and I hope you experienced the same joy reading it as I did writing it! Apologies for the lateness, work picked up something fierce! I'll have new chapters of Something Wild, Gifted, and my Voltron fic soon-ish, and once I have a better direction and more written of the sequel to this fic, I'll post that too!

A few notes; the last two lines of dialogue are from a video of the voice actors of Mustang and Hawkeye "proposing" to each other at a con. If you search it on Youtube, it's easy to find, and IMO, very in character!

Also, the chapter title is a nod to something my dad told me before I left for college-For him, it's the beginning of the end, but for me, it's the end of the beginning. I thought a nice little Dad-ism would be a perfect little wrap-up!

Thank you again!