Riza awakes to bustling outside the window. Workers were crossing the courtyard outside like streams of ants atop a hill. The sound is familiar, but the timing is not. Riza usually hears this bustling when she's at work. But she's in bed, not at work so why-
All at once, the memories of the night before come rushing back and the Lieutenant sits up on the couch with a gasp. "Nightmare?" The voice of the Colonel behind her does little to help with her red ears as she attempts to compose herself before turning to face him. The features of Mustang's office coming into view as the sleepy blurriness subsides from her vision.
"Something like that." Riza responds causally, her voice sounding sluggish and a bit raspy. She pulls her jacket over her arms from where it was previously being used as a makeshift blanket … A makeshift blanket that the Colonel put on her last night … After tickling her to tears.
The blush is back.
Riza quickly looks away, searching for her shoes she somehow kicked off during the night. Or who knows, maybe Mustang took them off last night … After tickling her to tears.
'Shut up shut up shut up.' The blonde soldier thinks to herself as she once again attempts to get a grip on her flustered thoughts.
"I'm off to the meeting, I'll be back in an hour. If you could grab us some food and coffee while I'm gone it would be greatly appreciated." Roy says as he fixes his hair, using a displayed metal shield as a mirror. Riza is surprised by his request, they don't generally eat together. 'What is he up to?' The Lieutenant is already suspicious of the Colonel's intentions. His words from last night still echo in her ears.
"I suggest you prepare for me to exploit this new-found weakness of yours more often. I know there's something you're hiding from me, but I'll let it slide for now."
Riza visibly shivers as she recounts the memory. Mustang notices, but doesn't press the matter. A poorly suppressed grin on his face. "Y-yes sir, of course. Not a problem." The Lieutenant responds, realizing she forgot to acknowledge his request before getting lost in her flashback.
"Very good, thank you. I'll be off then, see you later, Lieutenant." Mustang says with an unreadable expression before pulling the door open and heading into the still-quiet hallway. The door completely shuts before Riza is able to respond. "See you later, Colonel."
~~~
Riza paces the office anxiously, steaming coffee and warm croissants with various fillings sits on the table. The Lieutenant passes by them as she does slow laps around the couches in the seating area. It's almost been an hour, Mustang will be back soon. She has to pull herself together.
It doesn't matter what he learned last night. It doesn't matter what he still may learn today. Or tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the day after that. All that matters is that she does her job. Everything else can wait. Everything else is a side luxury she doesn't deserve and shouldn't plan on routinely divulging.
With her resolve hardened, she sits on the couch she slept on last night and waits for her superior to return. A few minutes later, the door handle rustles and Roy walks in. Looking like he always does when he gets out of those meetings. Soulless and exhausted. Luckily Riza has just the thing to give his soul back and wake him up for the day.
The Lieutenant hands him a croissant filled with raspberry jam, wrapped in a napkin. She knows raspberry is his favorite, she knows a lot of things about him.
This thought makes Riza perk up a bit, feeling more confident and almost proud at the fact. Mustang trusts her with his secrets and his life, and Riza trusts him the same. There is no one else nearly as close to him as she is.
Hold on. Why does she care about this?
Riza's confidence spark fizzles into dread as she realizes she lost herself in sentimental thoughts again. Why did Mustang have to tickle her? He's woken up so many suppresses thoughts and feelings that she's done so well keeping compartmentalized and out of sight. In one night, he took all of those walls down.
The floodgates are open and Riza is now realizing there's nothing she can do to stop it.
"Is the dairy sour?" Roy asks her, with a look that is both concerned, confused, and amused. Riza realizes she was furrowing her brow. She shakes her head takes another bite of the croissant. The creamy filling is delicious she is sure, but the Lieutenant can't taste anything; she instead focuses on keeping her face neutral.
"You're acting strange, Lieutenant. Did you not sleep well last night? Though come to think of it, you were acting a bit strange last night too." He presses further, setting down his empty napkin to pick up the coffee - Plain, hot, with a splash of cream, (two scoops of sugar on hard days), and just a dash of cinnamon. He likes things 'fiery', as Roy says. Truthfully he just likes the taste.
Mustang 'mhmms' appreciatively as he takes a long sip. When he is done, his eyes look back to Riza's. The same question clearly still being asked as he slightly raises his eyebrows expectantly.
"I'm fine, sir. I just have some things on my mind." Riza says honestly after another moment of contemplation. Deciding she can get away with telling the truth if she is vague enough, and maybe get Mustang off of her case. She should have known better.
"Yes Lieutenant, I do have eyes. What I mean is, what seems to be troubling you?" Roy responds pointedly as he picks up another croissant, this one filled with chocolate filling and roasted almonds. Another one of his favorite combinations.
The plan of being vague is out the window. It's time to start lying.
"We haven't heard from Edward and Alphonse in weeks. Aren't you worried?" Okay, maybe not fully lying, Riza IS concerned for the two boys. But I'm either case, Mustang isn't buying it.
"You and I both know those two will be just fine through whatever idiocy they're up to. Now tell me what's actually wrong. Thats and order." The Colenel says, pulling out his cheat card. He's pulled rank numerous times before, always at the expense of Riza telling him something she would rather not.
"S-sir it's really nothing concerning. And i-its nothing work related." The Lieutenant stammers through her protest. "Ah, so you admit there is something. And 'not work related' suggest it does have to do with your little weakness I discovered last night?" Mustang says, wiggling his eyebrows theatrically. Riza bites her lip. Damn it.
Hawkeye slouches down into the couch cushion in defeat. Roy is too smart for his own good. "I did mean it when I said nothing is 'wrong' sir." Riza says softly, she quickly continues before Mustang can protest, "Last night was just … strange for me, I suppose. It's been a while since I've acted so childish. I guess I'm just readjusting from that. I'll be back to normal soon, sir. I promise." Riza doesn't meet his gaze as she says this. Her sentences are curt and spoken too quickly and she knows it. She takes another tasteless bite, this croissant is filled with strawberry jam, but she barley notices.
"That's hardly necessary, Lieutenant. I rather enjoyed seeing that side of you last night. You're never playful like that and your laugh is even more rare." Mustangs response causes Riza's hands to clench into fists, a last ditch effort to control her flustered state. This fails of course, and a light dusting of red quickly covers her face once more. Roy grins at the sight. "I could get used to this too. You've been blushing all morning."
'That's Mustang for you, always honest and direct. Even when you wish he wasn't.' Riza thinks to herself in grudging amusement. Though she still avoids his gaze and stammers through her response. "I-I hardly think t-that childishness is a trait that belongs in t-the workplace, sir." Hawkeye responds softly.
"Someone clearly hasn't spent enough time with Havoc or Hughes." Responds Mustang with a chuckle before continuing. "And is that what's bugging you, that we're still in the workplace?" Riza isn't certain how to answer, it may be part of the reason but it's certainly not the true reason. Fortunately, Roy continues his statement, saving Riza from having to stumble through another response.
"Last night it didn't seem like you minded the situation at all, so if all I have to do is wait until we're out of the building before I can see you like that again … I can live with that." Roy finished his statement smugly with a dip of his shoulders.
Riza feels trapped. On one end, she's relieved that Mustang came to his own conclusion as to what is bugging her other than the fact she really enjoyed him tickling her last night. But on the other end, she's not off the hook yet. The Colonel just opened the avenue for this game out of their work life and into their personal life - Which is something that almost never overlaps between them.
They are entering entirely new territory here.
In any case, a tiny victory is still a victory. Even if it's short sighted. Riza takes the opportunity before Mustang can draw another conclusion. "Yes sir, that is what is bothering me. I would like to be able to focus on my job with no distractions during the day. No room for childishness, Havoc and Hughes aside." It was partly true at least, Hawkeye does take her job very seriously and would rather be able to preform without dodging flustering comments all day.
But after work … that's an entirely different story. And an entirely different reasoning as to why something is 'bothering' her. If bothering is the word to use.
Which it likely is not, considering what concerns her is how much she enjoyed their banter and playfulness last night. The way his hands felt on her, drawing out laughter she couldn't control … But never mind that, Riza has at least a ten hour work day until she has to worry about how to navigate these new waters.
"Very well, Lieutenant. I can respect that. I shall resume my questioning later, shall we?" Mustang responds, angling his hand towards the door. It was time for them to head out to the main building and begin the days work. Hawkeye nods tensely, not missing the comment the Colonel added before directing them out.
Riza tosses the empty cups and napkins in the waste basket before following Mustang into the now-bustling hallway. She tries her best not to blush at the realization that everyone is seeing her walking out of the Colonel's office in with him this early in the morning. Her hair and uniform looking clearly slept on.
'Nonsense, I'm overthinking this. They aren't thinking anything promiscuous.' Riza assures herself as she trails behind Mustang, following as he winds down the various hallways until they arrive at the correct door. Taking one last centering breath, Riza steels herself before walking in behind him.
Time to get to work.
~~~
The day passed by like any other. The normal meetings, bantering, and headaches throughout. By the time the sun is just beginning to dip over the edge of the building, Riza has almost forgotten about her current situation with the Colonel. Almost.
With a sigh, Hawkeye picks up her bag and makes her way back to his office. Mustang likes having time alone in the afternoon to study his notes. The silence at the end of the day gives him the peace to do so and Riza is familiar with this routine.
She arrives at the door and knocks politely. "Come in." Riza hears the muffled voice of the Colonel still inside. Yes, no surprise there; so why does she still feel so anxious?
She inhales deeply, calming her nerves before turning the handle to enter the office.
Roy is at his desk, the usual frown on his face as he looks over his paperwork. Though his eyes soon brighten a bit upon seeing his Lieutenant walk in. "Ah yes, perfect timing. Do you prefer Aven's Bistro on the border of South City or the grassy fields closer to the north border in Central city for dinner this evening?" Mustang asks, only glancing up for a moment to verify his question was revived before returning his gaze to the paperwork before him.
Riza isn't sure how to respond, this is certainly not what she was expecting. Sensing her confusion, Roy elaborates, "Don't misunderstand, Lieutenant. I'm merely ensuring you're fed and socialized before you retreat to the solitude of your home. I need to keep my soldiers sharp and healthy, an evening out is good for the soul." The Colonel responds casually, though the corner of his mouth twitches up giving away that he is enjoying messing with his Lieutenant.
"The grassy fields, sir. I rather dislike bistros." Hawkeye responds, steeling herself once more as she walks closer to the edge of his desk. "Shall we get a move on sir? I wish to 'retreat to the solitude of my home' soon, as you so kindly put it." Riza continues, her usual wit is intact at least. Even if the walls in her mind are still in shambles thanks to him.
"The North train it is. Yes, let's get going. You'll be able to retreat soon enough, Lieutenant." Mustang responds, positioning the folded stack of papers into his desk for tomorrow before standing with a long stretch.
He grabs his belongings, hangs the bulging leather bag over his shoulder, and leads their way out of the office.
Having been left no room for further discussion, Riza bewilderedly makes her way after him.
~~~
The walk to the Northbound station is silent, save the occasional greeting to a passerby. And Riza is just fine with this. She can't shake the feeling that the Colonel is planning something. He is definitely acting different. Not in a bad, or off-putting way; just … different.
They board the train together and after about thirty minutes of silence, they arrive at the appropriate stop. Gathering their belongings, the two soldiers walk out of the train and onto the bustling platform. The fields aren't far so they elect to walk rather than trying to find a ride for the remaining journey.
The sky soon turns from bright orange and pink into a deeper purple and blue hue as the sun continues to set. Another five minutes pass in silence before Riza can't take it anymore. "Sir, are you going to tell me what's actually going on?" She asks hesitantly, there are no restaurants on the field. It's just a nature preserve. It's clear as day that Roy has some sort of plan.
Mustang smirks before responding "Are you going to tell me what's really been bothering you about me tickling you?" He fires back, not having to look at her to know that he's won. Hawkeye bites her tongue, he's got her there. Mustang chuckles, leaving the conversation there.
The rest of the walk is in silence and Riza is once again perfectly fine with this. They arrive just over five minutes later. The grassy expanse is truly breathtaking. There isn't much greenery in Central City, not true greenery anyway. Not like this.
The hills dip into each other, varying in size and shape. Draped in soft grass and vibrant flowers. The grassland's lower elevation almost makes it seem like the sun is still setting, just for them. It sits as a brilliant orb at the edge of the horizon, saturated clouds of pink, violet, and deep orange dot the surrounding sky.
"It's beautiful." Riza whispers, and she means it. In an instant she is happy that she agreed to come with the Colonel here, even if he has some sort of plot. This admittedly was better than laying in bed reading or doing paperwork.
Out of the corner of her eye, Hawkeye see's Roy pulling a small blue blanket out of the bag he's been carrying. She turns fully to watch him take a basket out as well before setting the empty bag aside. No wonder his bag looked so full today. "What would you have done if I decided on the bistro?" Riza asks in amusement as the Colonel begins laying out the blanket.
"You hate bistros." Mustang says plainly, opening the basket to start unpacking the food. "So that just was your way of getting me to come here, make me feel as though I had the power of choice? I'd be offended if it wasn't so effective." Hawkeye teases as she settles down on the blanket to see what he brought for them.
A chilled dish of fruit, two large sandwiches - grilled fish, herbs, tomato's, and cheese by the looks of it, a few jelly tarts, and a bottle of non-alcoholic cider. Yes, the Colonel definitely knows her well.
"How did you have time to get all this?" The blonde soldier asks in genuine curiosity. "I didn't. But I do have minions who have plenty of time to kill." Mustang responds, in other words - He sent Havoc out to get it for him.
Hopefully Havoc has the sense to keep his mouth shut about the errant he ran for the Colonel. The last thing Hawkeye needs is people asking her questions about her and Mustang. Hell, she even avoids asking herself questions about her and Mustang. A trend she intends to continue.
They engage in basic small-talk while they eat. The tangy and savory flavors of the sandwich is delicious and the fruits are perfectly ripe. The two soldiers wash down their meal with crisp cider, passing the bottle between them before indulging in the sweet treats Roy brought - Tiny jelly tarts that had been baked that morning.
They are now both contently full, dozing at the sky as the last streaks of light disappear over the horizon.
Roy turns to pull something else out of the bag. Riza is confused as to what else he could have brought, until she hears him snap and a tiny flame illuminates the scene. Controlling the flame on the tip of his finger, Roy lights the lantern before closing the glass door and setting it down on the blanket between them. It didn't give a lot of light, only enough for them to see each other and the edges of the blanket.
"I believe I have been patient long enough, Lieutenant. Please tell what is bothering you." Even in the sparse light, Hawkeye can see his concern is genuine. Clearly worried that he overstepped last night. 'If he did, then that means I overstepped first.' Riza thinks to herself as she contemplates her answer.
"I already told you, it's just been a while since anyones ever don't that to me." She says hesitantly, carful of every world. "Tickled you?" Roy asks, blunt as ever. Riza is grateful for the evening darkness, it makes it easier to hide her blush. Not trusting her voice to not squeak or shake, Hawkeye elects to nod her head.
The long-anticipated time is upon her. And she won't be going down without a fight.
~~~
'Whatever my Lieutenant is hiding, she's holding it close to her chest'. I'll have to try harder to pull it out of her.' His grin widens at the thought. He is more than happy to oblige.
Even so, Mustang finds the sight incredibly endearing. It's not often that he gets to see his Lieutenant so vulnerable and … shy? Would that be the word? The Colonel isn't sure - But he is sure that he wants to see more of it.
"Well, I also already told you that you need not worry about such things. We're not working now are we? So there's no reason for it to be bothering you still. Unless…" Mustang leaves his question open ended, nearly cracking into laughter at Riza's clear display of fear before continuing; "… You're still hiding something." Roy finishes this as a statement rather than a question. There isn't a morsel of doubt shadowing his words.
Hawkeye swallows hard. Her quick glance behind Mustang betrays her wondering whether it would be unprofessional to turn tail and sprint back to the main road.
Even so, she stays put. And so does the crimson blush on her face, poorly concealed even in the dim lantern light.
The sight again causes the Colonel to crave more of her in this flustered state. Wanting to know this side of his Lieutenant. The side she always keeps to well hidden. A side that blushes and giggles and has a ticklish stomach. And ribs. And underarms. And hips. And legs.
'Ah, wait. I didn't try the legs yet. Well, no time like the present.' Mustang thinks to himself in amusement. Riza seems to sense this change in him. Her muscles tense up, she's ready to run if need be. "Clearly Lieutenant, you're in need of some 'persuading' hmm?" He says cheekily, the blonde soldier feels her ears burning but still refuses to respond.
"I will get my answer. Not some sorry excuse that I see right through, the truth. You can either tell me now, or scream it through your pleading laughter." Riza should be used to the Colonels straight-forwardness by now. Yet she apparently still finds herself tripping through her reply after Mustang declares his intentions.
"I-I didn't - Sir you c-can't - I just -" Roy interjects, deciding to put Riza out of her stuttering misery. "I most certainly can, and I will. Last chance, Lieutenant~" Mustang says this almost in a sing-song voice.
Mustangs grin grows wider, realizing his Lieutenant isn't going anywhere. 'Pride? No, her eyes say otherwise. Wary but decisive.' No matter Riza's feelings on the matter, it is evident she chose this. If she asks him to stop, he will. But Roy doesn't think she will.
And he would be correct.
~~~
As he advances slightly closer, Riza is tense as a coil, though she remains sitting. Conflicting emotions course through her, thus is everything she ever dreamed of - And it's also her worst nightmare.
Life has a twisted sense of humor.
It's not like she can escape it. Hawkeye has to see the Colonel in the morning. And the next morning, and the next. This was going to happen eventually. Why push the inevitable away when the inevitable is exactly what she wants?
"Sir-" Riza begins, but it's already too late. Roy reaches forward, his right arm long enough to wrap around the side of his Lieutenant and drag her towards him with ease. Hawkeye let's out a startled yelp, immediately trying to regain her sense of balance.
But Mustang isn't typically one for patience. He quickly begins squeezing her sides the moment his other arm wrapped around Riza to keep her leaning against him.
"W-wahait sihir! Y-you dohont understahahand!" Riza protests through her giggles. "Then help me understand." Roy responds simply, moving his hands slightly inwards to begin scribbling the center of the Lieutenants belly.
"N-nohoho!" The blonde soldier responds, though her hands are uselessly swatting at his hands rather than attempting to escape. "No, you don't want me to understand? Or no, your stomach is too unbearably ticklish to handle this?" Mustang asks in mock-seriousness. As if asking for clarification during a mission briefing.
"Bohohoth!" Riza cries out, not caring if it incriminates how ticklish she is. It's not like Roy doesn't already know that. "Well that's just too bad, because you're going to have to deal with both." The Colenel responds, readjusting so that Riza is laying flat on the blanket while Roy is mounted on her legs.
As soon as her back is flat on the ground, Mustang resumes his assault with new and improved range of motion. Clawing in the center of her belly with both hands before widening his grip to go after her ribs. "Nohoho! Sir, pleahase!" Hawkeye squeaks as giggles pour from her lips. "You know, it's past working hours. There's no need for you to be so formal. Here, let me help make you more comfortable." Roy says mischievously as he begins unbuttoning her uniform jacket, angling Riza to the side to pull it off her shoulders.
"S-sir, you c-cant." Hawkeye protests, though it sounds silly even in her own ears. He very clearly can - he just did. The cool evening breeze brushes against her bare arms a few moments later. Her dark grey T-shirt doesn't provide nearly as much protection as her uniform jacket. Something she learned firsthand last night. He tosses the jacket a few feet away on the blanket before returning his attention to his (willing) captive.
"This is your final chance for mercy, Lieutenant. Tell me what you're hiding." His tone is icy but Riza can see the playful spark in his eyes - A sight far more rare than she would prefer, though at times she is certain it is reserved just for her.
No time to focus on that now. Hawkeye needs to focus on survival. What can she do? She can't tell him the truth, not yet anyway. It's much too embarrassing. But Riza can't lie either, Mustang will know. He always knows.
"Times up, Lieutenant." Roy says, his cold features melt away as a mischievous grin once again lights his face. Riza only has a moment to admire the view before ten fingers resume their attack on her torso. And without her jacket, it is worlds worse than is was just minutes ago.
"Eeee! Nahaha p-pleahahse! I c-can't tahake it!" Riza cries out, he was trying harder than he was last night. The Lieutenant supposes this is to be expected, considering how exhausted he was. But not tonight, tonight Roy is fully awake and has energy to spare.
"If you can't take it then the solution is simple. Answer my question, Lieutenant. What is your issue with being tickled, it seems to me like you have no issue at all?" Hawkeye blushes in response, desperately hoping he assumes it's from his fingers and not his words.
Mustang is very close to the truth and he doesn't even know it.
"Or perhaps, that IS the issue, that you like it?" Riza's blood feels as though it's frozen as Mustang asks this, a victorious smirk on his face.
Okay, maybe he does know it
"I'm n-nohot sure whahat you mean, sihir!" Hawkeye immediately attempts to backpedal, but it's far too late now. "Oh I think you do. So you like it eh? Now what's so bad about that?" Mustang teases as he inches upwards to sit on Riza's hips instead. Preparing to attack further up her midsection.
"Sh-shuhut up sihir! W-wait wahait! I'm sohorry, I didn't m-mean thahat, sir - NAHAHAHAHAHA!" The Lieutenant is lost to hysterical laughter after Roy quickly forces both of her wrists over her head to tickle her underarm with his remaining free hand.
Without her jacket, it was beyond torturous. Made even more so by the Colonel's teasing words, "I don't think you are. And you still haven't answered my question, Lieutenant~" Roy reminds her as he swiftly switches from one arm pit to the other with his free hand. Leaving Riza as a blushing mess in sputtering hysterics.
"BECAUSE ITS WEHEIRD! NOHOT THEHERE AHAHAHAHAHA!" Hawkeye forces a weak excuse out between her laughter before dissolving back into hysterics when Mustang releases her wrists to begin a two-hand assault on her underarms.
"You're still not being truthful with me. There's nothing wrong with enjoying being tickled, so what is your issue with it?" Roy presses further, refusing to let Riza off easy. 'A bit more than 'enjoy', sir.' Hawkeye thinks to herself, the blush once again returning to her face.
After another few moments of silence - Excluding her laughter of course, Mustang must realize he isn't going to get a response, and decides to change tactics. Ceasing his assault on her underarms, he turns around to face Riza's legs. Her relief is short lived when she realizes his next target.
"No no no nonono wait please! Don't d-do this, sir!" The blonde soldier thrashes as much as she can but with Mustang securely on her hips there is little she can so. All she succeeds in is messing up the edges of the blanket.
"Are you going to tell me the truth?" Roy asks, hovering his hands just over her knees. Riza bites her lip. Should she tell him? Should she want to tell him? Is it bad that she wants to tell him? Is this the end of a valued friendship or the beginning of something even more valuable? Too many questions. Not enough answers.
Only way to know is to leap and find out.
"Y-yes. I'll tell you the t-truth, sir." Riza says hesitantly, she can still feel the heat of his fingers just beyond contact with her knees. And the heat of his legs on top of her hips. It is all too much to handle, and there's no way she could possibly hide that she's loving every minute of this if he tickles her again.
"I'm waiting, Lieutenant~" The Colonel coos, brushing his fingertips against her kneecap. Even through the thick blue fabric of her uniform pants, it is still borderline unbearable, and he isn't even trying.
"Th-thihis isn't an eahasy thing to t-talk about toho my boss, sir." Hawkeye exclaims through her bubbly giggles. "I told you, we're not on call anymore. I'm not your boss right now, Riza." Mustang drops the usual formalities to prove his point.
He's never called her by her first name before.
Riza doesn't like the butterflies it's awoken in her stomach. 'Maybe they're just residual nerves from the stomach tickles?' She lies to herself, knowing it's nonsense. Hawkeye is grateful the Colonel - Roy, is facing the other way. Though she can't see it herself, Riza can certainly feel that her cheeks are blazing hot.
"I'm waiting, Riza~ You don't want my patience to wear thin." Roy says, squeezing a little harder on her knees to affirm his statement. "Ohakay okahay! I'll t-tell yohou sir, I meahan Mustahang." The blonde forces the foreign words out through her laughter. Everything about the scenario is so strange. Again, not bad. Just strange.
With a satisfied nod of his head, the Roy gives one final squeeze to each knee before readjusting to face Riza once more. "Well?" Mustang presses teasingly, making a theatrical waving motion with his hand as he awaits the answer, grinning victoriously all the while.
"M-most people have normal … preferences. Being tied up or wearing a certain outfit, maybe even having someone watch. But I - mine is a bit more childish I guess you can say." Riza forces each word out through crimson cheeks. This is humiliating. She can't even bare to look at the Colonel right now.
"Ah so you 'like' like tickling." Is his only response, straight forward as ever. At least he didn't sound weirded out. "If you wish you word it so elegantly, then yes. I 'like' like it." Hawkeye mumbles in reply, still refusing to look up from where her eyes are currently burrowed into her forearms.
If she had looked up, she would have been able to see Mustang's gaze turn from understanding to devious mischief. "If you thought this answer would save you, you are mistaken. It's quite the contrary in fact." He says, Hawkeye looks up just in time to see him turning around again to face her knees.
She begins immediately thrashing beneath him, Riza can't let him tickle her. Not now that he knows what it does to her. He can't tickle her now. He just can't.
And yet he does.
"NAHAHAHA THIHIS ISNT FAHAHAIR!" The blonde woman cries out through already frantic laughter, knocking the lantern on its side. The flame stays lit but it is even harder to see through the darkness now. "And why is that? You like this, I like this. What isn't fair?" Mustang crows as he continues squeezing both of her highs just above the kneecaps. Not her worst spot, but a bad one for sure.
She can't think of a stubborn response through her laughter but with his back turned, Hawkeye is suddenly struck with an idea. With her last remaining strength, she leans forward until her fingers connect with the base of his hips. Before Mustang can react, Riza swiftly slips her fingers beneath the edge of his uniform. Instantly squeezing his hips through the limited protection of his undershirt.
"W-why yohou little crehetin!" The dark haired man exclaims in shock, ceasing his assault on her knees to reach behind him and grab the the hands squeezing at his waist. Once he has a grip on Riza's wrists, Roy holds them tight as he readjusts once more. His devilish smile beaming in the lantern light. Intentions clear.
"Oh you're in for it now." Roy says darkly as he slowly pins both wrists above her head. This is worse. Much worse. Hawkeye immediately regrets her rash decision as she struggles against his grip.
But lingering in the back of her mind is a little spark of light. A spark that has been dark for so long. It feels good to have it lit again. It feels good to be this close to Mustang.
But she can't just go out an say that of course.
"W-wait wait p-please, I'm sorry! I - I was just-" Roy interrupts before she can finish whatever lie she was spinning up. He can see right through her feigned pleas. "-You we're just begging for my retaliation. And I'm more than happy to oblige." He says as he leans closer to her face so he can pin Riza's arms even higher above her head. Hawkeye doesn't have a rebuttal, for too distracted by his proximity. Her silence gives Mustang the only signal he needs to begin his unhindered attack.
"EEEE NAHAHAHA PLEAHAHASE!" Even with only one hand, Roy was ripping her resolve to shreds. There is no hope of hiding her frantic laughter or blushing cheeks. No hope of twisting beyond his grip or being granted a reprieve. But Riza is okay with this. More than okay actually, and it's clear the Colonel is too.
"You know, despite all your begging. You've never once asked me to stop." Roy says pointedly as he claws up and down her ribs before shooting back up to wiggle his fingers into the exposed hollows of her arm pits. "SHUHUT UHUP AHAHAHA!" The Lieutenant responds stubbornly, her blazing cheeks confirming everything Mustang needs to know as he happily continues his ticklish assault.
After another couple minutes of (voluntary) torture, Mustang decides to show mercy. With a chuckle he slows his fingers until they're gently tracing abstract figures up and down her torso. Causing her to shiver, Riza hopes Mustang doesn't notice. But of course, he does.
"Cold darling?" He asks smugly, knowing full well it is his touch that's driving her nerves to react this way. "Well you did so rudely commandeer my jacket." Riza mumbles in reply, turning her face away. It's hard to speak with any confidence while her arms are still held above her in such a vulnerable position.
"Yes, how rude of me." Roy laughs as he leans off of his Lieutenant to fetch her jacket. In their tussle, it was flung into the grass a few feet away. Mustang shakes it off before laying it on top of her for the second night in a row.
'Careful now Colonel, three times makes a habit.' Riza thinks to herself, barely suppressing a sigh of contentment.
They should get going. It's already late. But neither of them speak of this or make any moves to start packing up. Instead, Mustang settles down on the wrinkled blanket beside Riza, his arms crossed behind his head comfortably.
It's uncertain how long they spent that night in each other's company, staring at the stars. It's uncertain what the future is to hold for them. It's uncertain what this is that is blooming between them.
But it is certain, that Riza will be eternally grateful that the Colonel is useless when he's grumpy.