A few days have passed since Riza's first ticklish encounter with the Colonel at the beginning of the week. And much to her relief, it has not caused many ripples in her working life. Mustang has made good on his promise to keep their little game out of the work place.
Of course there was a few teasing comments from Havoc and Hughes as they question why the Colonel and his First Lieutenant have been spending more time together. Sitting next to each other in meetings, sharing lunches in his office, going over notes into the evening, etc.
But it was nothing Hawkeye couldn't handle. An eye roll here, sarcastic comment there. Their comments quickly tapered off by the end of the week as the team adjusts to the new normal.
However, the rest of the week has been rather busy. And there have not been any opportunities for them to enjoy each others company outside of work. With how exhausted they've been recently, the two soldiers can't risk staying out any later to indulge in their ticklish game. The job comes first always.
Riza understands and supports this, but still hasn't been able to suppress the pressing feeling of disappoint. Missing the closeness she felt with the Colonel in those moments, the feeling of trust entwined with bliss. His hands on her body, his face just a breath away from hers as he exploits where she's most vulnerable …
Never mind that, she has to focus on the task at hand.
"Alpha team handled the insurgents flawlessly. No civilian or military casualties, and only one insurgent death. The rest have been captured and secured in the brig." Riza states, reading over the mission report in front of her.
"I expect no less of Ross's team. Maria has proven to be quite the asset." Mustang responds, Hawkeye nods in agreement but can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. Roy talking about another woman so pleasantly rubs her the wrong way.
She bites the inside of her lip to force the thought from her mind. 'Get a hold of yourself, soldier. Stop being petty like a silly school girl.' She thinks to herself, shaking her head slightly in annoyance.
She has to focus.
~~~
"Everything alright, Lieutenant?" Mustang asks, his brow furrowed in concern. "Y-yes sir, of course. J-just thinking about the next mission is all." The excuse falls flat, causing Roy to smirk in amusement as he senses something else is at play.
"It's the end of the week, Lieutenant. The next mission isn't until we return. While I admire your desire to plan ahead, I must insist that you rest your mind for the evening." Mustang elects to not call her out on her lie, not yet anyway. It's clear she's hiding something she'd rather not admit. A trait he's quite familiar with in his Lieutenant by this point.
And he knows just the thing to get her to talk.
But again, not yet. Not while they're still in the building. Roy is barley able to suppress a growl of anticipation and frustration. Seeing his Lieutenant so willing and vulnerable to him … The feeling is like nothing he's ever experienced. And the fact that on top of it all, she likes it? Mustang clenches his fists, attempting to get a hold of himself. He can't slip up, not while at work. He has to keep his promise to Riza.
Fortunately, his Lieutenant is too focused on her own troubled thoughts to take notice of Mustangs exercise in restraint. "Are you doing anything fun this evening, Lieutenant?" Roy asks casually, writing a reminder on the top of one of the papers on the top of his stack.
"Oh you know me sir, a social butterfly living on the edge." Riza mumbles in response, clearly being sarcastic as she begins packing her belongings into her bag. "I'll take the liberty of translating that to a 'no', Lieutenant." Mustang says in amusement, filing the papers into his desk for next week before turning off the desk lamp.
"That liberty is free, sir." Hawkeye replies, a grudging smile on her face. "Why is it you ask, sir?" She adds on with a bit less confidence. Mustang turns to meet her eyes, a wary excitement lies there. Yes, she is certainly deciphering his intentions.
Roy merely shrugs, feigning nonchalantness as he rises to his feet, strapping the bag over his shoulder. "Just curious, Lieutenant. I don't have any plans myself, other than going home to my bed." The Colonel says as he leads the way out of the room.
"You're welcome to join me."
Riza chokes on her breath as she sputters out a reply, "W-well that is rather forward, sir." Realizing his error, Roy quickly rephrases, "Join me at home - for dinner. Not in bed - for … uh never mind. My apologies for the poor wording, Lieutenant." He stammers through his response, wincing with each word.
'Nice going...'
~~~
This is the first time Riza has ever seen him so red-faced and flustered, save the beginning of the week when she discovered the Colonel was quite ticklish or course.
She can't help but smile at the sight, Roy notices and his blush depends. Which in turn causes Riza to laugh, it's a wonderful view to see him like this. And on top of it all, knowing she's the only one who gets to see this side of him.
"We'll see who's laughing later." The Colonel mumbles, trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered pride off the floor. "Oh so it's already decided that I'm accompanying you?" Riza teases him further, though her stomach does preform a tiny backflip at his threat.
"Well you confirmed having nothing planned for the evening so unless I'm such poor company that you'd rather go home to solitude … I made the decision to save what remains of my pride in assuming that you'd prefer to take my offer." Mustang speaks his elaborate explanation confidently but the tone at the end of his phrase shifts upwards as if asking a question. Revealing his true feelings regarding the encounter.
"Fortunately for you, your assumption is correct, sir" Riza responds as she opens the door for them to exit the building. Smug that she's able to talk the Colonel into a corner like that, though still well aware she will be 'paying' for it later.
"No need for the formalities, Riza. We're out of the building." Mustang says, and her smug look turns sheepish as another light dusting of blush crosses her cheeks.
"Of course, si- Mustang." Hawkeye forces herself to respond, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of silencing her the instant their game resumes. But dammit Roy hasn't called her that since the grasslands and that was the most enchanting night of her life.
"Need I remind you my name is Roy?" The Colonel says with a chuckle, clearly enjoying how easy it is to fluster his Lieutenant. Riza notices this but doesn't have the courage to call him out for being an ass. All too aware Mustang has the capacity to silence her in an instant with a single word should he please.
Instead she focuses on the cracks in the sidewalk they're walking over as she trails just behind Mustang. Who is confidently leading their way to the train station.
"I remember, si- *ahem* I do remember your name." Hawkeye stumbles through her reply, the Colonel doesn't let her down easy. "And yet you still haven't said it, Riza. Why is that?" He asks softly, slowing his pace so he is walking next to her rather than slightly ahead as they enter the station.
"Yes, well … You see - There's the train! We better get going sir - ah - Mustang." Riza rushes past him to grab a ticket and speedily mount the westbound train before she can dig herself into a deeper hole. Leaving Mustang gazing fondly after her as she disappears onto the train and out of sight.
Unfortunately her retreat is short sighted.
The train is quite crowded and Riza quickly realizes she will have to sit between the wall and the Colonel. Who enters the train leisurely a minute after her with his own ticket. Letting her stew in her thoughts before cornering her.
"Did you really think you could avoid my question by simply walking away?" He leans closer to finish his statement "You should know by now I always get my answer, Riza." Roy says this close enough to her ear to cause the hair to rustle against his breath.
Riza attempts to compose herself, she can't be caught blushing at a public place like this. She'll never give Mustang that satisfaction. Instead she focuses on drawing her thumbs in tense circles. Cycling them around to a made-up rhythm playing in her head.
It almost works, that is until Roy gives her a quick poke in the side. Causing her to release a barley audible squeak. Fortunately the noise of the train covers her slip up.
Riza attempts to shoot Mustang a threatening glare, but the panic in her eyes dampens the effect - The panic and the poorly hidden excitement. Riza may hate this, but there's no denying that she loves this just as much, if not more. Hawkeye bites her lip.
Definitely more.
The train ride can't be over fast enough.
~~~
When their train finally pulls into the station twenty minutes later, Roy rises to his feet in an instant. Offering Riza his hand in unneeded assistance standing up. She entertains his chivalrous request with a poorly suppressed grin, following him out of the train and onto the platform.
Riza has never been to this part of Central city before. She's never been to the Colonels house so there was no need to. Hawkeye knows no one in this district. The atmosphere is foreign to her and she subconsciously draws closer to Mustang as they walk out of the station together.
"It's not far if you're up for a stroll? If not I can fetch us a ride." Roy offers as they step into the early evening light. "A stroll sounds lovely." Riza manages to not add 'sir' at the end of her statement but can't quite force his name through her lips.
The Colonel nods in affirmation but does not provide any additional comments. Hawkeye is quite fine with this however. She seems to have a knack for digging herself into holes when allowed to speak freely. Silence will suit her just fine for now.
Less than ten minutes later, the last streams of light are disappearing over the horizon and Roy announces that they have arrived. The house is much more extravagant than she expected given the Colonels personality. Large front porch, stain glass front door accentuated by marble pillars, and overall aura of boujeeness. (Author Note: Yes, Riza wouldn't use this word. But it fit the vibe so well and I couldn't resist).
"The house was provided by the Military. If that's what you're wondering. Though I do admit, I have an appreciation for the style." Mustang says in amusement as he unlocks the door. Again proving his knows his Lieutenant all too well as she gazes up and down the front of the house.
"The inside is much more cozy, I promise." He continues as he ushers her inside. And he is right. Riza is immediately greeted by a large stone fireplace across the Great Room as they take off their boots, jackets and bags. Setting them on the benches next to the door.
The fireplace is a fitting first view for the house belonging to the esteemed Flame Alchemist. But it also gives off a rustic log cabin feel that Riza feels fits the the Colonels style better than the exterior.
Light birch wood floors trail across the entire Great Room. Plush leather couches in deep browns and reds sit atop of an intricate area rug large enough to carpet the entire lounge in front of the fireplace.
Before the seating area, and closest to where Riza is standing now, is a dark oak wood table. The table is filled with the Colonel's certificates and metals, as well as various photos of Roy with different leaders and politicians. A tribute to his accomplishments.
Riza is about to make a teasing comment about his ego but stops short when she notices one photo with a scrappy wooden frame. It stands out so harshly against the crafted and carved metal and wooden frames encasing all the other photos. And the frame, as well as it's content, is familiar to her.
It's a photo of Riza and Mustang after a mission in Resembool. They're both clearly sleep deprived, covered in grime and have weapons strapped to their backs. But the mirroring grins they're wearing as they gaze at each other is the most noticeable attribute in the photo - The photo that she gave him last year as a holiday gift.
Riza actually came across the photo in the background of a different photograph while proofing the mission report. She quickly made a copy and cropped the section before submitting the report.
At the time they didn't even know their photo was being taken. Their smiles were so genuine and care free, it made Riza happy to look at. She hoped it could give her sullen Colonel some joy as well. But she never expected it to be proudly placed at his front door amongst his greatest accomplishments.
This realization happens in a matter of seconds. And it seems Roy has come to the same conclusion, his face is blushing again. Clearly he remembered too late that photo was there.
~~~
"Ah - uh … Th-this way to the kitchen. Let's see what we're having for dinner." Mustang decides to abandon ship. Placing his hand on the small of Riza's back, leading her down the corridor on their right that will take them to the kitchen area.
It's not the time for Mustang to explain that right now. He'll fight that battle another time ... Another time after he's reduced Riza to a giggling mess begging for mercy.
Another time after she says his name.
'Woah, slow down there. Don't go getting yourself excited.' The Colonel scolds himself, reigning in his thoughts. Having Riza so close is intoxicating. Is it the same for her? The dazed look in her eyes as she enters the kitchen with him suggests so.
Mustang grins, calming his nerves. He needs to sound calm and collected when he talks from now on. Especially after his verbal train wreck in the Great Room foyer just then.
"Did you really think you could avoid my question by simply walking away?" Riza quotes the Colonel from earlier while they were still on the train. Giggling as she watches his ears start to burn red. Roy's shoulders hitch up but he doesn't turn to face her.
Little did she know, this would be his trigger that changes the course of the evening.
~~~
"You're just begging for it aren't you? And to think I was being benevolent enough to offer you a wonderful home-cooked meal before I dismantle you at my leisure." Mustang says ominously, still not turning around.
The giggle dies in Hawkeye's throat. She certainly wasn't expecting that. Her stomach does nervous backflips as Roy finally turns to face her. His intentions clearly written on his face.
Unfortunately for Riza; when Mustang is cornered, his mode of self preservation involves asserting dominance. Even when it's just a facade. If he fakes it for long enough, soon he doesn't need the facade anymore.
"I - I wasn't - sir, I didn't-" Mustang interrupts her. Taking a large step forward as Riza takes a mirroring step back. "There you go again with the 'sir'. You really are in need of a lesson aren't you?" Roy asks mischievously, taking another large step closer. He's only a few feet away now. Riza has to either disarm the situation or plot her escape route.
'Or you can choose the third option. Do nothing and let yourself enjoy the moment.'
The intrusive thought cuts through Riza's resolve. This brief moment where her focus falters is the only cue Mustang needs. He rushes forward, reaching for her sides. With a startled cry, the Lieutenant curves away from his advancing hands and makes her delayed escape.
Riza rushes back down the corridor to the Great Room. She can hear Mustangs laughter behind her, fading away with each step she takes. He's giving her a head start. How very merciful of him.
More than likely he's one who likes the chase. Oh well, Riza is happy to oblige.
Hawkeye passes the foyer and curves around the oak table to continue to the hallway on the opposite side. The Colonel didn't mention what was down this way but there has to be a place to hide somewhere. 'Do you even want to hide? Why not just stop running. Augh shut up shut up shut up.' Riza's conflicted thoughts echo in her head as she turns a random corner. Opening a random door near the end of the hall.
Oh dear.
This is a bedroom. This is his bedroom.
Of all places, how and why did Riza have to end up here? She can't find a decent hiding spot without having to intrude his privacy. Their relationship has been getting closer but the Lieutenant wasn't given any sort of permission to snoop this far into his personal space.
Her internal conflict is settled when she hears footsteps in the distance. If Mustang doesn't want her to snoop, he shouldn't have initiated a chase. 'Technically you're the one who initiated this.' Damn these intrusive thoughts, wiggling their way through Riza's composure.
Gritting her teeth, Riza searches for a place to hide. The closet is large enough to hide in. Get caught next to the Colonel's underwear? No thanks. What about under bed? No, much too obvious. In the bathroom? Alright, but where?
The door opens.
Ah, damn.
Riza leaps out of view and rushes into the bathroom, well aware she just made far too much noise. "Very poor choice, Riza. There's nowhere to go in here. No where to hide." Mustang's teasing voice can be heard echoing down the small hallway that leads to the bathroom area. Hawkeye is currently pressed against a stack of white cotton towels in his linen closet, her excited breaths dragging in and out.
She can hear her heartbeat pounding in her ears as the timbre of his boots changes. Mustang is walking off of the hardwood floors in the bedroom and onto the cold marble tile of the bathroom.
Closer and closer, the steps gradually grow louder. The steady drumming of his footfalls continue until they stop deliberately outside the closet Riza currently stands in, holding her breath.
~~~
"I expected a better chase from you given the head start I provided you. Oh well, it just goes to prove how much you want this." Mustang says teasingly, noticing the carpet is slightly rustled in front of his bathroom closet. He chuckles before pulling the door open, hearing Riza squeak in surprise like the cornered prey she was.
For a moment they merely stare at each other, the Lieutenant is wide-eyed and frozen as she waits for him to make a move. "Are you going to accept your fate with dignity or shall I drag out out of there myself?" Roy asks with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Not breaking eye contact, Riza slowly inches her way out of the closet. Scooting against the wall to the side rather than walking straight forward into his arms. She inches away as far as she can until she's pressed against the bathroom window. She places herself partially behind the curtains as Roy takes another step towards her, ears burning red.
"You have some questions I'd like you to answer, Riza. I will ask them now as a final attempt to be merciful should you chose to answer them honestly." The Colonel says as he takes a final step forward, effectively trapping Riza in the corner between the window and his body. "V-very well." The Lieutenant responds shakily.
Everything about her behavior awakes an almost primal side of Mustang, different than on the battlefield. But now is not the time for him to dwell.
"What was bothering you during the mission report this morning? Why can't you call me by my first name? And are you aware how adorable you look when you're cornered and biting your lip?" Mustang asks his three questions, gauging her reaction for each.
He is not disappointed.
Riza seems to internally answer each of his questions, but speaks none of them aloud. Instead, she bites her lip deeper and preemptively pulls in her arms to defend her vulnerable areas.
Mustangs grin widens upon reading her reaction. This is exactly what they both want. And in that moment, it almost feels like a need.
In an instant, the distance is closed and Riza is thrown over the Colonel's shoulder.
~~~
"H-hey what are y-you doing?" She protests as she weakly pushes against his back.
"We're taking a little trip to a more comfortable location for me to interrogate you. Again, I am a benevolent captor." Roy responds casually, Riza can feel his smile against her legs as he walks them out of the bathroom area.
Suddenly, she feels a brief gust of air, and then a fluffy cloud. Mustang had taken her off his shoulder and gently tossed her on the bed. His bed.
The realization holds precedence in her mind as Riza begins to come to terms with what is about to occur. "Wahait wahait p-pleahase." Hawkeye can't suppress the giggles of anticipation as Roy leans forward on the edge of the bed. She scoots backwards as far as she can but soon her back is met by the soft accent pillows at the top of his bed. There's no where else to go.
Riza yelps as Mustang suddenly grabs her ankles, pulling her back down the bed into his grasp. Slowly, as if asking permission, Roy moves higher up on the bed until he's pinning Riza's just above her hips. She remains silent but doesn't struggle against him. Her way of saying that she's okay with this. More than okay actually, but never mind that.
"Your silence speaks volumes, darling. If you truly wished me to wait or stop, you'd tell me what I want to know." Roy teases when he understands that he has permission to continue.
Darling. That's a new one.
Riza feels her face flush red again and she looks away. It's all far too much to handle ... His teasing words, the feeling of him on top of her, and now pet names too? Clearly the Colonel has no intent for mercy today. He is determined to take her apart, piece by piece and oh is she loving every moment of it.
"I'm a woman of few words, sir." Riza forces the words through her teeth, trying to maintain a shred of her wit in hopes of strengthening her composure. She won't let Mustang break her that easily. She won't.
"There you go again with the 'sir', Riza." The Colonel tsks, adding a slight punctuation on her name as he reaches for Riza's wrists. Which currently lay tightly across her chest in protective position. In a matter of seconds, they are pried from their place and forced up as high as they can reach.
"You know, these past few times it has been quite frustrating; having to lose one of my hands to hold you down." Mustang says quietly as he adjusts his grip on her wrists. "So much in fact, that I went out of my way to make sure it will not be an issue again. Not here anyway." The Colonel continues his statement, feeling Riza's heart rate accelerate against him with every word.
Mustang suddenly leans forward, Riza can't see what he's reaching for but the faint clattering suggests it's something in or on his nightstand. After few more moments of rustling, something cold and soft begins wrapping around the Lieutenant's wrists. It's a silk binding, held secure from the top of the bed.
"W-wa? What are you doing si- ah Colonel- ah nevermind. What are you doing?" Riza trips through her question as she does a test pull on her wrists. The bindings are not tight enough to cut off circulation or cause her pain, but they are not retreating an inch to her efforts. No matter how hard she attempts to pull her arms down to protect her now-defenseless armpits and sides.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm putting an end to that pesky problem. Now I can do as I please with both hands." The Colonel responds, wiggling his fingers threateningly. Riza can't help but squirm at the sight, causing Roy's triumphant smirk to widen.
This isn't like the other times. This isn't like when they were at the office or the grasslands. This is Roy's domain. His territory. He controls the order of the household. And right now, that order involves reducing Riza to a hysterical, begging mess until she admits what she is hiding from him.
"B-but you can't - I didn't - nononono nohohoho pleahase." Hawkeye giggles as the Colonel traces his fingers up and down the exposed skin on her biceps. Stopping just before the base of her underarms to slowly tease her into madness. "As I've said numerous times, you know what you have to do to make it stop." Roy teases, knowing full well she doesn't want it to stop.
The thought makes him hungrier for more. Hungrier to give her more.
Mustang accelerates the speed of his wiggling fingers, moving closer and closer each time he trails back down her arms. "I c-cant, pleahase. EEEEK STAHAP!" The blonde soldier pleads, the gravity of the situation beginning to set in as Mustang locates a rather torturous spot in the middle of her ribs.
She really can't move. He's really on her hips. And he's really about to tickle her to tears unless she confesses her secrets.
There's no hope of lying, there no hope of escape. There is only laying here and taking it … And loving every morsel of it.
~~~
"You can't what? Please do elaborate." Mustang presses, changing tactics to begin a two-fingered assault on her rips. Pinching up and down her hopelessly vulnerable midsection. "I cahAHANT tahake it staHAHAP!" Riza exclaims, jolting when the Colonel makes a game of periodically squeezing the trigger rib.
"Come now darling, surly you know I'll need more of an answer than that. What can't you take?" Roy presses further, knowing his every word, his every touch, is driving her into maddening hysterics. "EveryTHIHING AHAHAHA!" Hawkeye squeezes her eyes shut, her face blushing a deeper scarlet from his words.
"Now if that were true, you'd already be confessing." Roy shoots back, adding another finger to each side. It's truly inebriating seeing Riza so care free and trusting. It makes Mustang feel quite happy. It makes him feel … other things, as well. But always the gentleman, Roy keeps these thoughts and urges to himself
Well, for the most part anyway, there's no doubt he's walking the line right now. Yes, Roy is only tickling her. But Riza is still tied to his bed, pinned beneath his legs, begging him for mercy … It doesn't matter that it's 'just tickling', there is more to their game than what displays itself on the surface. There always has been more.
A rising tension that will have to boil over eventually.
But never mind that, for now. Roy has to focus on prying a confession out of his Lieutenant.
Considering she is already near frantic with laughter, this mission shouldn't be particularly challenging.
~~~
"Thihis isn't f-fair." Hawkeye protests as Mustang lightens his touch to gently prod at the sensitive muscles on her sides. "What isn't fair is you holding out on me. Just tell me what I want to know and I will make us a most wondrous dinner."
His deal is enticing but can Riza truly admit that she was jealous of the words he spoke about another woman? Can she admit she's wary to say his name for the purpose of protecting her own heart?
The Lieutenant doesn't have a chance to think it over before Roy's fingers dig in with new vigor. "I'll give you more time to think it over." He says playfully as he starts squeezing both of her hips. Riza's hands tug against the bindings reflexively to protect herself but each time her efforts are thwarted.
After a few more futile attempts, she focuses her energy on wiggling beneath Mustang to get out of range. In truth, this effort is just as futile but she can't just lay there and take it. She can't let him win. Not yet anyway.
"EEEEAH! NAHAHAHA NOHOT THEHERE!" Hawkeye pleads through her laughter as the Colonel's thumbs drill into that excruciating spot where her hips dip inwards. His remaining eight fingers wiggling against the ticklish muscles on her stomach.
Mustang's hands are surprisingly soft, though he does wear gloves all day so that likely plays a part. In any case, their softness plays its own part in Riza's torture. It adds a certain gentleness to his actions, an aura of safety. Causing the Lieutenant to have a nearly undeniable desire to confess her every secret to him.
"Not where, hmmm? Here?" Mustang teases, digging into that wretched spot just a bit harder. "EEEE YEHES, THEHERE NAHAHAHA!" Riza near-screams through her frantic laughter. No longer attempting to wiggle away, she focuses on drawing in slivers of oxygen between her screams of ticklish agony.
"Yes there? Ah you want me to keep tickling you there, I see." Roy can't help but continue teasing her, watching his Lieutenants reactions is much too endearing to resist. "NOHOHO THATS NOHOT WHAHAT I MEANT!" She protests, her laughter gains more of a whining tone though Riza isn't truly annoyed.
"Well that's just too bad, Riza. Because I'm done being nice, it's time for you to answer my questions." The Colonel's voice is suddenly uncharacteristically gruff, with a deeper tone he reserved for the harshest criminals. It's clear things are about to get at lot worse (Or better, depending on what side of her brain is asked) for Riza.
Usually Mustang enjoys taking his time in his ascent up to her sensitive underarm's, clawing his way up her ribs oh so slowly so she is forced to stew in her anticipation …
But not tonight.
"Nonono wait wait - AHAHA P-PLEAHASE NAHAHAHA!" She cries out as Roy's fingers race into Riza's exposed hollows in an instant. Immediately scribbling over the soft skin inside. Not being able to pull her arms down is utter torture, especially now that she is experiencing a full-fledged two hand assault for the first time. The Lieutenant won't last long and she knows it.
It seems Mustang knows this too, his eyes glint as he tastes victory is near. Digging his thumbs into her upper ribs while wiggling the rest of his fingers deep into her armpits as she thrashes beneath him. Spewing incoherent pleas for mercy.
"PLEAHAHASE I - ITS TOHO MUHUCH!" She cries out through her hysterics. Her thrashing is becoming more desperate with each stroke of his fingertips. "You know what to do to make it stop, Riza~" The Colonel replies, leaning into his attack just a bit more.
"I CAHAHANT!" The screaming blonde responds, though her resolve was clearly in shambles. "Guess I'll just keep going then." Mustang says nonchalantly, drawing one hand down to claw at her ribs. Searching for the one rib that made her squeal like a startled rabbit earlier. A few moments later, he finds it.
And then he gives it hell.
"OHKAY OHKAY! ILL TELL YOHOU! PLEAHASE STAHAP! I CAHANT TAKE ANYMOHORE!" Riza begs after a few seconds before succumbing to silent laughter. With a smug grin, Roy pulls his fingers away from her still tingling skin. Staring down at her expectantly, waiting for his prize.
Riza swallows hard, this is entirely out of her element. Can she really be this vulnerable with the Colonel? Physical trust is one thing, but emotional trust? That's a different beast entirely. With equally different consequences
"I - uh, I see I joined you in bed after all." Riza settles on making a feeble joke, referencing Mustang's flustering slip up from earlier. Which isn't the best move, given her current situation.
With a exaggerated sigh, Roy mounts his fingers above her armpits for a second attack. "Wait! Wait! I'm sorry, I-I'll answer! I'll answer, I promise pleahase dohont!" Riza pleads through her giggles. Deciding to be merciful, Mustang pulls his hands back, setting them in his lap as his eyebrows raise expectantly.
"This morning I was a bit - jhagbols - of Ross." The Lieutenant mumbles the middle of her sentence too incoherently for Roy to hear. "Come again? Speak up darling, I can hardly hear you." He teases, well aware that flustering Riza is the only way to win against her stubbornness.
"Y-you said I had to tell you. You never clarified how loudly." She says triumphantly, though still slightly hesitant. There's that stubbornness at work again. "How about I clarify how loudly your begs for mercy will be should you choose to not answer my questions in the next ten seconds." Mustang says, the gruff tone is back again.
"But-"
"Ten"
"That just childi-"
"Nine"
"You can't be seri-"
"Eight"
"You aren't listen-"
"Six"
"What the hell happened to-"
"Three"
"You cheating bast-"
"One"
"I was jealous of Ross!"
Riza shouts her confession the second Roy's fingers graze her skin. Immediately closing her eyes, as her face begins flushing red once more. Mustang is silent for a moment as he processes the information, then bursts out on vibrant laughter.
"St-stop laughing at me. You can't pry a confession out of someone and then laugh at them for it." Riza complains, though it sounds an awfully close to a whine. "Possessive are we, Lieutenant?" Roy teases, his laughter gaining volume as her blush deepens.
"Don't misunderstand, I find it rather adorable. But I assure you, there is only one soldier who has won my affection, and it certainly isn't Ross." Mustang assures her. Riza chances a peak and instantly regrets it, seeing the triumphant grin still lighting his face. And yet she can't quite suppress a smile from his words.
"I never realized it was such an honor, sir." Hawkeye defaults to sarcasm, unsure of what to say. Well aware that her arms are still held taut above her head. "Now you know. And don't think I've forgotten out my other question." The Colonel adds on, smirking as Riza bites her lip in response.
"Am I going to have to do this all again?" He asks threateningly, wiggling his fingers just over her ribs. Causing her to erupt in a flurry of giggles. "N-nohoho that wohont be necessahary." Hawkeye assures him, unable to stop squirming as the fingers continue wiggling for a few more seconds before pulling back.
Mustang chuckles, looking down at her endearingly. "Let's hear it then. Why won't you say my name?" He asks gently, sensing there is something more than her innate stubbornness at play.
"I guess it - this is going to sound silly - but I guess it's because I see it as the point of no return." Riza admits sheepishly, He raises his eye brows before replying with a chuckle. "You're telling me THIS isn't the point of no return?" Roy takes a dramatic gander up and down her body. Making a point out of the fact she's still currently red-faced, pinned beneath his legs, and tied to his bed.
"I - well - ugh it's just different okay?" Riza says in exasperation, fully aware of how silly she sounds. "Relax darling, I'm merely teasing. I'm more than okay waiting to hear the sound of you saying my name." The Colonel responds, Riza reads the subtext of his words. The undertone that adds a deeper layer of blush to her face.
Roy saves her from having to respond, deciding to be merciful for once. He's flustered his Lieutenant quite enough, for now anyway. The night is still young.
But right now it's time for pasta and homemade breadsticks with garlic butter.
"As much as I like seeing you like this, I suppose it's time I untie you." Mustang says in dramatized disappointment as he leans forward to undo her bonds. Riza barley contains a gasp at how close his face is as he fidgets with the bindings on her wrist. Close enough for her to consider doing something reckless.
She contemplates a moment too long, and Mustang's face moves away. She feels the tension release from her wrists but said tension only seems to reappear … elsewhere on her body.
The Colonel begins talking about some sort of fettuccine dish but the Lieutenant barley hears him. She stiffly climbs out of the bed and follows him down the hall. It feels like an eternity ago she was running down them, Roy in pursuit. It was less than an hour ago, yet everything is so different.
Once again: not bad. Definitely not bad, just different.
~~~
'If she isn't ready to say my name, then she isn't ready to kiss me.' Roy reminds himself strictly.
He desperately holds every onto every ounce of chivalrous discipline he can muster to keep babbling about breadsticks, rather than start kissing the clearly-elsewhere soldier walking beside him.
Riza doesn't notices his restraint, her mind clearly reeling with a thousand other thoughts...
~~~
But through it all, through her whirlwind of worries, is one singular thought. One that keeps coming back, forcing its way to the top.
She smiles as she follows Roy into the kitchen. Riza may not be certain if she's ready to take the next step in whatever it is that is blooming between her and the Colonel.
But there is one thing she is certain of.l - It's true, they're already past the point of no return.
After all, three times makes a habit.