In the year that he has been staying in the Hawkeye house, Roy had learned a lot about his new favorite companion. She was spunky yet timid. To most, her eyes seemed dull. But to him, he could see a spark. Something wanting to be set free but was being held back by something.

Her father.

Berthold, on the other hand, had a look of determination in his eyes. One that would pale beyond his fatherly duties and border almost evil. Roy could tell from the moment he had met the man that something was off about him. His suspicions were confirmed from spending the shortest amount of time with his teacher's daughter.

The man was clearly deranged. He had outbursts almost everyday, letting his anger out on the blonde girl. For some reason she just accepted it. Something Roy couldn't bring himself to understand. If he wasn't verbally assaulting her he was straight up neglecting her. This was very hard for Roy to witness and the first time he retaliated against the older man he was struck across the face.

Riza got him an ice pack but would not speak a word. Was she mad at him? He was confused by this. He thought she should be happy he stood up for her.

Against all protests from his friend, Roy didn't stop speaking up for her. This also didn't stop his teacher from continuing to hit him every time. He didn't care though. Roy isn't one to sit by and let something happen if he can try to stop it.

He was trying to find Riza everywhere. It seemed like an almost impossible challenge. He looked all over the house just to find it empty. He glanced outside and noticed a light coming from the old tree house in the backyard. Roy pulled his shoes on as fast as he could and raced outside and up the ladder to finally complete his mission. "Riza! There you are. What are you doing out here?" She had turned away from him upon his approach. He knew something was wrong.

The boy slowly made his way closer to her, reaching out and lightly touching her shoulder. "Stop…I need to be alone." His hand hovered momentarily before it fell into his lap. That hurt him more than any hit ever had. All he had wanted, even more so than to learn alchemy, was for Riza to be his friend. As much as he considered them friends, she might not agree.

Roy wasn't sure what it was, but for some reason she always kept her distance from him. He figured it had something to do with her father but he would never treat her like that. He genuinely liked and cared about the girl who seemed to always push him away. "Riza, I want to make sure you're okay."

He looked around the old tree house. He had never been in it before because he knew it was her secret spot. It was rundown with cracks in the walls, the floor would give out any minute, and the only light was from the lantern she brought and the moonlight shining through a hole in the roof. He swore to himself he would fix it up for her in his free time.

She let out a deep breath. "I'm sorry that my father treats you so badly. I wish you would just stop speaking up for me. I know you mean well, but I just feel worse when you get punished for something I did wrong. I can handle him yelling at me, but not him hitting you." He could tell from her voice that she had been crying before he joined her.

He sighed. "None of it is your fault," He reached out and placed his hand on her arm then slid it down the thick fabric of her sweater so he could grab her hand. "It doesn't matter if you do something little or horrible there's no reason he should treat you the way he does. It's not right and you don't deserve any of it." She looked up at him trying not to let her eyes fill with tears again.

Nobody had ever treated her with such kindness, not since her mother died. The hole in her heart grew everyday. There was a loneliness she felt that she would never be able to describe. It was as if the only reason she was still alive was just to serve her father. She had no family, no friends, no reason to even live. But for some reason this boy came into her life and suddenly decided he was going to care about her.

Ever since they had met she had been confused. Riza couldn't name one thing about herself that would make this very outspoken and rambunctious boy to have any interest in her at all. From what she understood with all of her fathers other apprentices, she was there to serve them dinner and clean up after them.

Roy wouldn't let her do any of that for him. He would insist on cooking or at least cooking together, which she secretly loved to do. He would do his own laundry and clean his own messes. He had thrown her for a loop she had never expected.

His heart was huge, she could tell. The way he spoke of other people was always kind. He could find something good about anyone. The longer she witnessed the things he did, the more she wanted to be like him. To be able to love and not be ashamed or feeling inadequate for doing so.

She wanted to be what he was. She kept her distance so he wouldn't become what she is. But in a weak moment, Riza forgot all of that. The warmth of his hand in hers was so comforting. The most love she's felt since her last day with her mother.

For a moment she was selfish. She let him in and let herself embrace him. Riza thought to herself that she didn't care if he became like her in this moment for she was enjoying being cared for by someone. The guilt set in quickly and she pulled her hand back.

She knew that had hurt him, whether it was pride or emotions, she wasn't sure. Either way she wanted to make up for it. "Come here." She said before moving so that she was lying under the hole in the roof. He did as she said and suddenly he understood.

The cosmos above them like a painting in the night. His breath caught in his throat. Their first moment together where they are both at peace. He's not worried about her and she's not tense around him. "I wish I was a star." She started. His head turned towards her as if encouraging her to speak more. "I just wish I was like everyone else. I want to blend in and just be." Riza knew that probably sounded childish but it was too late to take it back.

"But you'll never be a star, Riza," He started as she whipped her head towards him. Was he insulting her? "Riza, you're more than that. You're not like everyone else and you don't blend in, but that's what's so cool about you. If anything, you're the moon. To me you stand out. I've never had a friend like you and for that I'm grateful. I wish you could realize how much impact you have on me."

She didn't respond, couldn't. It was funny, actually. She had always viewed him as the sun. He was bright and warm. He was a boy full of energy and eagerness and she had never met anyone like him. Riza knew that if he wasn't there, just like the sun, there would be no light. His kindness made people grow, herself included.

She turned her head to look back up at the sky. Just like the moon that she was, she wouldn't be able to shine at all without her sun.

If you've made it this far, thank you! I really appreciate you reading. I hope it was enjoyable and I would love to hear feedback in the comments. :)