A/N:
Happy Royai Day! 😀
Due to the date, in addition to the theme of the day I've decided to post this one-shot.
As always, I'm very grateful to Golden for being my beta.
I hope you guys enjoy it!
Greetings,
Flame
Marriage in Las Vegas
Riza
The light filtering through the bedroom window brought me out of the deep sleep I was in, waking up my body little by little. With no desire to open my eyes yet, I decided to readjust myself in bed, trying to succumb again to a much-needed rest that I hoped would calm the headache that was beginning to make its appearance. As I moved I felt my mobility limited but at the same time, I felt a pleasant sensation of warmth that comforted me. Instinctively I moved closer to that source of warmth until I felt something press against my waist and heard a slight moan. I immediately opened my eyes and was surprised to find in front of me a man's well-defined chest. I carefully moved my head down to find that my waist was wrapped around by toned arms pulling me towards him. My gaze continued to descend as my heart rate did the opposite until I realized I was naked. I gulped as I realized that the man in front of me was in the same way... and undoubtedly aroused despite still being asleep.
What the hell did I do? The slight but constant pain in my head and the discomfort in my stomach gave me an idea of what could have influenced my being in this condition. But I still didn't understand and my head wasn't cooperating in recovering the memories of the night before and that troubled me as I thought about the fact that while drunk I had ended up sleeping with a probable stranger. Unable to cope with my own curiosity, I carefully raised my head and immediately froze as I recognized the face of the man who had me captured in his arms.
Roy Mustang. I had spent the night with him.
Stunned by the discovery I pushed him away and tried to get away from him. Out of surprise, I pushed him too hard causing him to fall off the bed and start cursing at his abrupt awakening.
"What the fuck?!" He grumbled as he sat up on the floor and turned his gaze towards the bed causing me to immediately grab the sheet to cover myself. Recognizing me he paled slightly. "Riza? What are you doing in my room?" He asked confused.
I quickly scanned my surroundings remembering at least for the moment that I was on a business trip and that the place I was in was my hotel room. "It's my room, rather the question would be, what the hell are you doing here?"
Roy looked around quickly and put a hand on his head, probably because of the sudden movement he felt the effects of the hangover he was probably also suffering from. He started to get up and I immediately averted my gaze to the other side of the room slightly blushing, avoiding seeing him naked in front of me. Seeing my reaction, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that he lowered his head before sitting back down on the floor.
"Why are we... in this state?" He asked as he nervously ran a hand through his hair.
"I have an idea but I still don't remember exactly what happened."
He smiled smugly. "From what I see you couldn't resist my charms, sweetheart-"
I didn't let him finish his sentence because I immediately threw a pillow at his face and wrapped myself in the sheet to cover myself as I stood up and started to head for the bathroom.
"Stop talking shit and get out of my room right now." I spat before closing the bathroom door behind me, sighing deeply as I leaned back against the door.
I couldn't believe what was happening to me. I wasn't like that, I rarely drank that way and above all, I wasn't the type who was looking for a casual lay. To me sex meant something much deeper than just pleasure. I always imagined it as an incredibly intimate connection with the person who would love me for who I was internally with my virtues and flaws, and that with that person it would never be a simple act of pleasure, but a plus to our relationship, an act of love, of total surrender of body and soul.
I respected women like my friend Becky who decided to have casual encounters or have sex during their relationship but I was old school. I had been saving myself for the man who would be my husband, I knew it sounded corny but I believed in it and wanted to do it but apparently, a night of drinking in a city as rowdy as Las Vegas completely ruined my original plan. And to top it off it had been with Roy Mustang, a colleague from the advertising company we both worked for. He wasn't a bad guy if I was honest, he was my friend, but from there to even being my boyfriend or sleeping with him I would never have imagined it. Never. He was attractive and had a nice body which apparently I had already seen first hand but... he was well known for being a womanizer. When I first met him he tried to flirt with me but I immediately put him in his place and he learned to respect me, leading to a friendship. But I still didn't understand why I had surrendered myself to him. I pulled off the sheet and stepped under the shower head, letting the water run over and relax my body before I began soaping myself.
If I had any doubts about what had happened that night, I confirmed it when I felt a slight pain in between my legs. Damn. I placed my hand on the tile as I rested my forehead on the cold material. I took a deep breath trying to calm down but it was not possible as I was searching my memories for what had happened the day before. For the moment I would have to force myself to concentrate on the present at least until this work trip was over.
After a few minutes, I stepped out of the shower, wrapping myself in a towel before looking at myself in the mirror above the sink, not caring to let the time pass. I really hoped Roy had left my room, I knew we would have to talk about what happened but I didn't want to do it right now.
I grabbed the sink with both hands and turned my attention to my left hand as I felt a strange sensation on my ring finger. I couldn't help but gasp in surprise as I noticed the wedding ring resting there. How the hell did I not notice its presence until now? Apparently, I had been so shocked about sleeping with Roy that I hadn't been paying attention. Oh, God, what the hell had happened? As soon as we got back home I would have to clear up this whole mess.
Inhaling deeply I adjusted the towel again and came out of the bathroom surprised to see Roy sitting on the bed with his head down. At least he had put on his pants and picked up the clothes that were strewn on the floor. Beside him lay a folder and his posture reflected that he was tense.
"What are you still doing here?" I asked seeing how the black-haired man startled slightly.
Roy lifted his head and looked me in the eyes. "Apparently we got married yesterday." He said as he raised his left hand to show me a ring that matched the one I had just discovered on my hand.
"What did you say?" I said in a whisper. I suspected as much but it was shocking to hear it confirmed.
He handed me the folder, I took it with trembling hands and then gasped in surprise when I saw some pictures of a chapel where Roy and I were getting married. In one of them, we were kissing passionately and if there was still any doubt about what happened, there was also a marriage certificate with his and my signature that officially declared us legally as husband and wife.
"This can't be... we were obviously drunk... but not to the point of ending up... legally married." I said stuttering. I never stuttered but obviously, this had me on the edge of my nerves.
"Well, I guess we can't deny the existence of this certificate." He replied calmly.
"Then we will have to apply for an annulment."
"It does not proceed when the marriage has been consummated." He looked me up and down smiling smugly and I could see his gaze fill with lust. "And my, did we consummate it last night." He replied smiling sideways.
His look made me realize that I was covered only by a towel so I hugged myself to try to cover myself more. "Then we'll have to file for a divorce because it's more than obvious that if we had been sober we wouldn't have gotten married."
Roy stood up approaching me but out of instinct, I took a step back when he invaded my personal space.
"Come on, Riza. Don't be shy, after all, we are married and we have seen each other totally naked."
I inhaled deeply ignoring where he wanted to get to. "You'd better go to your room." I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. "It's already late. We barely have time to get some breakfast before our flight home leaves. So if you'll excuse me, I need to get dressed."
I half turned to pull out the clothes I would wear when I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist causing me to tense slightly. He leaned down so that he was millimeters from my ear. "Like I said, you shouldn't feel embarrassed with me, believe me what I remember I loved it and I'm wishing this headache would completely go away so I can remember more... but that doesn't stop me from still wishing I could spend more time alone with my wife like last night." He whispered in my ear.
"It won't happen because we're getting divorced." I pulled out of his arms to face him. "Like I told you, it's late. We'll talk about the details of this when we get back to town. Now leave me alone so I can get dressed."
He sighed. "Okay, I'll leave you for now. I'll see you downstairs in a few minutes."
I watched him retreat taking the folder, his shirt, and jacket with him. As soon as the door closed behind him, I let out the air I didn't know I was holding.
"What am I going to do?" I inhaled deeply trying to calm myself and ignore the headache. I took off my wedding ring and looked at it for a moment. I needed to focus on the present, get back to the quiet of my apartment, and file for divorce as soon as possible.
Roy
After taking a bath and taking care of my little problem by thinking about the cause of it, I quickly started packing up while wishing the couple of pills would soon take effect to get rid of my headache completely. I sat on the bed for a moment trying to go over everything that had happened the night before. I looked down at my wedding ring and couldn't help but crack a smile. While it was true that I had married while drunk, I couldn't deny that I had married a beautiful woman. Inside and out.
I met Riza about 5 years ago and from the beginning she captivated me. Being a die-hard conqueror, I flirted shamelessly with her from the beginning but was immediately rejected. From the beginning, I felt that Riza was a special woman, but when she made herself respected from my first attempt to conquer her and put me in my place by hurting my ego, my hunch was confirmed. If it had been another woman I would have undoubtedly let it go and looked for another girl willing to go out with me. However, her rejection made me attracted to her and as we began to work together and therefore to spend more time together I couldn't help but feel more and more comfortable with her company, and we gradually became friends.
In the last couple of years on more than one occasion I have sent her hints by doing certain things that for other girls it would be more than clear that I would like to ask them out or directly have a relationship with them, but Riza being a woman passionate about her work has not seen that way my signals, taking them only as friendly actions.
But yesterday, after several drinks of alcohol to celebrate the contract we had won for a client who lives here, I got carried away and kissed her after a series of flirtations between the two of us, and was pleasantly surprised to feel how she reciprocated. We drank more and when we decided to return to the hotel we walked down a street full of wedding chapels. I stopped at one that I liked and without yet understanding what had possessed me at that moment, I asked her to marry me. Despite her drunkenness, she hesitated for a moment but when I began to kiss her lips begging her to accept she eventually gave in. It was a short and simple ceremony but it was very meaningful to me despite my drunkenness. After all, I had never been married and never thought of getting married because I enjoyed the freedom that my bachelorhood gave me but at that moment I felt that it was the right thing to do, that it was what I wanted.
We barely made it to her room when our caresses and kisses became more passionate, but when I felt we were about to consummate the marriage, I reluctantly stopped, making absolutely sure that this was what she wanted. My beautiful Riza did not hesitate and asked me to move forward with her kisses and caresses, causing sensations I had never experienced before. As I went along I realized it was her first time which made me doubt whether I should go ahead, but at all times she was more than willing to go ahead so I tried my best to please her and was careful not to hurt her. Despite being her first time and after getting over the discomfort of the first round, she didn't hesitate to stroke me to go for round two and even round three later in the night.
Without a doubt, it had been the best night of my life although I never thought I would wake up from such a spectacular night being pushed out of bed. When I woke up I was confused, but when I saw Riza covered with a sheet and me naked, several of the memories from the night before came to my mind.
I knew she was still having trouble remembering the events and I also knew that what I had done had not been the right thing to do. Riza is an amazing woman, she is a queen who should be treated as such but because of my drunkenness, I had failed to do so. I understood her confusion and her reaction to what had happened between us, but the truth was that we were married. And despite what she had proclaimed, I had no desire to file for divorce. First of all, because my friend Maes is a lawyer and he has told me about some of his cases where sometimes it can be a very draining process, but mostly because I really wanted to stay by Riza's side. Why? I still couldn't figure it out, I just knew that I liked being close to her and I wanted to stay that way.
Now I would have to convince her to at least give me a chance as her husband which I knew would not be easy. I sighed heavily and looked at my watch realizing that I had better go downstairs and get some lunch because I already had just enough time to do it before Riza and I had to head to the airport.
We had a light lunch as our stomachs weren't quite ready to handle too much food yet. We checked out and caught our flight back home. The whole time Riza remained quiet, talking only as much as necessary. I had noticed that she was no longer wearing the ring I had placed on her finger last night and I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed. Despite her protests, I walked her to her apartment and helped her with her suitcase when we arrived in town.
"Thanks, I'll see you Monday." She said as she started to close the door to her apartment but before it closed I placed my hand to stop the door.
"We need to talk. You know that." I told her seriously.
She sighed heavily and let me into her apartment. It was small but very cozy and tidy. As soon as the door closed she looked me in the eyes. "I guess there's not much to talk about, we'll just file for divorce and move on with our lives."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that. Your friend Maes is a lawyer, maybe he can help us speed up the process."
I crossed my arms. "In less than 24 hours I already pissed you off?" I asked with a bit of humor, I needed her to relax.
"Stop joking around, this is serious. And if you're worried that I might ask for half of your assets because I married you, don't worry, I don't need or want anything from you but your friendship. Maybe with that information, you'll already feel more at ease to ask Maes to help us."
"What if I'm the one who wants half of your assets?" I said raising an eyebrow but I made sure she saw I wasn't being serious.
She lightly smacked my chest. "Cut the jokes please." She said with a slightly exasperated tone. "We have to undo this and not tell anyone else."
Her insistence made me wonder if maybe she had some suitor or if maybe she definitely couldn't see me other than her friend and co-worker. I felt a knot in my stomach that I didn't know how to untie.
"Why?" I asked quietly.
She exhaled heavily. "Because we both got married drunk when we obviously weren't even planning to... We both need to get on with our lives. Plus you surely had some date planned upon our return, so it's obvious your lifestyle requires you to be single again."
"Do you think I would be so unmanly as to cheat on you? I'm your husband and you're my wife."
"Roy, it's common knowledge that you love to date multiple girls-"
"When I was single and for your information I haven't dated a girl romantically in the last 6 months. And not all my outings are romantic in nature, a lot of the time I go out with my friends, like with you."
Riza sat down on the couch and motioned for me to join her. "We both know this marriage didn't start out the way it should have. It shouldn't have even happened."
I felt a bucket of cold water come down on me as I heard those words. At that moment I felt her take my hand to place her wedding ring in it.
"This belongs to you. Maybe you can get back a little of the money you paid for the two of them."
I clenched the ring in my fist, dismayed and with an inexplicable ache in my chest. Apparently, there would be no convincing her for the moment so I stood up. I inhaled deeply trying to hide the pain in my expression before looking at her.
"I don't give up that easily, maybe in time I'll convince you that I could be a good husband for you. We might even be able to live together before even the divorce papers are ready." I said trying to sound cheerful.
Riza smiled slightly. "I don't think either of us are cut out for marriage."
Unable to resist I moved closer to her and stole a kiss on her lips, surprising her. "We'll see about that." I said before grabbing my suitcase and leaving her apartment.
I had to talk to Maes but not exactly to get him to help me with the divorce but to give me advice on how to conquer my wife.
Maes couldn't believe I had married Riza in Las Vegas, but he was so happy for me until I told him about her insistence on getting divorced from me.
"My friend, that's what you get for womanizing, for that very reason she has kept you at arm's length and only as her friend, why didn't you calm down long ago?"
I exhaled heavily as I ran my hand through my hair. "You know it's more the fame I have than anything else."
"Yeah, but to everyone else including Riza, you're a top-notch womanizer." He removed his glasses to begin cleaning them. "Be honest with me, how do you feel about Riza?"
"I like being around her, chatting, and spending time with her. Riza is a beautiful woman inside and out. With her, I feel I can be myself... I feel at peace and happy. When I was intimate with her, I felt an incredible connection, something I've never felt before."
"And you don't want to divorce her?"
I shook my head immediately. "No, obviously I wasn't planning on getting married but I really want to try, I want to be by her side."
Maes began to smile as he put his glasses back on. "You really don't know what this whole thing you're telling me is called?"
I looked at him confused. "I don't understand you."
Maes started laughing as he slapped my back. "Love, my friend, you're in love."
"What?!"
"What you heard, you're in love with Riza, I'd bet you've been that way for a while but you're even barely realizing it."
"Why do you say that?"
"Mmm, where to start? Since you and her have been friends, you always try to spend time with her, you care about her, and for a while now your dates haven't meant anything to you, not to mention that over the years you've cut them down considerably. Coincidentally, since Riza came into your life, you haven't dated a blonde girl. And the icing on the cake, the first chance you get to marry her off, you do it."
When Maes put the facts that way, there was no way to refute it. I had never been in love before so I was completely unaware of the feeling, but if I took a closer look at what my friend was telling me, he was right, I had unconsciously fallen head over heels in love with Riza.
"What are you going to do?" His question snapped me out of my reverie.
I ran a hand over my face. "I don't want us to get divorced, I want us to give our marriage a chance."
"Keep in mind that if you're going to go through with the marriage that means no more parties and dates."
"For God's sake, Maes. You know damn well it's been at least 6 months since I've dated a girl and a lot of those 'dates' weren't romantic. I would never cheat on Riza."
"It's good that you're clear on that. But you have to win Riza's love for her to agree to continue the marriage."
"I know, that's why I need ideas and whatever happens don't tell her that I asked you to ignore the divorce thing. Make her think you're on it but there are too many people lined up or make up anything believable that will help me buy time."
"Okay, I'll help you. You're lucky I always bring pictures of some of the gifts I've given my beautiful Grace but you better protect me from Riza if she ever finds out I didn't do anything with your divorce paperwork."
I couldn't help but laugh. "I'll try my best to conquer her."
Riza
"You did what?!"
"Hush, Becky, I don't want the whole cafeteria to know." I scolded my friend. I had a feeling she would act this way but I knew she would listen and advise me. After calming her down and seeing that we no longer had everyone else's attention on us, I told her everything that had happened.
"Too bad I didn't go on that trip with you, I would have loved to be your godmother." Rebeca whined.
"Becky, this was a product of drunkenness."
"But that doesn't take away the fact that you are now the wife of one of the hottest and most eligible bachelors in town. You'll be the envy of every woman when this comes out."
"Didn't you pay attention to me?"
Rebeca exhaled. "You don't think it's possible he really wants to try? After all, you said he kept the papers, told you he wouldn't give up so easily, and kissed you when he was sober."
"I think maybe it's a challenge for him. Roy is my friend but I know he has a big ego and that is possibly what is motivating him."
"I know your friendship with Roy is good and close, you had even told me that with you he showed up differently, that he didn't lie to you, and that you knew how to detect when he did. So did you detect if he was lying to you when he told you that in your apartment?"
I sighed. "No."
"Then?"
"I didn't detect that he was lying but that doesn't mean that maybe he wants to go along with this to feed his own ego."
"Or maybe he's in love with you and you're in love with him and that's precisely why you ended up getting married."
"What?! That happened because we were drunk."
"When we're drunk it's easier to do and say the things we don't dare to do when sober. After all these years of friendship don't you have feelings for Roy beyond friendship?"
"I'm fond of him, but I haven't thought of him romantically."
"Really? Don't lie to me and especially don't lie to yourself."
I inhaled deeply as I thought. "I'd be blind if I said he isn't attractive."
"Aha, go on." Rebeca said leaning further across the table so she wouldn't miss anything I said.
"As a friend, he's very good."
"And in bed?" She said wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Rebeca." I warned her.
"Oh, come on, confirm to me that he's good in bed because he looks like a good lover."
I growled internally, my friend obviously liked dirty details, which I wasn't going to divulge, not when I was more concerned about my current situation.
"Can we talk about the main topic?"
She pouted. "Why do you always avoid the more fun topics?" She sighed. "Then at least confess that you have a crush on him." Just as I was about to protest she interrupted me. "Don't evade what I'm asking, talk to me with the truth."
I ducked my head slightly trying to give a name to how I felt about Roy before looking at my friend again.
"I'm fond of him but I really don't know if I could see him as my partner." I answered truthfully.
"Why?"
"He has always been good to me but I know he likes to go from date to date, I want to believe he wouldn't cheat on me but I'm afraid he would get tired of me soon. Besides, remember his father owns a very important import-export company."
Rebeca placed her hand over mine and gave it a firm squeeze. "I doubt very much that he will tire of you, you are very beautiful, Riz. I would even go so far as to say that he does have a crush on you."
I looked at her confused. "Why would you think that?"
"Because he loves spending time with you, the details he has with you, the way he looks at you-"
"They're just friend gestures. Besides, we spend a lot of time together because we make a good team and present good advertising campaigns to our clients." I interrupted her, it couldn't be possible what she was saying.
She looked at me incredulously. "I don't mean the time you spend working together, although I don't doubt that helps too. Riz, to me those invitations to lunch, the little details, and the way he behaves with you are not just from friends. They are from a suitor and if you haven't noticed for a while now he hasn't been seen dating other girls."
"I think you're seeing things where there aren't any."
"And I think you're refusing to see what's right in front of you. Now, tell me what Roy's father has to do with this?"
"He would not approve of a marriage with me, he is waiting for Roy to take over the company and marry one of his acquaintances' daughters to form a business alliance. Someone with money and social standing. Obviously, to his father, I would only be a commoner."
"I think at one time Roy mentioned to us that he was not interested in his father's business and that because of that and the pressure he was putting on his personal life he had distanced himself from him. So I doubt Roy cares about his father's opinion, what matters to him is his own, where he must think highly of you. Besides, don't underestimate yourself, your grandfather has a good position, maybe not as great as his father's but you are not a mere commoner as you say."
I cracked a slight smile. "Thank you, Becky. But I think if I want to save myself trouble I'd better go ahead with the divorce."
"Why don't you give it a chance? If after a certain amount of time, nothing comes up between you then you already file for divorce."
I knew her proposal was logical but I was afraid that whatever I felt for Roy would evolve into something that could tear me apart if the marriage didn't work out. It was better to end it now to prevent that situation. To protect my heart, to protect myself.
"No, I think it's better for each of us to get on with our single lives."
"I don't agree with you but you know you have my support for whatever you decide to do. But let me ask you something: won't it be uncomfortable to continue working with him after this situation?"
"Probably, but we're both adults and we'll know how to separate our personal and work issues." I had to.
"I understand. What I would advise you to do is not to close the door to your heart completely, maybe you can surprise yourself if you give him the chance."
"We'll see."
For the next few days I had not seen Roy as first thing Monday morning he was assigned to attend meetings for the entire week at a new client's facility. However, since Monday a beautiful floral arrangement had begun to make its appearance in my office and did not fail each day. Each and every one of them brought a card with a beautiful phrase and signed with the letter "R" and the calligraphy was undoubtedly from the black-haired man.
I was confused, on the one hand, my heart was racing at the sight of the flowers, and read the beautiful dedications but on the other hand, my mind told me to be careful, not to get excited, that maybe they were just details to apologize for the outburst of marrying me. It wasn't until Friday that I saw him again in person knocking on my office door.
"May I?" Roy asked at the entrance to my office.
"Sure, go ahead."
I was finishing reading some documents that were in front of me when I suddenly felt him beside me kissing my cheek.
"How have you been, Mrs. Mustang?" He said with a smile.
I pulled away from him slightly, surprised by the gesture and especially the words. While it was true that he kissed me on the cheek as friends, this time the gesture felt much more intimate, more personal. "Why do you call me that?" I asked him confused.
"Why? Because you're my wife." He replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world as he sat down in the chair in front of my desk, laying a folder on the surface. "Did you like the flowers?"
I set the document I was reading aside and looked at him. "Roy... I thank you for the flowers, but they're not necessary if you're looking to apologize for what happened in Las Vegas. We were both at fault."
He frowned. "Those flowers aren't to apologize for that, but because I haven't been able to be around you these days."
I inhaled deeply. "Roy, we agreed that the best thing would be for us to get a divorce and move on with our lives. Haven't you already filed for it?"
Roy leaned over the desk to approach me. "You were the one who agreed to this divorce thing, I told you I wouldn't give up easily."
"It's not going to work out between us, we're good friends and I'd rather we stay that way." I could see something strange in Roy's gaze but it was so quick that I didn't manage to determine what it was. "Now, answer my question, have you talked to Maes yet?"
He sighed and leaned back in his chair crossing his arms. "Yes, I did."
"Did he give you an estimated time?"
He shrugged. "He says divorce season is at an all-time high so we have to wait, there are people lined up before us."
Something in Roy's look made me wonder about that, I'd have to find out later. "I hope you didn't tell anyone but Maes."
"Why is it so hard for you to accept our reality?" He asked slightly annoyed.
"Because it was something we did drunk. Now let's drop that personal matter and let's focus on work." I handed him a couple of folders. "Here are the slogans and my color proposals for the campaigns for Mr. Douglas and Store Inc. I think they will go very well with your designs and the ideas we gathered before our trip."
"Is that all?" He asked slightly annoyed.
"No, if you want we can go over them together to see if anything-"
Roy stood up placing both hands on the desk, inexplicably I couldn't help but feel disappointed to see that he wasn't wearing the wedding ring. "For God's sake, Riza. We've been married practically a week, I haven't seen you in the last few days and all I get from you is work and a reminder of a divorce?"
I pushed my disappointment aside and stood up to be on the same level as him, I would not allow him to intimidate me as I knew he could do on occasion if he put his mind to it.
"We are at work, I think we are both a couple of adults who know how to separate our issues. We both act impulsively and need our lives back."
"Are you having an affair and that's why you're pushing this divorce?" He asked angrily, raising his voice.
"Please watch the volume of your voice. Besides, my personal life is none of your business." I replied trying to watch my tone of voice although I was finding it difficult as Roy was one of the few people who knew how to get on my nerves if he put his mind to it.
"That it's none of my business?" He laughed sarcastically. "May I remind you that we're married, everything about you is my business."
"Well we won't be very soon and if you have nothing to discuss pertaining to work, I'd ask you to please leave. I have a lot of unfinished business to attend to."
I saw him clench his hands into fists as he took a deep breath. Without a word, he took the documents I had given him and walked out of the office in annoyance.
I sighed heavily as I slumped back in my chair. I had never seen Roy behave that way before, was he jealous? No, it couldn't be possible, he was fond of me just as a friend. Maybe he was feeling his male pride wounded and wanted to mark territory. Yes... it had to be that.
I took a deep breath, I had to clear my mind of Roy and focus on my work.
Roy
After leaving Riza's office, I headed to mine but since I couldn't calm down I decided to take a walk in a park that was near the building. I walked for a few minutes until I found a deserted bench where I sat down to think and try to calm down. I had never felt these feelings before in my life. I was furious at the very idea that Riza had a suitor she wanted to get back together with and that was the reason she was pushing to get a divorce from me.
At the thought of divorce, I felt sad and helpless. I ached because I couldn't or rather didn't want to believe that she didn't feel anything for me. Not when I felt that her kisses and caresses corresponded to mine, not when in spite of our drunken state and the fact that she had confessed to me that she had never been with a man in that way, we both gave ourselves body and soul when we made love. Despite my track record with my numerous dates, there had been few times I had had sex, and only with Riza had I made love.
"Why the long face?" I heard a voice interrupt my thoughts. I raised my head to meet Maes who was holding his daughter Elicia.
"Uncle Roy, are you sad?" The little girl asked who immediately fidgeted in her father's arms for him to put her down. As soon as he did she came over to me and, unable to help myself and despite my bad mood, I smiled. I carried her, kissed her cheek, and placed her on my lap.
"Hello, little one. No, I'm just thinking."
Maes sat next to me watching me.
"Are you sure?" Elicia asked, looking at me with the same curiosity as her father.
"Yes, little one. It's just that I have a lot of work and I'm thinking about how to solve it."
The little girl nodded and looked at the games in front of us.
"Daddy, can I go play?" Elicia said pointing to the front.
"Sure, princess. But don't wander away, okay?"
"Yes, Daddy."
I carefully lowered Elicia off my lap and watched her run gleefully toward the little slide.
"What is wrong with you?" Maes asked me.
I knew my friend could see that something was troubling me. He was very perceptive and if I was honest I needed someone to listen to me since the other person I trusted was the cause of my lovesickness.
"Don't you have work at the office?" I asked without taking my eyes off Elicia playing.
"Today I leave early to pick up Elicia from kindergarten so Gracia can do her chores at home quietly. I always bring her to the park to tire her out before taking her home. We saw you lost in your thoughts and that's how we got here." I felt him look at me carefully for a few moments. "I have a feeling you're like this because of Riza, don't you?"
I merely nodded.
"What happened?"
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "She keeps insisting on a divorce. I didn't see her all this week until today because I was being sent to one of our client's buildings. I decided not to push during these days, limiting myself to only sending her flower arrangements and when I went to see her today at her office I was greeted by her question about the divorce. I became annoyed and asked her if her rush to divorce me was because she had a suitor."
Maes shook his head from side to side without taking his eyes off his daughter. "Why did you tell her that?"
I put my hands to my head, leaning slightly forward. "What other explanation could there be? I didn't see her all week, I was dying to kiss her and hold her in my arms and that's what I get?"
"Roy, you have to understand her. Your marriage didn't happen under normal conditions, it was sudden and in a drunken state. I consider it normal for her to feel confused and even frustrated with this situation."
I raised my head to look at my friend. "Maybe she feels guilty that she got married when she was dating someone else before she married me and that's why she has an urge to get rid of me."
Maes smiled. "You're jealous."
"What?!"
"What you heard, you're jealous that she might be dating someone."
"Of course not."
"Really?"
I returned my gaze to where Elicia was. Jealous. Hell, I really was jealous and hadn't realized it. I'd never felt jealous being with any other girl before.
"Well, if I was, there's nothing wrong with it because she's my wife."
"Nothing wrong with it as long as you don't overdo it. A little jealousy now and then with your partner doesn't hurt but if you become a possessive caveman it would doom your relationship, especially with a woman like Riza. Have you talked to her about your feelings?"
I shook my head.
"If you don't, how do you expect her not to keep pushing for a divorce?"
"How am I going to tell her I'm in love with her when I just realized it?"
"Let your heart guide you and control that damn jealousy of yours... You know, I don't think she was seeing anyone before she married you, because I get the impression that Riza, no matter how drunk she would have been, would never have done that to someone she loved... I guess you consummated the marriage, right?" I nodded my head. "That still supports my idea. So you better take it easy on her, get to her heart, and be patient with her."
I exhaled heavily. "All I want is to have her by my side to make her happy. I want to shout from the rooftops that she's my wife and I'm her husband."
"Patience, my friend. You'll see it will be worth it."
Riza
For the next week, I didn't get a chance to see Roy as I got to volunteer at some schools in the area. But that didn't stop him from texting and voicemailing me, asking if I was okay and how my day had gone. He apologized for the argument and continued to treat me like he did before we got married. Like friends. And I couldn't quite understand why that disappointed me and even hurt.
After talking with Rebeca, I couldn't help but analyze every single interaction I'd had with Roy over the past few years. I hadn't noticed or even thought about it until my friend told me that for her, Roy had been trying to win me over for a long time. I couldn't believe it, to me, they had been friendly interactions given that when I first met him I immediately rejected him the first chance he blatantly flirted with me. At the time, I knew he was doing it mostly for fun, but now I wasn't sure anymore.
I couldn't deny that I was attracted to Roy, after all, he was a handsome man and despite his fame, I knew he was a good man. But still, I was afraid to give in to his idea of going through with this marriage, because if it didn't work out I might lose his friendship and even though I didn't want to admit it, I had a feeling that such a breakup between us would break my heart. Now that Rebeca had made me analyze my heart, I was realizing that I had already developed feelings for Roy and that terrified me because if he only saw this as a game, I would end up getting hurt and I, being the coward I was about my feelings, preferred to take a step back and prevent that situation. It was for the best.
Just as I was on my way to my apartment, I ran into Maes, so I decided to say hello and ask him about our divorce. The sooner I got this settled, the better.
"Hi, Maes."
"Hey, Riza! How have you been?" He greeted me effusively as he gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"All good, thanks. How have you and Gracia and Elicia been?"
His smile widened. "We've all been wonderful. You should visit soon, Elicia keeps asking about her Auntie Riza."
I laughed lightly. I had met Maes and her family through Roy. They were all excellent people. Elicia, her 3-year-old daughter had taken a liking to me and if I was honest I loved that beautiful little girl very much too.
"I'll drop by and say hello to them soon, I owe Elicia a tea party."
"Great, I know she'll love it."
"Maes, I want to ask you about-"
He raised his hand. "Come on, I'll buy you a coffee and we'll talk about it there."
"Okay."
We went to a coffee shop that was a couple of blocks away from where we had met. Fortunately, we found a table in the back where no one would bother us.
When we had our coffees, I looked at Maes. "Tell me Roy has spoken to you regarding the legal paperwork we need to go through."
Maes sighed and nodded slightly. "Yes, he told me everything."
"Well, how's the paperwork coming along?"
"I apologize for the delay, but there are too many cases and unfortunately many are divorce and custody cases. So you can imagine how 'quiet' my days at the office have been these days." Maes said with a slight wry smile on his lips.
"I understand, but don't you need some documents or signatures?"
"Not yet, I'll call you when it's time." He inhaled deeply. "Riza, as a lawyer I always have this talk for this kind of case but this time it's something much more personal, because I consider you my friend and because my best friend, practically my brother, is involved. Are you really sure about this?"
I sighed. "Thank you for holding me in that regard, Maes. I consider you my friend too. I know you're in favor of families and therefore marriage but in this case, it was just an outburst."
"Really? Because I've known Roy for many years, I've had drunken binges with him and I'm absolutely sure it wasn't just an outburst on his part." He watched me carefully for a couple of seconds. "I would even go so far as to say it wasn't on your part either."
"Maes, Roy and I are just good friends who let a drunken binge walk us down the aisle. That's all."
"And to bed." He commented wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
I growled in frustration as I felt a slight blush of embarrassment creep into my cheeks. "Why did he tell you that?"
"He didn't tell me, I figured it out when he told me about the divorce." He placed his hand over mine. "Riza, contrary to what a lot of people think, my friend hasn't been sleeping around for a long time. I think you two would make a good couple, a good marriage, and in the future a beautiful family like mine."
I shook my head. "I know Roy is a good man but it's not fair to condemn him to a marriage that came out of a drunken binge. At some point, he'll realize his mistake and the longer we let it go, the more we risk affecting the friendship we have and that's something I'd hate to lose."
"Has he talked to you?"
"We haven't talked much... we haven't really seen eye to eye with all the assignments we've had."
"Give him a chance, contrary to what you think I think if you give yourselves a chance you can both be very happy."
I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. "Thank you for your good wishes, Maes, but I think it's best to move on with the divorce and our lives."
Maes looked me straight in the eye. "Are you in love with someone else?"
"No, I'm not."
"In the end, I'll do what you and Roy ask but I'm going to insist that you two at least give it a chance."
"Thank you, Maes. If anything should ever change I'll let you know."
Over the next few days, I looked through the contents of the folder Roy had left in my office the time we argued. It was some ads for houses and apartments available for sale or rent in the city, no doubt he intended to keep pushing the issue of going ahead with the marriage. However, after that discussion, our jobs kept us very busy and even though we spent a lot of time together because we were running campaigns for various clients, we only limited ourselves to the professional aspect. I could still feel his intense gaze on me all the time and every time we had contact, it lingered a little longer than normal. Every day there was a rose on my desk and a nice cup of coffee that undoubtedly came from him. As time went on, a part of me prayed that the divorce would be finalized as soon as possible because otherwise, I would end up giving in to the growing feelings I had for Roy. My head knew and understood perfectly well that he was out of my reach but my heart didn't seem to get that message.
In my eagerness to convince myself that I shouldn't give in to my growing feelings for Roy, I couldn't help but remember the time I happened to meet Roy's father. We had gone to lunch at a restaurant with one of our clients. When we finished our business, Roy insisted that we enjoy the place and the desserts some more. It was there that we ran into his father. He greeted us as soon as he saw us but I could tell by Roy's attitude that their relationship was not very good.
When I went to the restroom, his father intercepted me and asked me if I was his son's girlfriend, calming down when I told him we were just friends and co-workers. Before he let me continue on my way, he warned me never to get my hopes up about his son, that it would only be a fling because he would see to it that his son married the daughter of one of his friends who owned other large companies. I just nodded and continued on my way without giving it much importance, since at that moment I had not realized that I was already starting to have feelings for Roy.
It was more than obvious that if his father ever found out about our marriage he would personally divorce us, of that I had no doubt. I had better get this over with before he even noticed.
As I looked at my calendar, I couldn't help but be surprised to see that it had been practically 3 months since we had gotten married and to top it off, next week would be Roy's birthday and just that day one of our clients was scheduled to have a gala dinner. Regardless of the fact that there was a divorce in process between us, I wanted to give him a birthday present, so I decided that after leaving work I would start brainstorming what I could give him.
Roy
It was a little late, almost everyone in the building had left but I had stayed to get some things ahead for tomorrow as with the gala I had to attend the next day it would force me to retire early. I knew that Riza would also be attending and I couldn't help but wish that she would finally accept me as her husband and that I could show her off in my arms as my beautiful wife, as the woman I had been unconsciously trying to conquer for years.
It had been 3 months since our wedding and I had not seen significant progress in our relationship. I had decided to go slow but now I wondered if that had been a good strategy... if she would ever love me.
The ringing of my cell phone interrupted my thoughts and I couldn't help but grunt slightly as I realized who was calling me.
"Mustang." I replied dryly.
"Way to greet your father, boy."
"I think you know perfectly well why I'm addressing you that way."
"Oh, come on son. I'm still calling to congratulate you. Thanks to this day I've been a father for 32 years."
I looked at my calendar, I hadn't realized my birthday was near, but typical of my father since my mother died, he would forget or get the day wrong.
"It's tomorrow."
I heard a big sigh. "Well I'm anticipating it, I'm off on a trip to Xing tomorrow to close a couple of deals."
"Thanks for the congratulations, have a safe trip." I said neutrally as I tried to hang up.
"Roy, wait. Boy, I just want to remind you that at your age I already had you. Remember, you're the last Mustang, so I'd like you to get married and have at least one boy to secure our family name for at least one more generation. You know, my friend in Xing has a beautiful 25-year-old daughter who is single and looking for a good match."
I knew he had something planned, ever since my mother had died, he was like that. Typical of him, using me for his convenience. "I'm not interested."
"Well, I am interested. You would have beautiful children-"
"And let me guess, you would gain a strong business alliance with this friend of yours."
"I knew you would understand what I meant. It's a win-win."
"Forget it, I'm not interested. I'm no longer that child you can manipulate and use as you please. I'm a grown man who decides what he wants and right now I have no plans to get married." Not when I was still eager to save my marriage with Riza, but I wouldn't tell him that.
"You could live in Xing, reconnect with part of your roots-"
"I can reconnect with them without having to leave the place where I'm comfortable. Look I have a lot of work to do, see you." I didn't let him reply, hung up my phone and leaned my head back against the back of my chair, rubbing my temples. Whenever my father called it was always to try to get something that would benefit his company and today had been no exception, although I must admit that on this occasion he was closer to knowing when my birthday was. I could not understand how a father could treat and use a son in that way, I would never do that with mine if I ever had one. On occasions like these, I couldn't help but have a part of me miss the loving father he once was but unfortunately, that man died with my mother.
"Roy, are you all right?" I was slightly startled to hear someone else was in the room but was immediately reassured when I realized it was Riza. I sat upright in my chair to look at her.
"Yeah, just a little headache threatening to pop up. I didn't hear you come in."
"I knocked on the door but you didn't hear me. I was on my way out but I saw the light in your office and wanted to make sure you were okay."
I smiled, despite everything she always worried about me.
"I am now."
She averted her gaze from me. "What are you doing at this hour?"
I shrugged. "I'm just advancing a few things, since with the gala tomorrow it won't be possible for me to do so."
She raised an eyebrow. "Are you really okay? The Roy Mustang I know doesn't usually advance work." She said with an amused tone.
"Well you see, anything can happen. Maybe it's the sign that the apocalypse is near."
We both laughed. I couldn't help but delight in hearing Riza's laughter. I wanted to see her always happy, I wanted to be the one to make her happy.
"Looks like it." She looked at her watch. "I'd better get going, don't work too hard."
"Hey, I didn't see your car."
"I had to take it in for service, I'll get it back until Monday."
I stood up taking my jacket with me. "Then I'll take you to your apartment."
"No need-"
"I will, it's my duty to take care of you and I'd love to do it every day if you'd give me the chance...I'd love to share the same roof-"
"Roy... please don't insist on something that has already been decided."
I sighed and decided to drop the subject for the time being. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to at least escort her to her apartment.
"I will if you let me walk you to the door of your apartment."
She sighed. "Okay."
The ride in the car was very short for me. She insisted that she didn't need to be escorted to her door, but I was more insistent. At her door, I reluctantly kissed her cheek before turning around to continue on my way.
"Roy?"
I stopped immediately and turned to look at her. "What's wrong?"
I saw that she was slightly nervous, something rare for her.
"Would you like to come in for a moment?"
I couldn't help but smile. "I'd love to."
I had been to her apartment a couple of times, but as always even though it was small, it could feel like home. Her warm touch, quiet but full of love, a feeling I had suddenly learned to recognize and wished I could share with the blonde in front of me. I wished to love and be loved by her.
"Can I offer you coffee, tea, a soda, or water?"
"Uh, coffee would be fine if it's not too much trouble."
"None, I'll be right back. Please make yourself comfortable." She pointed to her small living room before disappearing into her kitchen. I sat on the couch enjoying the warmth of a home.
Within minutes, Riza returned with two steaming mugs, one of coffee for me and one of tea for her. As I took the first sip I smiled internally realizing that she always knew how I liked to drink it.
We enjoyed each other's company chatting about different topics and even laughing at our jokes. Before we knew it a couple of hours flew by. I hated having to leave especially knowing that we were husband and wife.
"I'd better go, it's getting a little late and we both need to rest, tomorrow will be a long day for both of us." I stood up. "Thank you so much for the coffee."
She stood up. "Thank you for bringing me."
"You're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Wait."
I looked at her confused as she headed to her room returning with a small box in her hands.
"I know tomorrow is your birthday but probably with how busy we'll be at the gala I won't get a chance to give it to you so I'd rather do it now. It's a small thing but I hope you like it. Happy Birthday, Roy."
I took the little box from her hands before looking at her with a smile. "Thank you so much, you shouldn't have bothered. Can I open it?"
"Of course."
I removed the wrapping carefully before opening the box and looking at the contents. It was an elegant watch that I would undoubtedly wear from now on. I removed the one I was wearing and slipped the new one on, slightly surprised that it fit me perfectly. No doubt Riza was excellent at paying attention to the smallest details.
I looked her in the eye. "Thank you so much, it's very pretty and fits me perfectly."
She smiled. "I'm glad you liked it and it fit."
"I'm missing something though, considering you're giving me my gift ahead of time."
She gave me a confused look. "What's missing?"
Following my impulse I pulled her into my arms feeling her at first freeze but then relax in my arms returning the gesture.
"My embrace." I whispered into her blonde hair. At that moment I allowed myself to rejoice in her closeness, wishing that someday I could have this for the rest of my life. If she would accept me as her husband, that would undoubtedly be my greatest gift.
After a couple of minutes, I deposited a kiss on her head and reluctantly stopped hugging her. "Thank you."
I don't know if it was my imagination but I could notice a slight blush on her cheeks. "You're welcome."
I picked up the box where I had placed the watch I was wearing earlier and without stopping to think about it I leaned over and kissed the corner of her lips. "Thank you, Riza. Get some rest."
I headed for the door and left the apartment with a big smile. This simple moment with the woman I loved had helped me completely forget the bitter moment I'd had hours before with my father. That was the magic that Riza had on me and deep in my heart I hoped to one day have that same effect on her.
Riza
I remained frozen in place for a couple of minutes touching the corner of my lips with my fingers where Roy had kissed me. I certainly wouldn't have minded him kissing me on the lips but I knew he was respecting my decision and I couldn't help but wonder if he really was in love with me like Becky claimed.
I shook my head not wanting to get my hopes up. At least I had confirmed that our friendship was still intact and that despite everything that had happened in Las Vegas, we were not bothered or uncomfortable next to each other. That would be my comfort when the divorce became official.
I inhaled deeply and decided to take a bath and get my things ready for tomorrow. I had to mentally prepare myself for tomorrow's gala where no doubt several women would be around Roy asking him for a dance. The rational part in me told me that I didn't have to be upset about it, after all the divorce was in process and he was free to do what he wanted. But I couldn't help but feel jealous just imagining other women flirting with him. As much as I was trying to get him out of my heart, he was finding a way to get back into it, proof of that was the kiss he had given me a few minutes ago.
I sighed and tried not to think about it anymore, at least for tonight.
The next day, during the gala Roy and I had many conversations with the clients and guests but then came the dinner and later the dance, where I had to participate in some dances with some of the clients and guests. At each piece, I couldn't help but divert my eyes to Roy, who was wearing an elegant suit that made him look even more handsome if that was possible. As I had anticipated he was surrounded by some beautiful woman at all times and as much as I tried to deny it, I became more and more convinced that I was feeling jealous. But that feeling was slightly pushed back when a man reappeared in front of me insisting that I dance with him again. I had already done it a couple of times but I did it out of politeness rather than pleasure. The guy tried again and again to put his filthy hands in inappropriate places and every moment was worse because he kept getting drunker and drunker. More insufferable. It was taking every millimeter of my being to restrain myself from smacking him in his noble parts in the middle of this gala.
"Oh, come on, gorgeous, grant me another piece. Or what's more, let's go to my room, I assure you we'll have a good time."
"Mr. James, I've already told you several times tonight and I'm going to tell you again, no thank you, I'm not interested. Now if you'll excuse me."
I tried to pull away from the man but he held me by the arm. "You're not leaving, cutie."
"Let go of me." I tried to contain my anger even though some of it had seeped into my tone.
"I don't think so, gorgeous."
"Let her go, asshole!" Roy appeared furiously behind me, pushing the guy away and stepping in front of me.
"Why are you butting in? This matter is between me and her." The man spat.
Roy was not at all intimidated. "I told you, leave her alone. She's already been polite enough to grant you a couple of pieces." He grabbed my arm and we started walking.
The man pushed Roy staggering him, that's when I noticed that Roy had been drinking a little more than usual, otherwise, he wouldn't have even been moved. "She's not leaving, she's mine."
I noticed Roy's fury in his eyes as he confronted the guy again. "She's not, asshole. You better behave yourself if you don't want me to break your face right now."
"Come on, pretty boy, I want to see that fanfare of yours."
Roy was determined to pounce on the guy, so I immediately grabbed his arm and gave it a light squeeze, getting his attention.
"Let him go, Roy, he's not worth it, let's go."
I could see how reluctantly he accepted my request and we started walking again when the man again tried to grab my arm. Roy didn't hesitate and pushed him away.
"Leave her alone." Roy uttered between his teeth.
"I told you not to meddle." The guy spat.
Roy confronted him again. "I will because she doesn't want you around."
"I told you she's mine."
"Roy, please, let's go." I insisted as I took his hand, the last thing I wanted was for a fuss to be made.
"I'll say it one more time and listen to it good, you idiot. Stay away from her. She's my wife." He shoved him again and pulled me with him to immediately get us away from there. Roy was definitely upset and a little drunk to have blurted out that information at that time and in the place we were in. "I'll take you back to your apartment, I've had more than enough of this damn gala." He said to me as we kept walking.
"I appreciate you helping me with that asshole but I can call a cab and go home for-"
"I'll give you a ride." He interrupted me with an annoyed tone making it clear that I wasn't going to convince him to change his mind. I decided to continue walking with him. Shortly after Roy stopped for a moment when he saw a waiter with a tray of glasses full of champagne, he took one and downed it in one gulp before continuing to walk.
"Roy you've had too much to drink so I'd better drive. I'll take you to your apartment and from there I'll take a cab."
"No."
I sighed trying to stay calm, as soon as we pulled out into the parking lot I could feel the cool evening breeze make me shiver slightly, making me remember that I had forgotten to bring a sweater or coat with me. Roy noticed, he let go of my hand to remove his coat which he placed over my shoulders before taking my hand again and continuing to where he had parked his car.
"Thanks." I said, getting a nod from him.
As soon as we got to his car, I took the keys from him. "Please, Roy. You're in no condition to drive and you know it. I'm not going to let you expose our lives like that."
He exhaled heavily as he ran a hand through his hair. "Fine, you drive but we'll go to your apartment."
"I won't give you back your keys until you sober up."
"Okay, I'll take a cab from your apartment."
"Roy, like I said I can take you to your-"
"No, Riza. Even drunk I can take care of you as well as myself." He turned around and climbed into the passenger seat.
I inhaled deeply and headed for the pilot's seat. The ride was silent although I could feel a great deal of tension between us, I didn't fully understand why. I didn't understand why Roy had drunk too much, in all the galas and other events we had been to I had never seen him like that. Well, the last time I saw him drunk was when we got married in Las Vegas but even then I didn't feel the tension between us that I feel now.
When we got to my building, I parked his car in the parking lot I used to use for mine so as not to block the exit of my neighbors' cars and we went up to my apartment. I would call a cab once I got Roy a few glasses of water and maybe some coffee.
As soon as we walked in, I put his coat on a chair so it wouldn't get wrinkled and went to make coffee and get water. When I returned, Roy was sitting on the couch with his head down. I placed the tray on the coffee table and sat down next to him.
"What's wrong with you?" I asked him slightly concerned.
"Why do you ask?" He replied without looking at me.
"You don't usually drink like that and you don't confront drunk guys like that."
"That fucking asshole had earned it. He was lucky you didn't let me break his face."
"Roy, what's wrong with you? I don't remember you drinking like that at this kind of event or on your previous birthdays."
He laughed bitterly, which worried me more. "True, I'm usually not a fan of getting drunk, but I think today warranted it. Except this time there was no wedding involved."
I placed my hand on his arm. "Talk to me." I said softly.
He took the glass of water and drank it in one gulp. He placed his head in his hands. "You know, I was always of the idea that when you try hard, are patient and consistent you can achieve what you set out to do… obviously, I didn't know that didn't work for feelings."
I didn't quite understand what Roy was saying, so I gave his arm a squeeze and dared to ask. "What do you mean?"
He sighed heavily. "I've understood after several years and especially in these last few months that you simply can't force someone to love you."
I could feel the pain in his words and at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain in my heart. Roy was in love and from his tone of voice, it was not reciprocated. It hurt me to see him suffer, he was an amazing man, maybe a bit of a womanizer but I wanted to believe that if he was really in love he would leave those days behind. Apparently, this unrequited love thing happened between friends.
I wanted to comfort him, to help him feel better...
"I'm sorry, Riza." He lifted his head and looked into my eyes. There was pain in them and it broke my soul. "I'm sorry for forcing the marriage on you, for lying to you by telling you I had filed for divorce."
"What?" I was confused and apparently my brain at the moment wasn't cooperating to finish processing everything that had been going on since the gala.
"I asked Maes not to proceed, to delay it as long as he could and make you believe it was in process when in fact he hasn't done anything about it at my request."
"Why?"
"I wanted to buy time to convince you to stay married...to...to win you over."
"Win me over? Why, Roy?" Unable to contain the doubt he had planted in my heart to convince me that Roy wasn't serious about me, I asked. "Is this all because you wanted to soothe your ego by trying to win me over for being the only girl who has ever turned you down?"
He shook his head. "It's never been about my fucking ego."
"So?" I whispered.
"Because I love you, Riza. I have for a long time without even realizing it until we got married... You've always been amazing to me and you've always made it clear that you love me and care about me... as your friend."
"Do you... l-love me?" I couldn't believe what I had heard, it couldn't be possible, it had to be something brought on by the alcohol Roy had drunk that night.
"Yes, Riza, I love you." He ducked his head for a moment, and I could see he was inhaling deeply before meeting my gaze again. "I want you to be happy... though now I'm sure it doesn't matter if it's not by my side. So I don't want you to feel guilty about this-"
"Roy-"
"It's not your fault, more like mine. I'll talk to Maes about proceeding with the divorce and once that's settled I plan to accept my father's offer to help him with the company he's opening in Xing."
"In Xing?" Was he going to walk away from me?
"Yes, in Xing, I need time... I don't think I can be around you right now... and, to be honest, I don't know if I can in the future. But what I want you to know is that despite the distance if at any time you need me I will be there for you."
Roy's look seemed sincere, although full of pain, I could see he was holding back tears and that hurt me immensely. My heart was telling me to rush into his arms and tell him that I loved him too but my fear that this was all a product of alcohol was holding me back.
"Thank you, Riza, for everything. And I'm really sorry for all the trouble I've given you." He stood up. "I'll order a cab and wait for it outside. I'll come for the car tomorrow."
Before my own mind could stop me from acting, I took him by the hand as I stood up, letting my instincts and, above all, my heart guide me.
"I always held back in order to be intimate with the man who would be my husband, because I wanted to give myself only to that man for the rest of my life, because I dreamed and hoped that with him it would never be just sex... but lovemaking... that we would both give ourselves to each other body and soul on every occasion-"
"Forgive me, Riza. I shouldn't have taken your virginity but believe me I never did it just for the sake of sex... I gave you my body, my soul, and my heart that night... I made love to you-"
I moved closer and placed my index finger on his lips to silence him. "At first I didn't understand how I had given myself away like that...now I understand completely. It was always you, Roy, the man I was waiting for."
"I don't understand." He said confused.
"I love you, Roy Mustang, without realizing it you've taken over my heart."
"I don't want you to say that just out of pity-"
"I would never say that to you under those circumstances and you know it."
"Then why the divorce?"
"Because I thought you didn't love me, that you wanted to stay married to me out of pity or your ego."
"I would never do that, my feelings are true."
I couldn't help smiling and a tear escaping my eye, just like Roy was having it happen to him.
"So are mine."
"Really?"
I nodded my head and could feel him immediately pull me against his chest, hugging me tightly and burying his face in my hair.
"I love you, Riza... with all my being."
I hugged him back with the same intensity. "And I love you, Roy, with every fiber of my being."
We stayed in each other's arms for several minutes enjoying the moment, relishing the feelings we had long hidden. When we parted slightly, without thinking I took his face in my hands.
"Forgive me for hurting you, I'm really sorry-"
I was interrupted when his lips touched mine, kissing me tenderly, and to my surprise I immediately reciprocated the gesture. When we parted due to the inevitable lack of oxygen, he placed his forehead on mine.
"I have nothing to forgive you for. What's more, all I want to ask is that you give me a chance to be your husband."
Smiling, I pulled his face toward me to kiss him. "And all I want is for you to give me the chance to be your wife."
His beautiful onyx eyes sparkled with joy. "Marry me."
I laughed lightly. "We're already married, silly."
He laughed too. "Then marry me again."
I stroked his cheek gently. "Of course, but now what I want is for us to start being a married couple, for you to let me take care of you, for us to live under the same roof. Maybe we could look over the options you left some time ago on my desk."
"You saw them?"
"Yes, we'll discuss which ones to see, now let me do this." I kissed him again. I still couldn't believe what was happening and was just wishing it wasn't the effects of the alcohol talking. No, it couldn't be with the look Roy was giving me, one full of love and joy. "Let's get some more water, maybe some coffee, and then go to sleep."
"Does that mean I can stay with you?"
"I was serious about starting to be a married couple, Mr. Mustang."
He smiled and I couldn't help but tease him a little. "You'll have to sleep on the couch though." I said jokingly.
Roy pouted. "You can't do that to me, Mrs. Mustang. I'm your sweetheart and I want to... no, I need to sleep next to you."
I smiled and kissed his cheek. "I'll think about it."
I took his hand and we both sat on the couch. We drank some water and coffee, I hoped that with this we could mitigate the effects of any hangover that might set in. When we finished, Roy knelt down in front of me.
"What's wrong, Roy?" I asked him confused.
He loosened his tie and unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt to pull out the gold chain around his neck. He unbuttoned it and I was surprised to see that on the chain were our wedding rings along with another ring. He took 2 of the rings with one hand and with the other, he took my left hand.
"Are you really sure you want to remain my wife? Because once you accept I'm not going to let you go." He asked wanting to sound amused at the end but I could see in his gaze a slight hint of fear.
"I'm absolutely sure and you better not let me go because I won't."
He grinned from ear to ear and placed the two rings on my ring finger before bringing my hand to his lips to kiss it. I held out my free hand for him to give me his wedding ring, which he did. I took his left hand and slid the ring on, mimicking his gesture of kissing his hand. I was surprised to notice that they were the same wedding bands we had worn in Las Vegas, the only ring I didn't recognize was the one that appeared to be an engagement ring.
"I had that engagement ring made when we got back."
I looked at him in surprise. "Even though I had returned you the wedding ring and asked for a divorce?"
"That's right, I had hoped that I could win your heart and I could give it to you. I wanted to be prepared."
I smiled broadly, leaned over, and kissed him gently. "It's beautiful, but what I want most is your heart."
"You already have it."
"And you have mine."
He stood up and pulled me to his chest hugging me tightly and kissing my head. "Thank you, you gave me the best birthday present. Your love."
I hugged him tightly and kissed him again. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you."
"Let's go to sleep, it's been a long day."
Roy
When I woke up the only thing I wanted more than anything was to resume my sleep fearing that if I opened my eyes I would realize that it had only been just that... a dream. A beautiful dream where Riza told me that she loved me, that she accepted me as her husband and that from now on we would live as husband and wife. Suddenly I felt caresses on my cheek and forehead, ones that felt familiar. I slowly opened my eyes and to my surprise, I met Riza's beautiful auburn eyes. At that moment, I realized that everything that had happened in my dream had actually happened last night and now I was in her bed with her in my arms.
"Did I wake you up?" She asked, apologetic.
I shook my head and kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, I'm actually looking forward to waking up like this for the rest of my life."
"Me too."
She snuggled against me and, without hesitation, I held her tightly against me enjoying every moment. After a few minutes, she lifted her head and looked up at me.
"How's the hangover?"
I smiled. "I'm feeling too happy that I feel practically nothing, well not to mention my beautiful wife took care of me last night so I wouldn't be dying today."
She kissed my chin. "You know... I was afraid you would wake up and tell me that everything you told me last night was a product of alcohol."
"Well, you see it wasn't, in fact, I was afraid to wake up because I thought everything last night had been a dream."
We both laughed lightly and then I stroked her cheek tenderly.
"Well, I guess we'll have to rearrange our lives a bit so that we live properly as a married couple." She said.
"Of course, but while we find our new home I'll come to live here with you or you can come to my apartment because I don't want to spend any more nights alone."
"Okay... although I still need to figure out how I'm going to tell my grandfather."
"I'll be by your side and I'll stand up to anyone as long as we stay together."
"Me too."
"My aunt will love you." I couldn't wait to introduce Chris to my wife, I was sure she would welcome her with open arms.
"I'd love to meet her." She smiled for a moment before changing to a concerned expression.
"Hey, what's up?" I asked in a soft voice.
"I don't think your father is going to be too happy about our marriage." She said in a sad voice.
"Why do you say that?" I asked confused.
She sighed. "Because I know he was hoping you would marry someone of his class..." She looked into my eyes, which now did not overflow with the joy I had seen when I woke up but shone with concern and sadness. "You know... we have time to rectify this decision."
I sat up in bed and looked at her worriedly. "Was what you told me a lie? Don't you love me?"
She sat up. "Of course I love you-"
"Then what's the problem? You love me and I love you like crazy." I said as I took her face in my hands.
"I wouldn't want you to resent me in the future because your father disinherited you for marrying me."
"I would never do that because I love you. I know my father hasn't missed an opportunity to divulge what he expects of me but you know, I stopped being his pawn a long time ago. I haven't worked for his company in a long time because I wanted to do what I loved because I'd had enough of him wanting to run my life. I don't give a damn if he disinherits me, all I care about is being able to live my life the way I want to and with the woman I love, whether he likes it or not." I kissed her tenderly on the lips before placing my forehead on hers. "Are we agreed?"
Her beautiful auburn eyes sparkled with joy again before she kissed me. "Of course."
"Perfect. Enough thinking about others, I only care about you." I brushed my nose against hers. "Let's rest for another while before we start the day."
We lay down again, she settled into my chest and placed her hand over my heart. "I think that's a great idea."
I was looking forward to spending the rest of my life by the side of this beautiful woman whom I could call my friend and now, without a doubt, my wife. I knew there would be many challenges ahead but I was confident that together we would make it through.