day 2 - appreciate

summary: a moment in bed together sparks a warm conversation

rated: g | words: 751 | tags: love confessions

Roy hummed in contentment next to Riza. She curled tighter into his side, clinging tight to his torso as his grip tightened around her back. A smile spread across her face, hidden against the skin of his chest, as she felt him press a kiss to the top of her head.

Silence enveloped them, however there was no need for words. They'd said enough with their actions earlier – when Roy had stared deep into her eyes as they'd connect with one another, and as Riza had met his gaze without hesitation, not once looking away.

With anyone else, she would have.

But never him.

A scratch came from behind Riza's bedroom door, followed by a whine, making them both laugh.

"Poor little guy," Roy murmured. However, he made no move to remove himself from the bed.

Riza couldn't bring herself to leave his embrace either. She didn't entirely trust her limbs to hold her up either if she tried to stand. She felt completely sated, but exhaustion was settling upon her slowly, like a warm blanket on a cold winter's day.

"Okay?" Another kiss was pressed against her hair, making her smile, as a hand ran soothingly down every divot of her spine.

"Perfect, Roy." She gave his body a squeeze and hooked a leg over his shins.

Apparently, her clinginess while they were in bed together was amusing.

"I'm not going anywhere, you know."

She couldn't see his face, but Riza could hear his smile in his voice. No doubt he looked incredibly pleased as well.

"I know." She wouldn't dignify that statement with a further reply.

"I must admit, I do like having you right where I've always wanted you. Always needed you."

Riza shifted her head to prop her chin on his chest. She lifted one eyebrow. "In your bed?"

Roy snorted and rolled his eyes. "Beside me."

"But I'm supposed to watch your back."

"And I would always rather have my partner walking by my side."

Riza swallowed.

It was a dream to walk by his side, and not a few paces behind.

But dreams had been turned to ash among the desert sands.

"But I understand." Riza heard him swallow too. "I know where we stand. But it will never not be true. Even if you do always walk a pace behind, it does not negate the fact that you are beside me. You're with me. It doesn't matter." His arm gave her a squeeze.

"I love you, Riza."

His confession filled the silent room. It enveloped them both, consuming them, just like it always did. It was not the first time, however when it could never be uttered naturally or often, it was a cherished moment whenever it was.

"I appreciate you in all that you do for me. All that you sacrifice and all you've ever done before now. But know this. You will never just walk behind me. You will never be a step back or a step behind. We are a unit – always have been. Walking side by side to reach one goal, no matter where you physically are."

Riza stared deep into his eyes as he lowered them to meet hers. A smile softened his features as he gazed at her with such affection it made her heart skip within her chest. It paused the staccato rhythm which had been sparked by what he spoke.

"I love you." His voice hitched. "To the end of this life, and in every lifetime after."

"Roy…"

"All I ever see is you."

Every thought, every response, which tripped over within her mind, desperate to formulate into something, seemed wholly inadequate for such a grand declaration.

"I don't –"

His fingers brushed her fringe off her forehead and his smile had the ability to shake her body to her core. A tremor ran down her spine and his soft smile spread into a pleased grin at her response.

"I love you too, with all that I am," she whispered into his skin.

Riza shifted, desperate to be closer and hitched her leg around his hips tighter. She'd burrow into the centre of his chest, right into his heart, if she could. Would be quite content to be held within his heart forever. To never leave.

"I will be by your side always. Forever."

His breath shuddered through him. Exhaled from his chest in a rush and he held her tighter to him, as if the confirmation was what he was waiting for.

"Forever," he confirmed.