Chapter Text
The days passed, then weeks, and at some point a few months went by. Riza and Roy saw each other completely professionally during the day– and intimately at night. They didn’t change their behaviour during work hours, but somehow Mustang’s Unit still saw some amorous eye contacts. They walked home together, went to Roy’s place to drink and or eat, sometimes to spend the night together… A little routine had started. Colleagues during the night, lovers during the night. Sometimes Roy would slip, and call his Lieutenant “Riza” in front of everyone, before coughing and correcting himself. Or Riza would be caught smiling in the direction of Roy… They were starting to be exhausted from hiding, however both Riza and Roy were way too grateful to risk it for the sake of simplicity. And this friday evening, Roy was longing for Riza more than usual.
“Riza, how about you come dine with me tonight, and stay for the weekend ?”
“The whole weekend ? I’d love to. But I have to call someone to take care of Black Hayate while I’m gone.”
They walked home, ate, and drank together. The next morning, Riza woke up alone in bed. It was already warm and the sun was already taking over the room. After stretching, she put on a shirt and shorts to go see Roy. The breakfast was ready, and Roy was taking his coffee while reading some report files done by the team this last week.
“Good morning Riza. How did you sleep ?” Asked gently Roy.
“Morning Roy. Pretty good actually. Somehow I sleep better at your place than my own… What about you ?”
“Well you’re welcome to stay every night… Not for my pleasure, but for your health’s sake ! Not saying I wouldn’t enjoy it though.” Roy smirked.
“Instead of talking nonsense, answer my question. Did you sleep well ?” Riza rolled her eyes before smiling.
“I did. We should go out today, it’s pretty sunny.”
“Colonel.” Riza coldly spoke.
Roy sighed. When Riza goes back to Colonel instead of Roy, or when Roy says Lieutenant instead of Riza, it is a discreet reminder that their relationship cannot be revealed. In another life, they could be together like they wanted to – God, maybe in another life they are even married. But in this one, this is all they can have. Riza sat down and ate with Roy.
“It is sunny. Instead of going out we should open the windows, let the sun in, and enjoy some peaceful moments together. We need a break don’t you think ?” She brought out.
“Yeah, we deserve it.”
Roy and Riza finished eating, Riza went on the couch, sunbathing in front of the windows, and read while Roy did the dishes. After he was done, he joined Riza and they cuddled for a moment. None of them wanted this moment to end. They went to bed early, and fell asleep into each other’s arms. The next morning, they mostly worked together. The weekend was almost to its end.
“Ughh, it’s getting pretty late. We worked a lot today. I’m gonna get the mail because I forgot this morning, be right back.” Roy explained.
“Of course you forgot. We were busy doing other more important things…” Riza smiled to herself.
Roy smiled at Riza, before leaving the apartment. He came back 5 minutes later, shuffling through different papers. It was mostly work related mails, nothing interesting, except one letter did pique the curiosity of Roy. It looked quite banal at first, on the envelope there was only written “For Colonel Mustang”. ‘Colonel’ was a hint that it was someone from work, however it didn’t have the Amestrian State Military seal. Roy opened it carefully and read it.
“Everything okay Roy ? What’s that letter ?” Riza looked confused, and Roy worried.
Roy paused for an instant.
“Riz- Lieutenant. I think you should leave now. I- I have some issues to take care of.”
“What ? What’s that Roy ? I thought I’d stay here until Monday morning ?” Riza didn’t understand what was happening.
“It would be suspicious to see us coming to work at the same time, and from the same house.” Roy was fidgeting with the letter and his hands.
“We did plenty of times before. Also, nobody is looking at where we come from ? What’s gotten with you?”
“Please just leave tonight. We’ll talk about it another time.”
Riza seemed confused but gathered her belongings and left. They said goodbye briefly but it didn’t feel enough. She had a million questions and no answer– She obviously guessed it had something to do with the letter Roy had just opened. But why wouldn’t he tell her ? Was it black mail ? A letter from the Führer ? After she left, Roy sat down on his couch looking at the ceiling. He didn’t want to involve Riza, to put her career on the line, but he also knew it was too late. He texted her.
[From Roy to Riza] : Someone knows about us. Someone from work probably.
[From Riza to Roy] : Why didn’t you tell me in person ? It can’t be someone from the Unit. I would trust them with my life.
[From Roy to Riza] : The letters mentioned that you spend a lot of time at my place. I didn’t want you to stay there longer. We can’t erase everyone in the Unit from possible guiltiness. Even without wanting to, a joke could have blown our cover.
[From Riza to Roy] : They know better than that. Making jokes in front of us is one thing, but they would never dare do it publicly. They know our jobs are at stake. Let’s just keep it low for now. This could also just be someone unrelated from work- who knows you’re a Colonel, and wants to make you anxious.
[From Roy to Riza] : Yes, it is possible. But the letter did mention my State Alchemist ID, an official stamp from the Amestrian State Military, and a picture of you and me walking home together.
[From Riza to Roy] : Mhm. There is nothing wrong or romantic about walking home together. We never held hands publicly or kissed.
[From Roy to Riza] : We don’t know if it’s the only picture they have of us. This person does have my actual living address.
They continued to talk for some time, before both putting their phones away. Roy tried to get his mind off of this, but it obviously didn’t work. He was anxious and scared. Not only because he could lose his job, but also because this meant their relationship couldn’t continue like that. It broke his heart once again.