Chapter Text
It was a late night working, only Riza Hawkeye and Roy Mustang were at the office, both doing paperworks. A lot of things to do, to think about, to be scared about. But with just the two of them, this simple moment was a moment of peace for Roy. He didn’t realise how bad he had missed being with his Lieutenant, since everyone got busy and everything got messy with the whole Homunculus deal. However, Roy was well aware of the one rule he wished didn’t exist ; romantic relationships, and any sort of relationship that might interfere with professionalism, between officers in the Amestrian State Military are prohibited.
“Alright. I’m done. Lieutenant, we should head home. You’re coming with me ?” Said Roy, while looking softly at his subordinate.
“Yes Sir, I’ll finish this file report tomorrow, it is pretty late.” Answered Riza.
They walked together toward the end. After locking it twice, Roy looked at Riza for a few seconds. He just couldn’t stop doing it. With the threat toward State Alchemist, military officers, –every one actually–, he realised that he took Riza for granted. And, oh god she was beautiful. They knew each other well, and Roy was pretty sure his feelings were mutual. Love ? He wouldn’t call it that, for sure. But he knew he cared for Riza deeply, and probably way more than he would have hoped to. ‘I’ll follow you into hell if you ask me to’. Lately, he kept going back to this sentence. They both had already been to hell together, during the Ishval war. He couldn’t help but be scared of losing her during all this mess. And at the same time he had a trust in her, as an excellent soldier and subordinate, and knew she was capable of way more than everybody else suspected.
“Anything wrong Colonel ? You are staring at me. Isn’t it time to head home ?” Riza said, while looking away from Roy’s eyes.
“Yes, my apologies. I have a lot on my mind.”
Once outside, Roy took a deep breath. Instead of departing the other side of Riza’s path, he stayed right there. He knew it was wrong, but how many times did they have left ? Do they have to wait to be retired from the Armestrian military to go on a date ? They finally have a few days of ‘peace’, or at least it seems like it, before another problem storms out. Roy needs to take this opportunity.
“See you tomorrow Sir, have a good night.” Announced Riza, while giving Roy a warm smile.
Riza’s eyes were filled with exhaustion, but she was relieved they had few days to breathe, after all of the events of the past few months. It was raining cats and dogs and they were waiting in front of the Central HQ’s entrance, hiding from the rain before parting away.
“Lieutenant, wait. Do you want to, uh, drink some glasses with me tonight ?” Muttered Roy while looking directly at Riza.
“Colonel, I’m afraid being seen together at a bar might hurt our reputation. Thank you for the offer.”
“I never mentioned any bar. Let me take you home Lieutenant. I’ll have some good beverages over here.” Roy spoke with a growing smirk on his face.
“You sure seem confident for a rainy day. Are you trying to make up for the fact that you’re physically useless by asking me for some unbelievable date ?” Riza said, smirking in return.
“Real funny Lieutenant. But I’ll take that as a yes, so you’re welcome.”
After approximately 15 minutes, they were standing in front of Roy’s main door. He opened the door for his Lieutenant letting her go first. A small apartment, with warm ambiance light, and a good detergent smell.
“Excuse me for the mess. I actually didn’t expect anyone to visit me any time soon.”
“Oh, so this wasn’t planned ? I thought you were going for glasses of wine, roses, candles…” Riza followed sarcastically.
“Sorry to disappoint. I do have glasses of wine though, let me get them.”
Roy removed his vest and invited Riza to do the same, then made her sit down on the sofa. He took out two glasses, and a light bottle of wine –it was a work night after all-. He poured both of the glasses and sat down with Riza, while sighing with relief.
“Thank you Sir.”
“You’re more than welcome. We had some rough couple of months, and those days are just filled with administrative bullshit. I’m exhausted, and from the look of your eyes I can tell, you are too.” Roy explained gently.
“Is that why you invited me tonight ? To continue to stare at my eyes even after work ?” Riza then took a big sip out of her glass while sideways looking at Roy.
Roy chuckled and put down his glass of wine.
“Lieutenant—, no, Riza. I’m about to break the law of the Amestrian State Military. This is highly unprofessional and you shouldn’t take me as an example. However I won’t prevent you from doing so if you wish to. Are you into this with me ?”
“Roy. I said it years ago and I’ll say it again. I’ll follow you into hell if you ask me to.” Riza put down her glass and took Roy’s face between her hands.
Roy got closer and already found himself short of breath from anticipation. He took Riza by the waist to draw her closer too. They kissed gently, before taking a few seconds to take their breath and look at eachother. Then went back at it again, this time with way more energy and passion. They had waited months, not years, to be able to hold each other like that.