#royia

Riza supposed her father’s behaviour was strange for someone like him. Someone who’d come from a background where he was surrounded by loved ones who looked out for him and cared about him. And Riza was sure she knew the answer to his musings but wouldn’t dare voice it. Not in this house. Plus, she had no desire to divulge anything either, so she simply shrugged.

“It’s better just to play by his rules.”

The look on Roy’s face made her chest hurt slightly but Riza brushed it off. He looked so sorry for her.

Well, Riza didn’t need his pity, nor did she want it. She was fine. She would be fine. Even after Roy left once his studies were finished, she’d continue to be fine.

It was a mantra that repeated over and over inside her head.

Roy sighed in resignation and went back to his work across the table from Riza.

Some time passed before Riza spoke again. “To answer your question, yes. I think we’ll be able to.”

Roy’s face lit up and he grinned. With renewed energy he returned to his studies.

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

“Roy,” Riza called out to him in a whisper. She knocked on his door so lightly, she didn’t think it would alert him to her presence, however it didn’t hurt to try.

The door was wrenched open eagerly. Roy stood wrapped up in his warm clothing and with a scarf secured tightly around his neck. His gloves had been shoved hurriedly into his pockets. They hung haphazardly out of them, threatening to fall to the floor. A black woollen hat had been placed upon his head, the fabric tucked completely over his ears and causing it to sit low on his brow, almost covering his eyes.

“Is it time?” His excitement was palpable, and contagious.

“Yes.”

Riza silently led the way to the back of the house, to the entrance of their attic. She unlocked the door and pushed it open slowly, listening out for creaking hinges. With success, the door was opened with no trouble at all. The duo crept up the stairs into the freezing loft space. Roy shuddered and caught the chill quickly. His arms wrapped around his torso tightly. He tucked his gloved hands underneath his armpits.

Riza walked slowly over to the window to their left. She avoided all the creaking floorboards and indicated Roy to do the same. The thick layer of dust allowed Riza to leave a clear pathway, which Roy followed with ease. His booted feet slotted into her footprints and their travel across the attic was soundless.

As soon as the window was cracked open a biting wind rushed inside. Both children shivered and groaned but it didn’t deter them in their quest. Riza climbed out first to show Roy where to go, and he followed quickly behind. Both finally came to rest on the roof, perched atop the spine of it, where it was flattest. Once they were safe – relatively safe – and steady, Riza looked up.

“Oh, wow,” Roy breathed beside her.

The night was clear and bright. The moon reflected off the fallen snow, making the world a lot lighter than it would have been without it. The sky was covered in stars.

Riza looked up and excitedly pointed out a galaxy to their right. She leaned into Roy and directed his attention towards it immediately and with glee. She was so excited to see it. She’d read about it before, been told about the possibility of seeing it on a clear night in winter at the market but had never had the chance to experience the sight. It left her in awe. It was so beautiful.

“I’ve never seen so many stars before,” Roy declared. He sounded as amazed as Riza felt.

“On clear nights we can see a lot,” Riza whispered enthusiastically. She was almost bouncing on the spot but managed to restrain herself. “But I’ve never seen this many before. I haven’t seen the galaxy before.” She sighed happily. “I’m so glad I got the chance.”

Roy didn’t reply and silence fell between them for a short period of time. Riza thought nothing of it and continued to stare up at the night sky in wonder.

“You really love this stuff, don’t you,” Roy grinned down at her.

Riza tore her gaze away from the stars and blinked at Roy. As his question registered and she saw his smile, embarrassment and a hint of shame crept up on her. Fear curled around her heart and Riza was sure she paled.

You shouldn’t be wasting with that drivel, her father’s angry voice echoed in her head. Only that was for everything that wasn’t related to alchemy. Fictional stories, radio dramas… Everything.

She felt the skin of her face heat up. “I – I mean –”

“It’s okay if you do, Riza,” Roy replied kindly, sensing her embarrassment and fear at being found out. “It’s a good thing. It’s great! Thank you for telling me about it and sharing this with me,” he added as he turned his head up to look at the stars once more. “I’m so grateful for you,” he breathed.

Cheeks still feeling rather pink, Riza nodded and smiled shyly. “You’re welcome, Roy.”

Silence fell once more, and she brought her knees tighter to her chest. Riza tucker her chin inside her scarf, hiding her mouth, as she mulled over what just happened. Her smile was tentative, but it remained. It threatened to spread wider, and Riza let it. She didn’t know why Roy’s acceptance of what she found interesting mattered so much, but it was so… nice to finally get it from someone she considered close to her. To hear that it was all right to like the things she did. She’d been bereft of it for too long in this house.

“Thank you for listening, Roy,” she whispered.

Riza wished she could voice how much it meant to her, but the words wouldn’t come. She did feel a warmth spread across her chest and a peace wash over her. It relaxed her posture and her face peeked out from beneath her scarf to face him once more.

His grin returned to his face.

“Tell me more about them,” Roy requested. “Please. I would love to learn.”

Riza blinked up at him in disbelief. “Are you sure?”

His nod was enthusiastic.

“Oh. Okay.” Riza shifted and leaned into him so she could direct his gaze easily. Without fear and hesitation, she started to point out things of note. She showed off her knowledge and understanding and was happy and proud to do so.

That night, she told Roy everything she knew about the stars and the planets above them. He was attentive and respectful, asking questions and keeping her talking about it for far longer than Riza ever would have expected. She wondered if he was simply doing it because he felt sorry for her, but that wasn’t the case. He was excited to learn and wanted her to teach him. Roy told her that himself. He wanted her to tell him all about it. He told her he was happy she’d found something to be so passionate about.

And that meant the world to Riza.

feel free to leave a comment and kudos on ao3 :)

This was it. I couldn’t hesitate anymore. This world needed a strong base and an even stronger leader. That leader was going to be me. I had to make sure of it. That has always been my goal after the world. Become fuhrer and lead this land into a brighter age. Only, I didn’t want to do it alone.

It’s been about a year since the end of everything. Any levels of command had to be reworked so a lot of things were happening. A lot more people were meeting and greater and brighter ideas were being discovered and used all throughout central. One of them was going to be this. I had chosen my first lady. Now I just had to ask.

A popular local restaurant had helped me reserve the rooftop for tonight’s dinner. I had even sent her flowers when I asked her to meet me here, vase included for once which earned a laugh from the others. Now I was just waiting. I heard the door open.

“Oh thank you.”

“Of course Miss. your waiter will be up here soon.”

“Thank you.” I looked back and smiled. A sleek little black number covered Riza as she walked forward. Hair let down for once to help cover the scarring on her back. I sighed happily seeing her walking over before stealing her hand and kissing it. Riza chuckled then.

“Why Hello Roy.”

“Hello Riza. I’m glad you were able to come tonight.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I pulled her chair out then as she went to sit.

“So what’s the occasion?”

“What I can’t spoil you sometimes?” She laughed then as I sat down smiling. God I was so nervous but just seeing her smile like that, I felt myself calm down. She was so perfect to me.

Our waiter came and got us started with a wine easily. Conversation flowed as easily as the alcohol. We both had been busy trying to help rebuild the government and the town so when it came to personal matters, We hadn’t been able to catch up in weeks. Course after course flew by as we talked, getting it a few laughs at the expense of others, just about life and things we had been doing. The main course had just finished when she perked up taking a sip.

“Hm. Have you heard?”

“About?” She chuckled then getting into her clutch and pulled out a photo. It was from ishval. The man we had always called Scar was in desert clothes smiling next to one of Oliva’s men with their arms around each other.

“He’s gone with Miles there. They’ve opened up talks between the two of them and a few others. The letter that came with was from Alphonse.” I stopped then and she smiled.

“He just went for a few days. Miles invited him. Had a lot of fun but said Scar is adjusting quite well.”

“That’s good to hear honestly… I was wondering when those talks were going to start.”

“Pretty recently. A lot of their people are still cautious but Peace could happen…” She gave a small smile then.

“To be able to leave the war behind all of us… It would be amazing.” I nodded then getting her hand gently.

“I agree completely.” She gave me a small smile then and I just felt so much love for her in that instant.

“Riza… Um…”

“Yes…?”

“... We’re no longer Superior and subordinate… Right?”

“As far as I know, Correct.” I nodded and smiled.

“Then… I need to ask you something. Something I’ve been dying to ask since we first came back from Ishval.” She gave me an odd look.

“Did you ever want what Maes had? A family. A home.”

“Always.”

“... Would you want that with me?” I felt her pulse jump then as I squeezed her hand gently.

“Riza, I’m only asking because from the first time I met you at your father’s, I realized I cared for you. That’s only grew the more we worked together and… Losing you like I almost did during the end… It threw a lot into perspective. Like the fact that I don’t want to do this alone, Bringing this peace in and helping this country. I don’t want to do this alone… I want to do it with you at my side.” I gazed into her eyes then.

“I don’t have a lot to offer right now. I’ve got a safe place to live and some connections. Money is a bit tight but I can make it work…” She laughed a bit then moving her chair close getting both of my hands.

“Roy… you can’t give me anything more than what you’ve already given me.”

“Which is…?”

“Yourself.” She laughed then and I saw tears welling up in her eyes.

“Roy, You can’t give more than yourself… and I’m ok with that. As long as you’re ok with that being what I give you.”

“I’d take you alone over having all the alchemy knowledge in the world.”

“Then I guess you have your answer.” I nodded then slowly letting her go as I got the ring out.