HOME | DD

Description
'It wasn't supposed to end up like this'

That's what Riza thought as she lay on the ground, blood flowing around her like a river out of hell. This mission wasn't supposed to be dangerous. It was intended to be an information gathering mission in order to determine whether or not a group of rebels had plans to overthrow the military.

It had been a relatively simple task, something that Riza had noted in her head as she walked back to the point where she was to meet Colonel Mustang and Second Lieutenant Havoc. That is, until someone grabbed her from behind and slammed her up against a wall. She was able to scream before the attacker sliced a dagger through her abdomen, which silenced her. She fell to the ground as the attacker fled. Now, Riza was staring up at the cloudless sky, her awareness of the world around her slipping away. It wasn't long before she lost consciousness.

Riza wasn't sure how long she was out, if it was only a few minutes or if it was hours before she felt the slight warmth of someone's hand on her cheek. Then, she heard his voice.

Roy.

Riza could hear Roy telling her, practically begging her, to open her eyes. He used her rank at first, his voice the same strong tone that Riza knew so well. Then, as desperation replaced this strong tone, he used her first name, something that he hadn't done in years. It was heartbreaking, his voice, so much so that Riza knew exactly what she had to do.

She had to hang on. Of this, there was no doubt. She had to open her eyes and prove her status as part of the living, even though she feared she still wouldn't be for very much longer. She had to do it for Roy. Riza would do anything for that man, even slightly delay her own death.

As long as her delay meant that he could have even a fraction of hope, she would do it.

Slowly, Riza opened her eyes. It was a difficult feat but she did it. Initally, she could only make out a blurry shape, black and navy mixing together. Then, her eyes regained their sharpness, like a camera lens finally going into focus. She could fully see Roy now, his face the picture of both concern and fear.

"Colonel...I'm sorry," Riza said, her voice just barely above a whisper. She was sorry for not being careful enough. Sorry that she had let herself get hurt. Mostly, though, she was sorry that Roy was so fearful, so desperate, because of her. She decided then and there that, if she lived, she'd never again put him through so much hell.

"You don't need to apologize, lieutenant. I just need you to stay with me."

Riza gave him what she hoped was a solid gaze. "Yes, sir."

Roy gave her a small smile and then turned to look at Havoc, who had been standing behind Roy, a worried look etched on his face.

"Havoc, go get help, quick!"

Before Roy could finish, though, Havoc began to walk off.

"Way ahead of you, sir!" Havoc called.

As Havoc left, Roy carefully drew Riza into his arms.

"Just hang on, Riza," Roy said quietly. "We're going to get you help."

And so she did. As they waited, Roy clutching Riza to his body, her head so close to his chest that she could hear his rapid heartbeat, Riza hung on.

She didn't just do it for herself.

She did it for him.