Disclaimer:I always forget this bit. I don't own the characters!

A/N: Based on the events in chapter 100. Because I suddenly can't stop writing/drawing for that chapter!!! Shameless Royai fluff coming! Prepare yourselves!!!! I'm also preparing to do a short doujin based on this story.. we'll see how long that takes me.

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Amestris - Central Headquarters – 1900 hours

*cough cough*

"Lieutenant."

*cough*

"Lieutenant."

*cough*

This time he could see flecks of blood stain her lips.

"Hawkeye."

The woman looked up. "Yes, sir?" She said innocently.

Colonel Roy Mustang cringed at the sound of her destroyed voice.

"Listen, why don't you take the rest of the evening off? You could use the rest."

The lieutenant placed her cold fingertips to her throat unconsciously. "There's no need for that, sir," she responded in a mere whisper.

Mustang stood from his desk with a grunt.

"Yes, there is a need for it, Hawkeye. You're not looking well. Come on, I'll walk you home."

Hawkeye frowned at the man, but stood up as well, picking up her coat.

"If you insist."

---

For a while, the pair walked in silence. There was a deep burning sensation in Riza's throat, so she was grateful for the momentary lull. She looked down at her feet as they walked, swallowing down the pain. Roy however, noticed the brief grimace she made afterwards. His features darkened and his lips thinned.

"How are you doing?" He murmured.

Riza looked up, her wary eyes meeting his concerned ones. She smiled and shook her head lightly.

"Everything's fine, Colonel, really. You shouldn't worry so much. After all, we made it out alive, didn't we?"

Roy frowned once again.

"We almost didn't, Hawkeye." He said darkly.

Her smile disappeared.

"I know, Colonel."

They reached the front steps to Riza's apartment building. She turned to face him.

"This is my fault too," Roy said, brushing a finger against the scar that ran across her neck. Riza shivered at his touch.

"No," she rasped, pulling his hand away from her. "It's not your fault. Don't say that."

He smiled ruefully at her. He couldn't agree.

"Make some tea to soothe your throat. And get proper rest, lieutenant. I'll see you tomorrow morning," Mustang said. As he turned to leave, he felt a light tug at his sleeve.

"Stay," Riza said softly. "I'll make you some dinner," she stated decisively. Unable to say no, Roy merely followed her into the building.

---

Roy sat at the kitchen table, watching Riza's back as she flitted about the kitchen. He started suddenly as a teacup was placed before him. Riza looked down at him pointedly.

"Drink. Dinner will be ready soon."

Roy grinned. "You know, I was quite sure that it was I who advised you to drink tea, not the other way around. Aren't you in pain?"

Riza froze. "No, sir. I'm not in any pain. Why would you say that?" Her hands began to move again, as she prepared the rest of their meal.

"You're a terrible liar. Don't act like I didn't see you having trouble swallowing earlier. Your throat was slit, Riza. You're lucky to be alive. Please stop taking this lightly!" Roy said, placing the teacup down on the table harder than he had anticipated. Riza jumped at the sound.

"Careful with that, Colonel!" Riza snapped.

"Aren't you listening to me at all?" He asked exasperatedly.

Riza strode over to the table with two dishes in her hands. She placed one in front of Roy and another on her side.

"Dinner's ready," she said simply. Roy sighed.

For a while they ate in silence, brooding in the tense atmosphere. Both were frustrated; with each other and with themselves. Riza exhaled impatiently.

"Well? How is it?" She murmured.

Roy looked up. "It's great. Thank you," he answered sincerely. He glowed at the sight of her smile.

After dinner was over, Roy graciously took the dishes to the kitchen and began to wash up.

"You don't need to worry about the dishes, Colonel!" Riza called hoarsely. Roy pulled a face at her over his shoulder.

"Nonsense. You made dinner for me, so let me clean up for you." The china clinked in the sink as he worked.

Riza turned back to the table, letting out a small cough. She stood up and walked to Roy's side at the kitchen sink. Her shoulder brushed against his and Roy swore he could feel electricity pass between them.

"Thank you," she whispered tenderly into his ear. Roy looked down at her, his expression softening.

"No need to thank me."

She paused.

"No need to blame yourself for what happened," Riza countered.

Roy froze momentarily before turning to face her.

"Listen, Hawkeye…" Before he could continue, a slender finger pressed against his lips. Riza shook her head at him.

"Good night, Colonel." She dropped his coat into his arms. He stared at it, dumbfounded.

Riza was already at the front door when he finally snapped to. He strode across the room, stepping around the cardboard boxes that still littered the apartment. Before stepping outside, he threw his coat on in haste. Riza rested her head against the door, watching him.

"Thank you for dinner. It was nice." Roy said. Before another word was said, Riza closed the space between them, kissing him softly on the cheek.

"You're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow," Riza responded, smirking. She shut the door and Roy was left awestruck in the hallway.

"…Wow."

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A/N: Review?