I do not own Fma

III

She knew he was bad. She knew that he hadn't taken the war well, but as she sat on his bed, looking down at the crumpled man in front of her, entire body shaking as he clung to the front of her shirt, soaking it as she rubbed circles on his back, she realized how bad it really was.

And she probably didn't make it any better for him.

Gracia had called her, two nights ago, asking-pleading for her to watch after Roy for at least a few days. As much as her boyfriend tried to deny it, it was taking its toll on him. Riza had heard that the Flame Alchemist had stopped coming to work, an extreme case of shell shock, but many other solider's did too (some were able to hide it a lot better than most).

The following day, Riza hunted down Roy's best friend, and after seeing his sunken skin, slouched body, bloodshot eyes and deep circles under his eyes, Riza knew that she needed to help.

Somehow.

"What do I need to do?" she asked Maes as he was packing up for the day, rooting for the spare key to Roy's apartment.

"Make him eat something, drink something, shower, basic things." He held out the key, looking her dead in the eyes, making her heart stop. "Make sure he doesn't do anything to himself." He placed the key in her hand, folding her fingers above her palm, patting it gently. "I wish there was something more I could do for him…He's…"

"I understand." Riza nodded.

The Captian smiled. "Thanks."

"I…I can still smell it Ri, the smell…their bodies…"he heaved shaking violently against her body. "It-It won't go away!" he pressed his nose against her chest, rubbing it violently. She grabbed his head, pulling it up so she could see him face to face.

"Mr. Must-Roy!" she pressed his forhead against hers, breathing deeply, thanking God that he started doing the same. "Roy," she whispered. "It's alright." He tried to shake his head but she held it firm. "You need to calm down." She moved one of her hands from the side of his face, to the base of his neck, pressing hard, trying relax his tensed muscles. "Come on," she nudged him to lay down, almost being dragged with him as he still clung to her shirt, she settled down with him, breathing deeply. He settled in the nape of her neck, tears falling onto her shoulder every few minutes, before his breath evened out and he drifted off into a restless sleep.

She inhaled deeply, fingers sifting through his hair lovingly. I will protect you Mr. Mustang. For as long as I can, I will keep you safe, even if it's from yourself, for now.