This Woman

Elicia was a fine dancer, much to Roy's delight. She moved like a piece of dandelion fluff on a breeze, but responded to the lightest touch to guide her. He was almost disappointed to return her to her husband. Still, there were other people to dance with, and he turned his attention to Gracia.

"She reminds me of Maes," Gracia murmured, as they swayed around other couples in to a song that was old back when Roy, Maes and Riza had fought in Ishbal.

"That's understandable," Roy said. "She has his smile."

"And his sense of humor, which you'd know if you'd spend more time with us," Gracia told him tartly.

Roy offered her a tiny grin in return, refusing to rise to the bait. "You're right," he said, to defuse her temper. "It's hard to make time to see you when I'm stationed in Ishbal, but you're right, I should just do it. It's not like any of us is getting any younger."

Eyes narrowing, Gracia said, "Speaking of which, why haven't you gotten married yourself?"

He tried not to look across the room, at the blond woman dancing with Alphonse Elric. Alphonse spun Riza around, making it look easy. Roy managed to keep his attention focused on Gracia. "As soon as the time is right, believe me, I'll be on my knee."

"You do know I'll hold you to that," Gracia warned him, poking him in the chest.

Smiling, Roy guided her close enough to Alphonse to offer an exchange of partners. Alphonse let Riza go, taking Gracia's hands.

"Well, here we are," Riza said.

"Just like always." Roy gathered her against him, closing his eyes.

They swayed to the music together.

- end -