#I WAS GONNA KILL ROY MUSTANG MYSELF | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

tundrainafrica · 4 years ago

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Hi, i saw some time ago you compared Royai to Levihan, would you mind elaborating more on their similarities? I ship both and looking at they compared blow my mind

YES. Beautiful ask anon! As always, sorry for only getting into this now, my inbox is still a mess I am currently trying to make sense of. But legit, I could talk about this for hours. Cause I’m that fucking simp who just randomly goes on Youtube and watches the Riza breakdown vs. Lust scene just to see some GREATTT acting and some great crumbs.

So anyway, will be moving on now to this really long and--mind you--uncurated rant.

Disclaimer though: Although I have watched all the fullmetal stuff, from the first anime, to brotherhood to the manga and have lurked in the fanfiction sites long before (like fam, this anime is literally my childhood it’s such a big part of my life that when I hear ‘mustang’ I think of roy mustang not the car), but at this point, the main story line for me is a blur and I probably just remember only the Roy scenes and the Royai scenes well.

I was not a big fan of Edwin for multiple reasons.

Warning: Spoilers abound for FMA so read at your own risk. And for people who watch FMA but not AOT, spoilers abound for AOT is well.

So there are a lot of similarities between Levihan and Royai and I think this is the reason why Levihan definitely appealed to me a lot as a couple. Royai after all was my OG ‘I think I wanna be in this type of relationship’ type of couple.

Military Setting

I’ve always found these types of relationships interesting cause I like to think, you’re in such a high stakes and very stringent atmosphere where you could die at any moment and you’re constantly doing such morally grey things. And with that, people have the tendency to either close in on themselves and just keep to themselves or just go crazy over time. Yet you have people who find the time to form CLOSE and almost ROMANTIC bonds with your fellow soldiers

And I just like the process of exploring how this happens. And you know what makes it juicier?

2. The commander to the subordinate dynamic (with a twist)

The boss to the follower dynamic because Royai and Levihan are both incredibly healthy and stable relationships but they both come from something taboo right? A commander to subordinate relationship? So we ask ourselves? How did they both make it work?

Well, what I notice is despite the implied respect Riza and Levi both hold for Roy and Hange respectively, due to their positions in the military, do you notice Hange and Roy still have respect over Levi and Riza’s opinions. I cannot remember all the scenes in both shows but remember that scene where Riza would just stop Roy half way into fighting when it’s raining because sometimes he does forget that he can’t do his fire thing when it’s raining? It shows obviously that Riza could undermine his decisions if she finds them completely idiotic or out of the blue. Or that scene where Roy was curbstomping Envy when he found out Envy killed Hughes?

So, the thing is Levi and Hange worked like this too. Even before Hange became commander, I think there was an already implied hierarchical difference between being ‘squad leader’ and being ‘team captain.’ Squad leader’s are generally in a higher position and command a much larger group and do you see how Levi approaches Hange? Like when telling her off about risking her life when trying to capture the titan?

And even when she was commander, that telepathy scene?? Can we appreciate, that when Hange became commander (compared to when Erwin was commander), Levi took the reins of a lot of the leading in the survey corps, as if he understood his job wasn’t just to follow Hange but to take care of her?

Like I’m sure Riza saw her job more as a caretaker to Roy more than his subordinate and seeing this in Levihan was just fantastic.

And another thing I love about both of them...

3. They were just the two competent level headed people

This is such a trope for me. I cannot handle couples where someone is just not competent or is so obviously underpowered compared to the other. Like I want them to be able to handle themselves without the other. And even when they’re alone they’re doing shit and you just find out later, by the way I have this bf/gf/partner who is equally competent. But when we’re together we just share one brain cell because we can practically melt when we’re safe with the other.

And the thing is since they’re in a military setting we don’t see them ‘practically melt,’ we can usually just pick out the crumbs (ehem 126), and the fact that these crumbs are such rare gems, makes it all the jucier.

And here’s the thing, in animes and in stories, this ‘competent people’ couple is usually supporting cast cause I dunno? Nobody wants to hear about the competent couple who just figured out they like each other and they just like hanging out with each other for some reason?

And most adventure stories are underdog stories where we watch people start of as dead weight and get stronger which is not boring per se but I dunno, these couples usually dont’ appeal to me fsr because I’m all for the power couple dynamic and the protagonists always have something going on making them doubt their strength so yeah. And there’s usually this token love interest who’s not as strong and tries not to be useless but is kinda dead weight.

4. Their special abilities?

Levi and Hange are a power couple the way Roy and Riza are. When these two couples were introduced into their respective stories, they were all well established as bad asses. We have humanity’s strongest, humanity’s smartest then in FMA we have the flame alchemist one of the strongest alchemists and we have Riza who’s crazy good with a gun.

5. They were never that in your face couple

As said above, I really love competent people ships but nobody really likes reading about people being competent and having their level headed shit together so these characters end up with more of supporting character energy who have their ‘big damn heroes’ moments where they swoop in and save the protagonist.

And the thing is, since they’re supporting characters, there’s so much more room to move when contemplating such couples because the crumbs are there? But at the same time they’re not there? And since I like exploring my own headcanons about those ‘boring’ yet incredibly stable and mature relationships, these tend to be my favorite characters to shoehorn into my spotify playlists.

Edwin and Eremika respectively have more ‘in your face’ crumbs and I dunno, their crumbs for me always seemed to be too obviously there where I was like ‘okay cute relationship’ but ‘I wouldn’t wanna be in a relationship like that’ kinda way.

And since main protagonist romantic subplots crumbs are already ‘in my face’ I end up thinking to myself, what’s there to headcanon?

And like they go through so much more problems romance wise since obviously they are the protagonist. But I guess for me, I never liked those couples who were so obviously together and go through problems that bystanders are aware of. Because I dunno, people might not agree with me but it doesn’t sit well with me when EVERYBODY knows about the problems between two certain people in a relationship.

I always liked those couples who just start off as two people hanging out together and then like five years you find out, they live together and have five cats and it turns out they’ve been married for two of those three years.

And power couples just make it work? Because the stories tend to focus on them being competent people more than being in love so when the coupling actually happens it’s like:

“Wow you live together and have five cats, you worked so hard for it, I’m so happy for you.”

Instead of you know, watching people go through like 3456 instances of miscommunication drama just to end up in a still seemingly doubtful relationship.

6. Iconic scenes for Levihan and Royai?

And here’s the beautiful thing about the crumbs of both of these ships, they are incredibly apparent when the stakes are high and this is *chef’s kiss.* This is literally the climax, the peak to such subtle crumbs. Like okay, fine it’s satisfying to see the main protagonist and their main love interest doing shit and loving each other when the stakes are high like in Season 2 of AOT with Mikasa thinking she’s gonna die so she confesses to Eren or maybe that Naruto and HInata scene in the Pain Arc where Hinata just pops in and saves Naruto and kinda dies in the process

But can we all agree that there is something very very very satisfying about seeing two people who are probably not or are probably dating just going crazy for each other when the stakes are high? Like yo, come on.

My favorite scenes for Royai: The Lust fight scene, the Envy fight scene and lastly, the scene where Roy opens the gates to save Riza and goes blind. Can we just appreciate the fact that Roy risked his Colonel dreams to save Riza by going blind??

And for Levihan? I’m sure Levihans are tired of hearing the chapter numbers but 115? That’s fucking iconic, Hange ltierally jumped into the river with Levi and please tell me that is not a parallel to Roy opening the gates for an already half dead Riza. Mind you, Hange did not even know if Levi would make it or not and she probably didn’t know if she would make it or not either. Any of the soldiers could have literally just shot into the river and nicked them with bullets. She just literally abandoned everything and wooshed to the river.

And I had this convo with a few other people and we were thinking about what if it was anyone else who found Levi. And we came to the conclusion that IT HAD TO BE HANGE. Because somehow, I feel like Hange would have been one of the only few, if not the only one who would have gathered up the courage to jump into the river and risk their own life to save Levi.

And for the next part... Disclaimer: This is just my opinion, please let’s not start a ship war.

Like with the war on twitter “Levihan vs. Eruri,” I started to reflect as well on whether or not Erwin would have saved Levi if he was there instead of Hange but I think it is less likely that Erwin would have saved Levi. Erwin probably wouldn’t have agreed with the rumbling definitely but I cannot help but think, Erwin approached his commander position like a chess master and with this, approached Levi as a superior while Hange approached Levi as an equal and a best friend.

So if, saving Erwin was just going to mess with plans let’s say to manipulate the Yaegerists for some greater purpose, would Erwin have just let Levi die?

7. The magic is no one fits Roy or Riza perfectly.

I had these same thoughts with Shikatema vs. Levihan and now Royai vs. Levihan. So comparing their dynamics, I just have to say, that none of them fit each other perfectly. Hange has Riza and Roy crumbs and Levi has Riza and Roy crumbs too.

Like Roy is some ridiculously strong (Levi) superior (Commander Hange) with a seemingly goofy personality (Hange). Riza is the subordinate (Levi) who’s equally reliable but not as overpowered (Hange) with a very strict but very obviously emotionally constipated personality (Levi)

Like if you put Levihan in some of the token Royai moments. Like the Lust fight? I think Levi would have done something similar to Riza. Okay, he wouldn’t have broken down right then but he would have done something similar to what Roy did when he found out Envy killed Hughes.

I’m convinced Hange would have had a breakdown which is more of an in between between what Roy (Envy fight) and Riza (Lust fight) had in their respective fights. I mean 115 is proof enough that Hange ain’t playing when her bebeluvs is in danger.

8. And towards the end of the series?

Okay this is where the comparisons just kinda diverge because this part makes me sad. In the end game, Royai worked together. Riza became the eyes of Roy when he was making shit explode in the final battle coz he was blind.

And Hange and Levi were completing each other towards the of the AOT end right? Not just with the jian bird references with having parallel injuries. In the final battle though when Levi was out of commission due to the explosion, Hange was the one fighting with the crew until 132. And the moment she died, Levi stepped up and fought right?

Like they had something similar going on, where these two were covering for each other and taking care of the kids. It’s just that compared to Royai who were explicitly working together, we have Hange covering for Levi right after he got injured and Levi stepping up to cover for Hange after she died.

AND I can’t help but think, literally post time skip just could not handle Levihan working together huh? Is that how competent Levi and Hange are as soldiers that Yams couldn’t let them work together just one last time? Like he knew it would mess with the story if he lets Levi and Hange lead at full power?

Which brings me to last point, and the point that makes me saddest.

9. About them being endgame?

Okay, so it wasn’t confirmed that Roy and Riza ended up together because Roy still had his fuhrer goals but AT LEAST THEY HAD A CHANCE? Like their last scene in the show was still them together? And Riza still at least got to follow him?

Levihan… They just… shit just happened and we all know what happened and now I’m reading fanfiction and crying over fcitoonal characters to pass the quarantine.

Anyway, if you reached this point, thank you for reading. And thank you for the question anon!

#levihan #meta #royai

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semicielo · 5 years ago

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Hi there :) I've just recently found your blog and love your writing skills! Its absolutely amazing! May I request something with Fullmetal Alchemist where the reader(preferably 'she' pronouns is trapped and slowly losing life until Ed, Al and Roy find her and try to bring her back(sorta like an action movie where the person drowns and they're trying to resuscitate them). How would each boy react to it?

Losing you; Edward Elric x Reader - Alphonse Elric x Reader - Roy Mustang x Reader.

Autor Note: being honest I was avoiding this request :(( I didn’t feel ready to write actions things but finally I give myself a try, and like the result of this! Thanks for complimenting my skills ღ Hope you like it and sorry for make you wait all this time :((

Warning!!: description of blood, reader is dying.

Type: scenarios - Genre: angst;actions themes.

─────── ੈ✩༉───────

general context:

They were near a river in the woods, (y/n) was fighting against Envy, the homunculus had her pissed off, she had it all in control, until the homunculus say the words “maybe I should kill that lame human in front of you? That would make you really miserable” they were laughing at the angry (y/n) and using that vulnerability the homunculus attack her.

(y/n) was on real danger, she was hurt by envy, she had a open wound on her abdomen, losing blood she still tried to fight against that homunculus, but (y/n) was really injured and felt dizzy, taking advantage of her state envy throw her into the river, the coward thing did that to scape after they heard people coming.

Edward Elric

Edward saw the blood on the floor, it was horrible, everything painted with a crimson red, he remembered Al, Nina, the night he tried to bring his mother back, he feel like throwing up, but he concentrate, where was (y/n)?

“(Y/N)!!”

He move his head, left to right to finally see the red on the water, he run approaching them, to see (y/n) breathing heavy and trying to talk, but word didn’t came of your mouth.

He was desperate, pulling her out of the water, he inspect her body, seeing the deep wound, he was getting nervous and nervous, he couldn’t handle losing you.

“(Y/N) WHO DID THIS TO YOU?”

(y/n) open her eyes, Edward saw how tired she looked, he put his head on your chest hearing the weak palpitations of her heart.

“Edward...”

“You’re gonna be ok (y/n) don’t close your eyes” his voice was worried, his golden eyes were looking at her, with fear but hope, because (y/n) was strong, she could do it “you will live (y/n) I promise you, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DIE”

You were tired, but you believe in the boy’s promises, so you smile at him, you were going to live, Edward wasn’t a liar.

Alphonse Elric

He was afraid for (y/n) he knew you were strong, but he couldn’t help but panic, Alphonse was looking at the girl.

He run through the woods looking for you, because it’s been a long time since he saw you, what if something bad happened to you?

Alphonse arrive to a river, he was stunned to see all the blood on the floor.

“NO”

He screamed your name, looking for you waiting for you to say his name and hoping yo were safe, sadly it wasn’t like that, he saw you body in the river, read all around your body, he run to your body, taking you out of the water.

Opening your eyes you saw Alphonse, the armor, but you could swear you saw Alphonse, his soul, the image of the caring boy with honey eyes.

“(Y/N) TALK TO ME, IT’T GOING TO BE FINE (Y/N) WE ARE GOING TO HELP YOU, MEI IS NEAR, AND DR MARCOH TOO, PLEASE DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES”

“Al...”

“Please” his voice was broken “don’t die...”

“I’m...not” (y/n) felt really tired, who could say that breathing was really exhausting, but she wanted to tell him “we’re eating Gracia’s food...remember?”

Roy Mustang

You were his subordinate, you two have some goals together, and certainly you wanted him to became the führer.

Roy was looking for (y/n), his subordinate told him she was going to beat Envy, and end a part of all this madness.

But when he got closer to the place where everything happened, he felt nervous, seeing all the blood staining the rocks, the green grass now was crimson red.

He opened his mouth in amazement, his eyes followed the way of blood to the river, he saw a body on it, he runs screaming your name, it was you, weak, laying in the water.

He pulled you out, he caress your hair and went to inspect the body, he could close the wound with his fire, but he didn’t know if you could resist the pain.

You opened your eyes looking at the handsome Coronel that stole your heart, his eyes were drowning in fear.

“Roy...” you said between coughing.

“(y/n) this is an order soldier, don’t you dare to die”

You wanted to tell him how tired you were, you felt weak, dying in this way wasn’t a part of your plan, you looked from strength, for a motivation, revenge...and your promise with Roy.

You knew him too well, he wanted to help you, but he was still hesitating about using his fire to close your wound.

You look for his hand to grab it, you felt weak, but your touch was strong and determined.

“Let’s try Roy...”

“(y/n) you are too weak I’m-“

“I rather die trying and in your arms, that dying because an homunculus...”

The determination in her eyes was powerful, he was going to do it and (y/n) was going to live a long life next to him.

“I still” she cough “need to see you became the fürher”

“You owe me a date, my order is the same soldier, don’t die”

─────── ੈ✩༉───────

#full metal alchemist brotherhood #full metal alchemist x reader #fmab alphonse #fma x reader #fma roy #fma edward #full metal alchemist #fullmetal alchimist brotherhood #edward elric #edward elric x reader #alphonse elric x reader #alphonse elric #roy mustang #roy mustang x reader #roy x reader #edward x reader #alphonese x reader #fma #fmab

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aspoonofsugar · 5 years ago

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Hi! How are you doing? Not sure if it's already been asked, but what are your top 10 favourite canon couples?

Hello!

I am doing fine, thank you! How are you doing?

It is alright, nobody has asked this before, so I can answer! That said, I am not really a hardcore shipper, so I am not sure I will come up with 10 pairs :’‘‘). I’ll do my best though! Also I have interpreted the term “canon” very freely.

As usual, here they are in no particular order:

1) Claire Stanfield and Chane Laforet (Baccano!):

I love their dynamic because they are fundamentally two almost opposite individuals who end up together in a surprising way. On one hand Claire thinks that he is the protagonist not only of his own story, but of the whole world. As a matter of fact he believes that the world is nothing more than a dream of his. Ironically, it is because of this selfish delusion that Claire is able to embrace the whole world:

“So what if I'd spare him? In my mind it's the certainty in myself that I possess which allows me to have that kind of mercy or compassion. There's no wavering on that point. It's fixed like the stars. The fact is I'm never gonna be killed! So remember this: mercy and compassion are virtues that only the strong are privileged to possess. And I am strong.”

On the other hand Chane has chosen to be nothing more than her father’s puppet. She is a satellite character in her own life and can’t absolutely think to live as a protagonist. If Claire’s world is too big, Chane’s too little because it has only her and her father in it. What is more, Chane has gone out of her way to make sure that it stays that way. For example, she asked her father to take her voice away and has not learnt alternative ways to communicate (like sign language).

Given this premise, it is interesting that a person so self-centered like Claire puts a person with such a frail sense of self like Chane at the centre of his world. Claire makes Chane, who is not even the lead of her own story, the heroine of his huge world. Claire instead plays a support role in Chane’s story. It is precisely because of this contradiction that their dynamic works. All in all Chane gets to get in contact with the world through Claire. Because of this, she is challenged to grow. This is another interesting difference between them. On one hand Claire is basically like Peter Pan and can’t really grow psychologically. On the other hand Chane is a character who has changed, but who is scared of this change. This is why she tries to actively regress, but she can’t really go back to who she was.

2) Komugi and Meruem (HxH):

I have explained here what I love about them. Their relationship conveys the themes of the chimera ants arc beautifully. I especially like it because it would have been easy to have Meruem grow fond of Komugi because of her kindness and goodness. However, this is not really what happens. The reason why Meruem is so attracted by Komugi is her prowess as a Gungi player. Komugi is not a character who coddles Meruem, but one who challenges him. As a result Meruem’s attraction for her is rooted in respect. Meruem brings out from Komugi her talent and stubborness, while Komugi brings out from him his caring and kind side. Meruem becomes interested in her because of the traits they share and grows to love what makes her different from him.

3) Ash Lynx and Eiji Okumura (Banana Fish):

I like their relationship, but I would have loved for it to be explored even more throughout the story. All in all, they are attracted to each other because they want something the other has. Eiji wants Ash’s initiative and daring personality, while Ash wants Eiji’s freedom and soothing personality. Eiji wants Ash’s ability to fight for himself, while Ash wants Eiji’s talent to heal others instead of hurting them.

Despite this, they are not fully able to grow as they could have because of the violence of the conflict they are in. Eiji makes some steps in the right direction, but the moment a wound incapacitates him he goes back to his more passive behaviour. When it comes to Ash, he is not able to take fligth like he would like because of self-hate. Their ending is tragic, but I wonder if it could have been different. For example, after a meaningful conflict the two of them decide to avoid fighting and to simply enjoy the time they spend together. This is a relatable choice, but a series of things are left unexpressed and because of this they are not really able to overcome their flaws. Maybe, if they had fought a little more and had called each other out more, things could have been different in the end.

4) Claire Nunez and Jim Lake Jr (Tales of Arcadia):

I have talked about them here. They are two very similar people to the point that they have basically the same flaw. They both feel responsible for bad things happening to them and to their friends. This is why they end up trying to fix everything by their own and fail spectacularly. It is nice to see them find help and support by their loved ones. And it is heart-warming that they keep being there for each other.

5) Chidi Anagonye and Eleanor Shellstrop (The Good Place):

Eleanor and Chidi are completely different people and this is why they are perfect to challenge each other. Chidi inspires Eleanor to be more selfless and to open up to others, while Eleanor inspires Chidi to be daring. This is obvious since season 1 and it is a constant throughout the series. Their relationship is a good example of a relationship which is conflictual, but enriching. In order to stay together they (other than escaping hell) must overcome their respective flaws. Eleanor must be vulnerable and let Chidi in her life, while Chidi must be decisive and actively choose Eleanor.

I also like that this is true even in those timelines where they do not develop a romantic relationship. The fact that their relationship is the same, but also slightly differs in each reboot makes it gain a very nice thematic meaning and enriches it. All in all, what Chidi and Eleanor represent for each other is always the same and what changes is the platonic/romantic aspect of the bond.

Finally I like the motif of them leaving messages to their future selves about the other. At the end of season 1, Eleanor writes to herself: “Find Chidi”, while at the end of season 3 Chidi writes to himself: “Eleanor is the answer”. This is a very cool motif which conveys their respective growth thanks to the other. Eleanor who only trusts herself chooses to trust Chidi’s ability to help her. Chidi who has spent his whole life searching for answers and failing to write them down decides that Eleanor is all he needs to find meaning in his life.

6) Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye:

Their relationship is my favourite of the whole series. Their characters are beautifully intertwined to the point that they can barely function without the other. This aspect of their bond is not excessively romanticized, but it is presented as a dreadful consequence of the traumatic past they share. At the end of the day Roy and Riza are too highly idealistic people whose ideals were shattered before they could evolve in something more than childish dreams. Despite this, they were able to put the fragments of those great dreams back together and have chosen to sacrifice their personal happiness to realize them.

All in all, Riza and Roy want redemption for their crimes and they find comfort in each other while they try to obtain it. In order to make things better they are ready to sacrifice their own existences and they have given up on the chance of living normal lives as civilians. However, they still have each other.

Roy gives Riza someone to protect, so that she does not fall apart and remains functional, while Riza restrains Roy’s most negative instincts. They make each other better even if they can’t completely overcome the pain of their past. They can just share it with the other.

Finally I especially like the scene where Roy chooses not to transmute humans even if it means Riza will most likely die. As a matter of fact, despite it all, that act is not framed as a betrayal of Riza, but rather as the only thing he can do not to betray her. I love both relationships where a character fixated on an ideal lets go of it because of people and relationships which make a person realize the importance of an ideal. They are both beautiful when well written. Here we are in front of a bond where both aspects are present. On one hand Roy must let go of his desire of vengeance not to lose Riza. On the other hand Roy must let go of Riza not to betray the ideals they share.

In the end theirs is a very tragic and strict relationship, but also a very warm and human one.

7) Kokomi Teruhashi and Saiki Kusuo (Saiki Q):

They are not properly canon since they are not together by the end. However, I think there is enough in the series to support the ship. Anyway, it is still a ship I enjoy a lot (and it is one of the few I feel strongly for, so I am adding it to the list no matter what).

I love their dynamic because it is hilarious, but it could also be surprisingly deep if the narrative wanted to explore it more. Teruhashi is my favourite character of the series because she is a nice subversion of both the yamato nadeshiko trope and of the alpha bitch one. She presents herself as an incredibly beautiful and yet innocent girl, but she is actually very aware of her looks and of others’ reactions. Despite this, she comes along as likeable mostly because she often genuinelly means well despite her being self-centered. Saiki instead projects the image of an average person, but he is actually the most powerful being of the world. In short, Teruhashi and Saiki are both opposite and the same.

They are the same because they both wear a carefully crafted mask. They are opposite because the masks they were are opposite. On one hand Teruhashi’s mask of the perfect girl attracts attention. On the other hand Saiki’s mask of the average guy is meant to make him invisible.

The difference between their two personas is the reason why Saiki wants to avoid Teruhashi at all costs. He wants to be average, so he can’t stay close to a person who attracts so much attention. At the same time, it is clear that Saiki grows to admire Teruhashi specifically because of her ability to always keep her mask up. He knows how difficult it is to realize such a feat and he recognizes Teruhashi’s dedication. Basically Saiki is the only person who knows the real Teruhashi and appreciates her for who she is and not for who she pretends to be.

In short, the series could have done a lot with them if it had wanted to go deeper in their dynamic. Saiki ends up coming to the spotlight multiple times to help Teruhashi, while Teruhashi breaks up her image of perfect girl when close to Saiki.

Unluckily this is the end of the list :’‘‘) I tried to think of other canon couples I enjoy, but even if there are some, I would not call them proper faves. At the same time, there are some ships I enjoy, but they are not properly canon/confirmed to be romantic, so I am not adding them.

Thank you for the ask!

#baccano!#baccano #clairexchane #hxh #komugixmeruem #bf #asheji #trollhunters #clairexjim #royai #fma #chidi x eleanor #the good place #saiki x teruhashi #saiki q #asksfullofsugar #eurekapendragon

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fullmetalscullyy · 5 years ago

Text

the way it was - chapter 20

summary: what if riza never went to war? riza hawkeye has just married the man she loves. six months into their marriage, an unexpected surprise stops her from following roy to the military. a canon divergence au that explores what might have happened had riza been unable to join the military. there will be plenty of family fluff, angst, and royai.

rated: m | warnings: no archive warning apply

read on ao3

1914

just because it's pouring down,

doesn't mean we're gonna drown

Roy was gently rocking her in place as they sat, his touch and comfort soothing her instantly. It helped her think more clearly in the emotionally charged room. He’d hugged her against his chest and Riza cuddled into his torso completely. Her feet were up on the couch, and she was lying against him. Her tea was long forgotten, but at least she’d stopped feeling so shaky. Morning sickness was a bitch.

She’d finally given into him, her need for his comfort. She was tired of fighting and hiding from her husband. They’d finally met on a middle ground after Maes’ death. It might be no man’s land, it might finally be peace, that was yet to be seen. Today’s conversation would decide their fate.

“Even though it terrifies me,” Riza began, breaking the silence that had blanketed over them. “I think… If I share it all now, we can finally air everything out. It was an extremely difficult time for us both and I think we need to discuss it, rather than shoulder it alone like I’ve been doing.” Riza shifted, moving herself closer to him. “I’ve done that since our first argument. I told myself just to get through Maes’ funeral in one piece, then I could deal with it all, but I’m exhausted.”

She was so tired. She’d spent her whole life hiding how she really felt and putting others before herself but now, pregnant and exhausted from her morning sickness, she was tired of it all.

“These past few days… I felt like I’d lost you.” Riza gripped the fabric of his shirt tightly in her fist. “I was…” Riza sighed. “I was upset about Maes. I know how much he meant to you and how close you both were, so I can’t imagine how you must feel about it all, but I was hurting too.” She heard his breathing hitch. “I couldn’t stop thinking about Gracia and Elicia being left alone. I got Mia to school then went right over to see her…” Riza swallowed back the tears, remembering Gracia sobbing uncontrollably as Riza held her, letting her ride it out. “It was horrible. I was there for hours.”

Roy was silent as she let it all out and Riza was grateful. His hands had stopped rubbing up and down her arms in comfort. They remained still as her explanation washed over him.

“And...” Riza sniffed and willed the tears not to fall. “I had to tell Mia what had happened.” Riza swallowed past the lump in her throat. “She couldn’t understand it. She didn’t know what I meant by she’d never be able to see her Uncle Maes again,” Riza’s voice shook. “She asked if you were really sad the night you came home,” she sniffed, “and then asked if we’d be sad if she died.”

The silence was deafening in the room. Riza squeezed her eyes shut at the thought of losing Mia. She’d never wanted to bring that up again. She couldn’t lose her baby girl. Riza would die inside if she did. It would kill her to lose any part of her family.

Roy stood abruptly. Riza was so startled she fell sideways on the couch, needing to push herself up to a seated position to see where he’d gone. Her husband was pacing in the middle of the room, frantically. One hand was gripping his hair tightly, the other on his hip.

“I don’t want that.” His whisper was quiet, but she heard the sob in his voice. “I can’t lose her,” he pleaded, face crumpling. “I can’t – My baby girl.”

Riza hushed him, pulling him into a tight hug. Hands wrapped around her tightly. Roy pressed his face into her shoulder, his head dipped low as she felt his torso shake with his sobs. His knees shook beneath him and Riza had to hold his weight for a brief second. Riza knew exactly how he felt because she’d lost it like this when Mia had asked her the question. But it just showed she was too young to comprehend the concept of dying. She was too young to lose anyone. Too young.

“She’s not going anywhere,” Riza reassured him fiercely through her own tears. “She’s safe and happy with your mother right now.”

“And I left you to deal with all of that. I didn’t even think.”

Riza hushed him again. “You had a lot to deal with –”

“It’s no excuse,” he replied. His tone was firm, rising in volume. The grip on her tightened. “I can’t believe she said that to you.”

“It’s because she’s only young. She didn’t understand.”

Silence enveloped them as they both cried. It was cathartic to do this together, Riza thought. It was finally all coming out and she felt better about it. A weight was being lifted from her shoulders.

“I won’t say I wasn’t angry at the whole situation,” Riza whispered. “Because I was. You were grieving, I get that, but you didn’t need to say those things. That’s when I thought we were done,” she admitted. “After everything happened, I thought you’d finally realised how much I burden you every day.”

His head jerked up from her shoulder, his eyes staring into hers with disbelief in them. It was a comfort, at least. “Never,” he replied vehemently, pressing his forehead against hers, as if it would somehow make her understand better. “That’s on me. You keep me sane. You keep me grounded. You keep me going.” His voice cracked on the last word. “You always have.” He drew himself up to his full height, meeting her eyes. His hands never strayed from around her body though. “There is a plot in the military that we think goes right to the top.”

Riza’s stomach twisted painfully and dread threatened to creep up her spine. She swallowed thickly, letting the weight of his revelation settle over her.

“I don’t have names yet, but I think that was what Hughes figured out. Or, it was just how deep this whole thing ran. Someone is controlling the military. That’s what I’m trying to find out.”

Riza’s stomach continued to churn. “The reason I asked you not to go after the culprit and get your revenge wasn’t me asking you to drop it,” she whispered. “I was terrified of losing you. Whoever is pulling the strings didn’t hesitate to kill Maes as soon as they found out he’d discovered them. I don’t want you to die too.” Riza gripped his t-shirt tighter again, shifting her face so that it was pressed into his shoulder.

“I know,” Roy murmured. “I know that now. I was unfair to you, and if anyone else had been there, I would have lashed out at them too. It wasn’t directed at you for any reason.” Riza felt him hang his head. “I’m sorry. When I found out you were in the hospital that’s when it hit me just how awful I’d been to you. At Hughes’ funeral…” He took a shaky breath, almost stuttering over the last word. “I saw how good you were with Elicia and Mia, cheering them up after such a sad day. You were wonderful with them. You told Elicia about your own parents. I overheard you talking about it and I didn’t think you would share that with anyone, but you did it to show her, and to teach her, that it’s okay to be sad when people leave us like that. All the way home in the car she’d raved about how ‘Auntie Riza had said this, and Auntie Riza had said that’. You were exactly what she needed.” Roy gave her a quick squeeze. “Gracia and I knew you’d helped her understand. When I came home last night, that’s when I realised, I was losing you,” he admitted in a whisper. “You couldn’t even look at me, and I don’t blame you.”

“I was still angry at you but frustrated at myself.”

“Why?” He sounded genuinely curious.

“I obviously didn’t help you the way I should have through this tough time. I never offered help like I should have.”

“You did try to help. I also never gave you the chance,” Roy countered. “I wasn’t exactly the most approachable person. We promised we’d look out for each other and I did the exact opposite. I shouldered it all and pushed you both away and to the side in my grief.”

Riza couldn’t think of anything to reply to that. All her anger had left her now and she was tired. Emotionally and physically. She wanted to put this behind them and move on. There was nothing else that jumped to mind that needed to be discussed, and she felt certain they’d done enough of that for one lifetime.

Now, they could start moving forward.

A short, strangled laugh left Riza’s throat as she thought about Maes. He was probably up there screaming about how they were both so stupid and too stubborn for their own good.

“What?” Roy asked, his tone both curious and surprised.

She shook her head, peeling it away from his shoulder. When she looked into his eyes Riza finally felt at peace. “I was just thinking about how Maes is up there yelling about how stupid and stubborn we both are.”

Roy blinked at her, then his face relaxed. “He was always right about that. And the fact that I’m a colossal idiot. He’s still right about that,” he smiled. It was tiny, but it was there.

“But you’re my idiot, and I wouldn’t trade you for the world.” Riza pressed a hand to his cheek. “I couldn’t. Who would I tease if you were gone?”

Roy let out a laugh then hugged her tightly after pressing a kiss to her temple. “You’re right. Who would keep my sorry ass in line if you weren’t here?”

“To be fair, Mia probably could. She’s got you wrapped around her little finger.”

His laugh was solid this time. “You’re right. We’d be eating chocolate with every meal and there would be ice cream for breakfast if she got her way. I’d be huge in size.”

They both laughed, smiling fondly. When their eyes met again, their faces softened. Roy lifted a hand to her chin, cupping it and lifting it. She licked her lips in anticipation of a kiss.

“I love you so much, Riza Mustang,” he whispered. “I know I can be difficult, and I have a lot of making up to do but know that feeling will never change.”

“I just need you,” she whispered. “I’m glad you’ve come back to us.”

Roy bent his head, his lips pressing against hers so softly. It was a caring and loving kiss. She’d missed that feeling so much. His hand slowly moved so his palm was cupping her cheek. His fingers moved into the hair by her ear as his thumb stroked her cheekbone lightly. It was gentle and hesitant when Riza needed more. She gripped his shoulders tightly, deepening the kiss and pulling his body closer to hers. The two of them moved together, basking in the love they held for each other.

“I’ll always come back to you,” he whispered. He pressed his forehead against hers. “Like I said, you ground me. You’re the one constant in my life I can count on, so is Mia, but I took advantage of that recently.” His head lifted so he met her eyes. “No more.”

She smiled at him. It felt like it had been too long since the last she’d done that.

* * *

Riza was stirred from her slumber by the ghostly feeling of fingers brushing over her face. She shifted as it tickled her skin, her face brushing against something hard, but warm. Opening her eyes, she saw Roy’s well-defined chest directly in her view. Glancing up, she saw her husband smiling down at her. He was propped up on his elbow, which rested atop his pillow, while his head leaned against a closed fist.

“Hey,” he murmured, bending his head to kiss her cheek. His fingers abandoned her skin as he did so, but they returned to stroking her face after it. She sighed at his touch, snuggling closer to his body.

“Hello,” she sighed as his fingers made her shiver. “I didn’t realise I fell asleep.”

Roy chuckled. “For about two hours.”

Riza’s eyes popped open. “Really?” she asked in disbelief.

Nodding, he shifted so he could kiss her head again. “You must have needed it.”

After their emotionally charged discussion of what had happened between them, Roy had kissed her softly. Riza wanted – no, needed – more, and dragged him into a deeper kiss, her hands tugging at his t-shirt, trying to get it over his head as quickly as possible. She’d meant it when she said she’d missed him. It wasn’t just his presence and his comfort. She’d missed his love too. She was desperate for the emotional connection they shared. Riza needed to reconnect with her husband. The bond between them was something she’d never experienced with anyone else before. It was so intense, Riza was lost without it during their hard time. So, she’d dragged him off to their bedroom and had apparently fallen asleep for two hours after it.

“I suppose I did,” she agreed. She let her eyes drift closed as she cuddled back into his side. “And I definitely needed that.”

Roy hummed in agreement, bending to kiss her again. “I’m just thankful that was the way things went. It could have gone the opposite.”

Riza’s eyes opened, her smile slipping from her face. “It could have, but I don’t think I could ever leave you, Roy,” she admitted. “We agreed we were in this together. Plus, we have the kids.” Her stomach fluttered at the plural word.

While he’d made love to her, Roy had cupped her swollen stomach in his hands, kissing the skin and whispering about how much he loved their little one already. He made promises and declared vows against her skin, his lips and breath tickling her stomach.

“We do, and I wouldn’t trade them both for the world.”

“Neither would I,” Riza agreed.

“I can’t believe we’re having a second one…” A smile spread across his face as he trailed off. “Sometimes I really can’t believe how lucky I’ve been.”

“Me too. Who would have thought I would fall in love with the scrawny city boy who appeared on my father’s doorstep one day?” she quipped, grinning up at him.

Roy laughed. “Who would have thought the shy, quiet girl who almost made me vomit when she cut the head off a chicken for dinner would fall in love with me?” he retorted. “I’m sure you did that on purpose, just for the shock factor.”

“Maybe I did,” she teased as they laughed together. “You’re the best person in my life, Roy, and always have been. I would never want to lose you.”

“I feel the same way,” he whispered, dropping his joking tone. He gave her a tight squeeze.

Peace washed over her body, solidifying in her mind that she was extremely loved by this man and he wanted her by his side. Her childish fears would not get in her way today, or in the future. She decided there and then, to actually listen to Roy when he told her how amazing she was, and how much he needed her, rather than smile and nod just to keep the peace. She was worthy of being loved, and she was a good person. She helped him, and that was all she ever wanted.

“I’m glad,” she whispered, shifting to press her lips against his.

Roy rolled her onto her back, so he was hovering over her. His knees were on either side of her hips, one hand on the mattress by her shoulder. The other hand lifted to her face, stroking down the side of her face, moving from her temple, down her cheek, to her cup her chin with his thumb and forefinger.

“I love you, Riza,” he murmured, lowering his lips to hover just above hers, but not making contact. “So much.”

“I love you, Roy. Always have, always will.”

They were lost to each other once more under the warmth of their bedsheets.

* * *

“Hiya Mummy!” Mia called after they heard the front door to their home open. “Daddy!”

“Shoes off, Mia,” Chris commanded before they saw their daughter. There was a brief pause, then she came barrelling into their living room, Hayate hot on her heels. He looked as happy and excited to see them as Mia did, his tail wagging happily while his tongue lolled from his mouth.

“Hello, Mia,” Riza greeted.

Roy stood from his place beside Riza on the couch, disentangling himself from Riza’s hold. He bent low to scoop Mia up from the floor, twirling her around in place while she giggled happily. Hayate barked at his feet, his paws shifting on the carpet. Riza chuckled at their pup, betting that he probably wanted the same treatment.

“How’s my best girl?” Roy asked once he stopped spinning her around. Her body swayed in his arms, her head still spinning, while she giggled again.

“Good!” she exclaimed happily. “We went on the swings, we got some ice cream, we played fetch with Hayate and he jumped in the pond after his stick,” she giggled, leaning over her father’s arms to look down at their dog. As soon as Hayate saw Mia’s eyes on him, his tail wagged happily once more.

Mia continued to regale Roy with everything they did that day, and it sounded like a lot.

Chris approached Riza, one eyebrow lifted. Riza knew already what her question was.

“We’re good,” Riza told her with a smile, her eyes drifting back to Roy as he began to exclaim his surprise at what they did today, overexaggerating his tone and disbelief.

“I knew you would be,” Chris replied. “But that stuff still needs to be figured out. I saw how much what had happened was affecting him, and I could see it was beginning to tear you both apart.”

Riza felt her stomach twist uncomfortably, knowing that people had noticed their marital problems. However, what was done was done, and they’d made their way through it. That was what mattered.

“I’m glad you worked it out,” Chris added, offering Riza one of her rare, small smiles. “Otherwise I would have smacked him upside the head for being so stupid to push you away.”

“Thank you, Chris,” Riza replied, genuinely.

“Don’t mention it,” Chris replied, her tone gruff.

Riza smiled, noticing how she looked slightly uncomfortable with the gratitude. Despite being Roy’s mother, she still supported Riza wholeheartedly, and that was appreciated. In the past, her father had always taken Roy’s side, even going so far as blaming Roy’s failings or lack of progress on her, stating she was distracting him. It was nice to have a parental figure’s support once in her life.

Chris’ tone softened when Mia squealed loudly as Roy began to tickle her, not letting her escape from his hold. “I’d do anything for you both, you know that.”

A proud smile spread across Riza’s face. “I do. Thank you.”

“And for that little girl,” Chris added. “Even if she does run me off my feet all the time.”

Riza chuckled. “She’s well known for that.”

“Honestly, it was every five minutes. She’s always on the move.”

“Tell me about it. I used to look away for one second when she was a baby and she’d managed to crawl across the room to pick something up to put in her mouth. I needed another set of eyes.” Riza laughed fondly at the memory.

“Come on, Hayate!” Mia beckoned her friend loudly, leaving the room. They both ran up the stairs hurriedly, and Riza noticed she wasn’t limping.

“She’s going to get changed because she’s “all sweaty”,” Roy explained, adding in air quotes.

“I’m not surprised,” Chris snorted. “She ran about all day. I couldn’t get her to sit still for her lunch.”

Roy laughed, slinging his arm around Riza’s shoulders, then pressing a kiss to her temple. “Thank you for looking after her today,” he added, his tone sincere. “We really appreciate it.”

“Of course,” Chris stated, as if it were obvious she would. “I’d do anything for you two. Even if it means I end up in a heap by the end of the day because she’s run me ragged,” Chris added, jerking her thumb over her shoulder, motioning to Mia. Then, Chris narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m glad to see things turned out for the best.”

“They did,” Roy replied, but his tone was slightly solemn.

“Good, because I would have killed you, Roy Boy, for letting this one go.”

Riza blushed lightly at the compliment while Roy chuckled beside her, giving her shoulder a squeeze. Part of her was so close to opening her mouth to protest, but then she remembered her promise to herself earlier in the day. She was good enough. She was worthy of their love and support.

“She definitely is,” Roy grinned, pressing another kiss to Riza’s temple.

#royai #royai fic #royai fanfic #royai au #the way it was #emma writes

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novelmonger · 2 years ago

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Milly Thompson, Vash the Stampede, Legato Bluesummers, Roy Mustang, Schezka, Izumi Curtis, Van Hohenheim

From this ask game

*shudder* I don't want to go anywhere with Legato! What's wrong with you???? D8

Go grocery shopping with - Milly!!! I wanna go grocery shopping with my sweet Milly! She'd be able to carry most of the groceries herself - most of which would be pudding cups, probably XD But she just seems like she would make anything fun, and she's always so cheerful. We could chat about our families and our jobs, and everything would just be so normal - even though she's anything but.

Have lunch with - I would love to get to taste whatever Izumi Curtis would make for lunch. I'd be a little scared of her, no doubt, but maybe if I just work hard at helping her cook and then wash dishes, she won't yell or anything. After all, I wouldn't be her pupil, so she'd probably be pretty kind. I would totally freak out if she coughed up blood while I was there, though :'(

Have coffee with - Ugh, this is going to sound like worst self-insert fic ever, but...Roy Mustang >///< I would be extremely flustered and tongue-tied, because he would turn up the charm and make it seem like we're on a date in a cute little cafe. But then it would become clear that it's a front for some mission, or the whole point is to pass along information or something like that. Which would be cool enough in its own way. But...you know...it would be really nice to hear his laugh and see him smile, even if he were faking it. We don't see near enough of that in canon.

Go thrift shopping with - I think it would be really fun (and funny!) to go thrifting with Vash XD It would be hilarious to watch his antics, and adorable to watch his fascination with like...children's toys, or antiques that remind him of somebody he used to know. And of course, Vash being Vash, we'd probably end up in a holdup or a shootout or something, which would suck, but at least I'd get to see his incredible gunslinging skills up close, and I know no one would get hurt. Except maybe him :(

Explore a museum/art gallery/aquarium with - Can you imagine going to an art gallery with a man who was alive when most, if not all, of the artists were alive? Maybe he even knew some of them personally! Hohenheim got around! Not to mention, there's probably some artists among the 536,329 souls inside him! He could explain all the interesting backstories and tidbits and artist's techniques that you don't get on the little plaque underneath the frame. And maybe he'd been to some of those places, and he could tell me whether it was an accurate depiction or not. What I'm saying is, Theophrastus Bombastus van Hohenheim would make the best tour guide ever. (This would also apply to a science or history museum, but for some reason my mind latched onto art instead.)

Go the library/bookstore with - Well, obviously I have to go to the library with Scieszka! She would know where all the best books are! Her recommendations would be so good! I bet I could give her a list of my favorite books, and she'd immediately grab a whole stack of books in the same vein that would last me the next year!

Have as a plus-one at a wedding - Okay, okay, fine. Legato would ask me to go with him to a wedding for some unfathomable reason, and I would say yes because I would be terrified not to, and then at the first opportunity, I would make an excuse to go to the bathroom, and then try to climb out a window and escape, except he'd probably figure out what I was trying to do and then kill me. Or force me to kill myself. Either way, it ain't gonna be pretty. Unless Vash gets wind of it and comes over from the thrift store and saves us all.

#ask and you shall receive #x-i-l-verify #ask games

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wyrdify · 4 years ago

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Anonymous asked: you house a monster. he’s killed once because of that thing, and almost killed again. he’s already falling apart as we speak, or have you grown deaf to his screams? you can’t possibly be so prideful as to believe that you’ll be able to handle this yourself. tick tock, mustang. you’d be better off forcing that child back into his own world at this rate.

Ask Questions | Currently accepting.

Speak of the devil and he doth appear. What large prey the wolf found too---something he could sink his teeth into. Journal closed and pen down, Roy folded one leg over the other as he listened, hands resting on his knee. Curiouser and curiouser. This day only got more interesting by the minute!

“Tick-tock, Mustang,” it taunted once more. Eyes formed from obsidian narrowed. Force the child back into his own world? One that ran parallel to this world, no doubt---or did until they converged. He wasn’t terribly familiar with the theory, and he doubted learning more about it would help in this specific instance. After all, he was only one alchemist, one human being in a sea of millions. There was only so much that he was capable of.

What could he do? Listen as the sun screamed from what he presumed to be a nightmare. Watch as the two of them finally left the bedroom and stayed awake enough to make food. Make note of the moon’s waning memory and the new phase the sun brought him into. Or, was it the demon that lurked below? He spoke to it once, and he hadn’t gleaned much between then and now. If he didn’t learn more soon...

No option. The sun didn’t burn as hot as he did. When he wanted answers, he got them.

“That’s no way to talk about a child.” As if he scolded a toddler after they stole cookies: disapproving with little anger in his voice. “I haven’t grown deaf, no. Despite what I endured in the war, my hearing is fine---as are the rest of my senses.“ All of his senses remained on high alert since they got home from their trip down south. “Even if I somehow had the ability to force Sol back into his own world, I’m not sure I would. I’m missing pieces, and I don’t like acting on a plan without all of the information.”

Like what the demon was, where it came from, how it existed, and how it affected his Edward. Umpteen questions sat between his journal and his mind, and he planned to get answers for as many of them as he could.

“Who said anything about handling this myself?” That disapproving tone again. “I know when something’s beyond me. We haven’t hit that point yet. I’m sure you’ll let me know when that happens. Though, I gotta ask: I better force him back into his world or what? Is that a threat?” He arched an eyebrow, letting his words sink in for a few seconds before he rose from his seat. Edward, Sol, and Alphonse were in the kitchen. “I’ll be back. You can take your time deciding how you’re gonna answer that.”

#anonymous #let the flames begin; answers #let the flames begin; promptedanswers #let the flames begin; ic #verse; sins & virtues

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atamascolily · 4 years ago

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lily watches fma:b, eps. 58-61

I hate suspense, so I went ahead and read the plot summary for the next few episodes, so I could relax a bit. Unfortunately, there's a lot of plot decisions that elicit a major "WTF?" from me, so we'll see if they work better in context.

so they're using the Gates as transportation portals now?? This is new, isn't it?? or does it only work with people who have already opened gates?? I'm so confused!!

okay, so ling doesn't know how to use alchemy to heal people? but he can sense homunculi because chi? or is this just something everyone in Xing can do? I'M SO CONFUSED.

[he has a stone but neither he nor Greed know how to use it to heal others, I guess?? why not, though?]

Bucaneer calls Olivier a "queen," which is right on!

Greedling is the best thing about this adaptation, full stop

*sings* "It must be nice, must be nice, to have a homunculus on your side..."

that one random woman looks so much like Danta from FMA03 that I just had to shake myself to make sure I wasn't imagining it

Elicia HAS ECLIPSE GLASSES AND IT'S THE CUTEST THING

I don't understand why Hoheneheim counts as a sacrifice - yes, he was present for the opening in Xerxes, but he did not attempt human transmutation himself (even though the portal was centered around him without his knowledge) I feel like intent matters?? iirc, he wasn't consumed and broken down the way Ed and Al were???

He's also now fused with Father in a weird blob that reminds me of Topaz trapping humans in Steven Universe.

I don't know why Hawkeye hasn't managed to shoot the evil doctor in all this close-quarters fighting. And why isn't Roy using flames? We had a demo earlier with the zombies that he can work around his allies without burning them, so... ???

Mustang is ordered to perform human transmutation so the bad guys can have a fifth person to complete their circle (somehow, alchemy always works in fives?) He refuses, but then they say they'll shoot Hawkeye if he doesn't so he caves.

this "gotta get a complete set" seems really sloppy for Team Bad, because the eclipse is like, any minute now. Seems like they're cutting it really close. You think they could have found/persuaded/forced someone into doing it, given how long they've had to work at this. So I'm just like "???" about this.

(the doctor dude also lampshades this, lol)

also, I'm so confused why the doctor claims Roy can bring anyone he wants back - maybe this was FMA03 I'm thinking of, but it seems like you would need some sort of specific connection to a particularl person in order to bring them back that you couldn't just whip out at a moment's notice??

is there any other way to open the gateway besides human transmutation?? And why doesn't the doctor count, since they've made plenty of philosopher's stones (which involve human transmutation, and is why Hohenheim is a sacrifice in the first place)??

okay, hawkeye isn't dead yet, but he's supposed to transmute her anyway? How does that differ from healing? I'M SO CONFUSED.

anyway, pride shows up and eats the annoying doctor and also makes a transmutation circle with his shadows while Bradley pins Mustang to the floor. o...kay. andthen it just...happens?without roy's consent?

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK DUDES

okay, andnow the eclipse is starting, irl they'd have a maximum of 8 minutes at totality to Do The Thing, but who the fuck knows what's happening here since all the characters are UNDERGROUND (how do they even KNOW)

fuck, they're basically raping mustang here since his consent does not matter because pride ate the doctor and the doctor has the knowledge (but that should make him and/or pride the sacrifice, not ROY).

like what the actual fuck

so the doctor gets transmuted, even though he was the one with the relevant knowledge?? I don't get it.

and mustang is automatically transported to be with the other sacrifices - why? how?? how does this even work? is that other circlethey wereusing still active? was it part of pride's set-up for this circle to be dual-purpose?HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

and apparently, it's just one floor below so all they have to do is break the floor??

Roy is blind... but does not physically lose his eyes, which makes NO SENSE, given that Al, Ed and Izumi lost actual physical pieces of themselves.THE FUCK.

ed's like, "this is super fucked up shit, and you don't get to moralize about human nature and hubris if you guys forced him to do this"

pride is basically acting like a kid who had all the time in the world for an assignment and then rushed to complete it at the last possible moment

scar fights bradley, yes FINALLY SOMEBODY KILL THAT DUDE

al's emaciated body is just so heartbreaking, and al's like "no! I can't suddenly move to this incredibly emaciated version of myself before the final battle!" which is actually really smart of him

of course, al's body waits until AFTER his soul leaves to monologue about how al might have just destroyed the entire world. GEE THANKS YOU ASSHOLE.

broussh shows up at the radio station and maria ross is like :????:

Father says the sacrifices are "all in his belly" and we cut to the chimeras on the outside looking at a massive blob - so Father is ALSO a gate???

(ngl: it would make TOTAL SENSE if Father was originally one of the creatures we see when the gate opens, who got pulled into our world by Hohenheim's master... especially since he used Hohenheim's blood? DID HIS MASTER PERFORM HUMAN TRANSMUTATION? WOULDN'T IT BE AWESOME IF WE ACTUALLY GOT SOME ANSWERS??)

(okay, this is my working headcanon now)

May's like "I'M GONNA TAKE 'EM" and I'm like "aww, heck yeah girl!"

it's really appropriate that Scar--Formerly Consumed by Anger--is fighting Wrath, who ordered the Amestrian equivalent of Order 66 on Ishval.

scar put a reconstruction circle on his other arm, how Symbolic

FATHER MAKES A GUN OUT OF HIS OWN BODY WITH EYES AND TEETH

no seriously, what the fuck did I just witness

Al apologizes to Hohenheim in case he hits him when he attacks father, bless that boy

Izumi makes A GIANT FUCKING CROSSBOW, did I mention I love her?

the personal gates of all of the sacrifices open - so they have giant eyes in their stomachs, wtf

father wants to open.. the planet's gate??

(this ties in with the alkahestry and chi, but... what?)

okay, the country-wide transmutation circle activates and everyone dies

Pinako (who knows Hohenheim is involved with this shit): Hohenheim, I'm gonna slug you. AND DAMN WELL YOU SHOULD MA'AM.

then the gates open and Father challenges God to a fistfight

... and God answers??

[apparently God lives in the sun, and only comes out during an eclipse??? looks just like the usual gate-eye-tentacle creature, tho]

okay, so we get our answer as to why an eclipse: male + female, sun + moon, = perfect being = immortality.

apparently there's a rule that all megalomaniacal shounen villains end up looking the same, because Father looks just like Aizen''s final form from Bleach now, except with more eyes.

Father ate God and now he's young and hot and mostly naked again.

He negates alchemy and creates a miniature sun in his hand because he can.

I hope God gives him indigestion or something.

Oh, wait, Hohenheim had a plan after all... THOUGH APPARENTLY 50 MILLION PEOPLE HAD TO DIE FIRST, WAY TO GO THERE

turns out he's been letting bits of his philosopher stone around amestris on his travels so that father would eat them and they'd tear him apart from the inside

... and the circle for the alchemy is the moon's shadow on the earth.

[I don't know if the astronomy actually works out, but it's very nifty nonetheless]

anyway, everybody's soul returns to their bodies, and everyone wakes up. IDK how their bodies handle having been functionally brain dead, but we're just gonna say it all works out, okay?

ooh, and everyone REMEMBERS WHAT JUST HAPPENED so they’re all like “...the fuck??”

scar saves the world by activating the reverse transmutation circle over the center that all the Ishvalans set up during the time skip

instead of blood you just need circles drawn on paper for reconstruction? why did Team Evil go to so much trouble to murder people instead?

father spends this whole fight looking like a very ripped hohenheim in a bathrobe around his waist OMG

pride calls ed his brother and I think this was handled better in 03 with Envy, but w/e. anyway he's going to take over ed's body but kimblee steps in and stops him

(man, this fucker again!!!)

kimblee's like "lol, I just like being a contrary bitch"

pride is reduced to a little baby, which Ed calls "Selim" and puts on his red jacket... okay...

well that was a trip.

cannot fault the manga-ka for ambition and epic scale here, but also: WHAT DID I JUST WATCH.

#fullmetal alchemist #lily liveblogs

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wheremytwinwatches · 5 years ago

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[Where My Twin Watches]: Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 18

Last time, Ross was framed for the murder of Hughes, and may have been “killed” or actually killed by Roy. Hopefully we can figure out what the heck’s going on this episode, because I haven’t been this confused by how a death could be faked or not since BBC Sherlock.

Alright, looks like The Mighty Armstrong (who’s absolutely rocking his off-duty outfit) did take Ed to Resembool, supposedly to get his arm “fixed”. Oh hey, it’s the little Xing girl! May Chang, right? Wait, turn around you two! You just walked past a new character! Wait a minute, last time we saw the little girl she was traveling with- Methinks we’ll have a fight scene this episode. Ed’s demanding details from The Mighty Armstrong, who says he was just told to bring Ed here and rendevou with someone. A Lieutenant Breda? I recognize him as one of the Mustang Crew, but that’s about it. Although Ed doesn’t seem to be that happy to see him. Episode 18 - “The Arrogant Palm of a Small Human” Back in Central, Al’s wondering why Al hasn’t called to let them know he’s in Resembool. And Winry calls out the “repair” excuse when she was RIGHT THERE. Seriously, whatever’s going on they couldn’t think of something better? [Al]: “And the stuff with Lieutenant Ross… I have no idea what’s going on.” You and me both, buddy! What the heck suddenly Sword Guy’s in the room. Sitting right next to Winry? Nope nope nope shove of Princey you are not messing up my ship. Anyways, the illegal alien/lockup escapee popped in to let them know Ed’s just fine- Right as we cut to Ed dying of dehydration. What’s up now, why’s Ed in the desert? “Crossing the border”? Wait, with what Ling was saying, are they going to Xing? Why? Also TURN BACK YOU MISSED MAY! Breda asks the fourth rider, a Mr. Han, how much further it is, and the guide points out some ruins ahead. Wait, ruins? Oh hey, didn’t Ling mention some place called *checks past posts* Xerxes? Somber piano music as we look over the shattered pillars of this past civiliza- nope, Ed’s just ignoring everything to cool off in a well, complaining about how he was nearly burned by his own metal arm. Mr. Han asks why they brought a kid along, Breda complains that it was a direct order. Now that he’s sufficiently cooled off, Ed redresses and asks about his place described in a fable. The Eastern Sage, origin of alchemy? Ooh, history! An ancient kingdom destroyed in a single night, a sole survivor traveling to Amestris to spread the science of Alchemy… And Mr. Han says they have a story of a drifter from the West who lead them towards Alkahestry. Hmm, two survivors, going different directions? Makes sense that Ling would want to visit the ruins then, if Alchemy/Alkahestry originated from here. As they speculate how such an advanced society could be almost completely wiped out in a single night, Ed stops to look at some engravings on a wall. This feels familiar… wait, was this the stuff on the Door of Truth? Before Ed can say anything about that, Han yells at him to catch up. Man, this is a really big ruin, they’re heading insi- wait, what? WAIT WHAT [Lt. Ross]: “Edward!” You’re alive! You’re alive you’re alive you’re alive! How?! [Memory!Roy]: “Back east, where I was… It’s a nice place. None of the big city noise… and lots of beautiful women.” Oh boy, brace for enthusiastic shirtless Mighty Armstrong hugs, Ross. Daw. Breda says that there wasn’t anywhere in Amestris they could safely hide the “dead” Lieutenant Ross, so they spirited her out here. So Ross knew all along? Flashback! Breda’s confronting Roy about the newspaper article, how with Ross being publicly arrested and charged without a trial it’s all too showy. Then Roy gets a call from Falman- who’s quickly interrupted by Barry. Not on an official line, dude! In the park (in what I think is the same phonebooth Hughes was murdered in) Roy is confirming with Barry that a bullet was fired, but at him, not Hughes. And with that, Roy springs into action. He makes Barry promise not to kill anyone (still not sure how he got Barry to follow that), set a street, and had Breda gather supplies… oh. Right. Duh! The core theme of this show is Alchemy! Of course Roy could make a fake body! But that still doesn’t explain the dental records… Roy just says he has it under control. He has plenty of experience burning bodies. Later that night, Roy stops Ross in the alley, then throws down the fake corpse, torches it, takes her ID Cuffs and tosses her in the dumpster, to be escorted by Havoc. There’s a little wrinkle when Ed runs up, but Ross and Havoc make their escape. Back in current!Xerxes, Han’s explaining that Roy made a deal with Ling- hold up, “young lord?” Is this the old ninja working for Ling? I thought his name was Fu, not Han. Anyways, Han got orders to escort Ross east to take refuge. Ed admits that he’s impressed by Roy pulling off the trick. And then Breda twists the knife by saying Ed was sent out as well to not interfere in Phase Two. Oh, they’re gonna try and reel in the mastermind! Using Barry as bait, they want to see who comes for him and take them down. Uuuunfortunately, they’re sending Bio!Barry to do the job… Mid-show pictures of The Mighty Armstrong crying in all of his majestic shirtless glory, and the Holy-Leto-I’m-So-Happy-She’s-Alive Lt. Maria Ross. In the Central Hotel Ling’s let the other Blondes know the plan, and confirming that Ed was sent out of town so that he wouldn’t interfere in the operation. Unfortunately for Roy, Ed’s the Protagonist, so I don’t see this working out. In the meantime, Ling struck up a deal with Barry for the secret to his Soul Armor. But of course all the “science guys” who did Barry up like this are all dead, and he doesn’t know. That Alphonse kid, on the other hand… The Xerxes gang are going over their notes, sketching out the Goths and trying to figure out the methods and reasons behind the Homunculi. Ed takes a moment to think about how Hughes is gone, to which The Mighty Armstrong asks what his next move will be. [Ed]: “Al and I committed a taboo, but we still have people that help us. Some people get angry at us, and others support us silently. Each one of them has tried to help me keep my promise to my brother. So I have no choice… I can’t turn back. Which means, all I can do is move forward, right? And I’ll protect everyone I can along the way. I refuse to let another person become a victim. Not while I’m alive. I know that’s a hard promise to keep. It’s hard enough just trying to take care of myself. And to think that I’m even capable of it… maybe I’m just arrogant. But it’s the only thing I can think of. So I have to do it. I have to.” Cue approving grins from the rest of the group. You go, Protagonist. Ross gets ready to head out to Xing with a couple other people, confirming that her parents shouldn’t be told she’s still alive, otherwise they’d be in too much danger. Bleh, I can understand it, but I don’t want anyone else to feel like Gracia. She does ask they let Roy know that she is supremely grateful for what he’s done, and if there’s anything that she can do to repay the debt to just let her know. One final handshake with Ed, and she’s off to a new home, asking Mr. Fu (so wait, is it Fu or Han?) what Xing is like. As a native, Fu talks it up as a paradise. Then recommends she stop crying to save her fluids for the trek across the desert. Back in Central, Roy’s pencil-pushers are snickering at him as he talks on the phone to his “sweetheart”, who of course is Riza. But she suddenly stops and says they have a “customer”. “Kate”(Fuery) lets “Jacqueline”(Havoc) know. Hey, Falman? You might wanna get ready for a visitor. Bio!Barry is in the house! And in an interesting change of pace, Barry’s the one arguing for keeping someone alive! But then Havoc bursts in and starts trying to shoot Bio!Barry anyways? What’s going on here? Oh I get it, hidden identity in case the Goths are watching. But why try to shoot him and distract Barry? Who’s not doing so hot as he just figured out who this Human Chimera reminds him of, and lost his right arm for the trouble. Outside! Now, where did that Chimera go… broken window! Bio!Barry’s bouncing around the street now, leaps at Havoc who has a really unfortunately-timed stovepipe. Then there’s a rifle shot? Ah, so that’s why Havoc wanted to get outside, so they could get covering fire from Hawkeye. Who plays off the sound over the phone as slapping around a difficult customer. Bio!Barry’s at gunpoint clutching his perforated hand, so Havoc can ask some questions. However, the dude’s not exactly up for conversation. And Barry confirms, it’s his old body! Ok, phew. Was really worried about the evil clone possibility. This is just necromancy via sticking animal souls in corpses, then. In Xerxes, Ed’s gone back to look at that wall from earlier, identifies it as looking like the TC from the Fifth Lab. Two-headed dragon, sun… and the top part missing. No complete Human Transmutation ritual for you! What th- Ishvalan attack! Oh dear, that’s a lot of Ishvalans. [Polite!Ishvalan]: “‘Scuse me, young man. I’m afraid that we’re gonna have to take you hostage until your military returns our holy land to us.” Ed snarks that he isn’t worth that much, Polite!Ishvalan talks about how the death of a single child sparked the Ishvalan Civil War. Then an old lady in an eyepatch (Madam Shan, helped by a young Ishvalan boy who looks to have a burn scar and man there are a lot of burn injuries in the crowd, starting to get a bad feeling) orders the Leader to stand down and stop dishonoring the name of Ishvala. Ed lets his attacker go, muses that he’s always heard that Ishvalans hate Amestrians. But Madam Shan and the kid know that not Amestrians are bad, when they were injured in the civil war they were saved by two Amestrian doctors (!!!) Yeah, yeah they recognize the Rockbell name. They saved so many Ishvalans, refusing to abandon their post. Ed asks how they died- NO NONONO YOU FUCKER WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, SCAR?! So yeah. The Rockbell’s were killed by a patient that they saved, an Ishvalan monk wrapped in bandages with a tattooed right arm. With this knowledge, Ed leaves the Ishvalans, along with a message for the resting place of the Rockbell’s: their thanks, and their apologies. In Central, Barry’s laughing at the chance to chop up his own body, whatever’s kept him from killing people is failing in the face of this otherwise-impossible-opportunity. Riza’s commenting on how a customer is mouthing off… before she hangs up, saying she has her own customer to deal withat is Gluttony. Oooooh crap. You may wanna run, Riza. Wait, that’s it?! Boooo, awful cliffhanger! Ok, so Ross is alive! Yay! Still not sure how they dealt with the dental records, but whatever, everything else was answered! And now we’ve got the Goths responding it seems, with Bio!Barry and Gluttony set loose. Onwards to fight scenes!

#wmtw #where my twin watches #ranubis #full metal alchemist #full metal alchemist brotherhood #fmab #fmab 18

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by-nina · 6 years ago

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Intoxicated, Part III

Royai Week 2019 | Day 5 – Unfinished business Rating: T (drinking, profanity) Genre: Comedy Word Count: 2,365

A/N: I’M LATE FOR DAY 5 but surprise, it’s the third and final installment of the Intoxicated series from Royai Week 2018! Some sweet anon asked for more of it long ago, so if you’re still around, hi and I hope I didn’t disappoint. :) Please do check out Part I and Part II before diving in, if you haven’t yet!

The air turns heavy between them, like some unfinished business. She would let it down easy, if she were as afraid of herself as she was on that night. The alcohol burns in her veins again.

The first gulp of alcohol hits her like a gunshot, sudden and forceful from her face down to her throat. It burns enough to make her gasp for air, but once she does, it feels as if the drink had awakened her rather than knocked her down.

The second gulp feels like fire and ice buzzing pleasantly through her veins, up to her skin, and down to the tips of her fingers. This time, she welcomes its effects with greater ease, and her body feels lighter and stronger at the same time. The rush excites her, and she wonders why she has been a stranger to this kind of pleasure all along.

Riza is certainly a long way off from her first encounter with sordid drunkenness alone in her apartment all those weeks ago. Perhaps it’s due to the lack of an emotional burden looking for a way out; perhaps it’s the presence of someone like Rebecca, who was always good company with or without drinking; or perhaps it’s as simple as her choice of friendlier liquor, taken more mindfully than that foreign bottle in her cupboard had been. Whatever the reason is, Riza has let her hair down figuratively and literally tonight, and she’s not going get tangled up in the strings that come attached to who she is.

She sits at the handsome wooden bar of a pub that had just opened along the highway between Central and East City. A live band plays in the most warmly lit corner of the establishment, with everything else awash in dim orange and dirty white. There is little cigarette smoke, but the air is filled by a barrage of voices talking and laughing over one another. Easily its most enticing feature is the absence of the same old crowd that Riza would usually spend such nights with, which likely prefers someplace louder or nearer or familiar; there are no rambunctious friends to pick up from the floor to drive home and no one to keep her guard up around and damn it does she deserve it.

“Hey, beautiful! You look like you could use another drink!”

Rebecca slides back onto the empty stool next to Riza; the latter laughs and rolls her eyes at her best friend’s poor attempt at a flirtatious male voice. “And you sound like you’ve had enough.”

“Riza, it’s like you don’t know me at all.” Rebecca deftly picks up her glass without looking and empties it in one uninterrupted gulp. She puffs her chest, slamming the bar with her hand. “I haven’t had a night for myself in forever! Tonight, you and I are two gorgeous goddesses out for the kill!”

“Okay, goddess, but you’re gonna have to stop hitting on me like that.”

“Ha! I’m out here to bring a man home tonight, so don’t you worry your pretty face, love.” Suddenly, Rebecca’s eyes light up at something far behind Riza, her shoulders squaring up. “What do you think of Lieutenant Havoc? He’s cute.”

The alcohol stings the roof of her mouth as Riza sputters, and she twists to look at the door of the pub. The buzz from her drink turns into a blaze of panic at the sight of Havoc and Breda and—Riza’s chest flares unpleasantly—Roy fucking Mustang entering arm-in-arm and in search of a table. Riza groans, pressing the cold bottle in her hand against her forehead.

“Let’s get out of here—”

Rebecca grabs Riza’s wrist just as she is about to pick her bag up from the floor. “Nope! Goddesses don’t run, Riza, especially not from mortal men. I’ve got my eye on this one, and you”—her grip tightens, and she looks at Riza knowingly—"are not gonna let anyone get to you tonight, okay?”

Rebecca is a woman with a proclivity for fight over flight, even in the wake of situations like the night Riza broke down over a bottle of vodka and her pent-up frustrations. She had been there to help Riza sober up the morning after, but as soon as the worst of Riza’s headache simmered down, had declared with conviction that Riza would have the last laugh. Riza is equal parts awed and terrified by this, but tonight, even with the alcohol loosening her up, she is firmly on the side of the latter.

Before Riza can even think, Rebecca hollers to Havoc across the room, and Riza freezes. She knows he’s seen them, can almost hear Havoc recognizing them and telling the other two about their presence. Riza sits still and holds onto the last few, precious seconds of being incognito before the bubble breaks, and Havoc is grinning ear to ear at them.

“Evening, Lieutenant!” Havoc leans against the bar next to Rebecca, lighting a cigarette between his lips. “How’s ladies’ night going?”

“Well, we’ve still got a long night ahead,” says Rebecca, with the faintest hint of a bored, affected, breathy sigh. “We’d love the company though, right, Riza?”

Riza plasters on a smile. “Hello, Havoc.”

Havoc gleefully slaps Riza’s shoulder. “Lieutenant Hawkeye! We’ve been missing you the past few weeks!”

“I’m sure you men are doing just fine without me.”

“It gets lonely for some of us. The Colonel looks like he might be done in early.”

She hardly takes note of the careful, knowing tone Havoc’s voice takes as he nods in Roy’s direction. Riza spares him a glance. As if in slow motion, she becomes numb to the effects of the alcohol on her body, now replaced by a different sensation. It yearns rather than fights, and it settles hesitantly in her chest as she recalls not only that night, but the one that had followed. She barely remembers what they said during that phone call. What remains with her is a warm memory of a secret never revealed, but nonetheless shared, the way many things have been kept in the precarious space between them.

“… let’s go, Riza!”

Rebecca hooks a hand around her elbow and leads her up and off her seat, shocking her back to the present. “What—"

The trip across the room doesn’t sink into Riza until they have gotten past the hectic blur of patrons and servers and multicolored drinks. Suddenly, they are seated at the same table as Havoc, Breda who is in high spirits, and Roy, who from being a little hunched over the table quickly straightens himself in his seat. He pulls up a charming but strained smile—seemingly not as if he doesn’t want to, but because he can’t. Riza can tell this much in the faint light.

“Nice to see you men here,” Rebecca chirps. She takes a bottle from the ice bucket at the center of the table. “Hope you don’t mind making some room for us.”

“No, not at all. We’re not usually so lucky to be in your company, so feel free to help yourselves,” says Roy. His speech is normal, but his voice is far too relaxed, lacking its usual verve and confidence. Breda roars in laughter.

“All for the best, though, ain’t it, chief? You still alive?”

“Fuck you, Breda. I’m not dr—”

Havoc takes out his cigarette and holds it up in the air, pointed at Roy’s face. “Ah, but we’ve already settled that. You haven’t messed up your shirt yet, you’re still talking smooth, but just a bottle more and you’re out for the count.”

“No, no,” says Breda, waving his hand dismissively. “I say one shot!”

“One tiny sip?”

Roy, scowling, has hardly opened his mouth to retort when Rebecca slams her already empty bottle onto the table. “Boys, boys, boys,” she tuts. “You’re making me lose hope in ever finding an actual man. Didn’t your mothers teach you that actions speak louder than words? Instead of all this blabbing, I say we see who can outdrink the Colonel.”

“Thank you for the best idea all night, Lieutenant Catalina,” says Havoc. “Problem is, that’s way too easy. Anyone can outdrink the Colonel.”

Breda crosses his arms smugly. “So it’s really a question of whom the Colonel can outdrink.”

Roy presses his fingers against his eyelids, evidently exasperated—a definite sign of his intoxication that Riza has seen many times before. “I’m off-duty,” she says. “I am not driving the Colonel home after this.”

Everyone at the table looks at her, then at each other as she raises her bottle to her lips. Once she empties the remaining contents and finds the table strangely silent, Riza immediately realizes her mistake. She is a second too late.

“You’re up, Miss Riza,” Rebecca taunts her, nudging her with her shoulder.

“I don’t think so, I—”

Havoc leans in her direction and puts on some goofy version of a sweet face that Riza assumes he usually saves for flirting with women. “Pleeeeaase? Just this once? For us?”

“Let it go,” Roy interjects impatiently, his grab at authority failing him. “Lieutenant Hawkeye has better things to worry about, don’t you, Lieutenant?”

As their companions continue to cajole her, Riza meet’s Roy’s eyes for a moment. By the way he looks at her, she knows that he remembers that phone call as well. The more they don’t say to each other, the more they truly understand what there is to say. The air turns heavy between them, like some unfinished business. She would let it down easy, if she were as afraid of herself as she was on that night.

The alcohol burns in her veins again.

“I’ll do it.”

Chaos erupts at their table. Roy is rendered speechless by his bewilderment; Riza is surprised by how much it excites her. All around them, their friends take up their positions, with Havoc thumping Roy’s back gleefully, and Rebecca opening Riza’s first bottle for her. Breda takes his place between them.

“Now, listen up. The rules are simple,” says Breda, leaning on his hands over the table and looking from Roy to Riza. “We’re gonna go bottle by bottle until one of you surrenders or passes out—for the record, my money’s on the Colonel passing out after two.”

“Hey!”

“Ready, men?”

Riza straightens in her seat and takes off her jacket. She isn’t sure if it’s an effect of the alcohol, but whatever made her do it is a million times better than anything she’s felt up to this point. She leans forward and grasps the fresh bottle firmly. To her surprise, Roy recovers with a smirk and a cocked eyebrow. He looks more like his usual self despite the flush in his cheeks.

“You still surprise me after all, Lieutenant.”

“And fire away!”

They begin drinking in perfect unison, and the same tentative unpleasant feeling hits Riza again. She spits her drink out with tears in her eyes, but she doesn’t even hear Rebecca’s fierce cheering or Breda’s commentary as she takes the rest of her drink with one hand, then grabs a new bottle with the other. Her entire body is consumed by the rush, and she finds that she likes the fire, and she can keep going as long as she doesn’t slow down.

“That’s my girl Riza!”

“Colonel, you’re as pink as a baboon’s ass!”

After the first couple of bottles, both Roy and Riza begin to slow down. Somehow Riza remains in perfect control of her mind and her body, and she sneaks a glance at Roy every now and then, curious about his thoughts, wondering if she might actually find him vulnerable by the end of the night. But he’s a sight to see, and she can’t look past his determined and yet hilariously confused face.

“I’m all right, I’ve got this!” roars Roy. “I’m feeling good!”

Riza lets out a high-pitched laugh, perhaps the first truly uncharacteristic thing she has done since they began. She doesn’t care. “Colonel, I thought you were only useless in the rain!”

Rebecca, Havoc, and Breda simultaneously jeer, somewhere between shocked and impressed, while Roy is briefly taken aback, then composes himself again. Riza’s confidence soars, carrying her through at least two more bottles before her senses show signs of slowing down. Her head starts to throb faintly.

“Lieutenant!”

They reach a point where they can hardly drink. She’s far too stubborn to appear as far gone as she actually is, but she’s held her tongue for the past five minutes to keep from saying anything that might give her away. Roy, on the other hand, has gone from being stunted in confidence to having too much of it, and clumsily so. He sways in his seat, his voice breathy and singsong and only a little slurred.

“You’re doing sooo well, Lieutenant!” Roy’s arm is stretched across the table in her direction, the bottle tipping dangerously from his fingers. “I don’t know what I’d do without youuu.”

She struggles to keep her eyes focused. Simply opening her mouth to speak makes her feel lightheaded, and so Riza contents herself with squinting at him. It’s difficult to even hold her head up.

“You’re amazing. You’re reaaally something else.”

Riza has known Roy for years, in his sober moments and his inebriated escapades, and she knows the tone he’s taking beneath the slurred speech, knows the look behind his eyelids as they threaten to shut. A strange feeling swoops in her stomach, as if she’d missed a step down a flight of stairs.

His next words come out as barely even a breath. He presses his forehead to the table.

“I love you, Lieutenant.”

No one else seems to hear this; Havoc and Breda are exchanging high fives, and Rebecca has her arm around Riza’s shoulders as she announces to the neighboring tables that her best friend had won their little contest. If they’d heard, they’d realize a flaw in the standards of the game, or at least not be so quick to count Roy out. But no one in the world knows Roy Mustang as well as Riza Hawkeye does, and even if she is far gone and almost passed out, there is nothing about him that she doesn’t notice.

“I’m in love with you.”

When he is truly, unbearably drunk, he calls her Riza.

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lessonsfrommadamexmas · 6 years ago

Note

30 from the prompt list with Riza and Roy

Thank you! For prompt 30 - just remember, if we get in trouble, you’re deaf and I don’t speak English.

Jesus Christ, this turned out huge! 2k words alert. I hope it’s not boring. I changed English to Amestrian, ‘cause, you know, not sure what language Amestrian people speak but probably not English. ;)

- - - -

As a state located next to the desert, the East had the hottest summer in Amestris. The days could often be uncomfortable while the nights were pleasant, with cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Riza didn’t like summer because she had to face a long walk to school in the morning and return when the sun was up high. Today, however, the weather was not unbearable, and the girl was surprised by her father’s apprentice waiting for her after class.

Mr. Mustang had started his alchemy lessons a couple of months ago, and so far he’s only spent the weekends in her house. It was an initial test her father required to see how a student would adapt. However, it seemed that her father’s interest in the boy was growing, for this time Mr. Mustang came to spend the week. Considering that the sixteen-year-old was always in the house and constantly studying, and considering that he had only been outside when he followed her to the lake nearby and the grocery store, she didn’t expect him to pick her up in school by himself. Even if the path leading there was a straight line.

When asked, the boy said his master suggested he went out to enjoy the day and taught him the way. Riza concluded her father had also noticed how energetic the boy was, and how a place dull and quiet like theirs didn’t offer a city boy enough stimulus.

— Hey, have you been to that cascade somewhere close to your home? Maybe a mile away — he asked when they deviated from a dense tree standing in the way.

She tried unsuccessfully to decipher what he was talking about.

— There’s nothing like that on our way home. Besides, we’re already about a mile away.

— Then we must be close! — he replied, scanning his surroundings. — It may not be an exact mile, and it’s not literally on our way, it’s in the forest. But I saw it, I’ll show you.

— Okay, but what about it?

— I’ve never been to one.

— Neither have I — she realized.

— You haven’t? But it’s right there! — His frown showed disbelief.

— I’ve been to the stream, it’s close to school, so I think the cascade you’re talking about may come from it. However, that would be in Mr. Swanson’s area... — she concluded.

— Mr. Swanson? Does everybody in this town have an animal in their names?

Riza stared in deep thought into nothingness for a second.

— The Franklins don’t.

— We should go take a look, what do you say? — he suggested excitedly.

— Don’t you get it? We’re not allowed to trespass.

— Why?

— It’s a private property. Mr. Swanson is an evil man. He will surely call the police on us.

— An evil man? — he smirked, clearly mocking her.

— I swear he is! I heard he controls two dogs that could tear a person apart. — she insisted nervously.

— He wouldn’t kill two kids, would him? I thought water bodies were nature’s property. — Mr. Mustang sighed. — C’mmon, I’m sure he won’t coincidentally find us if we just stay for a while. He won’t even know. But if we get in trouble, just remember, you’re deaf, and I don’t speak Amestrian.

She giggled.

— You kind of look like you could be a foreigner.

— My mother was a Xingese princess.

— Really?

— No! — he laughed. — Not quite. Come on!

There were still several things she didn’t know about the alchemy student. This was the first time they were spending actual time together, instead of the brief exchanges of word they often had and a few attempts to talk coming from the boy. Riza wasn’t good at conversation, so she always ruined it with her short replies. On the other hand, Mr. Mustang seemed to have a natural ability to draw people in, like someone who was willing to befriend everyone he met, even an aloof kid like her.

She wasn’t supposed to trust him so fast, but she already did. Her father trusted him enough to leave them alone, and even if there was any doubt left in her, she knew she had the upper hand. That was her town and he had proven to be a dumb city boy. Dumb and curious enough to reach places she had never considered before. Riza wanted to try that, too. And to be his friend.

Riza knew her town very well. Like the palm of her hand, she would say. She walked a few miles everyday to school and back ever since she was a little kid. Her mother and father homeschooled her until six, but her mother always said that it was important for her to get out there and make friends. Once the woman passed, her father no longer had the energy to teach her, so he sent her to school.

Thus, the girl knew every path and most properties located on her surroundings. It was often that she strained from her path to explore, aware that it didn’t make a difference to her dad whether she arrived half or a full hour later than usual. Yet, she had never crossed a private property. She had never tried to see up close the ducklings following their mothers across the lakes or the tree houses behind the fences. Nor Mr. Swanson’s cascade.

Roy crossed the fence but waited for her to lead the way. It seemed he recognized he could learn something from her. They walked for a few minutes, keeping the cascade in sight until it was fully visible.

— It surprises me that you’re worried about coming here. I mean, you’re twelve and you walk miles by yourself to go to school. Isn’t that dangerous? — he asked, as if reading her mind.

— That’s different from doing prohibited stuff. Besides, I have my slingshot to protect myself. — she said confidently.

The cascade was only about 25 feet tall, but gorgeous. Several rocks created a stairway, challenging the water to flow down aggressively before it found peace once more in shallow ground and continued its journey. On the margins, the trees all branched towards the translucent surface, like they bowed humbly to their provider. The sultry scent was amplified in that spot, but the streams added freshness to the mix. That might be Riza’s favorite smell.

— I thought this remote place would be so boring, but I guess I was wrong.

He seemed amazed.

— Nature can never be boring, Mr. Mustang. Not when you see it from an insider’s point-of-view.

— Right… One is all…

The girl could barely hear his whisper or see the realization on his face, as she took advantage of his distraction to kneel down and splash water on him.

— What are you doing? — he shouted annoyed before a grin appeared in his mouth. — I’ll get you!

— I’m not afraid of water! — she shouted, crossing the stream to the other side, feeling the water on her ankles.

To her surprise, he followed behind without a blink, so she continued to follow a trail in the woods.

Nevertheless, she didn’t go far. Old man Swanson was at a distance, with both his dogs by his side. The man’s eyebrows dug their way down his long nose and his sharp mouth curved in contempt.

— What are you two troublemakers doing here? — he shouted as soon as he spotted them. — I’ll call the police on you and don’t think you’re gonna get off easy just because you’re kids!

Riza waved her arms fearfully and started to move her hands in very specific ways, mixing her poor knowledge of sign language with random shapes. She wondered if the boy was willing to play the game he had proposed, because she was about to put up with the best act of her life.

Her answer came the next second, as he started to speak in a language that might be Xingese after all:

— I… love you? — She had no idea what meaning his words carried, but he made them sound confused and desperate. — I love you so much!

— What the hell kinda language is that?! GET OUT OF HERE! OUT!

They were counting on that to disarm the man and buy some time, but it didn’t last long. Mr. Swanson was taking none of it. Instead, he sent both his dogs in their direction. Was he truly willing to attack, or only to scary them? Riza had no time to wait and see. She ran without looking back. Swiftly, the girl tried to put as much distance between herself and that furious dog, she kept running with a grin from ear to ear, feeling more rebellious than she had ever been.

Until the only stomps against the dirt came from her own feet.

Caught up in the moment and feeling the adrenaline in her veins, it took her too long to realize Mr. Mustang wasn’t following her anymore.

— Mr. Mustang? — she called, looking around in all directions, all of them, even up in the trees, for a sign of him. — Not funny.

The whistle of leaves caressed by the afternoon breeze was the only response she got. She could spot the fence a few feet ahead of her. The boy had long legs. He was probably there already, awaiting and playing a prank on her.

— Mr. Mustang! — she shouted as loud as she could, running back to the road and hoping he could still hear her bustle. — Mr. Mustang, I’m here!

Not a sight of him.

Riza wondered if he had run in the opposite direction, or if the old man had caught him. The second option was starting to feel inviting. Roy knew nothing about the country, he wouldn’t be fine by himself in a forest.

She stopped on the road and waited for several minutes, attentive to every move, shouting his name every other time.

The girl heard the hiss of boots against grass coming from the curve on the road. She turned her head to the right and called for her father’s apprentice once again, unable to wait.

— Mr. Mustang! Finally, you…

It wasn’t him, however. A man appeared with a curious look on his face, apparently searching for the source of the unexpected call. He was tall and ginger, and his sharp eyebrows gave him a menacing look. The only family of gingers she knew around were the Haddocks, and he wasn’t one of them. Although that path would lead to their house.

— What is a little girl doing all by herself in the middle of the road? Are you lost?

He didn’t seem malicious, the girl thought, but she wasn’t allowed to trust strangers in any scenario. Thus, Riza grabbed her slingshot and slipped one hand into her pocket in search for the pebbles she kept there.

— Just waiting for my friend. We’re going to hunt some birds, you know? — she said, nonchalantly pointing her weapon at the man’s lower body.

— Hey, careful where you point that — he replied through a nervous laughter. — I plan to have more kids one day. But I wouldn’t want my girls alone in a desert place like this, so watch out.

— I am, sir — she said, still with her weapon in hand.

He waved and walked away. He seemed like a nice guy, after all, and she urged to ask him for help. On the other hand, she had already found herself enough problems for a day and didn’t plan to disobey her father any further. Besides, if the man was a visitor, he would be as helpful as going back home and telling her father everything.

Roy Mustang, if you’re making a fool of me, I’ll kill you.

It was decided, she would return. There wasn’t much she could do in the moment, but more importantly, there was absolutely no way he wouldn’t find his way back to the cascade. Even if he was dumb enough to run the opposite direction, it couldn’t be so hard to come across the stream again. And her house was only half a mile away.

There was also a chance Mr. Swanson caught him but what was the worst that could happen? His dogs eat him alive? For now, she would ignore that possibility. The old man would also be in trouble if he killed a kid. Instead, he would likely call the police, which was probably deserved, since Mr. Mustang coerced her to invade a private property.

Yes, no mercy for him. As Riza’s footsteps hurried, raising dust on the midday hot air, she thought of the smug look of someone who shouldn’t be underestimated the boy would be wearing when she opened the door. She plotted her revenge. She could slap the smirk out of his face, or she could take him to the lake someday and throw him in there, considering he couldn’t swim.

Her mind didn’t have time to reach grimmer depths before she reached the old place she called home.

— Dad, is Mr. Mustang with you? — the daughter shouted eagerly before she looked into the room.

- - - -

Humm, what about I just leave it hanging like that? I never write cliffhangers, so this time I decided to give it a try, leave it to the reader’s imagination to decide if this would have a humorous or angsty outcome. Do I know what happens next? Yes. Am I gonna write it? I won’t make promises.

#young royai fanfic #fullmetal fanfic #Roy Mustang #riza hawkeye

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