#Zambian HEIs

[educationcompanion]

Higher Education Institutions in Zambia 2023

Welcome to this article on the higher education institutions in Zambia. Over the years, the sector has witnessed significant growth and transformation, with new institutions and programs emerging to meet the evolving needs of students. Traditional Universities: The Pillars of Education Zambia is home to several esteemed traditional universities, such as the University of Zambia and Copperbelt…

[lacesoflove]

AHHH ANOTHER SOUTH AFRICAN SLUSHY!! Where are you originally from in sa 🇿🇦😦

hey! idk what you mean by originally…? but my family origin is from the eastern cape, so we’re isixhosa if that’s what you meant?

and i’m half zambian

[dear-indies]

hi cat, hi mouse! i hope your day has been lovely! i'm working on a mw queue for my rp, and i need more non binary fc's with resources! could you help me out? <3 thank you so much in advance!

Sara Ramírez (1975) Mexican and some Irish - non-binary, queer and bisexual (they/them) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha (1975) Tamil Sri Lankan, Burgher Sri Lankan / Romani, Irish - is non-binary transfeminine and autistic (they/she).

Ser Anzoategui (1979) Argentinian, Paraguayan - is non-binary (them/him/she).

Andrew Gurza (1984/1985) Jewish - is non-binary (they/them) and has cerebral palsy.

Asia Kate Dillon (1984) Ashkenazi Jewish / Unspecified - non-binary and pansexual (they/them) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Pidgeon Pagonis (1986) Mexican and Greek - is intersex and non-binary (they/them) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Janelle Monáe (1985) African-American - is non-binary (has said "pronouns are free-ass motherfucker—and they/them, her/she.")

Elliot Page (1987) - is trans non-binary (he/they).

Jonathan van Ness (1987) is non-binary (they/she/he) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Poppy Liu (1990) Chinese - is non-binary (she/they) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Olly Alexander (1990) - is non-binary and gay (he/him) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Vico Ortiz (1991) Puerto Rican - non-binary (they/them) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Jacob Tobia (1991) Syrian - is non-binary (they/them).

Alok Vaid-Menon (1991) Malayali and Punjabi from Malaysia and India - is gender non-conforming and transfeminine (singular they) - has spoken up for Palestine!

E.R. Fightmaster (1992) - is non-binary (they/them).

Alex Newell (1992) African-American - is non-binary and gay (he/she/they/all pronouns).

Emma D’Arcy (1992) - is non-binary (they/them) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Theo Germaine (1992) - is non-binary (they/them).

Jesse James Keitel (1993) - is a non-binary trans woman (she/her).

Olive Gray (1994) Zambian / White - is non-binary and queer (they/them) also has ADHD dyspraxia and dyslexia.

Dua Saleh (1994) Tunjur Sudanese - is non-binary (they/xe).

Bilal Baig (1995) Pakistani - non-binary, queer trans-feminine (they/them).

Mason Alexander Park (1995) Spanish and Mexican - is non-binary (they/them).

Emma Corrin (1995) - is non-binary (they/them).

Kehlani (1995) African-American, Blackfoot, Cherokee, Mexican, Filipino, Choctaw, and White - non-binary womxn, lesbian and polyamorous (she/they) - has spoken up for Palestine!

James Majoos (1996) Black South African - is non-binary (they/them).

Aida Osman (1996) Eritrean - is non-binary and queer (she/they).

Quintessa Swindell (1997) African-American / White - is non-binary (they/he) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Blu del Barrio (1997) Argentinian - is non-binary (they/them) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Misha Osherovich (1997) Russian Jewish - is non-binary (they/them).

Celeste O'Connor (1998) Kenyan - is non-binary (they/them) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Ryan Simpkins (1998) - is non-binary (they/she).

Chella Man (1998) Hongkonger and Jewish - is deaf, trans genderqueer and pansexual (he/they) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Sabrina Wu (1998) Chinese - is nonbinary (they/them).

Alin Szewczyk (1999) - is non-binary (they/them).

Pedro Vinícius (1999) Brazilian - is non-binary (she/her).

Sivan Alyra Rose (1999) Chiricahua Apache / Afro-Puerto Rican, Creole - is genderfluid and pansexual (they/them).

Lizeth Selene (1999) Mexican [Black and Unspecified Indigenous] - is genderfluid (they/she).

Zoe Terakes (2000) Greek - is a trans-masc non-binary guy (they/he) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Ari Notartomaso (2001) - is non-binary (they/he) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Lachlan Watson (2001) - is non-binary (they/them).

CG / Queer as Folk (?) African-American - is non-binary (they/them).

Hey anon! I have a masterlist of non-binary faceclaims here too but I've copied them here for ease.

[naomilores]

Tyler, The Creator - CHROMAKOPIA (2024)

Tyler in Technicolor

Like many millennials, I've grown up with Tyler, The Creator. I was 17 when "Goblin" came out, and he was this loud, confrontational guy who was mainly here to shock people. His lyrics were smart, but they were also suuuuuuuuuuuper vulgar, and as a newly-rowdy teen escaping a conservative family, I was all about it. I spent a lot of time in 2012 walking around my small-town college campus with "Her" blasting in the headphones, hating my douchebag neighbors & my somehow-required-even-for-humanities geology class.

But then, at some point leading up to 2017, Tyler grew up. Suddenly he's detonating bombs onto the radio with singles like "See You Again" or his iconic "New Magic Wand". This is Tyler in his late 20's and he's mostly done with the shock jock persona and, by his own admission, trying to really get people to take him seriously as a musician. And he really succeeds! Flower Boy gets him nominated for a Grammy, and IGOR wins him his first.

If I had any criticism for Call Me If You Get Lost, it's that the album, for all it's hits, didn't feel cohesive the way IGOR did. But he's back with this release, it may even be his most cohesive work yet. Just for one example, look at the reprise from "St. Chroma" on the closing track. What really sticks out to me on CHROMAKOPIA is that he's talking about the things people my age (EARLY 30's, for the record) are often thinking/worrying about. Specifically, the question of whether or not to have kids. Millennial musicians in general are talking about it a lot in 2024, look at Charli XCX's "I think about it all the time". Tyler takes a few swings at it, on "Hey Jane" and the gorgeously-arranged "Tomorrow".

Often, as young people, we know that our lives are finite, but it's not until we've lived a few decades that we begin to understand the extent to which our days are numbered. We realize we only have so much time to make certain decisions. This is why psychologists like Erik Erikson, who break a lifetime into different developmental stages, identify this time in life as a stage known as intimacy vs isolation. Can we share our lives with someone? Can we go on to share our lives with children, who we must take care of and make sacrifices for? Tyler's really tapped into this struggle, I found it relatable!

The backing tracks really groove throughout, especially on tracks like "Judge Judy" or "I Hope You Find Your Way Home". I'm thrilled to hear Tyler singing entire songs. I think it's criminal it took so long for that to be a key feature on his albums, he's a truly talented vocalist. It really feel like he's found his footing between making deeply personal hip-hop & punchy pop hits. Tyler makes great choices on features for this album, especially Daniel Ceasar who shines on "St. Chroma", and Doechii who kills on "Balloon". But look at the credits and the production team is a whole sky of stars: Steve Lacy, Donald Glover, WILLOW, Solange and more. Tyler should get a lot of credit not just for the musician he's matured into, but the producer he's become. He makes really deliberate choices with samples, on "Noid" it's an obscure Zambian psych rock song. Whereas on "Darling, I" he grabs the snaps off of Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like It's Hot". Even the whistling into a full brass band on "Sticky" is a deliberate decision, a reference and a gift to HBCU marching bands, who have wasted no time in covering the song.

Tyler ultimately ascends to something higher in "Like Him", where he confronts his ambivalence around fatherhood. He grew up never knowing his father, and it gave him a lot of grief that he expressed in his music from the beginning. how he still sees himself in that idea. Add this all to his mom's voice featuring all over the album, he's really centering his thoughts about family in our modern times.

So what's the final takeaway on CHROMAKOPIA? Life is uncertain, and stressful, but we have to try and be present for as much of it as we can. We need to feel the whole spectrum of human emotion, the pain with the joy, because otherwise a life is missing many colors.

[klugpuuo]

hey all! ive got a situation and i was wondering if anyone could help out w it

i have an oc who, in the first 'universe' (game series) that i created him for, wasn't human, but instead a supercomputer made by a human-like/esque species

to practise drawing humans again, i put him in another universe as a human, and after some research decided he was from Zambia (although i havent chose a specific ethnic group he was a part of, his human counterpart is from there)

in the original universe, he's going to be having a wedding, and since i don't have any interest in christian/western-style weddings, i was considering making him have one that adhered to the traditions of a zambian wedding, but first of all, i am not zambian and am not sure how open any culture there is, and secondly, i'm not sure if it would be offensive to have him participate in that if he's not human in this au, even if he does have human intelligence and come from a species that's just humans but very slightly to the left.

is it offensive, are things open enough that i could write this at all, and is there anything i should keep in mind before writing anything about the wedding? thank you!

(if anyone is wondering what i have used as a source for the wedding traditions so far, here it is: https://www.eater.com/23284112/zambian-wedding-ceremony-ichilanga-mulilo-photos)

[moongalovesbally]

The Bally Effect: $3.5💶 Billion Bonanza for Zambia🇿🇲

The ousted mafia regime, PF💩 borrowed vast sums of money to flaunt on social media 🤳 squander on parties🎉 alcohol🍻 drugs💊 x prostitutes👗

When it came time to repay the debt, they were unable to🤦🏽‍♀️resulting in Zambia being heavily indebted x financially crippled.

In response to this nonsense, Zambians rose up against the corrupt x violent PF👿 government that plunged them into immense debt x financial hardship x replaced them with our Savior, Bally😇🙏🏽❤️ in the 2021 Elections🗳️

Upon assuming office after his landslide victory, Bally🤴🏽 met up with the people PF🤡 borrowed money from x made a plan to make things easier for mother Zambia - Instead of attempting to repay the entire debt at once, which was unfeasible due to itx enormity, Bally the Genius💡 cleverly proposed a gradual repayment plan, to which the creditors excitedly agreed 😊

This sophisticated strategy is known as debt restructuring x Bally just managed to restructure $3.5 Billion Dollars 💵 of our debt.

itx like if yo friend says, "u don't have to pay me back yo nkongole for a few months. Use the money for yourself instead!"

Additionally, the charming Bally🥰 successfully persuaded bondholders to forgive a portion of our country's debt entirely. How cool is that 🥳

The Bondholders said to Bally🤍 "Hey, itx okay if u don't give us all the money u owe coz u r a cool dude 😎 who respects human rights x the rule of law x u r driving Zambia in the right direction ⬆️"

So, coz of this marvelous plan government can now focus on making our country better🌟 x richer💰 by building cool stuff such as Schools🏫 Hospitals🏥 Roads🛣️ Bridges🌉 x putting more money🤑 in our people's pockets by creating more jobs🧑🏻‍⚕️👨🏿‍🏭👷🏿‍♂️

So to the Almighty BALLY 💕 x the Bondholders🇪🇺💶 we the People of Zed🇿🇲 wholeheartedly Thank u Very Much for Debt Restructuring! 🎉🙌🏿💋

[bekkathyst]

Citrine: Natural or Treated?

Hey everyone! It's been requested that I make a post explaining the difference between naturally occurring citrine and man altered citrine. It should be noted I am by no means a geologist or geologist, just someone who has been in the crystal business for just about a decade now.

So I'm just going to break down the types of citrine that are usually on the market!

Heat Treated Amethyst Citrine:

So, for many years what has been very popular and commonly known as citrine is actually heat treated amethyst. Basically amethyst clusters (almost always from Brazil) get "baked" at high temps to turn them yellow/orange.

Here are some examples of that:

All of these pieces are heat treated amethyst from Brazil. As you can see, they basically just look like regular amethyst clusters that have been turned orange. The deeper the amethyst, the deeper orange the "citrine" turns out. The key features are closely clustered crystals, a very bright yellow or orange color, and a white base that the crystals are growing from. This heated amethyst is usually pretty easy to identify.

Lemon Quartz:

Another type of "citrine" is lemon quartz. Lemon quartz is created when quartz is heat treated. This is chemically the same as natural citrine, and looks very similar to natural citrine. The way you can tell this apart from natural citrine the easiest is usually through the price (it should be cheaper than natural citrine). It will also sometimes appear more of a bright/lemony yellow than natural citrine (but not always!), and also has kind of a green tint to it.

Here are some examples of lemon quartz:

The ones in the bottom picture are especially lemony, but the other ones look really similar to natural citrine. (Which is why it's so important to buy crystals from a trusted source, so that you know what you're getting). I personally really love the top ones and I think they're stunning! It's just important to know what you have and that it is not misrepresented.

Natural Citrine:

Finally, I can show off some lovely natural citrine! Natural citrine looks really different depending on where it's from. Most commonly it's found in: Brazil, the Congo, Zambia, South Africa, and Madagascar.

Brazilian citrine is usually either a very pale yellow or it is mixed with smoky quartz. African citrine is usually darker in color and also mixed with smoky quartz.

Here are some examples:

The top two are Brazilian citrine, the third is smoky Zambian citrine, and the bottom is a citrine cluster from the Congo. To ensure the citrine you want to buy is natural, check where it's coming from. Compare the color to the common types of altered citrine. Make sure the seller is trustworthy and has a good reputation. Natural citrine is more expensive than heated amethyst and lemon quartz, and can end up being pretty pricey depending on where it's from and the quality.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with cheaper alternatives to more expensive stones, it is just important that we know what we are getting and that things are not misrepresented or even inappropriately priced for what it is.

I hope this helps! Happy crystal hunting 🌞

** All the pictures included in those post are mine, please don't use without permission ** 😊😊

[yourdailyqueer]

Hey! I always love seeing you come by my dash, but I'd also love it a lot to see more ethnically diverse queer people represented. Most of what I've been seeing is white queer folk, while i think other etnicities and skin colors are kind of underrepresented. Is there a way for you to maybe switch it up a little more? I don't mean to be offensive! Sending you love 💕

Is there anyone specific ethnically you wish to see because I have had the following people listed/posted and I add more people to drafts/queue weekly:

Black folk - African Americans, Black British, Africans (from all around the continent like Nigerians, South African, Somali, Zambian, Zimbabwean), Afro Caribbeans etc

Asian folk - Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Japanese, Indian, Singaporean, Iranian, Indonesian, Saudi Arabian, Pakistani etc

Latinx - Brazilian, Colombian, Peruvian, Costa Rican, Dominican,  Argentinian, Salvadoran, Chilean, Puerto Rican, Venezuelan etc

Native - Native American, First Nation, Aboriginal Australian and other indigenous people from around the world

There are not as many Mexican people listed but I am working on that. I’ve missed countries/ethnicities out in the above list but I can’t list everyone in a generic list. 

I even have a Muslim tag. But yes lots of POC have been posted even if I have not updated the ethnicity navigation to show this.

[zambiaonmymind]

Hey, what do you use those flat Zambian baskets for anyway? For washing and drying the coriander that , if you are lucky, is still growing in your garden. Can be found at 20 Road to Great Neck, WT, Saturday 10-4 and by appointment through Christmas Eve. @aacdpafrica #aacdpafrica #childrenwithdisabilities #zambia #womensempowerment #foodsecurity #kangacloth #africancrafts #farming #sustainability (at West Tisbury, Massachusetts) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmPtbwcuJQ3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mrgemss]

Check out this Etsy item!

Hey, I found this really awesome Etsy listing at https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/1039750581/natural-zambian-emerald-octagon-shape

Check out this amazing Natural Zambian Emerald. Good colour with high lustre.

Follow the link to make an order.

Happy Shopping.

Hurry Up!!

[dear-indies]

genuine question: is it okay to use cis women fcs as a trans muse as long as it's a respectful portrayal? i'm looking for an fc for my muse but there's such a lack of resources for trans women fcs. and if it's not too much, i would also be soo grateful if you had suggestions for me. my muse is a witch, she's very powerful and has this dark aura. i wanted someone who was alternative looking.

Laverne Cox (1972) African-American - had an alt look in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Angelica Ross (1980) African-American - her role American Horror Story: Double Feature gives powerful vibes - has spoken up for Palestine!

Nyla Rose (1982) Oneida / African-American.

Ravyn Ariah Wngz (1984) Mohawk, Tanzanian, Afro-Bermudian - is a Two-Spirit trans woman (she/her) - has spoken up for Palestine!

Juliana Huxtable (1987) African-American.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (1991) African-American / Puerto Rican - had alt vibes in Tick, Tick… Boom!

Jesse James Keitel (1993) - has alt vibes in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Anthony Lexa (2000) - is a trans woman - ha spoken up for Palestine!

Aaron Philip (2001) Afro-Antiguan - has cerebral palsy - has spoken up for Palestine!

No resources:

Dominique Jackson (1975) Afro-Tobagonian - general powerful vibes and often sports different hair colours, her role in POSE would be great.

Laura Jane Grace (1980) - is the signer of a rock band and has tattoos!

Anjali Lama (1984) Nepalese.

Munroe Bergdorf (1987) Afro Jamaican / English - has spoken up for Palestine!

Saga Becker (1988) - general alt vibes and has her septum pierced.

Jordan Gray (1989) - is blind in her left eye.

Daniela Vega (1989) Chilean.

Backxwash / Ashanti Mutinta (1991) Zambian.

KornBread / Demoria Elise Williams (1992) African-American - her wearing dark lipstick is chef kiss.

Stef Sanjati (1995) - has Waardenburg Syndrome.

Liniker (1995) Afro-Brazilian - is a genderfluid trans woman.

Ethel Cain (1998) - is bisexual and autistic - has spoken up for Palestine!

Britney Manson (1999)

Nava Mau (?) Mexican - signed for permanent ceasefire in Gaza. "In the name of peace and justice, I stand for liberation."

Hey anon! Please note that I'm not a trans woman (but I am trans) and the general consensus is to try and find a trans faceclaim first and if that's not possible then it's ok to use a cis faceclaim - but make sure it's a cis woman being cast for a trans woman! Here's a list of trans woman though who I'd LOVE to see used for a character like that.

[urbanubiquity]

Hey I'm zambian also are u half zambian or u come from there also

Yess I’m half Zambian!! 😊😘

[itsbulkgemstones]

Gemstones Define the Beauty of Jewelry – Birthstones by Month

In the January winter hiking I’ll support you by being your Healing supporter; when February will be your Disney land of Love I’ll be your best-mate to support your Love and make it grow; when March would be the end of your financial period I’ll be supporting your financial route; when in April your Wedding anniversary come I’ll be the perfect gift for your partner to express your Love & protection because all we need is someone with whom we can spend ourselves; when you will have a slush of happiness in your way in May, I’ll be there with you in every way; June and July being the Hottest but let me make you cool because a Stone can be a Gem and a Gem can be of use; when the leaves shed you don’t have to shed yourself because I’ll be your water in the August; spend yourself in September and obtain the goal in October because in November you will need a cream to remove the scratches, but I’ll still be there for you to make your life better; Ohh look here comes December Santa and New Year chills will definitely make you go bananas but all you need is a Recharge and Resolution to get go in January again, and I’ll be there for you! Says, Gemstones to the world – Birthstones by Month by Bulk Gemstones

Birthstones by Month  – Every month has, it’s days and says just like that every Month has its Loose Gemstone which makes the going of the mover smooth and gives a sight of peace to the user. Birthday’s are fantastic, right! Cakes, drinks, dates, friends, and other hoolala! A special day for millions of people round the clock and to make that well defined and Astrologically settle every Birth month has its own Gemstones which have its own properties and Healing benefits to the end-user. As soon as you are Born, you get associated with your Birth Month Gemstone. They are mostly vivid in color, size and properties and also unique depending upon their origin. The general saying of Astrology says that having a Gemstone particularly of your Birth month will make your move more smooth as well as the growth. Twelve Stones with twelve months are like partners since the first century, which in turn give their names to the person getting born in that Month.

“Birthstones by Month Chart”

“As the Birthstones by Month Curtain Rolls up “

In the tracts of Sand, there was an urban colony named as Gemstoniya aka province of Gemstones. An apartment of 12 floors was very famous for its mystical appearance as well as floors named as months. Find your Month, find your level. Pretty much mystical process right!

Look, every Home has a Gemstone here-

Hey, I am Garnet, and I was born in the 14’th Century as a dark Red Stone. Being Latin majorly I was reaped from “granatum” which means “seed” luckily my likeness gives a sight of pomegranate. Yes, I live on January Floor. Well, if you ask me about my hard strength, then it’s of 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale. You can count on me to bring in peace, prosperity and vigorous vitality in your life and home as faith is what we should believe in and guess what I am the “Gem of Faith”.

To Know More About me – Red Garnet

Taking a few Steps up to February Floor-

Hey, I am Amethyst. Yes, a Gorgeous blended Gemstone of purple and red color which makes me Purple Quartz. The part itself is found abundant in the Earth’s crust. Meanwhile, I just gifted myself to my partner as it was our 6’th year of marriage anniversary and planning the same, but more beautifully for our 17’th wedding anniversary.

To Know More About me – Amethyst.

Making our Way up to the March Floor-

Hey, We are Aquamarine and Blood-stone, don’t worry we won’t suck your blood, Hahahha! Fortunate people of march be pristine just like a sea because your Birthstone is like a sea; Aquamarine, a word derived from a Latin word Aqua which is often Light in tone but can range from greenish blue to blue-green. What the Stone says is – In ancient period Romans believed that I am supposed to be used as an antidote for poisoning which is a great deed being a Gemstone but guess what you can gift me to a bride as a symbol of Love and unity as well as on your 19’th Wedding Anniversary. With that, I would say that live Life make friends and if any friction arises with your enemies, I got your back!

Wooh Wooh! This Sea Stone is amazing but put your eyes on me as I am the Second Birthstone for those lucky people although I carry blood in the name, but that is just a context not to be taken literally. Just like your biceps have veins this dark-green Gemstone of iron oxide also have visible veins which makes it one of the good looking as well as Good-Quality Gemstone. Some have t-shirt as their lucky charm while some wear Blood-stone as a lucky charm and the universe is fine if you use me as everyday wear. Well, with blood, I didn’t mean to suck your blood but to Heal your blood disorder.

To Know More About us –  Blue Aquamarine | Blood-Stone

Going up is giving a great Kick, and here we are on April Floor-

If you can see, this Shiny Gemstone is rocking! Urrgh! It’s so tough to break, but people shine bright like a Diamond! Blue, Red, Pink, Green and Brown take any color this Gemstone always Shines and holds a great value in the market although April has a day of making April fool of someone. Still, it Shines by associating itself from this Gemstone. What stone has to say – Your wedding is incomplete without me & guess what as long as your bond is, I am as tough as anything in this World. Considering the luster and the polish them do you even have a doubt on it? Admired for centuries and traded since 4 BC, I became a symbol for long-lasting Love & eternal bliss and also a partner in engagement. Beauty which shines looks more sparkling when worn.

To Know More About me – Diamond

Going on our Way in May Floor-

Make way for May because Spring is its Heart and Birthdays in may go right in the Heart. Welcome the rebirth master of the month as Emerald a Precious Gemstone is believed to cede the owner with prosperity, youth, good fortune and foresight. The green color of the Gemstone will always make you go in Life, but the catch is, the deeper the color is, the higher is its value.

To Know More About me – Zambian Emerald

As the Temperature Starts to Rise with the Floor, we got Ourselves Tuned in June-

A month of vacations and the start of summer is associated with 3 birthstones – Pearl, Alexandrite & Moonstone. Being a living creature in the World, this Gemstone is also made by the living creatures as mollusk produces the Pearl. The calcium carbonate Gemstone also appears in green, blue, dyed yellow, brown, purple, pink or black, although black pearl is very rare.

A modern Gemstone is what this modern public desires as it is discovered in Russian Emerald mines and is named to honor Russian Czar Alexander. Yes, the Gemstone of chameleon-like color; Alexandrite which is described as “Emerald by day, Ruby by night” can change color in daylight from bluish-green to purple-red under beaming light. By en-kindling the mind, it also aids creativity and concentration.

As June babies are the moon and for that moon, the month has a Moonstone; a stone of milky glow just like moonlight on water. The Gemstone is relatively low in hardness on the Mohs scale (6). However, still, utmost care is needed to be taken with its Jewelry or Bracelets.

To Know More About us – Pearl, Alexandrite & Rainbow Moonstone

Siping a Juice on July Floor-

A month of peak summer where the sun shines bright orangish-yellow the month enjoys the Red as Ruby, one of the luring Gemstone is associated with the month which measures 9 on Mohs scale. However, Diamond still holds the position in hardness. Energy amplifying, Life force and vitality of blood is the bequest for the Ruby user, but it heights courage, property, and Love.

To Know More About me – Burma Ruby

And the Water is pure Like August Floor-

The month of flush and Shine as the Lime Gemstone makes a way in waters of August; Peridot, derived from the Arabic faridat aka, “Gem”. The Gemstone is as rare as its quality as it is known as “The Evening Emerald” because of its gleaming green tint. With the hardness of 6.5-7, the Gemstone is apt to cracking during cutting.

Zebra crossing is meant to make you safe on a Busy road just like that this Gemstone layered like a zebra strip in reddish color with white bands; Sardonyx a Gemstone combined with alternating layers of sard (where the Red Stone is found) and Onyx ( a greek word which means “nail or claw”). Being relatively inexpensive Gemstone sardonyx is used as a Gemstone for protection & strength but is also associated with cheerfulness, spirit and clear communication.

Spin with Spinel as the Gemstone is at times taken as Ruby or Pink Sapphire due to its similarity. The striking fact just like the Gemstone is – the most Recognized Rubies turned out to be Spinel. The Gemstone as desirable as its red color but bright pink, cobalt blue, and bright orange also follow.

To Know More About us – Sardonyx, Black Spinel & Peridot

Step up on the Richness of September Floor-

Fancy is what is month keeps with it as the Rich blue color Gemstone is its date. Generally, it can be of any color. Still, blue is fancy also Pink Sapphires drafts a fine line between Ruby and Sapphire. Being second to the Diamond, the hardness is of 9 on Mohs scale and symbolizes loyalty, integrity, sincerity, and nobility. Not only a Gemstone of high value, but Sapphire also brings focus to mind, self-discipline, and challenges higher powers.

To Know More About me – Blue Sapphire

Going up with a Beer in October Floor – Birthstones by Month

Seeing a Rainbow is a bliss to eyes for an instance just like that having a Gemstone which changes color is the richness in itself as the month is associated with -Opal Gemstone; a kaleidoscopic Gemstone which stimulates tone as well as Tourmaline; a Gemstone which have a broad spectrum of colors and known as a Stone of mixed colors. Where Opal is taken as a Gemstone for good luck and is a popular choice in the users, Tourmaline (Black Tourmaline) is used to protect against evil forces and negative energy but is also used to curb out negative thoughts and toxins.

To Know More About us – Ethiopian Opal & Multi Tourmaline

November Floor Blooms and Sun – Birthstones by Month

A Gemstone derived from the red sea but appears to be Yellow; Topaz measuring 8 on the Mohs scale and one of the hard & durable Gemstone. The cleavage of this Gemstone makes it prone to chipping or cracking.

Accompanying Topaz a Gemstone resembling the sweetness of honey and paleness of yellow; Citrine which resembles Topaz. Wear and tear, but a durable Gemstone makes an excellent choice for everyday wearable jewelry.

To Know More About us – London Blue Topaz & Citrine

Chills in every Member as it is December Floor, having old but the Finest Mined!

Nips of December gives a mist sight and just like that this zoisite of exquisite Blue-Purple Gemstone- Tanzanite is associated with the month. Being a Gemstone named after its origin country Tanzania. Founded in 1967, Tanzanite is treasured by non-December borns as well because of its deep blue color. Still, the Gemstone is not as hard as Sapphire but substitutes it. A Beautiful but dainty Gemstone of the month.

Apart from Tanzania, the month is also governed by a Persian Gemstone named as “Zircon”; sounds pretty much like dish, isn’t it? Although not be eaten, but the Gemstone is gold-colored although it is its gleaming color with blue in the account as well. Being a shivery Gemstone, its faceted frames can chip as it is one of the oldest minerals on Earth.

While Tanzania and Persia gave their old and most exceptionally mined Gemstone here again Persia gave its distinct colored Gemstone names as – Turquoise; aged since 13’th century a sensitive Gemstone which is prone to solvents like perfume, natural oils and makeup also sunlight as well. Gemstone craved by talisman is highly regarded for its eye warming color and timeless history as ancient Egyptians used the Gemstone as a mark for conferring of sovereignty, safeguard against falls to ceremonial masks.

To Know More About us – Tanzanite, Zircon & Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

[prettywitchiusaka]

FMA One-shot: Soft Spot

Well would you look at that, I managed to clean up and pump out another Royai one-shot I’ve had sitting on my computer for quite sometime now. YAY!!!

And what do you know! It’s the one that will most likely make me loose all of my subscribers!...Yay!?

Oh geez, I don’t know. Feel free to decide for yourself and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Soft Spot

by Prettywitchiusaka

Roy Mustang let out a yawn as he rubbed his temples with his fingers. It hadn't been easy sleeping upright in an uncomfortable vehicle chair for the entire night, but he managed it somehow. The scenery didn't help either, nothing but dirt road and blue sky for his piercing obsidian eyes to focus on.

He let out a sigh.

"How did it get to this?" he thought to himself.

A few days ago, he received a call from Furhur Bradley, asking him to deliver a huge supply of rations to the eastern jungle village of Zambia. Having been told the situation, Roy immediately accepted the assignment without any further questions.

After all, he wasn't just a Colonel in charge of the military's Eastern Division, he was also the Flame Alchemist, a personal servant of the Furhur, himself. And since whatever Bradley requested was legally binding, Roy began asking when he could expect the rations. Whatever it took to climb up the ranks and become the next Furhur, provided it wasn't too corrupt.

Once the supplies had been delivered from Central to his little neck of the woods, Roy and his military unit began the long, two day trek through the eastern jungle to reach Zambia.

It wasn't the easiest trip, what with everybody complaining about how hot it was. But once the sun went down and they set up camp for the night, the group just sat around and played a few rounds of poker. Roy even managed to win a few rounds, cleaning out his friend, Jean Havoc in the process…At least until he got cleaned out by another man in the group named Vato Falman.

Yes, everything was going great until they were ambushed by some men claiming to be from Zambia, much to Roy's irritation.

It was times like this he wished his First Lieutenant, Riza Hawkeye was here; she always knew how to keep him calm and focused on his objective.

It was really a shame she wasn't here, right now. Though not because the Lieutenant decided to sit out this mission.

Despite having made quick work of some of the men with her gun prowess, one of the goons was smart enough to sneak up behind her and hit her on the head, knocking her unconscious.

Before Roy could do anything about it, the men had jumped into their own vehicle and drove away, taking her with them. All they left was a note from their boss, Zarman; the leader of Zambia. All it said was "Mr. Mustang, I would like to see you in Zambia by tomorrow morning. You do want your Lieutenant back, don't you?"

Wasting no time, the Colonel and the rest of his team hopped into the military Tumblr and began driving towards Zambia, taking turns between the five of them the entire night. And it certainly helped because by ten-thirty the following morning, they were only an hour outside Zambia.

Pretty soon they would get to see their friend and co-worker, again. But if Roy was being honest with himself, he wasn't too worried about Riza.

Sure, he was concerned for his trusted friend and bodyguard. But at the same time, he knew that Riza Hawkeye was not a stupid woman. She wouldn't be dumb enough to provoke her

captors or identify with them like the women in those crappy romance novels she read. If he knew Riza, and by now he was pretty confident in thinking he did, than she'd be playing it safe. She would've been choosing her words carefully, waiting patiently for them to come rescue her.

Yes, if he knew Riza as well as she knew him, than she was probably fine.

Besides, it was more at what he might have to do when they get there that was currently occupying his thoughts as opposed to the Lieutenant's safety. Better to think over the negotiations and how to make them go over smoothly as opposed to going in unprepared, he thought.

But just because the Colonel wasn't voicing his concern for his friend, didn't mean that the rest of his men weren't going to. Probably the most vocal was his young Master Sergeant, Kain Feury.

"I sure hope she's okay," he said out loud.

Not that Roy could really blame him for thinking that; Kain was a good friend of Riza's, and he knew she loved him like a little brother. Of course he would be wondering, even praying that she'd still be in one piece when they got there.

Mind you, that wasn't the only reason he was worried for her, but it was understandable. They were all feeling it.

But much like him, though, his Second Lieutenant Hayman Breda was trying to keep his cool. So, he gave Feury a little slap on the back.

"Ah, you worry too much, Feury," said the overweight man. "Lieutenant Hawkeye's fine, I'm sure of it."

"I hope so," said Vato Falman. "The Zambian ruler is known to be pretty ruthless. If he had the guts to take a military officer, he's either ambitious or in over his head."

While he held the rank of Warrant Officer, Vato had once been part of the military's investigations department. He was good at keeping his nose to the ground and picking up on information, the main reason his friend Maes Hughes had initially hired him. So much so, he used to joke about how he was a walking encyclopedia. But as far as Roy was concerned, that wasn't far off from the truth.

Especially since Vato's assumption wasn't wrong.

Yes, the Zambians were a fairly small town in the jungle, living off the land and water situated in their neck of the woods. But their chief Zarman was known to be a very tyrannical, even violent man. With his own gorilla force, he would gladly take and steal from anyone who came close to their home, be they friend or foe, man or women. No even military personnel were safe from his wrath.

That thought had been on Roy's mind since the night before, but that's not even what really concerned him. He knew he and his men could take Zarman and his army if they tried anything against them, especially if he used his flame alchemy. It's just that he'd rather avoid doing any harm towards Zarman if he could avoid it.

These people were still pretty primitive, after all.

While Zambians did have their own set of armed artillery (mostly stolen from their victims), they were still a very low tech society. They harvested their crops like farmers, their irrigation system was wheel based, and aside from the few Zambian alchemists Roy knew back in Central, most Zambians thought of alchemy as either magic or sorcery.

In a way, they reminded him an awful lot of the Ishbalans. And the last thing the Colonel wanted was another massacre; bodies injured, people screaming in agony. Honestly, if he had to actually incinerate someone using alchemy, he wasn't sure if he could-

"Hey, Chief?" Snapping out of his thoughts, Roy turned to face his other Second Lieutenant, Jean Havoc. He was driving the car and smoking a cigarette. "You okay?"

Roy was silent for a moment before turning his head away from his friend. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said. "Just thinking."

Havoc smirked when he heard that; like he really didn't know what was troubling his friend and Colonel. "You think the Lieutenant's okay?"

"Hawkeye should be fine," the Colonel replied. "She's been in situations like this before, she knows how to play it safe. But that's not what's bothering me."

"Then what is it?" Jean asked. It was only when his eyes caught sight of the ignition glove on Roy's right hand did he get it. "Oh, right."

Jean focused his gaze back on the road, deciding it was best not to push the issue further. He'd always heard the stories of Roy's time in the Ishbalan uprising, how he'd been dubbed the "hero" of that war despite all the shady stuff that went down there. But as much as he'd like to ask, he knew his boss didn't like talking about it so he never bothered.

Heck, Riza had been there too and she never talked about it, either. So he could only imagine what it must have been like out there.

…

Half an hour later, the Colonel and his men arrived outside of the village. As soon as they came to the reinforced gate surrounding the village, the group found a small band of burly black men standing there waiting to greet them, all of them armed with riffles on their backs. Some of them even had grenades hanging from their belts.

Of particular note was the man in the center.

He was wearing a ripped red shirt that showed off his built torso, and blue jeans with tanned sandals. A red bandana adorned his bald head, and a gun holster was hanging off to the side of his left hip.

There was no question in Roy's mind; this man was Zarman. The man in charge of this small civilization, the man holding his Lieutenant captive.

Once they were out of the car and armed, the Colonel placed his right hand in his pocket and turned to his team.

"Keep your rifles off to the side at all times," he whispered. "Only fire on them if they attack first, got it?"

"Yes, Sir," the group whispered while saluting their superior.

The group walked silently towards the small band of men, making Zarman happy as he walked over to greet them.

"Ah, you must be Mr. Mustang. I'm so pleased to finally meet you."

"Likewise," Roy replied.

Smiling at the military officer, Zarman held out his hand so they could shake. But Roy never took it. He just bore his angry gaze into Zarman's, much to his surprise.

"I see…," he said. Placing his hand off to the side, Zarman continued smiling at the Flame Alchemist. "I see you have brought our supplies, thank you. Come, I'll show you where you can drop it off and you can be on your way-"

"Not yet!" Roy said. "I believe your men have kidnapped one of my subordinates."

"Subordinate?…" Zarman asked. All while tapping his finger on his chin, as if he didn't know what the Colonel was referring to. "Oh yes, that woman that was with you. We'll take care of that now."

With the clap of his hands, a tall burly man came out of nowhere, walking a stoic Riza Hawkeye by the arm. Her hands had been tied up using ropes, but aside from that she was fine. She looked as every bit the stern and no nonsense soldier she always did.

Seeing that made Roy's men breathe a collective relief, but not him; he'd been right to assume she'd be okay. Which could only mean one thing.

"You see, Mr. Mustang; my men haven't hurt her in the slightest," replied Zarman.

"Of course they haven't; it's not exactly smart to waste your hostage. Especially if you want to make a trade of some sort," Roy remarked.

"That's what I said," Riza muttered under her breath.

Zarman smiled. "Oh, Mr. Mustang. What would make you think that?"

"Well what other reason would you have to kidnap my Lieutenant? It's pretty obvious you want something extra with your provisions."

Zarman held his hands up. "All in good time," he said. "Now then, shall we make the trade?"

Roy let out a sigh; the sooner they could get this over with, the better. "Very well, what else do you want from us? I assume our ammunition?"

"No, nothing like that. You see, I want your Lieutenant."

Roy's eyes widened and he let out a gasp, as did the rest of his team. Feury, in particular was barely able to restrain himself from going over there and tearing this guy a new one.

"What!? How could you-"

Raising his hand, the Colonel said "Hold on." Seeing this, Rain stopped himself and stood at attention. Now that he got his subordinate to keep his cool, he turned his attention back to Zarman.

"May I ask why?"

"Well, you see, we heard that the military's lap dogs were on their way to deliver our supplies yesterday. We wanted to make sure you were going to come, so my men and I decided to spy on you."

Hearing that, Havoc turned to Breda and whispered "Told you we were being spied on."

The redhead shrugged. "Whatever," he said. "Anyone could've figured that out." Jean smirked; it felt nice to be vindicated for once.

"That's enough, you two," their Colonel said, making both men stand at attention. "Now what does this have to do with the Lieutenant?"

Zarman smiled. "Well you see, after my men tried to attack you, I saw what prowess this woman has with a gun…I had never seen anything like it."

Roy couldn't help but chuckle when he saw Riza roll her eyes; he was starting to get the feeling that this guy hadn't shut up about her natural talent with firearms the whole time she'd been his prisoner.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, from that moment, I knew I must have her," he said. "From that moment, I knew it was love."

For the second time in the last five minutes, the Colonel felt his eyes widen."What!?"

"I want your Lieutenant to become my wife."

The entire team gasped in shock and anger.

Riza in particular, could feel her blood boiling. He mentioned wanting her for his army, but nothing about wanting to marry her. She put up with his sexist comments and his arrogant demeanour all night waiting for her friends to come, knowing that whatever he threw at her Colonel he could take it. She wouldn't become part of his gorilla army, no siren. But now he was saying he wanted to marry her!? This was ridiculous! She'd been quiet until now, but this was the last straw.

"Hold on a second! You can't just decide my future like that-"

"Silence!" he answered.

Without a second thought, he walked over to Riza and slapped her across the face, making her fall to the ground.

Roy, meanwhile, started gritting his teeth, barely restraining a growl. All he could see was red, right now. All he wanted was to snap his fingers and torch that son of a-

"Colonel!" said a voice he knew all too well; it was Hawkeye's.

He looked up to see her amber eyes boring into his as the burly man picked her up off the ground. To anyone else, it looked like she was angry with him. Disappointed, even that he nearly lost his temper. But he knew better. Without verbally communicating it to him, she was telling him to keep his cool.

Not that he could blame her.

They both knew how irrational Roy could be when it came to the well being of his friends, and this was no exception; one wrong move and not only would he jeopardize the mission, but there could be casualties on both sides.

So, the Colonel took in a deep breath and placed his right hand back in his pants pocket, allowing himself to stand tall and bore his eyes into the cocky man before him.

"I see, so that's all you want then."

"But of course," said Zarman. "Surely, you understand my plight, Mr. Mustang?"

"Some of it I do understand, she is very physically attractive."

From out of the corner of his eye, Roy could see her blushing. Not that he was surprised; unless she was dressed up for a party, it was rare for him to comment on her looks.

And while he enjoyed seeing her clean-up, the Colonel always felt she was most beautiful when she was just being herself. Yes, as far as Roy was concerned, Riza Hawkeye was a kind, wonderful woman. But he was starting to get the impression that Zarman didn't see the same thing in her as he did.

No, he knew he didn't see her as he did. He could tell from the way that Zarman said "Yes…she is indeed…"

There seemed to be a dreamy, almost lustful yet loving look in his eye. Too bad Roy wasn't buying what he was selling, not even for a second. He knew that look all too well, mainly because it was the exact same look he had in his eyes whenever he seduced a woman into bed with him, the same look in his conquest's eyes as she asked him to call her sometime.

No doubt about it, this man had nothing good in store for Riza.

But the Colonel wasn't too worried about that, right now. Not when he had some good dirt on Zarman, dirt he was about to use against him.

"But as I recall, you already have a wife, yourself, Zarman."

Roy never let trademark smirk creep onto his face, opting instead to let his face show no emotion. But inside, however, the Flame Alchemist couldn't help but beam with satisfaction. Surely, that little piece of information would be enough to put his opponent in checkmate.

Instead, the chief gave him a evil smile. "Had a wife. She passed away recently," he said. "And even if she hadn't, what does it matter? People like her are easily discardable."

While Roy kept his emotions in check, he could still feel his hand balling up into a fist inside his pocket. Primitive or not, this guy's sexist attitude was really starting to piss him off.

"Aren't you assuming a lot of me, though? I mean, you have no evidence to suspect that I'll just go along with what you're proposing."

"True, but I have my ways," Zarman said. "I could always ruin your reputation."

When he heard that, the Flame Alchemist felt a smirk form on his face. "You can try, but I doubt it would be easy. My military record is pretty clean."

"Is it now?" Hearing that, Roy looked up to see Zarman smiling at him, again. "You are the Flame Alchemist, are you not? I hear you are quite ambitious always looking for ways to work your way up the military ladder. Which is impressive when you consider your "War Hero" status."

Roy didn't say anything. Instead he just stood there, taking in everything this man was saying.

Honestly, he wasn't surprised that Zarman knew of his war criminal history Zambia was only fifteen miles away from what remained of Ishbal. The only question on his mind was what was this man was plotting?

"It would be a shame if that was suddenly taken from you," said Zarman. "Why if I wanted to, I could simply refuse your nations."

"But wouldn't you be at a disadvantage? Your people need those supplies to live."

"True. But word spreads fast, Mr. Mustang. If I were to complain directly to your Furhur, I guarantee you I will make it do that your career will be tarnished."

"But it would be my words against yours," the Colonel reminded him.

"Yes. But I can always find ways to make you look responsible."

Upon hearing that, Riza could feel her eyes widen. She knew exactly what this man was doing; he was trying to blackmail Roy. But unlike some other blackmail attempts she'd seen on her Colonel, this one actually seemed plausible.

If he refused, than Zarman would find a way to not only ruin his career, but also his chances of ever becoming Furhur. His chance for redemption would be gone and he would be reduced to a depressed, suicidal husk once again. She didn't want that for him. And so with somber eyes, the Lieutenant let out a sigh; she'd made her decision. She would allow herself to become Zarman's slave to protect her Colonel. Obviously she didn't want to, but she would gladly take it. Anything to save her Colonel from a life of misery and shattered dreams.

"You wouldn't want that now, would you?"

Roy didn't respond to Zarman, he was too busy looking at his Lieutenant. The look in her eyes was sad and somber, like she'd made an awful decision. It made him angry.

But Zarman didn't notice any of this. If anything, he thought the pissed off look on his opponent's face meant that he'd won. It made him smile.

"That's what I thought. Now then, if you give me our rations, my men and my new wife will be on our way-"

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that."

Zarman felt his eyes widen when he heard that. With an angry face, he turned around to face the stoic Colonel. "What did you say?"

"You heard me; I'm not going to do what you've asked of me."

Zarman raised an eyebrow. "You mean you'd forsake my people in favour of this woman?

That's awfully cold of you, Mr. Mus-"

"You didn't let me finish," Roy said. At this point, he was practically fighting to keep his tone calm. "I didn't come here to trade my subordinate, I came here to do a job and that's what I'm going to do."

"Rubbish!" he said. "You "military dogs" are all the same; you'll gladly trade one life if it means getting what you want!"

"I prefer to see it the other way around. Lieutenant Hawkeye has been of invaluable help to me. She's a fine soldier and a great friend, and I am grateful to have her at my side."

Riza felt her eyes widen. She knew Roy was grateful for her endless assistance, but never in a million years did she believe he would admit it out loud. In a way, she should've been angry with him. Here she was trying to save him and he just went in and ruined it all. And yet, he did it with such conviction, such concern for her while caring little for himself that it made her frown soften into a smile.

"Colonel…"

Unfortunately, Zarman had chosen this moment to turn and see his captives' expression. Needless to say, he was not pleased with what he was seeing.

Her eyes no longer carried any fear. Instead, there was a glimmer of hope and satisfaction in them. Even her frown had softened into a smile, and that's what frightened him. He knew that look all too well; it was love. True, undeniable love. And all for the man who just said no to him.

He growled. "No! I will not stand for this!"

As if on cue, the the guard holding Riza grabbed her by the head and forced her onto her knees. That already put Roy on edge, but once he saw Zarman pull out the small handgun he kept in his holster and point it directly at Riza, he knew he couldn't stand by and watch this.

He could see the fear in her eyes, the angry, almost twitching grimace the man before her was wearing as he spoke again.

"Either you give me your woman, OR ELSE!"

Riza didn't know what to do right now. She'd been held at gunpoint before, but never like this. Not without a weapon to defend herself, and certainly never with a crazed man who supposedly longed for her holding the gun. So, she closed her eyes and waited for the end.

SNAP!

Before she even knew what was happening, Riza opened her eyes to see Zarman's hand on fire. He was screaming loudly as he let go of the gun and fell to his knees, seething at the pain left by the flames as they slowly dissipated, leaving nothing but some visible first degree burns.

"I'd quit whining if I were you, Zarman. You should consider yourself lucky." The man looked up to see the Colonel standing front of him, noticing the flame array etched into the white glove on his right hand. "I only burnt the skin, you'll find your nerves and skeletal structure will be fine once the burn marks heal."

Zarman didn't know what to say, he simply let Roy bore one last grimace into his soul before turning to face his men with that same look.

"Now then, gentlemen, I believe we have a trade to make. You wouldn't want your people to starve now, would you?"

The men raised their hands up to surrender. "No, we're good."

"That's what I thought."

Turning to face Riza, he gave her one last look before snapping his fingers and burning the ropes on her hands, freeing her.

"Let's go, Lieutenant," he said.

He turned his back to her and walked away.

But the Lieutenant didn't pick herself up, right away. She just sat there for a moment, staring at the ground sadly.

Before long, she finally replied with "Yes, Sir." Picking herself up, Riza walked over to her Colonel's side, knowing that they would need to talk about this later.

…

Things had been quiet since leaving Zambia. There was room to sit in the back crate now that the supplies had been delivered , so Roy and Riza decided to sit in the wooden box while Feury and Falman sat in the back seat of the military Tumblr. And Breda? He was sitting in the front seat, chatting with Havoc as he drove them home to East City.

But for the recently rescued Riza Hawkeye, all was not well. Neither she nor Roy had not spoken to each other since entering the vehicle, opting instead to sit together in silence. Him with his arms crossed and his eyes focused out on the dirt road, while she sat on her legs and stared down at her fists, thinking over what to say.

But that was the problem; Riza didn't know what to say. She knew that no matter what came out of her mouth, he'd still be angry with her.

Of course, that didn't mean she wasn't willing to try.

So, the Lieutenant took a deep breath and turned to face her commanding officer. "I'm sorry, Colonel," she said. "But there's no reason to keep yourself angry. We delivered the supplies to the village and you rescued me. Everything's fine."

Roy eyed her. "Is it"

The Lieutenant said nothing, she simply stared down at her hands before answering him. "No…No, it doesn't…"

Yeah, he was still angry with her. Not that she could blame him; she'd almost let herself become someone else's property in an effort to protect him, after all.

"Why?"

Riza remained silent for a moment, thinking over every possible answer she could give him. Of course, she knew there was nothing she could say in her defence that he'd be okay with, so the Lieutenant decided to be open and honest with him.

With her held high, she turned to face the young man.

"Because I swore to protect you, Roy," she said. "That includes keeping you safe from anything that could ruin your reputation, or God forbid, your mental well being. I could tell from the way he was talking that he was serious about making your life a living hell and I couldn't let him get away with it. The last thing I would want is for your dreams to be shattered."

"That may be…But there's no way I could ever let you do that." The moment she heard that, Riza felt her eyes widen as they remained fixated on Roy. He never turned to face her, preferring to stare off into the distance. But now he had that serious, determined gaze in his eyes she knew all too well.

"You're not some gun totting slave, Riza. You're your own person. But that's all he saw you as…," he could feel his hands starting to tense up as he continued speaking. "It makes me sick just thinking about it-"

"Colonel."

Feeling a soft feminine hand place itself onto his hand, Roy let out a gasp. Turning his head around, he came to find himself staring at Riza. Her eyes were warm and concerned looking, as if she were conveying to him to let go of his anger.

"I'm sorry…"

And just like that, the Colonel felt his anger starting to subside. He couldn't help it, though. Whenever Riza allowed herself to show concern for someone, her eyes reflected that.

And for some reason, it relaxed him. Maybe it's because she knew it was her way of keeping him calm when they were alone.

No, he knew her better than that. It was her way of apologizing, that it would never happen again. He couldn't stay mad at her after that.

Letting a smile graze his face, he said "Don't be…"

Roy could see her surprised expression before watching as a warm smile graze her face. The smile that he rarely got to see, the smile he loved, because it conveyed to him the real Riza Hawkeye.

Riza, meanwhile was happy to see a smile forming on her Colonel's face and his body language relaxing. In his own way, he was accepting her apology. And she couldn't have been happier.

"Thank you, Colonel," she said, now staring directly into his warm obsidian eyes. "And thank you for saving my life."

He chuckled. "There's no need to thank me, you know? But I appreciate it."

She said nothing as she kept smiling at him. He too smiled at her for another moment before she finally took her hand off of his.

Now that they'd put all that awkwardness behind them, the two started chatting again. Mostly about work, but also what they might do now that their mission was over and home was just a few hours away.

Unbeknownst to either of them, Feury was watching the duo, smiling at how calm and relaxed they'd become. "It looks like the Colonel's starting to relax a little."

"Well, don't tell me you're surprised," Falman spoke up. "The Colonel's always had a soft spot for Lieutenant Hawkeye."

Kain smiled. "That's true.

The End

[dreamtwinz]

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