#sighs. when i was younger i had far worse menstrual cramps

[mishkakagehishka]

And i try to look up that pressure test just to make sure i'm doing it right bc girl i'm getting worried and "ovulation pain doesn't get worse with movement" well i guess i'm just built different /neg

[fullmetalscullyy]

Hey, for your Royai collection... how about one where Riza gets really strong menstrual cramps at work and Roy is all worried, running around to make her comfortable and getting her warm towels to try and ease her pain?

aw thank you for this anon!! worried and attentive roy is always a good roy uwu

Riza stood from her desk chair and fought the impulse to wince. She’d managed to hide it well all day so far, the boys didn’t have a clue about her pain and discomfort. There were only thirty minutes until lunch then she could escape for an hour and take some medicine… Or put her head down on a table until the cramps passed… Yeah, that sounded like a better idea.

Movements controlled, she approached the Colonel’s desk with no hint of discomfort on her face. “Here’s the report, sir.”

“Thank you, Hawkeye.”

“Is there anything else you need me to do before lunch?”

“No, however, I could use some company out to lunch, if you’re willing?” He raised an eyebrow in question. “General Grumman has asked me to travel outside East City to run an errand for him. In order for the task to be done before the day ends, we’ll need to leave during our lunch hour.”

Oh god, please no.

“Of course, sir. I just need to pop out the office for five minutes, then I’ll be ready.”

“Just go now, if you like,” he dismissed with a pleased smile. He probably thought this would be a great afternoon but Riza could honestly think of nothing worse. She didn’t want to travel while her stomach was cramping up a storm. She just wanted to remain in her desk chair. It was comfortable there. Riza had discovered if she sat just right, then there was no discomfort for a few minutes. She managed to gain a reprieve. One slight shift would set it off again, but at least she could breathe easily.

“Okay. Thank you, sir.”

Walking out the office it felt like his eyes were boring into her back, especially after she picked up her purse before leaving.

Sitting on the closed toilet seat, Riza rested her forehead on her hands. They were clasped together tightly, squeezing each other as she tried to stave off another wave of pain in her abdomen.

God, she hated being a woman.

Holding herself completely still, Riza waited until the medication took the edge off her pain. It had been longer than the five minutes she’d initially stated she’d be, however Riza didn’t care. Not right now. Feeling slightly feverish, she sighed and rubbed her forehead gently to try and distract herself.

Fifteen minutes later, Riza exited the ladies bathroom. The pain had subsided somewhat – it wasn’t as intense as it had been before – but it still lingered. Sometimes it simply refused to shift unless she had a nap. Apparently today was one of those days.

“Ready?”

Riza jumped as Mustang snuck up on her. Scolding herself, she nodded. “Yes, sir.”

The car drive to the station was silent. He flicked through a file, brow furrowed in concentration, while Riza stared out the window at the passing scenery to try and find any way to get her mind off the pain. Their driver – a young private – drove without asking any questions or making small talk, which she was thankful for. It would have just irritated her, and that would be unfair to the young man.

Again, her movements were slightly stiff and controlled as they walked along the platform at the train station. East City station was as busy as ever. Families greeted each other and bid tearful farewells. Children dashed in between the two soldiers, almost causing her to trip, which caused pain to shoot through her abdomen as her body jolted unexpectedly. She did visibly grimace this time, and she was sure the Colonel noticed. He never mentioned it, however, just simply placed a hand on her lower back to guide her inside the train carriage. Blessedly, it was empty. The door banged closed and she was grateful for the sudden silence.

“In here,” he murmured. The pressure on the small of her back increased, steering her inside a private cabin. Riza sat carefully on the bench, thankful they’d finally stopped moving. Normally, movement and exercise would help, however she’d always had issues with her period. Sometimes it would be fine while others would leave her struggling to even remain upright. Today was one of the latter.

“I’ll be back in a minute,” the Colonel announced, closing the sliding door after himself and leaving her in the silence of the cabin before she could ask where he was going. Laying her head back, Riza took the chance at peace and closed her eyes.

Movement jolted her groggy brain back to reality and her eyes flew open. The world sped past them outside the window in a green blur. They were already out of East City, which meant she’d been asleep for at least half an hour. Something slid from her shoulders and fell into her lap. Looking down, she saw a blue military jacket in a heap on her thighs, and there was a waft of a very familiar aftershave.

“Did you sleep well?” Mustang asked her, not looking up from the file he was observing. Riza stared blankly back at him, realising he was just sitting there in a white shirt. His sleeves had been rolled up to his elbows, revealing his muscular forearms. When she didn’t reply, the Colonel lifted his head expectantly, a soft smile on his face.

“Sir, I –” She stuttered, unable to believe she’d let herself slip like this. His head cocked to the side, awaiting her answer. “I apologise, sir. It wasn’t my intention to fall asleep while on duty –”

The Colonel dismissed her with a wave of his hand. “It’s quite all right, Hawkeye. I know you haven’t been feeling that great since lunch. Mind if I ask what’s wrong?” His expression turned to once of concern. “If you don’t want to tell me, I understand,” he quickly backpedalled.

“Ah, no, sir.” He was no stranger to her time of the month. He’d been witness to how much it affected her when they were teenagers. Roy had held her hair back as she vomited into the toilet more than once. “It’s just…” She sighed, swallowing her soldier’s pride and admitting her weakness. “It’s my period, sir.” It was embarrassing to admit in a professional setting, however the Colonel had known her since she was a child. 

He straightened, nodding in understanding. He’d leaned forward expectantly while he awaited her answer. “Ah, I see.” Silence descended on them. Her cramps had let up slightly after her impromptu nap, however every now and then there was a twinge in her stomach. When unexpected, it made her flinch. “I’ll be right back.”

The colonel rushed out the train cabin before she could argue. Again. Sighing, Riza left him to it, knowing that no matter what she said, she wouldn’t be able to put a stop to whatever plan he’d suddenly cooked up in his head.

When they were younger he’d always rushed around to try and make her feel better. Once he’d left for the military that had obviously stopped, and he hadn’t done it since. He’d never needed to, because Riza had mastered how to hide in her adult years. Today, however, her body wasn’t playing ball and her insides were wreaking havoc with her life and ability to perform her job correctly.

Damn it, I know I’m not pregnant, body. Leave me alone.

It felt like her womb was screaming at her that she wasn’t pregnant as another cramp hit her. It was like a harsh reminder that she’d failed to create a child. Sucking in air through her teeth, Riza exhaled forcefully. She wished it wouldn’t scream at her. Probably every woman wished that. A letter in the mail would be nice. Just a gentle reminder that she wasn’t pregnant, instead of her body ripping itself apart in announcement.

Ten minutes later the Colonel returned with a hot water bottle in his hand.

“Where did you get that?” she asked in disbelief.

“I have my ways,” he grinned mischievously. He chuckled at her suspicious look. “This is a sleeper train and the staff very kindly lent me it for this afternoon.” Riza felt her stomach drop at the thought of him declaring that he had an ill Lieutenant who needed it. “They think I get extremely cold feet,” he whispered conspiratorially.

She was touched. “Thank you, sir.”

“Don’t mention it. Do you need anything else? Painkillers? Tea?”

Riza shook her head. “I’ve already taken something. If you wouldn’t mind though, a tea would be really nice right now.”

Roy grinned. “I’ll be right back!”

Riza smiled to herself as she placed the hot water bottle underneath her jacket. The warmth spread over her stomach and it wasn’t lost on Riza that even after all these years, he’d remembered what worked best to soothe her cramps. She rearranged Roy’s jacket to lay over her stomach, covering it from view. However, she needn’t have bothered, because the curtains for the cabin had been closed to hide a sleeping Lieutenant from view from other passengers and staff. Another soft smile graced her features. He could be so thoughtful.

Even though she didn’t need his jacket now that she was hidden away, Riza kept it in place. Every so often she’d get a waft of the smell that was wholly him – his aftershave mixed in with the smell of burning and ash. It was an extreme comfort and one she wasn’t ready to part with just yet. Plus, she was ill. She was allowed this small comfort just once.

When he returned with a piping hot tea and a bar of chocolate her smile only grew.

"I got one of those hot towels as well. First class sure do have it good." The sliding door closed behind him. "I… don't really know what you'd use it for, but I thought I'd bring it anyway. I hope it helps…"

Riza took her gift from him, feeling warmth spread through her body, and it wasn't from the hot water bottle pressed against her stomach. Bless him, he looked so worried about her. "Thank you, sir. So much."

He grinned back at her. "Don't mention it."