Fic - Immolation of Man's Pride Ch 3
Jun. 5th, 2006 12:10 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessImmolation of Man’s Pride
D M Evans
Disclaimer - not mine
Rating FRMAO (Nc-17)
Pairing - Roy/Riza
Time Line - Manga verse Pre-Ishbal, based off revelations of ch 58 but mostly written before 59 came out so we can safely say it contains spoilers for 58 and is totally AU after that
Summary -Riza finds herself caught on the horns of her past and the pride of the powerful men in her life with dire consequences
Chapter Three
“Thanks for coming with me,” Riza said as she walked through the streets of Portsmouth. They were fairly busy in spite of the blustery day. “I’m sure you had better things to do.”
“Like what? We’re too young to be served in the pubs,” Roy grumbled.
“And going with you is better than listening to Flame whine all day about...well, pick a topic.” Maes shot a grin at Roy.
“I do not whine, I discuss faults,” Roy sniffed, nearly losing his balance on an icy patch. His arms windmilled wildly.
“Are you sure you lived here before? Snow just doesn’t seem to be your element.” Maes’ eyes gleamed wickedly.
“What makes you think he ever left my father’s workshop or library?” Riza turned up a walk way to a large beautiful house. Riza has always loved the style of her friend’s home, fluid and graceful unlike her own boxy home. Avaron’s home rose three stories centering around the rounded tower. All the windows arched high and wide to let in all the light possible to the point that when the sun was behind the house it seemed to glow. She knew one of the wrought iron balconies led into Avaron’s rooms.
“I said that and he glared at me,” Maes said, slapping Roy’s back, nearly sending him to the snowy ground.
“Oh, shut up, the both of you.” Roy sulked, eyeing the majestic house. “Where are we going?”
“To Avaron Lagana’s, you might remember her, Roy. She’s about the only friend I had at that school,” Riza said, knocking on the door.
“Yes, I actually liked her. She wasn’t bitchy,” Roy said, pulling a face. “Some of those academy girls...”
“Who are you telling, Roy? I attended the Academy most of my life.” Riza’s eyes held something indefinable in them. Melancholy was the closest her male companions could get.
“I’m not sure why you wanted us along to see your friend, Riza,” Maes said, hunching up against the chill wind. “Surely you’d want to catch up alone.”
“It’s not for this. After here, I have to go to my father’s estate. My uncle sent a summons to General Householder for me.” Riza’s shoulders slumped. “I’d rather not face Uncle Bob alone.”
“Riza Hawkeye, is that you?” A man’s voice called from the sidewalk. They all turned to see a tall young man strolling towards the wrought iron around the Lagana estate.
When Mustang heard girls gushing about romance novels, he was fairly sure this was the man they were talking about. He had broad shoulders, a nipped-in waist and perfectly coifed golden hair that fell in gentle waves. Still, there was something fake about his too-white smile and a certain hardness to his eyes, the color of fresh new leaves. Roy couldn’t remember feeling this self conscious about his own obviously not-quite-Amestrian looks. He found himself glancing over at Hawkeye to read her face for clues to how she felt about this fellow. To his surprise, she looked annoyed.
“Keddrick, I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” Riza said guardedly.
“We have the neighboring estate to Miss Lagana now,” he replied, his eyes flicking back and forth between the men, trying to determine who they might be and why he wouldn’t know them. Out of uniform, Hughes and Mustang just might be someone important that he needed to know, or at least that’s how Roy was busy filling in the man’s thoughts. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. I heard a ridiculous rumor that you enlisted in the military.”
Riza flushed then brought her chin up defiantly. She had never liked his attention. “Actually, Keddrick, I have. This is my superior officer, Major Roy Mustang and that is First Lieutenant Maes Hughes.” She turned to her companions. “This is Keddrick Thorne. His father owns the biggest logging company in the area and part of the silver mine as well.”
Roy thought he saw a hint of disappointment in the man’s face at the lackluster introduction. He thought he might remember this young man but he tried to avoid the spoiled brats that attended Mesick Academy, the male counterpart to Rennsalaer. Roy used to take childish delight in making fun of the name, Mesick. “Pleased to meet you.”
“Same here, Keddy.” Maes grinned.
“It’s Keddrick,” the other man sniffed, glowering at Hughes.
“Yeah, I know.” Maes just gave him a dead-eyed look and Roy knew his friend was purposely baiting him. Thorne must have been making Hughes uneasy.
The front door opened and the maid gave them all harsh glances. “Yes?” she demanded as if having decided that they didn’t belong there and should be around back at the servants’ entrance.
“Cynthi, who’s there?” someone called from inside the house then a girl Riza’s age came out. “Oh, there you are, Riza. Come on in and introduce me to your friends...or is that Roy Mustang?” Avaron smiled at him. She always reminded Roy of a vixen with her somewhat pointy features and fox red hair. She was certainly as smart as one.
“That’s Major Mustang,” Keddrick said dryly.
To his obvious consternation, Avaron looked impressed. “Already? At your age?”
“The perks of being a State Alchemist,” Roy smiled, watching Keddrick out of the corner of his eye. The man looked at him with barely disguised distaste.
“Well, don’t just stand out in the cold.” Avaron’s green eyes glinted with mischief. “Why are you here by the way, Keddrick?”
“I just happened to see Miss Hawkeye on my way home and thought I’d say hello.” Keddrick flashed a smile that Roy figured got Thorne whatever he wanted all too often. “I was just about to ask her if she’d like to accompany me for dinner some time when your maid answered the door.”
Riza’s face paled, the wind-redden patches on her cheeks standing out like fire. “Thank you for the offer, Keddrick. I’ll have to get back to you on that. I’m in Portsmouth as part of a detail to quell the Drachmaian insurgents in the area. I don’t have a lot of liberty time.” She seemed very relieved at that.
“That sounds too dangerous for a girl of your breeding,” Keddrick said, touching the ends of her hair where it poked out from her hood.
Riza smiled tightly. “It’s what I do now.”
“We won’t see you at Rennsalaer’s Winter Ball?” Keddrick turned big puppy eyes on her.
“I’ve been assigned there as well, so yes, you will.” She fought to keep her voice neutral. She tried to ignore the hot looks Roy was giving Keddrick as the man flirted with her.
“We’re letting all the cold air in,” Avaron interrupted, waving them inside. “She’ll see you at the ball, Keddrick.”
He glared for a moment at being so summarily dismissed then his good-boy facade slid back into place. “Of course. Don’t let me keep you.” Keddrick swooped in and gave Riza’s cheek a peck, making sure to give a proprietary look to both Hughes and Mustang before turning around heading down the walk.
Avaron ushered them in, shooting Thorne’s back a hot glare. Her maid, Cynthi, didn’t look apologetic for having been short with them, or happy that she had to take the military men’s coats, hats and gloves. Avaron escorted them into the parlor where big overstuffed chairs half-circled in front of the fire. “Can I interest you in tea or coffee?”
“Which ever you’re having, Avaron,” Riza said and the boys nodded their agreement. “And I do apologize for not doing proper introductions. Avaron, this is First Lieutenant Maes Hughes. Maes, this is Avaron Lagana, heiress to the Lagana mining and logging empire.”
“Cynthi, we’ll have tea thank you.” Avaron turned back to her guests. “Daddy is partners withthe father of that waste of skin.” Avaron said wryly, her smile wicked. “Nice to meet you, Maes. May I call you that? Please, do call me Avaron.”
“Pleased to meet you, Avaron.” Maes’ smile was easy and genuine as he lounged in the leather chair, obviously luxuriating on the expensive furniture.
“So the hackles on the back of my neck weren’t standing up for no reason? Anything we should know about Thorne?” Roy grumbled, looking intently at Avaron, nowhere near as relaxed as his friend.
“That he’d sell his mother for a bent coin and he still has a thing for our Miss Hawkeye,” Avaron said, the humor gone from her face.
Riza pinched the bridge of her nose. “Don’t remind me. Well, I didn’t come here to talk about Keddrick.”
“Yes, I was rather curious why you arrived with an entourage of handsome gentlemen.” Avaron eyed Hughes and Roy like a desert crosser being offered her first water in days.
“They aren’t for you, Avaron.” Riza’s voice was as sharp as a freshly stropped razor.
“Pity.” Avaron pouted, curling a lock of auburn hair around her finger.
“They’re for me,” Riza said and everyone gave her arched looks, and maybe just a bit of tongue lolling from the men. She blushed. “Get your minds out of the gutters, all of you. I have to go home after this. Somehow Uncle Bob’s heard that I’ve been asked to attend the ball and he sent word to the base commander that he’d like to see me.”
“In other words, made sure you can’t ignore him,” Avaron said sourly. “He’s trying to get into bed with Daddy and the Thornes, just so you know.”
“I’ll consider myself warned.” Riza made a face. “And even though Roy and Maes have been ordered to attend the ball, I’ll still be escort-less. I’m sure Keddrick will have Uncle Bob’s approval to at least ask me for a few dances. I’m sure by now he has a date.”
“Walchiria Fabel,” Avaron replied, rolling her eyes.
“Of course, the richest of the rich.” Riza smiled slightly. “She’ll keep him occupied.”
“I’m more interested in the two fine officers you said were going to the ball.” Avaron’s gaze settled on Riza’s companions and the boys all but preened at the attention.
“They’re spoken for. Their great military assignment is to suck up to the Gardyners and the Nedveds.” Riza chuckled as what she knew lay ahead for her friends.
“Poor boys.” Avaron leaned over and patted their knees as her maid arrived with the tea.
“Who are you taking, Avaron?” Roy responded to Avaron’s touch with a boyish grin. Riza wished she had known it was so easy to make him notice a girl.
“I refuse to give credence to this archaic system of husband hunting. I’m going with no one,” Avaron said as the maid poured for them. Her eyes lit up. “You can be my date, Riza.”
“Well, that will turn heads.” Riza replied, trying to ignore the hormonal expressions on Mustang and Hughes’ faces. She was embarrassed by them. Why did she even like Mustang? Sometimes it was a mystery. “But that’s why I came today, Avaron. I’ll need my mother’s jewelry...and help getting a dress. I have nothing to wear and I’ve been told I can’t wear my dress uniform.”
“I see.” Avaron got up and pulled down a crystal decanter from a nearby bookcase. She dolloped the amber whiskey within into every cup of tea. “A little whiskey to take off the chill.”
“Thank you,” Roy said with a smile. “Don’t ever tell my father but I think I prefer whiskey to wine.”
“You do him proud.” Maes wagged his head and Roy flashed him one of his infamous pouts.
Avaron beckoned them up. “Come along. You two will be bored stiff by talk of dresses and jewelry and shoes. Truth be told, Riza and I will be, too. As much as I’d love to leave this ball to my baby sister, Igrayne, I can’t. But there’s no sense in torturing you.” She led them to a nearby room dominated by a slate topped pool table. “You boys have fun.” Avaron draped an arm around Riza’s shoulders. “And you and I are going to talk gowns. I’m buying yours and no arguments. My date can’t go looking shoddy.”
Riza sighed. “As if anyone would notice me one way or the other.” She gave Roy a pointed look but he was already infatuated with the pool table. She shook her head and gave over to her friend’s planning session.
X X X
“Sorry you two had to put up with an hour’s worth of girl talk,” Riza said as they hiked up the walkway to an old, stone house in a state of some disrepair. She tried to disappear further into her jacket to escape the chilly wind
“It’s all right. Roy and I enjoyed the pool table.” Maes thrust his hands deeper into his jacket as the plume from the moisture in his breath circled overhead.
Riza pursed her lips. “Then why does Roy look unhappy?”
“He’s under the delusion I cheat,” Maes replied cheerfully.
“Well, that would be the only explanation for why he lost. After all, he can’t possibly be bad at something.” The corners of Riza’s mouth cat walked upwards.
Roy’s glare could have set the fat pine trees lining the drive on fire. “I think you’re both perilously close to insubordination.”
“I think you’re still delusional,” Maes shot back amiably. “I enjoyed meeting your friend, Riza. She’s fun.”
“And not a very good fit for Rennsa....whatever,” Roy said, tucking his gloved hands up under his armpits.
“No, she’s not. In fact, she was thrilled when I joined the military. She touted it as proof that women don’t have to be just wives,” Riza said, looking at the strange car in the driveway. She was fairly certain her uncle wouldn’t have the money to afford that. “Avaron wants to be a journalist. I’m sure once she graduates, she’ll head straight to Central. Mr. Lagana is content to let her go because Igrayne is absolutely perfect Rennsalaer material so he’ll get his one good marriage.”
“At least you won’t have to go to the dance entirely alone,” Roy said. “I thought it was rather unfair of General Householder to assign you to your own school and send you in alone. I guess, I’m assuming there is no one from Portsmouth what you’d want to take.”
“No one who isn’t already going with someone else,” she replied, giving Roy a look. Her lips thinned when she perceived her shot did not penetrate his armor, thick headed alchemy freak. There was a twinkle in Maes’ eyes. Had he noticed? Riza hoped not.
“For a moment there, I wasn’t sure Avaron particularly liked men, then I thought maybe she was interested in me...or Roy,” Maes said as Riza knocked on the door.
“She would have pulled either of you down like a wounded deer if I weren’t there,” Riza replied wryly with a subtle shake of her head.“Much to your protest, I’m sure.”
Maes chuckled as the door swung open. A thin-faced man with receding blond hair stood there, looking irate at the intrusion. His long hawkish nose twitched for a moment then he worked up something that might have been a smile.
“Riza, dear. You made it and you brought...friends,” the man said, taking a step back away from the door.
Riza went inside the vast foyer. She tried to ignore all the new cracks in the plaster walls. “Hello, Uncle Bob. This is Major Roy Mustang, my immediate superior officer, and another of our team, Lieutenant Maes Hughes. I thought it was be a nice gesture to bring them along since General Householder has appointed them liaisons to the townspeople.”
“Ah, yes of course, welcome to my home, or should I say welcome back, Roy, since this was your home for some time. I haven’t seen you since just after my brother’s funeral,” Bob said, his brown eyes narrowing harshly. Riza knew her uncle wasn’t happy to see Roy.
“Thank you, sir,” Roy replied more politely than he felt. Teacher had very few warm thoughts towards his brother and Roy more than understood why. Teacher hadn’t trusted Riza’s care with the man and that was all Roy really needed to know.
“I’ll confess I was wondering why Riza was going about town with two men,” a new voice said and Keddrick Thorne slipped out of the den. “Sorry, didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I’m just here to discuss some business with your uncle, Riza.”
“I was wondering whose car that was. This shouldn’t really take long, Uncle. Mostly I just need to poke through some of the stuff I left behind. You and I can visit another time, Uncle Bob,” Riza said, looking almost desperate to avoid this man.
“Nonsense, you can visit with Keddrick and me. I’m sure he’d love to talk with you. You can send the gentlemen upstairs to fetch whatever you need. I’m sure Mustang knows his way around your room,” Bob leered, his voice more befitting a bordello than a historied estate.
Roy’s face flushed, unable to meet anyone’s gaze. He pointedly ignored Maes’ questioning look. “Actually, sir, there were several areas of the house Teacher held as off limits to me during my tenure here. Miss Hawkeye’s room was definitely one of them.”
Bob chuckled lowly and Keddrick looked equally amused at the discomfort Bob had sown. “Yes, speaking of off limits rooms, I had the locked room in the attic opened. There are things in there that might interest you, Mustang. Feel free to go up and explore while I talk to my niece.”
Roy’s hands twitched at the thought. Teacher had made certain that that room was absolutely forbidden to him. The thought of Bob intruding into it bothered him, not so much in that it was a betrayal of Teacher’s wishes. No, Roy worried that the room was probably locked because it contained things dangerous to those who didn’t understand alchemy, like Bob. “Thank you, sir.”
Riza took Roy’s hand and led him aside. Maes almost followed then saw he wasn’t needed. She whispered, “I have to talk to him now. Go to my room and see if there are any gowns worthy of going to a ball. You know what Rennsalaer’s formal affairs are like. I don’t want to take Avaron’s money and let her buy me a dress. And I doubt there’s any jewelry left that my uncle wouldn’t have already sold but if there is, pack that, too.”
“Of course,” he said without much enthusiasm.
“Thanks. And keep out of trouble in Father’s locked room.” She gave Roy a knowing look.
His expression was one of deep pain. “I’ll try.”
Riza just rolled her eyes and headed for her uncle’s den. Bob moved in her wake. Keddrick hesitated, a smug look spreading across his handsome face.
“Do run along and play fetch while the important people talk, vintner’s son.” Keddrick’s eyes hardened. “Yes, I do remember you, Hawkeye’s pet alchemy freak. You haven’t grown much.” Thorne’s lips twisted into a vicious grin.
“Does Riza know how you don’t like alchemy? I’m not sure she’d approve, given how important her father was to the craft,” Roy replied, his cheeks hot at the insult.
“And what did it get him? Destitution and an early grave, leaving that dear, sweet girl alone. I’m sure I can show her life doesn’t have to be the way it is now. She’s far too good for the military,” Keddrick said in mock pleasantness. “That’s where poor people go so they don’t starve to death.”
“Tell that to our Fuhrer,” Roy shot back, sensing Maes taking a step closer to him just in case he needed controlling. “I suppose you can’t help being so ugly about it. After all, I have something you want.” His eyes flicked towards the room Riza had disappeared into.
“Run along and play with your chemicals, Squint.” Keddrick waved a dismissive hand at him. “Hawkeye will never endure a half breed like you sniffing around his precious niece.”
Maes’ strong hand clamped on Roy’s shoulder before the hot headed youth could do something. “Leave it,” he hissed.
Roy spun on his heel and stalked toward the grand staircase that swept in a gentle arc toward the upper floors. Keddrick went into the den, laughing.
“Notice everyone but you seems to think you have it bad for Riza,” Maes said softly as he caught up with Roy.
“Walk in the middle of the treads. They’re rotted. Maybe you’ll fall through,” Roy replied sourly, sticking close to the wall as he ascended the stairs.
“Getting pissy just proves a point.” Maes arched an eyebrow at him as he pressed close to the faded floral silk wallpaper as he ascended the stairs.
“I’m pissy because you know how I don’t like comments about my eyes.” Roy involuntarily touched the slanted corner of one eye.
“You’re proud of your mother, right? What do you care that other people might not like your dad taking a Xing wife?” Maes said, his voice calm as he tried to bring down the heat boiling inside his friend.
Roy let out a pent up breath. “I don’t but still...you don’t know what it’s like, Maes. You didn’t grow up with kids making fun of the way you look.”
“Do you not see the glasses sitting on my nose?” Maes replied, shoving them up for emphasis. “There was a time I’d punch you if you called me four-eyes but I don’t let it get to me any more.” He paused on the second floor landing as Roy continued on. “Are we going to the attic first?”
“Yes, I need to see what’s in that room.”
“Just can’t wait to get your hands on those chemicals.” Maes grinned.
“It’s not that. It’s....” Roy paused and peered over the balcony. “Not here. Keddrick might be down there listening in.”
“Wouldn’t put it past him,” Maes replied. “He is jealous of you.”
“How do you figure? He’s rich enough to never have to work a day in his life. He’s handsome and he knows it. Why would he be jealous of me?”
“Because all his father, the lumber king, can give him is sawdust. Yours can give you the best wine in Amestris.” Maes smiled, seeing Roy’s spirits lifting a bit.
“Good point.” Roy seemed cheered a bit.
“And you have Riza. It doesn’t matter than you’re just her commanding officer and friend, and maybe nothing more. Thorne knows that she chose this life. All she had to do was stay at Rennsalaer another year or two and she could have married well and not have to worry about a thing. She took hard labor and you over him and that’s what he can’t stand,” Maes said as Roy opened the attic door.
Roy smirked. “You know, you have a very good point there, Maes.”
Maes chuckled. “I always do.”
Roy rolled his eyes and went into the dusty room. He led the way through discarded junk to the far side of the room where a thick door with an even stouter lock sat half opened. “The reason I want in there is alchemy is very dangerous in the wrong hands.”
“I’d say it’s dangerous even in the right hands,” Maes replied in a nervous way that made Roy flinch. “But I get your meaning. I wouldn’t trust anything dangerous to Riza’s uncle. That man would probably manage to do the worst thing possible with it or am I misjudging him?”
Roy made a disgusted noise. “You’re not.”
“This is what you were trying not to tell me last night, wasn’t it? About Hawkeye?” Maes asked as Roy went inside the room.
Dust cloaked the room, giving everything a fuzzy look and immediately getting into the men’s sinuses. Alembic arrays and gas burners sat higgledy-piggledy on the tables but Roy’s attention was on the book shelf on the back wall. “It was. I didn’t think it was my place to tell you that the estate had run out of money a long time ago and that Bob Hawkeye is a creep, but I think you can see that for yourself.”
“No wonder she wanted us here for support and where are we? In the attic being not helpful.” Maes moped.
“It would have only caused more trouble if we tried to stay. Don’t worry, if Riza needs us, we’ll know,” Roy said distractedly as he pulled down one of the books. “This is a journal I’ve never seen.”
“Why would your teacher hide it from you?” Maes leaned on the door frame, not really wanting to be in the musty room. Let Roy deal with all the stale smells.
“Some alchemy is very dangerous. He might have thought I wasn’t ready or it might have been forbidden.” Roy couldn’t keep the bitterness out of his voice. He wanted to believe Hawkeye had good intentions that maybe he really wasn’t ready but at the time, and even now, it had hurt.
“Forbidden?” Maes asked uneasily.
“Some things are not allowed, like various types of human transmutations. Some biologic alchemy is acceptable, the healing type. Mother practiced that. Making chimeras, if such a thing is even possible, bringing back the dead, those are strictly forbidden. I can’t imagine Teacher was trying that. His alchemy, like mine, was fire based.” Roy tapped the stylized salamander stamped into the leather cover of the journal.
“You can bring back the dead?” Maes’ eyes widened in shock.
“Not that I know of. I’ve never heard of it working and usually...well, bad things happen to the alchemist who tries and that is mostly just rumor. I guess there are stories about cities that disappeared overnight because someone tried something forbidden,” Roy shrugged, disinterestedly.
“What’s a chimera?” Maes took off his glasses and wiped his watering eyes. The dust was getting to him.
“A hybrid human and animal. It’s supposed to give the human the special abilities of the animal and no, I don’t know why you’d want to do that. It’s repulsive,” Roy shuddered. “Oh, look, Ivanovic’s book on sulfur. I’ve been wanting a copy of that.”
“Fascinating stuff, I’m sure,” Maes said dryly but it was lost on Roy. “Would Mr. Hawkeye let you have this stuff?”
“Not for free,” Roy said miserably.
“You do have that big stipend, you know,” Maes reminded him, going over to look at a crusted alembic. “Keddrick has it wrong. I’ve seen the figures. You are far from poor.”
“Hmm, I could get Father to send a case or two of wine to sweeten the deal. Hawkeye likes wine as much as money.” Roy nodded. “I’ll see what he wants for it.”
“Just try not to look too interested in it.” Maes stepped back into the main attic. “Maybe we should go look in Riza’s room. I’m sure she doesn’t want it to be a long visit.”
“Good point.” Roy reluctantly put the books back on the shelf, though the temptation to hide the slim journal in his coat was strong.
Roy led the way to Riza’s rooms. Nothing much had been changed since he had been in the oppressive room the day of the funeral. “You check the boxes for jewelry. I’ll take the closet.” Roy opened the dark walnut armoire.
“This room is a bit...dreary. I wouldn’t have expected it of Riza,” Maes said, inspecting the first jewelry box. It played a melancholy tune when he lifted the lid.
“Ugly as it is, the furniture is actually worth a good deal but I doubt Bob knows it or he’d have sold the set. I think it was from her great grandfather,” Roy said, poking in the armoire. “Ugh, all these horrid Rennsalaer uniforms.” He held out the grey and ecru blouse and skirt combo for Maes inspect.
He made a face. “No wonder she ran screaming from the place. Looks like this box has been cleaned out. Pretty little singing bird though.” Maes pointed to the enameled mechanical bird warbling its sad song.
“I see nothing that would be good for the ball, though I think Riza knew that. This was just an excuse because she didn’t want to come here alone,” Roy said, pulling a black dress out of the armoire. “This is lovely but too short in the hem.” Roy displayed the black Chantilly silk lace dress
with its black silk under dress for Maes. Two silk ribbons with tassels hung from the satin cummerbund.
“I’d like to see Hawkeye in that.” Maes whistled appreciatively.
“I never saw her in anything remotely sexy.” Roy’s voice went husky. “I have no idea why she was hiding this away.”
“You’ve been to other balls. She had to wear something pretty then,” Maes pointed out.
“That doesn’t count. It wasn’t for me.” Roy put the dress on the bed. “Okay, one possibility, even if I know that shows too much leg. No jewelry at all?”
“Nope.” Maes opened another chest. He peered at it intently then began feeling along the inside of the barreled lid.
“She has a Xing silk robe?” Surprise rippled through his voice. Roy took out the blue damask silk covered with peonies and vases.
“I don’t think that counts as a ball gown, Roy,” Maes said sardonically. “Your Xing relatives sure like their color, don’t they?”
“You should see the stuff I left back at Dad’s. Mom thought I looked good in red.” Roy pulled out a gown of pink and pale green decorated with embroidered roses within the alternating stripes. A large bouquet of roses was embroidered over the belly and the bodice was corseted. “I give up. This is the only other gown in here and it’s out of date. The Rennsa girls would never let her live it down.” He put it on the bed then went to open the drawers of the armoire.
“I think I have something here.” Maes peeled down the velvet lining of the box and shook out a handful of jewels. He let Roy take a look. “We could probably eat for a year or two on all of this.”
Three sets of earrings and one ring rested in Maes’ palm. One set were dangles that had a diamond flower and a faceted black diamond sphere set in platinum; another were large oval garnets surrounded by smaller garnets on a pyramid based of the stone dangling three teardrop garnets; the last set were chandeliers of two pyramids of blue topaz dangling a last teardrop of topaz, all of the teardrops surrounded by a circle of diamonds. The ring was hexagonal with a diamond in every corner and the lines done in diamonds around a central diamond that was orbited by a halo of diamonds.
“These are some heirlooms. The black diamonds I know were her mother’s. There’s a portrait of her wearing them,” Roy said, plucking the ring out of Maes’ hand. “I like this. It looks like an array.”
Maes rolled his eyes. “You would think that.”
The sarcasm didn’t dent Roy’s armor. “We should probably take those out of here. Can you hide them in your coat? It’s not likely they’ll search us but I can only imagine the stink Bob will make if he sees what Riza was holding out on him.” Roy went back to his search of the armoire.
“Think we should look for Riza?” Maes asked, pocketing the gems then pushing the liner back into the box.
“Not yet.” Roy scooped up a pair of purple leather boots covered with steel beads. Black laces ran from practically toe to the above ankle top. “I like these. Where did she wear this stuff? I swear I never saw her in it.”
“I told you, you never came out of the library. She could have paraded naked all day for all you’d know,” Maes said, investigating the final jewelry box.
“I would have noticed that.” Looking as if he wished she would have done that, Roy ran a thumb over the leather as he put them on the bed. “I really like those.”
“Do I have to hear about your foot thing again?” Maes groaned, poking around the box looking for more hidden compartments.
“Do I have to hear about your newest girlfriend?” Roy snarled back.
Maes pointed a finger at Roy. “No feet!”
“No this week’s love of your life.” Roy opened a drawer and his eyes lit up. He pulled a lacy confection out of the drawer and shook it out, revealing a frothy nightgown of alternating ecru silk and lace. He fingered the wide sleeves and twirled it showing off the train. “Now, I’m damn sure she never wore this.”
“She probably feared for her virtue with you around,” Maes replied, sitting on the bed, grinning as he waved off the little dust cloud from the too-long-shut-up bedding.
Roy tucked the outfit under his chin, spreading it out over his body. “Pink ribbons? Does she seem like the pink ribbon type?” He flicked the pink silk lace that closed the nightgown.
“I don’t care. I’d just like to see her in that.” Maes’ head bobbed appreciatively as he leered at his mental image.
“You and me both!” Roy froze, hearing a gun cocking behind him.
“Who told you to paw through my bedclothes,” Riza growled then belatedly added, “Sir.”
“You did!” Roy said, twirling around, still clutching the nightgown. “You said find you a ball gown.”
Riza eased the hammer down and put her gun back in her purse. “And you expected to find one inside a drawer?”
“Found this sort of dress, didn’t I?” Roy pouted like a guilty child.
“Why don’t I just give you two my underwear to play with while I’m at it?” Riza snapped and they gave her twin hungry looks. Her eyes widened. “Avaron is right. Once past the age of thirteen, men should be locked away until they’re thirty and sane again. Did you two do anything constructive at all?”
“I found those things but really neither dress would work.” Roy gestured at the bed with the night gown.
Riza tore it out of his hands. “Hmmm, no, they really don’t. I do like that black one though. Where did you think I was going to wear those heeled boots?”
“Anywhere you could walk over him with them, while wearing that nightie, most likely.” Maes leaned back on the bed, leering at them both with a suggestive raise of his eyebrows.
“Shut it, Hughes!” Roy growled. Riza blushed brightly, and shoved the nightie back in the drawer. The men looked disappointed.
“I was more constructive. I found some pieces of jewelry inside the lid of one box.” Maes patted his pocket. “I can put them back there if you want me to, but I thought you might want to sneak them out of the house.”
Riza relaxed a bit. “Thank you. I was hoping they were still there. I was so upset after father died, and had so little time to report to the academy that I left them behind. We’d better go. Keddrick will only keep Uncle Bob occupied for so long. I’ll have to take Avaron up on the offer of a dress. It’s going to be a bad enough ball without me being out of fashion. Keddrick has lost none of his interest in me and with Walchiria on his arm, this will be...ugly.”
“We’ll do what we can to keep him away from you but that won’t be easy to do and still keep those good relations with the towns people Householder was talking about,” Roy said.
Riza sighed, putting the dresses back. “I know. Thanks for the offer though.” She put the boots away, much to Roy’s disappointment. Riza just raised an eyebrow at him and his cheeks reddened. She started for the staircase.
Bob and Keddrick were waiting for them at the base of the stairs. “I was beginning to wonder what was keeping you, dear,” Bob said, something salacious oozing through his voice.
“Nostalgia, I suppose,” Riza lied with ease. “We need to get back to base.”
“Of course. Please do come again, gentlemen,” Bob said with enthusiasm they doubted he felt.
“I will, sir. I’m interested in the contents of that attic room,” Roy said. “I’d like to have them.”
Bob’s eyes gleamed with avarice as his long nose twitched like a weasel’s. “I’m sure we can come up with a price for the lot.”
“You think on it and let me know, sir. You can reach me at the base when you arrive at the price you think’s fair,” Roy said expansively.
“I will.” Bob shot Keddrick a conspiratorial look. Roy knew they thought they were going to price it out of his range and humiliate him probably in front of Riza. Let them have their fun. He’d trump them in the end.
“Nice meeting you, sir,” Hughes said, heading for the door.
“Likewise, I’m sure,” Bob said.
“Do you want a ride back to base, Riza?” Keddrick offered, taking a step toward her.
“Oh, thank you but, no. The walk will do us good,” Riza said with mock cheerfulness. “Goodbye, Uncle.”
Riza waited until they were at the end of the driveway and headed towards base before speaking again. “It’ll be a lot colder day than this before I let myself be alone with that man.”
“I can’t say that I blame you. Just a few minutes with him and I feel like I need a bath,” Maes said.
“Try growing up with him.” Riza shuddered. “I’m much rather deal with Drachmaian insurgents.”
“Why do I get the feeling those are fatal last words,” Roy said gloomily.
Maes patted him on the back. “Because as I’ve said before, you’re a pessimistic bastard. Come on, if the fire isn’t going in the common room, you can put yourself to good use.”
“Go to hell.” Roy’s eyes narrowed to onyx slits
“I think Maes has a good point, though thinking about a nice big fire just makes me want some toasted marshmallows.” Riza shut her eyes for a moment, day dreaming. “And forget I’m surrounded by sex-addled teenaged boys.”
“Yeah good luck with that,” Roy said with a smirk. “If there’s no fire going when we get home, I’ll make you one, Riza. Maes can stay out in the cold.”
“Thanks, buddy. Just remember, no matter what, you have to sleep in the same room with me tonight.” Maes shook Roy’s shoulder. Roy just rolled his eyes and Riza wagged her head. Given her choices of high class snobby men and down to earth - if too horny - soldiers, Roy suspected she’d choose them every time.
D M Evans
Disclaimer - not mine
Rating FRMAO (Nc-17)
Pairing - Roy/Riza
Time Line - Manga verse Pre-Ishbal, based off revelations of ch 58 but mostly written before 59 came out so we can safely say it contains spoilers for 58 and is totally AU after that
Summary -Riza finds herself caught on the horns of her past and the pride of the powerful men in her life with dire consequences
Chapter Three
“Thanks for coming with me,” Riza said as she walked through the streets of Portsmouth. They were fairly busy in spite of the blustery day. “I’m sure you had better things to do.”
“Like what? We’re too young to be served in the pubs,” Roy grumbled.
“And going with you is better than listening to Flame whine all day about...well, pick a topic.” Maes shot a grin at Roy.
“I do not whine, I discuss faults,” Roy sniffed, nearly losing his balance on an icy patch. His arms windmilled wildly.
“Are you sure you lived here before? Snow just doesn’t seem to be your element.” Maes’ eyes gleamed wickedly.
“What makes you think he ever left my father’s workshop or library?” Riza turned up a walk way to a large beautiful house. Riza has always loved the style of her friend’s home, fluid and graceful unlike her own boxy home. Avaron’s home rose three stories centering around the rounded tower. All the windows arched high and wide to let in all the light possible to the point that when the sun was behind the house it seemed to glow. She knew one of the wrought iron balconies led into Avaron’s rooms.
“I said that and he glared at me,” Maes said, slapping Roy’s back, nearly sending him to the snowy ground.
“Oh, shut up, the both of you.” Roy sulked, eyeing the majestic house. “Where are we going?”
“To Avaron Lagana’s, you might remember her, Roy. She’s about the only friend I had at that school,” Riza said, knocking on the door.
“Yes, I actually liked her. She wasn’t bitchy,” Roy said, pulling a face. “Some of those academy girls...”
“Who are you telling, Roy? I attended the Academy most of my life.” Riza’s eyes held something indefinable in them. Melancholy was the closest her male companions could get.
“I’m not sure why you wanted us along to see your friend, Riza,” Maes said, hunching up against the chill wind. “Surely you’d want to catch up alone.”
“It’s not for this. After here, I have to go to my father’s estate. My uncle sent a summons to General Householder for me.” Riza’s shoulders slumped. “I’d rather not face Uncle Bob alone.”
“Riza Hawkeye, is that you?” A man’s voice called from the sidewalk. They all turned to see a tall young man strolling towards the wrought iron around the Lagana estate.
When Mustang heard girls gushing about romance novels, he was fairly sure this was the man they were talking about. He had broad shoulders, a nipped-in waist and perfectly coifed golden hair that fell in gentle waves. Still, there was something fake about his too-white smile and a certain hardness to his eyes, the color of fresh new leaves. Roy couldn’t remember feeling this self conscious about his own obviously not-quite-Amestrian looks. He found himself glancing over at Hawkeye to read her face for clues to how she felt about this fellow. To his surprise, she looked annoyed.
“Keddrick, I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” Riza said guardedly.
“We have the neighboring estate to Miss Lagana now,” he replied, his eyes flicking back and forth between the men, trying to determine who they might be and why he wouldn’t know them. Out of uniform, Hughes and Mustang just might be someone important that he needed to know, or at least that’s how Roy was busy filling in the man’s thoughts. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. I heard a ridiculous rumor that you enlisted in the military.”
Riza flushed then brought her chin up defiantly. She had never liked his attention. “Actually, Keddrick, I have. This is my superior officer, Major Roy Mustang and that is First Lieutenant Maes Hughes.” She turned to her companions. “This is Keddrick Thorne. His father owns the biggest logging company in the area and part of the silver mine as well.”
Roy thought he saw a hint of disappointment in the man’s face at the lackluster introduction. He thought he might remember this young man but he tried to avoid the spoiled brats that attended Mesick Academy, the male counterpart to Rennsalaer. Roy used to take childish delight in making fun of the name, Mesick. “Pleased to meet you.”
“Same here, Keddy.” Maes grinned.
“It’s Keddrick,” the other man sniffed, glowering at Hughes.
“Yeah, I know.” Maes just gave him a dead-eyed look and Roy knew his friend was purposely baiting him. Thorne must have been making Hughes uneasy.
The front door opened and the maid gave them all harsh glances. “Yes?” she demanded as if having decided that they didn’t belong there and should be around back at the servants’ entrance.
“Cynthi, who’s there?” someone called from inside the house then a girl Riza’s age came out. “Oh, there you are, Riza. Come on in and introduce me to your friends...or is that Roy Mustang?” Avaron smiled at him. She always reminded Roy of a vixen with her somewhat pointy features and fox red hair. She was certainly as smart as one.
“That’s Major Mustang,” Keddrick said dryly.
To his obvious consternation, Avaron looked impressed. “Already? At your age?”
“The perks of being a State Alchemist,” Roy smiled, watching Keddrick out of the corner of his eye. The man looked at him with barely disguised distaste.
“Well, don’t just stand out in the cold.” Avaron’s green eyes glinted with mischief. “Why are you here by the way, Keddrick?”
“I just happened to see Miss Hawkeye on my way home and thought I’d say hello.” Keddrick flashed a smile that Roy figured got Thorne whatever he wanted all too often. “I was just about to ask her if she’d like to accompany me for dinner some time when your maid answered the door.”
Riza’s face paled, the wind-redden patches on her cheeks standing out like fire. “Thank you for the offer, Keddrick. I’ll have to get back to you on that. I’m in Portsmouth as part of a detail to quell the Drachmaian insurgents in the area. I don’t have a lot of liberty time.” She seemed very relieved at that.
“That sounds too dangerous for a girl of your breeding,” Keddrick said, touching the ends of her hair where it poked out from her hood.
Riza smiled tightly. “It’s what I do now.”
“We won’t see you at Rennsalaer’s Winter Ball?” Keddrick turned big puppy eyes on her.
“I’ve been assigned there as well, so yes, you will.” She fought to keep her voice neutral. She tried to ignore the hot looks Roy was giving Keddrick as the man flirted with her.
“We’re letting all the cold air in,” Avaron interrupted, waving them inside. “She’ll see you at the ball, Keddrick.”
He glared for a moment at being so summarily dismissed then his good-boy facade slid back into place. “Of course. Don’t let me keep you.” Keddrick swooped in and gave Riza’s cheek a peck, making sure to give a proprietary look to both Hughes and Mustang before turning around heading down the walk.
Avaron ushered them in, shooting Thorne’s back a hot glare. Her maid, Cynthi, didn’t look apologetic for having been short with them, or happy that she had to take the military men’s coats, hats and gloves. Avaron escorted them into the parlor where big overstuffed chairs half-circled in front of the fire. “Can I interest you in tea or coffee?”
“Which ever you’re having, Avaron,” Riza said and the boys nodded their agreement. “And I do apologize for not doing proper introductions. Avaron, this is First Lieutenant Maes Hughes. Maes, this is Avaron Lagana, heiress to the Lagana mining and logging empire.”
“Cynthi, we’ll have tea thank you.” Avaron turned back to her guests. “Daddy is partners withthe father of that waste of skin.” Avaron said wryly, her smile wicked. “Nice to meet you, Maes. May I call you that? Please, do call me Avaron.”
“Pleased to meet you, Avaron.” Maes’ smile was easy and genuine as he lounged in the leather chair, obviously luxuriating on the expensive furniture.
“So the hackles on the back of my neck weren’t standing up for no reason? Anything we should know about Thorne?” Roy grumbled, looking intently at Avaron, nowhere near as relaxed as his friend.
“That he’d sell his mother for a bent coin and he still has a thing for our Miss Hawkeye,” Avaron said, the humor gone from her face.
Riza pinched the bridge of her nose. “Don’t remind me. Well, I didn’t come here to talk about Keddrick.”
“Yes, I was rather curious why you arrived with an entourage of handsome gentlemen.” Avaron eyed Hughes and Roy like a desert crosser being offered her first water in days.
“They aren’t for you, Avaron.” Riza’s voice was as sharp as a freshly stropped razor.
“Pity.” Avaron pouted, curling a lock of auburn hair around her finger.
“They’re for me,” Riza said and everyone gave her arched looks, and maybe just a bit of tongue lolling from the men. She blushed. “Get your minds out of the gutters, all of you. I have to go home after this. Somehow Uncle Bob’s heard that I’ve been asked to attend the ball and he sent word to the base commander that he’d like to see me.”
“In other words, made sure you can’t ignore him,” Avaron said sourly. “He’s trying to get into bed with Daddy and the Thornes, just so you know.”
“I’ll consider myself warned.” Riza made a face. “And even though Roy and Maes have been ordered to attend the ball, I’ll still be escort-less. I’m sure Keddrick will have Uncle Bob’s approval to at least ask me for a few dances. I’m sure by now he has a date.”
“Walchiria Fabel,” Avaron replied, rolling her eyes.
“Of course, the richest of the rich.” Riza smiled slightly. “She’ll keep him occupied.”
“I’m more interested in the two fine officers you said were going to the ball.” Avaron’s gaze settled on Riza’s companions and the boys all but preened at the attention.
“They’re spoken for. Their great military assignment is to suck up to the Gardyners and the Nedveds.” Riza chuckled as what she knew lay ahead for her friends.
“Poor boys.” Avaron leaned over and patted their knees as her maid arrived with the tea.
“Who are you taking, Avaron?” Roy responded to Avaron’s touch with a boyish grin. Riza wished she had known it was so easy to make him notice a girl.
“I refuse to give credence to this archaic system of husband hunting. I’m going with no one,” Avaron said as the maid poured for them. Her eyes lit up. “You can be my date, Riza.”
“Well, that will turn heads.” Riza replied, trying to ignore the hormonal expressions on Mustang and Hughes’ faces. She was embarrassed by them. Why did she even like Mustang? Sometimes it was a mystery. “But that’s why I came today, Avaron. I’ll need my mother’s jewelry...and help getting a dress. I have nothing to wear and I’ve been told I can’t wear my dress uniform.”
“I see.” Avaron got up and pulled down a crystal decanter from a nearby bookcase. She dolloped the amber whiskey within into every cup of tea. “A little whiskey to take off the chill.”
“Thank you,” Roy said with a smile. “Don’t ever tell my father but I think I prefer whiskey to wine.”
“You do him proud.” Maes wagged his head and Roy flashed him one of his infamous pouts.
Avaron beckoned them up. “Come along. You two will be bored stiff by talk of dresses and jewelry and shoes. Truth be told, Riza and I will be, too. As much as I’d love to leave this ball to my baby sister, Igrayne, I can’t. But there’s no sense in torturing you.” She led them to a nearby room dominated by a slate topped pool table. “You boys have fun.” Avaron draped an arm around Riza’s shoulders. “And you and I are going to talk gowns. I’m buying yours and no arguments. My date can’t go looking shoddy.”
Riza sighed. “As if anyone would notice me one way or the other.” She gave Roy a pointed look but he was already infatuated with the pool table. She shook her head and gave over to her friend’s planning session.
X X X
“Sorry you two had to put up with an hour’s worth of girl talk,” Riza said as they hiked up the walkway to an old, stone house in a state of some disrepair. She tried to disappear further into her jacket to escape the chilly wind
“It’s all right. Roy and I enjoyed the pool table.” Maes thrust his hands deeper into his jacket as the plume from the moisture in his breath circled overhead.
Riza pursed her lips. “Then why does Roy look unhappy?”
“He’s under the delusion I cheat,” Maes replied cheerfully.
“Well, that would be the only explanation for why he lost. After all, he can’t possibly be bad at something.” The corners of Riza’s mouth cat walked upwards.
Roy’s glare could have set the fat pine trees lining the drive on fire. “I think you’re both perilously close to insubordination.”
“I think you’re still delusional,” Maes shot back amiably. “I enjoyed meeting your friend, Riza. She’s fun.”
“And not a very good fit for Rennsa....whatever,” Roy said, tucking his gloved hands up under his armpits.
“No, she’s not. In fact, she was thrilled when I joined the military. She touted it as proof that women don’t have to be just wives,” Riza said, looking at the strange car in the driveway. She was fairly certain her uncle wouldn’t have the money to afford that. “Avaron wants to be a journalist. I’m sure once she graduates, she’ll head straight to Central. Mr. Lagana is content to let her go because Igrayne is absolutely perfect Rennsalaer material so he’ll get his one good marriage.”
“At least you won’t have to go to the dance entirely alone,” Roy said. “I thought it was rather unfair of General Householder to assign you to your own school and send you in alone. I guess, I’m assuming there is no one from Portsmouth what you’d want to take.”
“No one who isn’t already going with someone else,” she replied, giving Roy a look. Her lips thinned when she perceived her shot did not penetrate his armor, thick headed alchemy freak. There was a twinkle in Maes’ eyes. Had he noticed? Riza hoped not.
“For a moment there, I wasn’t sure Avaron particularly liked men, then I thought maybe she was interested in me...or Roy,” Maes said as Riza knocked on the door.
“She would have pulled either of you down like a wounded deer if I weren’t there,” Riza replied wryly with a subtle shake of her head.“Much to your protest, I’m sure.”
Maes chuckled as the door swung open. A thin-faced man with receding blond hair stood there, looking irate at the intrusion. His long hawkish nose twitched for a moment then he worked up something that might have been a smile.
“Riza, dear. You made it and you brought...friends,” the man said, taking a step back away from the door.
Riza went inside the vast foyer. She tried to ignore all the new cracks in the plaster walls. “Hello, Uncle Bob. This is Major Roy Mustang, my immediate superior officer, and another of our team, Lieutenant Maes Hughes. I thought it was be a nice gesture to bring them along since General Householder has appointed them liaisons to the townspeople.”
“Ah, yes of course, welcome to my home, or should I say welcome back, Roy, since this was your home for some time. I haven’t seen you since just after my brother’s funeral,” Bob said, his brown eyes narrowing harshly. Riza knew her uncle wasn’t happy to see Roy.
“Thank you, sir,” Roy replied more politely than he felt. Teacher had very few warm thoughts towards his brother and Roy more than understood why. Teacher hadn’t trusted Riza’s care with the man and that was all Roy really needed to know.
“I’ll confess I was wondering why Riza was going about town with two men,” a new voice said and Keddrick Thorne slipped out of the den. “Sorry, didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I’m just here to discuss some business with your uncle, Riza.”
“I was wondering whose car that was. This shouldn’t really take long, Uncle. Mostly I just need to poke through some of the stuff I left behind. You and I can visit another time, Uncle Bob,” Riza said, looking almost desperate to avoid this man.
“Nonsense, you can visit with Keddrick and me. I’m sure he’d love to talk with you. You can send the gentlemen upstairs to fetch whatever you need. I’m sure Mustang knows his way around your room,” Bob leered, his voice more befitting a bordello than a historied estate.
Roy’s face flushed, unable to meet anyone’s gaze. He pointedly ignored Maes’ questioning look. “Actually, sir, there were several areas of the house Teacher held as off limits to me during my tenure here. Miss Hawkeye’s room was definitely one of them.”
Bob chuckled lowly and Keddrick looked equally amused at the discomfort Bob had sown. “Yes, speaking of off limits rooms, I had the locked room in the attic opened. There are things in there that might interest you, Mustang. Feel free to go up and explore while I talk to my niece.”
Roy’s hands twitched at the thought. Teacher had made certain that that room was absolutely forbidden to him. The thought of Bob intruding into it bothered him, not so much in that it was a betrayal of Teacher’s wishes. No, Roy worried that the room was probably locked because it contained things dangerous to those who didn’t understand alchemy, like Bob. “Thank you, sir.”
Riza took Roy’s hand and led him aside. Maes almost followed then saw he wasn’t needed. She whispered, “I have to talk to him now. Go to my room and see if there are any gowns worthy of going to a ball. You know what Rennsalaer’s formal affairs are like. I don’t want to take Avaron’s money and let her buy me a dress. And I doubt there’s any jewelry left that my uncle wouldn’t have already sold but if there is, pack that, too.”
“Of course,” he said without much enthusiasm.
“Thanks. And keep out of trouble in Father’s locked room.” She gave Roy a knowing look.
His expression was one of deep pain. “I’ll try.”
Riza just rolled her eyes and headed for her uncle’s den. Bob moved in her wake. Keddrick hesitated, a smug look spreading across his handsome face.
“Do run along and play fetch while the important people talk, vintner’s son.” Keddrick’s eyes hardened. “Yes, I do remember you, Hawkeye’s pet alchemy freak. You haven’t grown much.” Thorne’s lips twisted into a vicious grin.
“Does Riza know how you don’t like alchemy? I’m not sure she’d approve, given how important her father was to the craft,” Roy replied, his cheeks hot at the insult.
“And what did it get him? Destitution and an early grave, leaving that dear, sweet girl alone. I’m sure I can show her life doesn’t have to be the way it is now. She’s far too good for the military,” Keddrick said in mock pleasantness. “That’s where poor people go so they don’t starve to death.”
“Tell that to our Fuhrer,” Roy shot back, sensing Maes taking a step closer to him just in case he needed controlling. “I suppose you can’t help being so ugly about it. After all, I have something you want.” His eyes flicked towards the room Riza had disappeared into.
“Run along and play with your chemicals, Squint.” Keddrick waved a dismissive hand at him. “Hawkeye will never endure a half breed like you sniffing around his precious niece.”
Maes’ strong hand clamped on Roy’s shoulder before the hot headed youth could do something. “Leave it,” he hissed.
Roy spun on his heel and stalked toward the grand staircase that swept in a gentle arc toward the upper floors. Keddrick went into the den, laughing.
“Notice everyone but you seems to think you have it bad for Riza,” Maes said softly as he caught up with Roy.
“Walk in the middle of the treads. They’re rotted. Maybe you’ll fall through,” Roy replied sourly, sticking close to the wall as he ascended the stairs.
“Getting pissy just proves a point.” Maes arched an eyebrow at him as he pressed close to the faded floral silk wallpaper as he ascended the stairs.
“I’m pissy because you know how I don’t like comments about my eyes.” Roy involuntarily touched the slanted corner of one eye.
“You’re proud of your mother, right? What do you care that other people might not like your dad taking a Xing wife?” Maes said, his voice calm as he tried to bring down the heat boiling inside his friend.
Roy let out a pent up breath. “I don’t but still...you don’t know what it’s like, Maes. You didn’t grow up with kids making fun of the way you look.”
“Do you not see the glasses sitting on my nose?” Maes replied, shoving them up for emphasis. “There was a time I’d punch you if you called me four-eyes but I don’t let it get to me any more.” He paused on the second floor landing as Roy continued on. “Are we going to the attic first?”
“Yes, I need to see what’s in that room.”
“Just can’t wait to get your hands on those chemicals.” Maes grinned.
“It’s not that. It’s....” Roy paused and peered over the balcony. “Not here. Keddrick might be down there listening in.”
“Wouldn’t put it past him,” Maes replied. “He is jealous of you.”
“How do you figure? He’s rich enough to never have to work a day in his life. He’s handsome and he knows it. Why would he be jealous of me?”
“Because all his father, the lumber king, can give him is sawdust. Yours can give you the best wine in Amestris.” Maes smiled, seeing Roy’s spirits lifting a bit.
“Good point.” Roy seemed cheered a bit.
“And you have Riza. It doesn’t matter than you’re just her commanding officer and friend, and maybe nothing more. Thorne knows that she chose this life. All she had to do was stay at Rennsalaer another year or two and she could have married well and not have to worry about a thing. She took hard labor and you over him and that’s what he can’t stand,” Maes said as Roy opened the attic door.
Roy smirked. “You know, you have a very good point there, Maes.”
Maes chuckled. “I always do.”
Roy rolled his eyes and went into the dusty room. He led the way through discarded junk to the far side of the room where a thick door with an even stouter lock sat half opened. “The reason I want in there is alchemy is very dangerous in the wrong hands.”
“I’d say it’s dangerous even in the right hands,” Maes replied in a nervous way that made Roy flinch. “But I get your meaning. I wouldn’t trust anything dangerous to Riza’s uncle. That man would probably manage to do the worst thing possible with it or am I misjudging him?”
Roy made a disgusted noise. “You’re not.”
“This is what you were trying not to tell me last night, wasn’t it? About Hawkeye?” Maes asked as Roy went inside the room.
Dust cloaked the room, giving everything a fuzzy look and immediately getting into the men’s sinuses. Alembic arrays and gas burners sat higgledy-piggledy on the tables but Roy’s attention was on the book shelf on the back wall. “It was. I didn’t think it was my place to tell you that the estate had run out of money a long time ago and that Bob Hawkeye is a creep, but I think you can see that for yourself.”
“No wonder she wanted us here for support and where are we? In the attic being not helpful.” Maes moped.
“It would have only caused more trouble if we tried to stay. Don’t worry, if Riza needs us, we’ll know,” Roy said distractedly as he pulled down one of the books. “This is a journal I’ve never seen.”
“Why would your teacher hide it from you?” Maes leaned on the door frame, not really wanting to be in the musty room. Let Roy deal with all the stale smells.
“Some alchemy is very dangerous. He might have thought I wasn’t ready or it might have been forbidden.” Roy couldn’t keep the bitterness out of his voice. He wanted to believe Hawkeye had good intentions that maybe he really wasn’t ready but at the time, and even now, it had hurt.
“Forbidden?” Maes asked uneasily.
“Some things are not allowed, like various types of human transmutations. Some biologic alchemy is acceptable, the healing type. Mother practiced that. Making chimeras, if such a thing is even possible, bringing back the dead, those are strictly forbidden. I can’t imagine Teacher was trying that. His alchemy, like mine, was fire based.” Roy tapped the stylized salamander stamped into the leather cover of the journal.
“You can bring back the dead?” Maes’ eyes widened in shock.
“Not that I know of. I’ve never heard of it working and usually...well, bad things happen to the alchemist who tries and that is mostly just rumor. I guess there are stories about cities that disappeared overnight because someone tried something forbidden,” Roy shrugged, disinterestedly.
“What’s a chimera?” Maes took off his glasses and wiped his watering eyes. The dust was getting to him.
“A hybrid human and animal. It’s supposed to give the human the special abilities of the animal and no, I don’t know why you’d want to do that. It’s repulsive,” Roy shuddered. “Oh, look, Ivanovic’s book on sulfur. I’ve been wanting a copy of that.”
“Fascinating stuff, I’m sure,” Maes said dryly but it was lost on Roy. “Would Mr. Hawkeye let you have this stuff?”
“Not for free,” Roy said miserably.
“You do have that big stipend, you know,” Maes reminded him, going over to look at a crusted alembic. “Keddrick has it wrong. I’ve seen the figures. You are far from poor.”
“Hmm, I could get Father to send a case or two of wine to sweeten the deal. Hawkeye likes wine as much as money.” Roy nodded. “I’ll see what he wants for it.”
“Just try not to look too interested in it.” Maes stepped back into the main attic. “Maybe we should go look in Riza’s room. I’m sure she doesn’t want it to be a long visit.”
“Good point.” Roy reluctantly put the books back on the shelf, though the temptation to hide the slim journal in his coat was strong.
Roy led the way to Riza’s rooms. Nothing much had been changed since he had been in the oppressive room the day of the funeral. “You check the boxes for jewelry. I’ll take the closet.” Roy opened the dark walnut armoire.
“This room is a bit...dreary. I wouldn’t have expected it of Riza,” Maes said, inspecting the first jewelry box. It played a melancholy tune when he lifted the lid.
“Ugly as it is, the furniture is actually worth a good deal but I doubt Bob knows it or he’d have sold the set. I think it was from her great grandfather,” Roy said, poking in the armoire. “Ugh, all these horrid Rennsalaer uniforms.” He held out the grey and ecru blouse and skirt combo for Maes inspect.
He made a face. “No wonder she ran screaming from the place. Looks like this box has been cleaned out. Pretty little singing bird though.” Maes pointed to the enameled mechanical bird warbling its sad song.
“I see nothing that would be good for the ball, though I think Riza knew that. This was just an excuse because she didn’t want to come here alone,” Roy said, pulling a black dress out of the armoire. “This is lovely but too short in the hem.” Roy displayed the black Chantilly silk lace dress
with its black silk under dress for Maes. Two silk ribbons with tassels hung from the satin cummerbund.
“I’d like to see Hawkeye in that.” Maes whistled appreciatively.
“I never saw her in anything remotely sexy.” Roy’s voice went husky. “I have no idea why she was hiding this away.”
“You’ve been to other balls. She had to wear something pretty then,” Maes pointed out.
“That doesn’t count. It wasn’t for me.” Roy put the dress on the bed. “Okay, one possibility, even if I know that shows too much leg. No jewelry at all?”
“Nope.” Maes opened another chest. He peered at it intently then began feeling along the inside of the barreled lid.
“She has a Xing silk robe?” Surprise rippled through his voice. Roy took out the blue damask silk covered with peonies and vases.
“I don’t think that counts as a ball gown, Roy,” Maes said sardonically. “Your Xing relatives sure like their color, don’t they?”
“You should see the stuff I left back at Dad’s. Mom thought I looked good in red.” Roy pulled out a gown of pink and pale green decorated with embroidered roses within the alternating stripes. A large bouquet of roses was embroidered over the belly and the bodice was corseted. “I give up. This is the only other gown in here and it’s out of date. The Rennsa girls would never let her live it down.” He put it on the bed then went to open the drawers of the armoire.
“I think I have something here.” Maes peeled down the velvet lining of the box and shook out a handful of jewels. He let Roy take a look. “We could probably eat for a year or two on all of this.”
Three sets of earrings and one ring rested in Maes’ palm. One set were dangles that had a diamond flower and a faceted black diamond sphere set in platinum; another were large oval garnets surrounded by smaller garnets on a pyramid based of the stone dangling three teardrop garnets; the last set were chandeliers of two pyramids of blue topaz dangling a last teardrop of topaz, all of the teardrops surrounded by a circle of diamonds. The ring was hexagonal with a diamond in every corner and the lines done in diamonds around a central diamond that was orbited by a halo of diamonds.
“These are some heirlooms. The black diamonds I know were her mother’s. There’s a portrait of her wearing them,” Roy said, plucking the ring out of Maes’ hand. “I like this. It looks like an array.”
Maes rolled his eyes. “You would think that.”
The sarcasm didn’t dent Roy’s armor. “We should probably take those out of here. Can you hide them in your coat? It’s not likely they’ll search us but I can only imagine the stink Bob will make if he sees what Riza was holding out on him.” Roy went back to his search of the armoire.
“Think we should look for Riza?” Maes asked, pocketing the gems then pushing the liner back into the box.
“Not yet.” Roy scooped up a pair of purple leather boots covered with steel beads. Black laces ran from practically toe to the above ankle top. “I like these. Where did she wear this stuff? I swear I never saw her in it.”
“I told you, you never came out of the library. She could have paraded naked all day for all you’d know,” Maes said, investigating the final jewelry box.
“I would have noticed that.” Looking as if he wished she would have done that, Roy ran a thumb over the leather as he put them on the bed. “I really like those.”
“Do I have to hear about your foot thing again?” Maes groaned, poking around the box looking for more hidden compartments.
“Do I have to hear about your newest girlfriend?” Roy snarled back.
Maes pointed a finger at Roy. “No feet!”
“No this week’s love of your life.” Roy opened a drawer and his eyes lit up. He pulled a lacy confection out of the drawer and shook it out, revealing a frothy nightgown of alternating ecru silk and lace. He fingered the wide sleeves and twirled it showing off the train. “Now, I’m damn sure she never wore this.”
“She probably feared for her virtue with you around,” Maes replied, sitting on the bed, grinning as he waved off the little dust cloud from the too-long-shut-up bedding.
Roy tucked the outfit under his chin, spreading it out over his body. “Pink ribbons? Does she seem like the pink ribbon type?” He flicked the pink silk lace that closed the nightgown.
“I don’t care. I’d just like to see her in that.” Maes’ head bobbed appreciatively as he leered at his mental image.
“You and me both!” Roy froze, hearing a gun cocking behind him.
“Who told you to paw through my bedclothes,” Riza growled then belatedly added, “Sir.”
“You did!” Roy said, twirling around, still clutching the nightgown. “You said find you a ball gown.”
Riza eased the hammer down and put her gun back in her purse. “And you expected to find one inside a drawer?”
“Found this sort of dress, didn’t I?” Roy pouted like a guilty child.
“Why don’t I just give you two my underwear to play with while I’m at it?” Riza snapped and they gave her twin hungry looks. Her eyes widened. “Avaron is right. Once past the age of thirteen, men should be locked away until they’re thirty and sane again. Did you two do anything constructive at all?”
“I found those things but really neither dress would work.” Roy gestured at the bed with the night gown.
Riza tore it out of his hands. “Hmmm, no, they really don’t. I do like that black one though. Where did you think I was going to wear those heeled boots?”
“Anywhere you could walk over him with them, while wearing that nightie, most likely.” Maes leaned back on the bed, leering at them both with a suggestive raise of his eyebrows.
“Shut it, Hughes!” Roy growled. Riza blushed brightly, and shoved the nightie back in the drawer. The men looked disappointed.
“I was more constructive. I found some pieces of jewelry inside the lid of one box.” Maes patted his pocket. “I can put them back there if you want me to, but I thought you might want to sneak them out of the house.”
Riza relaxed a bit. “Thank you. I was hoping they were still there. I was so upset after father died, and had so little time to report to the academy that I left them behind. We’d better go. Keddrick will only keep Uncle Bob occupied for so long. I’ll have to take Avaron up on the offer of a dress. It’s going to be a bad enough ball without me being out of fashion. Keddrick has lost none of his interest in me and with Walchiria on his arm, this will be...ugly.”
“We’ll do what we can to keep him away from you but that won’t be easy to do and still keep those good relations with the towns people Householder was talking about,” Roy said.
Riza sighed, putting the dresses back. “I know. Thanks for the offer though.” She put the boots away, much to Roy’s disappointment. Riza just raised an eyebrow at him and his cheeks reddened. She started for the staircase.
Bob and Keddrick were waiting for them at the base of the stairs. “I was beginning to wonder what was keeping you, dear,” Bob said, something salacious oozing through his voice.
“Nostalgia, I suppose,” Riza lied with ease. “We need to get back to base.”
“Of course. Please do come again, gentlemen,” Bob said with enthusiasm they doubted he felt.
“I will, sir. I’m interested in the contents of that attic room,” Roy said. “I’d like to have them.”
Bob’s eyes gleamed with avarice as his long nose twitched like a weasel’s. “I’m sure we can come up with a price for the lot.”
“You think on it and let me know, sir. You can reach me at the base when you arrive at the price you think’s fair,” Roy said expansively.
“I will.” Bob shot Keddrick a conspiratorial look. Roy knew they thought they were going to price it out of his range and humiliate him probably in front of Riza. Let them have their fun. He’d trump them in the end.
“Nice meeting you, sir,” Hughes said, heading for the door.
“Likewise, I’m sure,” Bob said.
“Do you want a ride back to base, Riza?” Keddrick offered, taking a step toward her.
“Oh, thank you but, no. The walk will do us good,” Riza said with mock cheerfulness. “Goodbye, Uncle.”
Riza waited until they were at the end of the driveway and headed towards base before speaking again. “It’ll be a lot colder day than this before I let myself be alone with that man.”
“I can’t say that I blame you. Just a few minutes with him and I feel like I need a bath,” Maes said.
“Try growing up with him.” Riza shuddered. “I’m much rather deal with Drachmaian insurgents.”
“Why do I get the feeling those are fatal last words,” Roy said gloomily.
Maes patted him on the back. “Because as I’ve said before, you’re a pessimistic bastard. Come on, if the fire isn’t going in the common room, you can put yourself to good use.”
“Go to hell.” Roy’s eyes narrowed to onyx slits
“I think Maes has a good point, though thinking about a nice big fire just makes me want some toasted marshmallows.” Riza shut her eyes for a moment, day dreaming. “And forget I’m surrounded by sex-addled teenaged boys.”
“Yeah good luck with that,” Roy said with a smirk. “If there’s no fire going when we get home, I’ll make you one, Riza. Maes can stay out in the cold.”
“Thanks, buddy. Just remember, no matter what, you have to sleep in the same room with me tonight.” Maes shook Roy’s shoulder. Roy just rolled his eyes and Riza wagged her head. Given her choices of high class snobby men and down to earth - if too horny - soldiers, Roy suspected she’d choose them every time.
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