drownsinflowers | Ze Cocktail Partay Aftermath!

[ It was relatively easy to get back to her professional but gracious stance. Their hosts had been kind after all, and whoever were left of their colleagues were those she felt good about. Not once did she make any move to pull away from Roy, returning his touches with a squeeze of his arm.

She took note of his pause as they arrived, and she gave his arm a light tug. ]

You aren't changing your mind now, are you?

[ Less a question, and more of humor. She wouldn't invite him for tea if she didn't find it necessary in the least. Besides, there hadn't been many occasions for any of her colleagues to drop by her place once she was able to settle in. ]

You know my things aren't in boxes anymore.

[ Another tug as she intended to lead the way. ]

[He wasn't entirely sure what he was thinking but the moment she spoke up he turned to look at her, glancing over toward the door and back briefly.

Was he changing his mind? Was there any turning back from this now? Not really.

With a small smile he let her lead him, focusing on her words as opposed to his feelings on the matter at hand.]

How did you find the time?

[ Clearing the stairs, the main door, grabbing a note that stuck out from her mail box (a note from the landlady, reminding her to fetch Hayate in the morning) that she tucks into her purse, and leading up a flight of stairs ... ]

I figured I could make time, one box at a time, one room at a time. I don't have many things to begin with.

[ It does say something about their evolving situation. More paperwork, granted; but less things that ultimately brought negative stress.

Soon, Riza's opening the door to her modest flat. To their right was a door that lead to a small kitchen, to their right was a storage cupbard, and up ahead was the sitting/living room with cozy dining table for four. With the cost of living relatively cheaper than in Central, Riza was fortunate to find a semi-furnished place. Further to the right was a hall that lead to her one bedroom and a bathroom. ]

Come on in, and make yourself at home.

[ That being said, she will help Roy out of his jacket. ]

[He couldn't help but try and look over her shoulder at the contents of the note Riza pulled free of the mail box, but he saw nothing - which was probably for the best.

It meant his attention was on her for the brief moments that they were still, not that moving up the stairs was much different because it gave him a very different view of the Lieutenant.

By the time she opened the door to let him in, he had an incredibly satisfied smile on his face, rather relaxed despite knowing what was going on here, because even if they were just going to have coffee and maybe, get a little closer it was still a very big deal.

Distracted by his surroundings, he was surprised by Riza's assistance, but he was quick to recover, letting her tug him free of the confines of that jacket.]

... Thank you.

[Once it was gone, he crouched to untie his shoes, toeing them off and setting them by the door. It was tempting to take off his tie, but he wasn't sure what kind of message that sent.]

No Hayate?

[ When was the last time they could actually feel 'safe' spending time in each other's house, without it being on an official basis? Of course, one can say that General Mustang was just being a gentleman and decided to walk his adjutant home. One can almost surmise as well that he had been ambushed with take-home work, so that he would be ready for work tomorrow. What others thought didn't matter at that moment.

After hanging Roy's jacket and her soft evening shawl, Riza was comfortable enough in her dress, but she truly had to step out of her heels. ]

Hayate's with the landlady downstairs. I'll be fetching him first thing in the morning.

[ If there was proper protocol on how to deal with a change or new additions in a relationship, Riza didn't know it. She moved in the that felt natural to her -- like reaching for Roy's hand to lead him, just like the first few days of his apprenticeship with her father. ]

We can sit in the kitchen, or you can wait in the living room. Tea won't take long to steep.

[ ... not that there was a big house to lead him around in. Was it such a sin to want to hold the hand of her heart's dearest? ]

[He would have been quite happy to look around by himself, wander into the kitchen with her perhaps, take a look at her living room, maybe look at some of her personal effects out of curiosity more than anything, but before he knew it her hand was in his and he couldn't do much else other than follow her lead.

It was a little strange, if only because he was used to being one step ahead of her, all the time. He liked it though, and the smile on his face was probably enough to convey that message. If he focused on her face for long enough to let her see. So, he might have been giving himself some time to admire her in that dress-- it was becoming a more common occurrence these days, but even so, he had to take his chances when they came.]

Ah, well looked after then.

I--

[Did he really have much choice about what he was doing? Rather than speak up - he simply followed her.]

Tea? Sophisticated.

[ Riza certainly wouldn't mind Roy roaming around her house -- he was very welcome to do so. However, she felt that she just needed him around in the same space. She had this silly notion that if she let him out of her sight, he would just disappear -- that and she wanted to enjoy that casual proximity that they were starting to enjoy.

As she moved about the kitchen, fetching her tea tin, filling the kettle with water... ]

She likes him, and Hayate likes her in return. I might just be a little jealous.

[ She took a cue from that remark, slightly raising a brow as she looked at him sidelong, taking a measure of loose leaf tea into an infuser, and in turn into a pot. ]

You think so?

[ Not that Roy did not have a choice, but the lines of what could be seen as leadership are often blurred. After the water was set to heat, Riza stepped up to Roy to face him, humor in her smile. ]

I can serve you tea in your office if you like. [ She took a breath, adding somewhat belatedly as a reminder of sorts. ] You know you can ask anything of me.

I'd never pictured you as the jealous type.

[It's said with a smile, and he has a feeling she will see the funny side, but she probably wouldn't have mentioned it if she wasn't ready for his comments on the matter.

He waited, for the most part - just watching and listening as she went about making tea for the both of them. That look didn't go unnoticed, but there was some truth in his comment. It was a surprise, if only because he was so used to drinking the coffee she made for him.

Honestly, Roy would have been happy whatever Riza served him as long as it didn't poison him, so he knew he was safe - satisfied too.

As she came closer, he simply reached out his hand, catching hers again and twisting his fingers enough to try and thread them between Riza's. This thing-- this new development was a little scary, and he didn't know where those boundaries lay anymore, so he went with what felt natural, which was why he tipped his head forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead.]

I'm not sure tea would keep me awake the same way your coffee does. Besides-- if you change something like that after this long people will start talking.

[Mostly, he meant his team... because there were no other men who knew each other well enough to pick up on the meaning of such a subtle change.]

[ Riza saw Roy's humor well enough. ]

Maybe I'm just good at disguising it.

[ Her hand easily found his, fingers gently twining. It was different from when they had to hold on to each other in the line of duty, but there was no discomfort; it was as if they knew how their hands were supposed to fit into each other's; palms, fingers and scars.

This time, Roy's kiss didn't bring surprise, and it was a gesture she welcomed. Riza closed her eyes briefly, as if to commit the sensation of his lips on her skin. It felt very nice and it was something she can get used to. Opening her eyes again -- ]

Ah, I suppose the team have gotten used to coffee. Tea would be a drastic change. I do need them all to be awake -- specially you.

[ Her free hand had found itself by the side of Roy's collar, just so she can slightly tip toe and pull him gently closer... to kiss his cheek. And soon, she leaned her head on his shoulder. ]

Jean and the others don't have to know.

[ She trusted those men with her life, and she knew that Roy did too. But much as their little secret brought them joy, it might be a burden for them. It was one of the many things they both had to consider with their recent development. ]

Perhaps you are...

[She was very good at hiding many things, including this. They'd both danced around the idea in their own heads for long enough, and it had taken a considerable amount of time before he'd realised that Riza felt the same way-- and almost as long to do something about it.

This felt like the right time though. Right? It certainly felt like something he was supposed to do. The way their fingers linked together was more comfortable than he expected, and the rest just seemed to follow as easy as counting to ten, which was why he was not only smiling from the press of lips to his cheek, and the way she fell to rest against him without any awkward tension - but it was also the reason he let his free hand slip around her waist, holding her there.]

Ah. No.

[This was their secret then. At least, for the time being. He wanted to be with Riza more than he wanted anything else for himself, but if they were to keep to the confines of their own homes and the shadows he wasn't sure it would make for a terribly healthy relationship. Things had been bad enough over the last few years.]

In time..?

[ Not even when they were younger had they enjoyed each other's company like this, with the touch of a hand or an embrace; Riza being a shy girl and taking care of the old, worn down house and her sickly father, while Roy was mostly preoccupied with alchemy assignments.

Perhaps what they were experiencing were simply things finding their own time and place.

Riza touched Roy's cheek as she looked back up. It almost felt liberating to be able to look at him in adoration like this. With the duties they had to fulfill, her mask had to be perfect; and yet, the stray smiles still managed to escape. ]

In time. They will have to deal about being in the dark for some time.

[ This close though, Riza would be loathe not to at least try and enjoy this fully; and after a brief brush of her thumb over the corner of Roy's lips, she tilted her head up, quietly asking for a kiss. A bold move on her part, perhaps; but rarely did Riza hesitate when it came to things that felt right. ]

[It might have taken them a long time too, but the way things were going - he had a feeling it was going to be well worth it.

A hand on his cheek had him tipping his head into the touch - unable to tear her eyes away from hers. They'd shared looks before, but they had never been like this. In the past he might have accidentally looked her way in the middle of a moment - but it had never lasted.]

Mn.

[He had nothing more to say on the matter of their colleagues and friends, especially not if she was going to kiss him so obviously, and boldly he thought - for Riza.

His own hands slipped tighter around her waist as he bent in to press his lips against hers, something innocent for the fact that they were alone, in the confines of her kitchen with nothing to disturb them.

It was the sound of the kettle beginning to whistle that made him reach a hand up to her neck, slipping his fingers gently behind her head to keep her there. Tea could wait.]

[ Those moments had been fleeting, but otherwise precious. Anyone else who might have had the luck of seeing them exchange it could probably tell how much they meant to each other.

Riza held on to Roy's shoulder and cheek as she sought more of his kisses. The gesture, this start on intimacy, now that they were reveling in it, felt like it was something way overdue. But this was no time to dwell on what could have or should have happened.

At the slightest note of the kettle whistling, Riza reacted out of habit, wanting to pull away; but her motions only felt as if she had taken a much needed breath. She had caught Roy's lip in hers as he held her close, before resuming what she believed to be a "proper" kiss--

Until Riza found that she couldn't leave the kettle whistling like that for much longer. With much reluctance -- she was very much liking their intimate proximity -- her lips part from Roy's, only to linger against his chin and the curve of his jaw. ]

I-- I have to take care of that.

[ But she will only completely pull away if Roy loosens his hold, as if she were asking permission from him. ]

[The only others who might have been privy to those moments were enemies that were now deceased, and colleagues who daren't bring it up for fear of a gunshot wound, or third degree burns.

The reasons were there for anyone and everyone to see, which was probably another reason they hadn't been quizzed. It had bothered him for weeks after his team had been pulled apart from the very middle to be able to feel comfortable about any of his relationships with them out in the open. With Riza especially, for reasons he knew but struggled to think about.

Only a few weeks ago, the idea of kissing her at all in some kind of mutually agreed time and space seemed like a distant dream only worthy of fruition in the next life - whatever that might be, so to be here was important.

Which was why he didn't really want to let go, but it was also the reason why he was faltering. Things had already developed this far, this fast - any further and he was sure that even adults such as themselves would have regrets and he wanted this to last.

His own breath is rather heavy for what it is, and the continued touch of her lips against his skin doesn't really help his resolve, but eventually his arms drop slightly - if only to let her move if she so wished.]

Where do you keep your cups?

[ The next life... was there even such a thing? It wasn't a thought that Riza entertained too often, but in the rare chance that she did, regardless in what form she took, she felt that she would be looking after someone she felt deeply for.

But for now, there was only this one life. So many times in which they both stood in the face of Death, only to cheat him of his tribute. Their dream was important and it was coming true; but surely, they have been spared for other reasons than that? And perhaps, Hughes' harping about Roy getting a wife all that time wasn't so silly after all.

Her own skin was warm, and it took some quiet reminder on her part that yes, the kettle was singing and that she wasn't keen on burning the kitchen down; and, as a humorous afterthought, specially not with the dry match she was holding close to her.

With a slow, controlled breath, Riza pulled away to tend to the tea she had promised -- ]

They're in the cupboard above the sink.

[ Roy wasn't alone in entertaining questions. Up to this point, Riza was thinking if it wasn't already too late to put a stop to this. They had nurtured a dream so carefully over so many years, all the while guarding their hearts. Was this how it felt, once a door was open? That hidden emotions felt as if they grew wings and ached to soar in the sky?

Riza's hands were as steady as ever as she poured water into the pot to let the tea steep. Maybe-- maybe tea would clear their minds; or maybe she was just looking for a convincing excuse to say that this was all a mistake and that she didn't mean to meet him halfway, that she didn't mean to want to kiss him and -- ]

Here. [ She took a small tray that she had left on the dish rack and placed it on the counter, while she took care of the rest of the tea effects. ] Will you get the jar of honey as well, please? It's in the cupboard to your right.

[ was it already too late to stop what has already taken flight? ]

[Whatever he thought about the time after death didn't matter, and he, like Riza was undecided about what it might be, and even whether there was something for anyone after this.

Which might have been an added excuse for pursuing this.

As Riza turned away from him he felt the need to touch her again rise, and he even reached out his fingers toward her. It was a pointless exercise, seeing as he'd made the call to get on with tea - but he accepted it with a hum that also served to acknowledge the instruction.

It struck him whilst he fetched two cups that this felt incredibly natural - despite the thoughts that swam through his head about whether this was something impermanent.

They were still on the cusp of this thing, and he felt sure that one wrong move on either part could topple the tower they'd built tonight. So, was he supposed to play it cool, or go with the flow?]

Ah--

[A quick glance up at her, but he fetched the honey, quietly considering the possibilities. Taking the bull by the horns was something he was good at for anything that would seal the deal on his public dreams, and perhaps-- after tonight he needed to do the same for them.

It was the sole reason that he stepped into the space just behind her, starting slow by placing his hand on the small of Riza's back, head tilted to watch whilst his fingers slipped around the curve of her body until he'd pressed so close that it was only proper for both hands to settle around his Lieutenant.]

The tea needs to steep.

[ Making tea or coffee for two as instead of just one -- it was a familiar gesture that took Riza back to warmer and gentler days back in her father's house. It reminded her that she wasn't alone, that she had someone to look to when she was scared and lonely.

Today, she certainly wasn't lonely, but she was a little scared. Riza had to remind herself though that she and Roy had known each other for so long, that they had built so much trust, faith, and loyalty between them, that surely, they would still be there for each other no matter what happens.

She probably took extra care in closing the tea pot's lid, the porcelain connecting with a minimal clink. Riza could almost feel the air shift as Roy moved behind her, until she felt his hands on her, and then him against her back. And when he spoke, it felt as if his voice resonated in her and it sent tremors through her skin. It was that warmth again, and she sighed, closing her eyes, her hands wrapping about Roy's and leaning into his embrace just so, the back of her head against his shoulder. ]

Three minutes for a perfect brew.

[ Being in Roy's arms like that, Riza realized, was just like being in her favorite quilt -- warm, comfortable, and homely. ]

Any longer and it'll be bitter and lukewarm.

[ She wasn't exactly looking forward to a reason to remove herself from such a comfortable position, but Riza wouldn't want to serve her superior officer subpar tea. ]

[Roy had provided himself with many outlets to make sure he didn't suffer from loneliness over the years. Not that they were efficient enough to quell that definite slump in his mood every time. He had plenty of people around him, and there may have been some people he was happier to have spent time with than others.

It might have come as a surprise to many people, but there was nowhere he felt more content with his social life, as those moments when Riza was there with him. It didn't matter if the others were with them, or even if they were alone in the office, but just knowing that she was right there had given him a strength he'd needed to keep going.

He was comfortable now, although perhaps a dash of his own variety of scared to go with it - but this was what he wanted, and he was sure she wanted it too, because he'd seen Riza turn down plenty of people and it didn't happen like this. Trusting her to know her own mind was what helped him feel sure.]

Three minutes.

[The murmur was there, right against her cheek where he'd dipped his head, but he made no move to let go of her, simply let his lips drop into that space against her neck, kissing once whilst his fingers spread where they lay resting against her stomach - freeing up space for her own between them.]

[ If there was something that didn't change so much about Riza was that she was a wallflower, as proved by the early evening's gathering. She wouldn't be present unless she had a good reason to be there.

Like Roy, she couldn't feel quite at ease in one place without him around, or at least, knowing where he was, or hearing the sound of his voice. Having separated from their team, and ultimately, from him, had been one of the most tense moments in their lives and she was thankful that that had come to pass and will most likely never happen again.

But with having him so near, it was easier to chase away those specters of the past. ]

--mmh... keep track, will you?

[ Just a little humorous jab, but Riza's voice came hushed, if a bit breathless, as her fingers found their space between Roy's. It was as if they had done this plenty of times already. In dreams and idle fantasy, perhaps, but never acted upon, never spoken of.

They have held conversations over the phone many times; Roy had been flirty with her as Elizabeth, but to have him speak to her like that made her feel sinful -- and it was a sin she would never repent for.

Unwittingly, Riza pressed her backside snugly against Roy's hip, as her hand found its way to the side of his face, encouraging his touches and kisses. ]

[Thinking about the past in comparison to the present was something he'd done regularly since they'd ended the battle against homunculus. The things they'd been through, together and apart were burned in his memory and would remain there for years to come, but this thing - the very thing that seemed to be manifesting as some sort of separate entity around them as they stood here together was helping to make those memories fade into the background.

There were other things going through his head now, things fuelled by an act so simple as the gentle shift of her body against him. Tea was suddenly the second last thing on his mind, and he wondered if perhaps it had been silly to suggest they try to have a reprieve from this. They were human, and this was... natural. Wasn't it?

His head tipped into the press of her fingers against his cheeks, and he dropped one of his own hands in direct response, catching at her hip to tug her more flush against him. The kisses, he made sure to keep giving, working his way from the juncture of her shoulder and her neck and up toward her ear instead.]

You're better at that sort of thing.

[ One had become an essential part of the other. As to when it had exactly begun, as to when they had both acknowledged that fact, was hard to pinpoint. It was history written in blood and fire, and their future can perhaps be written in something more gentle, but just as heated.

Riza started to question as to exactly why she invited Roy over for tea in the first place. She had hoped for conversation, to talk about what was happening to them, to plan as to how they will deal with this in the morning once the cocktail's regalia came off, and the uniform came back on...

Being human, and behaving as such -- not killing machines doing someone else's bidding, or beasts living in fear of those higher in the food chain -- had been a luxury for the longest time. But now, letting their hands and lips go as they pleased, letting their breaths and the movements of their bodies do he talking, it was indeed far more a natural thing than formalities.

With his kisses and the command of his hand, it was almost as if Roy had stolen the sharp retort that Riza had prepared for him. She bit the inside of her lip to stopper a sound more pleased than plaintive, her hands gripping his, and her hips pressing against his once more in response. What he was doing to her was sweet torture. The next instance she opens her mouth was when she turned her head, half blindly seeking Roy's lips; and if it weren't his lips, she would be content with the side of his face, the line of his jaw. Taking her turn to speak against his skin -- ]

And yet you distract me. You're good at that.

[Despite how delicate their situation was, and how complex it had been in the past, he'd decided that tonight he would just give in to the things he desired.

Whatever they were, whatever they were to become, whatever they had been - they deserved this. The alcohol swimming through both their systems wasn't going to make for an incredibly decent excuse for either one of them, but he had a feeling that even in their brief discussions they'd managed to come to a conclusion.

This was theirs for now, however long 'now' was supposed to last for - that didn't matter.

What mattered most to him as of this very moment, stood in Riza's kitchen, supposedly waiting for the tea to steep, was this closeness. The touch of her fingers against his cheek, the way their hands locked together at her waist, the feeling of her body pressed so encouragingly against his own.

His response to the turn of her head was to reward her with a kiss, slightly awkward given the angle, but brief thanks to the interruption.]

Forget the tea.

[His mumble wasn't a demand, more a suggestion, because his hands already started moving, along with the rest of him. A tug of their linked hands, and he made a point of keeping her close with his other hand even as he turned her toward himself - head dipped to be able to kiss her again, feet shifting in the hopes that the counter would serve as a good place to press her against.]

[ Alcohol was never a fit excuse for anything, in Riza's opinion. The words both spoken and unspoken, the quiet little gestures that lead to this were all of their conscious choices -- Roy not taking that last drink, Riza inviting him over for tea.

Roy's suggestion had gone unanswered, as she answered to another kind of bidding. The counter set against her backside, she brought her hands to either side of his face to pull him close and meet his kiss. Having known each other for so long, Riza will always figure out what Roy wanted -- in a few words or none; and she trusted that he will do the same for her. Her lips move against his, only to pause and lean her brow to his -- ]

Then I'll brew another batch. [ -- and to give him a smile. ] Later.

[ The tea can wait. Everything else can wait as they claimed the moment for themselves, as she claimed his lips once more. Riza's fingers found Roy's collar, seeking to loosen up his tie. So close like this, and she could feel his warmth against her -- he might need to be more comfortable, she thought. ]

[Perhaps the alcohol had taken the edge off something that would have otherwise been an incredible leap into something that was already difficult to talk about for the both of them - but the reason he was doing this at all was definitely not as a result of any alcohol in his system.

By now he was sober enough to know, understand and accept the consequences of this. 'Later' could mean as far forward in the future as the following morning... they didn't necessarily need to share their thoughts about this thing that was happening with words, this sufficed.

Roy almost fell toward her as fingers slid across his cheeks, happy to indulge in kisses that seemed to grow gradually more intense. Broken only by those words that had sort of sealed the deal in his head. If she wasn't in the process of loosening his tie he might have been a little more cautious about assuming that he would he here by the morning, but even now - if she backed off, if there was the slightest hint that they weren't thinking along the same lines he would always stop.

He liked to make his intentions well known, either way - which might have been the reason why his hands were drifting, stopping about her hips for only a moment, fingers curling into the fabric of her dress to make it bunch and maybe even tug it up sightly.]

[ It had been a tacit agreement between them, that neither would do what the other did not wish to do. They might have skirted the rule from time to time, but it was in those times in which they were facing matters of life and death. So far, their decisions and wit hadn't lead them astray.

'Later' was for when they could actually sit down properly and enjoy the drink -- which was very much looking like the morning over breakfast -- but 'now' was what mattered. Their kisses mattered, heated and needy as they were; their touches mattered, their hands suddenly busy over skin and clothes. It suddenly felt so easy to let all inhibitions go and let things progress without any more care but...

Riza had taken to undoing the first two buttons of Roy's shirt, finally undoing his tie, as his hands tugged up the skirt of her dress. Having her legs bared, and feeling the fabric of his pants gaginst the skin of her thighs made her pause. She brought a hand down to grip one of his -- not to stop him; in fact the gesture hiked her skirt a little further up. Once again, she stopped in her kisses -- ]

Right here?

[ Idly, Riza did wonder if kitchen trysts were truly doable, or if they were better left in the realm of fiction. While it seemed to be another moment of "not here", she did mention she had better furnishings than he did.

Her gaze briefly swept to the skin by Roy's collar, up to his lips, then to his eyes. She always sought his agreement, but in the cases that he had other plans, she trusted whatever decision he came to. ]

We can move.

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