Author's Note: It wouldn't be a proper entrance to a fandom without some angst.
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Blind Etchings
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"If you're scared, we don't have to do this," he says. Pleads, really, because it's all he can do against those hazel eyes. All the power in the universe, and she wants him to point it at her.
It's not the Lieutenant who is afraid, but her commanding officer.
"Please go on, sir. I know what is going to happen." She swallows, because she's clearly not prepared but she has to be, has to be so strong to live up to the writings etched on her skin. "I'm... I'm ready."
She wants him to take that away. And for once, he's not sure he can do that for her.
Riza shivers, her arms covering naked breasts in a feeble attempt at staying warm. He can't help but admire the stout curve of her spine, the way she stands up even as she looks down.
She turns her head, eyes cold, jaw set. "Do it," she says, and this time it is no longer a request. "You have to rid the world of flame alchemy. After you, there can be no more flame alchemists."
Again, he hesitates, because this is Riza and he can't hurt her, even though she's already so used to being broken. "There has to be another way," he says.
It's a lie. He knows there is no other way.
She speaks again, voice quivering for the first time. Fear - a heartbeat like a cottontail, but eyes like a jackal as she turns to face him. "I'll be fine." I always have been.
He feels a thin layer of sweat covering his hands, because she is too beautiful and he cannot - cannot - risk losing her, he knows for the first time, he won't lose her, he won't. And he certainly won't ruin her.
Not the way he's already ruined himself.
He can't help but remember the first time he had seen her bare back, the way her spine caresses her shoulder blades. She had been more afraid that time, he thinks. Sharing so special a secret with someone nearly a stranger.
Her eyes - hazel in the late afternoon sunlight - plead with him, ask him for anything. Just this one thing. She'd follow him across the world, and yet... will you not do this for me?
Am I not worthy?
But she is worthy, more worthy than he is in some ways. He can honor this. He has to honor this.
He closes his eyes and the world shatters.