The first time Roy Mustang told Riza Hawkeye that he loved her, she gently shut him down. And every time after that. She just didn't think it was appropriate for an apprentice to be lusting after his master's daughter.

At least, that's how she justified it to herself. The truth was, she didn't love him.

Yet.

Days, months, seasons, years have gone by, and the crush she brutally tried to snuff out grew and deepened into a fierce loyalty and a deep, abiding love. Seeing him in Ishval confirmed it; hearing him tell her that he would burn her back and release her from Flame Alchemy just demonstrated his own love for her.

She has feelings for him that she can't deny. And she will tell him.

Tonight.

She glances up at the crunch of gravel, and offers the approaching Mustang a tremulous smile that fades as soon as he approaches. "Hello, Lt. Colonel. Thank you for coming."

Her words are casual, but breathy, coming out of her in a rush. Without another one, she turns to lead the way inside.