Title: Second Thought
Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist
Rating: PG
Length: 223 words
Content notes: —
Author notes: —
Summary: Riza tries to make Roy see what is in front of him and prioritize accordingly.

"You know," Riza says, because at this point it's worth reminding, "when I said the job comes first, I didn't mean it literally."

Roy looks up and one searching glance later he seems to have discarded her words.

Riza sighs and turns towards the window. It's raining outside and somewhere in the back of her mind she wonders if she'll have to walk home. "Don't send him there. You won't be able to live with yourself if you do."

Roy remains silent for a moment before he says, "I don't have a choice."

"Don't you?" she asks, her gaze drawn to his reflection in the window. He has his face buried in his hands. That alone is cause for alarm. "I think you can afford one misstep in your career."

His voice is muffled behind his hands as he says, "One misstep leads to another."

"Prioritize," she says and this time it sounds like a command, "send someone else."

He is quiet for a long time so she adds, somewhat more softly, "Edward won't stay if you don't make an effort."

Roy huffs a laugh. "I'm hardly the reason he's still here."

"Are you not?" Riza asks and a hint of incredulity steeps through her tone. It's possible that's what makes him turn around to stare at her. "Give it a second thought."