one {wish} // tag; elicia

[riza hawkeye]

This time of the week had become one of her absolute favorites, and not just because it was her day off. No, on this single day of the week that she wasn't called in to work, the blonde woman found herself making a very familiar trek to a dear friend's abode. She even found herself laughing when she thought that it wasn't to see an equal, like Rebecca. On the contrary, Riza's destination was to see an eight year old little girl. Particularly one without a father figure in her life.

Even before the tragic death of Maes Hughes, Riza was thrust into visiting his young daughter. Whether alongside Mustang or just to have lunch with Gracia, the sharpshooter enjoyed the brief relaxation period that the visits allowed her. She was also more than willing to provide Gracia with a level-headed person to talk to, though even she had come to love the eccentric personality of Maes. That was just the type of person he was: a magnetic personality, no matter how many pictures he shoved in your face.

The funeral for their friend who might as well have been family was traumatizing. Even though she had no children of her own, the screams of the young girl had been heartbreaking. Since that day, Riza had committed herself to visiting once a week, so long as she wasn't called in to work, to allow Gracia to go out with friends or just rest. At first, the conversations with the young girl had been a bit awkward, even forced, but things improved. Elicia had even made Riza more comfortable around children in general, which she was thankful for. Just like her father, Elicia had a magnetic personality, though much calmer.

Riza had left Black Hayate at home this time, since he'd visited just last week and she didn't want the pup to get too worn out. In her shouldered bag, she had a small stuffed dog that she planned to give to Elicia, as well as a bouquet of flowers that Mustang had sent for Gracia. She approached the door to their small but welcoming home and lightly pressed the doorbell, smiling happily as she heard the pattering of little feet rushing to the door.

[elicia hughes]

Elicia smiled happily, she had been counting the days off until Riza would get time to visit again. Now as she swept for the fifth time that week she was even more excited for the door to ring because it would mean an end to the house cleaning. Elicia listened keenly and almost jumped a mile when it finally rang.

"I'll get it mother! I bet it's Aunt Riza!" She smiled and skittered over to the door with her pup following closely behind. Rose yipped excitedly as Elicia composed herself before opening the door.

"Riza! Your here! Rose has been whining and whining for you.... Well, it may have been me too..." She smiled and laughed lightly, "Please come in."

Elicia stepped aside to let Riza come in only to watch helplessly as Rose took her chance and sprung on Riza, jumping up and trying to get some good face licks in.

"Oh dear, Rose! You know better then to jump on people!" Elicia shooed her out of the way and took the excited puppy's place, except instead of licks and tail wagging it was hugs.

Elicia gave one of her award winning smiles and attempted to push her long hair out of her face. She smoothed out her shirt and motioned for Riza to sit down in the living room.

"Would you like some cookies and tea miss Hawkeye?" Elicia giggled as she straightened her posture and attempted a formal and stiff accent. She stomped off to the kitchen and came back with three plates filled with homemade goodies and a pot of nice hot tea. She set them down on the ebony colored coffee table and giggled again as Rose whined and begged for a cookie.

"I suppose, but, just one!" She attempted secretly slipping the dog a cookie but, Elicia was not one for subtlety. She smiled, the dimples showing in her cheeks. She blushed a little and opened her mout to speak again, "Riza, I made you something!" She ran into the hallway next to the kitchen and slipped into her room.

Inside her room she glance around, ""Where is it... Where is it...?" She smiled when her gaze alighted upon the object. She wandered her way back into the living room and showed Riza the carving.

"It's Black Hayate! I used alchemy and made him!" She smiled, obviously proud of it. The little statue was about the size of her palm and it was a dog with it's rump in the air and practically begging to play. "I thought it was good because Black Hayate always seems to want to play!" Elicia laughed and smiled again.

[riza hawkeye]

Riza couldn't help but smile when the young girl greeted her. After everything, how could she not? "Well, hello, Miss Elicia! Has she now? I suppose we've put an end to that, now, haven't we?" It was generally obvious that Riza wasn't comfortable around children, though she tried her best with Elicia, often going completely out of character to compensate for her lack of emotion. She crouched down, petting Rose lightly and scratching her ears. "She's gotten bigger, hasn't she!" A small laugh slipped through as the licks tickled her hand, shortly before she rose back to her feet and stepped into the house.

At first, she wasn't sure about the hug, though she was slowly getting used to them. Riza had never been much of a 'physical contact' type of person. However, being around Elicia so much had a warming effect, so she hugged the small girl back lightly and headed to the comfy couch that had quickly become their meeting spot. "I'll definitely take some tea. Maybe some cookies later on." Boy, has she grown. To think she was practically three just yesterday... Riza had watched the girl grow over the years and was almost saddened to see her turn out so much like her parents. It was like seeing a part of Maes all over again, though she didn't regret the thought.

"How've you been, kiddo? Anything new and exciting?" Riza rose an eyebrow, curious as to the adventures of a small girl. It was like seeing the life she could have had herself, if she'd had different parents. A childhood she'd never had herself. Watching as Elicia slipped a cookie to the pup, a slight glare raising onto her face. "That's how you go and make a dog fat, missy." It was meant in a joking matter, which slipped through in her small smile. Despite her generally strict demeanor, she just couldn't find it in her to get mad at the little Hughes girl.

Elicia scampered off before she could comment, so Riza found herself truly curious as to what was coming back for her. As she waited patiently, she took to petting Rose, kneading her fingers just at the dog's side. When presented with the carving, Riza was honestly a bit shocked. She took it into her hands, analyzing the detail with a scrutinizing expression. "Well... Someone's been practicing, hasn't she? I'll admit you captured my dog quite well. I'm sure he'll enjoy your gift." The Captain was truly impressed by her talents, especially for her age.

Resting the statue of her beloved dog, Riza took her own turn. "First off, I have these flowers for you mother. Make sure they get into water or they won't stay pretty! Let her know they're from Roy, would you?" As she reached into her bag, Riza searched for the gift she'd brought for Elicia. "First, close your eyes." She waited, patiently wondering if her small present would measure up to the hand-made one she'd just been given. "Now, it may not be a result of alchemy, but Black Hayate helped pick it out and we both thought it'd be a great addition to your collection, Miss Hughes." As she held out the small stuffed puppy, she hoped it be greeted with bright, enthusiastic eyes. It was colored much like her own dog, as had been a trend of the dogs Riza herself had come to favor.

[elicia hughes]

Elicia grinned, Aunti Riza came to visit! I love her. "Anything new? Oh yeah! Mommy got our picture taken with Rose! You want to see it! I keep it with me all the time!" She pulled out of the back pocket of her jeans a photo. Elicia pointed at the picture and showed it to Riza, "Look, there is Rose, I'm holding her, and there is mommy." The picture showed Rose turned away from the camera, lashing her tongue across Elicia's grinning face and Gracia attempting to not laugh while standing lovingly behind Elicia.

"Make the doggy fat? Oh no! I don't want Rose to be fat, she has to keep up with me when we play at the park." In her imagination she saw her precious puppy toddling behind her, chubby and out of breath. Elicia was so happy, Riza liked the statue she made!

"You really like it? That's good! Mama got me a picture of Hayate and I maded, made, the statue while looking at the picture." Elicia took the flowers Riza gave her and set them down gently on the coffee table. "Mama'll love 'em! I mean, Mama will love them..." Elicia corrected herself. Elicia closed her eyes and pressed them together, making her face scrunch up. When Riza spoke again she opened up her eyes.

"Wow! It's so cute! It's even better then my gift!" She took the stuffed animal from Riza and hugged Riza and then hugged the dog. Rose sat on the ground sniffing at the stuffed toy in Elicia's hands. She set the stuffed animal in her lap once she finished hugging it to death.

"Riza, would you like some cookies and tea now?" There was no way Elicia was going to tell Riza about the military without attempting to butter her up first. Elicia stood up and poured the tea and added a little bit of sugar to both cups. She handed the cup and saucer over to Riza and put one star shaped cookie on the plate. She did the same for herself. "Um, Aunt Riza? Can I tell you something? It's a secret so you have to promise not to say anything... but... um..." Okay, so this would be a little harder to say then Elicia first thought.

She set her cup and plate down and scooted over to Riza. Elicia leaned forward and whispered in Riza's ear, "Don't be mad, I want to do what daddy did, I want to be like him and Ed. I want to be as good as them. So when I grow up big I want to be in the military, so I can protect mommy and Rose and Black Hayate, and my new friends." She backed away and attempted to put on a I-am-sorry-if-I-made-you-angry-but-please-don't-kill-me-because-I-am-cute face. In her own opinion she was doing pretty good with the face.

[riza hawkeye]

As the picture was pulled out and approached her face, Riza couldn’t help but laugh. That was definitely something she had picked up from her father, no doubt. The main difference, though, was that Riza couldn’t bring herself to happily pull a gun on the young girl like she would’ve done with Maes. ”That’s really cute, Elicia. Rose especially looked happy.” Riza enjoyed seeing the family photos, though they always looked a bit barren without the father figure within them. Then again, some things just couldn’t be helped.

”Well, as long as you two keep running, she should be able to work off the cookie. And you really did a good job, for just going off of a picture.” Riza was rather happy to be able to take the statue back home and use it to liven up her house. For the longest time, it was just the place she slept at and she’d really never considered it more than that. Receiving gifts from friends did help to make it feel more heartwarming and comfortable.

Riza was rather thrilled that her gift was met with excitement. Maybe it had been bought, but it was still comforting to know she’d done well. ”Yes, I think tea and cookies sounds delightful.” She politely took a sip of her tea, holding it carefully in her hands. Riza had planned to eat the cookie, until Elicia began to say something rather unusual. ”Of course you can, Elicia. What’s on your mind?” Although she tried to sound reassuring and helpful, Riza was honestly worried of what was coming.

The last time she’d pulled this act, Elicia had confessed to be capable of alchemy and planning to pursue her abilities. It had come as a bit of a shock, since neither parent had ever shown any signs or even mentioned a family history of it. Though dangerous, Riza understood her desire to learn and did her best to meet that concept with open arms. Although she herself couldn’t teach much, she knew the science enough to at least verbally teach some of it and even make a few corrections. That had been one hell of a discovery, though.

Trying to be patient, Riza took in the young girl’s words. It came with much more of a shock – a very uncomfortable shock. So they’d managed to taint the mind of a little girl. ”Elicia, are you sure about that? It’s not always a pleasant experience.” She recalled her own desire to follow Roy into the military and through the ranks. Riza had meant well and she’d never expected to be thrust into a war of extermination along the way. The trauma itself was horrendous, and there was no way she wanted to let Elicia witness that sort of situation. They said history was bound to repeat itself, which she believed after the studies of countless genocide attempts. Her head was bowed down and her smile had faded. ”You end up having to see a lot of death, Elicia. It’s a tough life. Especially for alchemists.”

[elicia hughes]

Elicia was happy that Riza liked the picture, she was also glad that Riza was okay with giving Rose just one cookie. This made her feel better. Riza's opinion meant the world to Elicia and when she gained Riza's approval of something it made Elicia's day and if Riza didn't agree with something, then Elicia didn't want to do it again. Her reasoning was that Riza was going to be the first to know of her plan. She couldn't tell mother, it wouldn't be good for Gracia's health to worry about Elicia, besides Gracia might stop her lessons.

She hugged Riza hard as she questioned Elicia's choice. Elicia had always loved and admired her father, so it was natural for her to want to follow him. She wasn't smiling any more and Elicia's voice had grown serious, "I've thoughted, thought about it lots. I know it isn't fun. I just want to be like papa and Roy and you and Ed. I want to help people..." She pulled away from Riza again and looked her in the eye, "I know... I don't want to hurt other people... I like people..." She shrugged and folded her arms.

Elicia stood up and looked cross for a moment, "Why can't we just take all the bad people and put them in a cage so they don't hurt people and so we don't need the military?" Elicia shrugged again and looked to Riza for an answer. Wouldn't that be easy, we could just throw all those bad people in a big box and then they couldn't hurt good people. Elicia closed her eyes imagining it and shuddered, "No, I guess that wouldn't work, they'd be all cramped..." She trailed off.

"Riza will you not tell mommy? I don't want her to worry." Now, to change the subject she picked Rose up and set her on the couch where she sprung up and started to attack Riza with a face full of licks. "Rose down." Elicia pulled Rose off of Riza and sat down again as she held Rose at bay. "I'm sorry I ruined our play date. I guess I shouldn't have tolded you yet." She shrugged once more and tried a smile.

"Riza, mommy sayed, said I got good grades in school this week. We started third grade recently. I learned some of the Furher's names and stuff. Pretty soon Roy's name will be on the list huh?" She grinned, she was proud of Roy, even if she didn't quite understand what he had done, all she knew was that he had been promoted. "Maybe next time we can bring Roy and me and mommy and you and Rose and Roy can have a tea party? I think that'd be fun." Elicia grinned wider then before, her face lighting up at the prospect of Uncle Roy visiting with Aunt Riza.

"By the way... I made a new friend at the park! His name is Selim! His mommy said he could come over and play with me, I said Mrs. Bradley and my mommy could have play dates too!" Elicia was even more excited about this, in her mind she had made a friend for herself and a friend for her mother.

[riza hawkeye]

This hug wasn't met with such a warm return, but Riza did end up wrapping her own arms tightly around the girl. Wasn't the death of one Hughes enough for a lifetime? Maybe she wouldn't die, though the worry itself was plenty bad enough. "You can help people without being in the military, you know. Even Ed used to travel using his alchemy to fix things for people." As much convincing as she wanted to do, she wasn't sure it would help in the slightest. Both of her parents had always been pretty determined, so Elicia's goal seemed typical. "Just keep in mind it's not always fun work. Sometimes you have to be the bad guy."

As Elicia rose to her feet, Riza listened intently, a bit shocked. Such powerful thoughts from such a young girl. "Tell Uncle Roy that plan. I'm sure he'd find a way to make it work." It wasn't a very plausible idea, but a little hopeful nudge nowadays went a long way. "Whatever happens, don't you lie to me. I'll back you up if you ever need it, kiddo." It was painful to say, painful to admit that she would support the petite child, but there was no way she'd let the girl face the world alone. Someone sane had to be there to support her, and she was just that.

Rose's licks were a bit of a wake-up for Riza, causing her to smile. What Elicia had spoke of probably wouldn't happen for some time, so there was little to worry about. "I won't tell her, but you better not keep too many secrets from her. I'm sure she'd support you, if you gave her the chance. Though I'd wait a bit before telling her." Captain Hawkeye didn't want to hide things from her friend, but it wasn't her thoughts to tell. Petting Rose gently, Riza smiled a bit more. "You didn't ruin it. Of course you should've told me, silly." For better or worse, Riza was happier knowing the painful truth than dealing with unknown secrets.

As the conversation took a more positive turn, Riza felt a wave of relief. She even laughed a bit when she explained what she was learning. "Girls with bad grades can't get into the military, so you better keep those up. Fuhrers, huh? Well, with any luck, he'll make it there someday. The best way to push yourself is to have big goals and work for the best." She probably sounded like a broken record, encouraging the girl to dream big, but she knew it first hand. When she had chose to follow Mustang, her goal had seemed simple. Just follow him and don't let anyone kill him, basically. Easier said than done, but it kept her plodding right along.

"Sure we can! Tea is more fun with more people! Maybe even Winry, no? We could call her up and have her stop by, too." The thoughts of a child seemed so simple, but Riza was bound to make Elicia's life a good one and steer her clear of danger the best she could. Such innocence was just a bit addicting. As she continued to mention Selim, Riza was a bit hesitant to cheer her on, but she gave in. It was almost as if they lived in a whole new world. "Oh really? I'm sure Gracia would love to meet her, she's a very kind woman. I bet Selim enjoys having someone to play with, too. You're a good kid for being so friendly, Elicia." Until the boy showed his negative aspects, she wasn't worried about him. With King Bradley gone, she hoped the family could still be happy in the changing world.

[elicia hughes]

Uncle Roy would want to hear her plan? This was an interesting thought. Usually people would wave her off, she was only eight. Elicia thought about the idea some more and then in her own mind waved it off, it would never work... The girl nodded to Riza, acknowledging that she should tell her mom. "I want to tell mommy. I just don't want to worry her. I want to wait till I'm a little older." She bit her lip thinking of when to tell her mother and how. Elicia was genuinely worried she would never want to hurt her mother and it was hard for Elicia to keep secrets. She and her mother were very close.

Good grades and the military, so I guess she's with me! She smiled and giggled, "I'll keep my good grades! I promise!" Elicia was glad she didn't have to keep secrets from Riza and she hopped when she told her mother and Roy they would have the same reaction her beloved Aunti Riza had. Calm, with grace and accepting of Elicia's plans. It was like a weight of her shoulders to let one of her close friends in on her secret. Elicia had been thinking about this for a long time and even thought the thought of killing made her stomach tie in knots, she had to do it.

"Yeah! We could bring Winry! I love Winry!" Elicia wanted to have all of her friends over, but, not her school ones, they were different. And although Elicia was a joyful and friendly girl, she wasn't connecting with her school friends like she used to. She just wasn't like them, she loved the stuff they did, but, they couldn't accept her alchemy and the bits of her that were tomboyish. Even if they loved her. "At least I have Selim now...." Elicia said quietly.

"Who's Graci.... Oh, mama. Thank you Aunt Riza. I think one of the times we could bring Mrs. Bradley and Selim. I want you to meet them! They are very nice! Elicia was a smart and determined girl, but she was still only eight. And like a little girl she forgot her mother's real name, Elicia was used to the term "mama" not "Mrs. Hughes" or "Gracia" but, she was working on it. Selim had come over a while ago and it was fun, they had played. It was almost more fun then she had ever had with her other friends. There was just something about playing with a boy as silly and imaginative as you were that was so much fun.

"I like Selim, he plays with toys with me and stuff. My school friends said they don't play with toys, they said that was 'child's play'" She looked sad, "I told them, 'Duh, it's child's play Your still a child.' They got mad at me and wouldn't talk to me for the rest of the day." Elicia didn't understand her friends. They just weren't like her anymore. They all wanted to grow up and although Elicia wanted to grow up in some aspects, she wanted to stay little too.

[riza hawkeye]

"That's understandable. If anything changes or you have questions, just ask, okay?" Riza was somewhat glad to help, though it would probably shock a lot of people if her involvement in this little endeavor was discovered. Either way, at least the small girl would know her plans for sure. Someone with determination was hard to deter, so at least she could play her small role and tell her own stories. Riza was also glad to hear that Elicia was going to continue being a diligent student. Whether or not the military was her true goal, at least the grades would guarantee her a purposeful future.

Riza smiled at the thought of this small tea party and made a mental note to use this as a plan for a surprise birthday party in the future. It was easy to see what she wanted to do for fun and who she wanted to be with. She felt a bit awkward, though, at the thought of meeting with Mrs. Bradley, though specifically with Selim. She personally had some horrid memories of him. Despite the fact that he was almost completely different now, it was still strange to think that the small boy had held her life in his hands at one point in the past. "I've actually met both of them before, through the military. I wouldn't mind seeing them again, though." Although it would easily be a struggle for her, she just couldn't say no to the small girl. Besides, at least the beloved family could be safer with her there, not that she expected anything crazy from the two-year-old.

"Does he, now? Well, it's good that you're making friends outside of school, too." It was a bit concerning that she had difficulties with her classmates, especially since it seemed to bother Elicia. It seemed like so much had changed in the world since her own childhood, despite the obvious events. "Don't take it too hard. Sometimes people are just different and don't understand. The most important thing is that you have fun and don't get into trouble with them, okay?" It definitely sounded a bit cliche, but Riza didn't want to see her small friend ending up in quarrels when she was only in third grade.

Trying to turn to a more positive subject, Riza continued with a new topic. "So, have you taught Rose any new tricks lately? She's a smart pup, so you've got to keep her on her toes!" Not only was it more positive, but she felt more comfortable. Riza wasn't skilled in the category of friendships and petty arguments, so she really didn't want to be the one to tell Elicia the wrong thing. Instead, she turned to something she was very comfortable with and knew would get Elicia excited, especially if they had anything new to share.

[elicia hughes]

Elicia grinned like the happy girl she was. It was comforting to know she would always have Auntie Riza. "Thank you Riza. I won't keep secrets from you, I can always trust you." Another hug was given and a smile. Elicia was growing up in both the way she spoke and the way she behaved. She was maturing, but, a lot of the time she liked to hide that away. She didn't want to grow up, not if her father couldn't be there to help her along. But, it was no use now, wishes, dreams and hopes were nice for the short term, but, dwelling on it was not good for the soul, or the mind, or the body for that matter.

Riza had met Selim and Mrs. Bradly? That was great! Then they would probably have a good time getting along. Perhaps then they could all play at the park or something on a somewhat annual trip. Then they could all be friends, or at least that was what Elicia thought. Riza comforted her about her friends, in about the same manner Elicia's mother had. Elicia nodded and smiled. She was relieved at the change of topic and very excited to show Rose off.

"Yes, yes! She knows a bunch of tricks. Mama and I taught her. She knows how to sit and how to lie down. We are trying to get her to roll over, but, she's being silly and won't do it!" Elicia babbled happily. Maybe Riza would like to see the tricks? Elicia echoed her thoughts, "Wanna see Rose do her tricks?" Without waiting for an answer she leaped off the couch, Rose following and Elicia demonstrated Rose's sit.

"Rose." Elicia said, trying to grab the attention of the apparently attention deficient dog. But, when Elicia repeated the name Rose stopped spacing and snapped her attention to Elicia. "Good, now... sit!" Elicia's voice held a command in the words that she never usually carried, a voice that must be obeyed, perhaps it was a trait from her father. Although it wouldn't make adults do anything, or kids for that matter, the little dog did set her rump on the ground. Rose was practically vibrating, so excited to have done the trick and receive the pets and love Elicia showered Rose with. Again the process of attention grabbing and command giving was repeated with the same results for 'lie down'.

"Isn't Rose a smart little puppy!" Elicia beamed and her pride shined through in her voice. "What tricks does Hayate know?"

[riza hawkeye]

It was comforting to know that Elicia wouldn’t lie to her, however tough things may have become. Even though she probably wouldn’t like most of the things that the young girl did, she could knew that it was the truth. The hug made her chuckle, but she wasn’t sure she’d ever quite get used to that. Awkwardly, she gave the girl a small squeeze before folding her hands back in her lap. It still bothered her that she was associating herself with the Bradley family, but maybe that wouldn’t end so badly. Even the issues with her classmates was unnerving, but there wasn’t really anything she could do about that.

Elicia wasn’t the only one enjoying the change in subject as Riza signed in relief. Not to mention Elicia and Ms. Hughes were still actually working with the pup! Good, knowing Hayate, that pup could get away with anything if she wasn’t trained. She had planned to respond to Elicia, but it was clear the girl was too excited to wait that long. There had been enough drama for their meeting, so Riza just let her flutter about and show off her smart puppy.

In silence, she watched patiently as the dog’s knowledge was demonstrated. They had definitely been practicing! In the end, she clapped lightly and reached down to fluff up Rose. ”That was very good, Elicia. And you, too, Rose! Keep working on that ‘roll over’. I’m sure with practice, she’ll get the hang of it.” It was remarkable to hear the change in Elicia’s voice and it brought back memories of Hughes and Ishval. She had her father’s personality, really, and Riza only imagined how Gracia must’ve taken that. Seeing him every day in her own daughter. For a moment, she even wondered how Roy took that. Did he see it, too?

”Rose is very smart, just like Hayate. I’m not specifically sure what he knows. He’s always just done what I ask. I’m pretty strict, so he seems to have picked up sensing when I’m serious and just does it.” Riza was puzzled for a moment, trying to think of one of the best things Hayate had ever done for her. When it clicked, Riza leaned forward preparing to dazzle Elicia. ”Would you believe that little Black Hayate has saved my life? Taken down bad guys all by himself?” She didn’t share many of her tales with the young girl, especially the more ominous ones, but this was a special occasion and she didn’t plan to go into detail. Gracia could forgive her, just this once.