Why, Riza. I had no idea that you preferred women.

[ Mustang teases her because it’s what she expects while something deep inside of him breaks.

He drops the volume of his voice and speaks gently. ]

Since you’re a Dominant, you have the opportunity to ensure nothing like that happens to the people around you. You can’t save everyone; all any of us can do is deal with what’s ahead of us.

He had used her first name. Astonishing. It just slipped out like his younger self had done the talking. She’s right. He hadn’t used it since he left for the Military Academy.

He smiles, relaxing in her presence, finishing his coffee to gaze mournfully at the empty cup. ]

We’re far from home, Riza. No one will know.

[ Except the two of them. ]