All Your Lives Are Moments

[arrayed_back]

Characters:  Riza Hawkeye (arrayed_back ) and YOU
When:  March 6 - March 12
Where:  Her Dreamscape
Rating:  PG-R, she doesn't have all nice memories.  Expect emotional trauma and violence.  And general unhappiness, though some might crop up.
Summary:  Welcome to Riza's past and memories.  She doesn't expect you to enjoy your stay.  And kindly stay away from her

Comments

[general_mustang]

This house. It baffled him to wonder why he'd here - but the thought is gone as soon as it registers. After all, if he's here he has business, clearly.

The key is under the concrete planter, and he knows that - so why the hesitation to invite himself in when the invitation has been open for so many years is also, baffling.

Still, he'll unlock the door, and let himself in - cautious, careful, aware. The estate always had his presence, lingering like a bad smell - but with understanding of the things that went on in here; the shudder down your back tended to mean so much more.

"... Riza?"

[arrayed_back]

The house is empty, even if there are some lights on. The interior is as it has always been, however, the wood dark from age and candle smoke and whatever horrible memories stick to it. The smell of mold is strong at first, but the longer you stay inside, the more you grow used to it.

Even so, the lack of people inside is disconcerting, especially considering that there are voices coming from the study. They are not loud enough to hear distinct words from where Roy is, but if he walks closer, it will become evident that one is a man and one is a woman.

[general_mustang]

If there are voices, Roy is only going to make his way toward them, careful steps until he's at the door.

It's funny, to be here again - so he pushes the door without a second thought.

[beforethearray]

He will find Master Hawkeye sitting at his desk, studying papers, open books, all sorts of things, as well as taking notes wherever they would make the most sense.

But there is a woman standing in front of the desk, seemingly unaffected by the man's work. She has light blonde hair.

"...She has something to show you."

The man doesn't look up. "Is it important?"

"Berthold." The woman sighs and takes a step closer, resting her hands on his. "She made it just for you

[general_mustang]

He knew what Mister Hawkeye was like.

That, though is clearly her mother.

He takes a good look, and wishes she'd been able to stay around long enough to provide Riza with a better start; he would have loved to meet her - he'd said that to himself many times.

Still, it pangs in his chest to see them like this. He thought he'd known about Riza's past, thought he understood the magnitude of the situation, thought he could comprehend it - but this just proved to him how difficult her childhood had been.

He sighed, slumping back against the doorframe even as the memory faded, looking away in the corridor. Did he even want to see more?

[arrayed_back]

If he chooses to continue, nearly every room has a memory or a ghost, some more than others. Upstairs is a quiet sobbing if he can hear it, and near the backdoor are loud noises of conflict.

But Roy should know better than anyone (besides Riza) how terrible this home is. He should be ready for anything to pass his sight.

[general_mustang]

If it hadn't been for a tiny detail, he might have chosen to stay where he was, but his eyes shift northward, and he frowns at the sounds he hears.

Crying.

Pushing off the door frame he looks around, before beginning to take the stairs. It strikes him that perhaps calling out will give no returns, so he doesn't bother.

Instead, he continues up - on the hunt for the source of that crying. Despite feeling that he knows who it belongs to.

[arrayed_back]

He already has his suspicions, but when make it to the upper floor, he'll notice that the choked crying is indeed coming from that room. The door, however, is locked, and even if he kicks and hits it, it will not budge.

[general_mustang]

It turns his skin cold. He knows that voice, even if he's not familiar with it like this.

Carefully, he reaches out to touch the door, taking a step closer to press his forehead to it.

The decision is simple. Turn and walk away, or try the handle. His eyes are already on it - and his hand drops, trying it. Nothing.

With rising concern he tries again, pushing hard against the door.

Well... Carefully, he knocks - hard, three times. It's a familiar knock to him.

"... Riza?"

[arrayed_back]

His voice seems to cause some disruption inside. Sheets rustle and the person inside gasps, but after a few moments, she speaks.

"Go...go away."

[general_mustang]

Well, shit. He hadn't expected that.

His head dips to stare at the door, forehead still pressed to it for a moment. Her voice. He could probably give her an age, and it's that thought that alarms him.

"No."

[arrayed_back]

A sniffle, followed by gasping breaths. "Please, Roy." You can't see her like this. You can't.

[general_mustang]

Hearing his name from her. Over the years, the effect that name on her lips has on him has changed drastically. They've shared too much, but she's so upset. Riza never cries like this, not even when she was a child.

"I'm not going anywhere."

[arrayed_back]

Shuddering breaths, now. "Don't make me beg you."

[general_mustang]

Beg. Seriously?

He stares at the handle again, and then shakes his head, letting his head fall against the door.

"You're not letting me in?"

[arrayed_back]

"You can't see me like this!" Her voice has risen now, almost harshly, but after a silence, she hisses in pain. It's obvious she tries to hide it, cover it up with breathing, but the truth hangs between them.