The Subtle Art of Hot Chocolate
Riza walked into the kitchen and frowned at the sight of her father’s alchemy student hunched over the stove. It was unusual to find him in here alone, although he had sometimes helped her with dinner when avoiding his studies..
"What are you doing, Mister Mustang?" she asked.
He jumped, almost dropping the wooden spoon into the saucepan. "This time, it is my turn to make something for you."
She stepped closer and savoured the chocolatey smell. "Do I smell chocolate?"
"The marvellous Mustang recipe of hot chocolate passed down through the generations. A present for Yule before I go back home for the holidays."
She laughed and crossed her arms. "You're really selling this.. I will wait to see if it is as good as you say."
“It's not as good as the Madame's, but It's pretty good if I say so myself."
"That remains to be seen," Riza said. "Is that why you went to the village yesterday?"
"The madame sent me some ingredients, and I picked up the rest from the store. I know you never had some of my favourite chocolate."
"It is the least I could do. Besides, we're friends, aren't we?"
Riza blushed. "Yes, friends."
He smiled at her. "I know you don't get many sweet things, and Yule is all about sweet things and lovely food. Seeing as I won't be here, you can have some chocolate at least."
"Thank you so much Mister Mustang."
"When it's just us, you can call me Roy."
"I know, but I would rather not get used to calling you by your first name in case I messed up in front of Father. You know he wouldn't like it."
He smirked. "I like to live dangerously."