Sprinter
By Any Unborn Child
Winry often worried about Ed and Al.
They were the brothers that, deep down, she'd always known, the brothers that she had always had.
The camaraderie between them was unmistakable.
When they were little, they would play until all hours, her own wide eyes both fascinated and terrified of the alchemy that took place before her, what new craft the Elric brothers were researching with such fervent energy…
Or at least until Pinako called Winry back for dinner or Ed and Al's mother called them back to their home, the home that would grow to be nonexistent, a field of ashes.
Ed…
Ed had so much on his shoulders…
Taking care of Al…
Trying to find the Philosopher's Stone…
Fighting off so many who wished to destroy him…
It was as if…
At the memory, Winry stops for a moment at her window, the sunset a mix of violet and tangerine, and closed her eyes.
She thought back to the last time they had visited – she could only remember her longing, her need for them to stay for a little while longer. With them, they had brought back a ton of stories and a ton of things to repair…
She had felt…normal again…with them back…with Ed back…
She had felt wanted. Needed.
Why did they have to leave?
Why did they have to leave her to pick up the pieces…whatever those pieces were…
Al…
Ed…
Ed…
Edward…
Why did HE have to leave?
Why couldn't he just ask for her help every once in a while?
Why couldn't he realize what was right in front of him?
Her eyes burst open.
It was…
It was…
No.
Nothing made sense.
At least, not anymore.
But she would stay.
She would go on with her life.
She would help whenever she could, be it a simple auotmail repair or more…
She would do what she could.
Because that's what she was – if anything, she was dependable. Loyal. Caring. Their friend.
She would run away from despair.
And not let it take over.