Disclaimer: You must be joking.
Pairings: Ed/Win future fic-no spoilers
Rating: K
Almost Perfect
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Winry rinsed the suds from her hands while lingering a moment longer to dry them. The kitchen window reflected her care-worn face but she didn't notice. A hint of a smile graced her features as she watched her husband playing with their small daughter under the giant oak tree. Visitors would say the scene was absolutely perfect. Even in this postcard example of happiness, there was still a shadow of tragedy. It was hard to believe how far they had come since that night, since the last time Ed came home battered and broken.
The Fullmetal Alchemist was accompanied by Riza and Roy, who had volunteered to drive him home all this way to Risembool. Ed was in a horrible state, completely devoid of emotions and as helpless as a porcelain doll. She was shocked he didn't even protest as Mustang carried him to the couch when Winry invited them in. While Riza sat with Ed, Roy led her into the kitchen to convey with her the horrible news. Her heart ached as she remembered the shivers that racked her body. The young mechanic collapsed into Roy's arms while a voice that couldn't possibly be her own pierced the sky.
Alphonse's death was incomprehensible. There was no possible way there could be Ed without Al. Either way you added it up the equation just didn't balance. But then there was the funeral, their grieving, and Ed's rehabilitation. It was amazing they even got that far.
Of course Wirny's customers helped out as much as they could. They were smart enough not to mention Al's name around the elder brother. They kept inquisitive reporters and civilians alike from the young couple to the best of their abilities. They called themselves the Rangers as they formed these impressive mobs when the media hounds came a calling. They congratulated the young couple on their marriage and their first born child. The people of Risembool always looked out for their own.
The locals even helped land Edward a teaching job at the only school in the small community. He found he loved teaching science and mathematics. His students gave him a warm affection that made him feel he was accomplishing far more then anything else he had set out to do in life. However, he would never consent to add alchemy to the curriculum. Any potential apprentice that approached him eager to learn was turned away. He hadn't even touched palms once since the tragedy. While the pain was still a dull throbbing in both their hearts, Ed and Winry would be forever grateful for the life they lead now and the people in it.
The young mechanic watched as Ed chased Sarah until he finally caught up and wrapped his arms around the spirited little girl. He twirled her round and round until they spun out of control landing in a jumbled heap. The game quickly turned into a tickle fight and the 5 yr old's voice shrieked with laughter. Even to Winry the scene seemed perfect except for the one piece missing from their lives. She would settle for classifying their family as almost perfect. She could only imagine how little Sarah would've loved her Uncle Al.
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The End!
Notes: It's kinda of obvious, but there's a little shout out to the Risembool Rangers in here somwhere. I'm neither a skirt nor a ranger. Too many decisions! Anyway, this little monster asserted itself in the most inappropriate time while I was in class at the college. Therefore, I was it's slave during my free period. It seems graduation has left my well dry and I'm posting the old stuff on my hard drive. Oh well. You know the drill. Feedback and critique is much appreciated. Have a happy and safe summer!