It was late. All Winry could hear were the ticking of a clock and the sound of a cricket singing outside the open window. The moonlight streamed through the sheer white curtains that blew from a gentle breeze. The moonbeams made Edward glow, highlighting his golden locks, making him look like an angel. She loved watching him sleep. It was when he slept he looked like he should have; without pain, without heartache, without loss. He looked content and serene when he slept.
Except…
Except for the nightmares.She knew when they were about to strike him, like an evil shadow. His brow would furrow, and she could see a thin sheen of sweat begin to form. She would touch his cheek and he would be warm to the touch. Soon after that, he would begin to mutter. Sometimes, if she listened closely, she could catch snatches of what he was saying. It was usually about Al, their mother, and being sorry for everything. She knew why he hurt, she just didn't know how to heal his pain. When the nightmares descended upon him, she leaned over to touch his left hand, if only to feel warm skin, and kissed him, ever so gently, against his lips. She pressed her cool forehead to his feverish cheek and entwined her fingers with his. Eventually, his face would relax, and his muscles would untense. That was another thing about him she loved best about him when he slept; only when he was asleep would he allow her to comfort him. He felt it was his burden to bear, and his alone. He thought himself undeserving of compassion, and he sure as hell didn't want pity. Sometimes, however briefly, she caught glimpses of something in his eyes that yearned, no screamed, for…what? Forgiveness? Redemption? Perhaps. But she couldn't give him either. That was between him and God. What she could give him was love and trust. She strove to convey this with every kiss, every touch, every glance. She tried to offer him something so long forgotten, it was almost foreign to him. She offered him a home in her arms. It wasn't much, but it was the best she could do. And maybe, just maybe, it was good enough.