Edward Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist, prodigy child and stubborn as a mule had become nothing more than A broken down soul. At long last, his journey was complete. Laughing bitterly into the cold autumn air, he fought back the urge to cry. "Seven years, and what do I have to show for it?" He asked no one in particular
Bowing his head to look at the well worn dirt road that lead to his hometown, he brought up his hands to stare at them. "Automail, more scars that I'd like to admit, and no little brother..." Hands clenching painfully, the knuckles of his left hand popped loudly. Sighing heavily, his hands dropped back and his head tilted towards the sky. 'At least I'll be able to stay somewhere in peace' he thought in bitter annoyance.
Winry and Pinako Rockbell sat on Winry's bedroom balcony enjoying the breeze. The conversation had turned to nuts and bolts, as it normally did. "I'm telling you Granny, the coating doesn't have a high enough resolution for that kind of heat."
"Winry, what kind of person would travel in that kind of weather?" Pinako puffed on her pipe in annoyance. Looking over, (or in her case, under) her granddaughter's arm, she noticed the familiar speck that was Edward Elric start to near the house.
"I'm sure Ed would!" Folding her arms indignantly, she scoffed.
"Sure I would do what?" Rang a voice from below. Wirny nearly jumped out of her skin in glee. Running towards the railing, she leaned over and waved. "Ed!" Smiling brightly she glanced around for Al. "Hey...where's..." It was only then did she notice his eyes held no light, his body seemed heavy and unstable. He meagerly looked up to her from her perch and uttered a silent sigh.
Before Pinako could so much as ask, Winry sprinted past her and down the stairs, outside to stand before him. "It isn't true...Ed, tell me it isn't true!" She pleaded, trying to keep her tears in check. The only incantation of his reply, was the fact he turned his head away from her.
Winry's crying was bitter and ragged. Pinako could only piece together what she had: Winry's crying, and Edward coming alone, she could only speculate what had happened to the beloved youngest Elric. Peering over the balcony proved her theory. Winry's head was bowed and Edward stood alone in front of her. Silently wishing he'd attempt to comfort Winry, he surprised the women, not to mention himself, when he reached out and gently wrapped the crying girl into his arms.
Resting his chin on her head, Winry vaguely mused that he had to be taller than her to do so. Gently rubbing her back, Ed pulled her into a tight embrace. "I miss him too..."he said as Winry nuzzled herself more comfortably in his arms. How did this happen? Edward asked himself. Winry isn't s'pose to be enjoying it as much as she is...I'm only doing this to get her to stop crying...right? Frowning slightly, he looked up to the balcony to find Pinako gone. Great, I guess she thought Winry and I needed some alone time... Lost in thought, he hadn't noticed that Winry had stopped crying. He just continued to hold her gently, as his mind wandered off.
"Ed?" Came Winry's feeble attempt at making conversation, "What happened to..."
The sound of his name brought him back to the present, looking down at her, he wished she wouldn't ask what he knew was coming. Desperately wanting her not to ask, he placed a finger over her lips and silently shushed her. Blinking, she obeyed his silent request. His finger having a will of it's own, it brushed over her supple lips. How could I not know what her lips feel like? Would they be as soft against my own? As if to answer his own question, he started to lean towards her. Winry's breath caught, was he doing, what she think he was? Only a breath apart, did the sound of barking pull Edward back into reality. Den, bounding up and as playful as always barked again at Ed. Winry silently cursed the animals timing and looked up at Ed; who had gave the dog a rub. Without so much as looking at her, he patted her shoulder and stepped into the house; greatful Den had intervened.