A/N: Trying my hand at actually completing a 100 themes list. Yikes! These are not in any particular order, just loosely connected bits of fun. :)

Reviews and suggestions are always welcome and appreciated :) Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer applies. You know...obviously... ;)

Theme 001: Beginnings

It's a Deal

Al was three and Ed was four the first time they met Winry. They were at Granny Pinako's house meeting her children for the first time. Their mother was happy to have a new neighbor's company to enjoy. The adults were all busy talking and laughing and Pinako was in the kitchen cooking something delicious for dinner. The three youngest house guests were in the living room staring at each other. Ed and Al hadn't met many other children in their short lives, and Ed wasn't really sure he even wanted to be friends with a girl in the first place. What if she didn't want to play with them?

Alphonse, tired of the staring contest and oblivious to his brother's apprehensions, trundled over to Winry and grabbed her by the hand, directing her to a pile of blocks in the corner. They began to play, the toddlers' laughter tinkling throughout the house. Not one to be left out, Edward slowly made his way to the two architects, plopping down on the floor beside his brother with a huff.

After a few moments of silent participation, the older Elric spoke up. "Mother says that you're going to live next to us now." He began.

Winry only nodded, busy helping Al construct a castle of blocks.

Taking a deep breath, Edward stood up. "I guess that makes us friends then." He finished matter-of-factly, extending his hand to her like he'd seen adults do so many times.

"Really?" Winry cooed excitedly, standing up too. She was grinning from ear to ear as she took his small hand in both of hers. "We'll be best friends, for sure!"

"Yeah, It's a deal." Edward smiled too, pleased with the way his talk had gone, and began shaking her hands enthusiastically. He'd never had a best friend before, and it sounded like an adventure to him.

Al laughed as he knocked their tower of blocks to the ground.

Sealed with a handshake, it was the beginning of a grand adventure indeed.