Lips to Lips, Heart to Heart

DISCLAIMER: I do not own 'Fullmetal Alchemist'. All rights belong to Hiromu Arakawa. I only own this fanfiction. Thank you.

Story Title: Return to Me

Pairing: RizaxWinry

Category: Shojo-Ai

Genre: Romance/Drama

Rating: T

'WHOO…'

It was a blindingly sunny afternoon at the Resembool train station. A few people were milling around the grounds, suitcases and tickets in hand. This was the only road out from the tiny village-the only path to the outside world. Here in Resembool, time seemed to stand still. Beyond its limits, the rest of the world seemed busy and alive.

A lone figure stood at the edge of the platform. Her long blonde locks were pulled back in a spiked up-do. Her amber eyes gazed out over the seemingly endless tracks, as she let out a long sigh. She raised a white gloved hand, wiping her lightly dampened brow. Who knew that this place could become so humid? Then again, she'd never really been to Resembool in the summer-or for such a long period of time, either.

Her name was Riza Hawkeye. And she was a dog of the military.

Her eyes seemed to glaze over as she gently set her suitcase down, and shrugged her knapsack higher up on her broad shoulders. No one ever said that life as a soldier would be easy. It could be very draining at times, particularly during combat. War was a brutal subject. She still had nightmares about some of her more bloody encounters. But she never said anything-after all, woman or not, Riza had to stay strong. Even if it was just a façade.

And, of course, the constant travelling. True, she was skilled at what she did-namely guarding and fighting. But going back and forth, from Central to Resembool and everywhere in between-it was enough to make her scream after a while. She could easily disassemble her rifle in her sleep.

And the worst part-constantly saying goodbye. Whether it was to her comrades back at the office, her companion Black Hayate-a strong willed dog-or to the various faces she met during her travels, it was always straining. How were you supposed to keep connections when you weren't even around? Officer Fuerey was probably on better terms with Black Hayate, simply because of all the times she'd asked him to stop in and play babysitter.

"Jeez…this heat is crazy." Was summer ever this intense back in the city? Not that she remembered. Taking one more glance down the tracks, and deciding that there was no point in watching for a train that wasn't set to arrive for at least another half an hour, she picked up her belongings, and headed under the roof. Plopping down onto a bench, she sprawled out, and shut her eyes. Shade was absolute heaven.

Why had she hurried out here so early, anyway? She frowned to herself, soft golden brows furrowing in confusion. It was as if she'd been running away or something…

And then, her heart dropped, as memories of the day before came flooding back with the force of a tidal wave.

That's right. Her.

…

'CLINK'

Out in the countryside of the village, a simple two story house sat upon a hill. Its white paint gleamed under the scorching afternoon sun, as an upper window creaked open. A pale blonde head slowly peeked out, as baby blue eyes turned up towards the sky.

"I can't believe it...I slept in…" the female ran one hand through her long locks, while the other was tightly clenched around a silver wrench. She carefully placed it upon a nearby table, before returning her attention to the scenery before her.

Winry Rockbell was an accomplished mechanic, particularly in the subject of automail repair. But at that moment, she felt lower than dirt. Why? What had happened yesterday? Why had she done what she did? And would anything ever be the same again?

She leaned forward against the windowsill, eyes becoming suspiciously liquid. The images of yesterday flashed bright in her mind's eye, like a movie. A vivid slideshow of horror and heartbreak. Feelings, mutual ones at that, which had been building up over the years.

And she had thrown it all away. Because she'd been scared. Scared of distance. Scared of repetition. Scared of a love that extended across the continent.

Her eyes closed, long lashes brushing her pink cheeks. She allowed her mind and senses to fill up once more…with the memories of one Riza Hawkeye.

It hadn't worked with Ed. Why would it work with them? It had hurt, the first time around-she couldn't risk it. Not again-she refused to have her heart broken. Military was military. And an outside love was impossible to keep alive. No matter what her emotions said otherwise, she couldn't give in.

Her wounds were still deep and tender. And a new love wouldn't help them heal any more than reopening them would.

A single tear trailed down her face, as she closed the window, yanking the drapes shut tightly.

…

Their first meeting wasn't very eventful. Riza hadn't thought much of the curious blonde, other than that she was quite the caring person, willing to go the distance for her friends. They had parted on amicable, if slightly strained terms, but that was only because of the tumultuous circumstances that both parties were currently embroiled in. Over the next few years, Riza had returned on multiple occasions, for various reasons. And a couple of times, Winry had made her way out to the military's HQ as well. They'd been seeing quite a bit of each other since then.

And that was where it had all begun. Maybe it was the loneliness in Winry's sky blue eyes every time she'd had to say goodbye to Ed, or mention his latest escapades. Perhaps it was the way she was always so hard at work, fixing automail and creating her own designs. Or maybe it was her unwavering determination to be as supportive as possible to whomever she was around, always willing to lend a hand with a smile on her face. Whatever the reason, Riza started to notice the excitement and tension in her heart, which would slowly build up every time she and the mechanic had crossed paths.

Riza wasn't alone, however. Winry too had noticed a strange change between the both of them, as her expectation and elation had started to grow stronger whenever she knew that the soldier was to be dropping by, or when she'd headed out to the main base herself. Riza was so kind, even with all that she'd seen and experienced. She was so motherly to all three of them; Winry, Ed and Al. And she was a skilled fighter when it was needed of her. Whenever they were together, Winry had always felt safe and secure. It had eventually reached the point…where she hadn't wanted the woman to leave.

Then, it happened. Riza's fateful mission; to play bodyguard to the town of Resembool, as well as to the mechanic and her guardian. The girl thought her heart would burst from her chest with joy.

She remembered exactly how that day had been, when Riza had shown up at their door. They had enough room, so it made sense for her to stay with them instead of searching for a hotel, and shelling out unnecessary money. The skies had been just as clear as they were today, but the scorching heat was blissfully absent. Instead, there was a soft breeze blowing through the tall grass and trees, playing lightly with the wash on the clothesline.

Winry remembered the outfit that she had been wearing; a light purple tank top, with a pair of white Capri pants. Her sandals had clattered against the stone walkway, as she eagerly scanned the winding road leading up the hill, searching for any arriving figures in the distance. Beside her stood Den, her loyal canine. He was modified with his own mechanical leg, lovingly crafted by his owners. He stared up at her, pink tongue hanging out as he observed her apparent excitement.

And finally, there she was. That long, slender form, with a suitcase in one hand, and the other stretched up to offer shade for her eyes. The girl had felt her heart skip, as Riza reached the house. She'd been smiling; a thin gentle curve that played upon her pink lips. Winry had bowed, welcoming her to their abode as well as the community. Riza had started laughing then, and Winry had felt her nerves tighten.

"It's fine! You don't have to be so formal! After all, we're friends. Right?" The question had lingered upon Winry's mind for a long time since then, and she'd replay it again and again, perhaps wondering if things should have just stayed that way.

The days had passed by in a blur. Riza was a great help around the house, especially with Granny Pinako. She wasn't weak, but she wasn't blessed with the gift of height, either. The soldier had been able to stock the shelves when Winry wasn't available. She'd also chopped the wood-Granny had been pleasantly surprised to see a woman able to complete the task. It had assured her that things were going well in the world among the genders, at least.

And she'd been great fun in the kitchen, too. Winry hadn't known that she could cook. She knew recipes that the girl had been eager to try out just from the descriptions. There had been many laughs and much joy, as the two had cooked up delicious meals nearly every day. If there was ever a spill...Den would show up; a ready and willing furry clean up crew on four legs.

Always at night however, when the lights had gone out and the air was still, Winry would always feel that nagging discomfort; the pain of being alone, with no one to hold onto. She didn't want someone to take care of her. She could manage that just fine on her own. What she needed…was someone to love her. To cradle her heart in steady arms like a treasure, and never leave her wanting.

But love was a fickle mistress. It wasn't easy to find, or keep. And she'd already had her heart broken once before. She knew that he hadn't meant it, but it still stung all the same. Riza had already been on her mind, but she'd pushed the thought away, perhaps out of fear that it was wrong, or just a childish infatuation.

Now she knew for certain: it was real. As real as the pounding in her chest, and as real as the salty tears trickling down her face, to drip from her chin. The days were wonderful, but the nights were heart-wrenching.

Winry wasn't the only one who felt that particular pain, though. Unbeknownst to her, Riza had spent many an evening wide awake, seated atop her bed with the covers still pulled and tucked up neatly beneath. She'd gazed out soundlessly at the silver moon in the sky, thinking over and over again of that beautiful blonde who was just a few doors down from her.

Her cheery demeanor, her tinkling laugh, those sparkling blue eyes, and her enormous heart. Riza had fallen head over heels for the working girl, and she had no idea what to do about it. Whenever they were together, she'd always longed to reach out and run her fingers through her long golden locks; to brush against her cheeks with the tips of her digits; to hold her close and never let go, inhaling that familiar scent of sugar and oil. An unusual combination, but it suited her. She was strong but tender, just like the two substances.

And so many times, she'd wanted to kiss her. To pull her up flush against her, look straight into her eyes and tell her how she felt. And then capture those baby pink buds in a tender liplock.

But she couldn't. Winry wasn't hers. She didn't feel the same way. She had her own interests and desires. Besides, who could ever fall for a dog of the military, especially one like her? Out here, with this girl, she was free to live as she so felt, but if Winry were to ever see her in a meeting? Or on the battlefield? She'd turn away. And Riza wouldn't blame her for it.

She'd loved one other, quite some time ago. But her heart had been shattered when she'd realized the stark, stinging truth; he had no room for love. His attention was on the battlefield, and on his own power. Not on the feelings of the one who stood beside him, day in and day out.

So, the two females had suffered in silence, yearning for the other but refusing to let go of the past-or their own personal doubts.

Then suddenly, it had all finally come to a boiling head. Yesterday had been the turning point for both of them-and it had ended in shock.

…

The day had started off like any other. Riza had done her routine sweep up and down the town-after all, that's what she had been sent out there for. Since Resembool was the home of none other than the famous-and infamous-Fullmetal Alchemist, it had been elevated on the military's watch list.

Recently, they'd been getting reports of possible resistance factions hiding out in the quiet village-dangerous groups that could easily cause damage and start a miniature war. So they'd sent out an official who was both skilled enough, if worst came to worst-and who also knew the area pretty well. Someone who at least knew one person, and could afford to be away for a little while.

And thus, Riza had been selected. After all, she'd been the only other officer who'd gone to Resembool the first time around, to scoop up the Fullmetal Alchemist and his brother, before he'd been initiated into a military career. That was how she'd first met Winry.

Now, it was the end of her allotted time in the town. Since there hadn't been any instances of violence while she'd been stationed, the heads had called her back to the city. With a weary heart she'd begun the arduous task of packing up her belongings, and hiding her heart away once more beneath the trappings of uniform and gunpowder.

'TNK' 'TNK' 'KNOCK' "Riza? It's Winry. C-can I come in?" The worried tone had set the soldier on alert; she knew what the meeting was about. But she'd responded with a simple yes and slowly, the girl had stepped inside. Riza was halfway done with cleaning up her temporary abode, and Winry stood before her, gaze averted and hands fiddling in front of her skirt. They were clasped together tightly, and she took a deep breath. "S-so, you're leaving now?"

"Yes." This time, the word didn't come out as smoothly. She'd had to keep her voice in check; to think of leaving her again, and to return to her own lonely life was enough to bowl her over. But she couldn't afford to break down now. She was a fighter, first and foremost. Her job was supposed to be her top priority.

"I-it feels…like you just got here, doesn't it?" Winry was having her own battle with emotions, doing her best to avoid the tears and shakes. She had to be strong, especially in front of someone as official as Riza. She couldn't cry; couldn't let loose and blurt out everything that was weighing on her mind at that very moment. She was just here to send her off and wish her well. Right? Right.

"It does." Riza could feel her throat tightening, as she threw another pair of pants into the case. Just a few more items, and then she'd be free. Free to wail under the stars to her heart's content. She could see from the corner of her eye that Winry was starting to tremble. She blinked, packing forgotten in the face of this sudden revelation. Was she really this touched by her presence?

"I…I'll miss you, you know…you're a really great person to be around." Winry swallowed hard; those weren't the words she wanted to say at all! She wanted to scream it out at the top of her lungs; that she loved the first lieutenant, and that she never wanted to be apart. That she'd be willing to move halfway across the world just to stay by her side, money be damned.

Riza's breath hitched in her throat. Winry was so sad…had they really become so close, in just the span of a month or two? It didn't seem possible. And yet, she felt a bizarre twinge of happiness; that her leaving could have such an effect on the girl. Then, she shook it away. She didn't want her to be unhappy. Even if they were never to be together, she wanted Winry to have a good life; to never stop smiling that glorious smile. She could feel her fists clench, as she tried to hold back the words that threatened to spill forth from her writhing tongue.

I-I can't do this anymore! Turning sharply on her heel, Winry headed for the door. "Well…bye, Riza. I-I'll…I'll always love you…" These last four words had tumbled from her lips so effortlessly, a faint whisper among the strained silence. She had to let them out, even if the one they were meant for couldn't hear them.

But Riza hadn't missed a beat. Her heart skipped like a rabbit's, as she watched Winry's small hand wrap around the doorknob. Her head hung low, and her hair cast her face in shadows unfitting of such a lovely creature.

She said it! She said it! I know she did! I-I can't let this go! It was now or never. No more fear. She was a soldier, damn it! And she shouldn't have to be afraid of her own desires. "Winry-wait!" Riza felt her heart leap into her throat, as she strode across to where the girl stood. Slowly, Winry turned around, expecting to be either confronted or hugged, or possibly even the lone audience to a whole new random subject start up altogether. "Yes, Riza"-

'WHUMP' In one swift move, Riza had her pinned against the door. A muffled gasp left the girl's mouth, as the woman's warm, smooth lips were pressed flush to her own. One hand was pushing into the heavy wood behind them, while the other rested lightly atop Winry's shoulder. Her blue eyes closed, as she allowed the previous shock to ebb away, in place of cool, refreshing pleasure.

She reached up, first timid, then a bit more bold, to wrap her arms around the woman's neck. In response, Riza ran her tongue over the girl's bottom lip, but did not force her way inside. Instead, Winry parted her own lips, to grant the female entrance. The two remained linked there, absorbing every flavor and tingle and sensation from the other.

In just a few moments, it was over. They pulled apart, cheeks vibrant with a deep shade of cherry. Neither knew exactly how to address the other, as the present slowly filtered in, seeping over their brief fantasy. The realization dawned on them, and Riza scrambled to explain herself. "Winry…I love you, too." Her heart was bouncing like a tennis ball, and she forced the locks open; denied her vow of silence to set free what had been inside of her for so very long. "I've loved you…for so long now. But I never-I never knew what to say! I didn't want to hurt you…or get hurt myself." This last line came out like a guilty admission, as Winry stared in absolute disbelief.

"A-and then…I heard what you said, just as you were about to leave. I couldn't let you go again-not without hearing what I had to say, at least…and knowing how I felt." There. It was all out. Every single secret and missing piece was laid bare on the table. The ball was in Winry's court now, as the soldier waited for a reply.

T-this-it can't be real! It's not happening! But it was. The lingering taste upon Winry's lips told her otherwise. She brought her fingertips upwards, to graze them lightly over the still tender surface. Part of her was in ecstasy-but the other was screaming foul. No…no, no! You can't do this-not here, not now! Not when-when you're about to leave me again!

Even if Riza returned her feelings, the truth was that she would be gone again by the next afternoon. And Winry couldn't handle that. She'd had enough of people coming in and out of her life, without so much as a proper goodbye, or a hint as to when they'd meet again. The confusion was overwhelming. Such a beautiful moment, marred by the stain of indecision.

"N-no…I can't. Riza, I just can't!" And with that, the girl had bolted from the room. Riza stared after her in dismay, one hand extended as if to bring her back. But the fingers only clutched feebly at air. Her heart sank into her stomach, as she'd fallen on her knees, upon the hard ground.

For the first time in forever, Riza Hawkeye had cried. Cried for her lost loves, her ghastly memories, and for leading a life that was truly designed by the damned. Cried for letting the one she wanted; needed the most-to slip through her fingers yet again.

And down the hall, Winry had cried as well; for being unable to follow where her heart yearned to roam. For not having the guts or the means to fulfill her greatest desire: to be truly happy, and to bring happiness to the one she adored.

The sun had continued to shine down, like a blistering yellow lemon, but the inside of that house was pelted by rain and gloom, as two hearts mourned as one.

…

'CAW' 'CAW'

"Jeez…when will the train be here?"

Riza was still seated under the roof at the station. Her eyes were growing blurry staring out into the bleached setting, as the unrelenting glow of the noonday sun covered everything in its sticky, blinding heat. She licked her lips, and let out a soft groan. She was thirsty, too. But what if she left, and missed the departure?

I can still…taste her…her thoughts drifted back bitterly, to the memory of the day before. Why had Winry pushed her away? Why hadn't she gone after her more fiercely? Perhaps she should've just backed off in the first place? She'd heard what she'd said. The girl hadn't denied it. So why had she turned tail?

Maybe she thinks…that I won't come back. A shuddering pang struck her square in the chest, as she rose up from her seat. Forgetting entirely about her trip out, she rushed through the few crowds, and back up the long hill and twisting road.

How could I have been so stupid? Edward! She must've been thinking about him! She'd had a hunch that, at some point or another, Winry had been in love with him. But he'd gone off on his own mission with that brother of his, and Winry had been left behind, just like always. It had been for its own good reason, but that didn't mean it hurt any less! Riza stumbled on a crack, but managed to regain her balance and continue the trek.

If she truly loved Winry, and was willing to go all the way to win her heart, then she'd have to do everything in her power to convince the girl that history would not be repeating itself. That I will come back. No matter how far apart we are, I'll never forget her. And I want to know…that she'll never forget me, too!

With frantic breaths, Riza forced herself onwards; back to the house where it had all begun.

…

'THNK' "Aw, man! I'm so clumsy today-this is the third time I've dropped that blasted wrench!"

Sighing in disappointment before bending down to pick up the fallen tool, Winry tucked a stray strand of straw colored hair behind her ear. She'd been trying to get back to work on a long list of automail repairs and requests, which had been somewhat pushed aside when Riza had shown up.

Damn it…what was I thinking? Giving in and finally placing the tool upon her work table, she sat down before it with head in hands. She'd been given what she'd wanted on a silver platter. And she'd thrown it all away. Why? Why? Because of unspoken fears and past mistakes.

Why didn't I tell her? I'm sure that she would have been willing to talk things over and work something out, but now…now, it's like we're back to square one! Maybe even beyond that-I've ruined everything! She bit down hard on her lower lip, still clinging tightly to the memory of how Riza's lips had felt against her own, like a perfect fit. They were delicate yet firm, and had caressed hers with passion ablaze. It was better than she could have ever dreamed it to be.

And now she's gone…gone…and I have no clue if we'll ever meet again. Dejected, Winry looked at a nearby clock. 1:30-Riza's train should have definitely pulled into the station by now. So she was already on her way back to the city.

'KNOCK' 'KNOCK' "Uh?" Quickly straightening out, she stood from her seat, a curious expression upon her face. Who could that be? Perhaps it was one of their customers, coming by to inquire about the status of a repair…her footsteps awoke the dog, who was curled near the window. But he didn't budge, merely watched with mild interest. In a couple of seconds he was asleep once more.

Smoothing out her top and workpants, Winry opened the door, prepared to flash a grin and chirp out a polite greeting. But her eyes nearly bugged out from their sockets, as she took in the sight before her.

Riza Hawkeye, dressed in full military regalia and sweating bullets, was standing on her doorstep and panting. Winry's heart was going ballistic in her chest; had she forgotten something? Or was there another reason for this unexpected show? She tried to step aside, and let the exhausted woman in. It looked like she'd run all the way back up the hill! "R-Riza, are you"-

'FWUMP' But once again, she was cut off by a sweet embrace. This time, she let everything else go, and instinctively linked her hands behind the woman's neck. They were leaning into the doorframe, not concerned if anyone could see, or about the glaring sun in the sky. All that mattered now was the two of them. Winry had parted her lips, to allow Riza entry once more. She'd longed for that taste after yesterday, and it was even more delicious the second time around. The woman obliged, tongue flicking against her own, and the two enjoyed their precious moment of peace and bliss.

Again, they were forced to pull apart. But this time, Winry did not let go, and neither did Riza. They stood there, gazes firmly locked upon the other, and both opened their mouths to speak at the same time.

"Riza, I'm so sorry!"

"Winry, please forgive me!"

They blushed then, realizing that both of them had been wanting to say the exact same thing to the other. It was like synchronicity. Or perhaps, they'd both finally managed to come to their senses.

"Riza, I'm-I'm sorry for pushing you away. It was just…I was afraid of losing you. That I'd give you my heart…but you'd never return." In response, Riza brushed her lips over the blonde's forehead.

"Winry, even if I left, I'd always come back for you. Always. I may be a dog of the military, but…dogs are notoriously loyal to the ones they love, as well." Her golden eyes crinkled with a loving smile. "And I love you. Not even a war would keep us apart." Winry rested her head against the female's chest, listening to the steady beats beneath the fabric and skin. "Not that I don't wish for us to be closer, though…"

"Someday." Riza blinked, as Winry lifted her gaze to lock with her lover's. "I-I'm-I'm going to save up my money…and when I have enough, I'll move out to the city. To be with you." Riza felt a mixture of joy and worry bubble up inside. "Winry, I don't want to force you"-

"It's alright." The girl was smiling, adoring and determined. Riza realized then that she was serious. "I can find a job as a mechanic-even if it's not automail, everybody needs help of some kind. I've been planning to find outside work eventually, anyway. Granny knows this, too." She stretched upwards, to plant her lips atop Riza's again, and to savor the intoxicating flavor. Love was truly a miracle. "For you…I'm willing to do anything."

"Same here…" Yes, Riza had missed her train. She'd left her luggage at the station. And she'd nearly gotten heatstroke scrambling through the town and up that murderous hill. But to have Winry in her arms, not just close by but there? To have her as her one and only, not just as a friend or a dream?

Yeah…it was all worth it. For the both of them.

A/N: And...ta-da! How was that?

This is a series idea that I had in my mind for a long while now, but I never got around to completing it until now. It's a story that's comprised of oneshots, centered on the pairing of RizaxWinry in 'FMA'. To be honest, I had never thought of putting the two together before-you can blame some lovely fanart on dA for my sudden change of heart. ;p They do seem to mesh pretty well together, though. :)

This is my first offering, not just to the couple but to the 'FMA' fandom in general. Let me know what you think of it. Too long, sappy, just right, boring, funny, accurate? It's probably the closest I'll ever get to canon, so...yeah. ^^; I'll be updating this one maybe every few weeks. Still gotta write more chapters/stories (I only have two more saved so far.)

The rating will change, since the level of the content WILL rise. Just to be safe, it'll probably be upped to M in the future. Savvy? If you guys like this, let me know. If not, then I won't bug you with anymore. ^^;

Happy holidays, everyone.

=^.^=

UPDATE: Fanart is now available for this story! After so long, I finally managed to get my lazy ass in gear, and post something at the club on dA! XD Here's the link:

http: / alchemistkira6 . deviantart . com / art / RizaxWinry-Return-to-Me- 156016769 (Just remove the spaces.) Enjoy!