AN: I always wondered what would happen if both Fullmetal animes existed simultaneously. In case you don't remember, the beginning of this fic is set on the other side of the gate (according to the first Fullmetal Alchemist) aka World War II era Germany. Let me know what you think and if I should flesh this out into a multichapter story.
He was never going to see her again. But Ed had chosen this life. He had chosen to stay on the other side of the gate. He had chosen the world of bombs and airships. The world in the wake of war.
Edward buttoned his overcoat and walked into the crowded cobblestone streets. He held a briefcase in one hand and a scientific journal in the other. There was so much left to discover about his new world.
His walk to work was as torturous as ever. He passed a fruit stand. He passed a flower shop. He passed a million busybodies and working stiffs.
And every single face was hers. He could have sworn he saw Winry every morning. And every night for that matter.
Edward slipped down a flight of stairs off an alley. He pushed through the lab doors. It was easiest when he didn't think too much. Winry was pushed to the back of his mind and his hands got to work at his desk.
There was a chance some form of Winry did walk the same streets on this side of the gate. Sometimes Ed fantasized about meeting this Winry. She might be picking flowers in the park or working in a garage. She'd have same smile, same flowing blonde hair.
He could practically see Winry reaching out her hand to him. But it wasn't his Winry. Not the Winry who grew up down the road. Or the girl who saved his life countless times in the form of automail. Her eyes would be a cold shadow of his Winry. Her smile would pale in comparison.
Edward slammed his forceps on the desk. He couldn't keep his mind off of her. He could research all he wanted but he'd never see Winry again. And it was his fault.
"Winry!"
"What Ed?"
Edward strained against his bed sheets. He thrashed and screamed. "Winry! Winry! Please! Please…"
"Ed stop screaming." Winry rolled over to face her husband. She opened her eyes slowly. When she saw the pain on Edward's face she sprung into action. "Oh Edward. It's okay. I'm here." She placed her arms gently on either side of her husband and mumbled into his neck. "Edward, I'm here. It's just another nightmare."