Grown Up- Chapter One
Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist. Hiromu Arakawa does. I am just borrowing them for a bit.

Winry's thoughts on Ed and the events that lead up to the realization that she loves him. Very introspective.

How could I not have noticed that he had grown up? As I eavesdropped on his conversation with his brother, I heard his determination. I could tell he was different. I couldn't tell exactly how, but something had happened to change him. Was it the knowledge of Mr. Hughes death or something that had happened on his trip for "maintenance?"

It makes me sad to think of how he must feel and to know that he won't let me help. 'I hate it. He never lets me in.' I thought huffily.

Earlier, I got the feeling that he was hiding something from me, something important, and something I think he feels the need to protect me from. When I tried to ask him what he was thinking, the way he looked at me with his amber eyes nearly stopped my heart. He looked at me with such intensity and that intensity was echoed in the words he spoke. "Please, wait. I promise I'll tell you everything." I slumped a little at the memory. I didn't want to wait anymore, hadn't I done enough of that?

But his eyes had been so serious, I felt like I had better obey. Just this once I decided not to push. I would let him protect me, for a little while longer anyway. I'm not the type to sit back and do nothing.

He's always trying to protect me, though I never saw it that way until Mr. Hughes mentioned it. I thought he was just being stubborn and selfish. It never occurred to me that he might not want to worry granny and I more by telling us about the kinds of danger he must be facing. He is very brave and very strong, more so than I had originally thought. I really can't help but be amazed.

Somewhere deep inside, I've always known how strong Ed could be. Even before Al showed up at our house, Ed drenched in blood and missing limbs, I knew. He really did surprise me with the automail surgery and he was up, just like he said, good as new only a year later. It should have been impossible.

I returned my attention curiously to the brothers and, from their conversation, it sounded like they were planning on looking for someone. Specifically, they seemed to be looking for the man who had murdered all of those alchemists earlier. It scares me to think that they are actually seeking out someone like that. I don't want to lose either of them. I care about them and I want to see Al back to normal again, but I don't want to see them die.

I peeked around the corner at them as they reaffirmed their mission to get back to normal. I felt my eyes widen as my friends started walking down the hall. When had Ed gotten such broad shoulders? How did I miss that? Now that I thought about it, I realized he was actually taller than me. I found myself leaning against the corner I was peeping around and thought, 'no, he isn't a child anymore.' Seeing them recede toward their room, I jogged after them.

Ed and Al left early the next day to 'take care of something.' They told me to wait, but it was such a beautiful day. It really would have been a shame to waste it indoors. I could smell flowers and food from the vendors on the street as I walked down one of the streets in Central's market district. I inhaled deeply and smiled, turning my face to the sun. It was so warm and wonderful. I felt peaceful.

I was wearing my favorite black pleated skirt, which came down to mid thigh and my white halter top with a jacket to match the skirt. The Jacket was getting a little warm, and I considered taking it off. I refrained because I didn't feel like carrying it and settled for keeping the fastenings undone.

While I strolled along enjoying the sun on my skin, I decided to visit Gracia. I hadn't seen her in a while and I wanted to see how she and Elysia were doing, and maybe go see Mr. Hughes. To that end, I stopped to buy some pretty white and pink carnations and practically skipped to the Hughes residence. I liked the way my pony tail moved with me, I felt like I was six again. Besides, it was better that I hurried along; my fair skin burns easily in the sun and, even though my arms were covered, I didn't want to burn my face or my legs.

The Hughes home was quaint and cottage-like. It had a stone outer facade and a lovely garden. Gracia must really love flowers because her garden is a gorgeous combination of colors and types. The inside was warm with wood floors covered by throw rugs in honey and golden tones, some cream with lovely, almost pastel colored flowers. The only thing missing was Mr. Hughes. I hurried up the walk and knocked, eager to see Gracia and Elysia.

Gracia looked bright enough, but there was a touch of sorrow in her brown eyes. I ached for her. To lose someone you love so much; I can understand losing parents, but losing a husband or a lover must be very different.

She greeted me warmly and asked me inside where I was immediately attacked by her daughter, Elysia. The little girl wrapped her arms around my legs nearly knocking me over. "Elysia! Let poor Winry at least get through the door." Her mother admonished lightly and not without a little laughter. I was glad to see a smile on her face and in her eyes at her daughter's antics.

I only laughed. "I'm happy to see you too." I said, looking down at Elysia.

I stayed for lunch which consisted of turkey sandwiches and cookies fresh from the oven, with sun tea to drink. I'm not sure why, but tea brewed in the sun seems to taste better than tea that sits in the refrigerator first. I know it's probably my imagination, but so many others think there's a difference too. We all can't be wrong can we?

"What are your plans for the day Winry?" Gracia asked me, bringing me out of my reverie. She was always so kind and I answered her truthfully, hoping I wouldn't make her sad. "I was going to visit Mr. Hughes." I couldn't quite keep my voice from falling a touch. News of his death had affected me deeply even though I had barely known him. I still couldn't believe Ed had tried to hide it from me.

I know he wanted to try to break it to me gently, and I was still a little irritated. I shouldn't be though, because it was Ed who came into my room to comfort me and Ed who shared my apple pie with me and complimented it. He was so remorseful, and I couldn't stop crying, but he had tried to help and that mattered more to me than he'll ever know.

Gracia glanced at my flowers and said "Why don't we go together?" She smiled and I snapped out of my more depressing thoughts. I'm not sure whether she was going with me so that we could support each other, but I was grateful. I didn't want to go alone and spending some time with her seemed like a good idea. I thought it might help clear my head.

When we reached Mr. Hughes grave, a bouquet of white lilies was already decorating it. I looked around at the rows of white grave markers and the well kept green grass. The place was so beautiful and soothing and it felt odd that a place of death should be like this. I knelt and laid my flowers down and started talking to him. I didn't pay much attention to what I was saying. I just wanted him to know that I missed him, that I was sorry this happened to him, and that I wished he were here.

Gracia and Elysia stood slightly behind me, watching. Elysia walked up beside me and touched her father's headstone before returning to her mother's side. Gracia picked her up and held her close while I stood up.

"I'm sorry." I said. The world around me was blurry. "My parents died when I was very young. They were killed in the war with Ishval. When I met Mr. Hughes, you and Elysia, I saw something of my own family. Do you think I could visit him again?" I asked, uncertain.

"Of course, you should visit him often. I think he'd like that. He gets lonely so easily." She said, smiling through her tears as we turned around and slowly left the cemetery.

A/N: This is pretty much Winry's point of view the whole way through. There were some intriguing parts of the story involving Winry and Ed that I thought I'd try to play with. The whole story should encompass 11, 12, and 13 in the manga series.