Unspoken

AN: Ah, the EdWinry moments Brotherhood offers... I was struck by how Winry suddenly says 'Ed, I...' in episode 46. I'm not sure if that was in the manga or not, but it gave me so many delicious ideas...

Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist or Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

He's ready to go. She fine-tuned his auto-mail only hours ago, and she can see that he appreciates the work – he flexes his fingers and offers her a smile. She doesn't smile back, not whole-heartedly, because it means it's time for him to go. It's time for him to leave Resembool once more – time for him to leave her once more.

They are quick to assemble. The person who looks like Ling – Greed, he calls himself – ruffles his hair mockingly. Edward slaps his hand away, a faint scowl on his face. Winry laughs at the childish expression.

They're outside, and she's standing on the porch, looking down at them all. He's walking down the steps, and she can't bear to let him go without saying anything. Something, anything, just so that she has a memory to keep.

"Ed... I..."

She isn't sure what she wants to say. There are a million thoughts whirling around in her head, and she could easily say any of the things that come to mind.

"I'm sorry I pushed you so hard, but I can't bear to think of you failing."

"I know you'll save us, because you're strong and brave and I just know you can do it."

"I don't want you to go. I want you to stay, stay here with me, even if it means the world will end. I don't want you to go."

"I want you to get your limbs back and Al's body, so that you can come home safe and sound and you'll be able to keep the promise you made to me."

"I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes. At least I can do this much for you."

Or even "I love you," because she's terribly afraid she'll never be able to say it to him if she doesn't now. "I love you, and I want you to know that, so that even if the world ends, I can know for sure if you feel the same way or not."

But he turns to her, and stills her frantic thoughts. There's a half-smile on his face, the corners of his lips just barely turn up, and there is a determined glow in his eyes that softens as he looks at her.

"Al and I will sort out this entire Promised Day mess and come home," he promises. "So keep an apple pie ready for me, okay?"

It's strange, she muses, how the simplest of words can make her feel so reassured. The words themselves are nothing special, but she can sense an undercurrent of warmth in them, and she knows that he's trying to tell her not to worry, in his own, strange way. Winry smiles in reply and nods, her chest aching.

I love you.

"I will."

AN: 464 words.