Chapter 2

Somehow

Author's Note- Well here it is, the second and final chapter. Enjoy!

A smile had formed on her lips, she could feel it, and by the confused expression on Al's face, she knew it was noticeable. Winry giggled at Al's misinterpretation.

"Oh Al, I'm not laughing at you, it's just-" she stopped and hesitated.

She had tried so many times before to explain to Alphonse about the journey he and Edward had embarked on, to find the Philosopher's Stone. And how that whole mission had started with their failed attempt at bring their mother back. But Al never believed her, his entire memory of it all, was gone.

She felt Al's eyes on her and she looked up. His face held confusion, but also the realization of what she had been trying to say. Alphonse sighed and looked at her bitterly, but there was sadness present in his eyes.

"Look Winry, if this is about that whole Philosopher's Stone story you told me, don't bother saying it. I don't remember it happening" he only whispered the last words, but Winry heard them.

She reached for Al's hand, a notion of comfort, but he turned himself away from her. She sighed and dropped her hand, becoming silent again. The wind wisped around the trees, creating the only sound between them. If he hadn't been so much younger than herself, she would have yelled at him for being immature, but, wanting his co-operation, she wasn't going to risk it.

She turned back to look at Al, who was now on his feet standing in front of her. A look of determination was on his face as he stared down at her.

"I'm going Winry, I've gotta do this. I just wish you would understand" he said then looked to his right, as if seeing something she couldn't. "I have to go now", he said turning on his heel and began moving away from her.

Winry stood up quickly, panic racing through her.

"Al wait!" she yelled after him, hoping that he would stay and hear what she said.

"If you're going to study and become the best alchemist you can be, I'll try my hardest to improve my mechanic skills, so that they help in anyway they can" she paused and then continued, "But you have to promise me that you will come back here safe..ok?"

If he was going to risk his life to bring back Ed, then she was too, but she wanted to make sure he stayed alive. She couldn't stand losing both of them.

Al grinned at her and then grabbed both of her hands in his, "I promise".

Winry nodded. "I know you will", she then bent down to match his height.

"Here...for good luck", she kissed him lightly on the cheek. Al nodded vigorously, with a failed attempt to cover his embarrassment, he replied "Thanks".

This time when Al turned to leave, Winry let him go, her thoughts had now overcome her mind.

If he was determined enough to bring back Ed, to give up everything just to be with his brother, then what did that say about her? She had never done anything even close to that.

Wiping back tears that pleaded to fall, Winry smiled. If Al really could do what he had his heart set on, then maybe, just maybe, there was hope for her too.

"Someday, somehow, I'll get you back brother"