Chapter 3: Home-cooked Meal

[Al]

I follow Winry downstairs and see that Obaa-chan is working on some automail. I take a closer look and can tell that it's most likely for Nii-san. Anyways, I lay down on the couch and stare at the ceiling. I've been working and training so much that I barely have time to relax. How did Nii-san do it?

Thinking of Nii-san makes me remember Winry crying a few minutes ago. It always killed me when she cried. But now it's even worse. It's because she's crying for Nii-san when I can't. I feel like such a bad little brother sometimes. I mean, shouldn't I be the one crying instead of her? No, I shouldn't. I need to be strong for Nii-san when he gets back.

"Al?"

I sit up. "Hai?"

Winry smiles. "Food's ready."

I jump up and practically sprint to the table. I sit and eagerly await the meal. It's roasted chicken with corn, potatoes, and green beans. Obaa-chan slowly climbs out of her seat and waddles over to the table.

"Itadakimasu!" We all say and then eat.

"Sugoi, Winry!" I say in between bites. "I haven't had a meal like this since…since I can remember!"

Both Winry and Obaa-chan exchange slightly sad glances. I pretend to ignore it and continue eating. We don't talk much, since all we really care about is how Nii-san is doing. Obaa-chan won't admit it, but she worries about him more than Winry does. I've seen her pacing before.

When they first told me about everything that happened with Nii-san, I can't remember eating or sleeping. I was such a mess, that much I remember. But they showed me evidence and walked me through almost everything. Ever since then, I've become even more determined to become a State Alchemist. Nii-san doesn't think it's a good idea, but I have to do this. I just have to!

"Al?" It's Winry…

I look down and see that her hand is on my wrist. I look up at her face and her blue eyes looked worried and tired. I bet she pulled an all-nighter again. She never admits to being tired, but I can tell that she could sleep at any moment.

I shake my head. "Gomen. I was thinking about something."

She smiles a little and removes her hand. "Yokatta. You looked really sad for a second."

I fake a chuckle and take another bite. "Just a flashback."

Winry lowers her head and nods. She takes another bite of food and doesn't say another word. I look at Obaa-chan and she just shrugs, like she doesn't want to be involved in the conversation. I finish my food quickly then go outside for some fresh air.

There's a cool breeze and the stars look amazing tonight. I haven't seen them in a while now. How nostalgic…The city doesn't have stars like this. I miss seeing them every night. Is Nii-san looking at the same stars?

"Nostalgic, isn't it?" Winry says from behind me.

I turn around. "Hai. But it's also kind of sad."

She frowns and sits next to me. "How so?"

"Because I don't know if Nii-san is looking at the same stars…"

She looks away. Dang it! I wasn't supposed to remind her of Nii-san!

"Ah g-gomen, Winry. I mentioned him again."

She looks at me with a sad smile. "Don't worry about it. Besides, he promised me."

"Promised you what?"

"That the next time he makes me cry, it'll be tears of joy." she laughs. "He's not very good at keeping that promise."

"But he tries." I wish I could remember that promise…

She nods and lays on her back. "He does. That's what counts, right?"

I nod. "As long as you continue forward and try, breaking a promise is a small price to pay."

"Where'd you get that from?"

I shrug. "It's just an idea."