A quick note before we dive in- thanks so much to everyone who's reviewed! I don't normally get a lot of feedback, so it's a nice change from the usual :)
8. No problem
Winry's customers hated when that state alchemist blew into town. He was pushy, arrogant, downright childish, and he had no consideration for her other customers or already-packed schedule. They figured he'd heard of her reputation, waltzed in one day and flashed his watch, and forced her to do his maintenance, only to come back a few months later with her masterpiece blown apart. Seriously- no consideration! She obviously hated him since they constantly fought, and she always threw her tools at him every time he showed up.
Several of her regular customers (and admirers) decided to stake out Garfiel's place several months after the state alchemist had last been seen, figuring he'd have trashed his latest arm and would show up again soon. They planned to tell him what was what, and maybe beat the little punk to the ground (stupid science geek).
Sure enough, they heard the clank of armor that usually signaled the brat's arrival. He was limping this time, and his brother had to half-pull him along. His right arm hung useless as well. Guy, the sort-of ring leader of the group, stepped forward to confront the brothers, maybe convince the kid to drop that sense of entitlement. The others followed him, though slowly. "Listen here, you little punk, you-"
He didn't get anything else out before Ed clapped his hands and hit the ground. Guy, along with the rest of Winry's disgruntled customers, felt the street around them move, trapping them in a cage made of earth. "I don't have time for you," Ed groaned, and he continued toward the shop.
Winry had come out to see the cause of the commotion. She huffed and dug out her wrench, preparing to throw, but then Ed did the unthinkable- he limped the distance between them and swept her into a tight left-armed hug. The mechanic squeaked, and her customers gasped. Then she smiled and hugged him back. "Thank God you're ok," Ed mumbled into her shoulder.
"Me? Ed, what-"
"We'll explain later, Winry," said Al, also subdued. Ed straightened up, but he kept his arm around Winry. "I'm sorry, I got busted up again. D'you think you can squeeze me in?"
Winry smiled again; "No problem. You think you could let the rest of my revenue out?"
Ed looked over his shoulder at the speechless crowd. "No problem," he replied. "Al?"
Al set to work with the chalk as Winry helped Ed hobble inside.
A/N: Not that he matters, but "Guy" will be around in a few other Rush Valley scenes. He's awfully fun to tease and torture.