Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist.

A/N: Yay! I'm writing again! I apologize for the length of time that has passed since my last update. I'm trying to adjust to life without my mother. Anyway, you're not here to read my life story, so, without further ado, "Let it Snow".

-.X.-

Chapter Three

-.X.-

"Winry?" I asked timidly, a light blush spreading across my cheeks. I swiftly dipped my hand into my coat pocket and fondled a small, velvety black box. My heart was racing. I couldn't believe what I was about to do.

She looked stunning…gorgeous…magnificent even. Winry's blonde hair was up and curled. She wore delicate glass earrings which resembled rain droplets along with a matching bracelet and necklace. Her simple black dress came to just above her knees and the strappy heels elevated her to where I had to look up at her. An unsure smile spread across her painted lips.

Our baby, Edward Elric (the second, really), was due in just a few weeks. Winry's stomach had grown immensely. I loved feeling our baby kicking inside of her tummy and I couldn't wait until he came out to say, "Hello!"

"Yes, Al?" she nervously asked, looking around the over-priced restaurant, wringing the tablecloth with her petite hands.

I drew in a deep breath and smiled at the woman I had tried my very hardest to love as more than just my childhood friend. I stood up from the cushioned chair and took two steps forward. I knelt down on one knee and grasped the small box in my pocket, not quite ready to remove it yet.

"You have always been there for me, Winry, since we were small children. I remember when Ed would pick on me and how you'd always side with me. You and Grandma Pinako were there for us when our mother died. When I lost my memory, you stuck by my side and tried your hardest to help me remember my travels with Ed during our search for the philosopher's stone. And you were there, supporting me every minute that Ed was missing on the other side of the gate. When he returned and I joined with him to help close the gate on the other side, you waited for us to find a way home, never giving up hope that we'd eventually pop up again. And when we finally did, you were there for us. You gave us a roof to stay under until Ed and I could afford to build one next door to yours. And," I drew in another deep breath to keep my emotions at bay. "And when Ed joined the military again and disappeared, you helped glue my pieces back together. I am truly happy with you, Winry." That was a lie. I could be much happier. "I know that you have some doubts about us and about whether or not I intend on staying with you and helping you raise our baby."

"Al---" her eyes were tearing up. Her charcoal eyeliner and mascara were going to run down her cheeks at any moment.

"Shh…I'm not done yet," I continued, smiling warmly. "I do not, Winry, intend on leaving you high and dry. I do not intend on abandoning you or our child. I do, however, intend on spending the rest of my life with you, Winry Rockbell." The guests at neighboring tables were watching us intently, the women smiling giddily, the men looking on with mild interest. I pulled the small box out of my pocket and opened it. "I know I don't have much to offer, Winry, but…will you marry me?"

-.X.-

A firm hand gripped my wrist. I stood motionless, hanging my head in shame. I had just ruined everything with one little impulsive action.

"Al…?" He sounded sad, terribly sad. My heart stopped. "Al…?" He asked again, ever so slightly tightening his grip on my wrist.

Was he angry with me? I knew he wouldn't throw me outside of his home when I had no place to go…but I definitely didn't want to stay if I had angered him or somehow caused him pain.

"Al! Look at me!" he exclaimed, pulling me around so that I was facing him.

I refused to look up into his golden eyes; I didn't want to look him in the face. I was far too ashamed.

I felt a cold, gloved finger being placed under my chin. His touch was gentle yet firm as he forced me to look up. My eyes slammed shut.

"Alphonse, open your eyes," he instructed, his voice significantly less morose than before. There was a certain seriousness in his tone.

"No." I wanted to open them. But I was afraid to. I was much too afraid of what I would see---be it blazing anger or disappointment.

"Do you regret kissing me, Al?"

My eyes fluttered open; I was confused. He sounded like he was upset…but not in the way that I was expecting. "…Yes."

Momentarily, his eyes widened before falling to the snowy, frozen ground. He released my wrist and turned away, advancing toward his shovel.

I mirrored his actions and began to throw the snow out of the pathway. And, it was during this time that I came to the realization that maybe, just maybe, he had mutual feelings for me.

-.X.-

I found myself in my room, sulking. If I had had a chance to be with my brother, I was sure that I had completely lost it. He hadn't said another word to me since we had parted to continue shoveling snow. Then again---I hadn't really given him a chance to say anything either. Immediately after we had finished up outside, I had retreated to the room he had so graciously leant to me and laid down on the bed.

It felt like I always messed up whenever it came to Brother, ever since we were little. I always messed up his plans in one way or another For instance, after Mother died, I didn't even try to stop him from trying to resurrect her, knowing very well that it was taboo---forbidden. And because I didn't stop him, he wound up losing his arm and leg. He lost both of his limbs because of me.

And it was completely my fault that we lost touch. I didn't try to call him enough. And I rarely ever invited him to stay with Winry and I. Even worse---he bought the house that Winry and I were living in. It was his home.

And my most recent mistake that I had, quite literally just come to realize? I had lost faith that he'd be coming home and I slept with Winry and got her pregnant and had to marry her because of my mistake.

-.X.-

Knock, knock

Winry glanced over at me and asked, "Who do you think that is, Al? We aren't expecting any company…"

I shrugged. "I'll get it. You just stay there and rest. Ellie's due any day now and I don't want you exhausting yourself." I got up from my chair, looked over at the playpen, making sure little Edward was doing alright before nonchalantly heading toward the door.

Knock, knock, knock

"Whoever's at the door is very impatient!" Winry exclaimed, slamming her fists down on the arms of the chair. She seemed to get overly emotional (more so than what she normally was) when her hormones were all mixed up.

"Alphonse! Open up the door!"

Upon recognizing the voice, I hurried myself the last five feet and turned the door handle. "Roy! What are you doing here?" I inquired, heart pounding. There was no other reason that he'd be there unless there was some word on Edward…

"We've located him," he stated, trying not to smile.

"Alive?" I asked, eyes lighting up, hopeful.

"Alive."

I looked from Roy over to Winry and back to Roy, a wide smile spreading rapidly across my face. I threw my arms around the black-haired man, tears forming in my eyes. I was at a loss for words.

Though taken slightly aback, Roy returned the gesture, a small smile forming on his lips. "Fullmetal will be here within the next day or so. Be sure to give him a warm greeting. From what I've heard, he isn't well. I'm sure that he'll need a lot of rest and probably food."

I released Roy and took a step backwards and nodded. "Yes, sir!" I replied, taking a step to the side of the door. "You've traveled a long way, Roy. Would you like to come in for some coffee or hot tea?"

"I'm afraid I can't. I am needed back at Central; we too are preparing for Edward's return. He is being promoted for his accomplishments in the war."

-.X.-

"Yes, Rose, everything is fine.---Why are you worried?"

Being brought out of my thoughts, I sat up and frowned. Brother sounded irritated, loud.

"---What about us are you worried for?---What do you mean by 'rocky'?"

I got up off of the bed and slowly crept toward the door, placing my ear up against it. "I wish I could hear what Rose was saying…" I mumbled under my breath.

"---You know what? We'll discuss this later.---Because I am tired of the same old bullshit!---You don't trust me!---Rose, what's a relationship worth if you can't even trust each other?---I don't even want to hear this!"

I heard Ed slam the phone down and begin stomping down the hall, presumably toward his room.

Wrong.

-.X.-

A/N: I really don't want to end here…especially because I don't know when I'll be able to update again…But I'll get to it as soon as I have time! XD Promise!

With all of the love that I bestow upon my readers,

Jayden Winters