Ed had a difficult time choosing his words carefully. Winry would react one of two ways.

Option one: Tell Winry yes and be slapped for being perverted. Not to mention the immature commentary from Al who would tease him forever.

Option two: Be the bad lira and overreact by shouting no so loudly it's obvious he was lying.

Not only that, but Ed himself had to think about the question for a second to get an answer for himself!

"Why would I?" Ed finally ended the silence. Winry sighed.

"You just don't get it do you?"

Ed was pleased. He escaped that situation nicely. "Tell you what…." Winry began. You can stand under some water in my clothes. That could suffice?" she began the compromise.

Ed sighed with relief. "Alright Winry," He said. "Later… I'm tired,"

"Me too," Winry agreed.

Ed walked into his room. I wish I didn't come…. He thought angrily, and more importantly… Ed had to know what the hell Envy wanted. He knew he'd eventually have to fight Envy to undo the curse… or whatever this nightmare was. But he knew it would be hard fighting in Winry's body.

He flexed Winry's right hand. He knew one day he would be able to the same with his own arm.

Winry lay awake, shifting in discomfort under the sheets. Her automail was art, but hard to get comfortable in. She felt the cold steel with her hand. She shivered a little. It was so strange not being able to feel on one side.

She was tossing restlessy, attempting feebly for the steel not to bite into the skin. Tears began to well down her face. Not for her own sake, for Ed, who had to endure so much, even if her automail WAS art.

The next morning, Ed woke up to the smell of sizzling bacon. "Mmmmm... Bacon..." He chanted. The fragrance tempted him. He hadn't eaten last night, but at the same time, he was afraid that he'd have to endure the perils of a visit to the bathroom. This madness had to stop.

for Winry

for himself

and for rights to eat bacon!!

Will Ed ever break this terrible misfortune? solution ahead, chapter 8 to be added soon!