Chapter 7: Central City
[Winry]
"Winry, wake up."
Al…
I open my eyes and realize that there's an arm around me. I look up and see that it's Al. How long was I asleep? He looks down at me and I sit up. I stretch and look out the window. Sure enough, I can see Central in the distance. It hasn't changed much.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" I ask, turning to Al.
He nods. "You've spent most of your time in Rush Valley, right? Well, you haven't missed much."
"I guess that's good…" Ed, where are you? Please be ok. Stay safe…
"Winry."
I turn and look at Al's stern face. I can't take it (too) seriously, but I don't laugh.
"Let's focus on one thing at a time, ok?"
In other words, he's telling me to stop thinking/worrying about Ed. "Hai hai." I look at him. "I'll do my best."
He nods then looks forward. It's hard to believe this is the same Al that I've always known.
o0o
Major Armstrong has picked us up and now we're headed to Colonel Mustang. He's insisted that we meet as soon as we could. Al isn't speaking and I'm starting to get restless. In the mean time, Major Armstrong is babbling away about random nonsense. It's giving me a headache…
Al takes my hand and smiles a little. I smile and nod. He's telling me to hang on just a little but longer. I can do that. I have to. For Ed. And for me.
"Major." I say.
"Hm?" he turns his big muscle-y head. His moustache has gotten bigger…
"Is there anything you'd care to tell us before we meet with Colonel Mustang?"
He's silent for a while and looks away.
"Please, Major," Al pleads, "I have to know if Nii-san is ok."
So he's playing the brother card, is he? Good going, Al. You've gotten sly.
Major Armstrong sighs. "Edward-kun went on a very dangerous job that I'm not allowed to speak of…However, what I can tell you is that—"
Before he can finish, the Major is cut off by Colonel Mustang himself, standing at the gate. Al and I exchange glances. He squeezes my hand then lets go as he gets out of the car. I follow him and wave good bye to Major Armstrong. He looks worried…like he needed to tell us something. Something important.
"Colonel Mustang." Al says with a small bow.
Mustang-san nods. "Al-kun."
Then he looks at me. "Ah, Winry-san. It's good to see you again."
He is so faking it right now. He's dying to tell us what's going on, I just know it.
I just nod. "Likewise, Colonel Mustang."
There's a slight pause; a silence.
"Now that we're done with formalities," I say, "tell me everything about what's going on with Ed."
He cringes slightly but nods. "Come with me."
So Al and I follow him into the Military HQ.
o0o
Just wait a little while longer. I'll try to put Ed in asap.
