A/N: Okay… Let's try to get back into the swing of things, shall we? Please enjoy! This was one of my favorite chapters to write. This one shows the reason behind the title. I know it's a short one, but it seemed like such a great place to end this chapter. Please read and review. Much love!

Tears of the Alchemist

Chapter X – Please Don't

Ed laid his hand upon the door before he dared to open it. After breathing deeply, he pushed the door open. Winry was resting peacefully and opened her eyes at the sound of Ed's entrance. She smiled at him.

"Edward," she barely whispered. He returned her smile and sat down in the seat next to her bed. Although his mouth displayed a smile, sadness was in his eyes. Winry noticed his dimly lit eyes immediately, for she always knew them to burn with determination.

"They told you, haven't they?" she questioned, abandoning her smile. He nodded in response.

"But Winry," he began. "Everything will be okay. Alchemy has answers for everything. I'm sure we can figure something out." Winry silently shook her head in disagreement.

"Winry?"

"Why do you think alchemy is always the answer? Look at what happened to you and Al! Is that the type of answer you're looking for?!" Edward hung his head.

"…Haven't you ever considered something besides alchemy?… Have you ever considered prayer?" she asked softly, knowing she was asking too much. Ed raised his eyes, looking back at her.

"You know that I don't like to pray," he said bluntly. She sighed.

"I know, but I thought…" she trailed off. "Nevermind. I'm tired," she said closing her eyes.

"You need your rest," Ed said as he patted the bedding next to her.

"Read to me?"

He smiled and looked next to the bed at the same book they read from the night before. He picked it up and turned to the first page.

"The early morning mist rose from the salty green sea as the pirate gazed from his ship out to the horizon." She smiled softly as he continued to read.

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An hour had passed and Winry had submitted to sleep. Ed peered at her from over the book.

"Winry?" She didn't answer.

He dropped the book and pulled himself closer to her.

"Winry…" He could hear her shallow, desperate breathing. He let out a sorrowful sigh and took her frail hand in his, leaning over her.

"Winry, this can't happen. You've been so strong. You can't give up now. Not now." His voice was shaking as he spoke to her.

"I know I haven't always been here, and I'm sorry… but you can't leave us. I would do anything to protect you, but now… now it's up to you." His voice was beginning to crack as tears threatened the corners of his eyes. He fought back, trying to keep from shedding them.

"Winry, I need you. Please… PLEASE DON'T DIE!" With that last plea, the tears began to flow freely. They streamed down his face and fell upon Winry's pale cheeks. He rested his head upon her chest and began to sob uncontrollably. But as his tears upon Winry's cheeks began to dry, color returned to her face.

Edward calmed himself enough to lift his head. He cradled her hand carefully in his and bowed his head. It was that moment when the great Fullmetal Alchemist began to do something he hadn't done in ages. He began to pray.

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Winry had awakened to see her bedroom bathed in moonlight and Edward sleeping soundly upon her chest. Her lips curved upward in a smile, and she softly ran her fragile fingers through his golden blonde hair until she had once again drifted off to sleep.

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A/N: Aww! I have Edwin fuzzies!!!