Disclaimer: Don't own it!

057: To live

A fire was crackling merrily in the living room. Alphonse was doing a good imitation of his brother by sprawling out and basking in its warmth. He sighed happily.

"This feels so good!"

Winry chuckled at him as she walked in from the kitchen munching on a handful of almonds. She nudged him with a toe as she passed.

"You're like an overgrown cat, Al," she told him. "You find a warm spot and take up more room than looks possible."

"Does that mean I can get a cat?"

"No, why do we need when we've got you?"

"They're cu–cud–c–cuddly," the boy yawned in reply.

The fire was sending him off to a warm place full of kitties for cuddling and snuggling (or, as most others would call it, a nap).

Keeping a contented smile on her face, Winry made her way over to the older brother. Edward was standing by a window, watching the jack frost trace patterns across the pane. His face was closed and his stance tense.

Winry leaned against the wall on the other side of the window. She looked up at him and sighed. She wanted to know what he was thinking about, but his expression made her assume she wouldn't like it.

Edward blinked out of his reverie and looked back at her. Then he noticed the almonds she was holding and snatched a few.

"Hey! Get your own nuts!"

He grinned and popped the snack into his mouth, crunching noisily. "Already got some."

"You're so crass, Ed," Winry muttered grumpily.

"Yup." He grinned and resumed looking out the window.

Winry rolled her eyes.

"What are you thinking about?" she ventured after a few minutes.

"Where I'm going," he replied without hesitation.

"You're leaving already?"

Edward started and frowned at her.

"Leaving? When did I say anything about leaving? Do you want me gone so quickly?"

"I don't want you going anywhere! You two only just got back here!" She huffed, holding back a few threatening tears. "And you said you were leaving."

"I didn't say I was leaving. I'm just thinking about what I'm gonna do with myself; where I'm going with my life." He poked her shoulder. "Don't jump to conclusions, woman."

"Oh," she finished lamely. Edward just smiled at her and ruffled her hair.

"You should get more almonds."

"You should stop stealing them."

"How else am I supposed to get them?" Edward widened his eyes in feigned innocence.

Winry scoffed at his performance and settled back to watch the fire. The silence stretched on for a few more minutes. Alphonse mumbled in his sleep and rolled over.

Edward looked back and watched his brother. He was smiling softly, and Winry noticed he looked completely content. No worry lined his face, no anxiety tensed his shoulders, and no guilt shrouded his eyes.

"So, where are you going?" She asked quietly. He turned to her, smiling a little wider.

"No where, for a while."