Sorry this was late. Its a short chapter but I had a hard time writing it.

Liz: She struggles with cute things.

Envy: Because she's so evil

I'd protest to that but its true.

Al: Hopefully this turned out cute.

Ed: REVIEW

Chapter 11: Proposal

After we delayed our return to Central, Mustang was reluctant to give us time up to go to Rush Valley for Winry's birthday. But when I revealed the reason why, much to Edward's chagrin, he became more willing.

"Really, Fullmetal? Aren't you growing up? Hughes always said you two would end up together."

"Don't smirk at me like that! Its really none of your damn business."

"Oh Edward, there's no need to be so embarrassed."

"I'M NOT!"

"Wow, Liz, look how red he is."

"He is pretty red, isn't he Envy?"

"ALL OF YOU CAN GO TO HELL!"

Oh Edward. Such a sweet and romantic soul.

Once we got the okay from Mustang we set about preparing for the event. First Ed had to make decisions about what he wanted to do for her and how he wanted to propose. He was of course, bad at making decisions and avoided the topic at every opportunity. We solved this problem by locking him inside his hotel room and forcing him to sit down to talk it out with us. Al and I mostly since we knew him well. Envy just wanted to be there to witness Ed's emotional torment.

He's such a lovely older brother.

"You only have to make a few decisions to make Edward, and the sooner you make them, the more time we have to prepare." I said.

"Fine." He grumbled, crossing his arms. "But I'm clueless with this stuff."

"Fortunately, so are we." I said.

Ed raised an eyebrow. "How is that fortunate?"

"That 'we' includes Winry. She's not great with this stuff either, brother." Al said. "Mechanics is to her what alchemy is to you. That's what she understands."

"Which is why we're taking her to Rush Valley instead of… I don't know… some boring beach." I said. "So remember, no matter what you decide, Winry won't judge you for not being an A+ romantic."

"She doesn't even have a standard to compare you too." Envy said. "Since she hasn't been with anyone else. Which is probably a good thing."

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Oh don't mind Envy." I rolled my eyes. "He's just insulting you because he feels its his duty as your older brother."

"I still don't accept that fact by the way." Ed muttered.

"That's okay, I do." Envy grinned. "Which mean you get the insults free of charge."

"Great."

"Focus, Ed." I snapped my fingers in front of his face. "What are you going to do for her? Because its her birthday too."

"Well… I guess I should get her some nice tools." Ed said. "I don't know what to ask for though."

"I'll get word out to Lucy." Al said. "She'll know what Winry likes. She can go to Rush Valley."

"Yeah and Panina would probably help out." I said. "I think she liked you and Winry together too."

"Why did everyone like me and Winry together before we were together?" Ed demanded.

"Obviously because it was meant to be." I said flatly.

"And because Liz told them that you harbored a secret love for Winry." Al said.

"That too."

"Liz."

"Focus." I flicked him on the head. "Now, giving her tools in one thing. It's a good birthday gift. But there needs to be something special for the engagement."

"Right… that's what's been giving me trouble." Ed said. "I know jewelry is customary. Rings especially. But Winry is always working with her hands, she can't have some ring getting in the way."

"So you want something special for her. Something specific." I said.

"Right. Something meaningful." Ed said.

"Well…" Al tapped a finger against his chin. "I might have an idea.

Two days before Winry's birthday, we set out for Rush valley. Lucy had gone to kidnap Winry from Risenbol and bring her to meet us. But she didn't know we were coming. She just thought Lucy wanted to go on an awesome automail trip. It was spontaneous but, then again, Lucy was a crazy girl so it didn't seem too suspicious.

Panina had everything ready when we got there. "Got all the items." She said, holding up a case. "But the special one is separate." She winked.

"Thanks Panina." Ed said. His words came out shaky as he had looked nervous ever since we left Central. "I really appreciate it."

"No problem." She pat him on the arm. "And don't look so nervous. You'll be fine."

"Right." He muttered.

"Now we just have to find her." Al said.

"I'll take you to her. Lucy has her waiting in one of the shops." Panina said. Then she started off and we followed.

I rested a hand on Ed's shoulder. "Are you ready?"

"Not really," he said. "But I can't turn back now, can I?"

"Nope." I said. "Because I wouldn't let you." I gave him a gentle push forward.

When Winry saw us she split into a grin. She didn't suspect anything of course. To her, it was just a surprise birthday present. There was a strategy for doing this kind of thing on holidays.

"Ed, Al, Liz. Wow, everyone's here?" she looked at Lucy. "You didn't tell me."

"Wanted you to be surprised, silly." Lucy grinned.

"I am." Winry stood and went into hug Ed, giving him a quick kiss as well. I tried not to look too mischievous. I had to play it cool so she wouldn't suspect. She hugged the rest of us. "This is a great birthday present."

"Psh, you think that's your only present?" I rolled my eyes. "No, we have something more."

Ed stepped forward. "Well, we got you this." He held up the wrapped up case of automail tools. A case with just one piece in particular missing.

Winry unwrapped it eagerly and looked inside. "Wow. These are the best tools available." Her eyes sparkled. "Oh my god. They're such high quality. I'll bet they're very easy to work with."

"We thought it'd be the best present for you. I mean, you've used your old tools enough on my account. These should last awhile." Ed said.

"It's great, Ed. I love it." Winry looked up at him, grinning from ear to ear. "But its missing something. I mean, what kind of basic set of tools doesn't come with the wrench."

"Well, that's the other thing." Ed said. "The… special thing." He fingered something behind his back. "You know, Winry, since I can remember, you've been chunking wrenches at my head. And it hurt a lot of the time. But you only ever did because you cared. And right after you bashed my head in, you fixed up my automail better than ever. Getting knocked in the head with a wrench almost became a comforting feeling." He was turning red but he kept talking. There was not turning back now. "I wanted to give you something special. That meant something to you and that you could use."

He took his hands out from behind his back and produced a wrench; probably the best one money could buy. It was beautiful even to me, and I didn't care at all about machinery or tools. He held out a wrench. "So this is for you… but uh… with that I have a question. Equivalent exchange. You give me your life and I give you mine. What I mean is… well… will you marry me?"

The realization had begun to dawn on Winry's face halfway through the speech and her face slowly melted into a hue that matched Edward's. By the time he asked the question she was bright red and there were also tears in her eyes. "Idiot. Always having to put things in alchemy terms." She took the wrench from his hands. "Of course the answer is yes."

"Woo hoo!" I pumped my fist in the air. Ed, overjoyed, rushed forward and picked Winry up, swinging her around. Now that the nervousness was gone he was grinning ear to ear.

Everyone around them clapped and gave them their congratulations. I looked on with a smile.

"Wow." Al said, coming up beside me. "I guess Ed really is growing up."

"Yeah." I murmured. "I guess we all are."

Like I said, short and sweet.

Liz: D'aww. Baby Ed is growing up.

Ed: Shut up!

We're gonna have more plot soon so sit tight!

Al: See you next week.

Winry: AND REVIEW!