Chapter 14: True Feelings

[Ed]

Her lips are so soft that I don't even notice the pain anymore. When she pulls back, I long for more. So, this is how she felt all along? I smile and motion for her to some closer. She scoots closer with a slightly confused expression. I then gently pull her towards me and hug her. I don't hold her too tight because of my injuries.

She smiles and lays her head on my shoulder. She smells like shampoo instead of oil. I like it…I lean back, as does she. Her legs are curled up so she doesn't fall off the bed.

"I broke my promise again, didn't I?" I ask quietly.

"It's ok." she says. "You get an exception this time."

"Arigato…"

She looks up at me and kisses me again. "I missed you."

I kiss her back. "I missed you too."

She smiles then lays her head on my shoulder again.

"Tired?" I ask.

She nods. "A little."

"Then sleep. It's ok."

"Arigato, Ed." She closes her eyes.

Al knocks on the door and I nod, telling him it's ok to come in. When he sees Winry, he raises an eyebrow but says nothing. He sits on the other side of me. His face looks worn and pale.

"Al…Are you ok?" I say with concern.

"I'm fine, Nii-san." he insists. "It's just a cough and fever."

I frown. "You almost died the last time it was 'just a cough and fever.' " I remind him.

"I know, but I'm much better than I was nine days ago."

"You've been sick for nine days?"

He nods. "But I'm finally able to walk without help now, so don't worry."

I sigh. Poor guy…Though I hate it when he insists that he's fine when he's not. I pause and think about that for a second. Is that how Winry feels about me? I mentally shrug it off and turn my attention back to Al.

"Is Winry ok?" Al asks.

I look down at Winry then back at Al. "She's just tired I think."

"She was coughing earlier. I got concerned but she said it was nothing."

"She was probably too worried about you."

After a pause, Al says, "You know she's cried twice now because of you."

I nod. "I know, I know. And I said that I was sorry."

"She forgave you, I guess? I shouldn't have to ask. The proof is right there." He points at Winry.

My face gets hot. "Urusai!"

Al laughs, but it soon turns into coughs. I try to do something, but he holds up a hand and I wait. When his coughing subsides, he looks at me. His eyes look tired.

"Why don't you get some rest, Al?" I say finally.

"Why? So you can be alone with Winry?" he says.

My face gets hot again.

Then Al grins and says, "Just kidding."

I sigh with relief. "Don't do that to me, Al! I'm a sick man!"

He stands and waves his hand dismissively. "Hai hai."

I watch him walk out. Then I look down at the sleeping Winry. I never realized it, but she's really pretty when she sleeps. I carefully move some hair out of her face and then close my eyes.

I love you, Winry.