A/N: It has been quite a while and that's completely my fault. I'm sorry. It seems I didn't take care of myself and the stress from finals week got to me. I ended up getting sick on Christmas and have not been able to leave the house until today! But here is the last chapter, I never stopped working on it and I hope you can appreciate it. The Epilogue is still in progress but this pretty much should sum things up. Thank you for all who stuck by this story and I hope I have just as much fun with the sequel as I have with had with this.
Disclaimer- No way will I have the honor of owning Fullmetal Alchemist.
Chapter 20
The door to the office opened and closed somewhere behind the tower of paperwork that had slowly been growing since nine in the morning. He was too proud to acknowledge the fact that he would have to stand to see the person at the door, so he remained seated.
"Yes? You have something for me?" he asked when the unmistakably female "ummm" floated over to his desk.
"Um…a telegram came in and was asked to be delivered to this office."
"Who is it addressed to?"
"Um…well…"
Hawkeye stood up from her own seat across the room then she too was obscured by the papers.
"Central Headquarters, Floor 3," she read aloud, "Room 3114, Office of General Bastard,"
Roy smirked. "So he finally checked his mail?"
"Apparently so. She said walking over and handing him the telegram over the pile of papers.
He looked it over and read the brief message at the bottom: Got your letter. Boarding the express to Central on the 17th. I'll get there when I get there.
E.E.
Heh. So it was General Bastard now. Apparently he had moved up a notch.
He stood up and nodded to the secretary who was hovering silently in the doorway waiting for further instruction.
She bowed and left.
"Liutenant Hawkeye, it is my understanding that your lunch break is in five minutes. On your way out could you kindly fetch Sergeant Sciezka from the investigations office and tell her to bring up the old mission records I had her look over? Tell her I want all the mission details that were sent at the NAA's request."
Hawkeye nodded. "If I may ask a question, sir." He nodded his consent. "Do you intend to give this mission to Edward?"
"Not until I have all the details," he assured her.
She bowed then stopped at the door.
Roy looked at her inquisitively. "A letter came in today from the base in East City. I suppose it's somewhere in the pile of this morning's paperwork. It looked important."
He nodded and she left.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Rose Thomas surveyed the vast Rockbell family backyard, content to see her son playing under a tree with Alphonse. Winry, as far as she could tell had gone inside to get some drinks, leaving her all the freedom in the world to talk to Edward guilt free. As much as Rose was sure Winry didn't hate her, she did feel like there was a bit of jealousy on the mechanic's part. A jealousy that she supposed was justified. It was no secret that Winry harbored some sort of feelings for Ed, and Rose, being as close to the brothers as she was could be seen as a threat. Not that Winry would ever treat her that way. No, the mechanic was too nice for that, still it must have been tough to keep all those feelings to herself. Rose didn't understand why she didn't just confess already, it would make things easier on both their parts.
She found Edward meditating under a tree, eyes closed and relaxation etched in his features. He wasn't wearing a shirt and his long hair hung in a horsetail over his left shoulder. She was contemplating leaving without saying anything, when he opened and locked his yellow eyes with her hers. Rose felt a blush creep up on her face.
Just because she had written off her feelings for the elder Elric as a crush didn't mean that she didn't feel light headed every time those eyes looked her way.
Edward was as handsome as he was lively, and while she knew he would never see her as more than a friend she couldn't help but wonder.
"— feel ignored or anything." Edward was saying.
Rose blinked then shook her head when his gaze didn't leave her. "Winry and I were talking. She went inside a moment ago."
Apparently this was the right answer because he leaned back against the tree trunk his arms behind his head. "She said that you've decided to go back to Central."
"I didn't decide, exactly. I was summoned by Central Command and then guilt tripped into accepting it. Wouldn't wanna let the the entire state down after all," he sulked.
"But you were going to go back regardless, weren't you? You said yourself you might not have a choice but to return to service."
"Yeah well, if I was in any position to refuse, I would have gladly sent in my resignation weeks ago."
Rose smiled slightly. "And what exactly would you plan on doing if you could resign?"
Ed stared at her for a few moments then looked down at the ground. "It doesn't really matter now," he mumbled.
Rose raised an eyebrow then turned to see Winry walking up to them a tray stacked with glasses of lemonade in her hands.
"I figured you could use something to drink," she said handing Rose a glass.
"You too, Ed. I'm surprised you can stand this heat at all. Does the automail feel alright?"
"It's just fine, Winry." He smiled taking the glass he was offered. "This is probably a rude question but do you really trust him with your kid?"
Rose blinked then turned across the yard were Louis Armstrong was throwing Caleb up in the air, the little boy squealing in delight before he was caught and the process was repeated.
She smiled. "Yes."
Mr. Armstrong had been so kind to her that she even trusted him with her life.
"So the mail carrier, Owen, stopped by today." Winry said.
"Hah?" Rose turned to look at the slightly teasing look on Winry's face. "Is that so?" she smiled slightly.
"Yep, he didn't even have a letter to deliver. You should confess to him." Ed grinned.
"Edward!" Winry exclaimed kicking at him, her hands too full to bop him in the head. "You're completely tactless!"
He raised the glass to his lips, hiding his grin, "He was looking for you. Seems he really likes you. Judging by the blush on your face it's not exactly one sided is it?"
Rose covered her face with her hands. "I don't know what you are talking about…"
A nervous laugh. "I think you do, but Winry looks like she's gonna tackle me, so let's change the subject. How's Liore, nowadays?"
She lowered her hands and smiled. Ed was looking backwards at Winry who was glaring back as she walked away to offer refreshments to the others.
"The reconstruction is almost finished, it looks just like it did four years ago."
"Fountain of wine and everything, huh?" he said turning back around to face her. "I remember I freaked out thinking it was blood. I hope you guys put a fence or something around that thing."
Rose nodded. "It's already done, I requested it as soon as the idea came up."
"I'd like to see it."
"Huh? But you were just there."
"Yeah well, I guess I can stop by again when I have some down time. If the bastard gives me any free time. It might be he's planning to get as much as he can out of me to make up for the last few years."
"Oh okay, sure. It would be nice if you visited."
"I also feel kind of bad, I wrecked your ceremony and then I barely spent any time with you…or Caleb," he added a little nervously. "Al feels the same way. And we were thinking we should visit. You know, because of our platonic friendship and all…" his grin twitched. "She's right behind me isn't she?"
Rose looked up and surveyed the area spotting the blonde near the side of the house talking to a redheaded girl she didn't recognize. "No, actually…"
Ed turned to look behind him. "Huh, ain't that something?"
"Is something wrong?"
"No," Ed hung his head. Then he sighed. "Actually, maybe. You're a girl so you might make sense of it."
Rose nodded.
"I just really don't get her lately. I mean first she tries to tie me together with someone making it her mission to get me married off or something. She asks me to be more "available". So I agree to go this girl's birthday party and I catch her glaring at me for dancing with an old friend she knows I don't even like."
He set down his glass. "After that every time I said a girl's name out loud she would give me this look. Even when I spoke of you or Sciezka. So now I'm avoiding the subject of girls altogether just so he doesn't go into jealous rage mode, which makes no sense at all."
"Is that redhead the girl you're talking about, the one you danced with?"
"Yep. Mira Sanders, used to sit next to me at grade school, she and Winry have always had some sort of rivalry. They were always fighting…"
"Over you?"
Ed choked on his lemonade and sputtered. "Don't you even joke, Rose! Do you have any idea how dangerous it would be to have both those maniacs…" he shuddered. "Definitely not. I guess they just don't naturally get along. It's weird though now they're all buddy buddy and of course I'm left out of the loop."
"You don't have a girl you like Ed?"
The question seemed to catch him off guard. He looked up at her and seemed to think it through before. "I don't know. I mean I do like girls in general. I have all these female friends, like you and Sciezka, and Winry… not gonna lie you're all pretty cute." He flushed red. "but then again it's just physical attraction and otherwise it feels platonic, like a sister or something. Even on the other side, that was all it was."
He ran a hand through his hair. "It makes sense that Winry is panicking and trying to get me a girlfriend, but I don't really think about those things; so I don't really know if it's just her that wants that. Actually, ever since that night I don't even know what she wants."
He looked up at Rose and she too flushed red. She kept the "what about you, what do you want?" to herself. "Have you talked about any of this with Winry?"
If possible Ed turned, redder, almost as red as that coat he used to wear. Or could it be that your relationship with her is not as platonic as you think?
"I try to now and then but I have a feeling she's avoiding me, somehow. It's strange, I've been with her all these last couple of weeks but we never really seem to talk about anything, even if she won't shut up. Does that make any sense?"
Rose nodded.
"I think she has a boyfriend."
"Huh?"
"I've been thinking that for a while now. She's always kicking me out of the room when she's on the phone, and she ties up the line for hours. Al told me she only danced with him at the party, and her room is pretty much filled with random flowers I bet she doesn't think I notice these things, but she seems pretty nervous about me finding out."
"Maybe she's afraid of how you would react." Rose said, suddenly wishing it was a misunderstanding on Ed's part. It would make a lot more sense that way. As long as she had known Winry she was convinced that the mechanic thought of Edward as a lot more than a childhood friend. She herself had liked him a lot, but it wouldn't compare to the way Winry would smile every time she spoke of the alchemist for those first two years.
The blonde had also been convinced despite everyone's consensus that Edward was alive and would come back. Two years later and she had seemed broken, but not enough to give up like that. If there really was a boyfriend she wondered how Winry felt that Edward was back, probably very confused. Rose herself didn't know what to say. She had always thought of him as being off limits, but if Winry loved someone else then what did that mean for her and Ed?
"—really stupid of her. I mean, what do I care who she likes?" he said a little heatedly.
"Well Ed. Winry may see it as something really important. A boyfriend is a big deal after all it could be that she feels guilty that she hasn't told you yet, and the more time goes on she feels like it should be easy, which would only makes it harder. So in order to cover her guilt she tried to get you a girlfriend but decided that it felt strange seeing you interact with another girl when she herself can't speak to you normally. You were gone for a long time and it could be that she doesn't know how to bring up the subject without being reminded of how much time has changed for the both of you. My advice is to wait it out and let her come to you, you are friends after all, once the awkwardness is out of the way I'm sure she'll feel comfortable around you again."
She blinked and the awed stare he gave her. "That makes a lot of sense."
He suddenly reached out and ran his fingers through a long strand of her hair. Rose froze up in a panic, wondering if she had fallen asleep and was dreaming. The sound was all wrong too, sort of like a strange humming or buzzing.
Ed suddenly seemed to catch himself and was soon back to normal. "You had a bee in your hair."
Well that would explain the buzzing…
"Hey, you okay?"
"Yeah…"
He scratched his head. "Maybe I shouldn't have reached out like that. Sorry, I can be a little compulsive sometimes."
Rose shook her head. "It's fine really!"
"But thanks," He said stretched his arms out and apparently working out a crick in his neck. "You listened to all my pent up frustrations and I feel a whole lot better. You're pretty good with words, Rose. Maybe you should use them to talk to lover boy over there," he grinned, and Rose was just a little confused.
She looked up saw him, standing by the mailbox, talking to Winry who seemed to be pointing her way.
"Go on, then." Ed said playfully attempting to push her off her kneeling position on the ground. "Prince charming's waiting."
"I think Winry has influenced you a lot more thank you think, Ed," she said getting up and dusting of her skirt.
Ed laughed at this. "You're probably right."
"Edward Elric."
Rose and Ed looked up to see Alex Louise Armstrong, a giant towering over the grass and covering it in shadow. "Is that any way to treat a young lady?"
"Um?" Rose looked at Ed who had his fingers wrapped around her arm. He immediately relinquished his hold. "It's alright, just some kidding around between friends."
She smiled and smacked Ed on the back of the head. "Hey!"
"See?"
Alex had tears in his eyes. "Ah yes, the glorious days of the young…"
Ed gave him a weird look then locked eyes with her.
She smiled as she made her way up to Owen who was waiting for her next to Winry.
He blushed adorably pink when she greeted him and she couldn't help but smile genuinely back. So maybe her dreams were a little different and maybe he wasn't a potential prince candidate. But then again neither was Ed.
As they got to talking about anything that came to mind, the sound of her son, and Al laughing rang in the air and seemed to complement the conversation and she realized she didn't have to dream any longer.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Winry grinned like a fool as she watched Rose and her friend talking on the stoop looking quite interested in eachother.
Thinking they'd want a bit of privacy she walked back to where she had left Ed to find him having his own conversation with Mr. Armstrong.
"Miss Rockbell has told me you are returning to Central, Edward."
"Yeah, I got a letter from the General's office, said they had a mission for me. I sent my reply a few days ago, though I'm not too keen on returning."
The older man nodded.
"Why hello there, Winry."
"Hi again, oh grandma was looking for you earlier. Something about firewood."
"Ah yes. I shall get right to it." He nodded and made his exit.
Ed suddenly gave her a side long glance. "What's with the goofy grin on your face?"
"What? I need a reason to smile and be happy?"
Ed smirked. "Yeah well, I guess machine junkies don't need a reason to look like dorks, either."
Winry clenched her fist wishing she hadn't left her wrench in the house. "Try saying that again alchemy freak. Why not come a little closer this time?"
The smirk stayed pasted on as he took a bold step forward, then three more until he was right in front of her.
"It seems you too get along well."
Winry almost freaked out when she saw Louis Armstrong standing in the same spot he had been before he had left a few seconds ago.
"I thought you were gathering firewood for the old lady!" Ed exclaimed, mirroring her sentiments.
They had been acting like children. It was a bit embarrassing.
"Already done with." The older man said calmly taking a sip of the lemonade.
"Wha…? Let me guess, special technique that's been passed on for generations." Ed hung his head.
"No. I just realized I had gathered all the wood this morning."
A breeze grew by as he drank down the last of his beverage. Ed's complexion seemed to be have paled as he raised his head again. "Is that so?"
"Don't be silly Ed," she laughed nervously. "Mr. Armstrong is human, after all." She kept the fact that she had been thinking the same thing, that this man was a superhuman of sorts to herself.
"Why are you all just standing there?"
She turned to see Al, red in the face from playing a long game of catch with Caleb. The little boy smiled happily up at them as he clung to the blond's shirt.
"Aunt Pinako is getting started on dinner. You should go help her, Brother."
Ed sighed. "Just say she wants her official potato peeler to report for duty, and get it over with."
He walked away but before he did he looked at her. "I noticed Mira was here."
"Yeah well…"
"You don't need to explain. At least not right now."
Then he walked away leaving her standing there with Mr. Armstrong and a curious Alphonse. "That was a bit…You okay, Winry?"
"You didn't tell him, did you?"
Winry stared straight ahead at the red head in front of her, wishing she could wipe that little smile of her face. "Not yet."
The woman leaned against the wall of the house pushing a strand of loose hair over her shoulder. "I wonder what you are waiting for. He's going to leave in a few days, after all."
"I don't understand why you care so much."
"Isn't it obvious?" Her blue eyes seemed to be surprised, as if Winry was stupid for not understanding.
"I don't want to see him get hurt."
She sighed and straightened up, smoothing out her skirt.
"I promised I wouldn't say anything but this ridiculous. What will you do if he figures it out. It's not exactly something you can hide," she said gazing at her engagement ring.
"I'm not trying to hide," Winry said. "Things just aren't that simple."
"Things are never that simple, but sometimes that's the easiest way to look at them. I may not have been around him all these years but he still looks at you the same way. It's as if he's holding his breath, waiting for you to say something that's never going to come. I would have thought he figured it out by now."
"Edward and I are really close friends. Even he says it himself. After four years what else could we be?"
"That's a nice way of saying it isn't it?"
"Don't you have somewhere to be, Mira?"
The baker's daughter smiled outright. "You're right I should get going. I'm just tired of being a spectator." She took a few steps down the road and looked over her shoulder.
" I realize. it's easy to forget, but there are people who care about him as much as you do."
"Hey um Winry? Winry?"
Winry blinked as the worried honey colored eyes of the younger Elric came into focus.
"I'm fine Al, really."
"You sure? Because…"
"Tonight."
"Huh?" he raised an eyebrow at her.
" I'll tell him. It'll be fine."
Despite her proclamation Winry figured out some things were definitely easier said than done.
The week before Edward left on his mission went by way too fast in her opinion. She hadn't spent enough time with him, hadn't talked enough to him, and the night before the day he had to leave approached, she found herself in her workshop, trying to finish up her last minute plans for his arms. She didn't have to be psychic to know what sort of mission Central had planned for him. Despite Edward's reassurance that he would visit often, she knew better and she would make sure his automail was in top condition.
She almost dropped her screw driver when the phone, on her desk rang. "Hello, good evening Rockbell Automail: Prosthetic Limb Outfitter's.
"Hello, love, sorry to call so late."
"Carter!"
She stood up in her seat knocking down her chair. "I didn't expect to hear from you. This Late. At night. Did something happen?"
"No actually I just wanted to apologize that I haven't been around this week, too much work as usual. But I am definitely going to stop by and make it up to you..."
The nagging feeling returned and Winry sighed. Why hadn't she told Ed about Carter yet? She had planned to at the party, definitely was going to, but as it turned out it hadn't been the time or place, at least, if Ed getting drunk was any indication. The week that followed, despite Mira's warning she and Edward hadn't been able to get a moment alone for long enough for her to tell him anything.
Maybe I shouldn't say anything at all. After all he was leaving in the morning, maybe she could get engaged over his absence and it wouldn't be so awkward.
"Ah who am I kidding?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Oh, it's nothing! I do understand you've had a lot of work, Carter. I too have been busy this whole week."
"Yes, well, that is not a good enough excuse to be away from you. I really do miss you."
"I miss you too."
"Winry dear."
"Yes!" She almost dropped the phone, but sighed in relief when saw Pinako standing in the doorway.
"Don't need to be so jumpy! I was just letting you know dinner is ready. You could definitely use a break."
"Yes, grandma I'll be right down."
"Alright, you have ten minutes. Tell that fiancé of yours to wrap it up."
This time Winry did drop the phone. "How did you?"
"Please, kid. I wasn't born yesterday. But I do wonder why you've been trying to keep it a secret, it's nothing to be ashamed of."
"Of course not. I just…"
"Were worried of what Ed might think."
"I…"
"Hello? Hello? Winry?"
She picked up the phone. "Yes, sorry! I dropped the phone."
"It's alright. Listen I need to get back to work now. But I just wanted to let you know I love you, and I'll definitely do everything in my power to return to Rezembul again."
"I'll be waiting." She smiled. Then she hung up.
"I'm sorry grandma but I never know how he'll react and…"
She turned to see the doorway empty.
"It's not a good enough excuse." Winry let out a sigh. "Well, I guess it needs to happen sooner or later."
She suddenly caught a reflection besides her own in the window and screamed.
The moment of panic was short lived and she rounded on the laughing idiot leaning against the wall.
"Al! You almost gave me a heart attack!"
"Sorry, Winry. I just came to get something Brother left." He said moving away from the wall and picking up a copy of a German book that Ed had left on the patient table, earlier in the day.
"Why didn't he just come up here, and get it himself?"
"He said you were really busy and he didn't want to disturb you. Apparently he thought too much of my espionage skills. Sorry about that." He scratched the back of his head looking like a doppelganger of his brother, save the long hair.
"I thought you were him," she admitted.
"He's outside. Said he wanted to "check out the stars one last time,'" Al said, making a weird face. "It's a little scary, but if you ask me I think he's finally getting in touch with his deep side."
"Wow, that's a new side of Ed I could get used to."
But she couldn't because she had only twelve more hours left with him. Twelve more hours to tell him about something that was as much a part of her life as he was. Oh he was going to freak out, when he found out she'd been keeping this from him for two weeks. He was the one person besides Al and maybe Sciezka whom she shared things, after all. Winry knew she'd freak out if Edward got married and she was the last to know.
Engaged, she corrected herself. I'm engaged. Even so if he ever kept something like that from her she'd kick his ass.
"You haven't told him anything yet."
She blinked. "What?"
"About your engagement. I would have definitely heard about it if you had."
Winry stuck her head in her hands. "Arghh. I know and I only have a few hours before he leaves. But I really don't know what to say. I don't want us to part on bad terms. Why is this so hard, Al?"
"I thought that would be obvious. It seems the only two people who haven't noticed how you feel about my brother, are you and my brother."
"How I used to feel, Al." Way back before she had had any idea of how bad a heart could break. " But that's changed, I'm a lot more mature now and I'm deeply in love with Carter, he's the one whom I want to share my life with."
"Then it shouldn't be such a big deal for you to march down the stairs right now and tell Ed what you've just told me." He got her there.
Al locked his eyes with hers as if challenging her to speak against the truth. He looked so much like him! She wondered if he was doing it on purpose.
Winry held his gaze for a few more seconds then she turned on her heel and left her workshop, not even bothering to change out of her coveralls. She marched down the stairs.
"Hey I was kidding about the marching!"
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Edward stared up at the sky taking in the night for it was going to be a long time before he stood on this porch again.
The sound of rumbling thunder and a crash of the porch door opening and slamming shut, effectly ruining the scene.
He turned to see Winry Rockbell, in her work gear bandana and all, standing front of the door; her face determined and her hands clenched into fists.
"Winry? What the hell?"
Her stare did not waver."Are you okay?"
"I'm getting married."
He blinked, feeling the blood leave his face as a feeling of complete blankness took over. Winry's face however turned fury red.
"You…you're not going to say anything?" She said raising an eyebrow, a little vein in her temple throbbing.
He stared back at her for a few seconds. "What the hell, Al proposed?! I thought he was just fetching my book!"
"Not to Al, you dummy!"
"Okay then," he sighed in relief. Al and Winry wouldn't be the worst match ever but the younger Elric was only physically fifteen years old, he could see a lot trials and tribulations if they were to marry.
She wasn't marrying Al…but she was marrying someone. Was he even surprised?
Well I guess it makes sense.
"I figured you'd have a boyfriend, but you're getting hitched too, huh. Congratulations."
"OKAY THEN?" Winry erupted. "Congratulations? This a really big deal! I marched down the freaking stairs! Your best friend is getting married! Do you even care? Aren't you angry I kept you in the dark?"
"Of course I AM!!!! I'm really pissed off that you didn't say anything, Winry."
"Then ACT LIKE IT! You jerk!!!" Winry screamed her face turning redder and her clenched fists making cracking sounds as she shook visibly, almost completely out of breath.
"What the…" Ed put a hand on his face. She was mad at him because he didn't start a fight?
He shook his head at the completely hopeless girl in front of him.
"Hopeless."
I have no idea Winry looked up. What goes on in that head of yours. "More than hopeless. You've gone completely nuts."
"And who's fault do you think--" She was cut the front door opening with a crash and Den's loud bark. The next second there was a loud crack and a flash of flailing arms. Before Ed knew what had hit him they were on the ground.
"Ahh…"
He found himself looking up at the sky and wide blue eyes. Winry was kneeling top of him, her face redder than a strawberry. He figured he figured he looked no different. Den was off chasing something obscure. Her deep barks echoed through the bushes in the yard.
"Heh, crazy dog."
"Yeah." Winry said in a small voice, her blue eyes almost glowing in the light.
It felt weird you know. Having your best friend announce their engagement and then topple on top of you with that completely angry look on her face…
Winry got up.
Ed side glanced at her. "Are you okay?"
"No, I'm mad at you."
"What the hell! You keep this from me for who knows how long and you're mad at me because you don't like my reaction? You're getting married so congratulations!"
He took a deep breath trying to calm down. "What do you want from me Winry. Do you want me to start a fight with you about this or something?"
"Anything's better than nothing! I have been trying to find a way to say this for a while. I really hated hiding it from you. Because best friends aren't suppose to keep secrets…Don't just stare and congratulate me…"
" I can't believe this you're actually mad at me. Well you can stop being angry because I'm angry!"
Winry blinked.
"Jeeze woman…sometimes you…"
He trailed off when he saw a sad little smile on her face.
She turned and looked off into the darkness. "Come on, we have to find Den before she ends up at the Lorell farm. Last time she was there she was attacked by the chickens..."
He stared at her in shock for a few seconds and then gained his composure. "Whatever." It was her fault they let the dog get away in the first place. Arguing about something stupid.
Ed followed silently as she rambled on about how Mrs. Lorell could enhance security by building a fence around the coop, and the mechanics of how she would go about it, not really catching much of what she said.
"Are you even listening to me Ed," she turned to him.
"Why should I be listening to you? I made it very clear that I'm angry at you right now. Heck, why am I even following you? The moon must be full tonight."
They crossed the wood's that divided the Rockbell land from the Lorrell farm and Ed got his answer.
A huge disk white and floating in blackness hung above them surrounded by hundreds of little white dots. As if someone had splattered paint into the sky.
"I forgot the sky could look like this…" he whispered briefly forgetting that he was mad at the girl next to him.
"Weren't there stars in Germany?"
He side glanced at her. It was such an odd question, one he couldn't really answer. "Of course there were."
I just couldn't see them.
OoOoOoOoOo
Winry held the sleeping dog with both her hands, looking up as she heard the crunching sounds in the grass. Edward was about five feet ahead of her, walking at his own pace. She suddenly blushed feeling very stupid for the events of the last hour. She had been planning to reveal her new life to Edward in a sophisticated and mature manner. She was after all, a twenty year old woman, and Edward, childhood friend or not was a man now.
She stared as his back, at the light and shadow bouncing back and forth across it as he distanced himself further with every step.
"You're completely hopeless."
She couldn't help it. For the last two weeks she had felt like a little girl around him. It was like she had reverted back to her sixteen year old self the moment the Elric's had stepped back into her life. She was four years too old for it, but something was trying to close that gap. The one that had ripped open the sky the day they left forever.
It was embarrassing. She had grown after all, time hadn't stood still after all. He had obviously grown up; it was apparent in his five foot nine stance, his long blonde hair swishing across his relaxed shoulders swaying, with every confident step away from her.
"You two haven't changed at all…"
She couldn't help it. Edward just brought out that side of her.
When she had first heard the Brothers had returned she had immediately hoped that they would be okay. She had found Edward, clean and showered automail intact. Perfect, too perfect for her liking. Or to put it better too different from what she was used to.
Even Al, was looking less boyish, was acting more or less like a moody teenager. Somewhat resembling his brother in more ways than one, and yet a complete stranger to her. Both of them, were so different.
"Weren't there stars in Germany?"
She stopped walking, suddenly feeling so dumb.
How could she have asked that? Sure it was a completely different world, but it wasn't completely alien. There were people on that side, and from what she had heard from Ed and Al they weren't the outer space creatures Sciezka was always going on about.
Ed and Al had lived there, and they had come back. It wasn't like they were swallowed up into the abyss.
Somehow, somehow she had felt that that's what had happened. The gate had swallowed Ed and Al, a demon world dark and damp so far away from anything she knew.
She shook her head as a leaf got caught in her hair. But what is it really? Ed had friends in that world right? A girl named Noah, obviously close to him. She had had to convince him to come back. She had been close enough to do that.
"Winry?"
She suddenly froze, at how close he was. In front of her like a dark shadow she had seen in her dreams. Wait, when had he…? Had she…caught up?
"I guess I was walking too fast," Ed said looking worried. "If you're tired. I guess we can take a break. I can carry Den too, it'll take the strain off your shoulders."
Winry didn't say anything as he reached for the dog, suddenly feeling like she would break into a million pieces if she tried to move.
"Winry?"
Ed's pale complexion was blurred tinted blue from the shadow, swirling into silver and white she blinked.
"Why are you crying?"
"I'm sorry."
Ed smiled sadly. "You really haven't changed."
She raised her eyes. "No, but you have."
You're right in front of me yet you're still so far away.
Winry tried to stand up but Hawkeye held her hand as Mustang rushed forward to the interrogator.
"Fullmetal! Edward!"
"See if you can calm him down."
Ed was really freaking out. His face was so pale.
"It's probably the room it's so stifling hot. Open the windows, step away from him let him have some air."
Why had she asked?
It hurt to see him, as he stared at the ground in shock. Why had she asked him to open that door. No, she didn't want to know about that world. She didn't want to hear it!
"Winry." Hawkeye's hand felt cool around her wrist, but her eyes were warm and dry.
"I need…some air too."
She left the interrogation room and ran down the hall. She needed to breathe…
"Winry, Winry? Hey are you sure you're feeling alright?"
Golden eyes stared into her own, like a hot knife cutting through her.
"I'm sorry," she said again."
"We've established that. But you have nothing to be sorry about. It was a stupid fight, okay. I really do care you're getting married. I'm really happy for you. Let's just get back."
He took her hand.
Slipping away.
"No!" She broke free of his grip and took a step back. "Not…not yet."
"What? Why?"
"Because I'm afraid you'll fade away!"
Den woke up. She started barking.
Edward's eyes widened as he tried to control the dog. "What?
She felt her own eyes widen and covered her mouth. What the hell? Why was she saying such stupid things? She took a few steps backward.
"Hey…" She needed to breathe, she needed to get out of here.
"Just…just leave me alone, Ed." She turned to run.
"Winry! Hold on!"
She ran, through the trees, her legs getting cut as every branch decided to leap of in front of her, Ed's unsynchronized steps and Den's barks followed her all the way.
Then it slowly faded, the sound of anything. Winry sighed finally she was alone. She tried to catch her breath and leaned against a tree.
"You really have no idea who you're dealing with."
The sound of a clap sounded in the night air, before she could gasp. Before she could even blink blue light took over her field of vision.
She tried to move away but her hand was secured by something vinelike. She looked down to see dark leaf covered vines encircling her legs as well, securing her to the tree.
Everything around her was dark, and she heard faint footsteps in the distance.
"Edward?"
She turned her head to the side to see him, walking closer a dark shadow, light dancing over him, leaves sticking out of his hair in every which direction.
She heard Den running up behind him and she watched silently until he was right in front of her.
A rustle broke the silence as she felt him lean one hand over her shoulder against the tree.
"So," he panted, "You gonna stop running?"
Winry could barely see him in the darkness but his eyes were definitely looking at her. Gold glowed so eerily in the dark.
She sighed. "I don't really have a choice, do I?".
" Mind explaining to me what the hell that was?"
Winry flinched inwardly, at the worried sound of his voice, it was a lot worse than his angry tone.
"Why the hell you ran off like," he breathed.
She felt his warm breath right on her shoulder. He closer than than she thought.
His hair tickled her arm, as he leaned forward completely out of breath. "Like you were never gonna stop…"
His arm brushed her shoulder as he slid down the tree.
"This is so stupid Edward."
"You're stupid."
She couldn't hit him but she tried to swing her to kick him anyway. It didn't go far.
"If you think. I'm going to just let you. Get away with…"
"C'mon, let's quit already, you're out of breath even."
"T-that's cause you run like a freaking cat! "
It must have been close to midnight, Grandma Pinako was going to skin the both of them if they didn't make it back soon. She may have been a grown woman but that obviously didn't count when breaking her grandmother's rules.
"Grandma's gonna--"
"--I'm not gonna--"
"Fade away."
Winry shifted her gaze to the ground where Ed was sitting. He brought his hands together. A blue alchemic light shone in his fingers. Poor Den was laying beside him looking confused.
"I don't know what gave you such a dumb idea. But if it's any reassurance to you…" He touched the tree, and immediately the vines retracted gently pushing her off the tree. "I'm not gonna fade away, Winry. Not this time."
Thanks to the alchemical light lingering in the air she could see that he was blushing slightly, though it could have been from anger.
Funny how suddenly everything could just be okay. Winry smiled to herself as she and Ed walked home, Den trailing behind them.
"Oh man it's really pitch black out here. Probably past midnight the old lady is gonna kill us."
"You're not the one who's gonna get the brunt of it. Trust me. You're leaving for Central so she's going to take the whole thing out on me."
"Oh that's right. I have to see that bastard's face tomorrow." He suddenly looked up as if realizing something. "Is that why you're so upset? You were the one that told me to go."
"It does make me sad, but I can cope with it. I told you that." At least they were on the same side of the universe this time. Hey Ed? Can I ask you something?"
His pace slowed down but he kept walking.
"Why did you and Al come back?"
Silence took over, the already pretty quiet scenery, even Den seemed to be holding her breath. "That's kind of a stupid question, don't you think?"
"I figured it on the train ride. You were convinced you were stuck in that place forever weren't you. But after talking to your friend you were convinced. I want to know why."
Ed suddenly turned to look at her, a slight frown on his face. "I'm sorry to say that I was actually beyond convincing Winry."
"So why?"
His eyes seemed to be searching for the answer in the ground. "Because…I want to believe that there is such thing as a second chance in this world…"
"Huh?"
Ed looked up suddenly his eyes wide then he looked up and grinned and shrugged walking away. "So when do I get to grill the poor soul that's marrying you. I mean give him my blessing."
"Ed you can't just ignore, my question."
"Yeah you're probably right." he said not slowing down. "I wonder if Al found my book I told him it was on the top shelf…"
As predicted Granny Pinako was not pleased.
"Where have you two been?! Do you have any idea what time it is?!"
"We're really sorry grandma--"
"It was practically all Winry's fault."
Winry turned to glare at Edward. What were they six years old?
Pinako turned and looked and him too.
"She went and got herself lost in the woods of all places. Took about an hour to track her down."
Winry felt a blush creep up on her face. Why couldn't he come up with an excuse that would make her sound less vulnerable?
"Is that so?"
"I have no idea what made you do something so foolish as going into the woods after hours, but I'm sure you've already learned your lesson. Now off to bed the both of you."
"Yes ma'am."
In the hallway she turned to Ed, before he could make it up the stairs. "Gee thanks for that."
"I couldn't think of anything else. What's the deal with talking to us like we're kids. I'm twenty years old for Pete's sake."
"Don't make me say it again, young man."
Ed hung his head.
"I think we better listen to her." Winry said walking up the stairs. "By the way,"
She turned to see the hallway was empty and the sound of the door closing.
Thank you.
OoOoOoOoOoO
The doorbell at seven in the morning drove Edward stumbling and disgruntled out of bed. Winry's customers were sure impatient; they couldn't even wait for the shop to open.
He felt his way downstairs his eyes bleary from sleep and opened the door to find a surprised looking man about his age carrying a box of automail parts.
"Does Winry Rockbell live here?" His green eyes darted around beyond Edward apparently he was thinking he had come to the wrong house. He probably hadn't expected a guy clad in a t-shirt and boxers to answer the door that's for sure.
"She does. But her shop opens at eight," said Ed as he wondered why on earth this guy would be here an hour early. He yawned as he eyed the guy. He had short brown hair and a young looking face with dark green eyes that were now wide in confusion.
"Are you one of her customers?" the two said in unison.
"I guess you could say that," Ed said feeling more confused. "Look pal, it's seven in the morning. I'm sure that whatever you need can wait till eight…"
"Actually I'm not--"
"What's with the racket?" Winry's sleepy voice floated down the stairs.
"Some guy is here to see you." Ed started, narrowing his eyes at the intruder.
"Huh?"
Winry walked down the stairs and came into view bleary eyed and her hair unkept. Her white pajamas wrinkly from sleep, not a very appropriate way to greet a customer, but she didn't seem to care. She walked over to the door and her blue eyes went wide.
"Carter? What are you doing here?"
Okay so she knew him. Feeling his work was done, Ed turned and started his way up the stairs.
"I couldn't wait to see you. You've been on my mind this whole week.
Now he wasn't an expert on interpersonal relationships but he was certain that was not a normal thing for a customer to say to his mechanic.
He turned to face the couple, feeling like he should at least say something. If this man was important to Winry he didn't want to be rude. "So this is the fiancé,"
"Ah yes. Edward this is Carter Windham. Carter this is Edward Elric, the childhood friend I told you about."
"Pleasure to finally meet you, Edward," the man bowed. "Winry's told me a lot about you."
Ed inclined his head, "The pleasure is mine, and I can only hope they were good things."
"Well actua--"
Winry laughed dryly and pushed him aside. "It's sort of awkward to receive a guest half dressed. Why don't you go take a shower and get dressed, Ed? After all, you have a train to catch."
Ed looked Carter's smiling face to Winry who could definitely take her own advice.
"Sure thing…" He bowed and made his exit, wondering if Winry didn't want him talking to her fiancé.
When he descended the stairs again, he found Carter sitting in the living room. He was staring at a picture frame next to the lamp. Ed had figured was taken during his first two years in Germany. Winry was leaning on the porch railing beaming through windblown hair, Al stood next to her smiling broadly and hugging an enthusiastic Den. Even the old lady was in the picture standing behind the dog with her pipe in it's usual place between her lips.
"They're all I got." Ed heard himself say.
Carter looked up, startled, and set the picture frame down. "Ah, yes of course." He gave Ed a wary look, which puzzled the young alchemist.
"Sorry about earlier, if I had known who you were I definitely would have let you in sooner."
"Not a problem."
"She's my best friend," Ed said sitting on the couch across from the man. "So I guess you can say I'm a little over protective. Winry, however seems to think I'm going to transmute you into a fish or something. I hope she didn't make me out to be some kind of monster."
Carter gave him a strange look. "Not at all."
"You seem like a nice enough guy, though. So I know she'll be taken care of."
"Thanks."
Ed stretched his arms over the back of the couch, watching the green eyes watch him. "Do I have something on my face?" he asked.
For a moment he thought he saw something like a flicker in the green. "No, sorry. So you're a state alchemist Edward?"
"Well I used to be. Now they're pretty much forcing me back into service, so yeah I guess I am."
"That's rather unfortunate."
"Yeah well, it's not exactly the worst job in the world. The pay is good and the watch gets you access to a lot of places, and of course you get to travel and help a lot of people."
"Heh. Help you say?"
Ed's eyes narrowed. He knew where this was going; he had heard it since he had joined the military. "Not all state alchemists are cold blooded murderers," he said flatly.
"But you agree that most of you are? I've seen what you monsters of the state are capable of. Can you really deny it?"
Ed was about to respond when the sounds of footsteps in the hallway caught his attention. "So this is where you two were?" Winry smiled, from the doorway. "Breakfast will be ready in a little while. It's better for you to eat it now Ed, you have a long ride a head. Won't you join us, Carter? You must be hungry too, after coming such a long way. I'm also in the process of making tea if you want any…"
She trailed off looking from fiancé to her best friend.
"Just tea would be great, love."
Ed tried to school his expression as Winry locked eyes with him. "Ed why don't you help me in the kitchen? Excuse us, for a minute."
Edward followed her to the kitchen feeling slightly annoyed that he didn't get to respond to the jack ass in the living room. He wasn't about to let that man with that smug look on his face lump him with psycho's like Kimbley.
He angrily grabbed at the plate that Winry handed him, dropping it to the floor. "Ed, be careful!"
"Sorry," he mumbled, and without missing a beat he clapped his hands restoring the plate to normal. "Here."
The mechanic took the plate and gave it a scrutinizing look then she put it on the table. She then turned to him, her hand to her hip. "Alright, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
"If it's nothing, then what is there for me to worry about, genius?"
Ed sighed not in the mood to be teased. "Did something happen with Carter?"
"Why would you say that?"
She took two cups off the counter. "Because as one of your really close friends I can tell when something's bothering you."
"Well maybe you're a little off the mark this time. Go run along to your sweet heart. Wouldn't want his tea to get cold."
Winry gave him a glistening deathglare as she set one cup down. "Go to hell, Ed."
"I'm already headed there, remember. My train leaves in an hour." He told her retreating back. He took a sip of tea and started coughing as soon as the vile taste hit his tongue. Then took a rag and wiped away the evil concoction of chamomile and cow secretion.
"Real, mature, Winry." He growled as he poured himself a glass of water and downed it. Through the door he could hear Winry giggling about something Carter said, and he felt nauseous. He knew he'd get yelled at for skipping breakfast but he didn't really care. Once again he retreated to his room, this time slamming the door.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
At a quarter to eight, Al poked his head into the room. I hope you slept well. I woke up in the middle of the night not knowing where I was. I fell of the couch and everything."
"You could have woken me up, you know."
Ed looked up from his position of lying on the bed with his arms behind his head. "It was Winry's idea."
As it turns out Ed and Winry had returned from tracking down Den to find Al wasn't in his room. Winry had eventually found the younger Elric asleep in her workroom with a book in his lap and had suggested to let him be. Ed had felt weird sleeping alone in the room for the first time in years, but he figured he'd have to get used to it from now on.
"Speaking of Winry, she seems pretty mad."
Ed sighed. Earlier the mechanic had come in to attempt to soothe the situation and that had only made things worse between them.
Edward slammed the door to his room before he could stop himself, feeling the slam reverberate through him as it hit the wall. But he knew it was futile to fight it now. He had to focus on more pressing things, like what exactly the bastard had in mind for him once he arrived at Head Quarters. And what exactly had happened in the military while he was away. It seemed that the State Alchemists were indeed no longer being treated as human weapons, but his conversations with the old lady about border skirmishes still made it sound like nothing had really changed.
"Guess I'll know when I get there," Ed sighed as he fished his hairbrush out of his suitcase.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Yeah? It's open."
"Hey."
Ed almost dropped the brush but he made a pretense of setting it down on the dresser. "Hey."
"I figured we should have a talk, maybe clear up a few things."
He didn't turn to face her. "Sure."
"So…that being said…" Winry trailed off. "Oh gosh, Edward, this is so stupid!"
By her tone of voice he figured she had her fists balled up on either side of her. A glance to the side proved that was exactly the case.
"Of course it is. But that's fine. I don't really care."
He picked up his hairbrush and started on his hair again.
"Wait, what? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Winry demanded to know.
Ed gathered his hair and tied it high on his head with an elastic band.
"It doesn't really matter, Winry."
"Of course it matters. Which is why I'm here trying to talk about it."
He stared at the dresser top, where the dust had coated the wood with a white thin film.
"And you're ignoring me again."
He didn't look at her, mentally wishing she would just leave him alone. He had so many other things to worry about.
"Ed…."
"What the hell do you want from me, Winry? I'm about to board a train to Central."
"I want you to tell me what's wrong! Yesterday you tied me to a freaking tree because you were worried about me. Now it's my turn!"
"Your fiancé is a jerk. Plain and simple. You happy now?"
"And why's that?"
"He made his sentiment's about State alchemists quite clear."
"What did he say to you."
"Not much, just basically called me a psychotic killer to my face."
"What? That doesn't make any sense his own brother is a state alchemist and he only speaks highly of him. Maybe it was a misunderstanding."
"The words "cold blooded monster," are hard to confuse Winry."
"I don't know, Ed"
"You don't believe me."
"It's not that I…"
"You know what just forget it."
"How can I just forget it, you're obviously upset. Maybe Carter will apologize if--"
"Or maybe you could just get out of my room."
"What is this?" She shook her head. "You just don't see it, do you? Every time I think I'm one step closer you pull away. You're standing right in front of me, but I can't reach you at all! Not at all!"
"So I'm distancing myself? What the hell are you going on about? I said I wanted to stay here in Rezembul you're the one that told me to go back! I tried to fill you in what went on, so you wouldn't be in the dark. You said you didn't want to know. I just honestly told you what that jerk said and you don't believe me. What the hell do you want me to do?"
He slammed down the hairbrush and it slipped at went scattering across the room. "I'm not pulling, Winry! You're pushing me against a freaking wall!"
"Ed…" She reached out.
"Just please get out."
"You're not gonna let me apologize!" she yelled.
"Why should I? You haven't let me."
Winry looked shocked then tears spilled over her eyes. "You're right. I can't forgive you. You thought you deserved it, right? Staying in that place, it was like your own personal hell, wasn't it? You hated it there, and yet you felt that was where you belonged. All those horrible things you say you saw. I don't want to know! Because it hurts too much, to see you when you talk of those things. But what hurts me the most is that you needed convincing. That you thought that that is what you deserved."
"Winry, I um have a train to catch.…"
She shook her head sending loose blonde strands swaying around her. "Stop changing the subject. All this time I was pretending I didn't see it. That everything was okay, that nothing changed. Maybe I'm the one that's fixed in place, because I just can't accept you being here not if you don't want to."
Now it was his turn to reach out. He held on to her arm. "Win…"
"When you apologized, it was for leaving me," Winry sobbed. "For hurting me. But not for you, never for you. The reason you said you weren't going back wasn't for you either. You just thought that is what I wanted to hear. You're sorry because you left me, but you're also sorry you came back! Which is why I can't forgive you! I won't forgive you because you're an idiot! An idiot!" She said, as she out of his grip. "Now you can get on your damn train! Have a good trip!"
"She ran out of the room. As always she didn't let me get a word in…" Ed sighed. "Is her little boyfriend still around?"
"Like you're in any position to call him that."
Ed threw his pillow at him instantly regretting it when he lay his head on the hard mattress.
"I'm ten times better than that stuck up--"
"Oh, so that is what this is about?"
"He looked at me, straight in the eye Al. And asked me if I could deny that state alchemist were cold blooded murderers."
"Gee, Brother, you sure? I mean that's a little harsh maybe you misheard him?"
Ed sat up on the bed, staring wide eyed at his brother. "So you don't believe me either. This is ridiculous, My own brother and my best friend, think I'm making things up."
"I didn't say you--"
He got up off the bed and walked over to pick up his suitcase. "Whatever, I have a train to catch. I don't have time to try to convince anyone of anything."
"You're at least going to say goodbye to her this time aren't you?"
Ed took hold of the suitcase, it felt surprisingly light despite the fact that it took him a night to pack. "Of course, Al."
After their little talk Ed and Alphonse headed downstairs. Pinako gave Ed a weird look as he entered the kitchen but otherwise did not comment.
"You'll be visiting on holidays." she said when he turned to leave the kitchen. "And I'd like to see a letter or two before the year ends. I'll be sending Al to visit from time to time with Armstrong."
Edward nodded and gave her a hug. "Where's Winry?" he asked.
Pinako shrugged taking another drag of her pipe. "Well she was saying goodbye to that fiancé of hers. Last I heard she was crashing and banging metal up in the attic. "
"Sounds like her." Ed smirked.
"You really have the talent to push her buttons, ever since you've known eachother."
"Yeah…maybe I went a little overboard this time."
"What are you waiting for? Go see her!" Al pushed him in the direction of the attic.
OoOoOoOoOo
"Stupid, stupid, brain cell impaired, hardheaded, IDIOT!!!" The metal piece she had been working on shred to pieces under her drill as she drove the hole too far in. And she was very lucky to be wearing goggles.
She threw them off and wiped the metallic shards off them.
"This is all your fault," she cried out loud. To Edward presumably "Not that you can hear me because you're too busy getting ready to leave and ignoring the world again!"
She got up from her work table and swept up the shattered mess.
"I hope you miss your damn train!"
A voice from the other side of the door interrupted her ranting. "If you don't open this door already I probably will."
The door knob turned and the door creaked open. She glared over her shoulder and felt the heat rise in her face. Though from embarrassment or anger she didn't know.
"What the hell do you want?"
Edward walked over to her as calm and collected as ever. She hated him for that.
"Well for one thing I want to catch my train."
"Well go on then. I'm not stopping you am I?" She glared at his shoes.
"You're not going to? It's your last chance," he smirked. He was making jokes now. She hated him for that to.
"Get out of here!"
"Fine then." He turned to leave.
"Wait!"
He stopped.
Though she hated him so much at that moment, though she wished she could take a wrench to that hard head of his. She couldn't let him leave without a goodbye. And he knew it. Without knowing she had wrapped her arms around him.
"Have-have a good trip."
Ed didn't move away. "You better call me when you get there." she said
"Yeah, yeah, but you better pick up, even if it's midnight."
"Get going then," she patted him on the back, as he broke away. "I don't want you blaming me, if you're late."
He took a few steps out the door and she turned her attention to her work again. She kinda had abused it with a wrench.
"Because I made a promise to someone. Because there's a bastard wouldn't be able to get any thing done without my help, and there's an old hag and an automail machine junkie who still acts like she's twelve years old living by themselves in a rickety house and I just couldn't stand the thought of losing the chance, if there was any, to get yelled at by either of them...I wouldn't have forgiven myself."
"You probably wouldn't have forgiven for that either. There are other reasons but I guess they don't really matter, huh."
. "What are you--?"
As always when she turned around he was already gone.
A/N: A lot of flashbacks in this chapter. ..Well next up is the prologue see you soon and let me know if you see any typo's. I read this over like ten times but I'm sure they are there...