Chapter 21: Requests

Roy walked casually with his hands shoved in his uniform pockets and a bored expression on his face. Beside him, the young blonde seemed to continue tugging at the hem of her skirt and muttering something under her breath. She had been like that since he met her at the beginning of the market street and from the way she jumped when he had greeted her, there was something on her mind even before hand. Glancing curiously at her and she continued to argue with her inner struggles, Roy allowed a curious brow to rise. When he had run into Fullmetal that morning, the young adult was a lot more twitchy than usual and seemed equally as distracted. He had mentioned something about Alphonse returning but never expanded.

"So, did you and Edward have an argument about something this morning?" Winry stiffened significantly and shook her head, gaze still lowered.

"Um… n-no not exactly?" she stammered. Roy allowed his eyebrows to rise higher.

"Oh really? Fullmetal told me that Alphonse came back home this morning, but I would have expected more excitement on his behalf seeing as it's been so long." Winry's head shot up and her face reddened.

"H-how about we talk about something else!" she squeaked loudly. "You're lunch break isn't long. Where should we eat?" She started to look around, rambling on about wanting to try something new and keeping her eyes off the older male. A few passersby watched skeptically before Roy took control and led the jittery young woman to a nearby shop.

"You know you can calm down… I won't pry any further into what happened this morning." Roy offered after they had ordered their food. Winry nodded mutely and sat silently for a moment before lifting her head.

"Sorry, Roy-san… it was just a very… awkward morning." She stated quietly before heaving a huge sigh and forcing an apologetic smile. "Either way, I was hoping to ask you to do something really important for me."

"So long as I don't ask you about your morning?" Pink dusted across Winry's cheeks, causing Roy to chuckle knowingly. "Alright, shoot." Nodding, she let out another sigh and stirred her drink distractedly.

"I've been writing out a lot of stuff for the wedding lately… Riza-san is going to take me dress shopping and I've already made arrangements for Paniya and Garfiel to come from Rush Valley. Not to mention Granny and a few others from back home."

"Sounds like you've been pretty busy." Roy stated causing her to smile.

"Yeah, its something to do when Ed's away and when I'm not working on any automail." Roy gave another nod.

"So then, is there anything you need me to help out with?"

"Actually yeah… I want you to walk me down the aisle at my wedding." Having come out smoother than any other statement the blonde had said since they met up, Roy instantly began to choke on his drink and stared at her wide eyed.

"You want me to what?"

"I… well see, for the past few years you and Riza-san have played a very important role in my life… and for that, I feel it only appropriate to ask you if you- if you would do me that honor?" Roy stared at her for a moment before a warm smile crossed his face.

"It would be my pleasure, Miss Winry." Snapping her head up, the mechanic stared at him with bright eyes and an excited smile.

"Really? Thank you so much, Roy-san!" she squealed, bouncing around excitedly in her seat. "I'll have to tell Ed! You can take him tux shopping of course?"

"Of course… He does know about this meeting, doesn't he?"

"Oh yeah, I mentioned it before… he expressed his opinion, but I made him suck it up." She answered brightly.

"Oh, is that why you've been distracted all morning?"

"Not necessarily… it's really just too… too awkward to talk about." She answered and flashed the waitress a smile when she arrived with their food. "Let's just avoid it. How about we talk about getting you guys all together for tux shopping?"

"Agreeable." As Winry went on about her wedding scheme, Roy made a note in the back of his mind to actually speak to Edward later. Whatever Winry was avoiding was far to interesting to pass up. And if anything, Riza had the details.

Author's Note: hey, wanted to take this moment to thank everyone who has faved, reviewed, or decided to watch for this story! puts a smile on my face. I'm trying to determine how long I want this story to be... I didn't think it was going to be this long honestly, but oh well. Got lost in the moment. Anyway, hope you continue to read and look out for more! School is up and running again. I'm actually finishing a project now. HA! Got a meeting. Peace!