A/N 2/28/16: This is a warm up, I'm trying to get back into it after some time off. I really hope writing becomes more therapeutic, because it's been a really rough week.

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Guiltless

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Edward hated being lazy. When he and Al traveled Amestris in their quest for the Philospher's Stone, he always charged awake early, ate enough breakfast for three Alex Louis Armstrongs and Sig Curtises combined, then he and his brother started their search or research for that day. He also didn't like laying around in the morning because he knew that his poor brother couldn't sleep and waited all night alone for him to wake up. The alchemist knew his sin caused his baby brother this loathsome existence of never sleeping, not being able to enjoy Mrs. Hughes, Granny or even Winry's cooking or even being able to feel the warmth of the sun on his face. Ed went to bed late and woke up early so Alphonse would only be alone for a little while. Then, the boy caught frequent naps throughout the day when his little brother was occupied with their teammates or surrounded by books in wherever they studied.

The absolute BEST time and place for these naps was back in Resembool when Winry repaired his mangled automail and he had no excuse to go storming off into a conflict or searching for a way to restore Al. Ed felt little guilt for letting himself snooze under his favorite tree, letting the cool grass tickle his bare right foot. Or, he'd sprawl out on the leather upholstered banquette on the Rockbell's first floor only to wake up covered in a cold, light quilt. He knew that his brother kept himself busy helping the ladies of the house with chores or keeping Winry company while she worked. The mechanic never shooed Al from her workshop either, instead, she often verbally described the tasks she took upon the metal and wires in her capable hands. Edward sure didn't get that sort of treatment if he ever got curious with her work.

Ed also took frequent snoozes on the train. He couldn't help it, something about the rumble of the wheels on the track and the slight swaying of the car just lulled him to sleep. He told Al to wake him, not to let him nod off but his brother always ignored that request saying that he needed his sleep and that he was content to watch the moving scenery while the elder slept. After discovering that Ed probably ate and slept for both himself and for Al's body on the other side of the gate, the alchemist stopped feeling as much shame for indulging in too much food or slumber. In fact, Al and Winry actually started encouraging him to take in both more often so that it almost started to become annoying. Almost.

The night after the boys arrived home in Resembool after the Promised Day, Edward Elric slept alone in his room for the very first time. Pinako insisted that Al sleep in the room adjacent to the kitchen, the room Ed always used and Alphonse, having mastered falling asleep on his own again back in the Central City Hospital, had no trouble passing out that night. Ed, on the other hand, wasn't used to the big double bed in Uncle Urey and Auntie Sarah's old room he was given. The Rockbell's didn't ever use that room, but upon the boy's return, they both became determined that both boys would occupy this very room, only they hadn't bought twin beds yet for them. Alphonse promised that he'd transmute the larger bed into two they could use, but he got too tuckered out that night. Alchemy would wait until the morning so the boy's slept apart for now. After what seemed to him as hours (but in reality was mere minutes) Ed finally drifted off.

The young man could have sworn the windows were closed the night before, yet, he clearly felt a cold breeze on his right foot. Somewhere off in the distance, wind chimes tinkled and leaves on a nearby tree rustled. The aroma of frying bacon and Granny Pinako's motor oil coffee filled his nostrils but he just couldn't fully awake. This bed, Winry's parent's bed, felt so comfortable, so soft and safe. The warm spring night only allowed him to use a thin sheet as a blanket and this welcoming cool breeze wafted through the fibers and touched his skin making him loath any sort of vertical movement. The only annoyance the former alchemist felt was the morning sunlight searing upon his closed eyelids.

Suddenly, a cloud or something obscured the bright light, causing the young man to smile. He also could have sworn he felt a slight pressure or dip in the side of the mattress. Also, tucked behind the strong smell of breakfast, the secondary note of sunflowers along with automail oil hit is olfactory nerves causing hims to release an audible sigh of happiness and content. Edward was reminded of Winry, a person he realized he held very strong feelings. He didn't really know how to express them yet, but he could no longer deny or pretend those emotions didn't exist. She simply couldn't be his sister-figure anymore, she became so much more.

The young man stirred a bit then slowly opened his golden eyes just in time for the sunlight to reflect off of them. He heard a small chuckle. He knew he was no longer alone.

"Are you going to sleep in today" Winry sat on the edge of his bed. She wore a thin button up shirt, skirt and an apron splattered with fresh bacon grease. It was her strong body that effectively blocked the sun from his eyes so that he saw her in a halo of morning light.

"Mmmmm." Was the only word he could muster and at the same time thinking that this young woman looked like a goddess covered in light. "Maybe."

"Well..." The mechanic hoped Granny checked on breakfast because when she saw Edward sleeping so peacefully and content, she couldn't leave him. She'd sat here for a good ten minutes watching the young man. "I guess we'll let Alphonse eat your share."

"Don't care." Even with his eyes closed, he knew Winry smirked just by the tone of her voice.

"Fine then."

She rose, and the damnable sunlight seared his closed eyes once more. Winry watched Ed's still form as she walked around the bed and left the room for the kitchen. She wasn't angry, no, not one bit. She'd let him sleep as long as he liked because he deserved it...for now. The girl didn't even mind saving him some breakfast for later, whenever he decided to grace them with his presence.

Yeah, she didn't mind at all.