A/N - Here's the next part in the Ball series! :) But it's longer than it's supposed to be... -_-


Lessons


"I can't believe I'm stuck with you for a whole day."

"Careful what you say, Fullmetal. I'll dump you on the side of the road."

He turned to look out the window. "Go ahead. I think that be better than being with you, Colonel."

The older man sent a glare in his direction before turning his attention back to the road. "Once we find our outfits for Saturday, we'll finally be out of each other's hair. So, just this time, cooperate. " He let out a smirk. "Don't you want to look good and impress her?"

It was Ed's turn to glare. "Shut up," he growled.

"What? I am simply stating a fact," he taunted. "After all, you admitted to having a crush on Miss Rockbell."

He felt heat rush to his cheeks. "I-I never said that!"

"But you never denied it either, Fullmetal," he said, the devious smile back in place. "And your reaction to the accusation is answer enough."

The young man was unable to speak, no matter how desperately he tried.

"But don't worry," the colonel began. "I'll help you win her over." The dark haired man gave him a knowing look. "Wooing women is just one of my many talents."

Ed could only gape at his commanding officer in response.


Lesson One


"Hmph. You're just like a girl," he said, readjusting his fingers on his garment bag for the millionth time. The bastard simply shrugged the comment away and tried on a new coat. Again. Seriously, just how many suits did he have to try on?

"You really should try to be more patient, Elric. That is lesson number one on women." He stuck his fore finger in the air for emphasis. "What if you had a girlfriend that you had to wait for? Would you really be rushing her?" he challenged, glancing at Ed's reflection in the mirror.

He scowled back.

"Speaking about girls, I wonder how the Lieutenant and Miss Rockbell are doing. Do you think they've picked out their dresses?" the colonel pondered aloud.

"I dunno," the young man answered, his eyes straying to the streets of Central, wondering where Winry was. He desperately wanted to talk to her, if only the words could make it past his lips. "Maybe."

"Well, let's go find out, Fullmetal."


Lesson Two


"We're buying flowers."

"Flowers?" His golden brows furrowed in confusion. "What do we need flowers for?"

Mustang smirked. "This, Fullmetal, is lesson number two. Always buy a beautiful woman, beautiful flowers."

Edward wasn't sure if the colonel was right, but decided to toy with the idea anyway. Yes, Winry was beautiful, but she was also unique, unlike any other girl he'd ever met. He knew she loved anything made out of metal but…flowers?

But, it was still worth a shot, right?

"So, which ones do you think she'll like?" the colonel asked nonchalantly as they arrived to an old lady's cart of flowers.

He blankly stared at all the colorful flowers, unsure of which to choose. "I don't know. Winry's always been a fan of metal so the only gifts I've ever given her were tools not flowers…" he trailed off, scratching his head in thought.

"Young man, if it helps, roses are usually good for any occasion along with the many kinds of chrysanthemum," the old lady suggested and pointed at the flowers. "I can almost guarantee your girlfriend will love them."

Mustang chuckled while he gave her an embarrassed smile. "She's not my girlfriend."

"Ah, so you wanna declare yourself to her then? You should've started there," she commented with a grin and eyed her cart before picking out a handful of daisies. "There's something in your eyes young man," the old lady began as she wrapped the delicate flowers into a bouquet. "There's something that tells me your love is pure and innocent," she handed him the bouquet, "just like these daisies."

He felt himself blush at her revelation.

How could everyone see through him? Was it written on his face? In his eyes?

Were his feelings a tangible being walking beside him, attracting everyone's attention?

It sure as hell seemed like it.

Damn it.


Lesson Three


"That damn colonel, leaving me here waiting…" he mumbled.

"Ed?"

He looked up at the call of his name. "Winry?" he asked, confused. "I thought you were still with the lieutenant."

"I was, until she dropped me off here and told me to wait for her…" she explained. "I don't even know where she went!"

And remember lesson number three, Fullmetal, it's the most important. No matter what, make her happy. You'll be happy when she's happy, it's as simple as that.

So, always make sure she's happy.

Ed's eyes went wide as he realized the bastard's plan, but noticed her eyes lingering on him and composed himself. Still, he felt a bit nervous under her gaze.

"That's a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Are you going to take them to Mr. Hughes?"

He raised his brows as he remembered the bouquet in his hand. "Uh, no. Actually," he took a deep breath, "they're…for… you."

She gasped as he handed her the flowers. "Edward…"

The young man gulped at the mention of his name in uncertainty.

"Thanks." She gave him a beautiful smile that did little to calm his heart. She glance at the bouquet once more before embracing him, letting her cheek rest on his shoulder. "They really are beautiful."

"I'm glad you like them," he smiled, a slight blush forming on his face as he brought his arms around her figure.

She pulled away just enough to see his face, moving his bangs out of the way with her free hand.

He watched her. Noticing her rosy cheeks, he wondered if they matched his own. But, when he met her eyes, his mind went blank. He couldn't focus on anything other than the girl standing in front of him, caressing the curve of his jaw. Ed leaned into the touch—leaning closer to her—until their foreheads touched. His heartbeat picked up as he leaned in some more, this time in search of her lips.

She kissed the corner of his mouth first though—just a soft peck—and smiled at his confused expression.

His brain, still trying to catch up with his heart, wasn't entirely aware of the situation. "Winry?"

"I really love these daisies, Ed." She wore a gleaming smile as she took his automail hand, glancing at it before meeting his eyes again. "Thank you."

He also glanced at their interlaced hands with a smile of his own and figured that perhaps Mustang was right.

As long as she was happy, nothing else mattered.