Once Edward arrived in the West, he and Winry had corresponded with letters to each other. Edward had even put a few pictures in to show her what he was talking about in his letters. Edward had taken on research for Amestrian military as an outside contractor. That way he wouldn't have to wear the Amestrian blues. He had found a room to stay in with a young married couple that was cheaper than a hotel. The only catch was he had to cook one night a week, and look after the cat when they were out of town.

About two months after arriving, issues between Creta and Amestris were becoming heated, and rumors of war were being whispered. Some Creteans were blaming Amestrians for loss of life at the border during actions taken previous to the Promised Day. Edward knew that this was part of the Promised Day plan but he had hoped that since Amestris had taken on a new form of government that the issues would become less heated.

Winry was beginning to worry about Edward's safety in a country that didn't look too fondly at people from Amestris. She expressed her worry in one of her letters but Edward reassured that he was fine when he responded back to her even though tensions were still rising. One day, when he was studying at his temporary residence, he got a call from General Mustang himself. He informed Edward that they were urging Amestrian citizens to return from Creta because the situation was becoming more strained, and it seemed that war would be declared.

Edward told him "I don't look Amestrian. People don't really know that I'm from there." Mustang sighed. Edward's pride was getting in the way.

"But Edward, if people do find out, what will happen to the couple you're staying with?" Mustang reminded him.

Edward sighed. He hadn't thought of others getting hurt because of him not wanting to leave. "Fine. I'll come home."

"Don't dawdle Edward. Meet me in Central so we can discuss your research," and with that, Mustang hung up the phone.

Edward figured he could leave in a week after he wrapped up a few things. About three days later though, the radio was on while he was cooking dinner for them, and Creta had officially declared war on Amestris. The young couple and Edward had stopped everything. The husband looked at Edward and told him with pity and urgency "We need to get you out of here, and back home."

"Yeah, I don't want to cause any trouble for you," Edward replied.

"There's no trouble at all. We want you to be safe. You are always welcome back once it's all over," the wife told him. Edward packed his bags, and they took him to the train station the next morning before the sun came up. They said their goodbyes, and waved Edward off.

Back in Risembol, Winry was worried about her fiancé. She had heard on the radio that Creta had declared war. She called the phone number he had provided but no one answered. She spent the day worrying about him, and stayed near the phone. She tried working on a project but her mind kept wondering back to Edward's safety. Winry slept on the couch next to the phone.

Winry woke up to a shrill ringing. It was the phone! She reached quickly for it, and dropped it in her haste. She picked it up, and spoke into the receiver "Rockbell Automail. This is Winry."

"Hey," Edward said.

"Edward? Is that you?" Winry asked.

"The one and only." Edward replied. She could hear his smile through the phone, and she let out a breath that she didn't realize that she was holding.

"Where are you?! I've been worried sick!" she yelled into the phone.

"Calm down woman! I'm in West City about to catch a train to Central," he yelled back at her. He was safe so she calmed down.

Winry spoke more calmly "I'm glad you're back in Amestris safe. I was just really worried. I tried calling the phone number you gave me but no one answered."

Edward calmed down once he realized she had. "I'm sorry I worried you. I had to catch the train as soon as I heard the declaration. And you probably called while they were at work." Edward waited for her to respond but she didn't. "Well, I have to go Central and meet with Mustang about my research. I could be there for a little while but umm … I was thinking if you'd like, maybe you could … meet me in Central?" Edward was putting his hand on the back of his head. He was nervous asking her to meet him but he wasn't sure why.

"Edward, is this because you broke your automail?" Winry asked as she rolled her eyes.

"NO! My leg is fine! I just…. I wanted to see you." Edward said. Winry's cheeks turned pink, and her eyes half closed as she realized that he was being sincere.

"Sure. I'll come meet you. I can come up in 3 days when I don't have any appointments." Winry said.

"That's great! I'll pick you up at the station! And um… I wanted to take you to nice restaurant up there, so bring something nice to wear." Edward told her.

"Wait Edward! How nice?" Winry was starting to panic.

"Like really nice. I gotta go! My train's about to leave. Love you. Bye!" He hung up the phone, and realized he had said he loved her! They hadn't said those words before to each other. He slapped his forehead. 'What an idiot!' he thought and then ran to his train.

Winry still held the phone in her hand with the dial tone beeping. 'He said he loved me,' she thought. She got butterflies in her stomach, and she sqealed with delight. 'He LOVES me!' and she hung up the phone. She ran upstairs to see if she had a nice dress in her closet, and to pack her bag for Central.