If you read this before, then there is maybe 4-8 added sentences to this entire chapter, none of which drastically change the story line. And if you're new, then please enjoy!

I got pretty busy and didn't have this uploaded as soon as I had hoped. I wanted to be fully caught up my now, but I'm almost there, so let's keep it going!

Disclaimer: I own this fic and nothing more.

Chapter 6 The Vacation

Winry boarded the train and took a window seat, staring at her reflection in the glass and taking some calming breaths. They had ordered a private car, so there was no one she didn't know sitting with them. Havok and Breda took the two seats across from her and Hughes decided to sit next to her. She also saw in the glass reflection that Mustang and Riza was sitting in the seats across the aisle from them.

"So, everyone got their vacation planned out?" Hughes asked. "How about you?" he looked to Winry, grabbing her attention.

She smiled. "Well, I hadn't really planned anything. Figured I'd see what was there when I got there." Though, she couldn't deny that she was as eager to get in some swim time as everyone else probably.

Havok arched a brow. "If you'd like, I could show you around and stuff when we get there."

Breda just sighed and shook his head. "You haven't even been there yourself to show anyone anything."

Havok half glared at his friend.

"That would be awesome thanks." Winry smiled which made him return the gesture.

It wasn't long until the trains whistle blew and it started moving away from the station. Winry watched as some people stepped back from the platform and a few small kids ran alongside it. She waved and smiled at them. Watching herself being pulled away from central felt so odd. It was like leaving home.

This was the same feeling she had when she had left Risembool. It was odd, but understandable. She hadn't left central since she first came to central. Technically, this had become her home now.

"You ok over there?" Hughes asked in a low voice, and bumped her arm. He noticed the sad look on her face.

Winry nodded. "I'm fine…It's just been a while." she muttered in an equally low tone, not wanting anyone else to hear and worry for her.

Hughes understood what she was talking about. He remembered when she first came into their lives and how long it's been since. "Well, look on the bright side. Think of this as an adventure. It's you getting out and doing something new."

Winry smiled, almost wanting to laugh. She could hear Amaya's voice now. Girl you need some excitement in your life. Go on an adventure and have fun. Let your hair down!

"You're right. It is." She agreed and reached up, releasing her hair from the ponytail it was usually in and letting it fall loose. She smoothed her fingers through it to smoothen it out. It actually felt good. She had gotten so use to wearing her hair up so that it didn't get in the way of her automail work.

"That's the spirit." Hughes smiled.

Everyone on train lapsed into silence and relaxed, as the train moved on. Havok and Breda had started a card game with Hughes to pass the time. They had invited her to play, but she had said no, choosing to instead enjoy the scenery and get lost in her own thoughts. Across the aisle, Riza was busy with her nose in a book while Mustang just stared in the window, though not at his own reflection.

Roy had found himself watching the little group interact since the ride began. They laughed and joked with each other and Hughes was comforting in moments and Havok was, as usual, flirting. It almost, for some reason, bothered him that he wasn't a part of that. Ever since the girl had come there, he had stayed away from her, but somehow, she had formed such strong bonds with all of his subordinates right under his nose. That actually annoyed him a little. It was like she was a secret that was kept from him and he was just finding out about her, though that wasn't the case. Of course, she was technically his secret now too, wasn't she?

Looking at the outside world for the first time, Roy noticed the scenery they were passing. There was rolling green hills and a forest in the distance. It was all far different from anything in Central. Mentally sighing, he knew that it would be good to get some time away.

He also couldn't stop himself from thinking about how maybe being in a new environment would be good for him and Winry. If she had decided to move forward with their deal and not back out, he needed to go ahead and seal their contract. Being in a new place where none of them had ties to anything, might make the start of this more comfortable. And if not, at least they would be spared the awkward moment of determining whose house to do it at.

After what felt like forever, the train finally came to a halt. The conductor announced their arrival. Breda and Havok awoke from their nap and Winry stood to stretch, finally happy to be out of her seat. Hughes and Roy were also standing now and Riza was already making her way to the door. Half way through the trip, Hughes moved to go and sit by Roy and talk.

Winry wasn't sure what they were talking about, but she did notice Hughes looking her way every once in a while. It caused her heart to skip a beat. Mustang promised that he wouldn't tell anyone, so there was no reason he would go back on that right? But, he and Maes were best friends and friends tell each other everything right? Could she trust him? She would die if Hughes ever thought less of her for anything. The man was almost like a second father figure to her.

Everyone grabbed their luggage, Roy and Hughes carrying Winry's for her, and got off the train. Stepping onto the platform, Winry noticed that the people here all looked friendly. They were all tan and wearing big smiles. Most of the men were in shorts and button ups while the women were wearing short skirts and swimsuits.

She read a sign that read, 'Welcome to Aurora Bay' near the entrance.

"I've never heard of this place. It's so pretty." she commented to no one in particular.

"Well I'm glad you like it."

Winry turned to see who had answered her and was met face to face with a boy who looked to be a little older than her. He was smiling with tan skin and emerald eyes. His hair was a little shaggy, but it fit him well. He was also wearing the usual shorts, but his button up was open and showing a tan chest.

Winry blushed. "Oh…um…you're welcome." she managed, not knowing much else to say.

The boy held out his hand. "Names Alister. I'm a greeter here and I'm also the one assigned to help you guys with all of your things."

Winry took his hand and shook it, her face still red. "Nice to meet you…I'm Winry."

"And I'm Colonel Roy Mustang." he announced, stepping in front of Winry and the boy, breaking their shake and extending his own hand. "I can't believe that someone so young is assigned to this job." He commented.

Alister never faltered. "Turns out, that although the old guys might know more about the history, the tourist prefer a younger guide. We move faster and get things done…We're also much easier on the eyes." he finished with a wink in the blondes direction.

Roy nodded. "Then let's get going. We would like to get settled in as soon as possible." He did well to hide his annoyance at the boy's antics.

"No problem sir. Follow me."

Everyone, carrying their things, followed the young boy as he headed them towards a large building in the distance. It was the hotel they all assumed. He walked with Winry beside him and Mustang close in tow. Hughes and Riza were not far behind him and Breda and Havok pulling the rear.

"So do you know any history of this place?" Winry asked.

Alister smiled. "Well, this is a coast town. The ocean is there, he pointed at the water. So it's always been a main land for tourist. Years ago, it was used for trade, being so close to the water."

"That's so cool." she commented. "Is there a main culture of the area? Like religion wise and what not?"

"You'll find that we're not much different from where you're from. But we do have some pretty cool hobbies and traditions."

Roy listened to the conversation and mentally hated how long their walk was taking. This boy getting close to Winry was aggravating him to no end. It wasn't that he was jealous or anything cause he didn't feel that way. They had a deal and he just didn't like other people sniffing around his property. And Roy knew a dog on the hunt when he saw one. Alister was going to be a problem and he could feel it.

Finally making it to the hotel, Alister led everyone inside and to the front desk. They all checked in and were given their room keys. Riza would be rooming with Winry and Havok and Breda were together. That left Mustang and Hues to a room also. All of their rooms were on the top floor of the hotel.

Alister then led them to the elevators and onto their floor. They stopped off at Riza and Winry room first and everyone said their bye's, promising to meet later for dinner. Breda and Havok were farther down the hall and Roy and Maes were a few doors down from them.

"I hope you all enjoy your stay and if you need anything, feel free to ask." Alister said.

Maes smiled and slipped him five dollars. "We'll be sure to let you know. Thanks."

Closing the door, they both took some time to survey the room and were very satisfied. There was a sitting area with two couches on either side of a table and a television against the wall in the center. Off to either side were the doors that lead to each person's room and their own private bathroom. Everyone else's room was set up pretty much the same also.

"So, how about before dinner, we all shower and get some sightseeing done?" Maes suggested.

Mustang shrugged and rolled his luggage into his room. "That sounds like a plan."

*****^w^*****

Winry walked into her room and stared in awe at the place. She had never been in something so beautiful. There was a large bed with the softest looking bedding ever. The furniture was all polished brown with gold knobs on the drawers and there was a large window with a view of the ocean and the beach. She could see the entire coast almost from how high she was up.

"This is simply amazing." She breathed.

"I know, isn't it?"

Winry turned to see Riza standing in her door way and almost gasped. The usually uniformed woman was wearing a pair of beige shorts and a white blouse that was tied and showed her belly. She could see the straps of her red bikini from under it and they matched the red sandals she was wearing.

"Oh wow you look so hot."

Riza almost blushed. "You think so? Figured I should try and let loose a little here."

Winry smiled, kind of happy that she wasn't the only one who was making a effort to change. "You definitely succeeded."

Riza turned to leave. "Go ahead and get dressed. We can go and hang out before dinner."

"Sure."

Winry hefted her suitcase onto her bed and opened it. She pulled out a pair of jean shorts and a black tube top. Underneath, she was going to wear her white bikini in case they decided to go to the beach. After dressing, she looked herself over in the mirror and decided to leave her hair down.

"Ready to go." she announced and both women headed out of the door.

*****^w^*****

"Are you almost ready?" Roy called to Hughes, who was still getting dressed.

"In a minute!" was his muffled reply. Roy could still hear the shower running in his room.

He sighed. "I have to get something from the front desk. I'll meet you at the door." He called and left the room.

Roy walked through the halls with his hands in his pockets. He looked almost like a rock star from the way he was dressed. His hair was a little tousled from his shower and he was wearing a pair of cargo swim shorts with a black button up that was left open to show his tanned chest and muscles. Heading into the elevator and to the front desk, all the women who passed him did double and even triple takes on him. Some just outright stared.

"May I help you sir?" the lady at the front desk asked. He noticed her giving his body a look over.

"Yes you may. I ordered a separate room and need two sets of keys to it." he said in a sultry voice and stared her in the face for effect. He had to admit, watching women fall over him was an ego booster. Too bad he was technically a 'taken' guy now.

The brunette at the desk searched through the computer and could barely stop making mistakes from how flustered she was. "I-I'm sorry for being so clumsy today…Here are the keys to your room." she smiled and handed them to him. "And if you need anything else, feel free to call me, I mean the front desk."

"Thank you, Alice." He said, tapping her name tag and walking away.

Roy was headed to the front doors to wait for Hughes when he noticed Riza and Winry heading his way.

"Well, don't you look nice." he said, complimenting Riza and only glancing at Winry.

Riza blushed. "Are you heading out," she asked.

Roy nodded. "I'm waiting on Hughes for some sightseeing. If he ever gets out the shower that is."

Riza laughed. "He is known for taking long ones."

Winry just stood and watched the two talking back and forth. She felt kind of out of place in the moment, him interacting with his friends. He seemed so much friendlier when he interacted with his crew than anyone else. Though, she knew she wasn't part of that crew and didn't expect to be. They had a deal and nothing more. There was no friendship going to be budding from this so she didn't expect any special treatment in public or anything.

"Well, we'll get going. See you all tonight." Riza said, ending the conversation.

Winry snapped out of her thoughts when she noticed the older woman walking away and moved to go after her. As she was walking past Mustang, she felt his hand touch the back of her shorts and slide something into her pocket. She gave a confused look back, but he never turned in her direction or showed anything different, so she continued following Riza.

Touching her back pocket, she pulled out what looked to be a key to another room. Instantly, she knew it was the room Roy probably rented separately so that no one would know what they were doing. The room was on a whole different floor. She swallowed. This was the key to the room where she would finally lose her virginity and cross a new bridge in her life. The room where there was no looking back afterwards.

She was a little nervous, but she should have expected this. She had offered the agreement and he had said yes. She had even made him promise not to be with anyone else during, so of course he would want to get this started. She swallowed. Now or never.

*****^w^*****

Roy was growing tired of waiting for Hughes and was about to just go ahead and walk away on his own when Breda and Havok appeared.

"Hey! Are you waiting on someone?" Breda asked.

"Yeah Hughes." was his cryptic reply.

Havok sighed. "Uh-oh! Sounds like someone's taking a long shower again."

Everyone knew about his famous never ending showers it looked like. "What are you two up to?" Roy asked, changing the subject.

"We were going to go and look around and catch up to the girls since we noticed they were missing." was Breda's reply.

Roy just nodded. He wasn't surprised considering Havok had been eyeing Winry all day. Damn, first him and then the hotel boy. Since when did she become so popular? Sure, she had always been beautiful, but was everyone seriously just now starting to notice…Wait…Did he just admit to her being beautiful? Well, it's not like he ever looked at her much, so it could be that maybe he was just starting to notice too.

Roy shook his head of the thoughts. "The girls said they were going to go and hang out in the market area." he said, purposely omitting the beach part which was where Riza had said that they would most likely end up.

"Thanks. See you later." They both said and disappeared from the hotel.

Roy thought for a moment. He really had a lot to consider. Sure, Winry had a lot of friends, both male and female, but he hated other dogs sniffing around his tree. No, technically she wasn't his, but as long as they had this agreement, then technically, she was…in a weird way. Point was, he needed to talk to her and revise these terms. Dealing with the pipsqueak when he got back was going to be enough since he was always around her whenever he was in Central. Dealing with extras, was not something he wanted.

*****^w^*****

Winry and Riza were making their way along the shore and searching for a good spot to set up in. The beach was crowded, and all of the other tourist had claimed all the good spots.

"Maybe we should try again a little earlier tomorrow." Riza said. She hated to accept defeat, but there was not an inch of clear sand.

Winry sighed. "Oh well, we might as well just head back and start getting ready for tonight then"

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

The two of them turned and headed back towards the hotel. They had to shuffle through the crowds of people once again just to get off of the beach. No one expected this place to be this crowded. They knew it was a popular tourist spot, but did everyone just decide to go on a vacation at the same time?

They finally made it back to the hotel and were heading for their rooms. "Looks like Roy finally met up with Hughes." Riza commented, noticing that her boss was no longer waiting near the entrance.

"Guess so." Winry hadn't thought to look for him.

Entering their rooms, Winry sat on the couch and sighed, loving the feel of the cool air condition on her skin compared to heat of the sun out there.

"I'm going to go and take a nap before tonight. You're not going to be too lonely out here are you?" Riza asked.

Winry quickly shook her head. "Oh no you don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine. In fact, I might do the same." She stood and stretched, heading for her opposite room.

Riza smiled. "Ok. Feel free to get me if you need anything." Riza said and walked off,

Winry walked into her room, closing the door behind her and just laid on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her mind was in jumbles as she pulled the extra key out of her pocket to look at it. It felt so heavy in her hands. She swallowed and then tossed the keys so that they landed on some other part of the bed away from her.

She couldn't help but wonder how things were going to go and when they would happen. Obviously it would be on the trip, but when? Was Roy expecting her to come to this new room tonight? Was she ready mentally for all of this to happen tonight? Hell, was she ready physically?

Sighing, Winry rolled over to lay on her side, letting her eyes drift close. There was no turning back now. This was what she wanted and what she needed. She wouldn't let herself cower out of this. Also, a distant part of her wanted this. As afraid as she was, she was anxious.

Thanks for continuing to read and review. I'm almost caught up to there I was and even I'm excited to see where I am able to take this story. Keep reviewing! Your thoughts give me energy and motivation.