I do not own the Fullmetal Alchemist

Downstairs, the whispers of Winry and the man-Hughes-prickled at Nina's ears. Even though they were talking with lowered voices, Nina could hear them.

It had been almost a full day since she had arrived and was stuck in that bedroom. Sure, it was comfy and had a lot of space, but she had nothing to do but wander around. The only thing she had to look forwards to was that Ed and Al were coming. But she was still waiting and-

'So, Nina's here?' Al's metallic voice asked. Nina perked up immediately.

'Yeah!' Hughes's voice confirmed. 'She showed up yesterday outside the hospital. She was asleep.'

'We managed to hide her before anyone could see her,' Winry's voice said. 'She's been here all day.'

The door opened and Nina immediately bounded towards Ed.

'Whoa! Hey there, Nina,' Ed said as Nina settled on the ground in front of him happily. 'How did you even get here?'

Nina licked his face, not noticing the faint dullness in his eyes. 'Metal smell,' she explained. 'Big sister, metal smell.'

'I smell like metal?' Winry questioned.

'I always did tell you you were a automail freak,' Ed sniggered.

Winry's eyes glinted dangerously. 'Says the alchemy head.'

'At least I don't carry a wrench with me everywhere!'

'You want to get a closer look at my wrench, then!'

'Whoa!' Hughes cut off their bickering. He smiled nervously. 'Hey, alright then. So, Winry. You said you're going to take Nina with you, right? Where do you want to go again?'

'Rush Valley,' Winry confirmed as the Elric brothers spluttered behind her. 'Nina can get some air when we stop there too.'

'What?!' Al gasped.

'You never said we were going to take Nina with us!' Ed added.

Winry raised an eyebrow. 'Weren't you two the ones who blew off a carriage after sneaking her inside the train?'

'Wha-yeah! But-I mean, what if she gets caught?' Ed waved his hands helplessly. 'How're we supposed to keep her safe?'

Winry spun her wrench in her hand flawlessly. The males edged back, eyeing the weapon cautiously. 'If anyone tries to hurt her,' Winry threatened. 'They'll have to go through me. Plus, she can't stay here forever,' she added.

Hughes nodded in agreement. 'I think you should take her with you, boys. Who knows? Maybe she can stay with that teacher of yours.'

Ed's face lit up. 'Oh yeah! Teacher can keep her safe! We're planning on telling her about our search for the Philosopher's Stone too so one more secret wouldn't hurt. Thanks, Hughes.'

'Happy to help,' he said and walked away, leaving the three teenagers with Nina.

Al kneeled down and stroked Nina's hair. 'She'll have to hide inside me again,' he said.

'Yeah.' Ed looked at her sadly. 'Let's hope this time that guy doesn't kill her again.'

Winry watched the brothers silently, not knowing their plan was going to take the turn for better or worse.

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