Hey everyone! Thanks again for all your kind comments. I am glad everyone is enjoying it.

Okay I realise some people are confused. If you haven't watched to the end of the series then you are going to be confused. This whole gate thing has to do with the movie and the anime… so it's best I not ruin it for you by explaining everything. If you are confused you can still enjoy the story without spoiling yourself :P

Zamnandi: I wouldn't mind a beta reader :P I know I make a lot of mistakes, but it's mostly due to the time factor I have to edit in. I promised everyone I would update if 20 people asked me too. So I will keep my promise. If you wouldn't mind beta reading my work! Then I would be honoured, as long as you do think you are quite capable in the English department. Cause I sure as hell aint. Thanks for your offer; I will be waiting for your reply.

Marie: Hell yes I read Winter in Germany! It's like my favourite fic ever! EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT! Although that fic does greatly inspire me, I wrote this story before I read Winter in Germany, and I actually had an idea to write a fic like tiger's anyway… but it was only to feed my curiosity. However now that there is a great idea out there with a great author attached to it, I don't feel the need to write it anymore… mmmm only read it! I hope she updates soon. Thanks for your reviews hunny!

Oh yeah, by the way for those who didn't know. This is an alternate universe, so yes there are people with the same names and everything. Since I am such a EdxWin fan… muahahaha you know what I am going to do! Just enjoy this chapter everyone, it's long :P Well one of the longest

Chapter Twenty-four: Exact Replica of a Lover

"You know Winry?" I slapped my forehead and sighed. There must be a Winry here as well, and there is no way this Edward would be going out with her. What have I done? I coughed and straightened myself up. "Well yes, a woman by the name of Winry, I don't know if she is the one you're thinking off." She better not be that's for sure.

"Describe her then." Henry suggested.

"Umm… blue eyes…"

"Yep, just like Winry."

"Tall and slim"

"Yep that's Winry"

"Long light blonde hair"

"Well it looked dark, but that could have been because of the lighting, either way it is long and blonde."

I cringed and smiled slightly, trying not to give away the panic rising through my body. Hah this will get him. "She is interested in mechanics, a genius." I grinned; no way will the Winry here be that unique.

"That's definitely the Winry I am thinking of." Henry said with awe. "Wow! She is the most wonderful woman I have ever met." Henry sighed. "Ahhh came in here once or twice, she is quite rich and working on a project with two men at the moment, I believe she said rocketry, whatever that is." He rolled his eyes. "She only goes on about this one man she is completely in love with, and her mechanics of course. I guess that man is you." He laughed. "Actually I do remember her mentioning your name when she was talking about her soul-mate, but it was funny, she said she couldn't seem to confess it to you… she was quite drunk by that stage actually. Said she'd come here to drink because she thought he didn't have interest in her."

This only piqued my curiosity and my nose twitched slightly. Reminds me of her and I… a while back.

Well, there was absolutely no doubt that Winry was teamed up with

Al and Edward, unless it was some kind of freak coincidence, and she was working on rockets with two completely different men, one coincidentally being named Edward. This was my lucky night. Find Winry, find Al. I found it hard to hear above all the loud music and pulled Henry into an un-occupied room. Time to think of an excuse to ask where Winry is working since I should know… well Henry would think I that I knew. "Listen Winry is in trouble, and has been moved to somewhere else." I told him with a low suspicious voice.

Henry's eyes widened and just as he was about to open his mouth Hughes burst into the room. "Come drink, it's thriving tonight." Despite my objections, Hughes dragged both of us out of the room and placed us at the bar. It was noisier and louder out here… but the atmosphere was friendly, even if I could see Milla eyeing me from behind the bar.

"Please you have to tell me where she is!" I said with desperation. Henry blinked slightly and passed me a drink.

"Well she never told me, is this really serious?" Henry asked me.

I sighed and sunk down slightly in my chair. I am at square one with both Winry and Al, I know they are somewhere near, but no idea where. "No, no, I'm sure I will hear a call from her soon." I replied.

"Yeah that's a good idea, doesn't she have a mobile?" He asked me. "Call that, I guess you have already tried that though." He placed a finger to his chin as if he was in deep thought.

"Mobile…?"

"Yeah!" He dug his hands into my pocket and retrieved a tiny hunk of metal.

"What the hell?" I said with amazement as he started pressing buttons.

"I am just searching through your phone book. There, you have her number in here!" He shoved the mobile in front of my face and I instantly saw her name on the screen. Act cool, so this is like a mobile phone… a phone that's mobile, I now understand the name. So if I press this 'ok' button it should ring Winry. So I did. I pressed the button and heard the phone dial when I pressed it to my ear. If I had known that I knew Winry earlier, and I knew I had a phone conveniently in my pocket this would have been a lot easier.

"Hi I'm probably working right now, and if this is Edward, you're going to get freaking bashed up next time I see you! Al and I are worried sick! You haven't even called me! What type of man are you?" I then heard a beep telling me to leave a message and felt myself croak slightly.

"Uh Winry… It's Edward… well umm… I'm sorry… and um… call me back." Can someone call me on this thing? I am going to sound like a complete idiot if you can't. I then hung up. Henry was frowning slightly.

"She's pissed at me." I said. He nodded his head, understanding. It was becoming nosier as I gulped the drinks down with worry, as more people packed into the club at this time of night. Why was she so pissed? And where the hell do I live? I searched through my wallet and found my identification. It had my address on it. Too bad I didn't know where the hell this place was. It didn't help, and I was starting to feel tipsy anyway.

The night flew by as Henry and I drank and began swapping stories. I tried to control my drinking and asked for water after a while, since I was going to have to try and find my place. Just as I stood up to leave I got the biggest shock of my life.

"Ahh my jackets vibrating." I jumped instantly and began searching through my pockets for the cause. Henry laughed.

"You really are drunk; it's probably your phone unless you're on a high of some kind."

I shot him a glare and came into contact with my phone, shaking in the palm of my hand, what the hell? I wouldn't be able to hear the person because of the noise, but I could see Winry's name flashing on the screen. I quickly said goodbye and ran out of the pub so I would be able to hear her. I finally pressed 'ok' and stumbled a 'hello' as I nearly tripped over the outside stairs. Tipsy, that's all I am.

"Edward, where are you?" Winry said with worry.

"At Hughes, it's a pub." I told her.

"I know, I love it there the people are so friendly. I didn't know you hung out there…" She said suspiciously.

"Me neither."

"Ed… can I come over to your house tonight?" Winry asked a little softer. There was a long pause before I let out a 'huh?' and fell onto the steps with a thud.

"Aren't you mad at me?" I asked, positioning myself into a comfortable spot on the stairs.

"Why would I be mad at you?" She replied.

"Your recorded voice when I rang…" I told her. She cracked up laughing and sighed.

"Ed are you drunk? That's from ages ago; you know that I haven't been bothered to change it."

"Actually I think I am drunk, that's why you can't come to my house." I said firmly.

"Come on Ed, I can handle that."

"No, not because of that." I replied having no idea to what she was referring to. "Because I don't think I can remember the way to my house… and I might just crash in front of the pub." I laughed. Yes being drunk was a great excuse for being clueless. I marvelled at how sweet her voice was… Sounds exactly like Winry.

"You are such an idiot Edward; I am on the way to your house anyway so I'll meet you at the pub." Winry sighed. "But stay on the phone to me."

"What… oh I live close to the pub, I remember now." I guessed, hoping I was right. "Wait… you are on the way to my house? What if I said no?" I hissed with anger down the phone. Ahh just like Winry, thinking she can do whatever she wants with me.

"I would have forced my way in somehow." I could almost see her smirk from the other side of the phone.

"Why do I have to stay on the phone…? I can't be bothered holding my arm up to my ear." I whined.

"Ed… I'm scared that's why… I was on the way back from work, but since you decided not to show up tonight, it's your fault! I don't want to walk home alone, because my house is further than your house, that's why I am going to stay there tonight." She said shakily.

She is walking alone? I became so angry over this fact that I wanted to smash the phone against the wall. "DON'T EVER WALK ALONE!" I yelled.

"I know you don't like it, but it's your fault for not coming to work."

"Arrggh… do you know what happens to women at night?" I asked with guilt. Even though I couldn't have prevented it in anyway.

"I know, I know… but you will protect me right…?"

"Winry…!" I said with annoyance.

"Okay, turning down into the alley now."

I merely grunted in response and felt butterflies in my stomach. I was going to see Winry. She was going to take me to work to see Al… I was so happy. Wait a second… a terrible thought crossed my mind, but it flew out the window when she appeared in front of me.She flipped her phone shut and shoved it in her jacked. She did the same to mine when I stared at her blankly and offered her hand out to me.

"Why do you look so surprised?" She asked me with a giggle.

"You look exactly like Winry…" I said softly, helping myself up.

"Well I'm glad you noticed, maybe it's because I am Winry… let's get you home, you're very drunk." She sighed.

"No I'm not." I just appear drunk because I keep saying stupid things. She wrapped her arm around my waist, which I didn't bother objecting to and walked with me through the streets. "How late is it?"

"It's about one I think." She replied softly, in some kind of daydream.

"Not that late…"

"No it's not…" Winry grinned. "Are you tired?" I shook my head and glanced at her in confusion. "Good." After a five minute walk we stopped in front of a rather small but nice place. "Well Edward, this is your home if you remember." She laughed when I didn't react to the humble abode at all.

Right, keys, keys… I searched through my pockets which were expediently empty, apart from the shit load of money. "Shit, I must have left the keys at work." I said on impulse, unable to think of any other place I could have possibly left them… maybe this stupid idiot was the type of person who leaves keys inside the house. This time it was Winry who slapped her head.

"I totally forgot that you left them at my house! Damn, looks like we're going to my place then." She took my hand and started to walk fast down the street. "Damn it, I can't wait much longer." She said with aggravation. I was at her house?

"Can't wait for what?" I asked rather dumbly.

"If you're going to be a jerk and pretend you don't know then I'll say coffee." She said turning her head to glance over her shoulder at me with a smile.

"Mmm coffee, I could kill for some of that right now." I said in reply.

"can… … it off… my stomach." She muttered. I caught some words but was mostly confused. (Translation: You can drink it off my stomach, yay for naughty Winry)

"What… your stomach hurts?" I asked with worry.

"Yes it does, maybe you can kiss it better?" She asked pulling me through the streets at an amazing speed. Hello, I'm drunk! I can't handle this type of speed.

"I'm assuming your using that as a figure of speech, in which I take it you want me to help you, so yes I will do my best without any kissing." I added.

She "hmped" and stopped outside her house. I watched her curiously as she fumbled for the keys with speed, and nervously tried to put it in the keyhole. Her hands were shaking terribly, what's up with her? I noticed her struggle, so I came up and placed my hand on hers.

"Winry you don't have to be scared anymore, I'll protect you." I smiled lightly.

"Ed… It's not that."

I removed my hand and watched as she clammed slightly. Finally the door was open and right on cue her phone rang. "Damn that phone, why now?" She cried. She answered it and her frown turned to a smile instantly. I noticed the feminie touch to her house as I glanced around, paying attention to the little details. "It's Al." She mouthed to me. I almost jumped as she passed me the phone. She exited the room into the kitchen.

"So she found you huh? Has she come onto you for the night yet?" Al laughed. "Maybe you should just let her Ed… I know you care about her, anyway I am happy that she found you, but you can't go skipping work, that's what I called about."

"Al…" I said with tears of happiness in my eyes.

"What?"

"It's me."

"I know it's you, make sure you watch out behind you this time." Al laughed. I was confused.

"Behind me?"

"Yeah she pounced on you from behind remember? Geez you really are drunk, you better be careful then, she is going to take advantage of you, or hit you again." Al laughed. "Try to get some rest okay?"

"Does Winry always harass me?" I asked.

"Yeah just about, and you seem to think she only thinks of you as a friend because that's what she says, open your eyes, friends don't try to kiss each other." Al told me. Damn it.

"Al, I am scared, it's me, the real Ed, and how am I supposed to deal with this?" I asked him.

"The way you always do."

"What do I do? No what does he do?"

"Well you push her away, wait he?" Al said with confusion.

"It's me your brother!" I said a little louder.

"Brother?" Al asked softly.

"I will explain everything when Winry takes me to work tomorrow, but right now I need to be able to survive tonight" I said with concern. "I am with someone… I don't know if I will be able to resist the exact replica of my lover!" I cried, I needed help, desperate help.

"Winry…?"

"Yes Winry!" I said angrily.

"What?" She poked her head around the side of the kitchen wall and looked at me with confusion. I told her nothing. She shrugged and returned.

"Well brother… from what I know the Edward here is in love with Winry, so you can't tell her that you don't love her." He told me. "He just doesn't want to hurt her… that's why he pushes her away, but they are always over each other." Al laughed. "It amuses me, it made me happy, reminded me of you two back at home… brother…"

"We were not like that!" I yelled down the phone.

"I have to go brother; I really can't wait to see you… maybe I should just come over now…"

"Yes do that! Then I don't have to live through this."

"But I can't leave Trisha…"

"Trisha?" I asked. Mom?

"I'll tell you everything tomorrow, goodnight brother."

I began to panic as soon as I heard him hang up and walked into the kitchen slowly. "You know what… I am kind of tired… I'm just going to crash on the couch." I said quickly, turning out of the room. Where was her lounge room again?

"You said you weren't tired, and I prepared you something to eat." She sulked. I looked down at the meal and sighed. Rice, how could I say no?

I ate dinner or breakfast and determined that the Winry in Germany world was an evil temptress. Just the looks she was giving me were enough to make me want to pin her to a wall. But that was too easy. She wasn't Winry. Winry had always tried to tempt me as well, now that I thought about it. But it didn't seem so evil then, maybe because I wasn't with anyone else. But technically this guy isn't with anyone else either… so Winry isn't doing anything wrong.

As soon as I finished the meal, I thanked her and ran out of the room to try and save myself. I found the couch and laid down on it, closing my eyes. Yes now I am asleep she won't bother me. But somehow I found myself wishing she would god damn bother me, and my wish came true, damn it.

"Ed are you okay?" She took off her coat and sat on the edge of the couch, nothing but a small dress hugging her figure. She looks like Winry, she sounds like Winry, she even acts like Winry… what am I going to do? Is it really wrong to want this woman? I opened my eyes and sat up.

"Maybe a little sick."

"Did you still want that coffee?" She asked, placing a hand to my forehead. I shook my head. "Besides there is no way I am letting you sleep on the couch." She took my hand and led me upstairs. She glanced over her shoulder with a smile, my eyes falling to her soft painted cherry lips. She lead me into a room, which I presumed was hers, and she reached behind me slowly to lock it. The room was small and cosy with a very comfortable looking bed.

"Ed…" She whispered. She released her grip on my hand and looked down a little. "Do I annoy you?"

I looked at her with sadness… I can't god damn touch her because it's wrong, yet I can't not touch her and tell her that I don't have feelings for her because that could screw up chances for this poor guy. I really am doomed.

She took a step closer and freed her long gold hair from her pony tail, it was basically the same colour as his. I backed against the door and shook my head. "No you don't annoy me…" I said softly.

"What do I do to you?" She pressed her body against mine and placed her hands either side of my neck. I closed my eyes and gulped. The heat of her soft body against mine was going to be the death of me.

"Do I make you happy?" She asked quickly.

"Yes." I told her.

"Do you like being my friend?"

"Yes."

"Do I do anything special to you? Am I special to you?" She sped up quickly

"Yes." I said with equal speed.

"Do you want to stay being my friend?" She sped up once again.

"Yes."

"Is that enough?"

"Yes"

"Do you want to kiss me?"

"Yes." I blurted out. Damn it, she used the speed question trick. I'm a complete goner. Before I knew it she was leaning forward, the scent of her strawberry lips filling my senses. But I quickly got a hold of myself and placed my hand over my mouth.

She looked annoyed at this. "You want to don't you? You said it!" She said.

"Yes god damn it Winry! I want to god damn kiss you!" I yelled.

"Do you want to make love to me?"

"Arggh YES!" I want to make love to my Winry. But that didn't mean I wasn't extremely tempted by this clone. God stop being so Winry like… Just like her! Do anything to have her way.

"That's the first time you have ever said yes to those two things, it must be the drinks." Winry smiled.

"Do you want to touch me?" She grabbed my hand and crept it up her dress.

"Yes…" I mumbled.

"You want to undress me."

"I'm not going to bother answering that since you told me what I want." I said with shame.

"But you're not going to are you?" She said with sadness, taking a step back. "I really want you to…" She sniffed slightly.

I sighed and placed my hand on her shoulder. It was going to be a long night

Saturn Stars