AN: I'm sorry for keeping this story on hold for so long. It was partly due to my other school projects, and partly due to my writer's block. Here's the newest chapter. It's short, but it's something, right? I'm really trying to get back on track. Thanks for waiting so long everyone.

Chapter 6: Thoughts and Memories

The town was just coming into view over the rise. Al kept pace with Winry, occasionally glancing at her from the corner of his eye. She had a sad smile on her face, and the more the silence stretched between them, the sadder her expression became. He knew it was his brother that was making her sad, but why?

Alphonse decided to try his best to cheer her up. "I'm glad you're taking me to the school today, Winry." He spoke up, his best smile on his lips.

Winry's sad smile grew wider into a more pleasant one. She looked over and returned his gesture. "It's no problem, Al. You know that."

He laughed. "I know." He racked his brain for more to say. Aha!

"So Winry, what are you delivering this time?"

A thin rope was tied around Winry's torso,a brown bag resting secure on her shoulders. She hitched it higher ontoher backand replied, "A radio."

"A radio, huh. You know, one time, when brother and I were in a town, someone had broken their radio. I had used my alchemy in public to fix it. Everyone was so shocked. Brother was furious when they thought I was the "Fullmetal"…" Al trailed off, his memories flooding back from that day.

Winry watched Al's expression before turning back to the view of the town. Memories filled her head as well, but not the same ones as Al. Flashes of scenes from her childhood came and went. There she was, posing in front of her birthday cake on her fifth birthday. And there, using her wrench for the first time. Pinako as she smoked her pipe. Ed as he smiled at her and laughed, his bright and happy face glowing with mirth.

Hersadness returned. What had happened to those times of happiness between them? Why was she so afraid to speak to him, and he to her?

"Winry, I know what's bothering you." Al said plainly, snapping Winry back to reality.

She jumped slightly and stopped, facing Al with a puzzled expression. "What do you mean, Al?"

He didn't flinch at all as he spoke. He looked calm and matter-of-fact. "It's Ed. I know it is."

Winry wanted to deny it. She wanted to say, "Of course not!" or, "Why would Ed bother me?" but she couldn't. Al was right.

"Al," she sighed, her shoulders slumped, "I just…I don't know what to do."

"About my brother?" he asked.

"Yes," she assented. "I…I really care about him, Al, but…it's as if he doesn't want to talk to me, or even look at me…I'm so lost." She said the last part with such despair, Al felt immediately sorry for her.

"Look, I don't know what my brother wants. Half the time I don't even think he knows. But I do know that he would never hurt you. He cares a lot for you, Winry. I know it. He just…can't really say so sometimes." Al looked at her, giving her a tiny smile. He hoped that his words had given her courage enough to talk to Ed. He couldn't stand to see them so distant all the time.

Winry put a hand on his shoulder, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. "Thank you, Al. You're one of my best friends, you know." She smiled a lop-sided grin.

Al nodded softly. "I know."

Turning once again to the nearing town, Winry wiped her eyes hastily and said loudly, "Come on, Al. Let's get this thing delivered, and then it's off to your school!" She set off walking at a fast pace, with Al trotting behind her to keep up. As they walked, Winry's heart began to grow hopeful at Al's words. Could Edreally still careabout her? She needed to find out.

I'll ask him, she thought suddenly. It scared her, but she knew that if she didn't know his feelings for her, she would never be able to watch him walk away from her again.

Please Winry, Al thought as he watched Winry walk in front of him, talk to Ed. I know that deep down, he's hurting just as much as you are. He's just too scared to show it.

&Niiroke&