Irenic Moons: Hmm…So I guess I lied…I'm not so great at getting these chaps up one day after the other…Well, it's a busy time of year, so w/e. Here's the next chapie!

Only You: Chapter 5-Central

Winry's POV

I opened my eyes. Light streamed in threw a small break in the curtains. I yawned and stretched my arms. Pulling my legs over the side of the bed, I pushed myself up and changed into my work clothes, a head kerchief, super small black top and baggy pants. As I walked out of the room I felt a lump in the side of my pants. Reaching into the pocket, I felt a piece of fabric. I pulled it out, to find that it was the handkerchief I had worn after I was bitten by that monster. Dried blood still covered it. 'This is Ed's' I thought. 'I must have stuffed it into my pants when I got here.' But I was still puzzled, especially since I had been wearing my skirt the day before.

I touched my forehead where the bandages still lay. They didn't hurt. After taking my kerchief off, I carefully undid them while standing in front of a mirror. To my extreme surprise, the wounds were gone. Instead they were replaced by small nearly invisible white lines. 'Strange.' I thought. Just the day before they were still bleeding, even when Armstrong took me to the hospital…Wait,

……Flashback……

"Ok Miss Winry, this will only take a second, would you please remove that kerchief?"

"Oh, yes, sure."

"Here we go, close your eyes for a second, this might hurt a little."

"Um-hm." Warmth spread over me for a second, and for a moment, I didn't quite know where I was. The doctor wrapping the new bandages around my head startled me into reality. I opened my eyes, looked in a mirror across the room to see myself, regular, just with bindings around my head.

"There you are, as good as new."

"Thanks." I walked out of the room, not thinking twice about what had just happened or the actuality in what the doctor had just said…

……Present……

'He asked me to close my eyes…The warmth…That has to do with it.' I kept thinking as I walked from the room, replacing my kerchief and thumping down the stairs. Cassie was reclining on a sofa.

"Wow you sleep late." She said as she noticed me.

"Yeah, I guess I was just making up sleep."

"Hmm, right, MOM, DAD!" Cassie shouted instantly startling me. Her parents both glided into the room and sat next to Cassie. I took a seat across from them in another sofa.

"So," Mr. Franklin began, "Pinako has explained to me that certain measurements and choices must be made?"

I replied, "Oh yes! I must take the measurements of course, but you can decide the different, um defensive mechanisms, you wish to be installed." We discussed for another hour or so. I drew different designs for them, and explained the prices and such. They decided that I would install extendable knives from all her fingers (like a cat…), a dagger from the tip of her foot and another knife coming from her knee. Then, we all had breakfast.

I skipped up the stairs to my room to retrieve my supplies, figuring it would be easier to work on the large living room table. I located my two suitcases and went quickly to pick them up… 'Sweat drop' My face contorted. 'Ah, these are so heavy' I thought, 'If only Ed were here to be my slave…No, he's to busy working for the military…sigh.' Instead of picking up my supplies I dragged/pushed them down the stairs.

A few minutes later I was panting on the couch. I turned my head sideways, spotting my stuff. A new wave of exhaustion swept over me. 'Great' I thought, 'Now I have to work…Why am I complaining? I LOVE this…Ok, let's go…' And with that I started.

……About a Week Later……

After doing a rush job on Cassie's automail, I was finally finished. Now, she was lying down on her bed. Her parents were at her side and Pinako and I sat by her.

"Ugg," complained Cassie, "I hate getting connected, it hurts so much!" A scene flashed back to me, Rizembool a little over a week ago. Another patient had been complaining and I had snapped back at him, not knowing the pain automails had to endure…This time I was more understanding.

"But just think of how great it will be once you feel better!" She nodded. Pinako asked,

"You ready?"

"Yeah, ok…" I sat near her arm, holding the automail hand, grandma was at her leg. We did our ritual countdown and then snapped the limbs in place. Cassie screamed super loud and swung her other limbs around. Her parents rushed to her and patted her face whispering condoling comments. I stood away and watched. I was surprised when grandma started talking to me.

"Eh, so you know now how much pain the patient really does experience…You hadn't gotten a very good example with Ed, he doesn't show it." I gulped. I really hadn't known. Sure there were other patients, but many were men, and they try to remain composed, and then younger children, well of course they would scream.

"I think I'll go lie down." I replied as I rushed out of the room, away from the sobbing and shrieking…

……Military HQ……

Ed's POV

"You've been avoiding me all week Fullmetal. I understand that you are troubled; however, at some point you are going to have to tell me what happened." The cold voice of Brigadier General Mustang was painful to my ears. Yes, I had been avoiding him, but he'd caught me. The past week had pretty much been hell, filling out documents, getting acquainted with everyone again, having meetings, etc. but I still hadn't told anyone what had happened, except Winry…

"As your superior, I order you to have a meeting with me now and explain yourself." Ever since he'd been promoted, he'd been more annoying than ever.

"Why should I?" I replied.

"First of all," he began, "I rank higher than you, which means you should automatically do whatever I say. Second of all, you made a deal. You said you would tell us what happened if we let you use the incomplete stone. Thirdly…I think it would be good for you to get it off your chest."

"I already have."

"You're making decisions that could get you thrown in jail and relieved from duty."

"I don't care."

"I am aware that you have never been the most…obedient of officers; however, you are not the 12 year old boy who once joined the military and I expect you to show a little more maturity. Sit down, we're going to have a talk." I scowled at him and dropped onto the seat. I did not want to be expelled from the military. It would mean that I would lose my paycheck, not allowing me to have an excuse to stay at the Rockbells'. I had to obey.

For the second time I told someone the horrible events that had passed. But I didn't show any emotion, because I'd found a way to get around that. Open the blade on my arm and run my finger across it. Hidden under the top of his desk, Mustang definitely couldn't see. It made me mad that I resorted to this, but it was better than letting him see my weak side. I finished.

"So what do you plan on doing now?" He asked without the slightest trace of care.

"I was thinking of moving in with the Rockbells' and conducting research in my hometown. They could use my support." He nodded.

"I suppose in your situation I should allow a little slack. You may proceed with your plan. Try to get some work done, you are dismissed." Free at last. I was done, and now I could go back to Rizembool. Things seemed to be working out ok. I'd check with Pinako soon, maybe later this afternoon…

Mustang stood up after Ed had left the room. He picked up a Kleenex and walked to the other side of the desk. On the armrest of the other chair he slowly wiped a few drops of blood off the wooden surface. He threw the tissue away and then got back to work.

……Several Hours Later at the Franklins' House……

I stood at the doorway of the enormous house the Rockbells were currently lodging at. 'Why am I here again?' I was thinking, 'Oh, yes, to talk to Pinako about staying with them…' I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. After a few seconds, a butler opened the door.

"May I help you sir?" I widened my eyes at this formality.

"Um…Yes, I'm…actually…here…to see…Winry?" I winced at my fumbled speech. He raised an eyebrow.

"Ah, Ms. Rockbell? I will inform her you are here, please come in and make yourself comfortable." He directed me to the sitting room and then left to fetch my friend. 'Wait a second…I came here to see Pinako,' I idiotically thought, 'Now Winry's going to be…ack…' I mumbled at my carelessness and sat down in a large plushy chair and waited for my doom to come.

It seemed like seconds later, but I heard someone rushing down the hallway towards the room. A few steps before the doorway, they paused, and then continued at a more reasonable pace. As I suspected, Winry was the one. She seemed oddly exited and jerky as if she hadn't had a good nights sleep and had just drunk very strong coffee.

"You came to see me Ed?" She almost slurred beyond comprehension, a smile on her face.

"Eh well, sort of Pinako, but-" Her face fell, her shoulders slumped, "But I came to see you too! Uh, we haven't seen each other a lot in the last week or so, I've been so busy and eh, I have some news?" I said in a rush with a nervous smile. She seemed a little relieved by this comment.

"Yes now that you're a military dog again you're busy all the time again," she replied with an exasperated wave of her hand and humorous smile, "Guess what? We attached Cassie's automail just about two days ago!" She just started using it this morning!"

"Does it work?"

"Hehehe…" She scratched the back of her head with her hand (she looked like this -- with an anime sweat drop). "Well technically it is working, but she's been having trouble controlling the new, uh, defensive mechanisms."

"Oh yeah, that happened to me too, remember?" But before she had time to answer a crowd of people entered the room. Cassie led followed by Pinako, who was followed by the Franklins.

"Winry! I think I've got it!" Shouted an exited Cassie. People were still keeping their distance though. Pinako and Mr. and Mrs. Franklin all sat down on the various pieced of furniture in the room. I was then taken quite by surprise as Cassie sat down right next to me on my right side. I looked at Winry for help, but my gaze wasn't returned as steam seemed to be coming out of her ears as she eyed the girl next to me. With that she stuck up her nose and sat down right on the other side of me. So now I was sitting with a teenage girl on either side of me. I couldn't have been more uncomfortable.

We all talked for awhile and I became more comfortable. I cleared up staying with Pinako and Winry, apparently they'd be glad to have me. But all the while I felt something inching towards me on my left side. I didn't want to look down for fear of what it was, so instead moved my arm to my side, only to have it snatched up by Winry.

"ED! What happened to your finger!" I looked at my hand. Apparently the gash had broken open and was bleeding freely once again, drops were running down my hand. I caught them in my lap.

"Did you do that to yourself! You baka!" She reached into the back of her pants and pulled out my most feared enemy. The wrench. I yelped, but it was too late as she had already brought it down upon my head.

"WINRY I DIDN'T EVEN ANSWER YOU YET!"

"WHO CARES YOU MIDGET!" Something in me cracked, but I felt like I didn't have the strength or will to get in a full-scale fight at the moment. Instead, I clenched my pants. I knew my teeth were gritted and a vein was throbbing on my forehead, but I relaxed and said.

"Whatever, I'll get you someday." Winry jumped up, as did Pinako. Both their mouths and eyes were wide open (00).

"What?" I asked even though I knew the reason for their actions.

"Hmm…" said Pinako, "Looks like you're maturing after all Ed." Winry just frowned, I sighed. Pinako continued, "You still look like a kid though…"

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A SUPER LITTLE KID WHO WILL NEVER BE SEEN AS AN ADULT BECAUSE HE DOESN'T RISE UP HIGH ENOUGH OFF THE FLOOR!" I was not going to be embarrassed like that in front of all these people. Winry smiled widely. I wasn't quite sure why, but at that moment Mr. Franklin interrupted.

"Well, seeing that Cassie's on the road to recovery and our guests may be leaving soon, it seems only fit that we take you out tonight as a thanks!" Cassie's eyes brightened.

"We could take them to the new moon festival in the neighborhood next to this one!" Her parents didn't seem as enthusiastic.

"Honey," her mother began, "that side of town is…not as well off. Some parts are dangerous."

"Come on! It's not like I'm unprotected…" Her parents could not find a reply to this.

"I think it sounds great!" Said Winry, "You'd want to come too Ed, riiiight?" She finished while fingering her wrench.

"Yesyesyes, sounds great, we should go." I nervously replied as I tried to back away.

"Well it's settled then. Just make sure you guys stick together and are careful…We'll walk around, it does sound like fun." Said Mr. Franklin.

"I can't argue with the majority." Sighed her mother.

I waited outside in the warm summer evening air as everyone else got ready. I wasn't that enthusiastic about the festival either. Being in big crowds never suited me. Just to escape that wrench…The door opened. Out stepped Winry in her short black miniskirt and white camisole. Her hair was up and she was wearing the slightest bit of makeup. I tried not to gape, but it was hard, she looked…not like the Winry I knew. She didn't seem to notice and I took that for granted. Next came the rest of the party and soon we were walking towards the festival as the sun sank into the horizon.

Irenic Moons: EIGHT WHOLE DAYS. Yes I'm sooooo sorry, and I know this wasn't the best chapter, sort of a connection of events. But still, thank the lord it is over, I'll try to be a little speedier from now on. By the way, the next few chapters are going to be very dramatic/angsty, so get yourselves prepared…And once again, don't leave negative comments, or harsh critiques. I write what I write because I need to get it out of my system…Ok buhbye ;)