Chapter 2: A New Face in Town

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own any of the characters in these chapters, aside from Kara.

"Sheesh, we've been here two days and already she's got us running errands." Edward moaned with a heavy sigh.

"Okay Al, so what's first on grandma's list?"

"Um… motor oil, a few nuts and screws then just food." Alphonse replied sweetly, as he examined the small sheet of paper he displayed in his steel plated hands.

"Let's hurry and get the mechanical stuff so we can get to the food. I'm starving!" Edward complained as he tried to fight off his growling stomach.

They continued down the wide gravelled pathway the lead into town. Resembool was a quiet country side town full of small shops and friendly people. Most of whom, Edward and Alphonse remembered quite well, despite their long, extended, absences.Occasionally for several months on end.

"Hmm…" Winry looked around the small marketplace when the threesome entered it's boundaries. "I think this store has all the parts grandma needs; come on!" She smiled reaching for Ed's hand and pushing him through the door.

"Winry why are you in such a hurry? We have all day." Ed stated, trying to regain his balance when she released him.

"Oh, hi ya, Winry!" A young man from behind the counter smiled; perking up as she entered his shop. "Here for your grandmother's usual purchases?"

She nods while she walks up to the counter and hands over the list of supplies Pinako had given her, then watches the adolescent step behind a wooden door, reading the list, and disappearing. The three left to wait could faintly here the sounds of packing and boxing bounce of the walls behind them.

"Oh, I get it!" Edward grinned at the, now, confused blonde girl. "You have a crush on him, don'tcha?"

"I do not!" Winry yelled back at him, as her face took on a shade of bright red.

"Okay, okay. You don't; gees."

"Here you are." The male returned, handing over a cardboard box. "That should be everything on your list." He casually handed the strip of paper to her, making her blush once more.

"Thanks Kyle." Winry gave him a warming smile as she took the box from him.

"Do so…" Edward muttered, almost in her ear when she turned around.

"Brother, stop that."

"Thanks Ed… for volunteering to carry this stuff."

"I wha…" Before he could oppose she forced the box into his chest nearly knocking the wind out of him.

"ByeKyle, and thanks."

"No problem Winry."

The three left the store and headed further down the street passing several different shops and small restaurants. Al's sweet voice began to read off each item in order, down the list.

They had gathered the last of the items when a soft voice rang out through the small crowd.

"Winry!"

She turned and gazed about the market for a moment then finally gave a huge grin, pushing the groceries she had been carrying into Al's arms and ran towards the voice.

"Brother... what just happened?" Alphonse questioned, as he fumbled with the extra bags forced upon him.

"Ya, got me."

The brothers stared awkwardly and confused at each other waiting for her return.

"I'll bet she ditched us so she wouldn't have to carry any of this stuff." Edward growled at the mere thought.

"No, Winry wouldn't do that… would she?"

"Hell yeah, she'd do it in a heartbeat."

Young Alphonse gave a heavy sigh as the two began to head towards the Rockbell's home. A few minutes later Winry was seen coming towards them, holding the wrist of another young girl, though her face was not fully recognizable yet.

"Al… Ed, wait." Winry called out.

Alphonse came to a stop and turned erasing all his doubts the Winry had 'ditched' them. "Brother, wait."

The two girls came to a stop in front of Alphonse. Edward, having been too stubborn to stop the first time was told once more by Winry.

"Ed, I want you to meet Kara." Winry smiled leaning over his shoulder from a distance to get his attention.

"Who's Kira?" Edward did an about-face as best he could with the box full of auto parts in the only useable arm he had. His stare was transfixed on the young lady standing before him. Her emerald green eyes shone brilliantly in the sunlight and brunnet hair neatly tied back into a strange, bowtie, shaped bun. She wore kaki cargo shorts and a light blue tank top.

"It's -1-Kara, and it's a pleasure to meet you Edward Elric. Winry has told me so much about you." Her voice was soft and sweet as she extended her hand to him. Winry quickly took the box from him and he returned hergreeting.

"She just moved here not too long ago."

"Right…" Edward shook her hand in an almost slow motioned gesture.

"And this big hunk of metal is Alphonse, Ed's younger brother." Winry explained, pulling Kara's body towards Al.

"Alphonse? That's a lovely name," she smiled. "It's very nice to meet you."

"Thanks; likewise." Al's voice squeaked.

There was a long pause as Kara examined the two brothers. Her eyes gazedup anddownthe two,from Edwards long golden hair and eyes to Al's glistening metal armor. A few moments later she spoke with a warming voice.

"Younger brother… but… he's so short." She grinned makingthemeasurement with her hand and comparing himto herself. She giggled before he had a chance to response. Prior to Kara meeting the Elric's, Winry had told her how paranoid Edward is about his height.

"I'M NOT A MIGET! YOU LOOK LIKE FREAKIN' SASQUACH! WHY DON'T YOU TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF AND WE'LL SEE WHO'S TALLER!" Edward shouted out rather suddenly, referring to sad fact that Kara was abouttwo-inchestaller them him.His outburstcaused an intense silence among the people in themarketplace.

"Brother… that's not nice." Alphonse discouraged.

"Um… Ed, let's not make a scene, alright." Winry said while trying to coax his temper. She gave a sigh and grabbed Edward by the hood of his red overcoat as she began pulling him out of town. "Come one Al. Kara… if you want you can come too." Kara nodded at her offer and followed the group out of town; keeping away from Edward who, despite being choked by his jacket, constantly gave her dirty looks for sometime.

"Here Al, let me help you with those." Kara smiled, taking a few bags from Al's arms.

"Thanks."

"Is he always like that?" She smiled.

"Only when he's called short."

"Hey, I heard that, Alphonse!"

-1- I have made her namesound justlike (Car-a).
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