Winry looked at her worktable, pleased with its scattered, unordered appearance. It was in stark contrast with the rest of the house, recently cleaned by Sheska. She liked that Sheska knew not to clean Winry's space. To others, it may appear to be utter chaos, but Sheska (after a severe reproach) had learned that there was an actual system in work there. That the pieces were not placed randomly as it may seem. The only work that ever got placed in a box and separated from the others was Edward's. Sheska knew that any other place in the house was fair game, and generally steered clear of Winry when she was working, not wanting to disturb her concentration.
Winry smiled and untied the ratty headscarf wrapped around her matted blonde hair. It hadn't been brushed in a couple of days, mainly because she hadn't had the time to brush it. Her clothes were stained here and there with oil and other unrecognizable liquids. She was glad for the chance to finally take a break from the exhausting work, and she planned to celebrate with a well-earned nap on her nice clean bed…or so she thought. Just as she was about to plop down with a self-satisfied sigh, a familiar brunette appeared and yelled, "Don't you dare! I just changed those sheets!"
She bolted back up and resisted the urge to snap to attention.
"Well, where am I supposed to sleep?" Winry demanded. Sheska said with a smirk, "In the shower, where you belong." The blonde mechanic sheepishly grinned as she glanced down and really noticed her grimy appearance.
"Well, maybe a shower would be a good idea." Winry admitted.
Sheska grinned and replied, "Thank heavens! I was beginning to smell you downstairs."
Winry stuck out her tongue and started towards the bathroom.
When Winry stepped out of the shower, refreshed and clean, she dressed slowly. She thought of all the small things Sheska did for her, consciously and unconsciously. Bringing her a hot drink and sandwich when she had fallen asleep working. Cleaning the house when she didn't have the time. Remembering the grocery list just as Winry was walking out the door. Looking gorgeous when she slept. Flashing that hundred-watt smile. Wearing lipstick that tastes so good. Being warm and comfy in bed. All of these things were like building a piece of automail, she mused. A thousand tiny pieces all come together to make one strong, beautiful whole. The thought curved her lips upward in a soft smile.
The blue-eyed blonde walked out of the bathroom to see Sheska lying on the bed, reading a book (of course). She was on her stomach, her head at the foot of the bed and her hair was falling slightly in her face. A look of concentration made her brow furrow very cutely, in Winry's opinion. Sheska heard Winry come into the room and looked up and smiled that beautiful smile, like captured sunshine. Winry walked over to Sheska and kneeled in front of her. The blonde tilted her head forward to catch Sheska's lips in a tender, passionate kiss.
Sheska asked, slightly shakily, "What was that for?"
Winry smiled and responded, "For all your pieces."
-Fin-
