Edward only read Winry's letter after a week it arrived at the headquarters. The reason was that he was away for his first duty, and when he returned, he was busy with the reports and apologies and all the other things. A week had already passed when he finally noticed an unopened letter on his messy desk in the office. When he saw who it was from, he literally ripped the envelope open and started reading it furiously. Why hadn't anyone told him about the letter? He muttered as he started reading the letter, but soon his expression turned more serious.

He finished reading it, and then made a face as if he just wanted to rip it. Of course he couldn't, and folded the letter neatly and put it in his pocket. He left the office without a word. Everyone just stared at Ed's extremely unusual behavior, as if they were watching an insane kid. Everyone, that is, except for Al and Mustang. They both knew perfectly well who the letter was from, and why Ed was acting so weird.
"I'll go check up on him."
Al said and went off quickly before anyone asked him any questions.
"What was THAT about?"
Havoc said, half surprised and half amused. Mustang cocked his brow knowingly, and answered.
"Children have their own problems."
Havoc looked at the Colonel strangely, and went back to his work.

Al found Ed sitting under a tree at the back of the building. He stood there for a while, debating on how to talk to his older brother, when a voice came from the bottom of the tree.
"Al, I know you're there. You don't have to hide, you know?"
Ed gestured to Al to sit beside him under the tree. Al did as told, and looked up at the sky. It was a beautiful sunny day, and there seemed to a cool breeze blowing. But of course he couldn't feel it. He just thought so from the way his brother's hair was fluttering in the wind.

Ed silently handed the letter to Al. Al took it, and read it. Neither said a word, until Ed finally broke the silence.
"Everything is alright? How I wish."
Al couldn't help but notice the sarcastic tone of his brother's voice.
"Winry is just worried about you."
"That's why I feel so bad. I don't want her to be worried, I don't want her any more troubled than she is already! It's even all my fault."
"Niisan…"
"She doesn't know anything about Nina. She doesn't know that I would have gone after Barry anyway. And she blames it on herself?"
"Well…you didn't tell her, so it's only natural."

Ed's anger towards himself just exploded by that remark.
"How do you expect me to tell her! A daughter of this maniac was turned into a chimera, and then was blown up by another maniac? I can't tell her that!"
Ed stopped, realizing how childish he was acting, and looked away.
"Sorry. I'm just so…"
"It's ok. I know what you mean."
They just sat there, looking at the clouds, never saying another word. Al knew how much Winry meant to Ed, though Ed didn't seem to notice or admit it. Yes, Al also did have a slight crush on Winry, but he knew it was nothing serious compared to what his brother felt. So he didn't feel jealous…on the contrary, he wanted the both of them to get together.

They sat there the rest of the day. They watched the sun set, and as the first star appeared on the night sky, Al stood up.
"Let's go back now. You're gonna catch a cold."
Ed nodded, and they both went back to their dorms.

It was the next night that Al noticed Ed slip away with an envelope in his hand in the middle of the night.

xoxox

Dear Winry,

Everything is fine. Don't worry…I was just a little stressed out because everything changed so much. I'm alright now, and I'm used to Central and the military.

The Lieutenant Colonel Mustang (why are all the titles so long?)…The guy that came on 'that day'? He is a sadistic bastard. It turns out that he's blind for power, and will literally do anything for it. He's always making fun of my height, and every time I make a mistake, he always have to make a sarcastic comment. I hate him! The other people are at least nicer. Not nice, I mean more bearable. But Mustang? He drives me crazy.

I just came back from my first job, and that's why I didn't reply soon to your letter. I just read it yesterday. Well, it was pretty interesting. Except for the fact that people seem to hate dogs of the military more than I expected. But we reconciled in the end, since I was so understanding and kind…(hahaha).

You got better at automails, didn't you? Bet you're studying hard. Anyway, take care and send my regards to the people there.

Edward