A/N: Gomen gomen to my reviewers! Much appreciated! Well, I have now seen the FMA movie and it was cool, but I was a little disappointed with the ending. Oh well, thats what we have fanfiction for! Yay for ending things the way we want! (EdWin)

Disclaimer: don't own FMA

I'll Leave the Door Open

Ch. 5: Melding Future

Winry stood nervously in front of two large oak doors. Her fist was raised to knock, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She had no idea how Mustang would react, but she wasn't sure she wanted to face him either way.

She could hear the rattling breath of the metal dragon from within her shoulder bag, and knew it was still asleep. She had given it the name Pyre, and though she couldn't be sure of its sex, she thought of it more as a handsome creature than just beautiful, so in her mind it favored more masculine than feminine.

Taking a deep breath, she moved to knock just as one of the doors was pulled open inward, revealing a handsome man with blonde spiky hair and a cigarette planted firmly between his lips. He looked slightly startled to find the young blonde mechanic standing at the door, but quickly recovered and smiled graciously down at her.

"Ah, Miss Rockbell, what brings you around these parts? Not that it isn't a delight running into you," he added, giving her a wink.

Slightly flustered, Winry met his grey eyes with her blue ones and stuttered, "Oh, uhh, hello Major Havoc, I, uhh, I just wanted to speak to Fuhrer Mustang if I could."

She watched as the man before her deflated slightly and saw his eyebrow twitch ever so slightly.

"Oh, is that right? Well, uh, don't let me keep you," he replied, moving back to hold the door for her. Winry entered the room and Havoc moved to leave.

"Thanks Major," the blonde mechanic said gratefully, giving him a bright smile. Any dismay Jean Havoc had quickly evaporated as he return her smile with his own cocky grin.

"Always a pleasure Miss Rockbell," he saluted and gave one last wink, then left, the door snapping shut behind him.

Taking a deep breath, Winry stepped up to the Fuhrer's desk.

"Sir? If I could have a moment,"

The Fuhrer didn't miss the slightly anxious intake of breath and slightly trembling voice, and looked up from behind his paper expectantly. It was very unlike Winry to outwardly show fear to anyone. The flame alchemist instantly braced himself for what he thought was probably some bad news, seeing the steely Winry act this way.

"Of, course Winry, and you don't have to be so formal when it's just the two of us remember." He smiled slightly, giving her his full attention.

Winry however felt at the moment such informalities couldn't be mustered, so she decided to just plow ahead and get it over with. She felt the dragon stir in the bag at her side and for some reason felt a wave of confidence rush over her. She was able to go on with a stronger voice.

"Well, it's about that mystery metal you had me working on."

Roy nodded in understanding as she went on.

"You see, last night I stayed late and was working on identifying it and well," she stopped, racking her brain for a way to put it.

I can't just tell him I got upset thinking about Edward…she thought to herself, feeling her cheeks heat up ever so slightly.

"Well, I made notes on it and from what I could tell it didn't seem all that extraordinary, and at first I couldn't understand why it would be pirated," she began, choosing her wording carefully. "But then something, strange, happened," the blonde finished lamely, looking slightly helpless.

Roy frowned, not quite sure what to think.

"What happened exactly?" he prodded, black brows creasing as he looked into her blue eyes.

His stare bore into her, but she met his gaze evenly. Winry Rockbell was not one to back down from anyone, not even the Fuhrer.

"I'm not exactly sure how it happened but," she trailed off, pulling the bag from her shoulder and set it on his large oak desk.

Cocking an eyebrow, Roy looked from the bag to Winry's face, then back to the bag when she didn't meet his eye but instead prompted him to look at the insides of the bag. The Fuhrer's lone eye widened as he saw something within the bag move.

"Winry, what exactly—," but he wasn't able to finish as a slender head popped through the top of the open bag and blinked up at him with ruby eyes.

Roy's jaw dropped as he watched what was unmistakably a dragon, climb out of the pink shoulder bag, stretch its wings, and sounded a loud metallic yawn. Roy looked up to Winry in disbelief, hoping for some kind of explanation.

"I, accidentally, spilled some liquid automail on it. The metal just sort of, started sparking, and I added more liquid automail and it sparked more and more. It began reacting violently. I panicked and touched the metal and that's when a spark hit me. Burned right through my glove and hit my skin, and soon after I collapsed. When I woke up, it had become this perfectly solid dragon that was…alive," she explained, her words coming out in a large rush.

Roy's visible eye twitched as he looked back to the dragon who had its snout in a container of paperclips. Winry gasped and quickly caught the dragon, pulling it away and cradled it as it looked up at her, a few loose paperclips dangling from its mouth.

"Pyre, you can't just eat everything!" she scolded as the said dragon munched on the metal. She looked up to Roy apologetically and he twitched once again.

"It has a name?" he drawled incredulously, still feeling rather speechless about the whole situation.

Winry blinked once and then smiled smugly at the flustered Fuhrer. She felt a bit sorry for him, never a dull moment around headquarters.

"Of course he has a name, he's a living thing after all," she replied matter-of-factly, while Pyre blew a thread of smoke through his nose and watched as it lazily drifted upwards.

Slightly dazed, the Fuhrer watched the tendril of smoke the dragon had conjured.

A living thing made entirely of metal, is it even possible?

Sure, people could replace a lot with automail, but could a whole creature be structured by it? He realized something like this shouldn't have surprised him so much. He had seen many remarkable things in his life, and as it was, you'd think he was past the point of being surprised by anything.

Quickly, Roy got a grip on himself and replaced his dazed look with a grim one. Something didn't add up with the story she had given him.

"Winry, you've been working with automail for a long time and nothing like this has ever happened. Am I correct?" He looked at her with stern expression, letting her know he realized there was more to this story and he was going to hear it all.

Winry gulped, and bit her lip. She had known deep down that of all people, the Flame wouldn't let her by without the whole truth. But the truth was she was embarrassed by the whole matter, by her weakness. She wasn't the only one who cared about Edward, and yet she seemed to be the least capable of dealing with the loss.

But everyone grieves in their own way, she argued, and that wasn't anything to be ashamed of.

Shifting from side to side, she held the Fuhrers gaze for a second then looked down at the stack of papers on his desk.

"I didn't melt just any automail," she began quietly, staring pointedly at the desk.

She felt her cheeks heat up but she continued. "I-I melted down one of Ed's old automail arms. I couldn't stand looking at it anymore," she finished, the end coming out as a whisper laced with anger and anguish, but still strong.

She felt the sting of tears, but refused to release them. She would not look weak in front of Roy Mustang, her superior, her once enemy, now friend.

Perhaps sensing her turmoil, Pyre shifted in Winry's arms and pressed its warm snout against her neck as if to comfort her.

Watching her, Roy's face softened. It figured this would be linked to the Fullmetal in some way. Winry just couldn't let him go, no matter how much it destroyed her to hold on.

Being in the military for so long had taught Roy how to let go, it was something one had to learn fast if they were going to make it in this occupation. It was sad how hard one had to turn in this profession; how you had to lose some of your most passionate feelings just to survive to see one more day. Never let yourself get too attached to anything or anyone, it'll just cause problems down the road.

Of course, he couldn't just say he hadn't been affected by Ed's disappearance. Hadn't it been he who set up that team whose sole purpose was to research the underground city as well as possible transmutation circles that could be used in teleportation?

He liked to argue it would be helpful to the military to know all about this power, but deep down, didn't he hold a sliver of hope that there was a possibility of getting Fullmetal back?

If he had hope, he knew it was slim, but it was still there, deep down. Maybe it was that hope that had him take on the blonde mechanic before him. Perhaps he had believed together they could find a solution, or together they could at least grant each other the comfort needed.

Sure, ever since the day he had learned this was the daughter of the two doctors he had murdered in the war, he had felt a strange feeling of protectiveness towards her.

Of course, in the beginning, his guilt for murdering her family had eaten away at him. Just looking into her eyes made him relive the experience, and he was hesitant about even approaching this strong willed girl.

When she had found out it was he who was responsible for their deaths, he, like a coward, had kept his distance, not wanting to invoke her wrath on him, even if he did deserve it. Both of them had changed a lot since then.

Somewhere a long the way Winry had shown she was not holding it against him. She had forgiven him, and his heart was eased slightly, a burden lifted. And when Fullmetal had left, he remembered her, and took it upon himself to make sure she along with Alphonse were well taken care of. Roy became like her guardian in a way, and he couldn't deny the odd sense of relief he felt when she had come to him for a position. She now could stay close, under his watchful eye, pun intended.

Coming out of his reverie, he saw her on the brink of tears, so he spoke her name softly to get her attention. Surprised by his gentleness she looked up into his eye, waiting for him to continue.

"Well, that explains a bit more, but not enough to my liking," he began, setting his elbows on the desk and laying his chin atop his interlinked hands.

"Yeah, I'm really confused about all this as well, but I don't know what else to tell you. I've said all I really know about it," Winry confessed with a sigh.

Reaching in her bag, she pulled out the few notes she had taken when observing the mystery metal, and gave them to Roy to read over. He read over it quickly, then set it in one of his drawers, then leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling.

"It'll have to do for now, until I get an alchemist in here to inspect--," he paused trying to remember what she had called the dragon, "Pyre I believe?"

Winry opened her mouth to confirm but Roy plowed on not waiting for an answer. It seemed he had finally gone into know-it-all Fuhrer mode.

"I'm convinced that so far this creature seems mostly harmless, but we need to know for sure. Until then, I want this kept confidential. I'll leave you to handle keeping it from running around in front of people."

Winry grimaced at the thought of how people would react to seeing Pyre.

Roy closed his eye thoughtfully and continued, "I don't know if you realize the extent of what you have made, but to my knowledge, nothing like this has ever been created."

Winry blushed but nodded, clutching the dragon a little tighter.

Meanwhile, Pyre seemed to understand that he was what they were currently talking about and fixed his ruby red eyes on the dark haired man speaking, giving an appearance of human intelligence. As if feeling its eyes upon him, Roy surveyed the dragon thoughtfully.

"Give the dragon here," Roy commanded after a brief silence. Standing, he moved around the desk and held his hands out expectantly, white gloves securely in place.

Winry wasn't sure what to do. She didn't know exactly how Pyre might react to another person, nor did she know exactly what he could do, besides blowing smoke and devouring metal. Pyre however decided for her as he shifted in Winry's arms and relocated to her shoulder. From there he spread membrane thin wings and drifted down into Roy's arms.

Giving an unreadable look to the Fuhrer, Pyre busied himself with inspecting the starch white gloves the alchemist always wore. Roy was surprised how light the metal dragon really was. Somehow the metal had become unnaturally pliable, to the point where it could move as if it were flesh. It truly didn't feel hard like metal, but instead had a soft texture to it. The scales that went down its spine were more metal like and rigid, as well as its sharp claws. Roy however was soon woken out of his reverie by a distressed squeal from Winry.

"Pyre, don't!"

Which was then followed by a sharp pain in his hand and he flinched, launching his hand away from his body, dragon in tow.

A torn glove and cursing alchemist later, the dragon sat on the floor, wings outstretched in a challenging fashion as a piece of white material dangled from its fanged maw. A rattling growl escaped its mouth as the dragon glared up at the man who was, needless to say, quite livid and glaring back, clutching his ruined glove with his other hand.

Winry was at a loss at what to do, comfort the dragon who must have been frightened though seemed just fine at the moment, or help the Fuhrer who probably wouldn't want her help anyways. Deciding to stay somewhat neutral, she planted her feet, but decided to at least make sure her boss was alright.

"Sir? Are you alright? I'll get you a bandage if you want-,"

She got a glare in return for her effort and she huffed, crossing her arms, one cheek puffed out slightly in annoyance.

With a snap, Pyre devoured the material, eyes glinting, and if Winry wasn't mistaken, somewhat smirking.

Roy remained still for a time, then, in a motion so fast Winry didn't even have time to flinch, fire had launched itself at the dragon and completely engulfed it. Winry went scrambling, quickly putting more distance between her and the extremely hot flame.

"Roy! What the heck do you think you're doing!" the young girl screeched, dropping all formalities with anger lacing her voice.

But then she noticed the flame die down and there sat Pyre in the middle of a charred circle scratching his muzzle, as if nothing had happened.

"P-Pyre?" Winry asked, wide eyed, while mentally slapping herself.

Of course he'd be alright; his metal had survived hotter temperatures than that.

"Protection against fire I see…" Roy voiced thoughtfully, while he removed his tattered glove and replaced it with a crisp new one.

Meanwhile, Pyre was clanking angrily at Roy, and in one particularly high pitched screech, opened its mouth wide and released a string of flames in retaliation. Needless to say Roy was slightly shocked, and had barely enough time to twitch his wrist to the side, sending the flames harmlessly away from him, but unfortunately they instead hit, and caught fire to his curtains.

Roy cursed again and with a wave of his hand put the fire out on his now very charred curtains, and then rounded on the small dragon.

To his dismay however, the dragon had already clamored over to where Winry crouched on the floor in her distress, and whistled softly to her in a frantic attempt to soothe her.

Winry stroked the dragon, finding it wasn't any hotter, and then scooped him up as she stood. She looked at the Fuhrer, who was standing with his back to her looking out the window. Her anger flared, and her crystal blue eyes flashed dangerously.

"Hey!" she snapped heatedly, "What were you thinking! You could have hit me with fire you jerk! Or caught the whole room on fire! And what if Pyre melted? At least warn me next time! And don't think I feel bad about your curtains either! It serves you right!"

Roy flinched slightly.

So maybe I could have warned her, he thought idly, folding his arms.

Instead of pursuing the matter, however, he decided to take control.

"Rockbell!" Roy barked at the girl.

Winry jumped, startled by his sudden commanding tone, and went silent. The Flame alchemist turned and surveyed her for a second then went on.

"There are only two weeks before the next alchemist certification test. I suggest you start studying, as I expect you to pass."

While he kept his facial expression unwaveringly direct, he couldn't help but feel a bit of a chuckle on the inside.

How the times have changed.

Who would ever thought Winry Rockbell would one, work for the military, and two, take an alchemist certification exam, or even be qualified to take one for that matter.

The mechanic gaped at him, stunned.

"W-What did you say?" she asked, flabbergasted, her blue eyes wide. He must have lost his mind!

"Winry," he said, softer this time. "You created this," he motioned to Pyre, "That makes you responsible. In the wrong hands, it could be very dangerous. No one else has made this, this living metal. But because of its nature, only a certified alchemist will be allowed to deal with it, understand?"

"You-you mean I'd have to give him up? Unless I take the alchemist exam and pass it?" Winry gulped, catching on fast.

Roy nodded causing Winry to pale.

"But I'm not an alchemist! I was the one afraid of alchemy when Ed and Al performed it when we were kids, I can't possibly become one like them. Never in my wildest dreams-,"

"Winry, alchemy doesn't just involve transmutation. There are also alchemists who devote their lives to research, instead of the practiced alchemy like most the alchemists you've been exposed to. I assure you, you won't be clapping your hands or tattooing circles on your skin."

"I know that…but, I never thought that I'd be-I mean, it was Ed and Al, always, not me!" She stuttered, grasping for some excuse to get her out of the situation.

This was just too bizarre! How could it be possible?

"If you are that against becoming an alchemist, then I'll have to find new caretaker for the dragon. It's of course up to you Winry, but I'd rather see you as caretaker than someone else. I think you'd be perfect for it honestly, since it seems to trust you the most after all."

Winry's heart swelled at the compliment, though slightly hidden in what he said, it was still there.

He wanted her for the job over an experienced alchemist. He had also trapped her into a corner with only one way out. She had to go through with it now. His honor and hers were now on the line, not to mention the thought of giving up Pyre was not a happy one. She had grown rather attached to the little dragon in the short amount of time they had been together.

Trying to look as determined as she could, Winry met the Fuhrer's eyes. "What do I have to do?"

Roy smiled.

That is, until Pyre spit another fireball at him.

Ah, I love Roy! Too bad its funny giving him a hard time once in awhile..hehe. Thanks for reading and please review!

Next chapter: still debating... either a look at Ed's life or Winry preparing for the exams

--Miss Soupy