Title: Providing Light
Author: Fullmetal Ai
Word: Lamp

One dark, stormy night, the Elric brothers had suddenly appeared at the front step of the Rockbell home. They were quickly ushered in, and when asked what they were doing out in the rain, they had only laughed quite awkwardly. Well. That wasn't much of an answer. Winry put her hands on her hips, staring at the two boys who were soaked to the bone, casting a disbelieving glance at the two of them. It was suspicious. Very suspicious.

Even though Winry felt the strongest urge to just flat out ask them what they were hiding, she restrained herself, shaking her head, telling the two to "Just go get changed into drier clothes." The two felt no reason to reject that offer, and they quickly raced up the stairs; Edward in the lead, his smaller form making it easier to travel the distance of the stairs, and Alphonse tagging behind, hurrying to retrive a towel to dry himself off before he started rusting.

It was, quite frankly, an unusual night. Winry had noticed. Pinako had payed no mind, however; there was business, automail orders to be finished.

Later that night, however, she found herself unable to sleep due to the noise that the thunder was making; she had always hated thunderstorms, and right now was no exception. Turning over in her bed, Winry stood, walking out the door quietly, then down the stairs.

When she found Edward sitting by the window, dimly lit by the glow of a small lantern, Winry began to worry.

"Edward?" She asked quietly, hoping not to startle him. He turned slowly to face her, a small smile crossing his face.

"Hey," He merely answered. She crossed the living room floor and sat next to him, the bottom of her nightgown pooling around her feet.

"What are you still doing up?" Winry asked curiously, cocking her head to the side much like an innocent puppy would. Edward only shrugged.

"Couldn't sleep. You couldn't either?" Winry nodded.

"Let me guess. The storm." Winry nodded again. He smiled.

"That's just like you .." He stated quietly. This was strange. Winry hadn't seen Edward act like this since ... well, too long ago to remember.

"The thunder scares me," She said, wrapping her arms around herself to try and stop the shakiness she suddenly felt. Edward only stared at her for a moment before scooting in closer to her and wrapping his own arms around her. Winry felt her face heat up.

"Colonel Dog-Breath said we needed a vacation," Edward suddenly said, "Al said we should take advantage of it. So, here we are." Winry smiled, leaning in closer to Edward.

"I'm glad you came home," Winry nearly whispered, closing her eyes and nearly giggling at the warm feeling on his neck; he was blushing, she knew. "It means a lot to me." Edward relaxed and held onto her tighter than before.

"Yeah. I think Al was right, this time .." Winry smirked.

"Isn't he always?" Edward made a face.

"Not always."

"Sure," She giggled, making him pout even more. They relaxed again after a while, and Winry sighed in contentment. The light began to dim, and Winry glanced up to Edward, silently questioning what he would do once the lamp ran out. Edward caught her eye and chuckled.

"The lantern only provides light for a short while," He whispered, leaning his head on her shoulder. "You, though .. you always provide me with light."

Winry wasn't sure what to make of his statement ... however, she didn't think she wanted to at the moment. She was just happy he was here.

6.07.2006