Lunch

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"I'm telling you, Sheska," Winry began, as she slammed her behind against the large metal doors of the school building and entered the cold outdoors, "you've gotta stop beating around the bush with this girl."

The mousy brunette that followed close behind clung tightly to the pile of books in her arms. "You think?"

"Totally!" she replied, pulling her fluffy orange scarf high up to her nose, and huddled into her friend's side. "If you just told-what's her name again?"

"Bri," Sheska squeaked, "she's one of the Briggs transfers. Short blonde hair and glasses…"

"Calm the swooning, Romeo," she joked, and stopped at a crosswalk that led to a strip of restaurants. "Just tell Bri what's up! See if she'd like to do a study date or something! It's better than hoping she doesn't notice the river of drool coming from your mouth as you ogle her in Knox's class."

Sheska's face went paper white. "Oh god, it's not that obvious is it?!"

Winry crinkled her nose as she nodded her head, and the brunette buried her face behind the small mountain of books she was carrying. "You look like a dog staring at a steak bone."

"I hate you," she groaned.

"Oh please," Winry laughed, and hugged Sheska as her face grew pinker.

"Let's just get some coffee, before I die of embarrassment," she whined, and together, they crossed the street and entered their favorite bistro.

Winry was surprised to see the place was packed with people; something that was not typical on a Thursday afternoon. She guided Sheska through a sea of leaving customers, before she found a place in the growing line.

"Maybe we should go someplace else?" her friend muttered.

"Hell no!" she snorted. "I am not missing the chance to get white chocolate cranberry cheesecake, just because it's a little busy."

Sheska sighed, but nodded her head. "Same."

The lined didn't seem to move more than an in a minute. The poor workers must be understaffed and overwhelmed, she thought. She hoped no one was being too much of an ass to them about the pace. Perhaps, she'd leave a bigger tip than usual in the jar, just to lift their spirits a little.

"Winry?"

Thoughts paused, she turned her head and sucked in a breath as she spotted Edward facing her, coffee in hand.

They stared at each other tentatively for some time. His red jacket seemed like a sore spot in the sea of black and grey puffer and petticoats, and the dimness of the bistro lights made his eyes glow, almost like a cat. He looked…different. Nice, even.

"Right," he began, eyeing her book bag. "You're a student at CCU. Of course you'd come here."

She cocked an eyebrow. "What's your excuse? Trying to find the hippest place to sulk?"

"Tch!" he snapped. "I'm on my lunch break, ass."

"Uh huh," she muttered, and scoped the area. "I'm sure the high amount of cute college girls isn't what peaked your interest."

Edward was about to rebuttal, but a man with messy black hair came up from behind and placed an unwanted hand firmly on his shoulder.

"My, my! This place is swimming with lovely ladies," he beamed, while Ed rolled his eyes, "and to think, you didn't even want to join me for lunch today."

The man glanced at Winry, and smiled brightly. "Edward, you didn't tell me you had a friend!"

Ed's face turned as red as his jacket.

"I don't-" he began, but the man cut him off.

"Hello, miss!" he said, and shook Winry's hand. "I'm Roy Mustang, Edward's co-worker."

Oh, so this is the 'annoying bastard'.

"Nice to meet you," she began. "I'm Winry, Ed's neighbor."

"Neighbor, aye?" he repeated, and glanced slyly at Ed. "Well, if this guy ever gives you any trouble, just let me know."

Winry tried to hold back a snort, but failed. "I'll be sure to do that."

"For fuck's sake," Ed interrupted. "Can we go now?"

Mustang looked hurt, but let out a sigh as he checked the time. "I suppose we should. Nice to meet you, Miss Winry!"

"Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Mustang," she smiled, and waved awkwardly as Ed muttered, "See you at home," before pushing the man out the door.

"Wow," Sheska whispered, as they neared the register. "That was… interesting."

"Yeah," Winry agreed, as she watched the man ahead of them put in his order.

"Now I know how you must feel when you see me gaping at Bri."

Winry's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"You mean you can't tell?" Sheska asked, then began to giggle. "I think your neighbor has a little crush on you."

Winry's eyes grew large. "What? No he doesn't!"

"Yes he does!" she exclaimed. "Wait… do you like him, too?"

Winry could feel her ears go hot. "What?! NO!"

Her friend began to squeal as she stomped up to the register and rambled out her order. "Just shut up and tell me what you want to eat."

"Revenge, please," she began. "Oh! It's best served cold."

Winry groaned as quiet little Sheska began to bounce on the balls of her feet. "I hate you."

"Oh my," she began, smiling. "How the tables have turned!"

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Author's Note: Yay for Snow Days! Had a little time to make a quick little update, but don't expect much more until after December 13th. I'm so busy with school work, and honestly, I should be working on some of my many projects, but I wanted to give you guys a little something before I leave you for a few weeks!