I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist, but I love it. 3

Ch. 3 - So Close

xD

He opened the door, surprised to see that the house seemed empty, until he heard the sound of a broom as it swept the wooden floor. He quietly leaned in to see who was there, knowing he had not been noticed. He could see her sweeping the kitchen with complete concentration. She had her back to him and her long light blonde hair swayed from side to side as she walked around, broom in hand.

She still didn't notice the golden eyes watching her. And he knew this very well. A smile appeared on his lips as he watched her just a little longer.

She really was beautiful. With those innocent sky blue eyes, flawless face, long hay colored hair and that nice blue dress covered with an apron that he remembered from their time at Briggs.

He took one last look at Winry before finally making up his mind. The golden haired boy closed the door behind him, loud enough for her to hear, and dropped his suitcase right by his feet.

The door being closed startled her out of her thoughts and she headed the living room, expecting to find her granny, but was met with someone else entirely.

"Edward…" she said, surprised wide blue eyes locking on his golden ones. She looks kinda cute when she's surprised, he thought to himself.

"Hi," he said and waved his, now flesh, right hand and gave her one of those crooked grins that she liked so much.

She suddenly cleared the room in record time and wrapped her arms around his neck, not noticing just how flushed Ed had become at her touch. He forced himself to relax a little and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to him.

As he breathed her in, he felt better and more at ease, just like before. He didn't want to let her go. He'd missed her so much while he was away, he was almost tempted to break his automail leg just to go see her, but he knew that wouldn't end well.

"I…I missed you, Ed. I'm glad you're back," she whispered, a small blush rising on her cheeks.

"Um…yeah, I missed you too…a lot," he stuttered, blushing harder the more he spoke. "I really…um…really wanted to uh, well, I-I wanted to see you."

He was grateful that she couldn't see his face, seeing as how it was almost as red as a tomato from that last sentence. Unbeknownst to him she was thinking the exact same thing, those last words causing the same reaction. She smiled happily.

Edward was back, safe and sound. He was home.

Their embrace seemed to last forever, but they slowly pulled away in order to lock gazes, a light blush still on their cheeks. Ed's and Winry's hands remained relatively in the same place, not wanting to let go completely.

"So, have you taken good care of your automail?" She gave him a serious look, but he knew better.

"Of course! My leg is in perfect condition, but you said that I should come back every few months for maintenance or a visit…well, here I am!" He smiled, causing her heart to skip a beat and bits of pink to appear on her face. Ed's smile only widened.

"What?" Winry asked, a bit self-conscious. "What is it?"

"Nothing," he replied quickly, the smile still on his lips.

To Winry it was evident he wasn't telling her something and this 'something' involved her in some way, she could practically see it in his playful golden eyes.

"Tell me, Ed!" she whined, getting closer to meet his eyes better.

He leaned in too and with a serious tone he said, "I said, it's nothing." He gave her a scowl that mirrored her own.

Then they realized something.

They were close. Too close.

Their eyes went wide with awareness. Heat rising on their faces, accompanied by a familiar scarlet color.

She was so close… he could almost taste her. Only he knew how much he wanted to taste those lips of hers.

He was so close she could feel his breath linger on her lips. She stole a quick glance at his lips, noticing that they looked soft and sweet, but she wanted to find out on her own.

Ed swallowed and closed his eyes. His mind blank, his heart racing.

And then he leaned in, a little closer.

Winry did nothing to stop him, simply closed her eyes as well. She could hear her heart, getting louder with every beat and wondered if he could also hear it.

Then she leaned in too, just a little closer.

Their lips were so close to meeting. They were barely touching. Just a bit closer and they'd finally-

"Winry! Winry, could you please come help me with the groceries?" came the voice of Pinako from outside.

Their eyes flew open as they jumped away from each other, embarrassment clear on their faces. They turned away from each other.

"Um, we should, uh, go help, granny…" stuttered Winry, her face bright red.

"Oh, yeah…um, w-we should…" Ed agreed and cleared his throat, his face flushed.

On their way out they both reached for the door, where their hands met, but they both pulled away instinctively. After a bit of awkwardness and muttered apologies, both teenagers were finally able to get their act together and go outside.

I was so close…, Ed thought. "Dammit," he muttered as he followed Winry outside to help the old woman.

She smiled when she heard him. Dammit is right, she thought.

A/N - ;D

They were so close! Oh well... I got a few more chapters done but I'm gonna wait a bit before I post them. Till next time!