Warnings and Disclaimers: Any and all characters from the anime or manga Fullmetal Alchemist do not belong to me. I only torture them for some stories. There may be some teenage content in the story but it is very limited. This story is set after the movie which means there are some spoilers and if you have no idea what any of this may be about, then don't come crying to me please. It's not my fault, I warned you -:sheepish grin:-.

Seasons

Spring: Decisions, Decisions

Chapter 10

By: RomanceFanFicLover

Winry stared at her friend in shock. Her mind felt like it had been blown to pieces and now she had to struggle on her hands and knees to find all the odds and ends of thoughts.

"It's not that hard to believe Winry! He found a dangerous gate to another world, went through it, came back, went through it again and sealed it, then came back again. Not to mention he also discovered numerous faults in the military and the horror behind the Philosopher's Stone. It's no wonder he's getting such a huge money reward and Ed's been through a lot. He deserves an early retirement."

"B-But, it's…he's…rich…retiring…" Continuing to open and close her mouth, Winry sort of resembled a fish.

"I believe what she's trying to say is something like 'But I can't believe Ed is rich and is retiring at the age of 19! Yet he's so sho-'"

"Finish your sentence Colonel, and I will alchemize your ass."

"Na-ah-ah! That's Fuhrer now. That little stunt you pulled with coming through that gate was very beneficial. Not to mention the fact that I single handedly closed the gate on this side." Roy Mustang grinned smugly from behind his desk.

"It's not all that hard to do Mustang. I had to do it without alchemy."

The females in the room watched the boasting match as though it were tennis. First Ed served and Roy responded, then Roy served and Ed responded until it winding down into a glaring contest.

"He's gotten better at that." Riza commented on Ed's steady glare.

"I guess you could say he practices at home…" Winry laughed lightly.

Riza studied Winry form the corner of her eye. It was obvious that the two teens had grown closer since his return to Amestris, but how close was still a mystery. Everyone who knew the two knew right away that there was something there, but whether it was their long friendship or something more was harder to interpret.

If you knew them well enough you could see the admiration and devotion Winry held for Ed and the possessive need to protect Winry that Ed clung to. Whether that was love or a strong, friendly bond would have to be decided by them.

"There are other lengths we can measu-"

"Fuhrer!" Riza exclaimed, suddenly brought out of thought. "Perhaps we should head into town now?"

Thinking it over for a moment, Roy agreed but Ed remained rooted to the spot; revolted at the idea of what Mustang had been implying just seconds before.

"You sicken me." Ed grumbled irritably.

"Ah, so you're admitting defeat."

"Don't make me show you who the winner is…!"

Winry, Riza and Scheiska exchanged glances before ushering the men out of the room and into the main corridors. Winry and Ed had planned to go out into town for the day and when Roy caught wind of the plan he insisted on coming along to protect Winry, seeing as "young children aren't good escorts". So naturally, Riza had decided to come as well.

"Are you sure you can't break away from work long enough to come to town with us?" Winry pleaded with the bookworm.

"I wouldn't hold it against you, you know." Roy suggested casually.

"You're a horrible Fuhrer." Ed mumbled from Winry's side.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you from way down there!" Roy shouted to the ground.

Ed walked up to Roy and stood in front of him staring directly ahead, which happened to be near his chin. Everyone watched as he slowly brought his hand up to his head and laid it flat against his hair.

"Ed…?" Winry questioned his actions silently and the three women once again exchanged nervous glances.

Ed narrowed his eyes for a moment then sharply threw his hand forward in a straight line from his head to the Fuhrer's nose. Roy yelped in pain and crouched on the floor cradling his injured nose in his hands.

"I'm not that much shorter than you." Ed tossed back coolly as he marched out of the building with Winry trailing behind him angrily.

"Stupid brat…" Roy mumbled into his hands.

"Serves you right, sir." Riza glared at her superior.

"I don't want to go into town with that child anymore…"

"He's almost 20, sir."

"Stop ruining my fun!" Roy pouted as he straightened himself and walked after the two young blondes ahead of them. "Shall we go?"

Riza rolled her eyes and sighed softly as he walked past her; it seemed as though maturity didn't always accumulate with age.

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Winry clung to Ed's arm as she dragged him from store window to store window, searching for something that might catch her eye. Roy and Riza trailed not too far behind, analyzing the couple and coming to deductions of their own.

"Personally, I believe that she's just in it for the money and he's conspiring to trick her into wearing a miniskirt for him." Roy whispered in conclusion. He nodded satisfactory as she seemed to process this thought in her head. He bent his head obediently when she gestured for him to come closer.

"You're a moron." Riza whispered back and slammed the end of her gun against the top of his head. "You'll never change."

"Come on guys! You'll fall behind if you keep bickering like that!" Winry called, waving happily.

Ed winced away from her and stared at her in disbelief, "You're one to talk! You never stop arguing!"

"Well isn't this interesting…?" Roy muttered in amusement, snaking closer to the scene with Riza hot on his trail.

"You're just upset because you couldn't see over that fence back there to look at that girl." She threw back composedly.

"What are you talking about! Oh, you're just jealous aren't you" Ed mocked her in defiance, successfully breaking her cool composure.

Nostrils flared and hair flailing wildly, Winry spun around to face him. Angry melted into confusion and confusion melted into sadness. Eyes made of water, filled to the brim with emotions, glared into concerned and surprised golden orbs.

"Ed…" Winry snarled murderously.

"Kidding…?" Taking a few steps back, Ed found himself pressed against a shop window.

"Let's go in this store! And you can make up your cruelness to me by buying me lots and lots of clothes!" Winry squealed happily and she grabbed his hand and swung him through the open door and into the boutique.

Roy stared, wide eyed. "She's worse then you…"

"Pardon me, sir?"

"Oh nothing…" Giggling nervously, Roy hurried into the shop after them; the click of a loaded gun being his sudden motivation.

Staring at the changing room curtains, Ed didn't bother to focus on the debate that Roy and Riza were engrossed in. His mind was too busy, very bust indeed. Winry had reacted so strongly to what he had said.

"Oh, you're just jealous aren't you?"

"Why'd I say that…?" Ed mumbled under his breath, dejected over his own stupidity. He tore himself out of his thoughts when he heard a familiar, sweet tone. "What? Sorry I didn't hear you?"

"What do you think?" Winry spun around in a slow circle, the flirty blue skirt she wore swishing in her self-created wind. "Isn't it nice? And this silk shirt is so nice too…" she looked down at her clothes dreamily, but pouted abruptly and rushed back into the dressing room.

"What's wrong?" Ed asked when she had returned, the clothes she had been admiring minutes before now tossed carelessly in the corner of her changing booth.

"Oh, nothing." Winry lied politely, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes. She knew he didn't buy it enough to not suspect anything but she also knew that he'd buy it enough to drop the topic. When Ed shrugged and finally turned around, she glanced back longingly at the clothes piled on the floor; they were so expensive, she would feel like she was using him if she asked for it.

"Why...?" Spinning to face him, Winry stared in shock at his slightly disappointed expression. "Why are you lying to me, Win?"

"Oh, a liar!" Winry flinched away from the loud black-haired man that appeared beside her. "Tsk tsk tsk. You shouldn't lie to your lover. It comes back to bite you."

"L-L…Lover!" Ed stuttered in anger, choking back the urge to murder the Fuhrer where he stood. "I'm going to murder you."

"Ah! But you didn't deny it!"

"Why you little-!"

"See!" Roy laughed happily as he trotted away from the fuming blonde. "Hey! Watch where you swing that thing! I'm needed back at HQ!"

"I doubt that!" Ed roared as he lunged at the Fuhrer once again.

"Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt, but may I try this on?" Riza asked eagerly from a corner of the store.

"Uh…sure." Roy blinked at Riza before turning and exchanging blinks with Ed. "So…Where were we?" Grinning like a fox, he leapt away from Ed's fist and raced out of the store.

Ed chased after him but soon reappeared in the doorway. "Win, pick out what you want to buy. I'll be back, but I can't promise that bastard will be."

"What's wrong ultra-midget? Can't make it over the doorstep?"

"I'M GOING TO RIP YOUR GUTS OUT YOU BASTARD!"

"I wish they weren't so public with their threats, Ed could get fined for that." Riza shook her head disapprovingly. "Come on Miss Rockbell; let's see what we can get to rack up their state alchemist bills, shall we?"

Winry shuffled her feet nervously and shook her head in a negative. "No, it's alright. I think I'm alright."

"Feeling guilty?" Winry's head snapped up in surprise. "It's alright, the kid loves you. He won't mind."

"H-He what!" Winry stared at the woman blankly. She had to be kidding, right? How would she know!

Riza looked at her knowingly. "I asked him about three years ago and all he could do was sputter helplessly and blush bright enough to match his coat. That's enough of an answer I believe." The older blonde winked at her and gestured towards a rack of clothes beside her. "Shall we look through these together?"

Winry nodded enthusiastically; anything to get her mind off that incredible tidbit of information. It was confirmed! Ed really did love her!

Pouting slightly, Winry tried to beat away the question that lingered in her head as she rummaged through the fine silk shirts. 'Then why won't he say something to me?'

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Chasing Roy to the edge of town, Ed decided it was time to head back to the store where he had left the deadly mechanic.

He paused for a moment, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. "Mustang really runs like a Mustang." Ed huffed out haughtily.

"Glad you noticed." And equally sweaty and flushed face appeared beside his own, bent over in the same awkward position.

"I'll kill you eventually." Roy nodded in response and the two sluggishly started to make their way back to the boutique.

When they stopped to buy bottles of water, Roy leaned a bent elbow onto Ed's shoulder and asked gruffly, "You love her don't you?"

Ed spewed his cool drink onto the shopkeeper in shock, coughing out his apology and hastening his pace out into the street. "I-I…N-no…" He knew his voice shook, he could feel it quiver in his throat and out his lips and he grimaced at his weakness.

"It's alright. I'll tell you a secret." Looking left and right, then apparently deciding it was safe to talk, Roy bent next to Ed's ear. "Riza and I want to have a baby. Besides Black Hayate, that is."

Ed watched Roy get back up and stare into the distance blissfully. Even though he knew it was coming, he couldn't believe that Riza had actually settled down with this chump. "You're lying."

Flashing out his hands, Roy showed off the gold bands that adorned both his ring fingers. Gaping at the sight, Ed regained his composure and stood up as well. "Isn't it only supposed to be on one hand?"

Roy nodded before chuckling lightly and turned his face slightly towards Ed. "She still doesn't trust me with women." Nodding in agreement, Ed started walking up the street again.

"They're probably waiting for us."

"You never did answer me."

Glaring over his shoulder at the older man, Ed sighed in defeat and grumbled a low "What do you think?" before marching away from the victorious laughter that insisted on following him.

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Winry sighed contentedly into the night air. So far, the night had been amazing; almost like a fairytale ball. Ed had picked her up from her hotel room and escorted her outside to a car. Usually they would walk everywhere, even for formal events such as these, so the car ride was seen as a treat for Winry.

They had stopped outside the back of a house that was unfamiliar to Winry, but Ed assured her that she would know where they were when she stepped inside. She had reached for the car handle so she could get out, but a gloved hand on her bare hand stopped her.

She looked up at Ed questioningly and he squeezed her hand lightly before handing her a thin blue colored box. "What's this?" she asked, hesitant to take it.

"A gift, a thank you for always being there for me. Always waiting for me." Ed smiled at her and got out of the car as Winry sat inside staring at the blue box. She reached for it hesitantly but Ed's voice stopped her. "Don't open it until we get inside."

His voice was muffled through the car door but cleared up at the end as he opened her door for her. Blushing lightly, Winry took his hand politely and stepped out of the car. "Thank you, I will."

When Winry stepped through the old wooden door, she was greeted with the sight of a warm, welcoming kitchen and Gracia Hughes dressed up and ready to go to the party.

With a warm smile she beckoned for them to follow her into the other room. Winry was surprised when Ed had offered her his arm, his face glowing with a happy smile.

'He's really happy.' Winry thought, a smile creeping onto her face.

They were ushered into the living room where a small table and two chairs were set up. It took a while for Winry to realize that it was for a small dinner that certainly looked romantic, whether or not it was intended to be that way was less obvious.

The meal was homemade by Gracia and Winry was delighted that all the dishes were her favorites. She knew that Mrs. Hughes did not know her favorites, so she guessed it was Ed's doing. Looking at the golden haired man from the edge of her vision, Winry admired his white suit. It had a gold shirt inside and a matching gold tie; this was what inspired Winry's choice of outfit. Glancing down at her own white and gold gown, Winry couldn't help but smile.

"What's got you so happy?" Ed grinned at her and she smiled back.

"You." Winry giggled at the surprised expression that immediately flew onto Ed's face and the rosy blush that followed.

"Me?" He repeated, just to make sure.

"Yes, you." He nodded and smiled a little brighter, looking down at his meal to avoid her eyes. Winry, however, stared at him openly, admiring him for all he was. The three words 'I love you' were on the tip of her tongue and she was sure she was about to blurt them out when the grandfather clock struck seven.

"Time to go. Are you finished?" He gestured politely to the dished that lay on the table and, at her nod of confirmation, got up from the table. "Let's head out then."

The trip to the party was silent and rather dull until Winry reached out and grabbed a hole of Ed's hand. He sat rigidly for a few moments before relaxing and squeezing her hand in return. The atmosphere cleared slightly and the silence that took over was more of a companionable one.

Upon arrival, Winry almost fainted from the shock. The entire military building was alit with sparkling lights and music streamed out of the open windows.

"It's amazing isn't it?" Ed muttered in awe. Winry simply nodded dumbly and he pulled her towards the doors. "Let's get this dancing thing over with, shall we?" His remark was flippant but his smile showed otherwise.

"Yep!" Winry grinned up at him lovingly, she hoped that he saw it in her eyes, but he looked away and lead her inside.

For the first half of the party, speeches were given and introductions were made to Winry. She felt proud during this time, since Ed referred to her as his 'strong and smart childhood friend…and mechanic.' It was a large improvement from the dismissive introductions he used to make. Ed really had grown up over the years, and Winry was proud to have witnessed the change.

When the music started, and people took to the dance floor, Ed was hesitant to dance and asked Winry if they could go get some drinks first. Minutes after he headed off to get drinks, he was dragged back to her by the Fuhrer and then they were both dragged onto the dance floor afterwards.

"Enjoy the springtime of your lives, tell each other some secrets." Was the only thing he said as he nudged Winry onto the dance floor and shoved Ed onto it. The action was acknowledged with a cold glare from Ed's side and a threatening leer from Roy's.

Lucky for Ed, the music that was provided wasn't the waltz but instead a slow and elegant rhythm. Tentatively, Winry took the still glaring alchemist's hand and turned him to face her. When she had acquired his attention, she placed her other hand on his shoulder.

Taking a hint, Ed brought her closer with his right hand, by placing it on the small of her back. He nodded slightly and took the first step, just as he had always done when they practiced; it was almost as though he was warning her that he was about to step, he had gotten used to doing it after he almost sprained her toe from stepping on it.

The dance had started out just like all the other ones, simple and practiced. But, to Winry's surprise, Ed had learned some dance moves and had apparently been saving them until that moment.

He spun her gently and when she had returned to him, he pulled her a few inches closer to him. It was hard to notice, but he still did it. Winry tried not to be stupid and squeal in excitement, but she couldn't keep the happy giggle from spurting form her lips.

He smiled down at her and tried it again, his eyes lighting up at her overjoyed reaction as her dress swished elegantly around her legs. By the end of the second song, Winry was close enough to rest her head on his shoulder without craning her neck forward.

Ed swallowed the sigh that formed in his mouth as Winry's head fit perfectly against his shoulder. He could feel the warmth of her body against his and the pulse of her heart in her hand. He wrapped his fingers tighter around her own, drawing her slightly closer to him. He could feel her heartbeat on his chest now, it was beating within the beats of his own heart.

Winry could feel the beat of his heart against her. It was strong and powerful, just like him. She concentrated her breathing and got their heartbeats to match. It hurt a little to hold her breath for so long, but she smiled nonetheless.

Ed bent his head slightly and whispered softly into her ear, "Thank you for teaching me to dance, Win." She nodded into his shoulder and whispered a 'you're welcome' in return.

Lifting his lips from her ear, but keeping his head bent close to hers, Ed concentrated on the beat of their hearts and the beat of the music. It seemed to flow well together. Even the clock that chimed loudly overhead beat in time with everything. It all seemed to perfect, Ed barely even noticed the people beginning to leave the party.

"Ed…" Winry murmured close to his ear. He nodded and her hair tickled him as it came in contact with his cheek. "I have a confession to make…"

Ed misplaced his right foot and his left foot came dangerously close to her right foot. Trying very hard to ignore the dread that pooled in the pit of his stomach, Ed regained his previous pace and nodded into her hair again.

Winry noticed his fumble in the dance, but didn't mention anything. He was tenser now, and pulled an inch of two away from her. She gulped down the nervous lump in her throat. She hoped she wouldn't ruin everything with this, but it just seemed needed.

She was quiet, too quiet. The dread that pooled into his stomach now started to rumble and make waves that splashed against the side of his stomach. It was nearly making him nauseous. The music seemed to have drowned out and the only thing Ed could hear was the loud thump of their hearts and the gentle wisps of breath that escaped them.

"Ed…A long time ago…" She paused hesitantly, her voice shaking. Did she really want to do this? Was she doing the right thing?

Ed's heartbeat pounded in his ears, so loud he was sure that the whole room could hear it as well.

"…A long time ago…I fell in love with you…"

Ed held his breath. A long time ago? Did that mean she had fallen out of love as well? Was she telling him that she didn't want him near her? That tonight hadn't impressed her?

"..And everyone told me to give up when you went through the gate again, that you were dead…" Winry paused again as Ed's gloved hands gripped her bare hands harshly, unconsciously.

She gasped softly as his right hand moved from the small of her back to her opposite hip, pulling her closer to him again. He almost had her in a death grip, as though she'd slip away at any moment. "…But I didn't give up, I waited, and you finally came home. I never stopped loving you, Edward Elric, and I never will."

His grip loosened but hers tightened. He was pulling away. Why? Was he going to tell her that he loved her as well? Did she give him the courage to, as he had done for her?

Ed looked at Winry in amazement. She had loved him all along, and she had never once doubted him. This girl, this woman, was someone who he did not deserve. He was a sinner, a stupid man. He hadn't wanted to be like his father, yet he was. He had left the woman he loved for alchemy, and it had hurt her.

Returning to the warmth of her body, Ed held back the tears of self-hate that threatened to overflow from his eyes. He was too weak for her, if she asked he would stay by her side forever. But it would be better for her if he didn't, so he needed to be stronger. He needed to distance himself from her.

Ed decided that night, that Winry Rockbell was better off without someone like Edward Elric. The day they were to return to Risembool, Ed would return his ticket and see Winry off. He would stay in Central, away from her.

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A/N: Reviews are valued and they encourage me to update. Thank you to all the reviewers!

Xoxoxoxo!