Chapter 2! Yay! I hope you enjoy this little story, because I really had a lot of fun writing this. This is my...4th completed fanfic, and (as usual) you know it's Edward and Winry. (This chapter has a lot more anime dialogue) I own nothing!

StarKatt427

The ride to the train station was quiet for the most part. The driver was silent the whole trip and Al seemed almost afraid to even try to talk for fear of saying the wrong thing and possibly bringing on more tears, but Edward and Winry sat in comfortable silence. Every now and then, Edward would glance over to find Winry watching him, eyes soft and appreciative, a little smile on her face. Resisting the urge to look away from her because of how nervous she was making him, he would smile back, then look out the window as quickly as possible, staring intently at the people passing by on the streets or the cars that drove by. Although he didn't realize it, Winry noticed his behavior. She would smile, roll her eyes affectionately, then gaze out of her window as well.

What she failed to notice, though, was that Edward stared right back at her when she wasn't looking. He took in her complexion, still pale, but no longer deathly white. The dark circles under her eyes seemed less noticeable, something he was thankful for, and she seemed to look more like her old self; strong, dependable Winry. She had brushed her hair before leaving the hotel into a neat, high ponytail, and had washed her face as well.

And as Edward watched her, his chest was filled with a fierce pride at having been the one to make her smile again.

Edward wasn't sure how long they stood there, silently holding each other, him simply content to have her in his arms. Winry had stopped crying not long ago and she still sniffed every minute or so, but Edward would rub her back comfortingly and eventually he felt her smile into his neck.

A soft knock filled the room, followed by an even softer, "Brother?"

Edward looked at the door, then at Winry, cocking his eyebrows as he silently asked her a question.

"Yeah, it's fine," she said, voice still thick, but no longer dangerously so. Nodding, Edward, somewhat reluctant, untangle himself from Winry's warm body, then walked over and opened the door.

Al stood there, gripping his loincloth in his large gauntlets like he did when he was nervous. He looked at Edward, then his gaze moved to Winry, then back.

"It's okay," Edward said quietly, grinning at his brother, and Alphonse seemed to relax tremendously.

"Hey, Winry," Al said, sounding extremely happy, yet cautious at the same time. "How, uh…are you?"

Winry smiled gently. "I'm better." She walked over to the brothers until she was in front of Al, then placed her hand on his massive arm. "Thank you for worrying."

If Al had been in his normal body, Edward knew he would be blushing.

"It's a good thing you two uh, stopped yelling," Al said uncertainly. "I caught security right before they busted in."

At that, both Edward and Winry flushed, realizing just how loud they were when they argued. They were loud by nature, with strong lungs and powerful voices, but they should have at least tried to keep it down. However, that had been the last thing on Edward's mind; he could have cared less if he disturbed Führer King Bradley himself.

"Sorry," they both mumbled. Edward knew Winry actually was a bit remorseful, especially for worrying Al, but Edward didn't feel bad in the least. If Winry was ever upset and hurt like how she'd just been, he'd scream loud enough for the entire country of Xing to hear if it meant making her feel better.

"Uh, Winry, are you all packed?" Al asked quietly. "Your train leaves in an hour."

Don't remind me, Edward thought, both relieved and disappointed. Leaving Central would hopefully keep her safe, but that also meant she would be back in Rush Valley and away from him. He had to admit he didn't exactly like this idea.

"Yeah, pretty much. I need to pack a few more things though."

"Oh, okay. We'll let you get ready," Al said, beginning to back out of the room. We, as in both brothers. Edward, slightly annoyed at his brother, began following suit.

"Yeah, see you," Edward mumbled nonchalantly, waving a hand over his shoulder at her as he began to exit the room. Al was already walking into their hotel room when he felt a small, warm hand encase his larger flesh one, fingers on his wrist.

Surprised, Edward turned around to see Winry, hand gripping his, staring nervously at the floor. She looked shy all of a sudden. "Ed?"

Edward inhaled, slightly anxious. Was she going to ask him why he had hugged her, to say that it was a mistake? "Yeah?"

"Thanks." Smiling crookedly, cheeks pink, Winry held his hand tighter. It felt good. Her skin was soft in some ways, but held strength from working with automail, her fingers long and nimble. "For everything."

Allowing himself just a moment to lace his large, rough fingers through hers, his own cheeks lightly stained, Edward smiled. "Anytime."

They arrived at the train station faster than Edward thought they would. Exiting the car, he walked toward the now open trunk and grabbed Winry's tool chest and bag, throwing one over each shoulder. When she stepped around the car and saw him, her eyes widened slightly and Edward noticed she was trying to keep from smiling. He cocked an eyebrow, scowling slightly, then rolled his eyes at her as the three headed toward the platform, Edward making sure Alphonse was in between him and Winry. He felt funny, not used to doing stuff like his for her, but that wasn't the only reason he felt so strange. However, even as he tried to figure out why he felt so nervous and unsure, nothing came to him.

When they arrived at the train platform, Winry walked over to him, her arms slightly extended. "I can get it from here."

Grumbling, Edward passed her the bag, then helped her thow the chest over her shoulder. "Thanks," she said, to which he nodded.

The rest of the way to the train, Edward walked beside his brother, behind Winry, watching her in frustration. Mind racing, he tried to figure out why he now felt so strange around her. It couldn't be because of the yelling or anything; they did that all the time and were fine. But…maybe the hug? Immediately, he felt his stomach get all fluttery again as his cheeks burned. Ed could still feel the way her body had seemed to fit perfectly against his, her head on his shoulder, then his neck. It seemed easy to imagine his arms twined around her small waist, his large hands on her hips. Even though she had been covered in sweat, she had smelt amazing, like lemons and soap and machine oil.

Why was he noticing stuff like this? Edward's scowl darkened slightly as he watched her hair swing back and worth. She was a girl, but she was his best friend. Was it natural to notice things like that about your best friend? He'd be surprised, actually pleased, when he'd seen her for the first time in three years only a few months ago. He had gone back to Resembool to get her to make him a new arm and, although it wasn't one of his favorite memories, she had greeted him with a wrench to the head. She had, unfortunately, grown taller, her hair, longer. And now, she went around half naked all the time. That as definitely something that had caught his attention. He'd realized just how muscular her upper arms were, but her wrists were small and delicate. Her neck was slender, and Edward had secretly been captivated by the little baby hairs that resided at the base of her neckline.

Of course, other things had caught his attention as well. The last time he had seen her before that she had been twelve, but now, she was fifteen, and things…change…around that age. A better word for it was develop, and Edward inwardly cringed. Yes, she had developed. While in Resembool those three days, Edward had silently watched her when she wasn't aware of it, taking in her thin waist, her flat stomach, all smooth and toned, but still looked soft to the touch.

And, of course, there were two very big differences about her, which made Edward blush blood red. It didn't help matters that all she wore around the house was a skimpy tube top! What guy in his right mind wouldn't notice?

Had it only been a few months since they'd become close again, like they were now? A few months, three at the most, and already Winry was changing again! When Ed and Al had stopped by Rush Valley to get her to fix his arm, she'd still been in the same outfit; jumpsuit tied around her waist, a bandana covering her hair, yet the shirt was different, and this one made them more…noticeable.

Edward shook his head harshly, trying to get every image of Winry out of his head and to figure out just what he was sick with.

Edward watched as Winry settled herself in her seat, her luggage next to her. She looked tired, but maybe happy as well, as she leaned out the open window and looked at the brothers. Edward stood, expression softening immensely as she smiled sadly, eyes dancing.

"Thank you both, for stopping me back there." Edward inhaled sharply as she looked down at her hands, unable to meet his fiery gaze. Hadn't she already said this? She didn't have to make herself feel any worse, did she? "I forgot there were still people who depended on me. If I had done it, I wouldn't have been able to face them again."

Edward wasn't able to speak; he couldn't find his voice. He watched Winry, the way she looked so much older than he remembered, but how still held traces of a round, innocent baby face. She was strong, yet she needed protecting, and he suddenly realized how much he hated the idea of another boy, another man, taking care of her. Winry was his, and he would be the one to keep her safe.

"Of course," Al said quietly.

Winry jerked her head up quickly, plastering on a smile, trying to sound cheery. "I expect you to take good care of your automail," she said to Ed, her voice only slightly sounding off. He had to admit, she was a good actress.

Edward nodded. "Yup."

"Oh," she said, turning to Alphonse, "and I'll send you some good polishing oil soon, Al."

"Great," Al said, voice trying to sound enthusiastic, for her sake.

Winry smiled slightly, then seemed to deflate as she looked at the Elric brothers. "And no dying, okay?"

Al nodded, and Edward realized just how much the thought of them dying scared her; her secret fear.

"Right," he said. While he was watching her, he felt his chest tighten slightly, his heart pound, his stomach grow taut. It was that strange feeling again, the one from earlier. Biting the inside of his lip, Edward looked at her, into her eyes, forcing himself not to break away from her intense gaze. "Oh, and…the next time I make you cry, I hope that…they'll be…"

To Ed's utter horror and embarrassment, right when he was finally telling her something important, the thing that had caused that weird feeling in his chest and stomach, the freakin' train whistle sounded. Are you kidding? Ed felt his body freeze up, every muscle tensing. Maybe she had heard him. Maybe he wouldn't have to repeat it.

"Huh? What? I can't hear you!" she yelled just as the train whistle's booming sound began to vanish.

And Edward felt his previous scowl settle over his features, felt his hands knot into fists as, instead of telling her again, he turned away and began heading back away from the train.

"Brother?" he heard Al call, confused. Still, he didn't betray him, but said, "Wait up! See you, Winry."

"O-okay," he faintly heard her mumble as he walked farther away. Al was quickly beside him, looking down at him expectantly, but Edward kept his mouth clamped shut tight. He felt like crawling under a rock at that moment, so embarrassed and pissed at the damn timing and just mad!

"Come back, Edward!" Winry suddenly called in a loud voice, and Edward felt himself stop walking. Would she always be able to do that, make him do anything she asked for? "What were you saying?"

Fiercely, Edward turned around, glowering as he pointed a finger at her, voice rising higher and higher in his throat until it burst past his lips and he was shouting, "The next time I make you cry, I hope they'll be tears of joy!"

He watched as Winry cocked an eyebrow slightly, eyes widening as she was taken aback, but he didn't stop. He couldn't, now that she had gotten him going. "And Al and I'll be back in our normal bodies and I'll make you cry out of sheer happiness! That's a promise!"

Out of breath, frowning heavily, Edward felt his face turn white. Oh, crap, why the hell did I just do that? Hands shaking at his sides, he waited, seething, for Winry to respond. If she even would. I swear, if she laughs, I'll kill her, he said silently, but knew that was an empty threat. He would never lay a hand on her.

Still, it terrified him, watching her stare after him, blue eyes wide, mouth slightly open.

After what seemed like an eternity, Winry broke out into a smile, a real, happy smile, eyes squeezed shut as her laughter filled the air. Her hand went up and she waved at him, smiling widely.

And Edward, who earlier couldn't wait to get rid of the funny feeling in his chest and abdomen, now felt it silently grow and he realized maybe it wasn't such a bad thing that it was there, deeply implanted in his heart, just like Winry's fingers would always be.

Edward turned back away from the train as it began to move, feeling very proud and accomplished and not the least bit embarrassed.

That is, until Al started teasing him.

"Brother, that was so sweet!"

"Aw, shuttup!" Edward hollered, face turning dark red as he shoved his hands deep in his pockets.

Alphonse laughed hard. "Aw, it was cute, Ed!"

Ego already bruised, Edward jerked his automail leg forward, landing a kick in Al' s metal body. "Shut up, stupid!"

As the brothers walked, Al still laughing every few minutes, Ed realized he was actually enjoying himself as well. He still felt embarrassed, his cheeks were still warm, and he was on the verge of shoving Al out in front of a train, but he was actually happy. He had told Winry what he felt, exactly what he felt, not some watered-down version of the truth.

And he had made her happy.

"Brother?"

"I swear, if you say one more thing about it, I will throw your helmet out into the nearest body of water," Edward growled.

"You did good."

Stopping, Edward looked up at Al, to where his eyeholes resided, burning bright red. He should have golden eyes, like Ed, but with being in a suit of armor and all…He could practically see Al's smile, though, feel the warmth of his real eyes.

"Really?" Ed asked, voice soft and childlike.

"Yeah, Brother. You did real good. You made her happy."

Ed turned to look over his shoulder, but he was far away from where he'd left Winry's train. Besides, she was already on her way to Rush Valley. Even so, he had a pretty good feeling she was thinking about him too. "I guess I did, didn't I?"

"Don't get a big head," Al said, voice holding a smirk, and Ed grinned cockily up at his brother.

"Yeah, yeah."

They walked the rest of the way in silence. Ed wasn't sure where Al's thoughts were; maybe on Winry as well. Al would do anything for Winry, and for that, he was grateful. Edward was suddenly glad his brother love Winry just as much as he did.

"Brother? Why'd you stop?"

Edward barely heard Al's question as he stood, rooted on the spot, trying to figure out what had just happened. Wait, what? What had just happened? He knew Al loved Winry, that was obvious; he'd had a crush on her when they were little. Of course, so had Ed. Both had been determined to marry her back when they were six and five, but they had been kids then. They didn't know what that kind of love meant. Ed still wasn't quite sure what it was.

But was Alphonse? Edward was suddenly overwhelmed by the idea that maybe Al's little crush had turned into something else and that, along the way, he had actually come to love love Winry.

And, although it made him sick at his stomach when he realized it, he couldn't stand the idea that Al might actually have feelings for her.

Ed looked up, right at Alphonse. Oh, he realized, maybe that's what it is.

Maybe Ed was actually jealous of his little brother.

Because maybe Edward actually liked liked Winry just a little bit.

"Ed? You okay?"

Smiling, wonder and acceptance beginning to set in, Ed nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." He grinned at Al suddenly, realizing it was time for a little brotherly competition. "Wanna race?"

Al laughed softly. "You're on."

As they raced down the station, Edward felt his heart pick up, not just because of the speed, but because there was now hope; hope that maybe things would get better. He would get Al's body back, and once he had done that, he would go home, because he actually had one waiting for him: Winry.

A little rivalry might actually be fun, Ed decided, but he wasn't referring to the race. Maybe Al was stronger and a better fighter, but Ed was faster.

And besides, he thought, grinning, I always win.

And Edward Elric always kept his promises.