It was time for him to leave, but Winry had yet to come
from her room.
Ed knew that walking in on her could be potentially fatal,
but he also knew that he could not leave without saying
goodbye.
As quietly as possible, he opened her door and peeked in
on Winry's sleeping form.
The blonde recoiled from the shaft of light that fell over her
bed. She rolled away and pulled the covers closer around
her.
Ed crept in and stood by her bedside.
"W-Winry…I," he began softly, "I have to go but…but I
wanted to say…I just want to say…"
He dropped to his knees and rested his elbows on the
bed. His hands were clasped tightly together.
"I wanted to say that I'm sorry, Winry."
He paused as he took a breath.
"I'm sorry I never realized how much you cared. I'm sorry
that I made you feel like your work was replaceable. I…I
need you, Winry. You're the reason I'm alive today. I need
you. I need you."
Ed no longer tried to hold back the tears. He let his head
fall into his palms.
He felt Winry's hand rest lightly on his head.
He tried to move away, but she pulled him to her chest.
She held him gently as he cried and it was almost a minute
before he realized that his right ear was against the bare
skin over her heart and his cheek was against the blonde's
bare breasts.
"W-Winry–"
"Just keep your eyes closed."
They stayed close together for a few minutes. When he felt
her kiss him on top of his head, he somehow knew that it
was time for him to leave.
With his eyes still closed and cheeks a deep crimson, he
stood and walked slowly from the room.
"Come back safe, Ed."
