DISCLAIMER: Hagaren is Arakawa's.

Edited 2/25/12 (apparently Den is a girl? I always thought she was a he whoops)

Pairing: Edward/ Winry

Prompt: Funeral

Rated: K

Edward couldn't help but feel guilty at the small relief that at least this time, it wasn't his fault she was crying.

How her hand had slipped into his without his notice was beyond him, but once her cold fingers registered, he tightened his grip a little, giving her an assuring squeeze. At his touch, she turned, her head falling on his shoulder. Without a second thought he pulled her into his arms. Out of the corner of his eye his saw Alphonse's hand fall from where it had been on her back.

The flowers on the ground rustled as a gust of wind blew by, and Ed felt Winry shiver. His jacket came off and in an instant she was wearing it, pulling it more tightly around her. His lips pressed to her forehead, holding her again.

"I'm going to miss her so much," she whispered, the strain to keep her voice even apparent.

His hand rubbed soothing circles into the small of her back. When he had learned how to deal with such emotional responses he didn't know, but he was grateful that it at least didn't seem to make her mad, even if it didn't help much.

"She was a good dog, Winry," he murmured. "I was quick about it; she didn't feel any pain. I promise."

He felt her nod her head, a loose wisp of her hair brushing against his neck. "I know… I know."

Edward kissed her again, this time on the cheek. He said nothing, letting her hide her tears in his shoulder.

Beside them, Alphonse cleared his throat. "I'll make dinner tonight, Winry. You and Ed can stay out here as long as you need to."

Edward threw a grateful look at his little brother; the blond in his arms didn't seem to react.

He didn't know how long they stood there before she pulled away, but he knew the sun had still been in the sky when Alphonse went into the house. When she met his eyes, she tried to smile, but even in the dark he could tell her eyes were red and a little swollen. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

Brushing her bangs from her eyes, he leaned in towards her, his lips finding hers. He kissed her delicately for a long moment before breaking away and pulling back just enough to look at her. "Don't be sorry, Winry. That's my job."

This time she managed to give him a real smile.

A/N: I keep forgetting to say this, but thank you to everyone who's reviewed/favorited/followed.