A/N: I actually got viewers! Thanks to everybody for reading, and I mean it. I really appreciate that you guys read my story. In the future, I will hopefully get a chapter up every few days. This chapter is the beginning of the actual plot, and about time too! So without further ado, enjoy chapter three!

A few days after Ed's nightmare, Mei packed up to head to Xing. Then she gathered everything up and said goodbye.

"Goodbye Mrs. Pinako," Mei said, bowing slightly, "you made me feel very welcome here, and I thank you for that."

"Of course," Pinako puffed out a ring of smoke before continuing, "make sure to stop by the next time you're in the area."

"Okay!" Mei moved on to Winry, "thank you for all of your delicious apple pies!"

Winry smiled at her, "yep! Anytime, Mei!"

Mei approached Ed, "Take good care of Winry and Alphonse!"

Ed chuckled, "yeah, I will!"

"I'll walk you to the station, Mei," Al offered, hoping for a few more moments with her.

Mei smiled and the two of them headed off.

"It's going to be quieter around here," Winry said. After a pause she continued, "I'm going to go inside and get lunch started."

Pinako and Ed sat on the front steps for a few minutes after that. Ed was thinking about how happy Al and Mei were together. Then Pinako stood up as well.

"Well, Ed. I think we should have a talk," she coughed and Ed looked worried.

"What do you want to talk about, Granny?"

"I'm going to cut to the chase. As much as I may argue with you, you and Winry will be very happy together. Make sure you treat her right. Don't worry her when you can help it. I know you can't help being a bit stubborn and reckless, you get it from your father," Pinako said as she puffed on her pipe.

"That bastard-" Ed began.

"May have been completely useless as a parent, but he did care about you, Ed. And he tried. Cut him some slack."

Ed looked down.

"I know you blame him for your mother's death, but he didn't make the plague come, Edward. That was just, what is it you alchemists say? 'A part of the flow.' And blaming him for your problems sure as hell won't make them go away," Pinako said sternly.

Ed sighed, "I guess you're right, Granny."

"I am right. You need to be strong. You're Al and Winry's rock. You remain steady and keep them strong. Even when things seem tough. I know you don't feel strong, but you are. Sorry to push this on you, but that's what you've always been."

Ed smiled and looked up, "I know, Granny."

Pinako smiled, "I'm glad," she paused and grew more subdued, "I think I'm going to go visit some old friends. My son and daughter-in-law. Your mother and father. I'm going to be a while. Tell Winry not to make any lunch for me."

"Okay, Granny," Ed replied. He was a bit surprised by how somber she was.

Pinako walked halfway down the driveway before turning around and shouting, "and get a job, you lazy pipsqueak!"

Ed smiled, "I will, you just wait!"

Ed walked back inside the house and saw Winry standing at the kitchen stove, making something that smelled delicious.

"Hey, Win!" Ed called happily.

"Hey, Ed! What's up?" She responded with a smile.

"Granny says not to make any for her, and also... well..." he broke off, unsure of how to continue.

"What is it, Ed?" She asked him.

"I wanted to talk to you about what happened at the train station last year..."

Winry was surprised. She had wanted to ask him about it but had decided it was better not to push him. She had suspected it would be hard for him to talk about, but now he was bringing it up on his own. She sensed her grandmother's interference.

"It was kinda weird, Ed," Winry told him.

"Weird?" Ed asked, looking defensive, "I'm sorry but how was it weird?"

"You spouted some alchemy stuff, laughed, hugged me, and left," Winry said, a bit annoyed.

Ed started to reply, but Winry saw that he was getting riled up and decided to calm him down.

"Maybe weird isn't what I meant," Winry said quickly, "more like... confusing."

"Oh," Ed looked to have relaxed a bit, "is there any way I could help make it less confusing?"

"Yeah, just tell me one thing," Winry decided to push the issue, "do you love me, Ed?"

Ed blushed and tried to stammer a reply but no words came out. Winry smiled at him.

"That's all I needed, moron," she said fondly as she put an arm around him.

At that moment, the door opened. Edward and Winry quickly stepped apart.

"Hey Al," Ed said nervously, "what's new?"

But then he saw the tears starting to form in his brother's eyes.

"Al, what's wrong?" Winry asked worriedly.

"It's Granny," Al managed before he broke down.

A/N: Yeah sorry. It hurts to have Pinako die, but it's a part of life, you know? And besides, Winry needed her vulnerable moment. Well, I guess they all get a vulnerable moment. I just hope I can pull this off. Anyway, late night writing sessions FTW! *Sigh* I need to sleep. Thanks for reading.