--- Darn it, Ed. You were so close! ---
32. Left Unsaid.
"Winry, don't look so gloomy." Ed frowned.
"Why are you upset all of a sudden?" Al asked. He and Ed exchanged questioning looks.
"I… I don't like it when you two have to leave. I like having you home; it saves me a lot of worry. And," Winry hesitated, biting her lip and looking at the ground. "And sometimes… well, sometimes I'm scared you won't come back."
The words danced on the tip of Ed's tongue. He wanted so bad to say what was on his mind, but instead he rolled his eyes. "You idiot. How else would I get regular repairs? You're the only reliable source I have."
"And I love coming home to see you and Granny," Al added.
Winry's eyes came up to search Ed's face. He fidgeted under her gaze. After what seemed like a long time, Winry pulled smile on her lips. It didn't reach her eyes. "You're right, goofball. Come home soon, you two."
Ed turned and waved vaguely behind his back, cursing his cowardice. Al said a quick goodbye to Winry, then caught up with him. Ed was still kicking himself. How hard was it to say a simple sentence? Very hard, it seemed.
Now, as the train rumbled out of Risembol Station, he whispered the words to himself, too low for Al to hear.
"I'll always come back to you…"