"Ed, please make sure you get everything," Winry reminded for the umpteenth time, walking him to the train station.
"Yeah," he waved his hand, walking in front of her. Winry admired the broadness of his shoulders, how long his hair had gotten. The air smelled of freshly washed linens, a cool breeze kissed their faces.
"You know I would go myself," she laughed, "but Granny really needs my help around the house today." She sighed, tears stinging the corners of her eyes. She blinked them away furiously, begging them not to come out. Not here, not now. Not in front of Ed. "She's not as young as she used to be," she whispered, sniffling.
Ed stopped walking abruptly, causing Winry to run into his back, almost falling. She regained her balance, looking down at the ground. I won't let him see me cry. He has enough to worry about.
He thought about telling her to go home and be with Pinako, but he needed her company. He was only going to Central to get a few special groceries Resembool didn't sell. He looked up at the sky, almost as stunning as Winry's eyes. "Win," he paused, knowing he was going to get hell for asking this. "Can we go over that list one more time?" He turned sheepishly to face her.
Winry did her best to mask her sadness, slapping her palm against her forehead. "I knew you weren't listening to me! You were looking out the window when I was telling you what we needed. I asked you if you wanted me to write it down and you said, 'No, I got it, Winry.'" She deepened her voice, mocking him, making a stupid face. "Unbelievable! I knew it," she said.
He beamed. "C'mon, Win. Please! I swear I'll listen this time," he laughed, moving closer to her.
She playfully glared at him, letting out a heavy sigh and pursing her lips. "Fine. Fine! But only because I need you to go. I need more oil. Do you know what kind I need?"
"The kind you oil stuff with?"
She paused, studying him. His eyes glowed, a cheesy grin spread across his face. She was going to miss him and worry, even if it was just for a day. She always worried that he wasn't going to come back to her, but every time she thought that, he always did. Granted, his automail would be smashed to pieces, bandages wrapped around his head and arms, but he did come back to her.
She continued to list the items she needed. "The chocolate that Granny likes, you know which one that is. It comes in the purple wrapper and has gold script on it. Oranges, coffee beans—"
He hugged her, squeezing gently, and kissed the top of her head. She hugged him back, needing this more than he could ever know. The tears sprang back into her eyes, feeling the immense amount of love he had for her in this hug. With him, she could be completely vulnerable and open. She thought about Granny, about how quickly her health had deteriorated the past year. Normally, Winry would make this trip, but the thought of something happening to Pinako while she was gone terrified her. She had abandoned her career in Rush Valley for the time being, knowing she will always be welcomed back when the time came.
Edward stroked her hair gently, admiring the way it smelled like flowers and oil. He lifted her chin, looking deeply into her eyes, surprised to see tears. "We better hurry," she sniffled, "or you'll miss your train." With that, she grabbed his hand and started to drag him down the road. "Pick up your feet, you idiot! If you miss this train you'll have to wait another two hours!"
He smiled contentedly, admiring the way she was always so strong around him. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."