Draped in Wires
by. Poisoned Scarlet

Theme 033: Long Goodbye/"Better be Right!"

"I hope you had a good time here, Mei!" Winry beamed, bringing the girl into a tight embrace she returned. "We'll miss you and Al!"

"Likewise, Winry-chan!" Mei smiled, glancing at Al, who was speaking in low tones to Edward. She saw Alphonse shake his head vigorously and then saw him plunge his hand into his pocket and shove a small velvet box into Edward's unwilling ones. "I had a wonderful vacation here in Resembool! I want to come again as soon as possible! But you should come visit us sometime, Winry." Mei suggested. "You'll love Xing!"

"I'll try!" Winry grinned, liking the idea of traveling to Xing to explore such a foreign and distant land. "Take good care of Al for me, okay?"

Mei nodded, brightly.

Winry turned to the boys, raising a brow at their scowling faces. "Guys?" She asked, lips quirking into a smile when Ed snapped his head to her and shoved his hand into his pocket. "Something the matter?" She narrowed her eyes suspiciously, stepping closer to them.

Edward just gulped and grinned back weakly while Al shook his head – looking more miffed than nervous.

"Nothing's wrong, Winry." Al waved off, bringing her into a tight hug. "I really hope you two could come visit us soon!" He smiled. She patted his back and nodded.

"Same! You two should get on your train before it leaves without you!" Winry laughed, stepping back and offering Al some room to maneuver his way back to Mei's side.

"Later, bean sprout!" Ed waved at her "Be sure to keep an eye on my brother for me!"

"I promise!" Mei beamed.

The two disappeared into the train and reappeared a few windows back. The train gave a shrill hoot and steam hissed, as it began to slowly move. Winry quickly rushed over to the window, hoping to get a few more moments with her close friends before they left for the land of Xing again.

Time had passed far too fast for her liking. It seemed like it was yesterday when she was teasing Al about Mei about their crushes on each other and now they were together and happy, shown in the way he held her hand as the train moved on the tracks.

"Take care you two!"

"Be sure to get all the information you can outta' the bean girl, Alphonse!" Ed laughed, grinning when his brother beamed right back.

"You can bet on it!"

Winry waved but paused when Al stuck his head out further, his eyes determinedly fixed on Edward's. "You better do it, Ed, or so help me I'll do it for you!"

"Hey! That beats the whole purpose!" Ed shouted back, dodging around Winry and running to keep up with the train. "I thought you said when I was ready!"

"You've been ready, Edward!" Al shouted, the wind picking up as the train picked up speed. "You knew the instant you saw it!"

He was speaking of the plain ring he had seen repeatedly in Central City. He had mentioned the ring to his brother and the younger sibling wasted no time making up an excuse to check out the ring – deeming it perfect, as he had a generally good idea of the type of jewelry Winry usually wore, and bought it after transacting some money from his own bank account; telling Ed the ring was more of a gift for all he had done for him during the course of their adolescence.

The small box weighed in his pocket, as Ed reached the end of the platform. "YOU BETTER BE RIGHT, AL!" He screamed, hoping his brother heard him.

Al just laughed in response.

A/N: This was two themes in one, I guess. I killed two birds with one stone! XD

Review!

Scarlett.