A/N: I'm kinda 'meh' about this one (kinda reeks of "you can't just have your characters run around saying how they feel! That makes me angry!"), but it'll do.
58. Differences
"You are one lucky girl, Winry," said Paninya, leaning her chair against the wall.
"Hrm?" said Winry as she measured an automail shoulder.
Paninya lowered the front two legs of her chair back to the floor. "I saw the way Ed was looking at you earlier," she taunted.
"You mean that 'wha'd'ya mean it won't be ready tomorrow' glare? I tune it out now," said Winry without looking away from the task at hand.
"Ha! Nice try, but I also had to get my tools from your room this morning," Paninya informed her, and Winry froze. "I don't think you two were awake yet; you still looked very comfortable," she added with a laugh.
Winry sighed; "Guess the jig's up there, huh," she said, putting her tool down and wiping her brow.
"There's only one thing I don't get," said Paninya. "You've known them both as long as you all remember, they've both got mostly human bodies now, both talented State Alchemists; how do you pick one Elric over the other?" she asked.
"You say that like I had a choice in the matter," said Winry with a slight frown on her face.
"Eh?"
"Nothing."
Paninya was silent for a few moments before trying again. "Really though, it's almost like picking between twins," she said.
"Well, you know them as long as I have, you find some subtle differences," Winry explained, her frown morphing into a small smile.
"Like….?" Paninya prompted.
"Al I the sweetest kid ever, but you know me, I need a challenge," Winry replied with a smile. "Ed's just got that passion, whether it's in alchemy or arguing, it's there," she added.
"And in the be-"
"Can it, you perv." Winry paused momentarily before continuing. "Plus, he did make me that promise about the tears of joy, and shouted it for the whole station to hear. You can't tell me that's not romantic," she elaborated.
"Meh, I still say you've just got a thing for blonds," said Paninya, and Winry chased her out with one throw of the screwdriver.