Chapter 7: Outcast and a Stranger

Edward made breakfast for Winry and Alphonse the next morning. Though Winry now did most of the cooking, Edward didn't want her to feel like she was their personal chef. Sometimes he would beat her to the kitchen and insist on cooking. "I did it for years before you came here. I know how to cook, too. So just go relax for a bit."

Winry sat down at the table with Alphonse, and Edward fried the eggs and bacon filling the apartment with a savory aroma. Edward also wanted to soften Alphonse for revealing their relationship. He was hoping a good meal would make it easier. His stomach turned a few times as he thought of his younger brother's potential reaction.

Edward brought the pan over and gave everyone their share of breakfast. After they finished eating, Edward figured it was best to get it over with.

"Hey Alphonse, we have something to tell-" Edward began but was interrupted by Winry.

"I have to go to the market now. I'll be back soon! Good luck!" Winry said while grabbing her purse and running out the door.

"You're abandoning me now?!" Edward cried out as she ran out the door.

The door shut quickly, and Edward dropped his head in defeat.

"You know she'll return, right brother?" Alphonse reassured.

Edward returned Alphonse's gaze with a sad look. "I know. It's just that this isn't going to be easy. I have to tell you something about Winry."

Alphonse could tell by his tone that this was serious. "Did she remember something?"

"No. It has nothing to do with her going through the gate. She and I decided, last night, that we are seeing each other," Edward said slowly, his voice getting quieter towards the end.

Alphonse kept staring at Edward with a blank expression, so he elaborated. "I mean, we're dating each other now."

Alphonse stood up abruptly, and Edward for once in his life, wished he was smaller and could hide. Alphonse yelled "What the hell?! Why is it when a woman comes to live with us that you end up sleeping with her?!"

Edward gulped in fear. Alphonse started pacing in frustration. "You're repeating the same mistake as with Noah."

At the mention of Noah, Edward felt his blood boil and he stood up. He opened his mouth to rebuttal but found he couldn't. It was the same situation happening all over again. At least Mrs. Baxter had left them alone ever since Winry began working for Fred.

Alphonse sighed as the anger left him. He couldn't stay mad at Edward. "I knew that this would happen eventually. It was obvious you two liked each other when we were back home. And apparently those feelings have resurfaced."

Edward smiled as Alphonse calmed down. Edward said "I hope you can be happy for us."

"I am. I just wish the timing was better. At least Mrs. Baxter seems to be leaving you alone now," Alphonse commented.

"Yeah, she is. I'm grateful that Winry made that agreement with Fred," Edward replied.

"I hope it stays that way," Alphonse said.

Over the next two weeks, Mrs. Baxter let Edward and Winry be. Winry had even spoken to her a few times, and the woman seemed to like her. And Fred liked Winry's genius with machines. It came in handy with several of the tenants so far.

And now Winry was focused on her next venture, which was to get Sheska and Kain together. She hoped having them over for dinner would be an easy step in having Sheska's heart grow love for a person rather than her own personal library.

Winry was at the stovetop stirring the stew. Alphonse was snapping green beans into a pot. Edward was sitting at the table peeling what seemed like an infinite number of potatoes. "Are you sure we'll eat all of these?"

Winry slammed her spoon on the stove and yelled "I know how much you and your brother eat! I need to make sure we can feed everyone else!"

Edward grumbled as he continued peeling. Winry decided that she needed to change tactics. This dinner was her idea, and she needed Edward on board with her. And him being grumpy would ruin the friendly mood that she was trying to set. She went over to him and kissed him on the cheek. She calmly said, "Thank you for helping me."

Edward smiled as his cheeks pinkened slightly. "Sure. It's my dinner too."

Winry turned back, and Edward watched her. Alphonse was amused by his brother's new attitude. Edward and Winry were slowly starting to be affectionate in front of him. At least it wasn't as awkward as it had been with Noah. When Edward and Noah began dating, Edward's face would turn red as an apple when Noah would kiss him, and then he would jump out of his chair. Alphonse wondered if, because Edward was now experienced with physical affection, it was easier to accept it now.

After the green beans were all snapped, Alphonse gave them to Winry to cook while he went to Julia's to escort her over. And from what he could tell, Winry hadn't told Edward about what happened at the pub. He and Julia had started dating secretively because Alphonse was still working in the same department as her. Once he rotated out, it would be easier to tell others. He thought that at least they weren't living together like Edward and Winry. That was scandalous.

Edward brought the peeled potatoes over and placed them in a pot of boiling water. He questioned Winry again "Are you sure this will work?"

"Nope. I can't force them together. All I can do is have them spend time together and see if it can evolve."

Edward shook his head. "Have you even asked Sheska?"

Winry caressed his face with her hand and told him "Edward, you can't rush matters of the heart."

Edward sighed. He hesitated but then leaned into her touch. "So that's a 'no' then."

Winry sighed in defeat. "I've been having us read this incredibly romantic book, and I'm hoping that it will help suggest the idea."

Edward started laughing until Winry started huffing and tapping her foot. He regained control of himself. "That is probably the funniest but greatest idea I've ever heard involving her!"

Winry quickly turned to the stove in embarrassment. She dove into cooking to forget about Edward's remarks. She didn't know whether to feel flattered or stupid. At least, she hoped she was helping a friend.

Dinner was almost ready when there was a knock on the door. Winry had stepped with joy to the door. She was ready to make this evening happen. She quickly opened the door, and greeted Kain and Sheska, who was holding a small bouquet of flowers. Winry took them and set them in a jar with fresh water.

Alphonse and Julia joined them shortly after. They ate dinner and spoke of rockets and the spring carnival about to happen. Winry was excited to see the rocket fly into the air. She suggested that after the demo, they spend some time together at the carnival together. She also wanted Kain and Sheska to spend more time together in a fun atmosphere.

'It'll be the perfect opportunity!' she thought.

Kain commented on Winry's food. "This is excellent. Ed, you're so lucky that your girlfriend can cook so well."

"Trust me. I know. And she knows that I love to eat. Just wait until the apples are in season. She makes the best apple pie," Edward bragged.

Winry blushed a little at his compliment. He did always tell her the food was good but to say it in front of others felt different. She told Kain "Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Then, Alphonse suggested playing some card games while dinner settled. Edward ended up winning a few hands of rummy. Alphonse was wondering if he was cheating like he had done when they were younger.

Edward scoffed "Don't get mad at me just because I'm luckier. It's a game of math."

"I knew it! You're counting cards!" Alphonse accused him.

"There's nothing wrong with doing it in my head!" Edward argued.

Winry yelled "Will you two just knock it off?! We have guests!"

Edward and Alphonse both crossed their arms and looked away from each other. Edward stuck his tongue at him. Alphonse just rolled his eyes.

They played one more game to end the evening on a high note, and Kain won that round. Kain then walked Sheska home, and Alphonse walked Julie home.

Winry and Edward did the dishes together. Winry commented "I think it went well."

"It's hard to tell. They didn't do anything," Edward dried a plate and set it aside.

"We ate a good meal, played games, and laughed together. I think that's a success. We'll try another date together at the carnival and see how that goes. Besides, I'm excited to go on another date with you. And this time, I'll know it's a date," Winry winked at him.

Edward felt flushed but then chuckled. "Yep, it's a date."

He kissed her on the cheek. Winry turned and they kissed lightly. They smiled at each other and returned to the task of cleaning the dishes.

A week later, the phone rang very late at night. Edward grumbled as he roused from his slumber. He unwrapped himself from Winry's arms and walked towards the shrill ring of the phone. He yawned as he picked it up and spoke roughly into the receiver "This better be urgent."

"Brother! There's a woman here at the hospital. She was found on the street, and she's from Amestris!" Alphonse said out of breath.

Edward's sleepiness instantly dissolved. "What?! How did this happen?"

"I don't know but she knows Winry! She's been asking for her since she woke up," Alphonse said in a quick voice. He was caught between panic and excitement.

Edward was even more interested. "This woman could give us answers on how she and Winry travelled here. We'll be by to see her tomorrow."

"Right, I'll let her know," Alphonse responded.

Alphonse and Edward exchanged goodbyes. Edward's curiosity was biting him. He paced through the apartment wondering who this woman was, and what the connection between her and Winry was. It was difficult to wait until morning, but he knew he had to abide by the hospital's visiting hours as he didn't want to get Alphonse in trouble.

The next day, Edward and Winry went to the hospital to see the mysterious woman. They walked briskly from the bus stop to the women's ward to see the patient. Alphonse was waiting just outside the ward and escorted them to the woman who was asking for Winry.

When Edward saw her, he almost jumped. Then his chest filled with anger at seeing this woman. This was the woman that had his father killed.

Winry chirped "Dr. Eckhart, it's you!"

The older woman with light brown hair looked at Winry with a flash of anger that was quickly replaced with a grimace. She had a bandage over her left eye, and her hands were wrapped in gauze also.

Winry asked with concern in her voice "Are you going to be alright?"

"I could be better. I lost my eye, and my hands are scraped badly," she answered with a hint of frustration in her voice.

This did not go unnoticed by Edward. This woman was angry about something. He was ready to step between the two women but decided to observe for now. He was hoping for some revelation on how these women traversed here.

Winry was worried. She asked, "How did you get here?"

Dr. Eckhart looked surprised as her mouth hung open slightly. Winry then explained "I lost my memories from the past year. I don't remember how I got here. We were hoping you could tell us."

Dr. Eckhard was shocked at the revelation. Her face softened some. "I see. That explains it. You have a case of amnesia."

Edward was highly suspicious even though this woman was beginning to speak kindly with Winry. He rationalized that this was not the Dr. Eckhart from this world because she died. However, this was more than likely her double from Amestris. Though she had a Cretean accent.

Winry began her tale of waking up at the hospital. And how Alphonse and Edward had taken her into their home and educated her on this world.

"Wait Winry, is this the same Edward that you told me about? The alchemist that traveled between the two worlds." Dr. Eckhart's eyes lit up.

"Yes! And just so you know, Edward and I are together now. He's made me so happy," Winry said as she looked back at her boyfriend. His arms were crossed and his eyes furrowed. He didn't trust Dr. Eckhart, and he did not want Winry to be near her. He tried rationalizing that this was not the exact woman that had killed his father but the way she had acted with Winry before she informed her of her amnesia made him highly suspicious that she wasn't telling them everything.

Winry saw the anger with Edward and brushed it off. "Sorry, he's not a morning person."

Edward then asked "You still didn't answer the question. How did you get here through the gate? Was your eye the toll?"

Dr. Eckhart wore a tight-lipped smile. "Well, we have been trying to create a connection between the two worlds. We have studied the aircraft that came through when you opened the gate, and we have been trying to replicate it but with no success. We are unable to get the machine to fly. However, we thought that if this world had that kind of machinery, then what other devices would they have that could benefit us? And maybe they could learn something from us. An exchange of information between two worlds. Wouldn't it be fascinating if we could learn from each other?"

Winry said "That sounds familiar. You had me building something that could generate a large amount of power."

"Yes, that was to activate the portal and the transmutation circle," Dr. Eckhart confirmed.

Alphonse informed her "Well, to go through the gate, a toll must be paid. Winry paid with her memories. I assumed you paid with your eye."

"Yes, I suppose so. We didn't know there was such a severe price," the woman shook her head.

Winry placed a comforting hand on the other woman's shoulder. "I know it's all very difficult to accept. There was no way to know beforehand."

Edward interrupted "And how were you planning on opening a portal on this side? Alchemy doesn't work over here. You can't use it to return."

Dr. Eckhart's eyes widened. "No alchemy? Then how do we return?"

Edward shook his head. "We can't. We're stuck here. We've made a good life here despite the mess we began with. And I suggest you do the same."

The woman looked dismayed. Winry tried to comfort her, but it only made the woman break out in sobs as she realized her fate was to be here.

Winry told her "It's going to be okay. If I can learn how to survive here, you can also. I'll help you."

Edward, Winry, and Alphonse left the hospital on the bus. Winry felt sadness for her former employer. "Ed, we can help her. She can stay with us."

Edward continued staring out the window. "Winry, we don't have the room to house her. And we just got Mrs. Baxter off our case."

Winry pouted as the anger built up. She turned away from him and crossed her arms.

Edward sighed. "And I don't trust her."

Winry's head whipped to face him. "What?! You just met her!"

"It's complicated!" he yelled back.

"Well explain it to me!" Winry glared at him. She waited for his response, and he gave none.

"I'm waiting!" she sharply reminded him.

"Fine! I'm figuring out how to explain it," Edward answered.

Then Edward began whispering. "Remember when I told you about doubles. I met her counterpart here."

"Seriously? That's incredible. Where is she?" Winry asked.

"That's the complicated part. She killed my father in order to open the portal to our world. She was a terrible scientist, and just looking at her hurts."

Winry was stunned. Her face softened as she sympathized with him. She said quietly "Ed….".

"I know it's not her so I shouldn't be this angry but I am. And I can't explain it, but I didn't like how she was treating you today either. She's hiding something."

Winry explained "She was in pain. Her eye and hands were bandaged. And it's terrifying waking up in a new world."

"Maybe but it still hurts to see her," Edward reminded her.

Winry places her hand on his thigh and squeezes. "I can understand that. I'm sorry about your dad."

Winry then rests her head on his shoulder. He leans his head onto hers returning the display of affection. They both sat quietly contemplating the mysterious woman. Winry wondered how she could help Dr. Eckhart while Edward was wondering what Dr. Eckhart could be hiding.

Author's note: We are finally getting into the mystery of Winry's appearance. And what is Dr. Eckhart hiding? Does it have something to do with Winry's tattoo? Also, I'll leave you with a teaser. Next chapter we are going to see Edward and Winry take the next step in their relationship. I can't wait to write this scene as it's been replaying through my mind the past several months.