Author's note: I just wanted to thank Emmagency and Golden Flame and Charisma for commenting. I always appreciate it. Readers, you're getting some good stuff today. Mystery, romance, and Risembool trio fun. Enjoy!

Edward followed Winry to a flat that had several women living in it, including Lynda Eckhart. She had started a new job at a textile factory that a few of them worked at. Winry thought it was a shame that a mind so intelligent would be worthless in this world just because of her gender. It also didn't help that she had no connections here either.

Winry knocked on the door and Lynda invited them in. It was her day off from work. There was tea and a small tin of biscuits on the table waiting for them. Winry had no idea why they called them biscuits here when they called them cookies in Amestris. She learned that other parts of the world also called them cookies. Winry found learning about this world's quirks was both amusing and intriguing.

Edward and Winry sat at the table and drank the tea that was offered. Edward noticed that the flat had an herbal smell to it. There was dried sage and other herbs hanging in the window drying. There were also candles there were not lit but more candles than most people own.

'Maybe they used candles at night to save on electricity,' Edward thought. But candles were a fire hazard. Surely there must have been oil lamps.

Edward also noticed that Lynda was still wearing gloves. Winry had told him that apparently her hands were scarred, and she was embarrassed by them. So she always kept them covered. Winry never saw her hands but Edward understood what it was like to hide body imperfections. He had covered his automail hand with gloves most of the time also.

Lynda asked "Winry, you said you had something to ask me about."

"Well, you see, I have to show it to you, and it's in a delicate region. Is it possible we go to your room?" Winry stammered.

Lynda agreed and stopped Edward at the entrance of the door to her room. "My flatmate is out but this is a ladies' matter."

Edward's nostrils flared. Winry interrupted "He's seen it before. Let him in. I want him to hear your opinion also."

Lynda moved out of the way to let him in. Edward stood next to Winry and touched her back, showing his protectiveness over her. Winry turned around and lowered her skirt so Lynda could see.

Lynda saw the tattoo, and slightly touched it with her gloved hands. She commented "You really did lose your memories, even this one. Well, this tattoo is part of a transmutation circle that was supposed to open the portal back to Amestris from this side. You were charged with completing it when you came here but we didn't take into account that you might not be able to remember once you arrived here. However, since alchemy does not work in this world then our original plan would not have been successful."

Lynda sighed, and Winry returned her skirt to the level of her waist. "I hired you to make a machine to help power the transmutation circle to bypass the cost."

Edward glared at her quizzically "That doesn't make sense. It should be an equivalent exchange. We didn't have to use machines."

"Your alchemy in Amestris is different. The way Creteans perform powerful transmutations is with the help of machines to power them. It intensifies the transmutation, and we needed power for a transmutation of this magnitude. This is why I hired Winry in the first place. She has an aptitude for machinery. I'm sure you are aware."

"Of course, I am. I've known her my whole life," Edward said defensively.

Lynda snapped "Well, you weren't there for all of it. In fact, you left to return here when she needed you there."

Edward snarled. But Lynda continued "Besides how did you return to Amestris the first time? You said we were stuck here but somehow you were able to leave."

Edward explained with an angry face. "I got caught up in an experiment to open the portal."
Lynda's eyes bulged in shock. "So, there is a way to return!"

"Not anymore. The person that knew how to open it is dead. She killed my father in the process. And we closed the portal to prevent more tragedies. Many Amestrians died, and these worlds should never be in contact with each other. Each side would have its own angle, and there would be no trust. And even if we were able to open it, someone would have to close it on this side. And I don't trust anyone to do that," Edward said.

Winry could feel the tension between these two. They glared at each other, and Winry stepped between them. "Okay, we have established that we can't open the portal. And the tattoo on me is not going to activate. I feel better knowing that. Right, Edward?"

Edward took a breath in and let it out. "Yes. We got what we needed so let's go."

Edward started walking out the of room but Winry grabbed him by his vest.

"Don't be so rude! We will finish our tea and then depart. She has helped me feel more comfortable by filling in the gaps missing in my memory. Show her some respect!" Winry demanded with her hands on her hip.

Edward reluctantly gave in, and sat at the table. Winry and Lynda spoke about lighter topics while Edward looked out the window, gears turning in his mind as he absorbed the information from Lynda. Machines were used to power transmutations circles. It was mind blowing how Creta did it.

Edward and Winry eventually left Lynda's flat. When they were on the bus heading home, Edward whispered to Winry. "I need to tell you something."

Winry hummed an affirmative response, and focused on him to show she was listening.

"I lied to her. I know how to open the portal."

"What?! How?"

"Opening the portal is similar to closing it. We draw the circle just like in Amestris but the difference is the cost. We have to use Amestrian blood to open it. My own blood accidentally activated the circle here, which brought those soldiers to Amestris. Then at the university, Dr. Eckhart from this world used my father's blood to open it but she used all of his blood. Not just a few drops. He was killed to open the portal, and he wanted me to go through it so I could go home. He knew I missed you and Alphonse so much," Edward trailed off.

"So why lie to Lynda?" Winry questioned.

"I don't want the portal opened again. The wrong people might cross over again, and it would create another massive tragedy. And even if we wanted to open it just for us to go home, then someone would need to stay behind to close it to prevent the wrong people crossing over. And I am not separating us again. You, Alphonse, and I are finally together in the same world. I'm happy with that. Aren't you?" Edward asked, hoping she would see his reasoning.

Winry nodded. She missed her friends in Amestris but she couldn't live without Edward and Alphonse. When they were apart, it felt like she wasn't complete. Now she felt whole with the brothers by her side.

"What about opening it to let her through?" Winry said as she looked at him with a hint of sadness.

"Winry, I don't want to mess with the gate again. There's always a cost, and you don't know what the cost is until it's paid. Lynda has already lost an eye. What else would she lose if she went through? A leg? An arm? Maybe even her own life."

Winry breathed. She understood. It was too risky to open the gate again. It was best to leave it alone. This is why she didn't like alchemy. It was beyond her understanding. Machinery, however, was tangible and made sense to her. The gears, wires, and metals made connections that worked together for a common purpose. It was comforting that machinery could help people. However, just like alchemy in the wrong hands could prove dangerous, it was the same for machinery. If in the wrong hands, machinery could be deadly. Machines used as weapons were no different than state alchemists being used as weapons. Except state alchemists were people with feelings and families they cared for.

Edward could see Winry pondering, and she began to look worried. He took her hand and encased it with his.

"She'll be okay, Winry. She'll find her way in this world just like we did," he said.

Winry smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. Winry knew Lynda was smart enough to survive in this world, and Winry would be there for her just like the Elric brothers had been helped her.

Time went on and seasons changed. Winry had arrived in the coldest part winter but now the months had gone by, and it was summer. The university would close for summer break, and this meant a break for brothers. Alphonse had completed his third year of medical school and was about to begin his fourth year. Edward had noticed that Alphonse was exhausted and had been easier to anger. He figured that Alphonse was suffering from burn out, and desperately needed a break.

That's when Edward had the idea of going away on a holiday before grinding through another semester. They packed up and headed on a train south to the shore. The train was full because they weren't the only ones wanting to play in the sun on the beach while university was on break.

They arrived at the shoreline, where Edward rented a car to get to their final destination. Alphonse and Winry were not warned of these plans in travel. Edward put the bags in the back of the car, and Alphonse climbed regrettably into the back seat. Winry noticed his hesitation, and examined his face, which was pale.

"What's wrong, Al?" she asked.

"You don't know?! Brother is a terrible driver! We'll be lucky to see tomorrow," Alphonse cried out.

Edward slammed the trunk shut and yelled "I am NOT a bad driver! I shouldn't be judged on one bad experience."

Edward got in his seat and started the car. Alphonse grabbed onto the seat, bracing himself. Winry looked at Edward with concern.

"Are you sure you know how to drive, Ed?" Winry asked.

"More or less," Edward shrugged his shoulders. This did nothing to calm Winry and Alphonse's nerves.

Edward pulled out on the road and drove towards their destination. Winry was apprehensive at first but relaxed after a while. Edward seemed perfectly capable of getting them to their destination safely. He looked both ways before making a turn and signaled appropriately to other motorists.

'Maybe Alphonse was exaggerating,' Winry thought. Just because Edward had one accident didn't make him a bad driver.

They could see the town coming into view, and Winry put her hand on Edward's leg. Edward looked over at her, and grinned. Then the car swerved off the road, and Edward desperately turned the wheel toward the road. Winry recoiled her hand as she and Alphonse cried out.

Once they were back on the road, the trio all breathed a sigh of relief. Alphonse yelled "SEE?! I TOLD YOU HE WAS A BAD DRIVER!"

Winry chided Edward "I can't believe you could be distracted so easily!"

Alphonse yelled at Winry "You were distracting him?!"

"All I did was put my hand on his leg!" Winry yelled back.

Alphonse gasped. "I can't believe you would do that after I told you he was a bad driver."

Edward rolled his eyes. "Shut up both of you! We're still alive, and the car is in one piece. That's all that matters. Besides, we're here."

They rolled into town and found the hotel. They unloaded their bags, and Edward got the two keys for the two rooms they were renting. Winry took one key for her room while the boys shared the room next door.

Edward unpacked his bag and sat on the twin bed. This was the first time since Winry had come to their world, and they would be sleeping not only in separate beds but separate rooms. He hoped she would be okay by herself at night. The nightmares had dissipated since her arrival but he was worried.

"You think Winry will be okay in there?" Edward asked Alphonse.

"Aww. Are you worried that she won't miss you tonight?" Alphonse teased.

Edward threw a pillow at him. "Why do I even bother to ask you?"

Edward stood up and crossed his arms. Alphonse threw the pillow back. "She'll be fine. If not, we are next door. She can always knock if there's an issue. Just relax! That's why we're here."

Edward nodded in agreement. They were here to relax but Edward also had an ulterior motive for this trip. His heart thumped in his chest as he thought about the other reason he had wanted to come down to the sea for the week.

The next day, the trio went to the beach to spend the day playing in the sun and ocean. There were striped tents on the beach that people used to change into their swimsuits. Alphonse came out of one tent, showing his blue and white striped one-piece swimsuit, and Winry came out in a red and white checkered one-piece swimsuit. Edward was still in his white shirt and pants waiting for them.

Alphonse asked Edward "Why aren't you getting changed?"

"I don't know how people will react to my automail. It looks so different than other prosthetics. I don't want people to stare. I'll just stay like this," Edward admitted.

Alphonse countered "You should change. We're here to have fun. Besides you're going to get hot in those clothes."

Winry looked at Edward with those pleading eyes. "Please Ed."

Edward reluctantly agreed. He went into the tent and came out. His suit was all black. Winry wondered why people were so prudish that even the swimsuits had to hide as much skin as possible. The men had one-piece suits that covered their chests, not even just shorts. She guessed it could be worse though she missed looking sexy in a bikini.

Winry put a towel around Edward's shoulders and kissed him. "You'll be fine. You can use the towel to cover up if you're feeling self-conscious."

Edward mumbled "Thanks. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. It's understandable. Your prosthetics are unique, and you don't want to draw any negative attention. Now throw away your worries. We're here to have fun!" Winry shouted as she took his hand and dragged him towards the sea. He struggled against her pull but then let himself be dragged. The breeze blew through his hair, and the smell of salt helped relax him. A smile began to form on his face, and he started to run with her.

The trio threw their towels down on the sand, marking their small territory. Even Edward threw his towel down from his shoulders. Edward and Alphonse went into the ocean. Winry squealed when her toes touched the cold water. Despite the heat of the sun, the water was freezing. Alphonse and Edward just dove in.

Alphonse beckoned Winry "It's the easiest way to get used it!"

Winry slowly treaded into the water and eventually joined the brothers. They played in the water like they were children in the rivers back home in Risembool. Edward couldn't float so he refused to go very deep. He didn't mind watching Winry and Alphonse swim further out, but they didn't stay out too long. Winry didn't want Edward to feel left out.

After playing in the water, Edward and Alphonse threw a ball back and forth. Winry joined them for a little while. Winry wished she could get a picture of them like this. But cameras were expensive. She took pictures in her mind, and told herself to write an entry in her journal about this day.

That evening after everyone showered, Edward was in front of the mirror buttoning up his white shirt. He was grunting and becoming flustered while his fingers performed the trivial action of pushing the buttons into their respective slits. Alphonse lay on the bed with a book in hand but Edward had distracted him.

Alphonse sighed and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong! I'm just…" Edward exhaled and continued. "I'm just taking Winry on a walk before dinner."

"Can I come?" Alphonse asked.

"NO!"

Alphonse slightly annoyed shrugged his shoulders. "I get it. You want some alone time with her. Especially since you two aren't sharing a bed this week. But you don't have to be so rude."

Edward sat on the bed and started putting his shoes on. "I'm sorry. It's just that I'm nervous."

Alphonse sat up more and placed his feet on the ground. "Why are you nervous?"

"Because I'm going to propose to Winry tonight," Edward revealed his plan.

Alphonse straightened up. "Whoa. Really? Isn't this a little fast?"

Edward shook his head. "I've made up my mind. Why wait? Besides, it's not considered fast in this world. We've been dating for like 5 or 6 months, I think."

Edward stood up and was about to go but Alphonse grabbed his shirt. "Are you sure? I mean, last time.."

Edward said with a sad smile "Noah and I had different goals. Winry and I are different. We've talked about the future already, and what we want out of it. For a long time, you and I lived for the moment, not thinking about what we would want in 5 years. Not even what we want for next year. But now we have that chance to look forward and build something towards it."

Alphonse nodded and released Edward, who made his way to the door. He walked out and locked it. Alphonse stared solemnly at the door. He remembered the deep depression that Edward fell into after Noah rejected his proposal. He didn't know if Edward could handle another period of darkness like that. Alphonse whispered, "I hope she says yes".

Edward and Winry went for a walk on the beach. Edward admired her violet dress and long strand of pearls dangling from her neck. They weren't real but they looked lovely on her. They held their shoes as they walked, and Winry took Edward's other hand.

Edward admired her long blonde hair as the sea breeze blew through it pushing it this way and that. He remarked "I'm glad you kept your hair long."

"Short hair is more in style but it's so much maintenance. I love being able to tie it back to get it out of the way especially when I'm working," Winry said.

They continued walking and Winry teased him. "This is quite romantic. I'm surprised you suggested it."

Edward grumbled "I know."

Then Edward suddenly stopped walking. He dropped his shoes on the sand and turned to face her. His face became reddened, and he yelled "I have something to ask you!"

Winry was surprised by how loud he was. "Ok…. I'm listening."

Edward's hands trembled as he pulled out a piece of paper. He began to read it. "Winry, you came here when I was in a dark place, but you came at just the right time. You brought light back into my life, and-,"

But the wind blew the paper so he couldn't read it. He tossed the paper. "Oh, fuck it!"

Edward got down on one knee and his eyes pleaded as he shouted, "Will you marry me?!"

Winry heard the words and saw the actions he had performed, and it took a few seconds to register just what he was asking of her. Kneeling was not the Amestrian way to propose but she had become familiar with this custom in those romance novels that she and Sheska had read together.

The seconds ticked by, and she was silent. Edward wondered if maybe Alphonse was right, and this was too quick.

Then his heart dropped as he heard her say "Yes."

"What?" Edward asked as he questioned whether he heard her correctly or not.

"Yes, I'll marry you," she said louder.

Edward stood up quickly and they embraced each other. Then Edward picked her up slightly off the ground, and she laughed. She put her hands on his face, and she pressed her lips to his. They kissed and he gently lowered her, refusing to let her lips go.

When they released their kiss, Edward realized that he had forgotten an important item. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "Damn it! I forgot I was supposed to give this to you. Sorry."

"It's fine. It's not an Amestrian tradition." Winry peered into the box when he opened. It was a simple ring with a small diamond but the meaning behind it held a purpose. This ring meant that they were betrothed and were promising to spend their lives together. "Oh wow, it's gorgeous."

Edward placed it on her left hand. Winry thought out loud. "I wonder why the man doesn't receive anything."

Edward shrugged his shoulders. "I can't explain it either."

Winry hugged him fiercely, and he stumbled in the sand. He heard her sniffling, and realized she was crying. "Don't cry. You're supposed to be happy."

She wailed "I am happy."

Edward patted her back. "Good because I'm happy to."

They eventually walked back to the hotel, and they met Alphonse for dinner. Alphonse was relieved when he saw Edward and Winry walk into the restaurant, both with a beaming smile. Alphonse was thrilled that he would have Winry as his sister-in- law. They ordered champagne to celebrate with dinner.

When it was time to go to bed, Alphonse went to his room while Edward stayed behind with Winry in front of her door. They kissed goodnight but Edward was having difficulty letting go.

"I wish we could celebrate more," he said in a husky whisper.

"I know. But we can't here. However, when we return home," Winry whispered with a sly grin. She placed her hand on his crotch and rubbed his dick.

Edward groaned. "You're making this really hard."

"I know. That's the point." Winry let go him and went into her room. She winked as she closed the door.

Edward grumbled. "At least she can relieve herself in private. I have to share a room with Al."

Edward headed directly to the shower before Alphonse could ask any questions.

Author's note: In London, there were electricity meters that you could pay with coins inside your flat. You inserted a coin and the power came on. I had difficulty finding the right era they existed in. I know they were used in the 1940s. London did have an electric grid in the late 1920s. So, this might be a little off on the timeline but it's not always easy researching these facts.