#darciacus

In the kitchen Winry was greeted with the sight of Edward stuffing his face with apple pie over the sink. “Couldn’t make it to a plate, huh?” she said with a raised eyebrow.

“Hmrph,” Ed attempted to respond despite his full mouth. Winry rolled her eyes and lightly hip checked him out of the way so she could wash her hands.

“As I said, this way I don’t make more dishes. It’s practical.” He brushed the crumbs off his hands and placed an arm around Winry’s waist.

“It’s lazy. You just don’t want to clean up after yourself.”

Ed smirked while leaning against the counter. “There may be a small part of that, yes. Do you want some dinner? Or more accurately a late night snack.”

Winry finished drying her hands off on the nearby cloth and said “Yes I’m starving.”

Edward turned towards the stove and turned it on to reheat the soup. He took off the lid and stirred it with a wooden spoon. “How was work?”

“Oh, it was great as usual. Mr. Gabrielle’s shoulder was acting up because of all the humidity but it was nothing I couldn’t adjust. And I was able to put in the new piece for Emma too. She was worried about the pain but she handled it like a champ.”

“Sounds like a full day.”

“Yeah, I’m really tired." Something caught her eye. "Hey, what’s this?”

On the table lay a book with pink trim and white lace. It had beautiful embroidery done on the edges and on the front said Family.

“Al and I found it when we were cleaning up the attic for Granny. You should open it.” Ed pushed her towards the table slightly.

Winry slowly opened the book. Something about it made her feel very delicate. She looked closely at the opening page. There was a blurry photograph with three smiling faces on it and underneath it the words Winry’s Third Birthday.

“These are my parents,” Winry said turning to Ed.

Ed walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “Yeah, the whole album is full of pictures from your childhood. You can even see Al and I in a few of them.”

Winry could feel her eyes misting over. This was her history, her family. She didn’t even know she had this. She had a few photos of her parents in a journal upstairs along with some of their medical textbooks but this was different. This was a record made with their hands. Something they wanted to pass on to her.

She flipped through the pages pausing on some of the more prominent pictures. “This was my first day of school and this one is from that picnic. You know, the one where Al fell in the water and cried for half an hour until I gave him an extra cookie.”

Ed chuckled. “Yeah I remember that. He was such a crybaby.”

Winry giggled and said “that’s only because you picked on him so much.”

“Older brother privilege. What’s this photo from?” He pointed over her shoulder.

Winry dragged her fingers slightly over the edge of the photo. “This is from my ninth birthday party.” They both went silent as they remembered that day. It was a few months before her parents got called to the war front. It was a happy time before illness and fear and death.

Winry’s ninth birthday was one of her most treasured memories. Granny had made her favourite cake; chocolate marble. Edward and Alphonse had transmuted her a small silver dog and their mother, Trisha, had knitted her a red scarf. Her parents had gotten her 2 books, one on automail and one on human anatomy, at her request. But the most special gift of all was her very own wrench. Her parents had tied a bright blue ribbon on it and it was the last gift she had unwrapped. In the photograph Winry could see her younger self smiling brightly and clutching that wrench with her small fists. That wrench had seen her through so much of her life and was still important to her to this day.

Winry could feel the lump in her throat beginning to form as she blinked back tears. She could feel Ed begin to panic behind her, he was never good with crying.

“Sorry, I’m fine. I just… Thank you for showing me this, Ed.” She turned in his arms to hug him.

“S'not a problem. Are you sure you’re okay?” Ed squeezed her slightly as he spoke.

“Yes I am. Honestly, I’m really happy.” She looked at him and smiled. “I have pictures to go with my memories. This is a wonderful gift.”

Ed rubbed her back and said “I’m glad you like it.”

They stood their for a moment longer enjoying each others’ embrace.

“You know, Winry. Maybe we should make one for us.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Our own family album. Call it Elric and Rockbell. We could put photos of us and the new house. Al and Mei in Xing. Granny and Den. Maybe even our own kids one day.” He looked at her nervously.

Winry looked at the photo album and imagined her own. Maybe a daughter running through the house with pigtails and grease stains. Or a son with the signature Elric grin and a book in each hand. She would take pictures of all the important moments: their first day of school, their first birthday, their first time down by the pond, their first house. And then one day she could give them their own family album but in person, something to pass on with her love and her memories.

“Edward.” She turned to look at him. “I really love that idea.”

But then Al got his body back. Suddenly, there were no more battles to fight. No more enemies to defeat. His arm was back fresh from the gate. Pure and weak, ready to be trained to match the other. He returned home with his brother to her embrace; full of joy and love.

They settled into routine quickly. Training and learning and helping and recovering. His arm grew tan while his bruises faded. Al was growing stronger every day and was able to do more on his own. No more aches or pains except for the occasional wrench to the head. And even that was made better when looking at the person doing the throwing.

Winry was the brightest part of his day. Her eyes shined with all the love and tenderness he had been missing out on. She smiled at him and his world felt improved on somehow. Everything would be good and then she would laugh and change that good into something wonderful. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have the love of someone so special. She had been fitting him for a new automail leg when she noticed the scar on his stomach. He was expecting anger and yelling but she didn’t say anything. She just placed her hand on the old wound and stayed very still. The pain he felt when watching her do this was more acute than he would have imagined. It would’ve been better if she had been mad at him. That was familiar but this... This scared him.

After that, he tried to make sure she never saw his scars. It was difficult considering she was his mechanic but he managed. They became a source of shame for him, something to be hidden away. He tried not to look too hard in the mirror but he knew they were there. The worry that Winry would see them and be in pain again was something that followed him around for weeks.

It’s a late afternoon in mid-July when she catches on. It’s sweltering and even though everyone is trying to wear as minimal clothing as decency would allow he still has on a button-up. She questions him over it and he deflects. She presses him and he ignores her. Finally, she sits on his back and refuses to get off until he answers so he caves.

He watches as she slowly moves over to allow him to sit up. She’s processing what he said and he can almost see the gears moving in her brain. He’s worried but he keeps his mouth shut. He can’t believe his eyes when she smiles. The words she says next stay with him for years to come.

I love you.

She understood where he was coming from, she really did. His history with his mother and her sickness left him feeling incredibly concerned whenever anyone he cared for became ill. And he hadn’t been around to see her be sick when he was traveling around Amestris with Al so he had no idea how to help her. Or anyone really. It was becoming increasingly obvious to Winry that Edward knew very little about illness and treatment or even basic bedside manner.

“I don’t need another pillow, Ed. I’m fine!” Winry shouted for the third time that morning. Edward was currently offering her his own pillow from his room. She was surrounded by things he had brought her: a blanket, 3 books, 2 cups of water, her slippers, an apple (to keep the doctor away), her toothbrush, and even her wrench. He thought it would make her feel better which was sweet. Until he wouldn’t leave.

“I just want you to be comfy. Are you sure you don’t need more medicine?” Ed asked.

“I already took some medicine earlier today. I can’t just eat a bunch of pills and get better. You should know that, you’re the scientist!”

“Winry, you shouldn’t be yelling in your state.”

“My state? I have a fever. That’s it. This isn’t even as bad as it usual is.” Winry trailed off as she saw Ed’s eyes widen. Oh no , she thought.

“It’s usually worse? What do you mean, usually? Does this happen often? Why didn’t you call me?” Edward was combing his fingers through his hair and pacing. He doesn’t have it in a ponytail today, Winry mused as he panicked.

“I don’t think you, of all people, can criticize me for not calling. Now if you don’t get out of my room I will use this wrench you brought for me to throw you out!”

“Edward! Stop agitating the patient. You’re only going to make it worse if she keeps yelling at you.” Granny had appeared at Winry’s door holding a bowl of soup on a tray. She brought it over to Winry and set it on her lap gently.

“Fine! Sorry for trying to help!” Ed stomped out of the room and down the stairs.

Winry sighed and rubbed her temple. “Thanks Granny. He was getting on my last nerve.”

“That’s alright. But you should let him fuss over you sometimes. It’s a rare sight,” Granny replied.

“He’s just so… worried.”

“I know, dear. He’s an Elric. Full force in everything he does. But it comes from a place of caring and a place of fear.”

The two women paused as both of their thoughts went to Trisha. Winry knew she overreacted but she had had her reasons.

“I know all that, I do. But…”

Granny adjusted the pillows behind her head and waited. When Winry didn’t respond she raised an eyebrow. “Come on, child, I don’t have all day.”

Winry looked down at her soup, twirling the spoon through it. In a very small voice she said, “I don’t want him to see me sick. I haven’t showered and my hair’s a mess.”

Granny shook her head. Lovestruck fools. “Winry, you could be covered in grease and not have showered in a week and that idiot would still look at you like you were all the answers to every alchemic question he’s ever had.”

Winry started but before she could reply Granny waved her off. “Hurry and eat your soup. I need you getting better. You’re not the only one that bean sprout is bugging. He’s been asking me way too many questions. I have work to do, I don’t have time for that!” Granny squeezed her hand and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Winry thought as she ate her soup. I suppose it is nice to be worried about even if he’s going overboard. And I can imagine how scary it might be. She thought about Edward as a child and frowned. I don’t ever want him to go through that kind of pain again. But I really am fine! She finished up her soup and set the tray on the floor. After reaching over and turning the lamp off, she settled down into her bed and squeezed the pillow Edward had left. Huh, it kinda smells like his hair, she thought as she drifted off to sleep.

Outside her door, Al and Ed were whispering. “Brother, you know you should leave her alone. Granny said so.”

“I’m just gonna check on her, Al. It’s fine.” Ed slowly opened the door and peeked his head in. “You can’t tell me you’re not worried.”

Al shrugged. “I am worried. But I also trust Granny when she says Winry will be okay.” He leaned in to look as Ed walked slowly over to Winry’s bedside.

“See? She’s sleeping. That means she’s feeling better,” Al said.

“That’s good. Last night she was tossing and turning a lot,” Ed whispered back.

“You came into her room last night? That’s kind of creepy, brother.”

“Not like that, it was to check on her!” Ed said this a little louder and both brothers froze as Winry adjusted in her sleep. After a few seconds, they let out a breath.

“She’s fine. Let’s go before she wakes up and hits us with her wrench.”

“You can go, I’m gonna stay a bit.” Edward crouched next to Winry’s bed and rested his head on his arms next to her pillow.

“Suit yourself.” Alphonse rolled his eyes as he walked away. Lovestruck doofus.

But now things were different. Edward and her were in a relationship. I think it’s called dating. Or is it seeing each other? We do relationship things. So we must be in a relationship. Right? Winry was organizing her workshop. Her mind always drifted when she cleaned. It was a slow day, September had begun so the children were back in school and the adults were beginning to prepare for the harvest festival. She had a few days off before the new shipment of parts came in and she could never stay put for long. So she had decided to give her workshop an overhaul. It would probably take up most of the day and give her plenty of time tomorrow to help with Alphonse’s recovery.

He looked much healthier, able to run and move with ease. His muscle training was coming along but he wasn’t able to compete with Ed yet. They had attempted to spar a few times but Ed had called that off after winning all 3 matches. Winry chuckled at the memory, recalling how Ed had immediately let the success go to his head. “You need more training Al or you’ll never catch up to me!” He stopped showboating when she threw her wrench at him while she and Al had laughed up a storm. Other than his physical abilities, every other part of him seemed fine. The brothers had taken to studying alchemy every night after dinner and had recently been focusing on alkahestry and the country of Xing. Winry had no doubt that that was where Al was headed next especially after hearing stories of their travels. A certain talented alkahestrist and her pet panda came to mind.

Winry began cleaning off her desk, moving all her bigger tools to the side to make room for her polishing equipment. Granny always says a cluttered workroom is a cluttered mind. But before she could begin the task at hand, she heard familiar, uneven footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Hey Win, whatcha up to?” Asked Edward as he walked towards her.

“Oh nothing, just cleaning my work station,” Winry responded.

“Slow day, huh? Can I help with anything?”

Winry was taken aback. “You want to help?”

“I’ve got nothing better to do. Why not?”

“Edward, I sincerely doubt you don’t have anything important to work on. What’s Al doing?”

“He’s helping Granny put away groceries.” Edward leaned towards her. “I can’t help you out sometimes?”

“No, of course you can, I was just surprised. You’ve never offered to help out before.”

Edward furrowed his eyebrows. I’ve seriously never asked to help out. What’s wrong with me?

“You can start by sweeping the floor while I polish my tools. The broom is over there,” Winry said while pointing to the object in question.

Edward began sweeping as she began her task. A comfortable silence fell between the two as they worked. It had become commonplace for the two of them to sit and work together so Winry was used to the quiet. But she still couldn’t get rid of the nagging thoughts she had. Boyfriend? Relationships? Why do I even care about this? Eventually she couldn’t help it.

“Hey, Ed. What are we?” Winry asked, putting down her cloth and wrench.

Ed turned towards her as he finished his task. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, are we dating? Or in a relationship? What’s going on?” Winry felt strangely nervous. It felt weird to say her thoughts out loud and she had never been one to worry about her standing with Ed before. Everything feels way more difficult than it should be.

Ed paused and looked at her. He had thought about it in passing but had never felt the need to worry about it. Winry is Winry, not much else to it, he thought.

“I guess a relationship would be the best way to describe it. But I don’t think it really matters,” he said.

“Why not?” Winry questioned.

“There’s no reason to give it a name. I think it’s pretty obvious to the people who know us and for the people who don’t, it’s none of their business.” Ed scratched the back of his head and shrugged. “It is what it is.”

Winry leaned against her desk. He always makes everything so simple. Everything I was worried about always seems so much easier when I talk to him. Even if he is ridiculous sometimes. She started giggling.

“Ehh? What’s so funny?” Ed asked, chuckling a little to himself as he watched her.

“Oh, nothing,” Winry said through her laughter.

“Come on, tell me.”

“It’s just I always thought it would be you who would freak out about this stuff, not the other way around.”

Ed crossed his arms and began to frown. “Of course I wouldn’t freak out. I’m great at everything I do!”

Winry shook her head. “Suure you are. Edward Elric, love master.”

“You doubt my skills? I swept you off your feet, didn’t I?”

“Yup. And it only took you, what, a year? Not to mention all those times you wrecked my automail. I can practically feel myself swooning,” Winry said as she pretended to fan herself.

“Alright, you asked for it!” Edward lunged towards her and grabbed her waist.

“Ed!”

He reached down and grabbed her legs as she tried to twist out of his grip.

“Haha! I literally swept you off your feet!” He cried triumphantly as held Winry in his arms. She felt a little embarrassed to be picked up so easily.

“Ha-ha, very funny. Now put me down!”

“Nope, not until you admit it.”

Winry swatted his chest. “Edward! I have to clean,” she whined.

“Then you better hurry up and say it.”

“Fine. You swept me off my feet. Happy now?”

Edward smiled in the way only he can. “Very. I’m gonna pick you up every time we have an argument,” he said as he put her down.

“Try it again and you’ll get a wrench to the head.” Winry got to her feet and turned towards him.

“Damnit, Winry. Leave that weapon out of this.”

She smiled at him. She had to admit she felt a lot better now. It’s like my previous thoughts don’t even matter now.

“Thanks,” Winry said.

“Anytime, Win,” Ed responded.

She stepped forwards and stretched to kiss his cheek. Ed turned bright red and looked at the wall.

“How is it you can talk about something as sappy our relationship with no problem but can’t kiss me without avoiding me for days?” Winry teased.

“Whatever, that’s totally different,” Ed pouted.

“Edward, look at me,” Winry tugged on his sleeve.

He reluctantly turned his head to look at her. She smiled evilly as she pulled him down for a kiss. Ed flinched a bit at her actions but quickly settled into the feeling of Winry’s lips. He felt her mouth move against his and grabbed her waist to pull her closer.

After some time, Ed pulled away. Winry stared at him, dazed. He smiled at her, the care obvious in his eyes.

“I thought you were going to clean?” He asked.

“I got a bit distracted,” she answered.

“I can see that. Come on, let’s finish up quickly.” He lightly kissed her forehead.

From upstairs a shout was heard.

“YOU TWO BETTER NOT BE CANOODLING INSTEAD OF CLEANING! DON’T MAKE ME COME DOWN THERE!” Yelled Granny.

“SHUT YOUR TRAP, YOU OLD HAG!” Ed yelled back.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME, YOU BEANSPROUT?”

“WHAT THE HELL, I’M THREE TIMES YOUR SIZE NOW!”

“ENOUGH! WE’RE CLEANING, GRANNY!” Winry cut in before the argument could get any worse. She let go of Ed and turned to her desk once again.

“Wrinkly witch, I can’t believe she called me short,” Ed grumbled to himself.

“Yes, yes. It’s very upsetting. Get to work,” Winry replied.

They both went back to their previous tasks, falling back into the routine of cleaning. But not before certain promises were made for more canoodling later on in the evening.

“Hey, Ed? You’re the best boyfriend ever,” Winry said.

Winry sighed. She may have been tired but she couldn’t complain. She loved her work and any opportunity to develop new automail technology and work on her technique was welcome. She just wished the clients were a bit easier to handle. Some could be wonderful, full of graciousness at the ability to move artificial limbs and return to their lives. Others were not as kind. She couldn’t help the slight smile as she thought about one particular client who was somehow both grateful and rude all at once. Showing up at her doorstep unannounced, leaving as soon as he could without ever giving her a phone call or letter to let her know he was okay. Ah well , she thought. Those days are over.

Looking over her tools, Winry chose the screwdriver she needed and got back to work. It wasn’t until midnight that she heard a tap at her door that woke her from her concentration. She waited, knowing whoever it was would soon come in. Sure enough, Edward opened the door and walked towards her carrying a plate of food.

“It’s midnight,” Edward said while looking at her with somewhat annoyed concern. “You need to sleep. First eat, then sleep.”

“I can’t, I have way too much work to do. This foot needs to be done for Friday and-” Edward cut her off by shoving a piece of bread in her mouth. “Eat. You won’t be able to do anything if you pass out from hunger,” he added.

Winry made a face but relented, grabbing her plate and sitting on a nearby chair. She knew he was right even if her pride wanted her to keep working. Besides, she was hungry and a short break wouldn’t hurt. She ate quickly, going through the plan in her head hoping to get back to work as soon as she was done. Dinner was delicious as usual. She could feel the warmth of the food in her stomach and could barely keep her eyes open. Edward watched as she ate, noticing the tiredness in her eyes. He studied her, paying attention to her hair slowly falling out of her bandanna and the grease covering her overalls. He could feel the blush rising on his cheeks as he looked at her but was pulled from his thoughts when she yawned. She needs to get more sleep, he thought.

“Winry, you need to sleep,” Ed said, ignoring her protests. “You’re the best mechanic in Amestris. You can afford a nights’ rest.”

Winry swallowed her last bite and looked at him. He looked adamant and she could feel her temper rising as she worked to stay calm.

“It’s not about what I can and can’t afford to do. This is my job, this is what I do. I want to work,” she countered.

“Not at the cost of your health! Don’t be dumb. Go to bed!” Ed exclaimed, becoming more animated as he became more frustrated with her.

“Ed, this is important. I have a lot to do and if I work on it now I won’t rush when the deadline gets here,” she said as she stood up and walked towards him. “I don’t want to make any mistakes. I need to work on this!”

“You’ll make more mistakes if you pass out!”

“I’ll be fine, I don’t need you to babysit me. I can take care of myself. Besides I’ve been doing this for a long time. I know what I’m doing. This isn’t my first all-nighter!”

She was closer now, standing directly in front of him. Not for the first time she noticed the height difference, he was easily a head taller than she was. His hair was up in a ponytail and he was wearing more comfortable clothing than what he used to have when he was younger. She focused on his face, his mouth curled up in a scowl as he stared her down. His golden eyes bore into her blue ones and she knew if she let herself get distracted she would lose this fight.

“Let. me. work!” She punctuated by poking him in the chest with each word. He grabbed her hand in his, holding her arm down.

“Enough of this. You’re being stupid!” He yelled.

“What the hell, Ed! Don’t call me stupid!”

“I didn’t call you stupid, I said you’re being stupid. That’s totally different!”

“Is not!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

Winry had had enough of this. She wrenched her hand back from his and turned to her workstation. She had barely gone one step before she felt hands on her waist pulling her back.

“Hey! What are you… Let me go!” She struggled as she felt Edward lifting her up and turning her so she was now being carried on his shoulder. She punched his back and was disheartened to find it had no effect. “Put me down!”

“No. You need sleep."

"Damn alchemy freak," she muttered to herself.

"I care too much to let you be reckless in your own home. It is time for bed,” he said as he carried her up the stairs.

Winry paused. She wasn’t sure she had understood him correctly. She waited until he set her down in the kitchen so she could turn and look at him.

“You care about me?” She questioned.

“Oh come on, Win of course I do,” Ed said while blushing and scratching the back of his head. Winry thought about this a moment, taking in his expression. She knew he cared but she had never heard him say it so openly. Maybe he did have a point… And she was feeling tired. She could feel the yawn coming on even as she stood there. She debated for a few moments longer before finally deciding.

“Fine. I’ll go to bed. You win this time,” Winry said begrudgingly.

Ed leaned in with a huge smirk on his face.  “I didn’t quite catch that. Who won exactly?” Damn him and his ego. She immediately regretted admitting it but then an idea came to her. As he leaned in to goad her she stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek gently. She quickly turned away feeling the heat rise to her face. She couldn't believe she had done that!

Edward could feel his face turn bright red and he thanked his lucky stars that Al had already gone to bed.  He touched his cheek and thought he could still feel the ghost of her lips there. So soft, he wondered if he'd ever get a chance to kiss her properly. He turned to face her as she reached the stairs, hoping she couldn't tell what he was thinking. He didn't think he could handle a wrench to the head right now. Winry cleared her throat to get his attention.

“You know… You could come and get me if I work late tomorrow too,” Winry said. She was blushing just as much as he was but she smiled at him all the same. It filled him with warmth, just like it always did, and he couldn't help his smile in return.

Winry was… amazing. His best friend, his mechanic, his support. She was one of the few people he knew whose lectures he would actually listen to. She was smart, funny, determined, brave. He could sit for hours listing all the adjectives that he thought applied to her. And he was going on a date. With her. A date with Winry. Just the thought turned his stomach into butterflies. This is ridiculous, Ed thought. I am the fullmetal alchemist. I can go on a date. He looked at himself and the mirror and tried not to imagine everything that could go wrong.

“Ed? Are you ready to go?” A voice from down the hall asked.

“Yeah, one sec,” he called back.

He took a deep breath, took one final glance at his appearance, and walked out into the hall. There she was, in a light blue sundress with her hair down holding a large picnic basket. Beautiful, he thought before quickly trying not to stare.

“All good?” Winry asked.

“Yeah,” Edward responded as best he could. He was having a hard time focusing on anything but how fast his heart was beating.

Winry turned and led him down the stairs. She said a quick goodbye to Al and Granny in the living room before turning to the front door and going outside. Ed followed behind shoving his hands in his pockets as they walked along the road.

“Is everything alright? You’re being kinda quiet. That’s pretty weird for you,” Winry said with concern.

“I’m fine, just fine. Don’t worry about it,” Ed waved her off.

Winry furrowed her eyebrows. She was a bit concerned at Ed’s lack of enthusiasm. She thought he wanted to go on this date. She looked at him again, watching as he stared at the ground. It made her sad to think that he wasn’t looking forward to it like she had been. Last night had been full of restlessness, trying to pick an outfit, worrying about what would happen, going back and forth between scenarios and conversation topics. She had ended up cleaning the entire kitchen and starting her next automail project to try and keep her mind occupied. She thought that maybe he was feeling the same but he had barely looked at her since they had left the house. She sighed and quickened her pace towards the creek.

They arrived soon enough and Winry laid out the blanket she brought in a shady spot underneath an old oak tree. She smoothed out the creases as best she could and sat down. Edward sat next to her leaving a small space between them. Winry opened up the picnic basket and brought out the food she had made for them.

“Here. There’s some sandwiches, apples, and some cookies as well. Oh, and lemonade. Dig in.”

“Wow, thanks Win.”

Edward began devouring his sandwich. Winry ate with considerably less enthusiasm but cheered up a little as she watched him enjoy her food. Nothing better for a cook than a person with a healthy appetite. She tried to think of conversation topics.

“So Ed, have you heard anything from Central recently?” Winry asked between bites.

“Nothing really, just an update letter from Colonel Bastard. Talking about reparations and contact with the North. And some smug bragging about his new status,” Ed responded.

“I’m glad it’s good news. Although you could stand to be a little more civil. And maybe call him by his first name. At least his proper title.”

“No way, he’ll always be colonel bastard to me no matter how many fancy promotions he gets.”

Winry laughed. This was how it usually was, them hanging out and talking. She could feel herself relaxing as she told him about her clients and he went on about alchemy. It felt normal.

They quickly finished up the food and she put everything away in the basket. Edward stretched out on the blanket and put his hands behind his head. It was a warm day and the shade did little to cool him off. He was feeling a little sleepy when he felt a small finger poke his cheek.

“Winry?”

“Oh! Sorry, I just wanted to check if you were sleeping.”

“By poking my face?”

“It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Edward laughed. She could be so cute.

“Hey, Ed. Why did you… Why didn’t you say anything? Back at the house, I mean.”

Edward opened his eyes and looked at her. She was pulling on the ends of her hair and not looking at him. It was obvious that she was uncomfortable and he immediately felt guilty.

“Well, that’s cause I was,” he paused slightly and took a big breath. “I was nervous.”

“Nervous? Really?” Winry looked at him.

“It happens! I get nervous, not my fault. Besides, Al kept teasing me yesterday and I didn’t know what to do if I screwed it up and then you just had to look so pretty and I don’t know. I froze.” As he talked, Ed sat up and looked at the water of the creek trying not to look at her.

A small silence occurred and Ed could feel his nerves becoming more frayed until, finally, Winry spoke.

“You think I look pretty?”

Ed started. He had not been expecting that.

“Of course I do. I always think that,” he said it in the same way he would an alchemy equation. An undeniable truth.

“Wow, uh, I see. Um, that makes sense now, the whole silent thing. Well, I think you’re kinda handsome yourself,” she said.

He cleared his throat. “Thanks.”

The two of them watched the water and tried not to think too hard while their minds reeled from the new information. Out of nowhere, Edward laughed.

“What? What is it?” Winry asked, kind of laughing as well.

“We are ridiculous, aren’t we?” Ed said through his chuckles. “Getting all tense and nervous just because we’re attractive.”

“I think it’s more because we think each other attractive but I see your point. It is kinda stupid.” Winry laughed a bit harder.

“This is a date. Dates should be fun so let’s go have some!” Ed exclaimed.

He stood up and offered her his hand. She took it and he pulled her up and towards the creek.

“Whoa, Ed!”

“Come on, come on!”

He dragged her towards the water and started taking his shoes off. She followed suit and, after rolling up his pant legs, he waded into the water with Winry in tow. It was chilly but refreshing in the summer heat. Winry giggled and splashed Ed slightly.

“Oh, you’re gonna regret that,” he threatened.

He immediately splashed her back getting the end of her dress damp. A small battle ensued and both sides came out mostly drenched and laughing.

“I’m glad it’s warm out otherwise we’d definitely end up sick,” Winry said.

“Nah, we’re resilient. We’d be fine,” Ed replied.

“Oh really? Remember when we were kids, that time you, me, and Al all got the flu?”

“That was one time! Barely counts.”

“It definitely counts. Just admit I’m right.”

“Never gonna happen.”

Winry shook her head and smiled at him. Edward could feel his face heat up like it did every time he saw her smile. What has she done to me?  He thought. He reached over and took her hand. She paused but did eventually thread her fingers through his. They walked back to the blanket and moved it to the sunshine. Winry laid down and spread the end of her dress out so it would dry.

“Move over Win, I need some room,” Edward said.

“Hmm, nope,” Winry replied while giggling.

Edward narrowed his eyes. He was not one to back down from a challenge. He dropped to his knees and began to push her over. Winry began to squeal and tried to fight back.

“Ed, stop it. I’m comfy,” she whined.

“Be comfy on that side of the blanket,” he countered.

Finally, with a huff, she rolled over so he could lie down. Once comfy again, he turned to look at her.

“What?” Winry asked.

“It’s nothing,” Ed responded.

“Tell me!”

"I said, it's nothing."

"Tell me. Tell me. Tell me."

"Fine, fine. Geez." He paused slightly but then went on. “I’m happy.”

Winry felt like someone had tugged directly on her heartstrings. Finally, she thought. After a moment, she snuggled closer and rested her head on his chest.

“I’m glad.”

The two of them laid there as the sun slowly went down across the sky. Their clothes dried and they were a little uncomfortable lying on the ground but they still stayed as long as they could. Neither of them wanted to move. It was some time before Winry groaned and sat up to stretch.

“Let’s go, Granny and Al are going to be wondering where we are,” Winry said.

“Do we have to? I was falling asleep,” whined Ed.

“Yes, we do. Now come on.”

She grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet despite his complaining. They folded up the blanket and put it in the basket before heading back to the house. Edward took her hand. It was becoming second nature to him, a comfortable action. At least I can do this without making a total ass of myself, thought Ed. They walked back to the house in silence.

At the front steps Winry paused. Edward stopped on the stair but turned and stepped down to her level.

“What’s up, Win?” he asked.

She looked at him, feeling all the butterflies from this morning come rushing back to her stomach. She took a big breath and said, “Ed, do you know what people do at the end of a date?”

Ed stared at her for a few seconds before cluing in. His eyes went wide and his face went bright red. He could feel his heartbeat racing in his chest.

“Oh yeah, that. That thing. Yeah I know that.”

“So,” she drawled out the oh in the word. “Are you going to do that? That thing.”

“Right, well, I guess. I mean… If you’re okay with it. Cause I am. Okay with it. I’m okay with it.”

Winry could feel her blush on her cheeks. It was ridiculous. It was a just a kiss. Her first kiss, yes, but just a kiss. She planned on having lots of those in her future. What has happened to me?  Winry thought. I wish I had my wrench. She tried to ignore the how sweaty her hands had become as she answered.

“I’m okay with it. Really. Maybe even more than okay with it. But if you’re going to hesitate this much then it’s okay. There’s no pressure. Let’s just go ins-”

Edward grabbed her shoulders and kissed her. It was light and hesitant but he did it. He stayed there for a few seconds before pulling back and looking at her.

“Was that okay?” He asked nervously.

Winry looked at him as she lightly placed her hands behind his neck and pulled him down to her height. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him with more pressure than before. She moved her lips the slightest amount and felt him respond in kind. His lips were a bit rougher than hers and it was clear that neither of them had any experience but it was still wonderful. I’m kissing him!  Winry thought. She felt his hands slide down her back and pull her closer. She decided to be a bit braver and stepped forward a tiny bit to be closer to him. They bumped noses by accident and she tried to focus on how nice it felt to kiss him instead of her embarrassment. She could feel him breathe and thought maybe she could feel his heartbeat. He's so warm.

After a while both of them stopped and leaned their foreheads together. Edward couldn’t believe it. I kissed Winry Rockbell. I kissed her. And she kissed me back!  He thought. I didn’t screw it up! The feeling was amazing. Her lips are so soft. She’s so tiny, I’m so much taller than her. Her eyes are really blue. Wait, her eyes? Edward realized she was looking at him.

“Hey,” she said.

“Hey,” he answered.

“So… We kissed.”

“Yeah.”

“Is that something that we do now?”

Edward smiled his biggest, brightest smile and Winry couldn’t help but smile back.

The next week had been food and exercise, everyone pitching in to help Alphonse get back on his feet. Edward buzzed around him, worrying even when Alphonse brushed him off. It was nice to see that side of Ed and everyone was happy to have the boys home. Winry even stopped working long enough to enjoy it and Granny had told all incoming appointments to call in a week. It had been a time of family and of healing, trading stories and catching up on humor and sadness alike. Winry couldn't believe how many times she could have lost them and she had taken to holding Ed and Al's hands when they sat around the hearth. It made her feel safer to feel their pulse under her fingers, knowing that they were still alive.

All things come to an end and orders couldn't be ignored for long so she had gotten back to work. She had settled into a pattern of waking up, having breakfast with everyone, working on her automail, having dinner, and sitting by the fire with the boys. It was a comfortable routine, and one she was happy to maintain. So she finished up the dishes and moved to join them in the living room.

Edward was sitting in a chair reading while Alphonse sat on the couch, a book falling from his hands. It seemed he was still adjusting to having to sleep every night while Ed seemed to have no trouble staying up to the wee hours of the morning. Not that he had to of course, but he said it was a habit at this point. Winry settled herself next to Al while cradling her cup of tea in her hands. She blew on it, watching the steam fly off into the air. She could feel the heat of the fire on her face and felt content, warmth flowing through her body.

Winry turned to Al and looked at his face. His cheekbones were still prominent but they were starting to fill out. It filled her with so much joy to see his recovery process. He was certainly eating enough, having gone through every apple pie she made him within hours. She was sure he would be running around with Den in no time. As she watched him she could see his head falling over as he struggled to keep himself awake.

“Al, why don’t you go up to bed?”

“It’s fine Winry, I’m not that tired.” Al said while stifling a yawn. She gave him a pointed look and he relented, gathering up his books and setting them in a pile next to the couch. He got up and said good night as he walked up the stairs to his room.

He really needs to get some sleep, Winry thought. She stretched, putting her cup on the side table. Granny had already gone to bed so she was left alone with Ed. This wasn’t an unusual occurrence as they had been left alone together for several nights now but it always felt...different. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it but something had changed between her and Ed. He was more gentle, she supposed. Well, as gentle as Edward Elric could be.

Winry looked across at Ed. He still had his nose in the book probably entrenched in the world of alchemy and elements. All stuff she didn’t fully understand but she could respect his work ethic. He brushed his hair back from his face. He was taller, taller than her, and had broad shoulders. His hair came down to his upper back but he usually tied it up in a ponytail unlike the braid he had donned when he was younger. All in all he looked like a man now, albeit one who still acted like a child sometimes. It was distracting to her and more often she found herself following his figure when he left, eyes dancing across muscles that had developed quite nicely. Even now she followed the line of his forearm as he turned the page. She shook her head slightly trying to wake up from her daze. She didn’t want him to catch her staring.

She turned to face the fire again. She was losing herself in thoughts of automail and appointments when Edward’s voice broke the silence.

“Hey Winry? Are you…” Edward said with a pause. She waited patiently, letting him continue. “Are you happy? Right now, I mean.”

She was surprised. Out of all the questions she thought he asked that wasn't one of them. But she smiled and answered. “Yes. Yes I am happy, Ed.”

He blushed and wouldn’t look her in the eye as he replied. “That’s good. You deserve it.” Even words as simple as that seemed to cause him to be uncomfortable. He really needed to get a handle on telling people how he felt without yelling. He looked at her and she could feel the heat rise to her face. She hoped he thought it was from the fire. Their eyes met and she thought that maybe he would say something more.

“I’m… gonna head to bed now. Night,” he said in a flurry. He rose from his seat and crossed in front of her.