Title: "A Life Without Regret - Chapter 4"
Author:
zuppiPairing: Ed/Winry
Rating: M/15
Spoilers: General manga spoilers. (nothing specific)
Thanks to please-knock, my wonderful beta reader!
Summary: It's almost become a vicious cycle... No matter what he does he can never make up for the past. But getting past the guilt can sometimes prove too hard and we find ourselves repeating mistakes over and over.
A Life Without Regret - Chapter 1A Life Without Regret - Chapter 2 A Life Without Regret - Chapter 3Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist or any of the characters contained within this fanfiction. It is the property of Hiromu Arakawa, Square Enix Co., Ltd.'s and Monthly Shonen Gangan. I simply worship and adore... sometimes I write fic.
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Ed sighed in the heat of Rush Valley. He honestly hated this place. While normally scorchingly hot and dry, today Rush Valley was humid and overcast. His skin was clammy, causing his clothing to stick uncomfortably to his skin. He sighed, scanning the area and wondering how to go about finding a capable engineer.
Al eyed him wearily. “I still think we should go back to Risembool. Winry and Granny are not going to be happy when they discover you let someone else work on your arm.”
“I told you, Al. I’m not going back there…” He pushed painful memories from his mind. “Not yet… I can’t.”
“Brother, it’s been almost two years, I think-”
“Al, I’ll go back when I get my limbs back, ok?!” Ed spat fiercely.
Al regarded him for a moment before smiling in understanding. They had had this argument countless times before and still Ed’s position was unwavering. “Ok.”
Ed shifted his jacket over his limp right arm. “Let’s get out of this heat, I’m dying.”
They walked in the shade of some stores, both on the lookout for the workshops of the automail mechanics they had been recommended. Al had initially suggested that they go to Dominick or Garfield but Ed had been completely against the idea and so it had not been brought again.
Ed looked out over the bustling city, his eyes pealed for any recognisable names. As usual, the streets were filled with people. Various merchants sold their wares, automail mechanics and users chatted enthusiastically and shoppers mulled between stores. The people looked like ants, scurrying about in the oppressive heat.
A long whip of white blonde hair attracted his attention and Ed stared into the crowd. His heart leapt into his mouth as he spotted Winry. She was at a fruit merchant’s, basket and shopping list in hand. He had no idea she was here in Rush Valley… he would never have come had he known. He swallowed his surprise and was just turning to look away when Al quizzically followed his gaze.
Al’s mouth fell open before a smile of recognition flashed across his face. Ed rushed to get his attention but Al called out to her instinctively.
Winry whipped around upon hearing her name, her eyes finally picking Al out from the crowd as he dashed towards her. She laughed loudly as he embraced her, swinging her around easily now that he towered above her.
Ed sighed as he slowly made his way over. There was no avoiding the acquaintance now. He stopped a few steps back from where Al and Winry were still happily hugging and laughing. He tried to swallow past the lump in his throat. Winry certainly looked well. She looked as she had on the last day he had seen her, happy, smiling, vibrant… There didn’t seem to be any lasting damage.
Al released Winry from the embrace and took a step back. His eyes fell on Ed and his smile faltered somewhat. Winry wilted a little when she noticed the older brother.
Ed sighed at her reaction. He took a deep breath but a mumbled ‘hey’ was all he could muster before he broke eye contact.
“Winry, are you going to introduce me or shall I leave you three alone?” A deep chuckle interrupted the awkward moment.
Ed looked up to find a tall, sandy haired boy standing close to Winry. She shook herself before smiling at him. Even after two years Ed, could clearly see it for the forced smile it was. “Sorry. Will, this is Alphonse and Edward Elric.”
The young man, Will, smiled widely and offered his hand to Al and Ed. “The famous Elric brothers, eh?”
Ed forced himself not to roll his eyes at both the remark and the offered hand. He noticed all three regard him strangely. “Sorry,” He shrugged, offering his left hand to Will’s right. “Only this one is working right now.”
Will switched hands and shook Ed’s left hand enthusiastically. “You in Rush Valley for a repair job?” He asked.
Simultaneously, Winry glared at Ed. “You broke it? Again?!”
Ed sighed, preparing himself for an earful once more. “It’s not badly damaged.” He replied meekly.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Winry took a step forward as she pushed her basket into Will’s hands. She pulled Ed’s coat off his shoulder and began testing the limb.
Ed’s heart raced at her close proximity. He kept his eyes downcast and tried to steady his rapid breathing and racing pulse.
After a quick inspection, Winry took a step back and glared at him, hands on hips. “It’s probably going to have to come off to be repaired and it’s not going to be cheap.”
Ed nodded. “Yeah, yeah. I can afford it.”
Winry’s voice became icy. “Shall I assume this is going to be a rush job?”
Ed looked away. “I can pay for that too.”
Winry snorted before turning back to Will. “Let’s not waste time then.” She took the basket from him and began marching down the street.
Will smiled at the brothers, inviting them to follow.
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Winry appeared to be back working for Garfield, although the flamboyant man was not in his workshop. She expressed her intent to work on Ed’s arm straight away but Will had suggested they eat lunch first. He seemed to be a nice, agreeable young man, easily falling into conversation with Al as he went about preparing their meal.
If Will noticed Ed or Winry’s unusually quiet demeanour, he did not comment on it. He chatted with Al as he darted about the kitchen, placing bread, cheese and cold meats on the table; the indigenous food of the region. Ed sat watching him in silence as he went about preparing some tea to go with their meal. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but he did not like this boy… it could have been anything, the fact that he was taller than average, his ease of conversation or the fact that he used any excuse to lightly touch Winry. He put a hand on her shoulder as he placed the breadbasket on the table. While weaving by her with the teapot, he lightly brushed the small of her back. When he passed her the cheese, his fingers obviously touched hers.
Ed’s jaw tightened in frustration. He didn’t want to watch the easy affection being displayed but he couldn’t look away. Al came to sit beside him and kicked him harshly in the shin. Ed glared at Al, but from the look his younger brother gave him, Ed guessed he was watching too closely. Sighing, Ed looked down at his hands and tried to ignore the twisting of his stomach.
Once everything was ready and on the table, Will and Winry joined the Elrics. Al fidgeted in the tense silence for a few seconds before interrupting. “So, where are you from, Will?”
Will looked up from the cheese he was cutting. “I’m from Central.” He grinned. “I hope you country folk wouldn’t look down on a city slicker like myself.”
Ed rolled his eyes once more, earning himself another kick from Al.
“Of course not.” Al forced a chuckle. “We lived in Central for many years when Ed was in the military. It’s a nice city.”
Will nodded before swallowing a chunk of bread. “Oh, of course, Winry and Garfield told me that she would visit you both on repair jobs.”
He looked to Winry as if expecting a response but she merely shrugged and looked away.
Al bit his lip, angry with both Ed and Winry for being so stubborn.
After a pause, Will turned to Ed. “So you left the military then?”
Ed took a deep breath, forcing himself not roll his eyes. “Yes.” When he failed to elaborate further Al kicked him under the table once more. Ed gritted his teeth and glared at his brother. “I left about two years ago.”
“Still though, youngest State Alchemist in history. That’s no mean feat.”
Ed shrugged, drumming his fingers on the table.
The silence stretched on. This time it was Al who interrupted. “How’s Granny, Winry?”
Winry shook herself and smiled at Al. “She’s fine. She officially retired a few months ago but you know her. She’s been busier than ever with her own projects since.”
Al laughed. “That sounds about right!”
Winry laughed with him, though her laughter never reached her eyes. “And look at you, Al. The two years have been good to you. You don’t look like a famine victim any more.”
Al laughed heartily. “Well, I had seven years worth of eating to catch up on.”
Winry nodded and smiled happily at him.
Ed looked at Will. The young man looked a little confused with the conversation and so Ed assumed Winry had not told him the full story surrounding the Elric brothers.
“So how did you know I was in Rush Valley then?” Winry glanced at Ed for a second before looking back to Al.
The smile dropped from Al’s face, replaced by a look of confusion. “What?”
“I’m just wondering who else knows I’m in Rush Valley.” At the blank looks she received from both Ed and Al, she continued. “If you weren’t talking to Granny how did you know I was here?” Her brow furrowed in confusion.
Al blinked in response. Winry thought they came here looking for her? He wasn’t sure how he should respond to that. She looked hopeful that, after two years, Ed (and he knew it was Ed she was hopeful about) had finally come looking for her, even if he still did have his automail. Telling her that it was just coincidence would probably hurt her.
Al swallowed nervously and looked to Ed. Ed looked just as confused, though Al guessed he, clueless as ever to emotional matters, did not understand the full implications behind Winry’s question.
Before Al could kick him in the shin once more, Ed blurted out. “We didn’t know you were here.”
Winry swallowed, her lips a thin line. “So you just happened to see me then?”
Realisation seemed to dawn on Ed. His mouth fell open a little and he looked away quickly. After a beat, he shrugged his shoulders, biting down on his bottom lip.
Silence descended once more. Al looked between Ed and Winry, desperately trying to think of some way to make things better.
After a few seconds, Winry got to her feet. “If everyone’s finished, it’s time we got to work on Ed’s arm. Will and I are very busy because Garfield is away.” She picked up her plate and quickly deposited it in the sink before practically running from the kitchen.
Will smiled at the brothers, looking somewhat confused although he did not comment on what passed. He followed Winry’s lead and left his plate in the sink. Turning back to Ed, he glanced at the motionless automail arm. “Time to get that working again, I guess.”
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Will half-heartedly tried to make conversation with Ed then Winry for the first half hour. After receiving numerous monosyllabic answers, he eventually gave up and they worked in silence. It was almost a relief when another customer came in and he enthusiastically rushed off to treat him.
Winry sighed as he left, but did not attempt to enter conversation with Ed. She frowned as she leaned forward, squinting to gain a better view of the malfunctioning section in the elbow.
Ed watched her for a second before turning his gaze to her collarbone. The skin was mostly obscured by the straps of her top, but the scar was still visible from where he sat. It was only just noticeable, a pale line of ever so slightly raised skin, not at all like the savage scars that marred his own body. He watched as the skin moved over the bone fluidly, responding to the various twists and turns Winry enacted in order to repair his automail. He wondered if the doctor had managed to save the bone, or if Winry, like him, was now part metal.
Winry sighed, sitting back and pushing the hair from her eyes. “Finished.” She proclaimed. She just caught Ed staring at her exposed shoulder and eyed him cautiously.
Ed looked away immediately, stretching his fingers and testing the joints of his newly repaired arm. “Eh… thanks.” He glanced back at her.
Winry regarded him, a slight sneer on her face. “Do you want to pay me now or when Al gets back?”
Ed sighed, getting to his feet and retrieving his bag. “Now is fine.” His voice was uncharacteristically quiet.
Winry went about cleaning away her tools while Ed fished in his suitcase for the agreed amount. She attempted to lift the heavy metal box, but winced in pain and clutched her left shoulder instinctively. Ed inhaled sharply, moving to help her. She turned on him, glaring. “I’m fine, Ed. I don’t need your help.”
Ed took a deep breath, stepping back. “How’s Granny liking retirement?” He asked, unable to take the tension.
“Maybe you should just ring her and find out.” Winry stopped what she was doing and glared at him.
Ed shifted from foot to foot, unsure how to respond. “I’ve been meaning too, I just-”
Winry scoffed. “Oh come of it, Ed! You only ever called when you need something, don’t try and tell me you’ve changed.”
Ed could bite his tongue no longer. “Well, one of us certainly has.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Winry narrowed her eyes.
“You were always difficult Winry, but you were never a complete bitch. I guess not everyone changes for the better.” He spat.
Winry blinked at him for a few seconds, breathing deeply and biting her lip, before she abruptly turned on heal and stormed out of the workroom.
Ed glared at the door as it slammed shut. It had been a long time since he’d been this angry. Why was she being so unreasonable? He had left to make things better. What could he offer her with two automail limbs? Broken bones and bruises? Who wanted that? And what had she done? Run away to Rush Valley and found herself some idiot city boy! Why was she angry with him? He was only trying to make things better. She was the one who had changed. She had become a bitch… there was a chance she was hurt, he supposed… he probably shouldn’t have just said they weren’t even looking for her when they came to Rush Valley but that didn’t change the fact that she yelled at him. She couldn’t still be angry that he left without telling her two years ago, could she? She obviously understood why he had left so abruptly, didn’t she?
He kicked the heavy metal table in frustration as the guilt of what he had said and done slowly began to sink in. He sighed, running a hand through his hair and pacing the room. Groaning in frustration, he shrugged on his coat before exiting after her.
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As seems to be the pattern, I'm being evil... I think I must have been someone very bad in a former life... I just love the angsting far too much. Ed's especially, but I'm quite partial to Winry angst too.
As always reviews are adored! Constructive criticism especially so. Seriously, I love hearing people's thoughts on my fics, whether you like it or not! I really want to improve my stuff so any and all comments are welcome.
A Life Without Regret - Chapter 5 ---