FMA: Gilded (Xenophile)
Twenty-fourth chapter of Gilded! First chapter can be found here, with links to later parts.
Title: Gilded
Prompt: Xenophile
Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist (manga/Brotherhood)
Word Count: 274.
Rating: G
Summary: In which Winry understands more than she says.
Warnings: SPOILERS through to the end of the manga/Brotherhood. I've been advised by evil_little_dog to warn for "incessant cuteness" as well. :)
Author's Notes/Disclaimer: Fullmetal Alchemist and all associated characters, settings, etc., belong to Hiromu Arakawa-san. The only profit I make from this work of fiction is my own satisfaction and, possibly, the enjoyment of others.
Winry knows that her boys will be leaving soon. She can’t say she’s surprised; even before the transmutation that changed everything, Ed and Al had always talked about going to all of the places in their books. And they’ve got a job to do, or so they believe - and trying to come between them and what they believe is their duty would be cruel. She would never ask that of them. She doesn’t want to.
Ed, in his own clumsily sweet way, asks if she wants to come with him. Winry is touched, more than she thought possible, but she says no, of course. Even Alphonse has grown out of following Ed around everywhere, and besides, she has things to do herself. Mr. Garfiel has been more than patient, but she needs to get back and finish her apprenticeship. More than that, she wants to go back to Rush Valley.
Ed shrugs, looking only mildly disappointed. “I knew you wouldn’t, but I had to ask.” She smiles, squeezing the hand that’s holding hers. He squeezes back. “None of us can really stay in one place anymore, can we?”
“Speak for yourself,” she retorts. Unruffled, he rests his cheek on the top of her head - now that he’s finally grown some, he can’t stop rubbing it in. She kicks her feet; the swing sways gently. “You’ll always know where your home is, though, right?” she can’t help but ask.
He starts, looking down at her in surprise. A blush creeps up his cheeks. “I always have,” he replies.
“Then that’s all I need to know,” Winry tells him, and together they watch the sun set.
TBC ( Part 25 - Years)