Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Her Knight In Shining Armor ❯ Gifts From the Heart ( Chapter 20 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

I do not own the characters Ed, Al, Winry or the basis for their past history. They belong to the creators of Full Metal Alchemist. I also don't own any of the fairytales mentioned. I don't own much of anything…

Warning: There will be some references made to the show. It won't give away anything about the ending… I don't think… Anyway there will be threats of rape and murder. Not too vivid though.

There will also be spelling mistakes due to where Lorna originates from. I allowed some spelling error because it's words she would use. And I don't want any flames on it. I'm from where she's from so I just had her speak the way I do!

Chapter Twenty: Gifts From the Heart

I felt a warm hand on my back which caused me to rouse. It was Winry. She stood smiling down at me. “So you two made up?”

I nodded, and then laid my head back against Al's armor. He moved slightly now too.

“Well!” Edward stated walking into the room, “You two look like you had a good night.”

I stuck my tongue out at him then looked up at Al.

“Merry Christmas.” He whispered, smoothing my hair.

“Christmas?” I stretched, “Oh! The gifts!” I sprang to my feet and ran upstairs. I still had wrapping to do and Duchess needed to be seen about.

I opened my door to find her lounging on my bed. Her littler box had already been fixed the night before. I looked to her dish which now sat empty. `At least she likes the food.' I thought filling the bowl again.

Quickly I pulled out some plain cardboard boxes I'd bought in town the week before. I'd forgotten to buy wrapping paper, but that shouldn't matter too much. I placed Edward and Winry's gifts into two boxes, then looked out the door and down the stairs. Winry was standing at the living room door.

“Keep Al in there!” I called down. She nodded and moved to close both doors.

Quickly I moved the enclosed litter box into the boys' room. Next I moved the cat bed, making sure to neatly arrange the toys inside. I moved the food and grooming supplies onto the dresser before moving the food dishes. That took some careful maneuvering to keep it from spilling the. `Shouldn't have filled `em first.'

Lastly I put Duchess into her cage and placed it behind Al's bed, just out of sight.

I closed the door then went back to fetch the other two gifts. With great difficulty I made it downstairs without dropping them. I knocked with my foot causing Winry to open the door.

“Nice wrapping.” Edward laughed from his seat next to the Christmas tree.

“So sorry I had the crazy idea it was the thought that counted!” I joked in a mock upset voice. I placed the gift next to the wall then sat down beside Al on the floor.

“So, whose do we open first?” I asked, looking at the different colored wrappings.

“Let's open the ones from Ed.” We could all tell that Winry wanted to see what he'd gotten for her.

Al nodded then moved to hand out the gifts his brother had gotten.

He handed me a sparkling blue box. Then he gave Winry a small silver box and found a red one for himself.

Everyone looked at me in anticipation. “Okay, I guess I'll open mine first.” I carefully pulled at the paper.

When I opened the lid and saw that it contained a patchwork quilt. “Why Edward, thank you.”

“I got it in town. Now maybe you won't get sick again.” He'd put much more thought into my gift than I'd expected.

Al was the next to open a gift. “Thank you brother.” He pulled out a pair of gloves that would fit over his gauntlets.

“Well, you two insist on sitting outside.” Ed grumbled, but was smiling. He did care a lot about his little brother.

Winry started to open the small box from Ed, but he placed a hand on it, “No you have to open that one last.”

She frowned but set it aside. “Well then what did Al get me?” She looked under the tree and found a gift for her and one for Edward. “Where's Lorna's gift?” She asked.

“It's not there. I'll give it to her later.” I turned to him but he only took hold of my hand.

Winry shrugged then opened her gift, “Al!” She pulled out a full set of screwdrivers. Some were so small I could barely make out if they were flathead or Phillips.

“Thank you!” She jumped up and hugged his neck.

Ed was already opening his gift. He lifted the lid off then sat there for a moment.

“Brother?” Al questioned.

Ed slapped the box shut but smiled. “Thanks Al.” I looked quizzing at the younger brother, but he only laughed.

Winry pulled out three gifts that were obviously from her. “I hope you like them.” She was watching each of us with anticipation.

I opened mine to find it was a miniature version of Al. I smiled and hugged her neck. “It's wonderful.”

Al leaned over for a closer look, “You got the armor perfect.”

Edward only shook his head.

Al opened his next. Inside Winry had framed a picture of me to hang on the wall. She had obviously made the frame. It had hi sanding in one corner and roses in another. Our names were engraved with the vines of rose.

“It's beautiful.” I breathed. Al only nodded. He seemed to have lost his voice momentarily but looped an arm around me still looking down at the photo.

Ed had again become impatient and his gift was already open. He sat, just staring into the box.

“Do you like it Ed?” Winry questioned, moving to embrace him. He nodded slowly then wrapped his arms around her. “

It's a new one. I thought it was time for a change.” She explained.

I peered over into the box. It was a highly detailed automail leg. He'd been having trouble, but hadn't wanted to tell her. Obviously she'd figured it out on her own.

“Well.” I broke the silence. I knew Ed wouldn't want a scene in front of me and Al. “What about your gifts from me?”

I moved and handed Edward the smaller box. When he opened it he smiled broadly. “How did you know?” He held it up showing Winry and Al.

Winry smiled then kissed his cheek, “I missed that old jacket.”

Ed stood and tried it on. It fit just the way the one in the photos had. The workmanship had been well worth the money.

“Thank you Lorna.” He smiled and sat back down by Winry. “My other one was in a small cooking accident.” A blush crossed Winry's face.

I ended up having to push her box to her. “Is it really that heavy?” She questioned, before looking inside. Her eyes grew wide and she screeched with joy. “I've needed this set! Where on Earth did you find it?”

I pointed toward the box, “Look in the bottom. The owner says he wants to meet such a wonderful mechanic. Apparently you're famous around these parts.”

She looked at the card, “He's got automail tools? Oh Ed we can go tomorrow to see what he has in sock!”

She grinned at Ed who smiled, then reminded her, “Tomorrow's Christmas, he won't be open.”

She frowned but then remembered her gift from him. “So I can open this now?” She pleaded lifting up the box. He nodded and she began to pull at the paper. Inside was a pocket watch I'd never seen before. “But Edward, this is yours.”

He shook his head, “Don't need it anymore. You wanted it anyway.” He leaned and gave her a peck on the cheek. She turned wrapped her arms around him tightly and game him a kiss on the lips. He was startled at first but then kissed back.

“Come on Al.” I whispered standing. He nodded and followed me into the hallway.

“Your gift is kinda, well…” I started while climbing the stairs. “It's sorta spread out.” I opened the door to his room and he looked around.

He saw the cat dishes and littler box. Then he walked to look on the dresser, “But…”

By the time he turned I had lifted the cage onto Edward's bed. Al stood still as I opened the cage door.

Duchess walked out and mewed up at him as if on cue.

“Lorna,” He lifted her up and softly stroked her fur.

“I've been calling her Duchess, but you can change the name.” I uttered, moving to stand beside him.

“Duchess is a perfect name.” He agreed, placing her on the dresser. Then he turned and looked down into my eyes. “What have I done to deserve you?” He took my hands in his as I lifted to kiss his cheek softly.

Duchess mewed again, loudly this time. “Oh she don't know where her breakfast is.” I exclaimed, moving to show her.

Al moved with me and when I stood up straight he wrapped his arms around me, my back against his chest.

I wanted so much to kiss his face. To hug his neck and have him be able feel it. I wanted so many things, but I knew we had to move at his pace.

“Lorna,” He whispered, pulling me from my thoughts. “I still have to give you your gift.”

I turned to watch him as he walked back to the dresser and opened the top drawer. He pulled out a small box. “It isn't much.” He explained turning to me.

I opened it slowly then lost my voice completely. It was a small silver ring. On top were two rubies that he had transformed into roses. Silver vines wrapped them together. A tear streaked slowly down my face.

“Oh Alphonse.” I managed, “It's lovely.” He took the ring from me and slipped it onto my right hand.

“I'll never stop loving you.” He whispered, wrapping me up in his arms again.

Later that day I sat on my bed admiring the ring. Then I thought of the necklace I'd bought from the old woman. It was stuffed in my backpack. I had to dig around for a while before I found it. Looking at stone I hoped the woman was having as wonderful Christmas as I was. Then I placed it in my dresser. I didn't feel like wearing it just now.

As I turned around Edward strolled into my room. “I'm glad you got Al the cat.”

“What was the watch you gave Winry?” I asked, sitting down on the bed.

He took a seat on my desk. “I got it when I worked for the military.” He explained. “Back when I was a State Alchemist. She's always wanted to take it apart and see the workmanship. I figured it'd make a good gift.”

I nodded thinking just how happy it had made her. “So what'd Al give ya?”

Ed grinned, “A picture album of Winry. He'd transmuted a lot of the ones he remembered from when we were little.”

I smiled. Al was so caring and thoughtful when it came to those he loved. He'd even made toys for the kids in town. We'd delivered them the week before.

“Well I guess we should see what they're planning for lunch.” Ed jumped off the desk and looked at me. “Did you tell her about my leg?”

I shook my head, “Naw, she just knew.”

He nodded. When it came to automail Winry knew whether it was working perfectly or not.

Author's notes

Lkoinglhelhog ,dfiggf8934uidv,

Joy!!!! Get That Cat Off The Keyboard!

Al: Come here Duchess.

Joy: Stupid cat!

Ed: You created her.

Ed: By the way who's Sorry and Starving?

Joy: Read and find out… !Get That Cat Off The Printer!