Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Locket ❯ His Return ( Chapter 5 )

 

 

( Valentine - Toby Keith)

 

Chapter Five

 

I bought a card down at the drugstore

It said I'm thinkin' of you

I'm put some flowers on the table

But I know you won't be home

 

 

 

Valentine's day: probably the one-day she would simply wish away, if possible. The whole concept of it ruined her mood because the one person she wanted around wasn't there with her. Standing over the stove, she stirred the melted chocolate gradually so it would smoothen. Granny had asked her to make the chocolate while she prepared the cake. This seemed to be the only reason she enjoyed this minor holiday.

 

It was always fun to bake with her grandma whenever there was nothing to do, and her friends never fail to mention that she needed to find another man. But she'd always tell them that she already promised herself to Edward the day he gave her that locket: perhaps earlier than that! She couldn't believe her friends sometimes, but she always kept in mind that they were just looking out for her well being: that alone was troublesome.

 

 

Most of them didn't even know her relationship with Edward, so how can they understand? Everywhere she went she just seemed to be reminded of him. Sometimes she wished she could come face to face with him, and Al would be there too. It's every girl's dream to marry, and have a family, but Winry seemed to be constantly busy with automail, and waiting for someone who might never come back. “Ed's too stubborn to let such things get in his way,” She mumbled, “Sometimes I wonder if it's a blessing or a curse.” This thought made her smile.

 

These are some of the little things

That I do 'cause I still love you

And today might be the hardest day

I've had since you been gone

 

Flashback

 

“I want to go in there!” A ten-year-old Winry pointed out an Automail Shop, “They have new brands coming in from other countries!” She said with utmost exhilaration. “Ed, please?” She turned to him instinctively with pleading eyes that told him that she really wanted to go in. Also she wanted him to pay for the equipment she needed.

 

“No.” He challenged the blonde willfully.

 

“What?!” She shrieked without a moment's thought, “Fine,” Winry huffed, accepting that challenge. “But if someone kidnaps me, good luck telling Granny that it's all your fault!” Stubbornly, she stomped in the direction her destination. “You're always a jerk,” This was purposely said out loud. Of course the blonde wasn't afraid to go ahead with something without one's permission. She didn't need it from someone who wasn't any taller than she.

 

“Wait Winry!” Al called out, terrified at the concept of someone kidnapping his friend, he looked quickly to Ed who had a opinionated expression. Looking back in the direction of Winry, he hurried to catch up with his friend, and Ed was somewhat taken aback by this action.

 

“Al! Get back here!” He yelled out, not wanting to give up his pride.

 

“Stupid brother! You want Winry to get kidnapped?” The younger Elric yelled back with disbelief. Upon hearing this, Winry giggled softly.

 

“It's her choice!” Ed snapped, clenching his fists childishly at his sides.

 

“But she's a girl!” Alphonse tried to reason, only making Winry twitch. “It's not polite to just let her go off on her own!”

 

“Thanks, Al, thanks a lot.” She folded her arms, closing her eyes as she spoke with sarcasm.

 

End of Flashback

 

Smiling at the memory, the knocking sounds that sounded from the front door alarmed her from her spot. Jumping on her tiptoes, she looked toward the door apprehensively, but in soon dissipated into curiosity. Dropping the wooden spoon, she traveled toward the door. Before she reached the door she looked at the clock. Nine o' clock in the morning. `It's probably a customer!' She thought sullenly but optimistically all in one (if it's even possible). Opening the door, she came into contact with those golden eyes that she had longed to see earlier.

 

Mixed emotions swirled in her mind: she wasn't sure which was the more dominant one: Ecstasy, Anger, Confusion, et cetera.

 

“Hey, Winry” He grinned sheepishly at her: they were still the exact same height. Wait: he's taller than her! She found herself having to stare up at him a little. “I might need a tune-up, this thing's a piece of junk, and nothing compared to your handy work.” He sounded so casual, but his eyes spoke another story, they were obscure with emotion. Winry smiled nonetheless, but frowned almost instantly.

 

Valentine, girl do you still think about me
I still wake up at night callin' out your name
And the roses are there
Paper hearts are everywhere
But the fourteenth of February
Will never been the same

 

“Where's Al?”

 

“He's coming, the slow poke couldn't keep up.” Upon hearing that Winry threw her arms around him, burying her face into his neck. She sniffled: they were both back. It was like that cheesy cupid idol heard her wish. If she were any younger, there was no doubt that she'd smack him off his feet. Feeling his arms snake shyly around her waist, she smiled into his neck: he was the same as ever.

 

Pulling away immediately, she blushed a little. “Well, come in! Or do you plan on waiting out in the cold?” She snapped, but had a smirk upon her lips before turning around and walked more into the house. Was she being too optimistic about things? Edward had a hint of suspicion in his amber stare, but he didn't say anything. “You guys never change, you wait a while and then you come back whenever the time calls for it.” She smiled to him.

 

“What can I say? I was motivated.”

 

“Wow, there's a first for everything.” She mumbled playfully, turning into the living room while face Ed.

 

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“Figure it out.”

 

When Al came in his hair was ruffled up from the winter breeze and cheeks rosy: it reminded Winry of the Christmas they shared when they were at age six. The gleams in his bronze irises were unmistakably joyous. “ Winry!” He rushed forward to her at remarkable speed to embrace her. “Happy Valentine's day.” Winry wondered how he knew it was Valentine's Day but then she remembered that their neighbors decorated the outside of their house.

 

“It's Valentine's Day?” Edward asked absently.

 

“If you weren't going so fast, you would've recognized the decorations, Brother.”

 

“Shut up Al, don't blame me for—“

 

“Shut up you too! It's a holiday, enjoy it while it lasts.” She snapped at them indignantly but playfully all the same. “Jeez, can't even have you two in the same room.” Winry sighed with mock disappointment: Edward smirked at this. Noticing it, she furrowed her brows curiously. “What?”

“Nothing.” He absently waved his hand to show that he meant it.

 

It was weird: it's like nothing happened. Edward never went away, the possibility of them dying was never there. Was this a good sign? Honestly, she didn't know what to take it as, but she was appeased by it. Another round of knocks on the front door made Winry want to curse them away, but since it might be a customer. “I'll be right back!” She told Edward and Al who looked rather confused before she left down the hall.

 

Edward sighed before letting out a grunt: as childish as it seemed he wanted to be the center of Winry's attention. Al seemed to notice since he had a smug expression that made Edward want to smack it off. Closing his eyes, he leaned against the wall, though his posture soon straightened when he heard Winry's greeting.

”James… Uh… What a surprise!”

 

Despite the half-hearted greeting, Edward wandered to where the front door was to see a man who looked around their age if not any older. Brows furrowing curiously, he watched over the scene like some disapproving parent on alert.

 

“I brought this rose for you: it's Valentine's Day, so I thought I'd pay you a visit.”

 

The so-called `man' had a rose, was Winry involved with him? His intense gaze went to Winry before he turned his back towards them and walked back into the room with Al. His eyes were closed; it looked like he was trying to concentrate on his thoughts.

 

“Brother?”

 

He didn't answer: making Alphonse sigh.

 

Where did we go wrong Val
I thought we had it made
Was it just my wishful thinkin'
Is it supposed to be this way

Oh but I still feel the magic
That comes this time of year
When everybody's got a sweetheart
And I'm wishin' that you were here

 

 

His smile was genuine and Winry felt annoyed. She wanted to spend more time with the Elric brothers, especially Ed. “You like roses, right?” He asked as he handed it to her: Winry took it hesitantly. Managing a smile, “Yeah, I do. Thanks.” Her tone sounded so sincere that Edward felt a jealous pang in his heart, but didn't act on it just yet.

 

“Um, do you need a tune-up? Anything?” She asked, hoping she didn't sound too desperate for him to leave. “I have company…”

 

“Yeah, as a matter of fact I do,” He grinned pulling up his left sleeve to reveal his automail arm. “It needs to be checked.” James added in instantly. “Can I come in?” Edward twitched when hearing this but tried to hold his composure while Al glanced from him to the door.

 

Winry sighed, “Sure, come in. Make yourself comfortable while I get some things ready.” She told him before walking back into the room. Noticing the Alchemist's annoyed stare at James, she couldn't help but give him an apologetic smile before disappearing into the garage. Leaving James with the Elric brother's. The blonde thought that Ed would behave. But when James sat down on the couch, Edward sat in the chair on the other side of the coffee table to make sure he had direct contact.

 

“So, how do you know Winry, anyway?”