Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ The Journey Within ❯ I Love You ( Chapter 7 )

~I do not own our favorite pint-sized alchemist or any of his friends, but I certainly wished that I did. That way, I wouldn't have to put up any disclaimers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Journey Within

Chapter 7- I Love You

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinako Rockbell had kitchen curtain pulled back, pipe in hand, and watched as the two

young adults made their way down the lane that would take them further into the countryside. Taking note of how early it was, she smiled and started putting the breakfast she had made for everyone into warming containers to save for later.

 

`Well, I suppose we won't be seeing them back here anytime soon.'

 

Frowning as she looked into the front room and saw the puddle of water and pile of wet clothes in the middle of the front room floor, her smile quickly returned.

 

`I guess he can be a slob, just this once.'

 

She chuckled, and gathered up Ed's sopping shirt and pants from where he discarded them the previous night, and retreated outside to hang them to dry.

 

`After all, it's not every day we get the type of news I'm sure we'll be receiving this afternoon.'

 

 

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Winry had followed Ed wordlessly out the front door after she had hurriedly put on a pale pink sundress and sandals. As the dawn continued to break over the mountains that encased the tiny town of Rizamboul, the crisp morning air danced around her skirt, making it ruffle in the wind. Ed's hastily made ponytail swayed gently in the breeze, though it seemed to match his slightly wrinkled black tank top, pants, and muddy boots. Walking side by side, it almost seemed like a sin to waste such a wonderful morning on words.

 

`Hum, this definitely is not like the strained silence that's been suffocating us these past few months.'

 

She smiled softly to herself.

 

`Nope, this is by far more enjoyable.'

 

Stealing a glance at the alchemist on her left, she could feel her chest tighten as her thoughts wandered back to what had transpired in the early morning light. Scuffing her sandals into the dirt path they were following, her eyes grew dark with thought.

 

`I just hope that whatever breakthrough Ed made this morning isn't going to be buried again….I never noticed it before, but it looks like he's grown a few inches. Guess I'll have to make some adjustments soon.'

 

Lacing her fingers together behind her back, Winry inhaled deeply.

 

`He's finally taller than me…'

 

 

 

Ed, meanwhile, was on the verge of a massive panic attack.

 

`Alright, just put one foot in front of the other. Big stone…move around it…God, what if she says no…'

 

He gulped.

 

`But holy shit, what if she says YES?!'

 

Coming to a turn in the road, Ed suddenly stopped. Hands in his pockets, he nervously fidgeted side to side, as his feet absently kicked at the small stones that littered the road. Noticing his distress, Winry was torn between wanting to speak and waiting out the internal battle she knew Ed was dealing with. Clasping her hands in front of her, she resolutely chose to keep her mouth shut, and let Ed speak on his own terms. Suddenly, he tossed his head back; eyes closed, and let the warmth of the summer sun caress his face.

 

“Winry, I don't know how to say this.”

 

His eyes dropped down to look her directly in the eyes, and Winry was taken aback with the pain and anguish she saw deep within the golden pools that shimmered at her.

 

`I'll wait forever for you, Ed, take all the time you want.'

 

“It kills me to see what I do to you.”

 

She couldn't help but flinch at his abrupt confession. Ed, meanwhile, took a deep breath, but even that didn't seem to help his composure. Motioning off to her right, he continued, and her gaze came to rest on a half-built, one-story house. His voiced cracked as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

 

“Winry, I can't do this on my own. Not anymore.”

 

Winry felt all the tears she'd never cried well up in her chest, and a small sob escaped past her lips as she fought with the dam that was about to break.

 

“I need you. I know I'm not the man I want to be right now…but if you'll have me, when it's all over…”

 

With each breath, his smooth baritone voice became smaller, so much so Winry had to try to hear it over the sound of her heart thumping loudly in her ears. And this time, a sob did slip, and Winry's tears came so fast she felt as if it were raining. Ed, meanwhile, could feel the panic start to rise in this throat. Quickly, he started fumbling for the words to get his thoughts out.

 

“I'm building this, for…for us…no alchemy, just my bear hands and tools…”

 

She turned, and stood dumbstruck as she saw the tears start to fall silently from his glistening eyes.

 

“I can't stand the thought of you not being by my side.”

 

His voice barely above a whisper, Ed could feel the internal battle within his heart, and his fear was losing.

 

“I…”

 

She took a tentative step closer.

 

“I…”

 

Arms length away now, she leaned in towards him when he suddenly looked into her cerulean eyes.

 

“I love you.”

 

Winry froze.

 

“Marry me.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Much love,

The Cerulean Alchemist