Lessons Learned (A PRIVATE FMA rp)

[Lierik]

The picture in his hand firmly forgotten, Alphonse stared on the scene before him with a mix of emotions. And running through his mind over and over was the phrase, they grow up so fast.

Well, that and the hysterical laughter he was trying to keep contained.

Feeling that his brother had probably suffered enough, he broke into the...touching moment with, "It'll be great to have you traveling with us again, Winry. You should reattach Nii-sans automail as soon as possible so we can catch the next train to Central."

[ocobeam]

Winry let go of Ed and turned to look at Alphonse.
"You're right..." she said, as she went to attach his arm first.
She looked at Ed,
"Ready?" she asked.

[Lierik]

Ed gulped, "As ready as I'll ever be."

He really hated reattachments. If there was one reason he had given in to Al about not quitting their quest now and just moving on, it was in the hope that he wouldn't have to do this for the rest of his life.

[ocobeam]

Winry nodded, as she reattached his arm as quickly as she could. After making her necessary readjustments, she went into the case, taking out his newly created leg and removed the substitute one.
She got ready, then looked at him.
"Okay.. on the count of three..." she said, "One...two...three..."
She then attached the leg, and looked up at him quickly as she made the adjustments.
"They're made out of a lighter metal alloy that I created in Rush Valley. It might help you grow taller..." she pointed out, as though it were no big deal... though she knew that Ed would be at least internally excited about it.

[Lierik]

"Really?" Ed smiled excitedly. While it was true that he now towered over Winry by several inches, his height was still far from imposing. But if his automail was so much lighter now... "With that and the fact that my body isn't supporting Al's anymore...I'll be huge in no time!" He crowed.

Al smiled fondly at his big brother's enthusiasm. And the best part was that he might be right. Ed was still only sixteen; even if he had always been in perfect health, he would still have a growth spurt coming. And if his body could now take full advantage of it...

Ed might never be quite as tall as he wanted, but he might just top the Colonel yet.

[ocobeam]

Winry giggled, shaking her head with a certain amusement.
"Maybe..." she said shrugging, "But I have to pack my things!"
She ran up the stairs... each step thumping loudly as she went to get her toolkit and several other necessities that Ed would probably have to help her with.

[Lierik]

Al chuckled as he watched Winry all but skip out of the room and up the stairs. Turning to look at his brother he said, "Good thinking, Nii-san."

Ed stared at his little brother blankly. "Huh?"

Al rolled his eyes and moved to the door. He glanced back at Ed long enough to say, "I'll go tell Mei what's happening. You go down and get breakfast." Food should be more than enough to distract Ed from the pain in his metal limbs.

[ocobeam]

Winry just seemed to light up. Ed never invited her anywhere... but she had a feeling that things were changing... not just between them, but everywhere.
Her smile grew wider as she put her things away and then carried them down the stairs. "I made my own vow as a child, to wait for Ed and help him with his endeavors... Miss Hawkeye showed me that..." she thought, recalling the military visit all those long years ago, "And I won't break it now...

[Lierik]

Within three hours, Mei found herself cramped in a small train compartment with The Elrics and Ms. Rockbell (and Alphonse-sama's knee was touching her leg!), her small bag on her lap.

From what she understood of the situation, which admittedly wasn't very much, someone had stolen a dog and they were going to help recover the poor animal. It really was a travesty. Mei just couldn't imagine what she would do if someone took her precious Xiao-Mei away. She shuddered just thinking about it, and pet Xiao-Mei's head to reassure herself that she was still safely with her.

[ocobeam]

Winry sat next to Ed, looking out the window. She didn't travel much, but when she did, it was an experiance... especially with Ed and Al.
"How long does it take to get there?" she inquired, glancing at Ed.

[Lierik]

"Hmm?" Ed questioned, looking up from the book he had been buried in. "Oh..." He blinked a few times and focused on Winry, "about twelve hours if there are no delays. I'd get comfortable if I were you."

[ocobeam]

Winry nodded, as she leaned against Edward's shoulder quietly.
She should've brought something to do... but she could always stare out the window and watch the scenery go by... even though there wasn't much to see... mostly farms, rolling hills, and...
As she thought about it, she slowly felt herself getting very sleepy.

[Lierik]

Ed tensed as he felt Winry lean against his side. He peered down at her golden head and slowly relaxed when he realized her eyes were closed and she was breathing softly.

It was kind of... nice--having Winry's weight at his shoulder, warm and real against his side. Slowly and carefully, he raised his arm and draped it over the mechanic's shoulders. He hid a smile behind his bangs and turned back to his book.

[ocobeam]

Winry snuggled further into him as she lightly felt the contact around her shoulders.
The blonde mechanic began mumbling in her sleep... something inaudible, but it sounded distinctly like a name.

[Lierik]

He jerked just slightly at the unexpected movement and flushed crimson. After peaking over at Al and Mei and discovering that they were...otherwise occupied, he leaned forward to hear what Winry was muttering about.