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“So,” said Nellie. “Still metal, huh?”
“Yeah,” Winry replied with a small smile. She knew the other woman was referring to Al. They had seen her walk past with Cowbella Moojuice that afternoon.
Nellie was always thinking of her, and she mostly stayed away when she knew the boys were in town. While it was true that it helped Winry focus on her friends--brothers, she called them only in her own brain--during the short period they were in town, it still made her feel
guilty.
Nellie reached up to brush a hand gently down Winry’s mussed hair, her face sympathetic. She hadn’t asked many questions about what happened to Ed and Al that night long ago, but she knew enough from talking to Winry over the years.
“I reckon it won’t be long now,” she said. “Another few winters and I’m sure you’ll see his little blond head runnin’ up that hill like he always used to do. The both of ‘em.”
Winry lifted her head from where it lay on Nellie’s chest to look into her face, that kind, encouraging expression. Winry knew she must really be seeming down if she warranted this much shoring up, and she tried to put a little more confidence into the smile she returned.
“I know you’re right, Nell. If anybody could do what they say nobody can, it’s Ed and Al.”
Winry looked into her pretty eyes another moment, wishing she could just stay here and let her lover soothe away all her fears. But she had a job to do, and she wouldn’t let her brothers down.
“I should get back,” she said. “Ed’s arm isn’t even close to finished.”
“It won’t hurt to stay a little longer,” Nellie said, putting an arm around her back, as if to keep her from running. “Just a spell.”
Winry smiled, gratitude filling her chest to the point it was just a bit painful. She didn’t deserve her, but Nellie loved her anyway.
“Just a spell ,” Winry agreed fondly, and pressed a kiss to her lips before letting herself be pulled back into her love’s comforting embrace.