Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom ❯ Goodbye Love ( Chapter 12 )

 

Disclaimer: I never claimed to own this, so guess what. I do not!

 

Summary: When faced with Love's difficulty, can three people locked in its hold push aside their fear for the sake of it? Sequel to Feel Me, Shame Me, Heal Me.

 

A/N: You know what would be nice before I leave for my trip on Sunday, is some reviews for this latest update. I will be gone for 11 days and I know I'll be going through writing and computer withdrawal, ha ha. I worked extra hard to get this chapter out to all you wonderful readers. I hope you all find it enjoyable.

 

 

When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom

Episode 12—Goodbye Love

 

Winry and Scieszka stood there still, even after hours they had seen Edward blasting off to who knows where.

 

“He'll be all right, Winry.” Scieszka said comfortingly while placing her arm around Winry's shoulder. “And I doubt this will be the last time we see Edward.”

 

“He's not coming back this time, Scieszka.” Winry was sure about that and glanced sadly at the ground. “I just know it. Ed's always been the type to sacrifice himself,” she was going to have to try and get on with the depressing knowledge that this time he was not returning home.

 

Edward wanted to reach for Winry, to comfort her. “I'm coming back, Winry. I promise.” He so longed to run his fingers through her hair, to touch her skin. “I'll never take you for granted again. It's my turn to be there for you this time. I know it will never make up for what you had given me over the years, but it's a start.”

 

Sara was quite sure that Edward would get through this layer with no problem now. He would indeed open himself up to Winry, open his heart and his soul to her and that was the most important thing to accomplish to get out of this layer.

 

Having heard from Scieszka that Roy was in Central, Winry decided to try and talk to him. If he still refused to see her, she would know that it was finally over and to never bother him again. She waited patiently outside Military Headquarters, having talked to an enlisted soldier about possibly getting in to see Roy. It was not Roy who had come out. She wasn't the least bit surprised to see Riza with Havoc and Fuery walking out the entrance and towards her. The grim expression on her Riza's face gave Winry the answer she needed.

 

“I'm sorry, Winry, but the General doesn't want to see you.” Riza tried to keep a professional tone, but out of all the correspondence the two of them had had over the past couple of years, she couldn't help but feel a little emotional towards the young woman.

 

Winry sighed deeply, staring up at the tall building. “I guess it really is over then. He doesn't want to even talk to me.” She felt the prickle of wetness sting her eyes and she tried to will the tears threatening back. She didn't want to show that Roy had hurt her heart to others.

 

“That asshole!” Edward fumed; wanting to smash Mustang's face in for not even seeing Winry, to even tell her all was over and done with. “That bastard coward, he can't even face her.”

 

Sara sighed, “I'm sorry you feel that way, Edward. Making a choice like that has been hard for him. Nothing has ever been easy for Winry and Roy, it's been a path of heartache and suffering and they had somehow found the reason to smile, to feel whole again after such terrible losses, and it was with one another where they found that reason.”

 

With a sad expression, Alphonse nodded, “I think the decision not to even see her was one of the hardest Mustang ever had to make. I know that he feels he is doing the right thing for Winry.” He still couldn't help but feel a little disappointed with Mustang for his coward's way out, the man should have talked to her.

 

“I wish there were something more I could say or do for you.” Riza in comfort wanted to reach out to her and her hand twitched where she forced herself not to move.

 

With a soft, sad smile, Winry returned her sapphire gaze to Riza's mahogany. “It's all right; at least I don't have to worry about it anymore. I have the answer I needed.” `dreaded…' “I just wish he could have told me, ya know? Instead of him just leaving me guessing and wondering along with tremendous worry.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. There was no need to tell him about the twins, it was clear that he didn't want anything to do with her. It was better if he did not know about them, that way he could get on with his life. She didn't want to hold him back with anything he might want to do. It would be difficult, but she will let him go.

 

“Hey, we're off duty in about a half hour, do you want to go get a drink with us or something?” Havoc asked, hopefully it would cheer her up some.

 

“Yeah, all three of us go after work. It's kind of a tradition and you could come, too, if you want?” Fuery also asked.

 

Winry's smile didn't quite reach her eyes, “No thanks, guys. I appreciate the offer, but I've gotta get home.” There were two little ones waiting for her and she couldn't let them down. Taking one last look up at Military Headquarters, she took a deep breath. “Well I doubt I will ever come back here.”

 

“Oh, why?” Havoc asked, receiving a jab in the side from Fuery, and the tall blonde man rubbed the back of his head, realizing how insensitive he really was. “Oh… right.”

 

With a shrug that looked forced, Winry replied, “Well the only reason for me to have ever come here was because of Edward and well Roy. But Roy…it's over with him and Edward's gone. There really is no reason for me to come here anymore,” she smiled, “Yeah, no more military for me.” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat, trying to hide the hurt in her tone. She backed up a step, “Well I better get going,” She looked to Riza, “Thanks for keeping in touch over the last practically two years.”

 

“I would like to continue to write to you, if it is all right?” Riza didn't want to lose the friendship that the two seemed to have formed.

 

This time a true smile formed on Winry's lips. “I'd like that.”

 

“You know, Winry,” Kain started to say with a kind expression, “We are your friends too, so don't think you're not welcome to still visit.”

 

“If it's all the same to you, I'd rather not.” Winry said staring sadly at Fuery and then tried to smile at Riza, before grabbing both Fuery and Riza's hands. “Oh and congratulations on your engagement, I wish you all the best. You deserve your happiness.” Squeezing affectionately before dropping their hands, she then turned and started to walk towards the steps and head down to the open gate before her emotions got the better of her and rushed down her cheeks from her broken heart.

 

What she didn't see was Roy standing at the first story window, watching her closely. She was so close, he could almost feel her, almost hear her heartbeat. The sound of her voice made his pulse race with the need in wanting to forget about everything and rush right to her.

 

“Sir, you could always reconsider.” Falman said standing behind the General, seeming to sense what was going through the man's mind as he was also looking out at Miss Rockbell, who was talking with his fellow officers. “It's not too late, she hasn't completely left yet.”

 

Roy took a deep breath and straightened his posture. It was true that he could reconsider, but it was better for her if he didn't. He had to stay strong. He had to stay clear of her. There was a terrible stabbing sensation within as he watched her walk away, and panic iced its way up his spine and spread out through every nerve when she walked around the corner and out of his sight. He pressed his feet harder to the floor to keep from bolting out the door after her.

 

Havoc, Fuery and Hawkeye were walking back inside, it appeared to him that they didn't even see him.

 

“Is it just me or does Winry look different?” Jean asked, scratching the top of his head.

 

“What do you mean?” Fuery blinked in confusion, “She is older now. It has been like two years since we've seen her, so of course she would change. Isn't she like eighteen or something now?”

“Hmm, she's nineteen, actually.” Riza replied, then smirked. “She's actually old enough for you now, Havoc, if you wanted—” She heard a growl coming from next to her and turned her head, seeing General Mustang with an ill expression on his face. He obviously had overheard their conversation. She was more than annoyed with her superior, he had no right to complain or get upset. He threw Winry away, so he has no say in her life or what she does with it. “With all due respect, Sir, you can no longer get mad at those who might fancy Winry. After all, you're done with her.” disappointment laced her voice.

 

“That's right!” Edward yelled in Mustang's face. “It's stupid how you can play around with other girls and Winry never really got after you about it. But if someone even hints at liking her, you throw a huge tantrum over it.” He then pointed in the bastard's face. “If you wanted the rights of a husband you shouldn't have thrown her away like she was nothing! I will do all I can to make sure you never inflict her heart with pain ever again.”

 

Alphonse rolled his eyes; his brother was being overly dramatic again. He could hear Sara lightly laughing and shaking her head.

 

“What I like most about you, Edward, is you're so funny to watch. You get so emotional that it's positively endearing to see.” Sara smiled brightly. Her comment seemed to make crimson heat Edward's cheeks.

 

Roy tightened his arms over his chest. He knew Hawkeye was right, but that still didn't give people the right to talk about romancing her. It might be selfish, but he would never accept anyone else with Winry. So maybe it was a good thing that the two of them are not in contact with each other, no phone calls, no letters… that way if she did find someone else, he wouldn't hear about it and all would be fine and he could live in his illusion that no one could replace him. “Do whatever you want.” Roy was bitter.

 

Jean sighed, “I would never, Sir. She may be cute, but I know how much she means to you and there are plenty of other women out there for me. Besides, I think she's done with military men.” He added with a teasing tone and a crooked grin. He knew how his commanding officer really felt about her, and it would be like rubbing it in the man's face if he did go after Winry. He just couldn't be that cruel.

 

Roy turned back to the window even though Winry was no longer there. He had heard what Havoc said about her looking different. She was as lovely as ever, but there was a strong sense of maturity and grace. It was like she had gained some life experience, making her all the more beautiful. He knew he was being stubborn and foolish, but he had to give her up, he couldn't keep going back to this feeling. Letting go has been hard, but he was determined to do it.

 

“What made you decide to accept the promotion this time, Sir?” Breda asked, leaning against one of the desks. He wanted to change the subject since he knew how tough it was on the General, and also, he was curious.

 

What was the point in hiding out from the world, Roy knew he couldn't change the past, he could only move forward. The government had changed, and he needed to be there in case someone with visions of usurping wanted to challenge that authority and he would be ready and able to stop them. That was a way he could atone for his mistakes, by remaining alert and ready for anything that would corrupt the government. “It was the right thing to do.” was all he said to Breda and he turned and headed for his office.

 

****

 

Winry walked through the door and sat her case on the floor, she tiredly rolled her shoulders and pulled off her jacket. Walking to the closet, she opened it and hung up the red garment. “I'm home!”

 

“Mama's back!”

 

She heard Anna's voice and Brian's laughter and the two of them came running in from the kitchen.

 

“Ah!” Winry cried out happily as she kneeled down and held her arms out as her two children ran into her arms. She hugged them so tightly, “Oh, I missed you both so much.” and she smothered them both with kisses causing them to giggle loudly.

 

“We miss u more.” Brian hugged her tightly.

 

Edward smiled affectionately at the display, even though the twins made him uncomfortable. Winry was indeed a very good mother and he could tell she loved her twins with every ounce of herself.

 

Winry laughed and pulled back from them as they stood before her. “So were you good while I was gone?” Both her children nodded wildly.

 

“Di' fine Unca Alfos?” Anna asked, wiping her nose with the back of her hand.

 

A sad smile curved Winry's mouth, “Yeah, but he went away with Uncle Edward.” She tried not to think about Roy, but that's who had been on her mind most of the way home. No, she didn't need him. She's been fine these past few years without him. She reached up and touched both Anna and Brian, cupping their shoulders. “It's just gonna be us from a long while now, okay?” She tweaked their noses affectionately, “Just you two, Great Grandma, and me. Our happy little family, doesn't that sound nice?”

 

Brian saw tears on his mother's face, “arr u sad?” He pressed his small hand to her face.

 

“Maybe a little bit,” Winry fibbed, she had to, for their sake. “I'll miss Uncles Alphonse and Edward.”

 

After she tucked the little ones into bed, she kissed them and quietly left the room. Going into her own, she turned on the light at sat at the desk. She figured it was a good idea to tell Jenny about the woman's grandchildren.

 

Picking up a pencil and taking out a sheet of paper she began to write.

 

Dear Jenny,

The last letter I sent you was years ago when I thanked you for that lovely ball gown. It has been too long between letters so I'm going to start writing more. It would be a good thing to keep in touch. There is something that you should know. Since the ball, some pretty amazing things have happened to me. About a year and a half ago, your son and I, well let's just say that you and your husband are proud grandparents of a set of twins that I love so completely. I figured you should know about them, and I know how happy it will make you to hear about them.

 

Just one thing, Roy doesn't know about them and I would appreciate it if you did not tell him. I want him to be all he can be and just move on with his life and if he knows about the little ones, he won't be able to do that. I know him well enough to see that he would indeed sacrifice his own happiness to do the honorable thing, and I don't want to be responsible for crushing his future.

 

Along with this letter is a photo of me and the twins. The little boy with dark hair is Brian and the little girl with blonde hair is Anna. Thanks for everything Jenny, and I hope to hear back from you.

 

Love, Winry

 

Winry smiled lightly at her letter and opened the side drawer in the desk pulling out a picture of her with her children, they were on either side of her and she was hugging them close as they sat together on the sofa. All three of them were smiling brightly into the camera. Folding the letter, she stuck that and the photo into the envelope. She would address it tomorrow and send it out.

 

Getting up from her seat, Winry walked over to her dresser and pulled open the first drawer. There she took Roy's glove from its confines and squeezed it tightly. Setting it on the dresser she reached behind her neck and unfastened her necklace and carefully cupped it in her hand, looking at it as it felt like her insides were being crushed.

 

Closing her eyes she held both items to her heart and breathed in deeply. `I'm not angry with you, Roy, just disappointed and hurt. You should have just told me the truthinstead of just ignoring me.'

 

“Winry?” Pinako's voice came from the doorway, “is everything all right?”

 

Turning sharply towards her grandmother, she blindly reached for the small trinket box sitting atop the dresser. She opened it and placed her necklace and the glove inside. Holding it in her hand, Winry stomped forward on several spots on the floor, feeling for the loose plank.

 

Pinako watched her granddaughter lift up the loose plank and place the box in between the wooden plank and the hollow flooring. “What are you doing?” She always knew that under that very plank was where Winry hid the things that were most precious to her. She never threw anything away. Pinako walked to Winry's side, standing there looking at the trinket box that had yet to be covered and hidden from sight.

 

“I'm moving forward.” Winry sighed, “I have spent my whole life waiting for someone, whether it was for my parents, Ed and Al, Roy… and I'm not going to do it anymore. I am not going to waste anymore precious life and time.” She felt her tears starting to trickle down her cheeks. “All waiting has done for me is… I'm tired of giving everything I am, my whole heart, my soul, to only be thrashed and smashed into nothing. What's the point of waiting if all its going to do is end up in disappointment?” She moved the plank towards its spot and it slid home. “There is too much to do, to concentrate over, like my babies. They are my life and I want to be and do the best I can for them. I can't do that if I'm always waiting for someone to return. Trisha died waiting for her husband, and I am not going out the same way.”

 

“Are you sure you know what you're doing, Winry? It sounds like you're giving up on the people who you love.” Pinako never knew her granddaughter to give up on anything.

 

Winry turned and looked at her grandmother, “I'm not giving up, Grandma. I'm being realistic. Ed and Al are gone for good, and Roy doesn't even want to see or talk to me. He's done, finally tired of me.” She smiled, but it was forced. “It's about time, too, I say. Now I can get on with my life without him in it. It will be no problem, I can do it.” Her tears gave away her lie and the fact of the dull ache pounding in her heart. She took one last look at the floor where her trinket box was hidden in the floorboards, “Goodbye love.” And with a determined air, as tears drizzled down her cheeks, Winry turned and left her room.

 

Edward could understand why she felt the need to think of only herself now. She had little ones to worry over and had to focus on them most of all. He was actually glad that she stopped waiting for him and Alphonse to come home. He wouldn't want her to suffer and die while waiting for a loved one to come back. It would have been like what his mother went through all over again. “You'll see, Winry. When I get back to you, I will keep nothing from you. I will tell you everything I am feeling and all you wish to know and hold nothing back. I will do what I couldn't before, and that is open every ounce of myself to you.”

 

A flash of bright light blinded Edward and Alphonse and once their sight had recovered they were facing the emerald doors. They both looked to Sara.

 

“Congratulations, Edward and Alphonse. You made it through the last layer of your heart's fear. By understanding the need to share yourself entirely, to not hold back to give more than you receive is what allowed you to succeed and pass through this.” Sara sighed, “You conquered your heart's greatest fears within these layers, and you learned that there's more to love than just taking it, it is not selfish, it is ultimate giving. To stand unafraid of how deep your feelings run, to realize that it may not even end happy for you, yet you're still willing to risk everything for it, and that is the truest form of love there is. Be true to yourself and to your heart.”

 

The sound of the doors creaked open and Edward and Alphonse took deep breaths. They were finally going home, after all this time and after they had thought it would have been impossible.

 

“I will remember all that I had seen and learned here, Sara.” Edward felt his throat constrict. “I thank all of you, Hughes, mine and Al's mother, and you, for allowing me to see what I needed. I don't know if there is anything I can do to pay back the knowledge you all have provided me with.”

 

Alphonse grinned, “See, Brother, you can sound intelligent if you want.” He received a punch in the arm for that smartass remark.

 

“I wish you all the best and good luck, Edward.” Sara's sad smile seemed to be contagious for she saw the same expressions on the boys' faces. “You both have grown into fine, honorable young men and my daughter is very fortunate to have you as her friends. She watched as the brothers raced through the open doors. Sara knew they were so eager to get home and back to the family they left behind.

 

****

 

The doors opened, Edward and Alphonse stepped out, they only vaguely heard the doors behind them close and disappear.

 

The air around them smelled fresh and clean, the sounds of crickets chirping and a light breeze brought a sense of familiarity. Everything was just as it ever was, the rolling hills in the distance, that same yellow house about a mile down the road. It felt so good to be home.

 

They were now facing the road that would lead down to the Rockbell house. They could see the lights on, and it was a welcoming sight. Neither one of them ever thought they would see this place again.

 

Edward swallowed hard as his heart pounded.

 

“Brother, do you think Winry and Auntie Pinako will be surprised to see us?” Alphonse turned and looked at his completely frozen brother. “What's the matter with you?”

 

“I'm nervous.” Edward felt like he was going to pass out. He had learned so much in those layers of his heart's fear, so much about Winry and so much about himself. He knew the extent and how deep his feelings actually ran for his childhood friend. “I just hope I can keep it together and not…” He didn't want to end up doing something stupid. “Well let's get going, the sooner we get this over with the better, and then we all can relax.” He and his brother started walking.

 

Winry smiled at her children on the floor as they were playing with blocks, wooden animals and toy trains. Brian was building a tall tower and Anna was about to crash it with her wooden ram.

 

Jenny laughed, “It seems to me that Brian is a lot like you, Winry.”

 

Laughing herself, Winry leaned back into the cushions of the couch more. “Yeah, I guess you can say that. The little man loves to build things and he's always in the workshop with me. Anna I notice is more like your son, she's been obsessed with those magic circles for as long as she can remember and she tends to favor a certain element most of all.”

 

“Oh?” Gerald asked, “And just what pray tell would that be?”

 

“She seems to like water.” Winry replied with a smile and folded her hands in her lap. “At first, I really didn't want her having anything to do with Alchemy. Only, she enjoys it very much so I can't really keep her from learning it. I'm not surprised that she understands what she has read in that Alchemy for Children book I bought her.”

 

Gerald crossed his legs, “Well, when two intelligent people have children, it's only natural that the offspring are as well.” There was pride dripping from his tone.

 

“That makes sense, Roy is exceedingly intelligent.” Winry sighed and looked over at her children fondly.

 

“Oh yes, he is.” Jenny replied with a bright smile, “He was one of the smartest in his class, and his Alchemy master was always impressed with what he was able to accomplish in a short amount of time. Roy had a knack for grasping information really quickly.” She praised.

 

“That explains a lot then.” Winry put her finger to her chin in thought, “It makes sense, especially to the fact that Anna and Brian could practically speak whole sentences before they were even two years old.” She noticed their dirty dessert dishes and got up, reaching for them, but Jenny's hand came up and pressed against Winry's shoulder.

 

“You sit and relax; we'll take care of them.” Jenny replied and Gerald surprising the young blonde woman, didn't even protest as he got up with his wife, grabbing his pie plate and water glass. They both carried their dishes into the kitchen.

 

Gerald glanced over his shoulder through the open door, as Winry was in conversation with the twins.

 

“Did you contact Roy yet?” Jenny asked as she set her plate on the counter.

 

With a firm nod, Gerald did the same. “I did on Friday.”

 

“You didn't say anything about the twins, did you?” Jenny turned on the sink, seeing her husband shake his head.

 

“No, I just told him that there was something really urgent going on with Winry and that he really should pay a visit before it was too late.”

 

Jenny sighed and rolled her eyes, “You made it sound like she had an accident or was deathly ill or something.”

 

A small smirk curved at the corner of Gerald's mouth. “Of course, I don't think he would come here unless it was a matter of life or death. And Winry won't so much as contact him herself and tell him about his children. Roy has a right to know, he is their father. The two of them need a little push and I'm going to be the one to do the pushing.”

 

“I'm sure there is more to it than we think,” Jenny felt bad, “I don't think we should have meddled, it was none of our business. This was something between Roy and Winry.”

 

“You are too soft hearted, Jenny.” Gerald gripped the counter and leaned forward. “It is our business. Those are our grandchildren out there and they deserve the best. Roy needs to be with them, he needs to take responsibility for what has happened.” This was probably the perfect time to bring up his decision, just in case Roy did not accept the twins. “I am going to give Winry a trust.” The plate dropped noisily from Jenny's hand, but luckily did not break, “For the children.” He added.

 

Jenny twirled around and faced her husband with a look of utter disbelief on her face, “You know that she will never accept money from us, she is much too proud and determined to care of her children herself, no matter how difficult the situation.” What made her husband suddenly become some generous with Winry, when he had disliked every single girl Roy had ever been with? “Gerald, are you sure you know what you're doing?”

 

Lightly closing his eyes, Gerald gave a short nod, “I do. And I know what you're thinking, Jenny. I am a very suspicious person, especially towards women who only want money and Roy is due to inherit far more than anyone could ever imagine. My family's wealth is tremendous to the point where its ridiculous how much there is and those floozies of his past had an inclining of Roy's worth.” He dried the plate that Jenny handed to him. “Winry isn't like those other women, and I am thankful in a way that she had our son's children. My brother is dead, and he never had any sons, only daughters. I had the only heir to pass on the family line, but now Roy has a son and a beautiful daughter the family line is safe. I couldn't be prouder of him then I am now. He's finally done something right and he doesn't even know it. He has a fine family that he needs to be a part of.”

 

With a small smile, Jenny nodded. “I do agree with you. But, Gerald, I stand by what I said. Winry will never accept money from you. And I don't think she will swallow her pride and tell Roy about his children. She's much too strong of heart to think she needs him, but I know she does, and Roy needs her.”

 

“She cannot refuse the trust, I won't allow that. It's for her own good and the good of her children.” Gerald turned around and watched Winry reading a story to the young ones.

 

“Why don't you wait and see what happens with Roy first before you go forcing money down her throat.” Jenny sat the towel on the dish drainer.

 

There was a knock on the front door and Winry turned her head, “Just a minute!” Squishing out from between the twins, she made for the door. Gripping the door knob she pulled it open. Her heart nearly jumped into her throat at who it was standing there before her. Was this a dream?

 

“Hey,” he said with a nervous smile, he fidgeted, shifting from one foot to the other. Then in one smooth move, he stepped forward closing the distance between them and embraced her so tightly, practically crushing her to him.

 

Winry's heart hammered and her eyes widened, “Edward?” She whispered, staring straight ahead and slightly upwards in clear disbelief.

 

=======

What a place to leave it off huh, and right as I'm about to leave for close to two weeks. I hope you all can last that long and will be so excited when I come back and update. I hope you all enjoyed the latest episode/chapter, see you soon!

 

Thanks for reading,

Ryoko Blue