Disclaimer:I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist. Inspired by the song So Close sung by Jon McLaughlin. Alphonse has his original body back and Edward remains in the military as a State Alchemist. In honor of Edward's upcoming birthday, the military throws a special ball. Edward thinks this was a perfect opportunity to tell Winry Rockbell that he loved her. But his plan changes when someone breaks into Winry's home and kidnaps her. What does he want? Think about it while you read the story.

So Close:
Chapter I

“Morning Lieutenant” Edward greeted to Riza Hawkeye. Riza smiled as she saw Edward Elric in the military uniform. It was a new sight and she wasn't sure she would get used to it.

“Morning Major Elric. I trust you slept well” Riza greeted the blonde alchemist. After going through so much turmoil in his life, Edward was at last able to return Alphonse Elric to his normal body. Although Edward still had his automail, he didn't care; he fulfilled his promise to his brother. Fuhrer Roy Mustang gave the Elrics a choice. A choice for Edward Elric to be promoted to major and for Alphonse Elric to take the State Alchemists Exam. Edward, after much thinking and persuasion from his brother, Edward took the chance while Alphonse declined taking the exam. Alphonse wanted to study in schools and be a doctor. This didn't surprise Edward, but of course, Edward was surprised that he took Mustangs offer to be a Major.

Now, Major Elric, now apart of Roy Mustangs subordinates, was standing before Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, in a military uniform; he loathed his uniform. Riza couldn't help but smirk every time he had to adjust the collar on his shirt or the boots he had to wear. Now, nearly a year after everything, Edward wasn't sure what to do anymore. Being in the military actually kept him occupied. Even hearing all the nagging and the somewhat teasing from now Fuhrer Mustang. For some reason, those words didn't ring well together.

“How long did it take for you to get used to this awful attire?” Edward made his morning complaint about his uniform. Riza chuckled as she walked with Edward down the hall.

“You'll get used to it about a year after you've worn it” Edward sighed and bowed his head.

“How is Alphonse?”

“He's doing great, I got a letter from him not too long ago. The school is nice and he's doing well in his courses. Of course, he's an Elric, I knew he'd be the smartest man in the class” Edward proudly stated.

“When is his first vacation?”

“I believe next week.”

“That's great. What of Pinako and Winry Rockbell? How is the automail business?” the mention of Winry brought a slight blush to Edward's face. He had a small place to call home in Central; it was easier than staying in with the Rockbells. Winry. He had been thinking about her for quite some time. He remembered he was asked if he liked Winry in a more romantic way. He never could answer that question, and now that he knew Alphonse was all right, he had been thinking about his blonde mechanic. Of course, he kept that part much to himself, even from Alphonse.

“They are good. Of course they have me as a main customer so business is good as long as I am always busting my automail” of course that would be Winry's dismay.

“Edward, did you ever think about that question I asked you some time ago about Winry?” ah damn she remembered, thought Edward.

“I think about her every now and then more than I usually do. It's something new now that I don't have to focus everything on Al.”

“That is definitely a yes” Riza responded. Riza always had a sort of soft spot for the Elric brothers. Edward stopped walking and faced Riza.

“Dear God, don't ever mention this to Mustang” Riza's smile disappeared slightly. For, just behind Edward was Fuhrer Mustang himself.

“Mustang already knows” he said just behind Edward. Edward clutched to his folders tightly and shut his eyes.

“How long were you there?”

“Just got here actually. Come on Fullmetal, give me some credit” Edward growled as he continued walking. All the walking away he does and the comebacks Edward comes up with, Mustang could give the alchemist a court martial, but it was more fun this way, at least to Mustang. Riza looked to Roy before he started walking after Edward.

“Fullmetal, I have something to talk to you about.”

“Catch me on a day I care” Edward muttered. Riza sighed. This was also routine, and though it was sometimes entertaining, she wondered if she was the only adult at the moment.

“I can take away your title Fullmetal.”

“Again, catch me on a day I care” Edward said again.

“Anyway, it's about your birthday Fullmetal. It is in a month...” Edward stopped walking and turned around.

“That's good to know, but considering it is MY birthday, I knew that already.”

“Be careful Fullmetal, I will have you on grave yard duty” Edward rolled his eyes and allowed Mustang to continue.

“In honor of the occasion, I have arranged for a military ball” this baffled Edward.

“A military ball? On my birthday? Why in hell would you do that?”

“Because I'm Fuhrer, it's what I do Fullmetal. Gives you an opportunity to attend these functions and also for you to invite a certain blonde mechanic as a date” Mustang walked past the young alchemist before he could respond.

“Shit” Edward muttered, more to Mustang than the situation.

“Easy there Major Elric, I don't think you want to take anything too far” Riza calmly suggested.

“He does this on purpose.”

“That may be, but he is still at a high rank. Anyway, we have paperwork to cover. You know how paperwork gets when it isn't done at the appropriate time.”

“I understand Lieutenant.”

“Excellent.”

---

“A military ball for your birthday? Sounds like a blast brother. Maybe I'll be able to stay long enough to go. Can I go?” Edward spoke on the other side of his phone. It had been a long day and he had finally gotten to his small apartment.

“I think it would be all right. You are my brother so it shouldn't be so bad. I can always just con Fuhrer Mustang into letting you come.”

“Brother, you could get into so much trouble.”

“I should be kicked out by now, but I'm still here. Anyway, tell me about the school and your courses.”

“They are a cinch. But, of course they are a challenge. My professors are impressed with my work.”

“You're an Elric, of course they are” Alphonse laughed.

“Oh, I bumped into someone while I was browsing around town. You know her well and so do I. We spent a lot of time together and I have to say Brother, she is really great” Edward positioned himself in his spot.

“So my little brother has a girlfriend. You're ahead of me.”

“We'd be the same if you would just tell a certain blonde mechanic how you felt about her” Edward blushed slightly. Thinking about Winry brought a different emotion in the alchemist. Sure, she was pretty, oh hell Winry was beautiful and now that he had his mind to think about other things, Winry always popped up somewhere in there.

“Anyway, what time should I expect you for your vacation? And who is this girlfriend of yours”

“Our vacation actually starts this weekend. And she's not my girlfriend, but it's Rose” Edward's eyes widened a bit.

“Rose? Really? You met her there?”

“Yes. She was actually doing some work when I found her. I actually invited her to come with me, is that all right? I know how small your place is, and I expected to find a room for the time being anyway.”

“I suppose that's all right.” It had been some time since he had seen Rose. She was a beautiful woman but she wasn't Winry and he never found interest in Rose when he first met her. Even with the promise he made to Al on his mind, he wasn't even attracted to Rose. He was glad to hear his brother was doing great and even finding someone to spend time with. Perhaps it was his turn.

---

“He's coming this weekend?” Winry Rockbell asked as she was fixing up Edward's arm. It was time for his tuneup, which now in some ways, he looked forward too. Edward barely moved his neck. It ached from his head being bent over paperwork for so long. He had no idea how Riza could do it for such a long time, but it hurt like hell.

“Yeah, his vacation starts a little earlier than I thought” Edwards left hand started rubbing the back of his neck. The pain was unbearable. Winry looked up from Edwards automail.

“Are you all right?”

“My neck only knows one position when it comes to the mountain of paperwork that Riza and I do most of the day. No wonder Mustang avoids it at all costs” Edward rubbed his neck slightly again. He was wearing no shirt so he didn't have fabric blocking the area he was trying to rub. Winry bit her lower lip and took a bold move. She placed her tools in her box and scooted her chair over to his right side.

“Where does it hurt?” Edward looked over to the blonde.

“Why do you ask?”

“It's usually better if someone else is rubbing it rather than yourself” Winry had no idea if that was true. Edward shrugged and pointed to the spot behind his neck where it hurt the most. Winry smiled lightly as she put her arm behind his neck and her hand right on the spot he had pointed. Gently, she massaged the area. Edward moaned a little as his head bent over toward Winry's shoulder. It felt nice. The pain seemed to subside with ever stroke she was doing. Their heads were inches away from one another. His eyes narrowed up to her; she could feel him staring up at her. Her hand slowed the motion as her eyes met with his. Heat was surrounding her cheeks along with a light red tint.

Edward gazed upon the blonde woman rubbing his sore neck. This woman was truly amazing. And maybe Al was right – and Riza, he did have these feelings for her. But was it too late? He had put her through a lot, could he really have something else he truly wanted again? There was one way to find out. Silence. That's all there was. It was a comfortable silence, something he hadn't shared with anybody.

Winry's face couldn't feel anymore hot than it already was. Those same gold eyes always looking over to her. Ever since Alphonse got his body back, Edward had been more relaxed. Being in the military seemed to occupy him now that his promise was already fulfilled. She had no idea why she made this bold move to rubbing Edwards neck. It seemed like it was another thing she could do for him besides tending to his automail arm and leg. She was happy to hear that Edward wasn't going off on anymore trips, that he would be at least close by. Now that she had him here, she was nervous. Edward pulled his head from Winry's shoulder, looking a bit deeper into those blue orbs.

“Winry?”

“Yes, Edward?”

“I...well...there's...” what was he going to say? He could mention the military ball, but that was weeks away. Better early than late.

“What is it Edward?”

“There's this...”

“Winry! Are you done with Edward's limbs yet? I made lunch and I need your help!” Pinako called. Edward grunted as he moved away from Winry. Little wench, he thought to himself.

“I'm coming! What was it you wanted to say Edward?” Edward bent his head down and stared to the ground.

“It was nothing important.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, you better help Pinako before she comes looking for you” Winry sighed and nodded. Edward watched Winry go into the kitchen and cursed to himself softly. He was so close to mentioning...what the hell was he going to say? He realized he started a sentence but what would have happened if Pinako hadn't interrupted? Maybe he shouldn't have said she was wench. Edward sighed once again.

“Edward, lunch is ready.”

---

Winry watched Edward as he prepared himself to head back to Central. She didn't like it when he left, she had wished he would find some place closer to her. Of course, she wasn't going to admit that to him. At least he was taking better care of his automail. She hadn't had to do very much for his tuneup this time. She wondered what was going on with him. How the military was treating him now that he was fully working with them? How was his apartment? She hadn't seen it yet and he hadn't invited her to come see it either. There was so much she wanted to know and Pinako was always poking her to just ask the alchemist these questions. Pinako just didn't understand. Edward turned over to Winry.

“Thank you Winry” the young blonde shook her head.

“I'm sorry, what?” Edward sighed.

“I said thank you. You know, for the tuneup and lunch.”

“Oh, of course, it's what I'm here for isn't it?” that's not all you're here for, Edward thought to himself. It seemed to be getting difficult to speak to Winry without feeling that nauseating feeling in his stomach.

“Winry, would you like to come to the train station with me to pick up Al?” Winry's eyes widened slightly.

“Really?”

“Of course, he wants to see you too” Winry's face fell.

“I'd love to.”

“Great. If you want, you come come a day early and I'll pick you up and you can finally see my place.” Was this man somehow reading Winry's mind?

“That would be great. Has been a while since I've been to Central.”

“It's a date then...er...I mean a plan” Edward slipped, to Winry's dismay.

“Right. A plan. I look forward to it. Should you get going?” Unfortunately for Edward, he had to leave. Early shift in the morning, he had to admit it was better than the grave yard shifts. It was only earlier that he had to wear that god awful uniform and struggle for some kind of comfort. Winry walked with Edward out of the house and down the steps. Edward turned to Winry.

“So, I'll see you in a few days?”

“Yes, I'll take an early train if you want.”

“Good. I'll have a place for you to sleep in my apartment. It's not big, but it's cozy” Winry nodded.

“See you then” Edward sometimes wanted to hit himself for the things he would say. Like he was still the same little boy. Winry waved goodbye to him as he walked up the road and on the hill. He turned around one more time to return the wave. That woman always waited until he was out of sight before she went back inside the house; it was as if she was still waiting for him somehow. Still waiting.

You're in my arms and all the world is calm,
The music playing for only two...

End of Chapter 1

I have thought about this story for quite some time and I am glad to finally getting to write it. At the end of each chapter, will be a couple of lines from the So Close. I hope I am still doing well in the FMA fandom world, and I will enjoy writing this story as I hope you all enjoy this story.