Chapter Text
Winry bent over to take a quick look at the apple pie that was baking inside the oven. The crust looked golden and the sweet smell of caramelized apples let her know that this pie was done. Over the years she had elevated the confection of pie making to a fine art, being just as good as Gracia's or even better. Winry took the pie out of the oven and let it cool down a bit on top of the kitchen counter so she could concentrate on finishing supper.
From the kitchen area she could hear all the ruckus her husband was making on the upper floor. He was leaving early in the morning for a long, long trip to Xing. For at least two months it would be just her and ol' Den1 since Granny, heaven's rest her soul, had passed away a couple of years ago. Automail work would keep her busy though or at least she kept telling that to herself. Winry knew that if she couldn't tolerate the solitude she could just hop on a train, go to Rush Valley and visit her dear old friends. "Yes that is a good idea", she said out loud while thinking of all the things she could do out in the valley. Winry's train of thought was interrupted when she heard her name being called. "What is it honey?"
"I can smell baked apples. Is the pie done already?", Alphonse shouted from upstairs.
"Yes Al!", Winry shouted back from the kitchen. "After all these years I still can't believe you still this obsessed about apple pie", she chuckled, feeling pride of her cooking prowess.
"Great!", Al yelled back from upstairs ignoring Winry's smug comment, "I'm almost done packing!"
"Okay!" responded Winry from the dining room area as she was now setting up the table.
***
"Dinner was delicious as always Mrs. Elric", Al teasingly whispered into her ear from behind, mid-trip up the upstairs.
Winry turned around and observed Al's grinning face. "You are obsessed with food Al, you know that right? It's amazing you are not pudgy", Winry answered back while playfully poking her husband's belly.
Al gave her a mischievous smile and quickly retaliated her assault to his well-toned body core by sweeping Winry off her feet and swiftly carrying her the rest of the way to their bedroom. Alphonse gently laid Winry on the bed then he plopped himself right next to her. "Well not being able to eat for years can have that effect on a person besides-", Alphonse quickly shifted to be on top of her then positioned himself right between her parting legs, "-there is nothing in this world as delicious as you", he followed while pecking her lips. Winry gasped at the sensation of Alphonse's engorged manhood which at the moment was rubbing against her private parts. With a swift movement Al moved forward to once again claim Winry's lips keeping the playful foreplay going as long as they could muster.
"I want you now", she whispered wantonly in his ear letting him know that she couldn't wait any longer.
Al smiled and complied.
***
The morning of Al' departure was particularly cold, too cold for a Spring morning, so it was a good thing that she decided to wear a heavier jacket. As always the train station was not heavily packed since Resembool was still a small rural town the same as it has been for decades. For Winry that particular train station always brought bittersweet memories from a time long gone.
"Do you really have to go to Xing?", said Winry in what sounded like a plea for him to stay.
Alphonse sighed then looked at his wife's saddened blue eyes. He get got closer to her and affectionately cusped her face. "I have to go Winry. This is a very important trip otherwise I would have stayed here with you... Please understand."
"I'll be back soon. Promise.", he added while proudly displaying his winning smile.
"I know", she answered, her voice small.
Suddenly the unmistakable announcement to board the train was broadcasted through the PA system. Husband and wife kissed goodbye then he proceeded to board the train. Al already had a foot inside the train cabin when he stopped and turned around to face her.
"We'll try again. When I get back from Xing we'll try again. I have high hopes that this will be it", said Alphonse eyes full with determination.
Winry just stood there surprised. She never expected that Alphonse would bring the subject up right at that moment. She just kept silent. Al smiled understanding Winry's reluctancy talk about such delicate subject. Turning around he then proceeded to board the train.
"Love you", said Al from his window-view seat.
"Me too", Winry responded back, slightly detached.
She waved goodbye waiting patiently on the platform until the train had disappeared into the horizon.