Unfiltered (Edward Elric x Reader)

7 - A Place to Call Home

You walked beside Armstrong, blocking the sun from your sleepy eyes with the help of his big body. Edward lead the way down a long dirt path. The birds were singing, the crops spread as far as the eye could see and the open skies were breathtaking. It felt like such a peaceful town. The soft, chilly breeze felt good against your skin and the smell of wet soil brought a feeling of serenity you weren't familiar with.

Pure bliss, I never want to leave.

"It's so quiet," you looked around in admiration and took in a deep, refreshing breath. "I like it here."

"Enjoy it while you can, it won't be so quiet for long," Edward said with a dreaded expression as he thought of how angry his mechanic is going to be.

Up ahead, you saw an older lady standing outside her house smoking a pipe. She grinned ear to ear when she spotted the Elric brothers. Beside her, a dog with an automail arm wagged its tail and trotted around with barks of joy.

"Hey, Granny!" Edward waved his arm up high.

"Oh dear, what have you boys done now?" Her question made the boys laugh nervously.

"A lot has happened, can you fix us up?" When you approached, you were greeted with a welcoming smile. "This is Major Alex Louis Armstrong, and this is-"

"(Y/n), nice to meet you," you introduced yourself and shook the hand of the small old lady.

"It's nice to meet you too, I'm Pinako Rockbell but please, call me Granny," her presence made you feel at home without having entered the house yet. "I know I haven't seen you in a while Ed, but you've gone an grown smaller," her unexpected remark instantly brightened your day. You slapped a hand over your mouth to contain your laughter. In an instant, the calm turned to havoc.

A wrench came flying straight at Edward, knocking him on the head. You nearly jumped out of your skin, gasping in shock as he flew back. "How many times have I told you to call before you visit?!" You slowly turned your head to the balcony from which the wrench flew, expecting to see a red-eyed mechanic with bulging muscles. But your eyes landed on a stunningly gorgeous blonde girl about your age. When you locked eyes, you shared a smile and wiggled your fingers in a shy hello.

"So, this is your weakness huh Ed?" You leaned down and picked up the wrench, waving it in front of his face. "I should start carrying one around, in case you get smart with me," you teased. Edward scoffed at you and swiped it out of your hand.

"Very funny," he rubbed his head and shot a glare up at the girl who threw it. "What the hell Winry are you trying to kill me?!"

She laughed happily. "Welcome home!"

•
•
•

"WHAT HAPPENED?!" Winry-devastated-shouted as she observed his missing arm.

"Sorry, it's a little smashed up," Edward sipped his tea nonchalantly as Winry raged.

"A little smashed up, a little Ed?!"

You stood by Armstrong as she gave him an earful about how hard she worked on his automail, admiring her in secret. She was nothing like you expected, the brothers hyped her up to be some sort of psycho mecha-man.

"I'm sorry about the commotion, they always bicker like this," Pinako apologized to which you shook your head with a smile.

Although your preferred a quiet environment, you didn't mind the occasional rowdy crowd. "Sorry to barge in like this, I hope I won't be a bother."

"It's not a problem at all dear, we have plenty of room." She reassured you.

"You idiots, all you ever do is worry me," Winry hopelessly sighed. "You," she now turned her attention to you, her angered expression sending chills up your spine. You stood tall and tense, sweating nervously as you awaited her scolding. Her face melted into a kind smile, and she grabbed your hand, dragging you away from the others with no explanation.