Settling Down

Chapter 2: Girl Trouble

It has been roughly two weeks since Ed and Winry announced their engagement. Granny Pinako had come back from Rush Valley and were happy for the couple, stating that she was hoping she'd be alive to see them. However, she did comment that it took them long enough and was able to see their connection which led the two to blush furiously. But in the end, they were happy that she approved of them. Today was a fairly mellow and sunny day in Resembool. While Ed was reading a book on the couch, Winry came running towards him.

"Hey Ed, could you help me out?" She asked.

"What do you need?" Ed replied, closing his book.

"Well, we need to get some groceries and I was wondering if you can accompany me" Winry explained, "I need to buy a lot and I'd love it if you helped me out"

"Of course, let me just grab my coat" Ed complied.

The two made their way into the market square to fetch the things they needed. While Winry went off to grab any fresh seasonal fruit, Ed decided that he'll go get the vegetables on the list. Stopping by at the vegetable market, he looked through the baskets of produce.

"Morning Edward" An English accent greeted him.

"Morning Jaden" Ed replied. Jaden was a local vegetable salesman. He was just above Ed's age and worked with his family to sell the vegetables they grew. He had short black hair moved to one side and black framed glasses over his brown eyes. Like most workers in market square, he wore an apron over his day to day clothes.

"Are there any vegetables you specifically need?" Jaden asked.

"Yeah, Winry wanted me to get some of the usual root vegetables for stew" Ed exclaimed, "She also wanted to try using some peas as well"

"Coming right up" Jaden said as he went to grab some boxes of vegetables. The two were very friendly with each other and after Ed announced his engagement, he was one of the people that were invited to the wedding.

"So, you still hating on milk?" Jaden questioned.

"Yup, I still can't understand how people can drink that stuff" Ed replied with disgust.

"I mean, I don't hate it but I can't have too much due to my lactose intolerance" Jaden added.

"Well you're lucky that you have a reason not to have it" Ed laughed. There conversation was cut short after they heard some ruckus near the fruit stand. The two turned to see Winry and a bunch of other girls and she did not look pleased to be around them.

"What is going on?" Ed asked.

Jaden sighed, "Those girls are at it again"

"This has happened before?" Ed questioned.

"Yeah, while you were on your travels, I've been seeing this group go up to Winry and 'bully' her in a sense" Jaden answered, "They always keep telling her that she'll be alone and that no man would want to have a relationship with her"

"Now that's just cruel" Ed stated, "And don't they know that she's engaged to me?"

"News don't get to easily to them" Jaden explained, "So they always target her, but now that you're here, I think you can put an end to this"

"I sure will" Ed said before paying for the vegetables and making his way back to Winry.

"What are you still even doing here? Just go live in Rush Valley where all the unattractive girls go" One girl said.

"Maybe there might be another ugly man to like you" Another added.

"Knock it off, you people really get on my nerves" Winry stated angrily.

"Hey Winry, something wrong?" Ed greeted.

"Ed?" Winry said in surprise.

"Ooh, now who is this good looking hunk?" The first girl questioned.

"Um, hello, I am Edward Elric" Ed introduced.

"Hello to you too sexy, the name's Missy" She greeted, "What's a guy like you doing hanging out with her?"

"I am helping her out with groceries" Ed answered like as if it were obvious.

"Why don't you hang out with us?" Missy suggested, "I'm sure the other two girls with me will like you being with us instead of that unattractive metal head". Winry was starting to fume at the name she was given.

"I will have to decline, I have more important things to attend to today" Ed replied, "Especially since the 'unattractive metal head' you are talking about is my fiancée"

"WAIT WHAT!!!" Missy cried. Her two friends were also shocked at this.

"Yes, what a surprise, I am engaged to Winry Rockbell" Ed exclaimed, "Just to let you know, I proposed to her not only because she's beautiful to me, but she's been a great help to me throughout my life"

"Aw, thanks Ed" Winry thanked.

"C'mon, lets go" Ed said has the two held hands and went back to finish their shopping.

After the two had gone home from shopping and night had fallen, the residents were about to have dinner. However, a random noise from outside had interrupted them and Den was barking about outside. Ed and Al went to check on what was happening and saw the three girls hiding in one of the bushes trying to shush the dog, not noticing them.

"Are these the girls you were telling me about?" Al asked.

"Yeah, they really hate Winry" Ed replied.

The Elric brothers quietly went outside the house and crept until they got near the hose. Al grabbed onto the hose and swiftly made his way near the bushes. Ed turned on the tap and water sprayed over the bush, sending the three girls flying out of it.

"AUGH, WHAT THE HELL!!!" Missy cried.

"Haha, serves them right for snooping" Ed commented.

"Oh, I didn't realise there was another hunk here" Another girl exclaimed.

"Maybe he can be yours Cassie" Missy suggested.

"Not at all, I am currently in a relationship" Al replied.

"I suggest you girls leave, I'm sure you wouldn't want a flurry of wrenches flying your way" Ed told them.

"What makes you think we'll leave?" Cassie questioned.

As soon as she said that, a wrench came flying past her head. The girls ended up darting off, away from the house and the brothers were laughing at them. The two went back in and gave Winry her wrench back. Afterwards, everyone was heading to bed now and the only ones currently awake were Ed and Winry.

"I don't think this will be the last time we'll see them" Ed stated.

"Even if we'll see them again, I know you'll be able to send them away" Winry commented.

"Of course, there won't be anyone getting in the way of our wedding" Ed said as turned off his lamp and hugged her close.

"I cannot wait to get married" Winry exclaimed.

"Me too" Ed agreed, "Good night Win"

"Good night Ed" Winry replied before giving him a kiss. However, things might get out of hand the next day.