The Same Coin

He Had Amber Eyes

Winry arrived at the train station in North City three days later with both Second Lieutenant Bismuth and her travel kit in tow. No gun. Bismuth advised her she wouldn't be permitted to have it within the fort, and that if she took it then it would only be confiscated. She wasn't comfortable with the idea of going unarmed, but she reminded herself that a fort — under the protection of the military — was probably the safest place for her to be. Besides, she had Nen, and she liked to think she had learned enough that she could defend herself against the average person.

She'd had to take an afternoon to shop for the trip after arriving in Central. She'd never been further than the capital, and was ill-prepared for the climate. She didn't even have a jacket that would be sufficient. She knew there would be snow, and a lot of it. She'd only seen snow once before when she was a child. That seemed so long ago now.

Bismuth held her elbow as she stepped down onto the snow-dusted platform. It was not yet late afternoon, and the snow piled on the roofs glittered silver and gold under the brilliance of the sun. Winry found herself pausing despite herself, then hastily following Bismuth when she realized he was ready to continue on. The soldier carried the bag containing her clothes over one shoulder. He'd refused to entertain the idea of her carrying it herself.

Winry was both elated about the trip, and fundamentally pissed off at Edward for making her go. She was excited for the opportunity to travel to the renown Fort Briggs, where Amestris' finest and strongest served. The idea of being in a snowy tundra was exciting and exotic. But to be beckoned there by Ed after he'd gone galavanting off to the north half-prepared with some of her finest automail infuriated her beyond belief. Suppose she had still been working at Atelier Garfiel — he presumed for her to leave behind her job and clients on a whim for him. The anger she felt now was comparable to what she'd felt when Hisoka had terminated her apprenticeship without her consent. The difference, however, was that she could actually lay into Ed for his transgression without worrying for her life.

"Major Kimblee, sir," Bismuth said abruptly, and stood at attention. Winry's feet stopped.

"Lieutenant," a man standing under the overhang of the station acknowledged.

If Bismuth hadn't spoken to him, Winry wouldn't have suspected the man of being military. His black hair was almost as long as hers, and two pieces framed his narrow face. He wore an overcoat and a fitted three piece suit that were as white and pristine as the untouched snow. A fedora was pulled low over his eyes. Otherwise, a violet tie was the only hint of color. At least until he raised his chin and his gaze met hers.

He had amber eyes, and high, arching brows. Major Kimblee's eyes were narrow and full of cunning, despite his smile. For a moment, she felt as though she were staring at Hisoka. Winry swallowed hard.

"Winry Rockbell," the man said, stepping forward. "I'm Major Zolf Kimblee." She offered him her hand to shake, but he bent and kissed her knuckle instead. She jerked at the unexpectedness of the gesture. "I'll be escorting you to Fort Briggs."

"I didn't realize I needed a Major to escort me," she jested, offering what she hoped was a polite smile as he took her travel kit from her and began walking. She followed. She didn't like not having her tools and equipment in anyone's hands but her own, but she couldn't think of a kind way to refuse quickly enough.

"You're precious cargo, Ms. Rockbell. Fullmetal is a valuable addition to the military and we need him in top form. On behalf of the Fuhrer, thank you for coming on such short notice. And I apologize, there was a miscommunication with the telegram sent to you. You're here at the Fuhrer's request — it was realized that he hadn't scheduled time to make adjustments prior to coming north, and someone sent it up the chain to summon you."