A boy with shaky hands and hollow eyes threw his iron fist at the wall. Another sleepless night hit him like the punch he had just delivered. What did he expect, after all these years? A large gasp, sounding much like the breath of one jolting awake, stirred next to him.
"Alphonse! What happened?" A small boy- a child, even- lurched up out of bed and, with the dim candlelight shimmering in his golden locks, settled down next to the empty armor on the floor.
"Brother,-," the silver suit whimpered, struck by agony and fear.
"I know, Al. I'm sorry... It's all my fault. I made you like this. But don't forget my promise so easily." With this, he slapped his hands together until a bright blue struck like a match between them, and pressed them up against the wall. Removing them moments later, he was delighted to see the wall in its former state- good as new.
"Ed, stop blaming yourself... I was there, too. I knew what I was doing, just like you. Don't think I wasn't there!" He cried softly, trying to make his older brother rest at ease. Ever since his soul was attached to this lanky armor, he had been almost completely unable to sleep- loneliness racked his being, making him feel like he was just a cold hunk of metal. The promise from his brother was the only motivation he had left... Suddenly, they both jumped. A knock at the door? It was the middle of the night, who would be so crazy as to try summoning them? Either way, Ed leapt up, stretched, and swung open the door.
"Wait- what are you doing here?!" Edward barked, before silencing himself. He had to be more quiet! Obviously if they came here now, secrecy was important. "Hughes?" He managed a whisper while escorting the military friend inside.
"I'm afraid your sudden outburst just now has cut my visit terribly short- I can only remain with you for a few minutes," the raspy voice of Maes Hughes echoed around the dark space.
"But why are you even here?" Al squeaked, hoping he would not hear the answer he expected. He expected to have horrible news delivered, or tragic, even...
"To show you pictures of my lovely daughter of course!" Ah yes, the total gutterball. Crying with pride, he shoved the pictures in the boys' faces. Quickly shoving them back in his pocket, he stood and grimly nodded. "I have to go now. Keep this for me, will you?" He smirked, tossing one photo down. Ed carefully lifted it, then became very annoyed indeed.
"Seriously? His gift to us is a picture of his daughter?" He sneered at the sentiment. He almost chucked it across the room at Al, when a red tinge became very pronounced. It was originating on the back, it appeared. Flipping over the picture, a message became clear for him to see.
"What is it, Brother? What do you see?"
"Al... We may be in a bit of trouble."