"You look trashed, ani," commented Al on the bus to their respective schools, a note of concern weaving into his voice. "You didn't even braid your hair this morning. Did you get any sleep last night?"
"'Course I did," mumbled Ed. "There was just this essay…" he yawned. Noticing the look Al was shooting him, he quickly said, "No, really. I'm fine"
"Alright," sighed Al, getting up from his seat behind Ed. "This is my stop. See you this afternoon." Al left the bus and paced towards the middle school. Ed leaned his head against the cold Safe-T-Glass window. He fought the urge to sleep, but it was a losing battle. He blinked once… twice… then he was out cold.
He didn't notice that the seat behind him was soon occupied again.
He didn't feel the hand flit over the back of his head.
He didn't feel the fingers gently weaving his hair back into its usual braid.
He only noticed the voice whispering into his ear, "Wake up. We're here." He blinked groggily. He looked around, but couldn't see who the whisperer was. He got up and noticed that his hair was braided again. And tied with a green rubber band.
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He got to homeroom, and sat down next to Winry.
"How's life?" she asked tiredly.
"Same shit, different day," he replied as per usual. She nodded.
She didn't notice the secret look he shot a certain green-haired kid who was lingering in the hallway. A look of confusion, thankfulness, aggravation, and… something else…