A/N: I wrote this just after the Fourth of July. But, hey, people are still blasting off fireworks in my neighborhood, so there's that.
It was a science, Ed insisted. Like the alchemy that was lost to him now, a fireworks show required careful planning, precise calculations and exact measurements. It needed skill and intuition, as well as a knack for creativity. Edward had all of this in spades. It was a useful, beautiful talent to cultivate. It would bring joy to the lives of his family and others!
"I think you just want to blow stuff up, Ed." Winry was rolling her eyes, even as she set up the blanket and children on the grass. She was always bursting his bubble.
"That's insulting!" He protested, but they weren't listening. Al and Mei reclined on their own blanket, and Granny sat near Winry with the baby on her lap. "Fireworks have a rich history in the East! Right, Mei? They're historically fascinating, and even the colors and shapes have meaning and story. Pyrotechnicians were well respected, almost as much as alchemists, and…" Edward trailed off, feeling the eyes weighing on him with indulgence (and in the case of his four year old, blank boredom). He was rambling. "Ah, well, history…" Ed waved a hand.
"We can talk about it later, Brother." Alphonse spoke up, smiling. Ed blew some of his bangs out of his face. Pthb, a few years ago, Al would have been right up there with him, ranting about the history of fireworks, but he currently looked like he'd very much like to not get up from where his head was in Mei's lap. They'd done what everyone expected, and gotten together, but it was years after Ed had thought. Now, twenty-six, Alphonse had finally moved in on Mei, after both had had many other suitors. Ah, well.
"Okay, fine." Ed pouted briefly, and then caught Winry's eye. She was raising a brow, and Ed knew he'd better get on with it, or he'd lose his audience. "Anyway! Prepare to be amazed!"