A/N: I in no way own FullMetal Alchemist. All credit for this amazing series goes to the great Hiromu Arakawa.
Prologue
Don't say it...whatever you do, don't say it...
"We're really going to miss you, brother..." whispered the young boy with a hint of unprepared loneliness.
The elder smiled in return, reminiscing in the boy's hazel eyes.
"What are you saying, Al? It's not like I'm going to be gone forever!" He chuckled.
Have his eyes always been so beautiful?
The adolescent exposed a forced grin. "I know, I know...it's just...I'm so use to you always being here..." He admitted tilting his head downward.
Don't hold him...it will only make it harder to leave...
Edward's eyes illuminated a sense of shock. He wasn't expecting his younger brother to get so emotional over his leave to Central. Although, he couldn't entirely say he didn't enjoy the feeling of being missed.
"Al..." He whispered. "I'm only a phone call away. I gave you the number to the Colonel's place, right? Besides, you have Mom and the Rockbells to keep you company!" He smiled again in hopes of calming the boy's nerves.
"I know...it's...it's just not the same though..." He said tugging at the elder's military uniform. "You buttoned it wrong again..." He stated unsurprised while trying to fix it properly.
Edward allowed him to situate the uniform while gazing down at him concerned. "Alphonse..." He said, placing his palm atop his brother's working hands. "I'm going to be alright..." He said with a deep smile. "I promise..." He looked deep into the boy's forsaken eyes. He could tell it was hard on him, he didn't expect it to be anything less. The train was nearing its arrival as the sound of its whistle began to blow in the distance.
"I have to go..." The elder whispered. "Please...don't worry so much..." He grabbed the suitcase at his side and tilted it over his shoulder. "Besides, you know full well why I have to do this. Mother can't make ends meet on her own."
"I know..." The boy replied with an effort on manhood trying to make its existence.
Don't do it...it will only cause him more pain and suffering...
Alphonse revealed another mental demanding smile. Edward was fully aware that it was only for the sake of his brother's sanity so he wouldn't worry him. Although, he knew full well that deep down the boy's heart was shattering.
You're going to regret this...
The train suddenly rushed passed the two, causing their long hair to blow in the wind. As the train neared its halt Edward pushed himself forward, planting a kiss on his younger brother's lips. He lingered them there for a few seconds, all the while Alphonse's eyes peered open in surprise. As he pulled away, the elder flashed a cute smile. "I'll see you next year, little brother." He announced patting the boy on the head innocently, despite the fact that he was a good few inches shorter than the younger.
Before Alphonse had a chance to voice his response, his brother was already boarding the train and finding his seat. As he rushed to retrieve him, the train began to make its departure. "Brother!" He called out loudly. "Wait!" He ran frantically as the vehicle picked up speed. "Brother, wait!" He cried trying to catch up.
It was too late.
The train was gone. Making its way into the deep mountain hills. Only to leave the smell of coal and smoke lingering in the Elric's senses. "Brother..." He whispered. "I...I wasn't able to tell you...that I love you..."
He would remember that smell.
For he knew he would embrace it among his brother's return...