Dedication

Edward Elric sat quietly at the small kitchen table, staring at nothing, a cup of tea in his hand.

He always had tea at least once during the day…

The blond ex-alchemist didn't even realize when his little brother walked into the area. The younger Elric gave Edward a strange look before his stormy eyes widened slightly in surprise and confusion. Were those tears he saw or was it just the angle of the light behind him…?

"Brother…?"

No reply.

Alphonse glanced around hoping to find some sort of clue as to what was bothering his elder so much that he didn't even blink when he called to him. His eyes rested onto a simple photo on their small fridge and he sighed softly, frowning slightly.

"Brother…It's been five years." he said quietly.

"I know." came the single, cracked reply from Edward. "I just…can't, Al. It…it was my fault. If I hadn't met him, maybe, just maybe-"

"Ed! You know he wouldn't want you to talk like that!"

Said blond winced, chewing absently on his bottom lip. His eyes never moved from the cup.

Alphonse sighed once more, moving next to his elder. He bent down, taking Edward's free hand in his own, staring down before looking up as dull gold eyes.

"If you didn't meet him, I wouldn't have been able to see you again, Brother. He gave up his life for us, because he loves you. You should be celebrating, not sulking. It's what he would want, right? You do know him better than anyone."

Edward stared at the younger silently, eyes wide. He pulled his hand away, glancing back at his coffee.

"You should listen to you little brother, Edward! He knows more than you think he does. Go out and have some fun, okay. For me?"

Yes, how dare he be upset. Staring at some tea he doesn't even like just because he thinks it's the only way to spend this day of days. Alfons would no doubt scold him for acting like this, after he gave up everything for him to be happy and alive.

A smile graced Edward's lips as he stood up, knocking the cup over in the process. Alphonse freaked slightly but didn't have time to react as the older blond grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the door.

"There's a fair today right? Let's go!"

"Bro-ther! I need my shoes, Ed!"

The cup's substance dripped down the table and in the puddle of tea a figure with bright blue eyes and short cropped blond hair could be seen, smiling happily before fading into nothing...