Ok, just a story that popped into my head a few days ago. A Ed and Al brotherly-bonding story. Post Conqueror of Shambala movie, contains some spoilers. I don't own FMA.

"You ready then," Ed asked, looking up from the sink, washing the plates he and his brother had been using that morning

"You ready then," Ed asked, looking up from the sink, washing the plates he and his brother had been using that morning. Edward sighed and chuckled slightly at himself – washing dishes! Ed Elric! Who'd have thought? He didn't like chores, nobody did. But when you lived alone with your younger, thirteen year old brother, you had to be responsible and mature sometimes, even if that meant acting like a typical adult. Quite obviously, the dishes were not going to wash themselves, and you can't just leave them lying around.

"Yep," Al replied, walking into the kitchen.

"First day of school," Ed grinned.

"Why do I have to go?" Moaned Al, sitting down at the table.

"Because, you have to, your thirteen again," Ed laughed, "And we'd have a tough time convincing anyone here that you're nearly seventeen.

"Why don't you have to go?" Al asked.

"Because, I'm seventeen, soon to be eighteen," Ed explained, "I've got a job now as well. We need the money or we'll just starve."

"You work in a shop," Al grinned, "With Gracia."

"That's not permanent," Ed said, "It's just for now."


"Morning Gracia," Ed said with a smile.

"Good morning Edward," she replied, also smiling, "And good morning Alphonse."

"Morning," Al smiled.

"Off to school?" Gracia asked.

Al nodded.

"Quite obviously, he can't wait," Ed grinned.

"It'll be fine," Gracia assured Al.

"I'll be back in a minute, I better make sure he knows where he's going," Ed said as Al left the store.

"Goodbye Brother," Al said as he set off. He hadn't walked more than a few metres when he turned. Ed was watching him, leaning casually against the wall.

"Everything ok?" Ed asked.

Al nodded. He turned and continued walking.

It felt strange. He hadn't really been out and about the town alone since coming here. And he felt strange. Going to school, without Ed. Al sighed and smiled softly.

"Now boys, be careful. Stay together," Trisha said, bending down and kissing both her sons on their cheeks, handing them their lunches. "We will mom," Ed grinned. "Look after your brother."

"Don't worry, I will," Ed promised.

"And Al," Trisha said, looking fondly at her youngest son, "Stay with Ed, ok?"

"Yep mom," Al smiled.

The two brothers set off to school, and met up with Winry half way there. They soon arrived at the small schoolhouse, just as one of the teachers rang the bell.

"Meet you two at break, by the tree," Ed said before running off to join his class.

"See you," Al and Winry said together, waving to Ed, and then following their classmates into the building.

Al arrived at the school. It was a two-story brick building with lots of small windows and a fenced yard at the front, where lots of children were standing around, talking, playing ball, skipping, playing marbles, pulling each others hair. It looked different, strange. Almost scary. Al stood up straight and walked into the yard. Some students standing nearby turned to look at him for a moment, not recognising him, but then turned away to continue with their games and chatter.


Ed stared at the ceiling. It had been a long and boring day. He couldn't wait until Al finally got home. It shouldn't be too much longer now. Ed turned and looked at the clock hanging on the wall. He really should be home any minute. Hopefully everything would be ok. He hadn't been so keen on Al going to school, but he had thought about it and decided that it might be better for Al's future. Ed knew he was unlikely to be able to do any proper work here. He didn't have a whole lot of skills. And he had taken away about five years of Al's childhood; he deserved to be a kid again.

Suddenly, Ed jumped as the door swung open and slammed shut again. Al ran passed, not even looking at him, and slammed the door shut in his room.

"Al?" Ed asked, confused and surprised.

"I got a lot of homework," Al called back.

"Are you ok?" Asked Ed.

"I'm fine," snapped Al.

"Dinner will be ready soon."

"I-I'm not hungry," Al stammered.

"What?" Ed asked, frowning.

"I ate in school."

"Come on, You have to have dinner."

"Ed, I'm busy."

Ed stared at the door. What the hell was going on? Maybe it had just been a stressful day for Al. He'd get used to things soon. Maybe, I should just give him some space, Ed thought. Biting his lip in worry, Ed walked into the kitchen, glancing worriedly at door.

Al took out his pen and began writing out the answers to the sums. Tears were brimming in his eyes, but he continued to write. The tears began to impair his vision and everything went blurry. In frustration, Al wiped them away with the back of his hand. He tried to concentrate on the work. He knew he had to do this right, or he'd be dead. But why was he so scared? Did Ed suspect anything? He hoped not. He hadn't wanted to be rude to his older brother, but he knew that he wouldn't be able to face Ed, not after what had happened. He didn't want Ed to be worried. Al sighed, trying to concentrate. He double-checked the sum that he had just done. It seemed right. He was starving, he hadn't eaten since breakfast. Luckily, he had no lunch left, so Ed wouldn't be worried. Al had desperately wanted to have dinner, but that would mean facing Ed, and he couldn't deal with that now. He had to have time to calm down, to be alone.