Disclaimer: FMA is not mine. If it was, I wouldn't be writing fanfiction.
Never Give Up
"Al?" Winry peered around the door frame at the boy. He was sitting on Ed's bed, staring out the window. He was in Ed's old clothes and it didn't appear that he heard her.
"Al!" Winry spoke louder. Al jerked and turned his head towards her. She inwardly cringed at the grief in his eyes. "Al…I…" She sighed. "It's been two years" she reminded him.
"Yeah" Al said softly, turning his gaze downward.
"I hate to say it, but-"
"But what?!" Al glared.
"You would have found something by now if Ed were alive. He's gone. He isn't coming back. You're just hurting yourself. Please, don't do this. Don't cause yourself more pain. He wouldn't want this" Tears were glistening in her eyes. Al just looked at her for a long moment before he turned away.
"Get out" he said softly.
"Al…" Winry reached out towards him.
"Please!" Al took a deep breath and added in a softer voice, "Just go."
Winry's shoulders slumped and she left the room. She paused briefly at the doorway, shooting a sad-eyed look at the boy before she continued on her way.
Al gazed outside for several long moments.
"Is she right?" he whispered. "Are you really gone, Brother?" A silent sob shook his body as he fought to keep back tears.
Winry couldn't be right. Brother couldn't be gone. He wouldn't leave Al alone, would he?
Al pulled the red jacket more tightly around. It comforted him slightly. He could still smell his brother's scent on the bright fabric. He closed his eyes and imagined that Brother was there, hugging him and smiling the bright smile of his.
Was Brother really gone? Should Al just give up?
A scowl crossed his lips. Did Brother give up on trying to restore Al? No! He kept struggling on, for five years! Was Al seriously going to give up after two?
Al opened his eyes. No. He won't give up. Ed didn't give up on Al.
So Al won't give up on Ed. Al will never give up on his brother.
Even if everyone else has.
Even if there's an empty grave bearing his brother's name.
Even if he has failed to find even the faintest hint that could lead him to Ed.
Al would never give up. He'll keep trying. He'll keep searching.
And someday, he'll look into his brother's golden eyes and thank him for restoring him, for loving him, for everything.
Awww, isn't that sweet? My first sappy fic!
It's supposed to be brotherly love, not Elricest but if you choose to interpret it that way, shrugs meh. Your brain, your choice.