Disclaimer: Fullmetal Alchemist is owned by Hiromu Arakawa.
Rain
Sometimes he hated to travel. Al shot a sideways glance toward his brother, hoping that Ed would notice how the rain was pouring from the angry skies as it hit his metal body. Plink, plink, endlessly and then and then a low hollow rumble when the rain picked up.
Edward seemed not to notice the rain. He was drenched and they were struggling through the mud, but his face showed stubborn determination, which usually meant they weren't stopping for anything.
Al sighed.
He considered reminding his brother his brother about the blood rune, but because of Ed's current attitude and since his older brother seemed not to notice him, even when he spoke, he figured it'd be a waste of time. They'd stop soon enough or Ed would probably drown. Al also gave his brother the benefit of the doubt and assumed that Ed knew a town nearby or he was looking for some dry place to camp.
Finally, an hour later, a sigh escaped Ed's lips and Al looked up hopefully. His brother was slumped over in exhaustion and defeat. The boys had hoped to make it home by morning for maintenance for Ed's arm, but that ill-fated plan was tossed out into the, now, raging winds.
Suddenly, lightning flashed and Ed finally turned his attention to his younger brother.
"How about we camp Al, I'm beat." Al looked over his brother and he did look a little on the cold and tired side.
"But, brother, there's no cover here," said Al, his child-like voice showing his concern.
"Don't worry Al, we'll find some or we'll make some." Al looked at his brother doubtfully, but said nothing.
After a short time, Ed found shelter in an arrangement of rocks that formed a natural depression. It looked sturdy and Al would fit comfortably.
The inside was deeper than it looked and dry wood and leaves were scattered about the ground.
"Perfect." Edward said looking pleased. Al agreed heartily. It was a good spot and soon the boys had a fire going.
Ed sat warming himself while Al fidgeted in a corner. He noted his brother's strange behavior.
Sitting up, Ed asked "what's wrong Al?"
"N...n..nothing." Al returned quickly, almost guiltily.
Moments later, a soft mewling reached Ed's ears. "Al..." He said a warning in his voice.
"I..I know what you're going to say brother" Al said, his voice gaining conviction as he spoke. "And I won't leave this poor kitty in the rain, can't I keep just one?" He begged, losing his former bravado.
"Al we've been over this." Ed said heavily.
"I know." Al sighed and opened his armor, producing the kitten.
Ed watched and breathed a sigh of his own. "I suppose we can't turn that cat out in this." He gestured toward the raging storm outside. " He'll have to stay with us until we find a town and a home for it." Ed finished, glancing at his brother from the corner of his eye. Thunder rumbled outside the shelter.
"Oh, thank you brother!" Al gently petted the kitten, happy that his brother had let him keep it.
The cat seemed to know that it wasn't going to be turned out because it curled up in Al's lap purring.
'It wouldn't hurt,' Ed thought as he settled down to rest on the leaves, his black jacket making a comfortable pillow. 'It wouldn't hurt to let Al keep a stray once in a while.' Ed finished his thought before he surrendered to sleep listening to the sound of contented purring. He smiled.