Disclaimer: I do not own FMA or any of the characters. They belong to Arakawa-Senpai~ I only own my OC's, my made up towns/cities/countries/other misc characters and this fanfiction.

Author's Note: I originally wrote this story for myself and anyone close to me who wanted to read it. But I figured I'd let others read it too, provided I don't get overwhelming bad criticism. I do however welcome CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, so please review somewhat kindly.

The title sucks for now, 'cause I'm still writing out chapters when inspiration and motivation hits me. That being said, I can type out whole chapters within a day, but it might take me a few more days/weeks/months to actually publish it, since I'm very fussy and do reread my work and add or remove tibits. So bare that in mind in case you get the urge to nag me for an update. :P

I aim for this to be the very first fanfiction I actually finish, and it is also my very first FMA fanfiction. Yays~

Feel free to PM me for any questions/queries about this story, or even just to say hello :3

Author's Note 2.0: Woah okay, so I didn't think that many would actually enjoy this story xD So I've gone and made subtle fixes/changes/additions to the chapters that have been posted up until now (March 1st 2017) ALSO, this story is now on Archive of Our Own (With art!). The reason for that is that later on, I will be posting a lemon or two in the future, so this here is the 'clean' version, and the version on Archive of Our Own will be citrus-y~!

Another thing to keep in mind is that I do not have (let alone know of) anyone who could beta this story for me. To be honest, I'm a little unsure if I need one or not. I don't update frequently either, but it would be nice to have that someone to just say "No, see, this part here makes no sense, try changing it to..." or even just pointing out my minor spelling/grammar mistakes. I guess if anyone who has done it before (also who actually likes this story too) wants to do it, then just inbox me or something x3

Chapter: Coming home

Summary: Home sweet home...

May, 1922.

The thumping sound of a book being snapped shut resonated softly in the empty train carriage that clattered along the tracks beneath. The green hills and cloudless blue sky rolled by as a 21 year old Alphonse huffed out an exasperated sigh, his golden locks gently falling over his eyes. He was irritated at himself for constantly having his head in an alchemy book, and never allowing a chance for himself to unwind.

'Maybe some family time will help me relax a bit.' He thought to himself as he rested his arm on the windowsill, his hand supporting his chin as he stared out to the rolling hills of the countryside. The land that passed by began to look familiar and he knew he wasn't too far from his destination.

It had been a while since he last been home to Resembool, the last time being for Edward's birthday a few months ago. Even though Alphonse was now in the Military, and was recently promoted to Colonel, it was still no excuse for the uncharacteristic lack of effort he put into visiting home. It wasn't like he wasn't allowed to take the time off, he had just been keeping himself so busy with his studies and work that he lost track of not only time, but what day and month it was too. He cleared his mind as best he could and closed his citrine gold eyes, letting himself slip into the blank darkness which was what his dreams consistent of the past couple of years.

What felt like a very short five minute nap, Alphonse was rudely awoken by the sound of the train's whistle being blasted loudly as it began to decrease its speed. He stretched out his body to work out the kinks and yawned before standing up to put on his grey trench coat and collect his luggage from the overhead storage. Slowly, he walked to the end of the carriage as the train began to pull into the station. The car jolted forward then back when it halted, but Alphonse kept his balance as he pulled open the door and stepped out onto the platform just as the conductor called out in a loud, deep voice "Last station! Resembool! Next train to depart for East City will leave in fifteen minutes!"

The quaint station was surprisingly bustling with people, who were all calling out to friends and relatives, bidding farewells or greeting each other. Alphonse began walking through the small crowd, his eyes scanning the people for another pair of eyes that resembled his own in color.

He frowned when he failed to find him, muttering out his frustration to himself. "Jeez, expect Brother of all people to be late to meet up with me."

Suddenly, a muscular arm was thrown over his shoulders and tugged him downward roughly. "Who are you calling late, Colonel?!" Edward said as his other hand came up to ruffle his younger brother's blonde hair.

"Would you rather I call you short instead? You know I still have about an inch over you right?" Alphonse smirked arrogantly as he challenged him with sarcasm.

He winced as he felt the arm tighten around his neck. "Don't start that crap Al!" Edward scolded with a smirk on his face, being too happy to see his brother again to get too temperamental about his height.

Alphonse gave him a shove to remove himself from his brother's iron like grasp. Even though he had his real arm back, he still had incredible strength as if it was still made up of automail, and would probably crush him if he gripped any harder.

The two men walked out of the station, boisterously shoving, bumping, punching and slugging one another as they started on the path home. They were laughing and joking with each other, as well as teasing one another about a few things here and there. This was how they were whenever they reunited, rough-housing one another as they did when they were young boys.

The sun was shining brightly that day, with little to no clouds at all. Alphonse was grateful for such weather, as he felt more alive than anything when it was like this. He inhaled the fresh air deeply, the smell of grass and soil, growing wheat and fresh cut firewood satisfying his senses. As they headed further up the road that lead to the Rockbell-Elric home, another familiar smell caught his attention. Apples, pie crust and cinnamon all rolled together made the most mouth-watering scent.

"Winry baked an apple pie?!" He exclaimed joyfully.

"They get better and better every time she bakes it..." Edward said with pride. "..and I'm the lucky dog who gets to enjoy it." He boasted to his brother, knowing how much Winry's apple pie was his favorite thing to eat.

Alphonse's smile widened to a cheeky grin. "Yeah, I can see that, Brother." He said as he reached out and poked at Edward's stomach playfully.

"Hey! I'm not fat!" Edward yelled out as Alphonse had started running up the road to escape his brother's rage, laughing loudly. "Get back here Al!" Edward chased after him.

They reached the house after a short sprint. Alphonse stopped a few short feet from the steps and put down his luggage to catch his breathe. Little did he know that Edward was still intent on getting a hold of him. Alphonse spun around just as Ed had leapt forward and tackled him to the ground on his back.

"I'm not fat damn it! Take it back!" Edward yelled out as they laughed and wrestled one another roughly at the bottom of the stairs to the porch. Winry came through the front door when she heard the two men yelling and laughing outside, having heard the end of the apparent conversation.

"No Ed, with the amount of food you eat, it'd take a whole military mess hall to make you even slightly chubby." She said so matter-of-factly and Alphonse burst out laughing beneath a stunned and slightly offended Edward, who had Alphonse pinned.

Alphonse shoved him off and got back to his feet to brush himself off before walking up onto the porch to embrace Winry in a warm hug. "Welcome home Al. Of course, there's a fresh pie made just for you."

"I'd know that scent anywhere. You're the best Winry. Thank you." He said as he stepped back from her and smiled fondly. He suddenly heard light, rapid footsteps coming from behind Winry. She stepped aside and a little sandy blonde haired boy, with eyes that resembled Edward's immensely, came running out and towards Alphonse.

His big, bright golden eyes lit up with glee as he gasped dramatically. "Uncle Al!" The little boy ran towards him with open arms.

Alphonse bent down and caught him as the young boy jumped into his arms. He swung his nephew up high into the air above him and laughed as the boy squealed and giggled excitedly.

"Wow! Look how big you are now Tommy! Another year and I reckon you'll be taller than your Dad." He smugly looked over his shoulder to see Edward still kneeling on the ground, an irritated vein popping out of his temple and snarling as he balled his fists, shaking them at him.

"What is this? Pick on Edward Elric Day?" He said with an incredulous look.

"No, that's a weekday, Ed." Winry snorted with amusement as she folded her arms.

"Daddy's shooort!" Thomas called out loudly as he pointed towards his father. This made Edward dramatically upset and proceeded to throw himself forward to face-plant into the ground.

"Even my own son mocks me?!" He muttered against the ground as he heard the three laughing and began sulking to himself.

"Come on you pansy; help me get dinner started while Al gets settled." Winry stated as the three head inside, eventually followed by an ego-drained Edward.

Later that night, the family are all sitting around at the dining table after finishing dinner, quietly chatting and enjoying the moment. Edward was being a doting father and patiently helping his son shovel mouthfuls of food into his mouth while Winry was casually reading an article in an automail magazine and lightly conversing with Edward. Alphonse was staring down affectionately at his 13 month old niece as he held her in his arms and nursed her with a bottle. He watched as her bright topaz blue eyes fluttered softly when she began to doze off.

"Her eyes are a lot lighter than yours Winry." He said softly in a hushed tone.

Winry smiled lovingly at her daughter and reached over to stroke the young girl's light blonde locks. "Yeah, we think it's because of the Xerxesian gene that Sarah's eyes are a bit lighter."

Alphonse placed the now empty bottle on the table and cradled the tiny child to his chest. "Would you like me to go put her down for the night Winry?" he asked as she had begun to gather the empty plates and bowls from the table.

"Oh that would be a great help, thanks Al." She said as she passed a washcloth to Edward, who began scrubbing the mess from Thomas' face vigorously, muttering at how he could get more food on his face than in his mouth even with his help.

He got up and left the dining room and carried the sleeping child to the room that was once Pinako's. His heart twisted in pain slightly when he entered the room. Pinako had peacefully passed away a few months after Sarah was born. Though it had devastated their little family, he knew they'd get by. After all, Edward and Winry were married with two wonderful children now. They would be there for each other for the rest of their lives. He sighed as he gently lowered the child into her crib, pulling the soft blankets over her. He wondered what it was like to have this, a family. Edward appeared to be blissfully happy, even without his alchemy, and so did Winry. Was it really this simple?

Even though he was happy to be back in his body, the past few years he still felt like he was missing a huge part of him. He spent so much time researching and studying alchemy and alkhestry, that he sometimes forgot the reasons for it, and forgot the things that were truly important in life. The thought would always instantly make him feel guilty for not enjoying life in his flesh body as much as he once vowed he would when he got it back. In truth, he sometimes still felt like he was still inside the armor, emotionally. But being the optimist he was, he never dwelled on it much. Nor had he told anyone how he felt, especially Edward.

He quietly left the baby's room and headed back downstairs. He was met halfway down by Edward carrying Thomas, who was leaning into his father's shoulder and looking sleepy, blinking tiredly.

"You alright Al?" Edward whispered when he saw the very lost look on his brother's face.

Alphonse looked down the stairs with his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, I was thinking that it'll be good to spend time with you all. I was also thinking I'd go visit our parents and Pinako tomorrow." He said in a soft tone.

They were silent for a moment until Edward spoke quietly. "I've got to help Winry out with a few things tomorrow throughout the day while she's busy with one of her customer's attachments. You'll be alright to go to the cemetery on your own, right? Then you can come back and spend some time with Tommy and Sarah." Edward replied, feeling guilt-ridden that he couldn't accompany him.

Alphonse smiled reassuringly and nodded. "Yeah, I'll be fine Brother." He began to descend the stairs once again when he heard Edward whisper loudly to him. "Hey Al..?"

Alphonse looked up to the top of the stairs to where Edward now stood.

"It's good to have you home again. Thing's just aren't the same without you around, even if it is just for the weekend." Edward said with warm affection before walking off down the hallway upstairs, leaving Alphonse smiling with warmth blossoming within his chest.

It was sure nice to be back.