Disclaimer: Of course I don't own FMA or anything related to it.
A/N: This was originally posted on my Alphonse RP account on tumblr in the morning when I couldn't sleep. Post-Brotherhood. Anyway, maybe some day I'll turn it into something longer. Constructive criticism is always welcomed.

"Well, looks like we're about finished." You wipe your brow under the newborn sun, admiring our work. It warms your face and illuminates your skin. Your ponytail is loose and messy, a few strands lost and damp.

"Yup." I mount my hands on my hips, standing back with a sigh, and we both stand in comfortable silence as the earth's gentle breath rustles your hair. "Well," I continue, laughter in my voice, "take a step under it."

"I don't wanna," you mumble, fixating on the grass. "Not until…you know."

You're not normally like this; the comfort slips away, and I'm suddenly disconnected from you, the weather, and the gazebo in front of us. I just smile, send a small nod your way. You're not normally like this, but it's okay: you couldn't wipe the grin off your face if you tried. I like it; I really do.

We watch chirping birds fly overhead and they land on some nearby trees. It's humid. The sky is bright and full of cotton.

"Hey, Al?"

"Yeah?"

"Just…" You rub the back of your sweaty neck, scratching it lightly. Hesitant. "Thanks."

"It's the least I could do." You're terrible with wood, hammers, nails, and words.

You pat me on the back. I feel the wetness of your loose tank top, the heat of your skin hovering over mine.

"Think we should paint it?"

"I think it's great the way it is."

"I know, but what'll Winry want?"

"Why don't you just ask?" Yeah. Why don't you?

You smile, but it's strange and unfamiliar. "I can't just up and ask her. You know how she is; it's not that simple."

"Mm, right." It isn't. "It's getting pretty close now, huh?" My eyes soften.

"It sure is." Your voice is quiet, your lids half shut. A sweet and delicate uncertainty flickers in yours eyes-one that I've never seen before. It suits you. "Al, I'm…so nervous. I don't think I've ever been more nervous in my life."

I smile gently, folding my hands. "It's okay, Brother. You're nervous because it's right."

You chuckle almost inaudibly and elbow me in the ribs, returning a smile of genuine thanks. It's a secret language we share. Something that's always been ours. "Yeah," you agree sheepishly, a hint of color blotting your cheeks. "Al…"

"Look, the birds are finally using our feeder."

You blink, surprised, turning your head in their direction. "Hey, yeah, they are." The comfortable silence returns briefly as we both watch in some kind of innocent awe and wonder, and for a moment, everything is okay.

You turn back to me, looking satisfied. "Well, we'd better head back inside before Winry wakes up, 'kay?" You gesture towards the house and start to walk off, your soaked shirt hugging your back.

"…I'll be there in a second."

"All right!" Your hand shoots up and swats the air, an Ed wave, and you disappear inside. Words have always been my weapon, but not this time.

I sigh sadly, gazing up at the gazebo again.

And it is beautiful.