If there was one thing that Alphonse Elric loved more than anything (other than cats and his older brother), it was to slide around on hardwood floors in socks. It was fun no matter the time or day. He usually avoided doing it around his aforementioned brother, Edward, in case there would be a collision. But, every day after Ed went to work, Al would pull on thick wool socks and go downstairs to the kitchen.
There was really no way to describe how fun it was. It gave him an adrenaline rush that lasted as long as he skated across the floor. He did it whenever he was in the kitchen, whether it was before or after meals, or if he just happened to be passing through. It was after lunch one day when Ed discovered exactly what Al did while he was away.
Usually, Ed ate in town with friends or at the Headquarters so he could keep working. He rarely came home for lunch, since the walk was far and he was too proud to ask someone to drive him, though he could legally drive himself. However, on this particular day, he had the afternoon off. It was a spectacular day, not too warm but extremely sunny, and perfect for walking a few miles. He did exactly that.
The walk was pleasant, and everyone who passed him waved and called out to him. He always replied out of respect, even if he didn't have a clue who the hell they were. It was only about a half hour until he saw their house, which was well out in the middle of the countryside. He went inside unannounced, hoping to surprise Alphonse.
The young brunet was in the kitchen, cleaning up what seemed to be his lunch. He had on those thick socks, and was carrying dishes to the sink by sliding across the whole room in one go. Ed couldn't help it; he laughed, which shocked Al into overshooting and slamming directly into his brother. They both fell hard onto the floor, and Alphonse thanked heaven that he used plastic dishes.
"Ed! You scared me!" Al pouted, sitting up and rubbing his arm.
"I'm sorry, but that was partly your fault." Ed was still laughing, despite being knocked roughly to the ground. "Is that all you do when I'm gone?"
"Not the WHOLE time…"
Edward laughed harder. "You're so…"
"What?"
"You've got to be the cutest little brother ever." Ed stood up, smiling gently now, and brushed himself off. "Come on, if you sit on the floor too long, you'll collect dust." He offered Al a hand.
Al smiled in response and accepted his brother's help. "Thanks, brother."