Author's notes: This could never happen, but if the move didn't exist, maybe it could. Of course, I'd rather have the movie, but… muttermumble This is set four years after the end of FMA. Ed made it back to the bitchin alchemy world a few days ago. Ed is 19, Al is 14. Italics is Ed's thoughts.

Disclaimer: I don't own FMA. You'd think that roleplaying as a character would allow you to own them and write fun fanfics about them, but it doesn't. Go figure.

For Now: How Could I have Done This?

By Jimmy Sprinkles

It was late. Ed was trying to fall asleep. His eyelids were getting heavy, but somehow he just wasn't drifting off yet. He was just about to roll over and try again when there was a knock at the door. Without Ed getting up to answer it, it creaked open.

"Nii-san, are you asleep?" Al whispered.

"No, what's up?" Ed sat up a bit as Al crept inside and closed the door behind him.

"May I sleep here?" Al asked.

Ed seemed slightly taken aback. "How come?"

"Well, you've been gone for so long, and…" Al kind of stuttered a bit. "I just, well, sort of wanted to be near you now that you're back."

"Oh, yeah, sure." Ed scooted over on the bed a bit, making room for his brother.

Al snuggled into the covers and smiled. "Thanks." He hugged his brother and said, "Good night, Nii-san." He then closed his eyes.

"'Night," Ed whispered, closing his eyes also.

Ed rolled over in his sleep, slightly draping himself over Al on accident. In his sleep, Al put his arms around his brother and held him tight.

But neither Elric was actually asleep.

Why is Al holding me like this? He probably thinks I'm a pillow or something. He always did glomp things in his sleep. I hope he doesn't notice me, lying on him like this. He's so warm… Is being near anyone else this warm? He's always so sweet to me. I haven't been this close to him in eight years… He's so important to me. The sweetest, kindest, most beautiful, beloved- no. I can't think that. I shouldn't think that. He's my brother. I'm always screwing up his life somehow. I can't be in love with him like this. I'm probably the worst big brother in the world. I mean, the worst things a brother can do are get his brother discorporated or fall in love with him, and I've gone and done both. I feel so guilty. And yet… I can't move. I want to be near him like this so much. At least he' s asleep. He doesn't know how much him holding me like this means to me, and he doesn't have to. He's happy.

For now, just now, I can pretend it's ok. For now, I can hold him. I'll be warm all night until I wake up. I'll be clean until I wake up. We'll be fine until morning.

Owari