This is for Lucy and Noël, who might actually get it.


The tickle in his nose is driving him crazy. Al suggested looking at the sky, but left when nothing happened, bored by his brother's complaints. Stretched out under the maple, Ed wriggles impatiently and squints again at the sun through the leaves.

Winry skips by, then backtracks and leans over him. "What'cha doing?"

"I'm -- " he says, and the sneeze explodes right into her face.

"Eww!" She recoils, arms flailing; he rolls over and prudently turtles. "Edward Elric, that's GROSS!"

Scrubbing at her mouth, she runs off. He scrambles up and follows, sniffling thoughtfully, wondering if he can do it again.