A/N: This one is very short and random. It's just a brief conversation between the Elric Brothers after the battle on the Promised Day, and some of Alphonse's thoughts on the events. I love how the series ended and I definitely think Ed made the right decision when he gave up his alchemy. I'm also sure he never regretted it. Still, I think Ed deserves some serious kudos for giving up such an important part of his life.

Title: Thank You

Rating: K+

Warning: One mild swear word

Disclaimer: Hiromu Arakawa owns Ed, Al and the world in which they live. I only own a cat named Al.


"Brother," came the soft query, "are you sure you're okay with it?"

"Huh?" Ed's worried expression morphed into one of confusion. "Okay with what, Al?"

The dangerously frail younger brother regarded his elder brother with trepidation. "You gave up everything to bring me back, Brother."

Ed's eyes widened briefly in surprise before his face relaxed with a soft smile. "Is that what's bothering you, Al?" He gave a good natured snort. "I didn't give up everything, Al; just my alchemy. You're the one who gave up everything for me. You gave your soul so I could regain my arm and have a chance at beating that psychopath." His features softened. "If all I had to pay to get you back was my alchemy, then I got the best bargain I could ever imagine." He smiled reassuringly. "Besides, it wasn't even a sacrifice, really. Alchemy has led me astray in the past. Hell, I was doing myself a favor, giving it up."

Alphonse sighed; it wasn't just the alchemy. "You promised to get my body back, and I promised to get yours back to normal, but you're still stuck with an automail leg."

Ed waved his newly restored hand dismissively. "Aw, it's fine Al. It's good I still have this leg. It will remind me what I've learned. Besides, Winry will be depressed enough when she sees I've lost my automail arm."

Al chuckled. "Come on, Brother, you know that's not true." His tone turned serious. "So, you're sure you're alright with it?"

"Positive," Edward answered firmly. "Now I don't want to hear you feeling sorry about me ever again," Alphonse anxiously noticed the self-depreciation in his brother's voice. "Worry about yourself and getting better. I've caused you enough trouble."

Al gave a long suffering sigh. "I don't blame you for what happened, Brother, and neither should you. And you need to worry about getting better, yourself." Alphonse looked pointedly at the various bandages across Ed's body. "Shouldn't you be in bed?" Edward had spent the past hour perched on the end of a chair by his brother's bedside, watching his frail brother intently.

"I'm fine, Al. Really." He shifted slightly in his chair, trying valiantly to hide the sudden flash of pain at the movement. "I'll sit with you until you fall asleep. I'll be right here if you need me." He smiled. "You excited to sleep again, Al?"

Al chuckled. "I'm not sure I remember how."

"Aw, I'm sure it's like riding a bike. You never forget."

Al smiled and closed his eyes. He felt completely worn out, and the mere sensation of feeling anything almost made him giddy. The softness of the sheets caressed his skin, the blankets holding him in a gentle embrace. Ed always complained of the smells of a hospital, but even unpleasant sensations made Al want to cry for joy. Al found he didn't want to sleep just yet, but neither did he want his brother fussing over him when he should be resting. Al's breaths came steady and even and his heart thumped against his chest. When Ed finally seemed convinced that Al was sleeping, he stood up and stumbled over to his own bed. Al winced slightly at the sound of his brother's unsteady footsteps. He hoped that Ed would be a good patient for once and rest without the doctors needing to resort to restraining belts.

When he heard the other bed creak with his brother's weight, Alphonse opened his eyes and stared up at the dark ceiling, listening to the heart monitors and other assorted beeping machines the doctors had hooked him up to. Despite his brother's reassuring words, he couldn't get rid of that prick of guilt. His body had a long way to go, but it would heal. Brother would never regain his alchemic abilities. He probably would never even get his leg back. Though Ed would disagree, Alphonse couldn't help but feel his brother had gotten the raw end of the deal. Ed had given up a large part of his essence, who he was, so that Al could live again. Even his title, "The Fullmetal Alchemist" couldn't apply to him anymore.

Al heard snoring in the next bed, proof that his older sibling had drifted off to sleep, undoubtedly exhausted from the day's heroics. Al smiled slightly. At least they were both still alive. Al would have never forgiven Ed if the older brother had given his own life for Al's body. Perhaps Ed losing his alchemy really was for the best. Ed had proven that he didn't need it anymore. He had gained forgiveness for his past sins by showing the strength and humility to give it up. Still, it was Al's sin too, and the younger Elric had not been compelled to give up his alchemy. Alphonse turned his head toward his brother's sleeping form, wincing at an unexpected twinge of pain from the sudden movement. "I know you'd just scoff at this, Brother," he said softly, "But thank you. I'll never forget what you did for me." Ed snored loudly in response and Al chuckled and shook his head. He leaned back on his pillows and closed his eyes, relishing the feeling of exhaustion and the relief that came as he drifted off. For the first time in five years, Alphonse Elric felt himself succumb to sleep.