'Sup? I'll tell you what's up...AN UPDATE. That was terrible. I'm sorry.

Anyways. More Ed being an angsty asshat. Enjoy!

Ed released a sigh of relief when he found Al talking to Brigadier General Fuery at Head Quarters. He stood silently, watching Al and, for the first time, seeing Al's tired expression. He looked exactly how Ed felt. Damnit. I knew I was hurting him. I did this to him. I'm…I'm… Ed usually tried to stop those kinds of thoughts, but, today, he didn't care. He was ready to meet them head-on. I'm a terrible person. All these years I've fought and defeated so many terrible people because they were hurting the people I loved. Why should I be any different? I'm too tired to keep fighting this. I've been trying to ignore this for a while now, but I can't. Not anymore. It's too strong… Ed gave a quick nod of resolve. Right. I'm going to do this. As soon as I can. With that finalizing thought, Ed moved on, passing Al without a glance.

Everyone noticed the new fire behind Ed's eyes. It was different this time, though. Not at all like his usual flare. It seemed dangerous somehow. Once again, it was General Hawkeye to approach him. "Edward."

Ed met her stare for a few moments before faltering. "Yes, General?"

"Edward Elric. You look at me."

He looked up again as he heard the sound of a gun holster being opened. He once again tried to hold her gaze, but settled on staring at her shoulder.

Riza Hawkeye sighed. "Edward, what are you doing?"

"What do you mean 'what am I doing''? I'm working!" As his irritation grew, his eyes finally loved on Riza's.

"Stop acting like a child, Edward. What are you doing here? I have given you the day off, by the command of the Fuhrer himself. Alphonse, too. I believe Fuery is speaking to him now." Her voice softened. "Edward, you may not know this, but we do all care about you. Even Roy. Roy and I think that you and Al just need a break."

"Wait, but Al was told that today was going to be busy…"

"That is not your concern right now. You worry about Al and yourself. Roy has approved a week vacation for both of you."

"That bastard has no right-"

Riza reached for her gun. "Don't go there, Ed."

Ed closed his mouth, fuming. He pushed passed Riza, glaring straight into her eyes. "I don't need your help. I know what I need to do."

Riza watched as Ed slammed the door. She felt a rising concern, but her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Fuhrer Roy Mustang swearing at his paperwork.

Ed stormed out of HQ, too busy focusing on his anger to think about Al. At least until he slammed their apartment door open and saw Al quickly swipe at his eyes. Was Al…crying?

Before Ed had a chance to ask, Al piped up with is usual cheery voice. "Hey, Brother! Riza gave me the day off too! Isn't she great?" Before Ed even had a chance to blink, Al continued, talking fast. "Now we can spend the whole day together! I stopped by the market and got a bunch of stuff for dinner! I was thinking about making stew and apple pie and…" Al trailed off, looking at Ed carefully. "You're not…you're not going to leave this time, are you? I mean…I really do want to spend some time together. I won't try to talk about anything if you don't want me to." Al was speaking fast again, but his eyes were watery and trained on the floor.

Al finally stopped babbling when Ed pulled him into a hug. "You dummy." Ed stepped away and forced a smile, making Al smile too. "Ok. Where did you put the apples?"

The next few hours were filled with Ed's fake laughs and Al's genuine ones. Finally, the apple pie was cooling and the stew was cooking, and the boys stepped back, admiring their work. Al punched Ed's arm, not noticing the returning flinch, and laughed. "Look at this mess! Someone will have to clean all this up." He looked at Ed, still smiling. 'NOT IT!"

Al dissolved into laughter as Ed once again forced a smile on his face. "Heh. Yea. Can it wait for tomorrow? I'm starving."

Al grinned and, in answer, grabbed the dishware. Within minutes, the two were seated. Al talked the entire time they ate, whereas Ed vaguely smiled and nodded at the appropriate times.

After a while, Ed lost focus, distracted by his own thoughts. Al looks so happy. When was the last time I looked like that? When was the last time I felt like that? I can't seem to remember. Will I ever be happy again? Maybe. But I can't risk the chance of that not happening. I can't just wait around to feel better. I honestly don't think it's worth it. And look how happy Al is. He's talking about all his friends and he's happy. Happier than I could ever make him. I've been making him cry. Worrying him. It's not fair to him. He deserves so much more than a depressed brother. I have to do this. For him. For Al. Al was still talking, soEd forced himself to focus again and attempted to make his smile look real.

"Anyways, like I was saying earlier, I really want to spend more time with you tomorrow. Since we both have the day off again. I was thinking we might go somewhere. Maybe we could go visit Gracia and Elycia! I bet they'd love to see you again!"

Ed nodded. "Sure, Al."

"Great!" Al put his fork down. "Brother?"

"Yea?" Ed answered more out of habit than from paying attention.

"Are you angry with me? Did I do something wrong?"

At this, Ed's head snapped up and his mind sharpened. "What?"

Al stared at his empty plate. "I mean, you always seem upset when I try to talk to you and you always look like you want to be somewhere else. You act like you don't want me around…Do you hate me?"

Ed reached across the table and grabbed Al's arm. "Al, never think that, okay? It's not because of you."

"So something is wrong?" Al looked up anxiously.

Ed withdrew quickly. "No, everything's fine."

"Ed, please don't do that. I'm not trying to hurt you or anything. Why don't you trust me?"

"Al…it's not because of you. I know I've been weird, but it's not because of you. It's just…me. I just haven't been feeling right. I have a hard time thinking, and feeling and..." Ed jumped back in his chair, nearly falling over. DAMNIT! What am I doing? I can't tell him this crap! It will make things worse! It will hurt him! Damnit…look at his face….damnit. I have to fix this! "Eh, don't listen to me. I'm just tired. I'm fine, really. Just tired."

Tears began to form in Al's eyes again. "Brother, please just talk to me. I need…I need to tell-"

Ed stood up, trying to stop his hands from shaking. "Al, I just need some sleep. I'm fine."

"No you're not. And neither am-"

"I'm fine!" Ed clenched his fists.

"Brother-"

"I SAID I'M FINE!"

Al recoiled at his brother's anger. "But-"

Ed slammed his hands on the table, failing to hide his shakes. His voice was quiet now. "I'm going to bed."

Al swallowed and responded just as quietly. "I think I need he-"But Ed was already walking away. Al felt anger rising up as he stared at Ed's back. "YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME! ALL THIS TIME I'VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING! BUT YOU NEVER LISTEN!"

Ed spun around, desperate to end this quickly. "Al. I can't do this right now, okay. I know you're worried, but you won't have to worry for long." breathe. why can't i breathe?

"It's more than that, Brother." Al seemed to choke on his words.

can't breathe. can't breathe.

"There's something wrong." Tears were streaming down Al's face.

i have to get out of here. away. i'm hurting him. why do i keep hurting him.

"It's about me, too."

Ed snapped. "OF COURSE IT'S ABOUT YOU! I'M DOING THIS FOR YOU! BUT YOU WON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Al flinched at Ed's loud, sudden voice. "What…?"

"Al, I need to be alone right now, okay?"

"But, Brother…"

Overcome with exhaustion, Ed completely gave up control. "DAMNIT, AL! LEAVE ME ALONE! I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO YOU, OKAY? JUST LEAVE ME ALONE! I'm going out." Ed ran out of the apartment as swiftly as he could. The last thing he heard before the door slammed shut was the sound of Al's sobs.

Kinda short, I know. BUT! There's a reason. That reason being my complete ridiculousness. Five is a nice and tidy number. And this needs to be a nice and tidy story. And of course I totally didn't just admit that there is just one more chapter left. Oops.