A/N: Yep, well, I'm supposed to be doing my science homework, but instead I decided to write another chapter. You all should feel proud of my procrastination with my schoolwork. Anyway, after this month there are five more months left. Sad! I can tell you there will be at least 6 more chapters though, because who can go without an epilogue?

Annie May Detective: Wow, you noticed that I gave Ed a red towel! Good job, you are truly a FMA addict like me! Haha! And yes, everyone knows how it will end. I actually know exactly how I'm going to have it happen and it makes me cry just to think about it. I'm not looking forward to writing and posting that chapter.

Chapter 10

July

"You want to go to a what?" Edward laughed at Winry, who stood in front of him with her hands angrily on her hips.

"I want you to take me and Alphonse to the Firework Festival! And don't laugh at me, elf!" she growled in return.

"AN ELF? WHO ARE YOU CALLING AN ELF THAT IS SO SMALL THAT HE COULD BE USED AS A FOOTSTOOL FOR SANTA CLAUS?" shouted Edward.

"Gosh, Ed, why are you so immature?" Winry shot back.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO IMMATURE HE'S THE SIZE OF A TODDLER?"

"Brother," Alphonse, who acted as a referee, butted in, "She didn't say anything like that."

Edward huffed and turned his back on the two, crossing is arms in an babyish fashion.

"Honestly, Edo, I really want to go to that festival. Please take us!" Winry cried out, grabbing a fistful of the back of Ed's black t-shirt.

Edward's shoulder's sagged as he sighed.

"Do I see submission?" Alphonse eagerly inquired.

"Sometimes I wonder if I'm your brother or your chauffeur," growled Edward, turning to face the two other teenagers again.

"Today, you're my chauffeur," Alphonse laughed.

"Oh, why don't you–" Edward's well-known bad mouth was silenced by a swift smack in the arm from Winry.

"So, will you take us?" Alphonse asked, giving a cheesy smile.

Edward smacked his forehead in exasperation and answered, "Fine, I'll take you."

Alphonse pumped his fist into the air and ran off to go grab a few extra dollars from his room for festival goodies.

"You are really a pushover, you know that?" Winry chuckled lightly.

Edward grunted, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"So, um . . ." Winry started, "I've been meaning to ask you about what you said to me on the phone when we hung up. You know, when I suggested that you two should go on a vacation?"

Edward's face immediately turned beet red, his amber eyes widening in fear.

"Did you say, 'I love you, bye?'" Winry asked with a devilish smile on her delicate lips.

"Uh . . ." Edward stammered, his face now the color of magenta, "I-I can't r-recall."

"Ugh, Ed! When will you grow up enough to admit it? Does short stature affect courage?" Winry groaned.

"What are you saying? Admit to what?"

"You're so short, it must affect the density of your thick skull, too," Winry mumbled.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SMALL?"

Winry palmed her face in aggravation.

-x-

"Fireworks make me happy!" Alphonse cried out with glee.

Edward rolled his eyes as Alphonse bounced at his side, staring up at the sky expectantly. The show was scheduled to start in a matter of minutes.

"It's not one thing I really adore," Ed replied, looking off to the side with boredom and disinterest.

"Honestly, Edo, can't you enjoy anything? Does every situation deserve a wry or depressing comment and a bout of profanity?" grumbled Winry, who stood at Ed's side.

Edward glanced down at her blue eyes. They were so hopeful. They overflowed with hope that he would make this night special. When the blonde-headed boy looked over at his little brother, the same expression was on face, too.

Why did so much depend on him. Why did his two companions always depend on him to make something fun? He knew he was an idiot and he knew he was hard to get along with. Why did Winry and Alphonse crave so much attention from him?

"Sorry, Win. Sorry, Al," whispered Edward.

Alphonse and Winry's eyes both widened and they slowly turned to look up at Edward.

"T-That's all right, Edo," Winry spoke with wonderment.

Edward smiled and sat in the grass, soon joined by the two people he loved most in the world.

The fireworks began to start, the sky exploding with multiple colors. Fireworks reminded Edward of life, itself. Life was unexpected, loud at times, but everyone always appreciates the color after the spark is gone.

A word from Gabe: Yeah, so the last sentence didn't make a whole bunch of sense. Ed was mainly thinking of Al's life. Alphonse's life is the firework. It's unexpected, fun, enjoyable, and everyone will appreciate the memory of him and what he was once he is gone.