A/N: Warning, this is like 5K word vomit haha, please be advised.


It was early Sunday morning when Annelise woke up, the sun filtering in her bedroom and shining in her face. She scrunched up her eyes, rolling over to bury her face in the pillow. A vain attempt to fall back to sleep, she laid that way for a few minutes before rolling over once more. She tilted her face towards her nightstand, looking at her clock to see if she was able to get up. Her little clock was shining a bright red, meaning it was too early to get up and wake Uncle Al. Annelise frowned, knowing it had to be very early if her clock was shining red.

She laid still for a little while, snuggled into her pillow petting the soft ears of her lovey, listening to the quietness of the house before deciding to look at some of her books. She wasn't allowed to bother Uncle Al if her clock was red, but she was allowed to get up and read. Crouching down to her bookcase, Annelise ran her fingertips across each book before deciding which one she wanted to read. Their were so many books to choose from, but She picked out a book about the stars and planets, holding it carefully as she walked back to her bed.

She laid there for a couple minutes, flipping through the pages and starring at the glossy pictures of various planets, starry skies, and long pages of text she couldn't quite read. Annelise turned to look at the clock again, seeing it was still glowing red, and let out a sigh. She slowly sat up, kicking the blanket off of her and sliding off the bed, grabbing her bunny as well. Uncle Al said she couldn't bother him if the clock was still red, he never said anything about bothering her Father.

With that, Annelise took her book with her, bunny lovey held tight against the book and padded out of her room, walking down the hall to her fathers bedroom.


Edward blearily starred at the clock, blinking slowly as he started to wake up. In flashing red numbers, it read seven-fifteen, and Edward groaned because it was way too early to be up on a Sunday morning. The house was quiet, he didn't hear Al in kitchen or Annelise's tiny feet pattering around, so why on Earth was he awake?

It was then he heard his bedroom door open, and the tiny patter of little feet on hardwood floors got Edward's attention. The little feet stopped at the end of his bed, "Daddy?" Annelise's tiny sleep filled voice asked.

"Mm, whatcha need Annie?" Edward asked as he sat up, voice laced with sleep.

"Can I come in bed with you?" Annelise asked, "My clock is red, so I'm not suppose to get up but it's boring in my room."

"The hell you talkin' 'bout kid?" Edward asked as he stretched his arms, "Why's your clock red?"

Annelise giggled, "I'm only 'llowed to get out of bed and wake Uncle Al when the clock is green!" She replied with a smile, "If it's yellow that means it's almost time, but if it's red that means I gotta be in bed because it's too early to go bother Uncle Al."

Edward yawned, still trying to wake up, "If it's red, doesn't that mean it's too early to bother Daddy too?" He asked.

Annelise gave him a grin, "Uncle Al never said I couldn't bother daddy, he just said not to bother him." She explained, then a small frown marred her lips. "It's ok, right?" She asked.

Edward smiled, reaching down and lifting Annelise up onto the bed next to him. "Of course it is, baby." Edward replied, "what'd you bring with you, bun bun and a book?"

Annelise handed the book over to Edward, "It's a book about space!" She said excitedly, "Can we read it together, Daddy?"

Edward grinned, "I remember this book, Uncle Al and I used to read it all the time when we were kids." Edward said, softly running his fingers against the cover. The book was clearly worn and well loved, showing its age and how the cover had been taped many times over to save it from falling apart. "It was my favorite when I was just a little older than you."

Annelise just grinned, pushing back her messy bangs. She then shimmied over to her father, plopping herself in his lap. Pushing back the comforter, Annelise covered her feet up with the blanket before leaning back against Edwards chest, snuggling her bunny.

"Comfy?" Edward asked with a small grin.

"Yup." Annelise said, smiling. "Ok, let's read!"

Edward chuckled, "Hold on, let's do something 'bout that crazy hair." He said, quickly running his fingers through Annelise's soft, white blond hair. Grabbing a hair tie off his wrist, Edward pulled all of Annelise's hair on the top of her head and tied it off into a messy bun. "There, much better."

Annelise sent him a pout, "But your hair's all messy too, Daddy." Annelise said, looking at her Father's long golden hair that hung freely for once.

Edward shook his head, "Yeah but my hair's not in the way of someone trying to read." He said, tucking a hair behind his ear. "Now, let's read."

Annelise nodded, and quietly listened as her Father started to read about the galaxies.

While her Father was reading, she determined that Elysia was right and their plan needed to start immediately.


Al let out a yawn as he walked down the stairs, the house was quiet and he was sure no one else was awake yet. Entering the kitchen, Al walked over to the counter and started the coffee machine. The house was still dark, the only light entering was the soft rays of sunlight peaking through the curtains.

"Time to check on Annelise.." Al muttered to himself, walking towards the hallway and knocking softly on her bedroom door.

When she didn't answer, Al softly opened the door and quickly realized Annelise was not in her bedroom. "Hm, wonder where she's at.." He said softly, and it was then that he heard something coming from Edward's room. A soft smile formed on his lips, as he turned around and saw his brothers door was cracked slightly.

Peeking through the crack, Al saw Annelise laying in bed with Edward as he read her a book. Quickly reaching in his pajama pants pocket, Al grabbed his phone and snapped a quick picture of the two. Wanting to keep this moment forever, the sight of Edward and Annelise together, smiling. Edward's blond hair hanging loosely down his shoulders, still wearing his pajamas - a white t-shirt that was slightly too snug on him (but in a good way), and navy plaid pajama pants. Annelise was snuggled up against him, her hair in a wild messy bun on the top of her head. Her favorite stuffed animal, Bun Bun, was resting against her chin as she ideally rubbed Bun Bun's soft ear against her cheek. They were both laser focused on the book Edward was reading, Annelise wearing an expression that was all Edward. Her eyes glued to the page of the book, but her brows furrowed slightly in concentration - something Edward always did when he was reading something new.

The sight made Al so happy, because after so many months of his brother being in too deep of a depression to do anything, he was starting to come alive again. It was clear that being a good father was his top priority right now, and Alphonse couldn't be happier.

He knocked on the door softly, before stepping in. Annelise looked up from her book, and a wide smile spread across her lips at the sight of Alphonse, "Mornin' Uncle Al!" She said.

"Well good morning," Al said with a smile that made his cheeks hurt, "I didn't know there was a party going on."

Edward looked up at his brother and chuckled, "Well, come join the party." He said, "Annelise found my favorite space book."

"Oh, the Smithsonian one?" Al asked, stepping in the room, "That one was my favorite too, I forgot I put that in her bookcase."

"Come read with us Uncle Al!" Annelise said with a wide smile, clearly loving every minute of reading with her Father. "You can sit next to me!" She said excitedly, pointing to the space of the bed currently unoccupied.

Al just laughed, "Well how can I say no when I can snuggle with my favorite girl." Al replied, walking over to the bed and sliding under the soft covers.

That was how they spent part of the morning, all snuggled in Edward's bed reading to Annelise about space and how amazing science is.

And for Edward, he felt whole and alive for the first time in months.


"Breakfast, breakfast, breakfast!" Annelise sang as she skipped out of Edward's bedroom, the Smithsonian book held tight against her chest, Bun Bun was sandwich between the book and the collar of Annelise's nightgown.

"What do you want, what do you want, what do you want?" Alphonse sang back at her, trailing behind her.

"Pancakes and berries, please!" Annelise called excitedly, skipping around the dining room for a minute. Watching as Al opened the curtains and let the bright light of a late summer morning enter the house.

"Do you want the berries in pancakes or on the side?" Al asked, walking into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator to check if they had everything needed for breakfast. "Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, almond milk, eggs, butter…" Al muttered to himself, "And we have flour, so we're good."

"On the side, please!" Annelise called as she walked into the living room, she went to the couch and plopped herself on the couch, falling against the pillows.

"All right." Al called, grabbing everything he needed out of the fridge and placing it on the counter, "I'll be making breakfast then."

"What'cha making?" Edward asked as he entered the kitchen, "Is coffee part of breakfast?" Edward asked, "Because I think it should be."

Al turned and gave his brother a look, "Is that even a question?" He asked, "It's eight-thirty in the morning on a Sunday, of course coffee is part of breakfast."

Edward chuckled, "Cool, I'll start making that then." He replied, walking towards the Keurig and looking at the Al's selection of K-Cups. "Al, how do you drink this shit?" Edward asked.

Al turned from the stove and gave Ed a shrug, "Coffee is coffee." He replied with ease, "It all gets the job done the same."

Edward balked at Al's statement, "I'm offended," Edward replied, "But, if this is what you got I guess it'll do." Ed then turned and looked back at the K-Cups, deciding on the one that sounded like it would taste the best.

"Can I watch TV?" Annelise called from the living room, the question directed at both Edward and Alphonse who were in the kitchen.

Edward turned to Alphonse, "Uhhh, can she?" He asked, not really knowing what Al's rules for Annelise were. He didn't want to suddenly change everything Annelise had become use to over the last few months. "Cause like, I barely remember the last few months so I'm not sure what your rules for her are." Yes, saying that made Edward feel like shit, but not saying it didn't make it any less true.

Al turned from the stove and gave Edward a reassuring smile, "I know, Ed." He said soft, "And I guess she can today, I limit what she watches to mainly educational shows." Al explained, "I just feel like some of those kids shows kind of melt their brain and stuff."

Edward nodded, understanding Al completely. It was similar to what Winry did, she only let Annelise watch a handful of shows, mainly because she couldn't stand to watch them. "Sure kiddo." Edward called out to her, "Does she know how to turn the TV on and stuff?" He asked.

Al nodded, "Yeah, it's a streaming TV so the remote has a button for Netflix and everything." Al explained, "She knows her account is the pink one, and that she can only watch the shows at the top of the screen."

"Smart kid, I'm going to be in trouble later when she's older." Edward said with a chuckle.

Al, who was mixing the pancake batter now, paused for a minute. "Brother," Al started, "With all due respect, it's your child who is just like you, of course you were going to be in trouble."

Edward walked over and promptly thwacked Alphonse on the head.


The pancakes were done, but Al had them sitting on a plate on the counter so they could cool down. He was chopping up some berries, and Edward was getting some glasses out of the cabinet for orange juice. In the silence, they could hear Annelise's show from the living room and the soft breeze filtering in the house from the dining room window Edward had opened.

"So," Al started, "I wanted to talk to you about something."

The tone he used made Edward turn, because it was a more serious tone for Alphonse. "What?" Edward asked, "You gonna tell me this concussion is going to make me go brain dead?" He asked, "Cause you've already given me that speech like, 8 times."

Al shook his head, "No, you're fine and the effects of the concussion should be going away already." Al answered, setting the knife down and turning to face his brother. "I wanted to talk to you about a job."

Edward looked at Alphonse, taking in his warm grey eyes and how his face held no anger. "Okay," Edward said slowly, setting down the glasses he had in his hand, "What about a job?"

"A friend of mine told me their's an opening for a professor at Central University." He started, "In the science department." Al paused for a moment, waiting for Ed's reply. "I don't know what courses, but he also told me they were looking for someone to work in the labs."

Edward was quiet, taking in the information A had just given him. It was perfect, exactly what he wanted to be doing. And Central University? Edward was no fool, he knew this was an amazing opportunity he could be setting foot in. "Uhm, what about it?" He asked, setting his hands back on the counter in case Alphonse decided to try and push him into the sink.

Al closed his eyes and let out a deep breath before even acknowledging Edward replied. "I'm saying, this job has your name written all over it and I'm not going to let you walk away from this opportunity, Edward." Al said very seriously, "Think of all the opportunities this would give you, you could finish your PhD!"

Edward was in the middle of working on his PhD when Winry had passed, he was just about to apply having completed his research. But when Winry died, he obviously was give some time off and then he moved in with Al. He hadn't really decided if he wanted to complete his PhD, but deep down he knew it wasn't something he wanted to give up on.

"But I don't want to be tied down to something like that, I have a kid to think about, Al." Edward replied with a sigh, "I don't want to just throw her off to you any longer, because I know your work has suffered because of it."

Al had to smile, because there was a time he didn't think he'd hear those words ever come out of Edward's mouth. "But Edward, you have a life too." Al replied, his voice warm and loving, "And I don't want to watch you give up on your dreams, you've already lost so much."

Edward was quiet for a minute, thinking over Al's words. He knew Winry wouldn't want him to give up on his PhD, hell if she knew he had wallowed around for almost four months she probably would've skinned him by now. He sighed, closing his eyes for a minute, before a smile spread across his lips. "I guess applying for the position wouldn't hurt." Edward replied, sending Alphonse a smile.

Al was smiling so big he thought his face might burst, "I was hoping you'd say that." He said,

Edward was quiet for a moment, staring at Al. "You already applied for me, didn't you?" Edward asked with a knowing grin.

Al let out a nervous laugh, and nodded, "Please don't be mad at me!" Al said, "I just knew this was something you've always wanted and you'd regret not taking this chance!"

Edward turned a placed a hand on his brothers shoulder, "Of course I'm not mad, ya goof." Edward answered, smiling at his little brother. "Sometimes I need you to make that jump for me, thank you."

"I just want you to be happy, Ed." Al said softly, "Because you deserve to be happy."

And all Ed could do was pull his brother into a hug so tight he might break his ribs. "You are the best brother, the best." Edward murmured into Al's shoulder.

It was then the soft of tiny feet on tile floor brought them back to reality. Quickly pulling out of their embrace, they saw Annelise standing in the entry way of the kitchen. "Is breakfast ready?" She asked, "Cause I'm huuuungry." She whined.

"See, just like you." Al replied with a chuckle. "Yes, breakfast is ready." He continued, turning back to the pancakes and starting to put them on plates. "Why don't you go wash your hands, Annelise."


"So, what should we on this Sunday?" Al asked after breakfast. Edward was in the shower, and Annelise was helping Alphonse clean up their breakfast mess.

"Hmm..." Annelise said, tapping her finger to her chin. "We should go somewhere!"

"Like where?" Alphonse asked, he was off work today and wanted to enjoy it with his two favorite people. "Here, help me put the dishes in the sink."

Alphonse picked up the plates, and Annelise helped by gathering the cups and silverware. She carefully placed the dishes in the sunk, with help from Al since she was too short to reach it quite yet. "Uhh.." Annelise started, trying to think of somewhere to go. "I d'unno."

"Well, let's pick somewhere Daddy might like." Al said, trying to help her. "We'll do the dishes later, since Daddy's in the shower we don't want to mess up the water for him." Al explained to her.

"We could go to the library?" Annelise said, "I bet Daddy would like the library."

"Well, it's Sunday so the library isn't open." Al replied, "But I know somewhere that's just as cool as the library."

"Where?" Annelise asked excitedly.

"The book store," Al said with a grin, "Remember, I took you there a couple of weeks ago."


After his shower, Edward dried his hair and finished getting ready. He threw on some dark jeans, a grey t-shirt, and opted to leave his hair down to dry better. After brushing his teeth, he walked back into the living room to find Al and Annelise watching a show of some sort. "Alright, bathroom's free." He said, "So what are the plans for today?"

"We're going to the book store, Daddy!" Annelise said excitedly, "Uncle Al said you would like it a lot!"

Edward chuckled, "That does sound like fun." He replied, "Let's get you ready, baby, so we can go check it out."

"Mkay." Annelise said, sliding off the couch, Bun Bun tagging along with her. "I gotta brush my teeth first."

Edward nodded, following her into the bathroom. "When were done brushing her teeth, the bathroom is all yours." Edward called to his brother.

They quickly brushed Annelise's teeth, and then Annelise lead Edward to her bedroom.

Standing in his a daughters bedroom, Edward realized how little time he had spent in it. Al had done a nice job with it, already having a room for her before they even had to move in with him - just for when they came to town and stayed a few days. But, he had obviously made some upgrades to it. What once was a crib, he had replaced with a white wooden twin bed that had coral colored bedding, their was also a small nightstand next to it. Where a changing table had once been was replaced with a white desk, currently covered with art supplies. Their were two bookcases (which were filled to the brim with books), and a large shelf for all her toys. The walls were a soft pink color, and their were a few pictures on the walls.

"Do you like my room, Daddy?" Annelise asked, noticing how her Father was staring intensely at everything.

"I do, baby." Edward said, "Uncle Al did a good job on it."

Annelise just smiled, "My clothes are in the closet." She said, pointing towards her closet door, "I want to wear a dress today!"

Edward chuckled as he walked over to her closet, "Alright, let's see what you've got." He said, opening the closet door. He was shocked to see just how many clothes Annelise had, but he knew Winry loved shopping for their little girl. Annelise was like her dress up doll, before she was even born she had a full wardrobe ready for her. "Looks like you have a lot to choose from, kid." Edward said.

Annelise just giggled, "Yup!"

They ended up choosing a rosy pink colored tunic shirt with short sleeves that had a soft brown plaid details, with some jean shorts. Annelise was putting on some slip on shoes, while Ed was searching for her hair brush and hair elastics. "How do you want me to do your hair today, baby?" Edward asked, finally finding the items in the top shelf of her small dresser that was in the corner of the room.

"Hmm," Annelise hummed, "Pig tails!" She said excitedly, standing up after finally getting her little tan shoes on.

"How about pigtails with criss cross braids?" Edward suggested, pulling out a handful of hair elastics and two matching bows.

Annelise just nodded excitedly.


An hour an a half later, the trio of Elrics were standing in the entrance of the bookstore. All three of them were in heaven, as being a bookworm clearly ran in the family. Edward was itching with excitement, because he hadn't been to a big bookstore like this in - well, he couldn't really remember when, which made it all the more exciting. All he could think of was all the science books they had, all the new books, things he hasn't read yet -

"Daddy, let's go look at the books!" Annelise said excitedly, tugging at his wrist.

"Oh, yeah." Edward said, somewhat disappointed. He had really wanted to take off to the science section, knowing their was a new physics book he wanted to pick up. Of course, any book would do at the moment. His brain needed something of substance to read, something to challenge his thinking.

Al seemed to know just what his brother was thinking - sometimes, it made Edward wonder if they had a whole twin telepathy going on. They were only twelve months apart in age, so it could be possible. "Hey, Annelise." Al said, pressing a hand on her tiny shoulder, "Why don't we let Daddy look at some books for a bit, and you can pick out a book and I'll buy it for you."

Annelise looked between her Dad and Alphonse, before turning back to Alphonse. "He'll come look at books with me later, right?" Annelise asked softly, clearly disappointed.

Edward leaned down to her level, petting Annelise on the head. "Of course I will, baby." Edward said, a soft smile on his lips. "Daddy just wants to find a book too."

Annelise turned and gave him a smile, "Okay, Daddy." She said, "Just don't take forever."

Edward chuckled as he stood up, "I promise I won't, baby." He said, "Go pick out a book with Uncle Al."


It wasn't long before Edward found himself sitting on the floor of the bookstore, nose deep in a book concerning the 'theory of everything'. Next to him was a stack of books on just about everything from the theory of color to the history of the universe. For Ed, time did not pass when he was reading a book. Especially when the book was as good as the one he was reading, time was really at a stand still.

He was also oblivious to all that was going on around him when he was lost in a book. So when he felt a tap on his shoulder, he jumped in surprise. Turning to see who he was about to punch in the face for interrupting him during a good book, he saw none other than Roy Mustang. "Good god, Mustang." Edward said in an irritated tone, "You tryin' to scare the shit out of me?"

Roy just chuckled, "I'm sorry." He said, "But in my defense, I did say your name a few times before I tapped your shoulder."

Edward just smiled, "Sorry, was zoned in on this book." He said, "What are you up to today?" He asked, "Shouldn't you be at home with your kids?"

"I am with my kids," Roy replied with a grin, "They're over in the kids section with Al and Annelise."

"Oh," Edward said, setting the book in his lap, "Well, that's cool."

Roy just smiled, crouching down next to Edward, "I almost didn't recognize you," Roy said, gaze drifting towards Edward's long golden locks, "with your hair down and all."

Edward blushed slightly, "Well, my hair was wet and if I put it in a pony tail right away it gets a weird dent in it." Edward explained, pulling at the ends of his hair slightly, "And, I uh, don't like that."

Roy sent him a warm smile, "Well, I think you should wear it down more often." Roy said, "It looks good."

Edward blushed, his gaze drifting back to his book, "Thanks." He said softly.

"So, what are we reading about?" Roy asked, looking at the books Edward had next to him. They were the size of textbooks, and the titles of some made his brain hurt.

Edward lifted his head up and raised an eyebrow, "Do you really wanna know?" Edward asked in a slightly sarcastic tone. "Cause most people just say that and then tune me out when I start to explain it because it normally goes over their head."

Roy switched his position on his feet, going from his crouching position to sitting criss-cross on the floor next to Edward. "Of course I want to know," Roy said, "It has to be interesting if it took me saying your name five times to grab your attention." Roy explained, "And if even if it does go over my head, I promise I'll listen and try to understand it."

Edward just starred at Roy, brows furrowed slightly as if he were trying to figure Roy out. He rolled his eyes slightly, before picking the book back up and opening to the page he was reading. "Alright, don't blame if it takes too long to explain or bores you to death." Edward said, before he started going into his spiel about the theory of everything.

All Roy could do was grin as he watched Edward, in awe of his beauty and passion as he excitedly explained everything.

And Roy, he was hooked on him.

Edward already stolen his heart somehow in the matter of a few short weeks.