It was hard to believe everything was over. They had won, Father was gone…it seemed utterly surreal. But the dust in the air was clearing, everyone catching their breath, and Father's body just kept disintegrating, until there was nothing left.

Immediately, assured the danger was now past, inventory was taken of everyone's injuries. Roy's team carried their leader out; both of his legs were wounded, but he would heal. The rest of them had only minor scratches (though it wasn't amusing in the slightest now, Ed knew he would tease Mustang mercilessly about being so old he couldn't even stand up for a fight once he was alright again). Edward was bleeding profusely from a cut on his forehead, blood dripping into his eyes, but claimed it was nothing serious, preferring to fix up Al's arms than go to the hospital. And of course the homunculi were unscathed, their bodies having rejuvenated themselves, despite the fact that they, in fact, took the brunt of Father's wrath.

All was well. Still, Ed couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. "It's too bad we couldn't get your body back, huh, Al?"

"That's okay, Brother. I'm sure we can figure it out."

Edward was not as optimistic as his younger brother. Aside from the Philosopher's Stone, what could bring Al's body back?

"Wait, you need a body? I might be able to help with that," Greed interjected. He was oddly calm considering they were discussing a need for a body, but being a homunculus probably helped.

Ed stared at the homunculus quizzically. "You must be Ling right now then. Greed wouldn't give anything up."

"Yeah, I am, and trust me, I know."

"How could you help, Ling?" Alphonse was hopeful, excited. After defeating Father, it seemed as though anything was possible.

"Well, there was an old woman I knew, back in Xing. She was—is—a great alchemist, and so the Emperor has not allowed her to die. He has been using every treatment he knows of to keep her around so she can be of use to him. Still, she can't last forever. I know she would be willing to give up her life to get your body, Al."

Somehow Alphonse managed to look crestfallen. "Ling, I can't do that. I won't have someone die for me…"

"But she's going to die anyway!" Greed broke in. "Take what you can!"

The homunculus shuddered as Ling took back control. "Sorry about that, but he's right. She has nothing to lose."

"Al," Ed spoke up, surprising everyone. "I think you should."

"But, Brother—"

"It's not the same as using a Philosopher's Stone. The people inside it died against their will. If this woman wants to die to help you, that is her choice. At the very least, you should go talk to her."

"You can come back to Xing with me," Ling said. Then Greed, "I have to get there now though. As the immortal prince, I can just imagine the power waiting for me! And all the princesses…" He cackled.

Alphonse debated for a tense moment before giving in. "A-alright. I'll go. But just to talk to her."

Greed rolled his eyes and walked away, beckoning for Al to follow.

Before doing so, Alphonse walked over and hugged Edward. "Sorry, Brother. I know it has to be uncomfortable hugging a suit of armor, but…I had to."

Ed only smiled. "Good luck, Al."

As he watched his brother run off, trying to catch up with Greed, Envy walked up behind Edward, resting his head on the alchemist's.

"Hey," he said softly, his grin permeating his voice.

The blonde turned around, immediately hugging Envy, relieved he was there; Ed hadn't been able to look at him after the fight, irrationally worried that he would disappear. "I'm so glad it's over."

"Yeah," the homunculus trailed off, then bent down so he was eye to eye with Edward. "Hey, I have something to tell you."

Ed's forehead creased, worried. "What…?" he asked, hesitantly.

Envy placed his hands on the alchemist's cheeks, caressing his face. "I figured it out."

A little calmer now, Ed asked, "What do you mean?"

"I figured it out, what love is. Love is never wanting to leave someone's side. Love is wanting to always see that someone happy, and trying to fix everything and anything when they aren't. Love is not a weakness, it is a strength. Love is being willing to lay your life down for someone, willing to sacrifice anything to save them. Love isn't easy, because you can never quit, never give up, but you never really want to. Love is the overwhelming feeling of elation you get when you look at someone."

Envy paused, eyes shining with more emotion than he should have been capable of. "And, Ed, I love you."

Eyes tearing up, Edward pulled the homunculus in for a kiss. "And I love you too, Envy. Don't ever forget it."