When Al returned to Ed's room, his brother sat on the bed, his one hand gripping the space between shoulder and the place where his arm had been only the night before. His teeth were gnashed. His eyes were closed and there was sweat on his brow.
"Brother?" Al asked.
Immediatley, Ed looked up, and part of that same motion found him removing his hand, squaring his shoulder, loosening his jaw.
It was too late, of course. Al had seen him. He had thought that Pinako had given him medicine...apparently it had worn off...
"Brother. You're hurting. I'll get Pinako ba-chan, she can..."
"No!" Ed paused at the rough grate of his own voice. He cleared his throat with a forced laugh. "I'm fine. Really...Ah...Breakfast...That...looks...good." He reached out his hand.
Al stared at it for a moment. It was shaking.
He sighed. He would get Pinako as soon as Ed was finished eating.
"Here." he said and placed the plate into Ed's hand.
"I...I'm starving." Ed said as he balanced the plate on his good knee. "Looks good..." he said, but the look on his face when he gazed at the eggs glinting on the plate was nothing short of nauseus.
"Brother..." Al began, but before he could continue, Winry suddenly appeared in the doorway.
"Ed!" She cried, " How're you feeling?"
Ed just blinked at her, then looked away. "I'm alright, Winry."
"Ed?" She said, her smile slipping, then, catching sight of Al watching his brother, she smiled again, brighter this time, "Hey! That's great! That's great! I knew you'd be fine, of course. Although..." She suddenly frowned, "Nothing...nevermind..."
"Ah...Winry..." Al said as he caught Ed's hand shaking as it gripped his fork, "Is Pinako ba-chan downstairs?"
"I said I was fine, Al!" Ed said quietly.
Winry walked over to Ed and took the plate from his knee. She sat next to him on his bed and stirred the eggs. "She went to your guys' house. She'll be right back. She said she wanted to get some clothes..."
"I see." Al said and suddenly stood. "I'll be right back, Brother."
"Wait! Where are you going?" Ed called as Al was half-way to the door.
"Home." Al answered.
At the word Ed almost flinched. That look in his eye appeared again. His eyes darkened. His head lowered.
"Brother...I'll be right back." Al promised, his voice so earnest.
"Alright...alright, Al..." Ed said and Al wished he could say something. That he could stay. But the truth was that Al needed to return home. Perhaps Ed guessed his little brother's true intent. Either way, he said nothing more.
Was "home" now such a terrible thing?
"Ed...here. Eat up." Al heard behind him as Winry lifted an egg-laden fork to Ed's lips.
TO BE CONTINUED...