As he sat on the tree branch, watching someone else's future, Edward felt a strange mixture of loneliness, comfort, and a strong sense of belonging.
Watching Al's children playing on what had once been the ruins of his home.
Watching Winry's daughter learning the tricks of the Automail trade.
Watching Roy as the Fuhrer of the Military, achieving his ambitions. Watching Riza still working under him, as devoted as ever.
Watching it all, knowing that this could have been his future too.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, and twisted around.
"Hey Maes," he said, turning back to watch.
Maes sat down on the branch beside him.
"Could have been great, eh?"
They shared a grin.
At that point Winry came out of her house and walked over to the tree in which they sat. Ed's smile faltered and his expression grew wistful as she crouched under the branch they sat on, in front of the big slab of rock.
Winry's daughter came up next to her.
"What are you doing, Mum? Why do you come here every afternoon?"
Winry put an arm around her Ten-year-old daughter.
"So I can see him. I grew up with him, see. Uncle Ed."
"Who?"
"Uncle Alphonse's big brother."
"What about Alphonse?"
Al, who had come up behind them, picked up the girl and sat her on his strong shoulders.
"Yes. He's always here. His favourite place to sit."
After a moment, Alphonse, Winry and Winry's daughter smiled and walked away.
"See?"
Maes smiled fatherly.
"They're getting on okay."
Ed sighed.
"I guess they are. It's just that I need to feel wanted. I hate being unnecessary."
"They do want you. Why do you think you're here?"
Ed smiled.
"You're right."
He stood up and glanced downwards, at the stone slab that was his gravestone.
"Time to go."
He stepped off the branch and disappeared.