Oh my god you guys! I'm doing it again! I'm so sorry for not updating for the past two days now? I think it's been two days. Anyways, I'm so so super sorry! School has been stressing me out which sucks away the creativeness of my brain and I just want to lay around and do nothing. I'm sorry! But here is story 11! I did it! Sorry that this one is shorter than all the others, like I said, the creativity is being driven out by stress. I'm still trying my best to get you guys these stories! Don't worry, I'm not giving up yet! Anyways, this is a suggestion by ScarOnline. Now, onto the story!

Summary: Just a normal, regular old day with the Elric family-and Hohenheim-as they take a trip down to the local market in Resembool.

Idea Came from: ScarOnline, who suggested I write something about the boys being younger with Trish and Hohenheim.

Timeline: before Hohenheim leaves

Warnings: None

Rated: K

Note: review replies at the end

Story 11: In the Presence of a Loving Family

The Elric family is widely known around Resembool. The two brothers who seemed to constantly get themselves into trouble at every corner. The sweet mother who couldn't stay mad at her boys for very long. And the father who is a mystery, even to his own children. The man who doesn't like to be touched, and in turn doesn't like touching others. Especially his two sons.

"Hey, honey?" Trisha calls up from the bottom of the stairs. She is currently holding her three year old son, Alphonse, while the older brother by a year stands and holds Trisha's dress with his chubby little hands.

"Yes, dear?" The deep voice calls from the upstairs office/study.

"I'm going out to the market, would you like to come with us?" Trisha asks kindly, her smile gentle.

"No, I'll stay here and continue studying." He calls back, sounding somewhat disappointed. Trisha frowns momentarily and shakes her head lightly, sighing.

"Don't make me drag you down here."

Little Ed looks up at his mother innocently, blinking. She smiles down at him and leans over, ruffling his bangs. Ed giggles and playfully swipes at Trisha's hands.

"Trisha, you know-" Hohenheim starts to say as he walks over to the top of the stairs. He cuts himself off when he sees Trisha gently set Al down onto the floor, both boys smiling brightly up at her.

"Let's go, Van. As a family." Trisha says, smiling up at him sweetly.

And so, Hohenheim finds himself walking beside Trisha down the dirt road to the marketplace. Ed and Al are both walking between them, Al holding Trisha's slender hand with his own chubby little one.

"It's a beautiful day," Trisha comments lightly, looking at Hohenheim who shrugs. She breathes in deeply, the smell of hay and wheat strong on the calming summer Summer breeze. "You should come out with us more often, it'll do you some good."

"You know I can't, I have to study." Hohenheim says with a regretful sigh, looking down at the two boys who are currently talking in their own language. At least, that's what it sounds like. Their words are choppy and jumbled, especially Alphonse's.

"I know, you're busy cooped up in that room all day, studying." Trisha says, a hint of sadness in her voice as the smile slowly fades from her face. Hohenheim can't help but feel guilt claw at his heart. "You know, you don't have to be afraid. I told you before, you're not a monster. You can hold our kids, you can interact with other people."

Hohenheim stays quiet. He looks ahead, a frown pulling at the corners of his lips. Like always.

It doesn't take long to get to the market. It has a fair amount of people, out doing their usual Sunday morning shopping to stock up for the rest of the week. Hohenheim and the boys stick close to Trisha as she examines apples, potatoes, meat; almost everything and anything. Of course, they were all greeted warmly. Even Hohenheim.

"Look," Ed suddenly says, pointing over at a ladder leaning against a brick building not too far away. On the top step sits a full can of blue paint, a full can of pink paint, and a half full can of yellow paint.

"What?" Al asks, following his brother's finger to the ladder. Hohenheim shakes his head and looks back to Trisha. He can't help but smile as he studies her face. The slight furrowing of her slender eyebrows as she studies an avocado held in her petite hands, the way she occasionally glances at the others at the stand, the way she slightly leans forwards.

"What do you think about this one, dear?" Trisha asks, turning to Hohenheim as she holds out the avocado. "It feels a bit squishy, but I think-oh my god! The boys!"

Trisha's scream alerts everyone in the surrounding areas. Hohenheim quickly turns and sees Ed trying to clime the ladder, Al standing innocently beside him and looking up at the shaking cans of paint as the unstable ladder moves at the slightest touch of a finger. The paint is just seconds away from falling. Despite this, Edward continues climbing up the ladder, not a care in the world.

Out of pure reflex, Hohenheim quickly runs forwards, his heart pounding in his chest as adrenaline rushes through his veins. He gets there just in time as the ladder falls, causing Ed-who is halfway up the ladder by now-to fall with it. Hohenheim quickly reaches up and snatches Ed out of the air, hugging him close as he moves to stand above Al.

The ladder falls with a loud clang behind him, causing Al to instantly start crying. Ed squirms in Hohenheim's arms, desperate to get to his baby brother while Hohenheim stands still, a shocked expression plastered on his face. He can feel a thick, sticky liquid slowly dripping down his back and soaking into his clothes.

Paint.

He can see Trisha burst out laughing, followed by a few others who chuckle at the sight. There Hohenheim stands, holding Ed close to his chest, standing over Al, with a mix of blue, yellow, and pink paint soaking him.

And Hohenheim can't help but smile as he scoops Alphonse up as well. He holds the two boys close, tears stinging his eyes as he laughs along with his boys. Because sometimes the world isn't against him. Because sometimes fate is on his side. Because sometimes it couldn't hurt to be a father.

And that's it! I just want to thank you guys for your patience. Thank you so much for sticking with me and giving me suggestions for what you want to read. It means a lot to me! I always smile whenever I read what you guys have to say, thank you so much! Now, onto the responses!

Guest (Nov. 9)-thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying these stories!

Patsy Koala- thank you! Seriously, I love all the support you've been giving, it really means a lot! I'll make sure to write more of Roy comforting Alphonse.

Lady Jessica Mustang- thank you! And I'll get right on writing that! I promise!

Emily- I can't thank you enough for your compliment. Honestly, it makes me smile every time I read it! To be honest, seeing everyone's response makes me smile, but, you get the point. I can't thank you enough! As for the suggestion: it's a really good idea. I really like it! I'm excited to start writing it, thank you!

That's all! Don't forget to leave suggestions for what you want me to write for future chapters! Thanks so much you guys! I love you all!