Instead of studying for my Physics test tomorrow night, I edited this so it was suitable for posting. So, I hope someone appreciates this. ETA for the next chapter is by the end of the month. It's February so there are minimal distractions (aside from the University of Michigan Men's Basketball team's annual February suckfest) to keep me from writing. Anyways, I hope you enjoy. FMA does not belong to me.

Russell Tringham rested his chin in his hand as he looked out the window of the train headed from Xenotime to Resembool. He could see into a valley where the trees were in their annual autumnal explosion of reds, yellows, and oranges. He glanced across the small compartment to see his brother stir in his sleep, smiling as he dreamed. Russell exhaled, trying to exorcise the butterflies that were fluttering in his stomach, even though they were more than half a day away from their destination.

The destination had Russell in a state of emotional chaos. Ever since his revelation nearly two years ago, he had been thinking about what would happen if Edward Elric ever did come back. He had hoped for his return as much as he dreaded it. 'That was the nature of being in love.' he mused 'It was almost easier with him gone. At least I didn't have to worry about it so much. Like what if I just run up and hug him as soon as I see him tomorrow?' Russell had to laugh at that thought. Fletcher was much more likely to do something like that. 'No, it's much more likely that I'll ask a million questions that Ed won't want to answer. And I don't think he trusts me enough to tell me anything about the past two and a half years…'

Russell sighed as he thought about this fact. As much as he hated to admit it, Fletcher and he were on the outskirts of those who associated themselves with the Elrics. His only hope was that after all this Philosopher's Stone business was over, the Elrics would choose to become closer to the only alchemists who were close to them in both age and (relatively speaking) ability. Still, it was something that they were invited to the "Coming Home Party" that was being thrown by Winry Rockbell and her grandmother.

Winry was an interesting topic of Russell's thoughts. While he had never met the girl, he knew a few very important details. First, she was Ed's automail mechanic. Second, she was a childhood friend of both Elric brothers. From those two points, if anyone could be called his "rival" for Ed's affections, it was she. As far as Russell had figured, his best chance was for Winry and Al to be in love, leaving Ed for someone else to snatch up. 'That someone being me, of course,' Russell smirked at the thought.

The smirk quickly gave way to frustration, however, as reality quickly set in. 'Ed probably doesn't like guys,' being the main point against his hope of winning the Fullmetal Alchemist's heart. 'Besides that minor detail, the two of us are really well-suited for each other. We're both alchemists. We're both very good-looking,' Russell smirked again at this thought, 'And the few times we have met, we both tease each other like we've known one another for years instead of only days.'

"You're thinking about Ed again, aren't you, Russ?" Fletcher asked, causing Russell to jump in his seat.

"Fletcher," he gasped, catching his breath from the unexpected interruption of his thoughts, "I didn't hear you wake up."

"You're dodging the question," Fletcher replied as he rubbed his eyes.

"Yes. Yes I am."

"So, you were thinking about him," Fletcher smiled at him.

Russell didn't feel like dignifying his brother with a response. It seemed that the younger Tringham had gained the same teasing streak that Russell had. This had been especially true since Russell had told him about having feelings for Ed.

Russell found himself waking up at his desk, again. He could smell his brother cooking breakfast. He smiled as he could smell the bacon, the eggs, and most importantly, the coffee. Russell stumbled into the kitchen as Fletcher finished cooking their breakfast, somehow grabbing a mug, filling it with coffee, and adding his preferred amount of sugar without opening his eyes. As he sipped his coffee and tried to rub out a crick in his neck after sleeping in an unnatural position at his desk, he suddenly remembered the previous night's train of thought.

'Oh shit… I'm in love with Edward Elric. That can't be right. It just… can't be right. I was just tired. Very, very tired. Besides, what was it that made me think I loved him? Oh, right, the fact that he might… not… be… coming back… Shit. That makes me feel even worse than it did last night. I guess I could be… Fuck it… I am in love with Edward Elric. Now what do I do…'

He looked up to Fletcher as the young boy said something he missed. He blinked a couple of times to try to bring himself back to the present. "Hm?" he grunted.

"I was asking if there was something wrong?"

Russell had to close his eyes and laugh to himself at the question 'No, nothing wrong. Nothing wrong at all. I just figured out I have romantic feelings for another guy.' He opened his eyes again to look at Fletcher who looked genuinely scared of his brother. It wasn't like Russell could blame him. He had just woken up at his desk, his knuckles were white from gripping the coffee mug so hard and he was laughing to himself. 'Yes, I am the picture of sanity." Russell thought to himself.

"Wh-What's so funny, Russell?" Fletcher asked in a shaky tone.

Russell finally gave his brother a response. "I'm in love."

"Oh? Who is she?" Fletcher's eyes brightened in response.

"Edward Elric."

"How did you know I was thinking about him anyway?" Russell asked, quite annoyed at Fletcher's sudden mind reading ability.

"Whenever you think about him, you're always detached from reality. You go into a thousand-yard stare and you seem like you're barely aware of where you are and what you're doing?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Do you remember when you watered the same tree for nearly an hour last week? What were you thinking about?"

Russell did not care to go into detail about his fantasies involving the FullMetal Alchemist with Fletcher. Besides, 'nearly an hour' was an exaggeration. It was thirty minutes, thirty-five tops. "Sometimes I think you're too smart for your own good," he replied.

Fletcher laughed before he threw arm around his brother's shoulders. "It's ok, Russ. You know I just want to see you happy." Fletcher said as he smiled at Russell.

"I know you do, Fletcher. I just wonder if it's even possible."

"Well, it's a lot more possible now that it was about a week ago. At least now you can see him. Talk to him. Kiss him…"

Russell threw his brothers arm off before glaring at him, "Yeah, like I'll get a chance at that. If I tried, I'd probably be lucky to escape with my life." He then turned back to the window and crossed his arms and legs while staring out the window again.

Fletcher laughed, satisfied with his brother's response as he opened up the door to their compartment. "I'm gonna go get us something to eat, OK?"

"Fine," Russell responded without turning from the window.

Fletcher shook his head has he closed the door. However, Russell could still hear his younger brother mutter, "So touchy…" as he walked down the corridor.

Russell let out a sigh as his thoughts returned to his unlikely love interest. 'I'm not mad at him for teasing me. I just don't want to get my hopes up. That way, it might not hurt as much when he rejects me.'

Review Responses:

ShadedRogue: Thank you for the review. I am happy I was able to open your eyes to the Gospel that is Ed/Russ. Also, you get points for the successful use of the word "Shazam" Very nice.

Random True Statement: Garmin had the best Super Bowl commercial, narrowly edging out the Snickers commercial.