A/N: In this chapter, Alphonse starts feeling the chemotherapy a bit. As I go on with the chapters, I get sadder and sadder :( I only have 7 more chapters planned. *sigh* All good things have to come to an end, I suppose. Anyway, this idea is again thanks to Fullmetal Epicness. But, I also got some ideas for this chapter from a Little House on the Prairie I watched the other day. Surprise, surprise, it was about a little boy with leukemia. Believe it or not it inspired me as well as made me cry. Lol.

Chapter 9

June

Edward put a bowl of soup on a tray and carried it into the living room. His heart felt heavy as he approached his little brother, Al. Alphonse slumped on the couch, almost completely hidden under blankets and pillows. His slate-colored eyes looked sunken in and his skin was pale.

"I made some chicken broth, Al. Do you think you can keep that down?" Edward asked, sitting on the couch next to his little brother.

Alphonse weakly nodded and sat up to take the tray.

"I feel like I've been tied to a back of a truck and dragged ten miles," Alphonse chuckled feebly.

"We might've overdone it with our activities these past few months," replied Edward.

Alphonse shook his head as his kitten, whom he named Little Brother, jumped onto the couch and curled up on his shoulder.

"Don't regret those fun days we had, Brother. I've had more fun in those days than I have had in my entire life," Al responded, reaching out to tweak one of Little Brother's ears.

Edward smiled faintly, then stood up and walked into the bedroom he and Al shared. He ambled over to the bedroom phone and picked it up, dialing Winry's number.

"Hello?" her voice came over the line.

"Hey, Win. Alphonse is feeling really weak right now and . . . I just guess I need someone to talk to," Edward said quietly, shutting the bedroom door.

"Edo . . . you still have 7 months at the most with him. Why are you calling me when you could spend time with him?" Winry replied.

"I just . . . I can't stand to see him weak and so . . . I hate to see him lacking enthusiasm," Ed answered.

"You guys need to go on a vacation," Winry told Edward firmly.

"What? With him in this condition? We can't!" Edward scoffed.

"Go somewhere relaxing. Go to the beach for a couple days."

Edward went silent. Perhaps a relaxing vacation would do both of them good.

"You know, Win, I think you're right. I have a vacation coming to me at the lab anyway," he said.

"Good. Now get off the phone and go pack," Winry laughed.

"Thanks."

"Talk to you later, Edo."

Before Edward realized the words slipped out, he responded, "I love you, bye."

Edward's eyes bugged and he quickly hit the OFF button. His ears turned red as he returned the phone to its cradle.

"Maybe she didn't realize I said that," muttered Edward to himself as he exited the bedroom.

He entered the living room, hearing mirth emanating from his little brother.

"Nice to know you love her, Brother."

"YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO EAVESDROP, YOU LITTLE-"

"So, can my kitten come to the beach too?"

-x-

There is nothing more embarrassing for amputees than stepping out onto a highly populated beach, wearing swim shorts and a tank top.

Edward's face colored deep shades of scarlet as people gaped at his metal arm and leg.

"Look at this way, Brother," Alphonse said from next to him, "You're taking the attention of my lack of hair."

"It's not so weird to see people missing their hair, especially when the person is a boy. A lot of boys shave their hair off for the summer," Edward grumbled.

"And their eyebrows?" Alphonse scoffed.

"Oh, yeah," Edward chuckled, trying his best to ignore the stares.

Alphonse looked up and caught a glimpse of the ocean.

"Look!" he squealed, pointing at the vast body of water.

Edward smiled as Alphonse accelerated pace and made his way to the water. Edward jogged to keep up with his little brother, stepping carefully over the sand. Walking over the millions of granules was extremely hard for automail-legged men.

He stopped halfway to the water and dropped the towels and beach chairs on the sand. Edward inhaled the warm air and grinned as Alphonse reached the ocean and splashed about in the shallows.

Suddenly, Edward's heart swelled with excitement, and he felt the urge to take off in a dead run and plunge into the ocean. Who was he to deny self-desires?

He raced towards the water and jumped into the salty waves, whooping in joy on the way.

His head went under water and quickly emerged again, spitting the salty water out in distaste.

"That was awesome, Brother!" laughed Alphonse, "I don't think I ever saw you so excited!"

Edward grinned at Al and splashed his little brother.

Alphonse retaliated with a great deal more water than what Edward used. Soon, the two brothers got into a long splashing battle, which lasted almost until the sunset.

After the brothers were too tired to splash any longer, they trundled back onto the shore and laid out their beach towels, crashing on them with exhaustion.

Edward curled up on his red towel and shut his eyes, letting the setting sun dry his skin and blonde hair. He sighed contentedly, almost drifting to sleep while listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves in the distance.

"Brother, look . . ." Alphonse spoke quietly after a few minutes.

Edward opened his amber eyes and sat up, following Al's pointed finger out to the measureless ocean.

"Whoa . . ." Ed breathed as two whales submerged into the water, their fan-like tales silhouetted in the orange and pink horizon.

A word from Gabe: This one makes me feel relaxed, so I hope all the readers enjoy it! Please r&r!