A/N: Wow. Only two more chapters after this. I'm getting quite depressed.

Fullmetal Epicness: Thanks for the reviews. True, I do update a lot. Too much, probably. I've never seen anyone update as much as I do. I have the entire story planned out and I'm homeschooled, so I have a tons of time to write. Actually, I got up really early today and finished all my remaining homework so I can use the rest of the day to finish this story. I have no life *sigh* As to the reviews, don't worry about how many you put. My life thrives on reviews. Also, lol, I go to the beach every year. It's about 12 hours away from us, but we still go. It's freezing where I live right now too.

Chapter 14

November

The doctor's rang in Edward's ears.

"It will be a miracle if he lives until Christmas."

The blonde-headed young man sighed, his shoulder's sagging as if the weight of the world were upon them. He sat in his quiet apartment, absentmindedly tracing circles on the kitchen table he sat next to.

Alphonse was in the other room, resting, as he had been for the past few weeks. The boy's skin was translucent and his body was diminishing to nothing. He could hardly keep any food down and he complained constantly about the pains that wracked his little body.

Edward knew Alphonse's death was near, but he couldn't bear to say it to himself. He felt as if he could have done so much more this year with Al. But inwardly, he knew he could have a thousand years with his little brother and it still wouldn't be enough time. He would still hurt just as much when Alphonse passed on.

Edward folded his arms and placed them on the table, nestling his head on them and shutting his eyes wearily. It was a matter of moments before he was asleep.

Then, he began to dream.

He dreamed of his little Alphonse, the boy who enjoyed every aspect of life and approached every situation with enthusiasm. He dreamt of the time he took Al and Winry sledding. He smiled when he dreamt of the time Alphonse somehow managed to make him buy a box of flowers for Winry. He dreamt of when Alphonse ran into the house, soaking wet, cupping a little four-leaf clover in his hands, claiming that it was a good luck charm. He dreamt of the day he bought a kitten for Al's birthday and how excited his little brother's face was when Ed presented him with the animal. Of course, running rampant in his dreams was their days at the amusement park, the weekend at the beach, and the evening at the Fireworks Festival.

An hour later, Edward woke up from his slumber, feeling calm and content. But then, reality weighed on him again and he remembered that his dreams were of the past. Alphonse couldn't relive any of the moments next year or any year after that. It was almost over.

Edward looked up in surprise when he heard Alphonse amble into the room. His little brother was wrapped up in a quilt, looking tired and weak. He sat down at the table next to Ed and whispered, "Hello."

"Hey," Edward replied, trying to put a reasonably happy expression on his face.

"I don't feel good, Brother," Alphonse gasped, leaning his head weakly on Edward's shoulder.

"I know you don't, Al. But don't worry, you'll feel better soon."

"Don't lie to yourself," Alphonse reprimanded gently.

Edward felt his throat tighten and he glared at the wood table in front of him, "I'm sorry."

"Brother, are you going to make Christmas wonderful?"

"What?"

Alphonse blinked up at his elder brother, "You've made this year the best year ever. Are you going to make this Christmas amazing too?"

"Sure, Al, I will. I promise."

"Even if I'm not here to see it? You've got to make sure you make it wonderful for yourself and Winry."

Edward felt tears started to well in his eyes and he answered, "You'll be here for Christmas."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

"I'm not promising. I just know you'll be here for Christmas."

A word from Gabe: . . . The next chapter . . . will be long. I know it's too soon to end this story, but all good things have to come to an end. I can only promise two more chapters.