A/N: Here's that third I promised! Sorry I didn't post it earlier - I was so tired after the plane and everything...so I went to bed at ten (Hawaii time - it was about one AM my time...which is still early for me... XD)!

This one can take place either in FMA or FMAB, on the night when Ed and Al perform the Human Transmutation. Ed is recovering, and Al is contemplating.

5. Glass

When Alphonse looks into the mirror for the first time on that fateful night, he sees the full extent of the damage that's been done.

He can see the heavily-bandaged Ed in the mirror, too, sleeping fitfully in the bed across the room.

His poor big brother's left leg was taken during...during the time he can't recall. Then, as payment for getting his little brother's soul back and bonding it to this suit of armor, his right arm.

And Al…Al lost his entire body.

Looking down at his large hand made of black-mail, then back up at himself, he understands.

Human Transmutation is forbidden for a reason. The Law of Equivalent Exchange reigns supreme over it. And the price one has to pay…it's far too much.

All of the books on alchemy in their Father's study…every single one had told them that.

But they didn't listen.

Ed had wanted Mom back so badly, and Al had followed silently behind because—because he'd wanted it, too. He'd wanted to see her smile again, to feel her kiss and hug them goodnight.

But now…in this body…he can't feel anything.

"Al…" Ed whimpers suddenly, tossing and turning in his sleep. "Al, please…I'm so sorry… Al…"

A final glance in the mirror, and the now-armored boy turns away.

Kneeling at his brother's bedside, Alphonse reaches out to brush the eleven-year-old's unruly bangs from his sweaty forehead. And though he can no longer feel Ed's surely-feverish warmth, it seems to be a comforting enough gesture for them both.

"I'm right here, brother," Alphonse assures softly, "and I always will be."

A/N: I'm up for taking requests! Just suggest something, and if it fits with a particular word, I'll use that as the situation for that word! (But no slash or anything inappropriate!)

Thanks so much for reading, as always!