One of Alphonse's favorite things to do now that he had his body back was to sneak touches. He liked to brush against his brother when they would walk together, side-by-side. Whenever there was a purposeful touch between them, he could feel his hand linger over Edwards for a brief instant longer than necessary.

Of course, he realized that Edward would do the same thing, but neither of them spoke a word about it. This was their unspoken way of sharing their affections. Edward had never really been gifted with the way of words, whether he was giving them or receiving them.

He had heard all of the 'I Love You's that he needed to hear. Almost all of them were broken by the heart-wrenching sound of his brother's voice gasping in short, sudden sobs. Most occassions were when Edward would awaken from a particularly horrific nightmare where the elder would seek comfort in the cold embrace of his hollow arms.

One time stood out more than any other.

It was just after his brother preformed his miracle and restored him into the body that he was born into. The experience alone was enough for the youngest Elric to acknowledge as the best day of his life, but he was pleasantly surprised with the most tender gift his older brother could have possibly given him. He was given an honest, simple exchange of phrases.

"Aru..."

"Niisan...?"

"This is real, right?"

"Yes, I'm really here. I can feel the floor... it feels so cold..."

"Is this better, Aru?"

"Yes, Niisan. It's much better... you're so warm."

"Aru..."

"Niisan, are you alright? Why are you..."

"I'm fine... I just need to make sure this is real..."

"How do you..."

"Just let me stay here... with you... like this. Just hold me like this for a little while."

"Alright, Niisan. We can stay like this for as long as you want."

"...Aru?"

"Yes, Niisan?"

"Daisuki..."

"I know that, silly. Daisuki mo, Niisan."

"Itsumademo... daisuki..."