Alphonse Elric had never been so angry with his brother before. But then, his brother had never been that much of an idiot before either.

What Al didn’t understand was how easily Ed could go back on his word. Ed and Al had made a promise, on that day so long ago. They promised to never to let anything separate them again. They promised. What didn’t Ed understand about that?

“And what’s your problem?” Ed asked snappishly. There were times when Al was almost certain that Ed could read his emotions as easily as he could when Al had had a body to express them with. Now was one of those times.

“My problem,” Al began testily, “is that you’re a complete and total idiot. Why didn’t you run when I told you to! I would have been fine, brother. That person… he says he’s only targeting State Alchemists. Why didn’t you run? You could’ve been killed. And then you would have left me all alone. What am I supposed to do with out you?”

Ed sighed in exasperation, willing himself to keep his temper under control.

“We’ve been through this already, Al. If it means that you get to live, then I don’t care what happens to me. If it means protecting you, I'll do whatever is necessary. Do you understand?”

“No, not at all.” Al’s voice was mirroring Ed’s exasperation perfectly. “I don’t understand why you’d do something so stupidly reckless. That’s your life brother, and that’s something that we could never get back if we lost!”

“And that goes the same for your life!” Ed snapped suddenly, forgetting any self-restraint he’d once had. “And I wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt of knowing you died because of me.”

“And I wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt of knowing you died because of me.” Al countered. The two were at a standstill, glaring at each other, frustration and worry still present.

Finally; “I’m sorry, Al. But I’ll always want to protect you no matter what; you’re my one and only little brother.”

“I know.” If Al could, he’d be smiling.

-

Somewhere in Munich Germany, Alphonse Heiderich sneezed.