“I never knew the nights were this long. Before this, I always spent my nights talking with brother about alchemy, about our future...and once we got tired from all the talking, we'd fall asleep and dream of happy things. One night seemed so short then. Now one night feels so... so awfully long.” – Alphonse Elric, chapter 431
--2
Edward Elric loves to sleep.3
After all, spending every day traveling, researching alchemy, chasing leads and getting into various kinds of trouble can get rather exhausting. And he once heard that getting a good night's rest helps you grow, so what he misses from his issues with milk he makes up for in sleeping hours. (In his reasoning, anyway.) He doesn’t care anymore where he tucks in for the night; he’ll sleep on anything from couches to cold, hard ground, with only a tuft of grass for his pillow. Arms beneath his head, mouth slightly open in a gentle snore, shirt rumpled upwards just enough to expose a bit of skin...he treasures every minute of unconscious bliss.4
But there is one day out of the whole year when he refuses to let his eyes close. Instead he sits with the hollow suit of armor beside him, the armor with the gentle voice of his little brother inside, and keeps vigil all through the night.5
Alphonse rarely says anything, but Ed knows. He knows his brother longs to taste cake and ice cream again, to romp and play with the other barefoot children in soft, grassy fields, to know again the simple happiness of receiving ordinary presents, real presents...not just another can of oil for the armor's old hinges.6
Truth can be a terrible thing; even more so when it is mixed with subtle deceit. There isn’t a day when a ghostly thread of guilt doesn’t creep through the cold of his automail and whisper to him...he can’t taste, can’t smell, can’t feel...can’t cry, can’t smile, can’t sleep...because of you...your foolishness, your sin...he can’t, he can’t...7
Then, like the glint of sunlight reflecting off the firm, silvery surface of Winry’s handiwork, the quiet hope and determination within him outshine the dark whispers:8
But someday he will.9
So Edward celebrates both their hope and his brother’s birthday in the best way he can: to sit next to him, count the stars with him, talk with him, be with him...so for at least one night, Alphonse won't have to spend the long, wakeful hours alone.10
And every year, the conversation eventually repeats itself. Alphonse will hesitate before venturing,11
“Ed? You don't have to stay up all night, you know...”12
“Don't give me that,” comes the hot retort. “No one should have to be all alone on their birthday night; least of all you, Al. So don't even start.”13
“But why? Why’re you doing this? It’s been a long day and I know you’re tired; don't try to deny it.”14
Hard obstinacy tinges Edward's voice as one by one, he counts the reasons on his gloved fingers. “Because it’s your birthday, you're more than worth it, and making you happy makes me happy. It's as simple as that. And besides,” he sometimes adds, moonlight and distant bittersweetness in his eyes as he turns his gaze upwards, “I know you’d do the same for me.”15
It is then that the two points of reddish light brighten from within the armor, glowing warmly in an unseen smile, and the young voice murmurs,16
“Brother...thank you.”17
And Edward will simply smile back and say,18
“Happy birthnight, Al.”19
Author notes
This drabbly little story was partly inspired by WONDERFUL piece of FMA fanart I came across; a picture of Ed and Al sitting together, relaxing on a grassy hill under a clear, moonlit night. And where Al's armor is, you can see a faint, ghost-like, smiling figure - Al as his own human self. Anyway, I was oggling it for the umpteenth time and then out of the blue, a single phrase brushed against my mind: "Edward loves to sleep...but there is one night when he refuses to let his eyes close..." And the plot bunny kept nibbling and nibbling and wouldn't let go. So finally one night, at 2:00 AM in the morning, I caved and scribbled this thing.
I know, it's ridiculously fluffy...but I hope you enjoyed it, lol. ^__^
- Fullmetal Alchemist Group group list • next in list
A contest entry
- FullMetal Alchemist Stories! by Yumiko Kizaka.
195 points, ended September 7, 6 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next story in this contest, remove from contest
Did I get the emotion across? And did I keep the brothers in-character?
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
-
This is beutiful! I love the brotherly love between them
-
I wouldn't know if you kept the brothers in-character, but you definitely got the emotions across. It was a sweet story with that type of love so many overlook as its basis. Spectacular job! :]
Lexx
-
-
Hey, sorry this reply is so dang late... *bonks inner procrastinator* But thanks so much for that wonderful comment! It made me smile!
I'm glad to hear I got the emotions across; I really wasn't sure about this at first...but now that I've gotten a better handle on the fandom, I feel a bit more confident. 
And yeah, too many people overlook the beauty and depth of brotherly love nowadays. To be honest, I think our culture has gotten a bit too obsessed with romance. Not that romance is BAD...but there are so many OTHER kinds of love out there, and they deserve to be celebrated too! It's like it's impossible for two guys to love each deeply without people going all "ooh la la, they're 'together!'" Grrr... >__>
And that's why I love Fullmetal Alchemist so much...not only is the story amazing, but it sheds some wonderful light on what it means to be brothers, best friends, brothers-in-arms, family...and when there IS romance, it's very quiet and meaningful, and it doesn't try to flood your brain with roses and bubbles and sparkles.
Anywho...I'll stop ranting now and let you get on with your life. xD Thanks again for the awesome comment!
-
-
nicely written, to say the least great detail and i must say youre great at getting into the characters' mids! this had to be the bestly written FMA story i have read!
good luck in the contest.
~Envy~
-
-
Thanks so much for making this your third place winner! I'm glad you enjoyed it and I'm flattered to hear you thought it was well-written. I love delving into my favorite characters, and I always try hard to write the best stuff I can, whether it's fan fiction or something else.
Thanks again for the wonderful comment! It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside!
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 5 of 5
