« 005 » fifth circle. action. backdated to the 22.

[disembodied]

[ There's a suit of armor sitting by the fountain today. It's slumped over, birds have landed on the broad shoulders and perched upon the jutting horn. evening is falling.

There's a large, red bow tied around the armor and a note. Happy Birthday Edward. ]

Comments

[automailed]

It is? Ah- hang on- [He stops, skidding a little in the snow, and jogs back to the armor to fish out Al's little journal before he gets moving again. Sheesh, why did it have to be in the loincloth, exactly?] I bet the first on the list'll be an apple pie!

[disembodied]

[ Because no one would steal it there. But now that he's not in the armor, he can kind of see why that'd be an awkward place. ]

Yes! I can't wait to taste it.

[automailed]

[He's just dying to see the look on Al's face when he eats something for the first time, so with a quiet apology for the jostling, Edward picks up the pace, trying to get back to the house as soon as possible. Winry definitely needs to see this!]

Do you remember anything? Like how they got your body back?

[disembodied]

No. I wish I did... I just remember everything going black while I was in the cell, then waking up here.

[automailed]

It's pretty amazing, though! They were able to do what we couldn't in such a short time... geez.

[Friggin' cheaters. Though it's good news for them, at least.]

[disembodied]

That's true... If only we could study the Shifts better.

[automailed]

It would be pretty useful if we could, yeah. You'd think they would be putting us scientists to better use than just sticking us in here.

[He can't bring himself to feel too annoyed, though. Still on that perpetual high.]

[disembodied]

They're probably just worried that we'll outsmart them.

[automailed]

Haha, I don't blame them! We've solved enough mysteries to give 'em a run for their money.

[Jog jog jog-]

Hey, we're almost there! You ready to see Winry?

[disembodied]

Yes!

[ He can't wait to see the look on her face. ]

[automailed]

[OKAY SCREW WAITING LET'S GET SOME AUTOMAIL GEEK IN THIS HERE PLACE. Finally arriving, Edward practically kicks open the door, shouting as loud as his voice will carry-]

Hey, Winry!!

[installing]

What, Ed?

[She calls from inside the small spare room she uses as a home workshop. She sounds a little annoyed, but that's only because Ed interrupted something she thinks is important at the moment (which will most definitely pale in comparison to what Ed has to show her).]

[disembodied]

Winry, we've got a surprise!

[automailed]

Yeah, so hurry the hell up! [He kicks his foot back to close the door, ignoring the slam and sauntering right over to the couch to set Alphonse down, grabbing a couple of blankets and pillows to help support him and warm him up.] We better get you some real clothes, huh? Can't have you freezing on us.

1/2

[installing]

[Winry sighs and puts her stuff down. The blond semi-stomps over to the door and leaves the room to find-]

What is it-

[installing]

[And there he is. Flesh and bone. He may not be the small child he was, but Winry recognizes him immediately. She stares for a moment, frozen. Tears begin to form at the corner of her eyes, and when one threatens to fall the girl races over to the couch.]

Alphonse!?

[disembodied]

Do you think I'll fit into any of yours? [ BLANKETS ARE SO WARM and preserve modesty they are awesome.

oh and there's winry. ] ... I'm home.

[automailed]

Yeah, I think- [........eh. heh. heheheh.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA]

I'm bigger than you now, Al!!

[He grins a bit manically at them both. Yep, this'll be fun.]

[installing]

[Winry totally ignores Ed's creepy laugh to give a big hug to Al. He looks so fragile, but...! It's been so long since she's been able to hug his flesh and bone.]

This is wonderful, Al!

[disembodied]

[ We'll deal with your Napoleon Complex later big brother. For now we're going to give Winry the biggest hug ever! that... we can manage while being so skinny.

She's so warm and alive he might start crying again.]

[automailed]

[Okay, size really matters not right now. What's important is that the three of them are together, with their bodies intact (mostly), and he's going to join that big hug in a heartbeat, wrapping his arms around them both and relishing the moment.

Awwww yeah, Resembool trio cuddles. And he won't even kick up a fuss about it, either.]

[installing]

[She smiles and lets her tears flow. Some probably end up dripping all over Al.]

I'm so happy! Did this just happen?

[disembodied]

Yes. I woke up like this. [ he's kind of cold but he's okay with the tears. ]

[automailed]

I found him in the plaza inside the armor. The Malnosso had him wrapped up like a birthday present.

[THEY ARE SO WEIRD.]

[installing]

[Winry pulls away to brush some of Al's hair out of his face with her hand. That is weird, but... who cares? Al is back in the flesh.]

Is there something I can make for you to eat? Do you want something to drink?