« 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

[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?

[disembodied]

[ a thoughtful pause. but of course he doesn't have to think too hard on that. ]

The first thing on my list! One of your famous apple pies.

[automailed]

Hey, that's right! We made a promise, after all.

[Hell yeah he wants some delicious pie too.]

[installing]

All right! [Winry pulls out of the hug and rubs away any tears left in her eyes.]

One apple pie, coming up.

[disembodied]

[ Al smiles wide. ] Yes! The first thing I get to eat is Winry's apple pie! Ah, I can't wait!

[automailed]

Awesome! I'm looking forward to this. Oh, and hang on a minute, Al, I'll get you something to wear.

[Zooming off to the bedroom now. His clothes might be a little big for Al's real body, but they should match up well enough.]

[installing]

[Winry ruffles Al's hair once before running off to the kitchen to get everything started. She's sure she doesn't need to run out to get ingredients.]

[disembodied]

[ and then he trashed the living room.

except not really.

al busies himself with wiggling his toes and fingers, rubbing his feet on the floor and feeling the blanket. ]

[automailed]

[It's just a moment later that Edward returns with a button-up shirt and some cargo pants, stuff that's easy to put on. He plops himself down next to Al, offering out the shirt with a grin.]

Man, what a difference, huh? Think you'll need a hand with this?

[He looks so fragile that the slightest movement might snap him like a twig. Definitely need some fattening up, little brother.]

[installing]

[Winry continues to work in the kitchen, mixing the ingredients to make the crust. She'll come back out when she needs to peel the apples. Maybe even make Ed help her with that.]

[disembodied]

I think I've got it.

[ Sort of. He's getting used to taking up a lot less space and is still trying to figure out how his limbs work. ]

[automailed]

[Edward watches over him without trying to watch outright - this is his naked brother after all. But he'll help if Al seems to need any without further comment until he's all settled.]

You know what we need? A wheelchair. I bet I could pull something together with some of the stuff we've got in the house if we- hang on. Hey, Winry!

[He faces the kitchen.]

You've got scrap metal in your workshop, right?

[installing]

Of course I do! Do you need it?