[ even if Al is restricted to a suit of armor, he has come to recognize the boy's emotions, his thoughts, even in the simple way he holds himself. seeing the way Al leans closely, the brightness of his eyes? even that spreads some warmth through Ed's chest. ]

W-what?! You can't beat me, Al! I'm your older brother, I'm supposed to win! And I will! [ he flails his arms broadly for emphasis, but pauses when Al mentions the cake. of course, eating, sleeping, dreaming, all of these simple things that Ed takes for granted. ]

Well, I'll find you the biggest cream cake in all of Amestris, okay?