[ when he hears Al speak, he looks up, blinking at him in surprise. no? did Al not want to do any of those things? but then there's Al, all big heart and concern, and Ed cannot help but smile.

living for himself? he never considered it, never once thought of it as anything other than what he was supposed to do, their quest to get their bodies back. certainly that was living for themselves. Ed wanted to see Al returned to his body, wanted his brother back, no matter how selfish, and here they are.

he goes quiet, however, as Al speaks, turning his eyes to the blue sky. would he even know what to do with himself? what could the world hold for him after the past six years? what more was left? ]

I didn't give anything up, Al. I spent six years traveling with you, working toward a goal, meeting amazing people, doing amazing things. There were terrible times, too, but I think that's what is extraordinary about life, what makes it so unique. I see that now, and I didn't before.

[ he shrugs, closing his eyes and turning his face to the sun. ] I've spent years wondering if we'd ever have normal lives, ever get to return to the world as just the Elric brothers, nothing more, and here we are. There you are, your body back and I have my arm back at least and --

[ he opens his eyes, pausing. he sits up slowly, his braid falling out completely, golden hair falling across his back. ] Maybe one day I'll be able to do what you said -- be able to wake up and not feel like there's something still out there waiting for me to find it, but for now, this is what I want. I want to swim, cook, sleep all day, laugh. I want to spend time with you -- no more fighting or danger or war. That's what I want my life to be, Al, for now. Just for now.

[ he lets out a breath, hand absently massaging his leg where flesh meets metal. it hurts more, these days. ] That's enough for me.