[Al stays looking at Ed even when his brother has turned his face up to the sun, just watching the play of emotions across his face. A lot of people thought that Ed was the course one, rough and angry, but Al knew differently. Ed just wore his emotions close to the surface, he got wounded so easily and he hated to see anyone in pain, that's why he always reacted so strongly.

Now, even when the emotions were a little more muted, Al could still read them clearly. The hurts of years haven't been healed overnight, and maybe they'll always leave scars, but there is hope for happiness in the future.]

Mm.

[He hums. His lips turn up in a smile and his fingers splay out until the tip of his pinky finger is brushing Ed's in a tiny gesture of solidarity.]

Then I guess I better hurry up and get out of the hospital. The sun won't last forever to warm the river for swimming in, and we've got a long road to go before we're home. But we will get there, and we'll do it together.

[In the future, the real and distant future, Al still wants Ed to pursue his own dreams. But his brother is right. They've finally achieved their victory, perhaps to relax and be together in the now is enough. More than enough.]