Damn it, Al.

[ there's no anger behind it, not weary fatigue, but a sort of fond, laughing tone instead. he squeezes his brother's hand softly, shrugging. ]

I get it. I do. [ he's never had a moment where he didn't understand exactly what he was giving up, not in this case. he'd do it a thousand times over to give his brother his body back. ]

It sounds like equivalent exchange, alright. But whether you're up to snuff or not is another question. How am I supposed to test complex, advanced theories with a little brother like you, huh?

[ it takes so little for Al to warm his heart, to break the ice around his mind and drag him back into the light. he reaches out to carefully ruffle Al's hair, his own smile broadening. ] I guess you're right.

[ he flexes the fingers of his free hand, then uncurls them again. ] We'll be the strangest pair of Alchemists, yet.