Though the skies were clear, and the sun was beating down upon the earth, Edward felt that it wasn't all that hot outside. Sure, he'd melt into nothing if he wore his usual long-sleeved shirt and thick coat, but he wasn't burning to death in a T-shirt.

And for a summer day in Resembool, any temperature below scorching was a blessing from a god he did not believe in.

But alas, relaxing in the 20℃ weather was not on Edward's to-do list, for he had been forced out into the village by none other than his beloved automail mechanic, Winry. She had seized his automail limbs for repairs, so now he was out running errands for her with just one arm and a spare, plastic leg.

And Alphonse, poor Alphonse with his broken suit of armor, was left all alone with their obnoxious escort, Major Armstrong, with no way to escape...

He heaved out a sigh, slinging the bag of groceries over his shoulder. It wasn't heavy, but his fingers were beginning to cramp from lugging it all the way from the local store. And he was still five minutes away from home! Ugh.

A sudden noise caught his attention, and Edward caught sight of a group of children running around in a backyard, laughing. Someone else was present, appearing to be around his age.

He blinked. It was someone he hadn't seen in a long time.

"{{user}}?"