[ if it's strange for him to be so affectionate, al didn't notice. it seemed normal, even fine to scoot close to his brother and bask in his presence. to reach out and trail his fingers along a firm jaw or along the nape of ed's neck. his fingers linger there a moment, recalling how ed had bound his soul to that armor, at approximately the same spot, and al can't help but wish that he had some mark to acknowledge the sacrifice his brother made to resurrect him fully.

but he had no regrets. not now, not after everything. this might not be the same brother he intended to find in the gate, but it was still ed, and al craved every small bit of affection he could steal from his brother. it didn't quite make up for the four years being unable to feel or touch, but it helped a lot. ]

Mm, like we always do. I'm glad to be here with you, Brother. I missed you a lot, even when I couldn't remember everything. I wanted so much to be able to see you again. To hug you. To know what it was like to feel the warmth of your skin. Remember, that? I can finally feel you.