The dinner table was alive with light conversation and sweets. Edward and Alphonse Elric, passing through Central on their way to their latest assignment, were on their traditional pit-stop at the Hughes household. The visit lined up with Al's birthday; typical to form, the Hughes' insisted that they throw him a party.

What made the Hughes house special was the pure normalcy of it all. Elicia, kicking her tiny feet under the table and chattering for more cake. Gracia's laughter, Maes' innocent jabs at Edward. There was nothing to hide, here. No past wrongs to keep in the dark, no need for Alphonse to pretend to eat. They knew. They knew what had happened; they knew not to speak of it.

The time came too quickly for the brothers to return to their quarters. Edward had already dozed off in his seat twice. Alphonse plucked him easily out of his chair, helping his half-asleep older brother to the door as Mr. Hughes said his good-byes.

"I'll see you boys soon. Happy birthday, Alphonse."

"Thanks, Dad-"

Alphonse started, catching his mistake only a moment too late. "I... Sorry, Mr. Hughes, I didn't-"

Maes only offered the embarrassed boy a smile and a wink.

Those boys may as well have been his sons, anyway.