Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist. I'm making no profit from this story...blah blah blah...you know the drill.

Spoiler Warning: Yes, this story will no doubt contain some spoilers, so please read it at your own risk if you have not seen the entire anime series or read the beginning of the manga. It's really my own alternate ending for the anime...although I can't really seethis ever happening in the actual anime, I'm exercizing my artistic license.

Summary: Alternate series ending. Ed and Al have finally reached the end of their quest. With the philosopher's stone in their possession, all that remains is to get their original bodies back...but as usual, things are never easy for the boys, and the consequences wrought will test the strength of their brotherhood. Pairings to be determined.

It was a cold night for the South, and Edward removed his red jacket and gloves without enthusiasm, as the chill night made its presence known upon his skin in the form of goose bumps. He dropped the garments outside the array he had built only moments before, and moved towards the center, hearing the sound of metallic footsteps following close behind. His hands clenched at the sound, and he shoved them into his pockets in frustration. This is it, he thought, this is it. Tonight I repay my debt.

A hesitant "Niisan…" brought him back to awareness, and he realized he'd been staring at the ground for several minutes, his body rigid, and he shook himself loose as he turned on his heel to look up at his younger brother.

"Ready, Al?" he said, a brave smile plastered on his face.

Al hesitated for only a moment before nodding in assent.

Edward's smile faded into a line of concentration as he reached for his brother's metal hand, and he had only a moment to absorb the feel of coolness against his bare skin before red obscured his vision.

When this was over, he would hold his brothers human hand, and revel in its warmth.