"Alphonse!" Edward called, climbing up the hill that overlooked the lake where they'd went swimming many times as children. At the top sat his brother, his legs stretched out before him. The sleeves of his shirt were pushed up to soak in the midday sunlight as he leaned back on his hands. His head was tilted back and his eyes closed in absolute contentment. He was so busy daydreaming that he hadn't even heard Edward approaching.

Ed grinned. Now would be an ideal time to sneak up on Alphonse.

He softened his footsteps and tip-toed closer…

"You're not nearly as sneaky as you think you are," Al spoke without opening his eyes, his voice filled with smugness and a pinch of amusement.

The elder Elric gave up the act and plopped down on the ground beside him. "Oh, you shouldn't have said that, Little Brother. That means I'm going to have to prove you wrong," he grinned good-naturedly.

"Bring it on," Al replied confidently, the corner of his mouth perking up.

"Later," Ed promised. "Winry sent me up here to retrieve you. Lunch is going to be ready soon."

Al nodded, having yet to lift his eyelids. It'd been nearly two months since the Promised Day when Edward had returned his body to him, and the time had slipped past them like a swift current. In that small amount of time they'd been doing nothing and everything at the same time. Alphonse had been reveling in his newfound senses and Ed was with him every step of the way, sharing in his joy of rediscovering all of the glorious things life had to offer. They'd been home in Resembool as soon as the doctor cleared him to leave and Al had been embracing his beautiful hometown with open arms ever since.

There were so many things he'd experienced that most would take for granted. Like being able to feel Winry's welcome home hug or Den's soft fur as he licked Al's cheek. Or the smell and taste of family dinner's followed by cool nights spent around the roaring fireplace. How they would lounge around talking with smiles on their faces and making each other laugh, and this time he was able to feel the laughter vibrate deep in his chest in a way that would make the fuzzy glow of happiness linger.

One experience in particular he never realized he missed but did most days now was what he was doing right then. To be able to sit there on the open landscape of Resembool, to see the rolling green hills and be able to smell the scent of Spring that played in the atmosphere. Sitting there, feeling the dirt and blades of grass under his palms and the rays of sun kissing his skin while the most refreshing breeze made his small locks of blonde hair tickle the back of his neck and ears… Words could never describe how amazing it was.

This was how it felt to be truly alive.

"Just a little longer," Al asked of his brother, lying down in the soft grass with a sigh.

Edward smiled, not protesting in the slightest. He knew what Alphonse was doing. It'd been what he'd been doing for the past two months now. He was cherishing all of the things that came with having a true body, re-familiarizing himself with every aspect, every sensation. Al had been in that suit of armor for far too long, had suffered more than one so young should, and had fought through the suffering, the years of sensory deprivation, the lonesome, sleepless nights. They'd both come so far and fought so hard for this. Who was he to cut short Al's happiness? He deserved every bit of it.

So they stayed that way in peaceful silence and enjoyed this moment together. By the time Winry came to find them, Al had fallen asleep.

"You guys never came back. I got worried," she explained, approaching the two of them. Her hair was let down for once and the lemon strands fluttered in the gentle wisps of wind. One of her hands pushed the bangs out of her bright, blue eyes and she smiled when she saw Al sleeping like a baby beside his big brother.

Ed hummed a response, glancing down at Al as well. He'd curled up on his side, the opposite to how Ed himself would sleep on his back with his limbs splayed out.

"He fell asleep and I didn't want to disturb him," Ed told her, fondness seeping into his tone. "Thought I'd let him nap a while longer."

Winry crouched down right beside Edward, hugging the tops of her knees as she sang, "I made apple pie."

Ed hopped up, "On second thought, he can nap while I carry him."

Winry shook her head and laughed quietly as she went to help him position Al on his back so that he could carry him piggyback style. Al stirred, but only to wrap his arms around Ed's shoulders tighter. He settled after that, his cheek resting on Ed's left shoulder so that his face was turned towards Winry as they walked back to the house.

"Aw, isn't that adorable," Winry cooed, grinning from ear to ear.

"Take any pictures and you die a thousand painful deaths," Ed promised her.

"Idiot, then who would fix your leg up when you break it?" she smirked, poking him in the side.

Ed tried not to jump too much and jostle the passenger riding on his back. His cheeks warming, he grumbled, "Gearhead."

"Alchemy freak," she retorted.

They walked on, both of them sneaking side glances at each other. Smiles betrayed them but they didn't care.

They had every reason in the world to smile.

See, told you the next one would be a happy one. ^_^

I wrote this because I really need a reason to smile right now. I hope you guys smiled a little too while reading this.