I got the idea for writing this after listening to Kagerou days on repeat. I wondered what Ed would do if he was in a similar situation. Thus, this was born. Thank you Kagerou days for the inspiration!

Disclaimer: I can't draw like the one and only Arakawa

Ed groaned as he was pulled from his peaceful sleep. He yawned and opened his eyes. He looked around the room. There was some dirty laundry that he meant to get to lying on the floor. He glanced over to the bed across from him and saw Al was still asleep. 'That's funny, since when do I wake up before him?' Ed asked himself. With a groan he swung his legs over to the side of his bed and got up. He looked towards the calendar that hung above the dresser. It read July 20th. He sighed, remembering that last night he had gotten a call from Mustang telling him to come in for a mission in the morning.

Ed couldn't wait until he was out of the military. He had one more year to go and then his State Alchemist license would expire. He had no need to be in the military anymore. After all, he found the philosopher stone and got Al back to normal. They wanted to move back to Resembool, but until Ed was out of the military, they couldn't. For the meantime they shared a small, simple apartment close to Central Headquarters. Ed went over to the dresser and grabbed some clean clothes. He saw movement from where Al lay. "Morning." Ed said. He got a mumble in reply. A minute later Al bolted out of bed, startling Ed.

"What time is it!?" He asked frantically.

Ed grabbed his pocket watch that rested on his bedside table. "Eight-thirty." He told Al.

Al gasped and ran to the dresser. "I can't believe I slept in so late! Ugh where are my pants?" He asked as he removed clothes at the speed of light looking for the missing article.

Ed chuckled. "Al, eight-thirty is not late at all. Relax. And they're over in that pile." Ed said, pointing to the mess of clothes on the floor.

"Brother you still haven't washed anything?" Al asked, slightly irritated.

Ed let out a nervous laugh. "Well I've been pretty busy. Blame Mustang and his damn missions." Ed complained.

"Fine brother, even though it's your turn I'll wash them for you today. However next time you're doing it no matter what." Al said, giving Ed a glare to let him know he meant business.

Ed gulped. "I-I will I p-promise." Ed stuttered. That glare always made him nervous.

Al walked over to the unwashed pair of pants and with a sigh, slid them over his boxers. 'It's better than nothing.' Al told himself. Ed walked over to the big mirror on the wall and picked up his hairbrush. He brushed his hair and placed it into his signature braid.

"What time do you have to be at headquarters?" Al asked, reaching over for his small comb. Since he had short hair he didn't see the point of having a big brush.

"Nine." Ed replied.

Al dropped his comb. "Brother! You're going to be late!" Al exclaimed. Ed shrugged it off, not caring if he was on time for that bastard. Al grabbed his arm and dragged him out the door. "Hey, I didn't get to slide my coat on!" Ed whined.

Al glared at him and he shut his mouth. "This is my fault, if I had woken up sooner you wouldn't be late." Al whispered.

Ed looked over at him worriedly. "Al, don't blame yourself. It's my damn fault for not setting an alarm. It's my responsibility, not yo-" He was cut off with Al shouting "Kitty!" Ed turned around to see what Al was looking at. There on the grass a small cat sat with brown fur and black spots sat cleaning itself. Al walked over slowly to it. "Al leave the cat alone. What about all that you said about getting to headquarters on time?" Ed asked.

"But, but,but..." Al pouted.

Ed laughed. "Fine Al you can carry it until we get there." Ed suggested.

Als eyes lit up like a lamp. "You mean it!?" He asked excitedly.

"Yeah, why not? Just don't bring it inside. Some people are allergic." Ed explained. Al nodded and went over to pick up the cat.

He reached out his hands and the cat gladly jumped into his arms. No surprise, Al always was good with animals. Al smiled and pet its fur as they continued walking.

"It sure is hot today." Ed mumbled.

"I know, I don't really like the summertime when it's this hot." Al said. Ed reached out to pet the cat only to receive a loud meow and a scratch. "Brother! Are you okay?" Al asked.

"I'm fine it's just a scratch." Ed reassured. The cat started struggling in Als grip. It got loose and ran into the street.

"No wait! He won't hurt you I promise!" Al shouted as he ran after it.

"Hey Al get back here!" Ed shouted, running to get him. Suddenly a truck turned the corner and Al didn't have time to react. He released a horrifying scream as the truck hit him hard. He fell down instantly. Blood splattered everywhere. On the truck, street, and part of Eds clothes. Ed stared in absolute horror, trying to process what just happened. He took in one breath of air, smelling the blood and nearly vomited. "A-Al?" He stuttered. Tears ran down his face the more he looked at Als dead body. Bystanders looked at what happened in shock. The truck driver got out to see what happened. Ed couldn't take this. No, not Al. He had just gotten back to normal! He couldn't be dead, he just couldn't be!

"What you see is exactly what you're gonna get." A voice from behind him said. Ed jumped and turned to see...himself? No, it wasn't him. He looked like him but he wore an evil grin and a black coat. "W-what do you mean?" Ed asked. He only got a smirk in reply. Soon, everything went to black. Ed woke up startled. Sweat covered his entire body and he was panting. He looked over and saw Al sleeping peacefully. He took in a big sigh of relief. "It was just a dream." He said as he relaxed. He felt something wet on his face. At first he thought it was sweat but then realized it was tears. 'Dumbass, don't cry over a dream.' He told himself. He looked up at the calendar. July 20th. He had to be at headquarters for his mission soon.

Al was still fast asleep. Ed didn't want to wake him up but if he didn't Al would get mad. With a sigh he walked over and shook him. "Al wake up, I have to be at headquarters soon." Ed said.

Al mumbled and woke up. "Morning brother." He said with a yawn.

When his eyes opened up all the way Ed felt completely relieved. 'You're fine, you're alive. Thank gates.' Ed told himself.

"Brother, are you okay? You're all sweaty." Al said. Leave it to Al to observe everything the second he wakes up.

Ed sighed. "I'm fine Al. Come on lets get ready." They got dressed and headed out the door. This time Ed had time to slide on his coat and they wouldn't be late. As they walked towards headquarters something bothered Ed. A small brown cat with black spots ran by.

Let me know if you'd be interested in seeing this story continue. Thanks for reading! ^^