Trust
Prologue

He didn't know what to do anymore.

Everyday, Edward Elric was able to keep a cheerful look on his face, but that was pretty much it. He had to, of course. His little brother was depending on him. Even now, Al was watching, grey-green eyes concerned and studying him from over the rim of a bowl of soup.

Flashing Al a quick grin and grabbing some towels-- Alphonse's new and human hands were still prone to shaking and some of the boy's lunch had spilled onto the table-- Edward made a mental note not to dwell on these sort of things during the day. The last thing Al needed at the moment was stress.

Besides, it was ridiculous... these odd thoughts that haunted the blond lately.

He felt lost.

Ed knew he shouldn't be feeling bad at all... Hell, his life had most definitely taken a turn for the better. Al was restored, healthy, and improving a bit more every day... and both hadn't had to deal with the military or the Colonel for months.

The Fullmetal Alchemist should be ecstatic... it was a dream come true. It really was.

It hadn't been so bad in the weeks previous. There was too much to do. Alphonse had problems adjusting to his new body, and his older brother found his hands full with that. It was tough work, but not unexpected. Every milestone they hit was more than worth it. It was amazing.

In several more weeks, Al probably would not need him at all anymore. Already Ed found himself with a lot less to do. Before, Alphonse needed him to hold the spoon and guide it to the younger boy's mouth-- now his little brother was more than capable of handling that part himself. Spills or no.

Over the years, many called the Fullmetal Alchemist a driven person. Determination... obsession... those had been key factors in the blond's life ever since his mother took her last gasping breath. Ed had desperately needed something to strive for.

It had paid off in the end. After years of searching, Ed and Al had created the Philosopher's Stone and accomplished their main goal. It was too bad the thing had broken before Edward's arm and leg could be fixed... but he didn't much care. His dream was reality.

...But now what?

A fake smile on his face, Ed pointed out an amusing article in the paper to the other boy then both laughed and discussed it. An hour later, they were making plans for the day. Al agreed that the weather was nice enough that they might as well go outside. The doctors had suggested a lot of fresh air, after all.

Just another typical afternoon. Like all the ones before it, and likely all the ones that would follow.

If he waited, this feeling would probably go away... or at least Ed hoped. It was pointless and abnormal, and he'd rather be wiser than that. Other people got along perfectly well with just living their lives, and not always running towards some distant horizon.

No one else need know a thing about this. Especially Alphonse.

That much Ed was sure of.