Everything's Changing, Again and Again...
It had been several weeks since either of the Elric brothers had really set foot outside. The first of December had passed while both of them were still laid up in the clinic. They'd only gotten to see the over-all transformation of the island when they'd finally headed back the green-and-gold singers cart. Although it had been an odd sight to see, it did somehow explain how the clothes they'd had with them in the clinic had suddenly become more fitting of colder climates.
Since their return home (and Edward was still really adjusting to the idea of the cart as not simply their place of return, but truly 'home'), Edward had refused to let Alphonse do anything that didn't involve sitting bundled up, eating, or sleeping. Truly, it had been a good excuse for Edward to stay indoors as well. 'Keeping an eye on' your younger brother seemed a much better excuse than being laid up from broken ribs and lingering headaches. Not to mention that fact that he'd been without the use of a right arm for almost a week -- gathering the pieces needed for repairs had been quite a task, but Winry had managed.
It wasn't until Monday, December 18th (nearly three weeks since they had initially set out into the jungles) that Edward finally caved to the 'cabin fever', and went outside.
The air was cold and crisp when he set out that morning, long before Al or Moril had woken (though, he supposed he'd probabaly woken Moril when he'd shut the cart door). Edward realized that he was desperately in need of a winter coat. A trip to the compound to rifle through the clothing box was a perfectly good excuse for getting out.
And somehow (as he'd been prone to doing for the past several years), between everything that had happened, and everything that still needed settling, he'd completely forgotten it was his birthday.
Since their return home (and Edward was still really adjusting to the idea of the cart as not simply their place of return, but truly 'home'), Edward had refused to let Alphonse do anything that didn't involve sitting bundled up, eating, or sleeping. Truly, it had been a good excuse for Edward to stay indoors as well. 'Keeping an eye on' your younger brother seemed a much better excuse than being laid up from broken ribs and lingering headaches. Not to mention that fact that he'd been without the use of a right arm for almost a week -- gathering the pieces needed for repairs had been quite a task, but Winry had managed.
It wasn't until Monday, December 18th (nearly three weeks since they had initially set out into the jungles) that Edward finally caved to the 'cabin fever', and went outside.
The air was cold and crisp when he set out that morning, long before Al or Moril had woken (though, he supposed he'd probabaly woken Moril when he'd shut the cart door). Edward realized that he was desperately in need of a winter coat. A trip to the compound to rifle through the clothing box was a perfectly good excuse for getting out.
And somehow (as he'd been prone to doing for the past several years), between everything that had happened, and everything that still needed settling, he'd completely forgotten it was his birthday.