[action]

[automailed]

[October 3rd again. Don't forget. This marks the second time he's hit this date in Luceti, and the first time in his life since carving the words upon his pocket watch that he's met it without Alphonse. That's probably what hurts the most, this time. No closer to getting home, no closer to regaining their bodies, even though he knows that he's only a day away from victory when he goes home. The second worst part is that he's only one day past an experiment that stole those memories from him- that he had, in fact, forgotten. Hadn't even known what the watch or the date upon it even meant.

Tch... stupid place. For the first time in a while, he hates it again.

He's going to keep up with the annual tradition anyway, for Al's sake as much as his, so tonight at the back of House #23, some time after dinner, Edward will be seated at a campfire, occasionally tossing logs into the flames, with a collection of snacks, some books, and notebook paper piled around him to get some work done. He'll be there all night, so any nighthawks or curious passerbys are free to stop in and see what's up.]

Comments

[automailed]

Maybe we can't protect them from everything- that's pretty much impossible. But if we do the best we can, then hopefully their childhood won't be totally ruined.

[savedtheworld]

You're right. We can give them that, at least. If they can keep smiling, that'll be great.

[automailed]

Sounds like you're really committed to this.

[Which is good, of course. This sort of goal is going to take some serious determination in Luceti.]

[savedtheworld]

Of course. I'm... I'm her grandpa and I love her. And I guess... it's also because I'm the last of my people in my time. I let them down, and they're gone, s-so... I'm so lucky I'll have a chance to bring my people back someday. Ikki's both my family and my people all in one. That makes her two times as important to me.

[automailed]

[Wow, he's really underestimated how committed this kid is to his world. This Avatar stuff is serious business.

Sounds familiar, though- and Edward can respect that kind of commitment.]

...If that's how you feel about it, then how can you possibly fail, right?

[savedtheworld]

[He gives a determined nod.]

You're right. Thanks, Ed. And I believe in you and Winry, too. If I can succeed, you guys can. [And as he discards his melted marshmallow with a meek smile.] But maybe I should start with making sure I roast this marshmallow right.

[automailed]

[Edward glances over at the treat, then smirks a bit.]

Yeah, better watch it. You've gotta set a good example for Ikki- kids can't respect someone who can't roast a marshmallow properly.