Alphonse could hear the happy cheers of people as he sat silently in the library. People were excitedly shouting around the halls, even singing, about being human again. So much happiness, and yet there he was in the library by himself.

Perhaps it was because no one had thought to celebrate in the library that none had bothered him.

Perhaps it was they were searching for him elsewhere.

Perhaps it would have been easier for him to be found if he walked out and joined in the celebrations.

No matter how much he wanted to be happy for everyone else, there was something stopping him from partaking in the festivities. A lingering question that, no matter what he tried, wouldn't leave his mind.

Why hadn't he changed back to being human?

Why was he still just a suit of armor?

And the more he thought about it, the more he realized he knew the reason.

The curse hadn't been what made him like this. It was Edward who had put him in his suit so he could continue living.

"Does that mean," he asked himself quietly, "that I'm going to stay like this forever?"

His mind raced to try to think of another way, but none came to mind.

He felt like he wanted to cry, but he couldn't. He didn't have any tears to shed.

"How could she ever love me now? I told her that I might have my body back next time I see her. But, now I never will."

He slumped down to the ground, knees to the floor as he stared downward. He slowly raised his fist and slammed it down, making the floor shake a little.

"I'm just going to stay a monster forever."

He stayed where he was for several minutes, not wanting to or caring to move. Silence filled the room.

A creek emanated from the library doors as they were pushed open. Alphonse didn't look to see who it was, he didn't feel like being around other people at the moment.

"Go away, I want to be alone," he said, rather harshly.

Silence lingered for several seconds, as though whoever pushed open the door was noticing he hadn't changed. Part of him really did want whoever it was to go away. The other part said otherwise.

Footsteps slowly and hesitantly approached him, but he still didn't look up. He didn't want anyone to see him still like this, especially not...

"Alphonse?"

Al's glowing red orbs shot up at the feminine voice.

'(Y/n)!'

***

You looked down at him, guessing as to why he sounded so... antisocial.

"(Y-Y/n), I-I didn't know it was," he began,voice immediately jumping to an apologetic tone.

"It's okay Alphonse," you cut him off. "You haven't changed back, you have a reason to be upset."

"Yeah, but," he looked down again, as if he was disappointed with himself, "not at you."

You sat down next to him, your instincts guiding you.

"Do you want to talk about it?" You asked.

Al stayed silent for a moment, before nodding his head, creating the clinking you had grown to love so much.

"Other than not being able to eat or sleep, is there any other reason you don't want to stay as you are?"

After a pause, you could hear what sounded like muffled sniffles coming from Alphonse. Had he had his body back, you didn't doubt that tears would have been in his eyes.

"H-how could anyone ever love a suit of armor? I-I don't even have a hand to hold, or a face to look at. W-why would anyone ever want to be with me? I'm just," Al clenched his fists, whether in anger or to hold back inner tears was unknown to you, "a monster."

"No," you stated, quickly wrapping your arms around him in a comforting hug.

Alphonse looked down at you, tensing up. Slowly, he relaxed and put his arms around you..

"What do you mean, 'no'?"

"You're not a monster. You're one hundred percent human, where it counts, in your soul."

He stared down, surprised at the confidence you spoke with.

"But, why would any girl want to be with me? All I have is," he began again, but you cut him off.

"A heart of gold. And any girl that knows what matters should be able to see past your lack of a body."

"But," Al looked down at the ground again, "how do I get them to fall in love with me in my current state? They probably wouldn't even give me a second thought once they found out about my, condition."

"Alphonse, listen to me. You do have a hand to hold, even if it might be made of metal, it's still there. Your head might be a helmet, but, I think you still have beautiful eyes,"you felt your face heat up, "And people shouldn't fall in love for looks, anyways. You could be a hideous grotesque monster, and if they still didn't love you then it's their loss. You're wonderful, and smart, and kind, and," you looked at the floor, "that's been enough to make me fall for you."

Loud clanking sounds sprang to life as Al shuffled suddenly and broke from the hug.

"Wh-what did you just say?"

"I said that your personality had been enough to make me fall for you."

"(Y/n), a-are you saying, you love me?"

Your blush grew a bit darker, and you looked further away from him as you nodded your head slightly.

Hesitantly, he took your hands, at which your blush only worsened as your eyes met his again.

"(Y/n), I love you too. Y-you really don't care that I don't have a body?"

You smiled brightly at him, eyes closed.

"Nope. Everything I said was straight from the heart. I've just been too scared to tell you, fear of rejection and all. I-I was actually planning to tell you the night of the ball, before Winry interrupted us," you said.

Al remained silent for a few seconds, then started laughing.

"Wh-what's so funny?" You asked.

"I wanted to tell you I loved you the night of the ball, too. And I was scared you were going to reject me, as well," he said.

You stared at him, before both of you started laughing together.

"At least everything worked out in the end," you chuckled.

"Yeah. And, if you really don't mind me not having a body, I think I can live with being as I am. I was more worried about how you felt about it, honestly," he said.

"Glad to hear that. H-hey, Alphonse?" You blushed, looking down again.

"Yes (Y/n)?"

"W-would it be okay if I kissed you?"

Al seemed very surprised, pink tinting his metallic face, but he nodded quickly.

He stood up, offering a hand, which you happily took, to help you up.

Once you had gotten to your feet, you looked up at him helplessly.

Taking the hint, he leaned down a bit. You still had to stand on your tiptoes to be at eye level with him. You heard Al chuckle as you tried to keep your balance.

"Don't laugh at me while I'm trying to show affection," you said jokingly.

"I can't help it, you're acting adorable," he chuckled.

Finally, you found a sweet spot of balance and leaned forward, closing your eyes and feeling your face burn a few degrees warmer.

Cold metal met your lips, but you didn't care what it felt like.

You were kissing Alphonse.

Al's hands moved to your waist, holding you close to him. Your hands moved to his face, cupping his cheek, before you hesitantly moved your face away.

As you opened your eyes, you registered that Al's pink tint had darkened significantly. Of course, your own face was faring no better.

You smiled up at him.

"I love you, Alphonse."

He hugged you a little tighter.

"I love you too, (Y/n)," he said, an unseen smile in his voice.

As you two stood there in each other's embrace, you heard a soft meow nearby. Both of you looked around and saw a small white kitten rubbing against Al's feet.

"There you are, Spook! I was wondering where you had gone. Did you miss me, cutie?" You asked, scooping her up.

Spook's expression remained one which was blissfully unaware of what was going on.

"I'm sure she did. She got really clingy while you were gone," Alphonse explained.

"Really? Somebody's a momma's girl," you chuckled, holding the cat closer to you.

"So, I realized I haven't asked, have brother and Winry gotten together?"

You grinned.

"Yep. It took them long enough if you ask me," you grinned.

He chuckled.

"Yeah, I knew he had nothing to worry about."

"He probably thought the same thing for you."

"Winry probably thought the same for you, too."

More chuckles resounded from you both. Setting Spook back down, you spoke again.

"Do you want to go find everyone else now, tell them the good news?"

Alphonse took hold of your hand shyly.

"Yeah. Let's go tell everyone."

And with that, the two of you walked towards the library's door, and exited, hand in hand.

(A/N- You all thought Al was gonna get his body back, didn't you? NOPE! I was thinking about doing that, buuuuuut then I couldn't have the adorable dialogue. Don't worry! The story isn't over yet! Two chapters left, and then I can get started on the OTHER Alphonse x reader I have an idea for (an ongoing one). More details when it's written and eventually posted! Thanks for reading!)