Title: Safe

Fandom: FMA

Author: ice shredder

Spoilers: none

Disclaimer: Don't own FMA

Summary: Ed's got too much time on his hands and decides to write down the things he'd never admit to anyone.

Rating: T

Everyone's got their share of secrets. Some more than others and I'm no exception. Heh, I could fill an entire train car maybe more, with the amount of baggage I carry around.

But anyway I might as well get this down on paper. Dunno how long Al's gonna be out so I need to do this fast.

This ain't gonna be some sob fest or nothin' but it's been eating at me so I gotta get it outta my system and make sure nobody else sees this. I'd never live it down.

Here goes.

I'm the most safe when Al's with me.

Don't laugh. Sure I come across as some brash loudmouth tough guy. But that's part and parcel with who I am along with the public image I've gotta maintain. Nobody'll support a wuss let alone someone they CONSTANTLY mistake as a ..as a...grrrrr...do I really have to say it?! Alright FINE. As a SHRIMP. SHORTY. BEAN SPROUT. MICRO FLEA. Oh and my FAVORITE one...LITTLE RED RUNT. Damn that butch General Armstrong to hell-!

Ahem. If you happen to see that sir, please disregard that outburst...nothin' personal yanno...

Arrrgh! It doesn't matter how BIG I write those words, THEY STILL PISS ME OFF!

...

Ok, ok. I'm back. Sorry 'bout that. Had ta step away for a sec. Cool off. Hmm so where was I...ah! Al. How I feel the safest around him. Right.

It's probably like one of the cheesiest secrets ever, but it's true. I can't function well if he's not somewhere close by. Not that I can't handle myself mind ya. It's just...well it's a good thing no one else can see this...

Riding on endless trains, walking from one place to another, getting in and out of scrapes, shielding me with his steel frame from dangers he knows I'd never survive without him jumping in front or pushing me out of harm's way. I'd be dead many times over if it wasn't for him.

I think...I ain't quite sure but I've got a theory. I think in some weird, indirect way by protecting me like that he tries to shoulder some of my pain. Tries to ease the heavy burden I carry. Heh, I've told him many times this mistake isn't his to share but when my life's in mortal danger, I'm in no position to argue.

And he knows it too.

Oh crap! I gotta hide this. Al's coming and I don't wanna explain why I'm all emotional and whatever. Maybe this writing thing isn't so bad after all. Better than flooding the place with tears that's for sure...