'Alphonse, Alphonse, Al, Al.'
Ed had hoped that, if he kept repeating it, it would stop him from screaming. Al, Alphonse. He had to make amends for his sin, it was no time to lose to the attaching of automail, only the first step to their journey.
'Winry, Winry, Win, Win.'
He had also hoped that, by repeating her name, he wouldn't cry. Wouldn't cry from the unbearable pain because, he can't bear seeing those crystal-blue eyes fill with tears, can't bear seeing the damned tears flow down her porcelain face. He. Will. Not. Make. Her. Cry.
'Trisha, Trisha, Kaa-san, Kaa-san'
Ed knew saying her name was a disgrace. He had done so much to harm her, he practically killed her a second time.
But if he didn't, he wouldn't have the strength to admit his sins, if he couldn't remember that night, he would have no guilt, nothing to drive him forward.
So, in his mind, he repeats these names.
Alphonse, Al, Al
Winry, Win, Win
Trisha, Kaa-san, Kaa-san
And, carrying the burden of the names in his mind, he trudges forward, repenting and protecting the people he love.
For his sins, it was his duty to carry these burdens.
A/N: …wow, angst much?
