Dear Alphonse,

There's something that I have to tell you but I am so afraid of what you will say. What if you do blame me? I know it's my fault that you are in the armour but I didn't know what else to do. I couldn't just let you die. You mean the world to me. Ever since mum died I was the only person you had to turn to. I was the only person who could look after you, you were my responsibility and I have let you down. I am so sorry Alphonse; I was just trying to be the best brother that I could. But I have proven that I'm not.

When mum died I hated seeing you cry every night. I used to hear you calling mum's name out in your sleep and it broke my heart to hear you whimpering but I was always there to hold you when you woke up crying, asking why mommy had to die. I couldn't answer that question. I let you down then by not being able to answer the one question that you deserved to know the answer to.

I wish that I could be the brother that you deserve. I have put you in so much danger over the last year and I often wish that I had told you to stay with Winry and Aunt Pinako so that you could have been safe but I knew that you wouldn't have stayed. You are persistent when you want to be.

I watch you sleeping at nights and wonder how I was so lucky to have you in my life. I don't know what I would have done if mum had died and I didn't have you to look after and keep me together. You are my rock Alphonse, the reason that I am looking for the Philosopher's Stone. So that I can return your body back to normal, so you can eat, dream, smell, touch. Al the things I know that you miss. It doesn't matter about me. I am used to the automail now but I want to see you being human again. I know how much it means to you.

I am going to protect you Al, I made a promise to mum and I am going to stick to it. It may seem that I don't love you at sometimes but I do Al. More than anything and I am going to prove that by making sure that you get your body back. This has been bothering me for months now but I need to know Al…

Do you hate me for putting your soul into armour?

Edward x