A/N- This was written for the fma_fic-contest, Prompt 75: Brotherly Love. It contains a mini To Kill a Mockingbird reference. As you all well know, neither FMA nor To Kill a Mockingbird is mine.
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"You shouldn't have done that, Al," seven-year-old Ed bemoaned. The winter sun was plummeting below the horizon, rapidly bringing the dark as the two boys trudged up the hill from town.
"Done what, Brother?" Alphonse wondered.
"Well, I don't want to scare you…" Ed's voice trailed off.
Al's voice quaked. "What did I do?"
"Oh, Al. Poor Mom. She's really gonna cry…" Ed couldn't continue.
"Brother, please."
"Walk closer to me. I warned you never to talk to Mr. Radley." Ed's voice brimmed with sadness. "Now you're cursed, Al. Why'd you do it?"
"I don't remember you telling me. All I did was say hello."
"It doesn't matter, Al. The damage is done… Listen, don't tell Mom. It'll upset her."
"I don't understand," Al replied, near tears.
"Act normal. I'll explain when we go to bed."
They entered their house. Trisha fleetingly noticed that Ed washed his hands before dinner and went to bed without complaint.
Once the bedroom door was shut, Ed resumed. "Can I have your locomotive when you're dead from the curse?" Al began to cry, but quietly so as not to upset his mother.
"Oh, Brother…"
"Tell you what, Al. You can sleep in my bed with me. Maybe the curse will just pass over with me to guard you."
It was a tight fit in the narrow bed. Ed enfolded Al in his arms. "I'll do my best to protect you, Al."
"You're the best brother, Brother."
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A/N- The briefly mentioned Mr. Radley was named for Boo Radley of To Kill a Mockingbird. The book just turned age 40. If you haven't read it, do. It's wonderful, and so is the movie.
I don't think that Ed really meant to manipulate Al. He did want to scare Al (older siblings find that hard to resist XD), but then Ed's protective instincts came out. I really do think that he's the best brother EVER! Thank you for reading. I love reviews, and they prevent evil curses! XD Take care!