Disclaimer: Uh…still don't own it?
Note: Just a quick little drabble.
Mask
Edward wore a mask, of sorts. Day in, day out…always the same. Only Alphonse really knew. Only Al was permitted to see the face behind the mask, the exposed elder brother. It was something he cherished, but it frightened him, still.
Ed would put up a front, pretend it was okay. Act all tough and strong. If someone ever figured out the act, the ingenious lie to everyone they may assume it was just to look good, or something to the effect.
In truth, however, the mask was for the both of them-he and his brother.
Ed would walk into the hotel room, knowing that was where Al waited, and the mask would already be wavering. Al cherished the loss of the mask because it helped him know that Edward loved him dearly-trusted him, and regretted lying to him, though he sometimes did in a similar fashion. He also feared the loss of the mask because he relied on the cover-it helped him be strong, showed him it was okay. Supported him. And when it was removed it confused him. He didn't know who was the real Edward anymore, who it was he loved…
…But Al was also only just beginning to realize that there was a second mask, hiding Edward's most vital secrets, his feelings. This was a mask he dared not remove in front of Alphonse.