Yay! One more chapter left! The epilogue doesn't count towards a chapter though, since it will be shorter than any of these ones. It'll essentially just be a summery that will lead into the oneshot. The oneshot will be up sometime in 2021, I'll need to take a little break after this story lol.

Anyway I'm hoping to have the next chapter up by the 20th. The first and second segments of it are finished, I still have yet to write anything for the third segment. But after that chapter is done and uploaded the epilogue will be uploaded maybe a week or so afterwards, depending on if anything comes up in my personal life.

Also, since I do plan to start writing again regularly, I have a poll up on my profile that I'd love for you to check out. It's to see which story will be worked on next, "Blood Dirge" or another story that I've been wanting to write for a while (that story will actually end up being a oneshot at this moment though). So yeah, if you could vote on it that would be awesome!

Thank you all so so much for all the favorites, follows, and reviews! They really make me happy and make me want to continue on with these stories! You guys are awesome and I love you all.

And with that, I'll see you in the next (and final!) chapter!

:3

Chapter 15

As Mustang walked slowly down the sundrenched hospital hallway the soft sound of wood against linoleum to his left was almost soothing. He turned his head slightly to glance at Edward, who had a determined yet slightly pained look on his face as he hobbled alongside him. The boy had insisted on being able to leave his room, even if only for a moment. The nurses had eventually relented and were now letting him use crutches, only as long as he was supervised.

At first it had taken Ed some time to adjust to using crutches with only one arm but now he seemed like he had used them his whole life. Though Edward had been a little annoyed at the thought of supervision he was glad Mustang could be the one to assist him.

The nurses had given the colonel the task of guiding the small oxygen tank, which was currently connected to Ed, alongside the boy to make sure it didn't fall or snag. They had also taken him off of his IV as well, though the tubing was still attached to the back of his hand. They had said they would reattach it when he returned to his room, worried that if they left him hooked up to that as well the boy might end up tripping over the various machines.

While Mustang and Edward were on their short and mostly boring adventure Alphonse had stayed behind in the room. He and Julia had decided to clean the room a little, changing sheets and pillows while the two of them were gone and out of the way. It was for the best in the colonel's eyes, there was something he had wanted to ask Ed about, away from his brother.

Mustang was still worried about the boy's disinterest in eating. When one of the nurses on duty would bring food in for the both of them Ed would refuse to eat, unless the colonel did as well. With this happening every meal he was beginning to worry. When Alphonse had brought it up Edward had only shrugged, telling him that someone had to make sure Mustang ate as well. The man had noticed that as soon as he took a bite the boy would begin to hastily eat his own meal, showing that he did in fact have an appetite. Needless to say the colonel felt a little lost by that realization.

"Colonel?" He was brought back from the depths of his pondering mind by Ed. He turned his head to see the boy looking at him, a mix of confusion and concern in his gaze. "Are you okay? Did you get enough sleep last night?"

Slightly caught off guard by the question the colonel took a moment to answer. "I'm fine, why?"

"You've been staring off into space for the past minute or so," Ed made his best attempt at a casual shrug as he could. "I thought that you might be tired or something."

"No, I'm fine, I was just thinking about something." Mustang said, receiving a light laugh from the boy.

"Hopefully not about Julia," Edward teased, his eyes glittering playfully. "I think Al has his eyes on her, I don't know how he'd feel about competition."

Now it was the colonel's turn to laugh. "No, I'm not thinking about her, though she is quite pretty," He smirked as he continued. "Though I think she may be a bit too old for your brother anyway, so maybe she'll reject him and take her chances with me."

"I wonder what Al would have to say to that?" Ed let out a small, sniggering laugh. "You better hope I don't tell him!"

The two of them laughed at that, and then they fell into a comfortable silence that was only broken by the sound of Edward's crutches against the tiled floor. Mustang was very happy that the boy seemed to be in good spirits. It made him feel like the old, stubborn and cocky Edward was slowly coming back. The colonel didn't know how much he had missed the boy's snarky remarks until now. He was just glad that everything seemed to be getting better.

"Hey, colonel," Ed's wary and breathless voice sounded beside him. Mustang looked down to see that Edward's pace had slowed, his fail body trembling slightly with fatigue. "Do you think we could sit down for a moment? My arm is starting to hurt."

"Of course," The colonel said, relieved to see a short row of benches just a few feet from them. He guided the boy to them, letting him lean heavily against his side until he flopped down on the nearest bench. As Mustang rearranged the oxygen tank before sitting down he caught Ed's eye, shocked to see the sad look on his face.

"Hey," The colonel put his arm around Edward's shoulders, letting him lean into his chest as the boy sagged against him. "What's wrong?"

"I just…" Ed broke off, lowering his head until his bangs hid his face. "I just don't like thinking about how weak I am now. I mean we've only been walking for a few minutes and I'm exhausted…"

"Edward," Mustang put his hand beneath the boy's chin, making Ed look him in the eye as he continued. "Your body has been through so much in just a few weeks. You've been sick and injured; you even died on us at one point. Of course your body is feeling rundown, but you should just be happy to be alive right now."

Ed looked at him, the fire seeming to return to his eyes as he smiled slightly. "You're right; it's just going to take me some time to fully appreciate it though."

"I know," The colonel held the boy a little tighter. "But I just want you to know how proud I am of you. I'm so happy to see you getting better, you should be proud as well."

A slight blush made its way across Ed's cheeks and he looked away, but Mustang was glad to see a small smile part the boy's lips. "Thanks, for everything."

The colonel felt a gentle warmth flow through him, only to have it slowly replaced by apprehension when he remembered his earlier concerns.

"Edward," The boy looked back up at him with a slightly confused look at his suddenly serious tone. "Why are you so hesitant to eat anything? You know it will help you get stronger faster."

Ed hung his head, breaking eye contact as he stared at the ground. "It's nothing, there's nothing to be worried about." He said as his fingers tugged gently at the fabric of his pants. "Why do you ask?"

"I know there is something wrong." Mustang spoke in a calm voice, hoping that he wouldn't have to force the answers out of him. "You only eat when I do," As Ed's mouth opened to protest he cut him off. "And don't you say it's for my own good. You need to focus on yourself more anyway. Just tell me what's wrong."

Edward was silent for a moment, lowering his head slightly as he let out a small sigh. When he looked up at the colonel he could see the hesitation in his eyes. "It's…Because of Al…"

"Because of Al..?" Mustang echoed in confusion. "Did you two have a fight?"

"No, nothing like that," Ed said hastily, turning his head to look down the hallway in the direction of his room. He was silent for a few moments as though he expected his brother to suddenly appear in the hallway. When Edward looked back towards the colonel he could see sadness glittering in his gaze. "It's my fault. It's all my fault he was put into that body, a body unable to feel, sleep, or eat…"

The realization hit Mustang immediately. It made sense now as to why the boy was so hesitant, why he insisted to only eat if the colonel did. "Oh Edward…" He said in a gentle tone, but Ed continued on as though he hadn't spoken.

"He's worried enough about me, god he must be so mad," The boy's voice broke slightly, like he was holding back tears. "Here I am, still with most of my body intact, just taking it all for granted. He doesn't deserve me teasing him by eating around him…"

"Edward…" Mustang repeated, holding Ed tighter in the hopes that the boy would be able to break himself out of that line of thought. It seemed to work as Edward looked back up at him, eyes glittering with unshed tears.

"Alphonse doesn't hate you, far from it. He's worried about you too." The colonel gently brushed away a strand of stray hair that had stuck to the boy's face as he continued. "But how do you think he'd feel if you stopped eating, stopped taking care of yourself, for him? How would you feel if your positions had switched and he was doing that to you?"

Mustang's words seemed to calm Edward down; the boy was now looking at him as though he had told him the meaning of life. Though he had told him that in a sense, it seemed to dawn on the boy.

"You're right," Ed said as he hastily drew his hand up to wipe at the stray tears in his eyes. "I've been such an idiot."

"No, you've just been overthinking the situation." The colonel said gently, a small smile on his face, "Just like you usually do."

"Bastard," Edward said in a teasing tone, playfully knocking his head against Mustang's chest. "At least I know that you'll never change. You're pretty knowledgeable, old man."

The colonel laughed, gazing down warmly at the boy as he slowly stood up, offering out his hand. "Well let this 'old man' help you back to your room. Al and Julia have probably finished up and I can tell that you're tired."

Ed nodded, grabbing his hand and carefully standing up. Mustang helped him get situated with his crutches before the two of them slowly walked back down the hallway. While they boy stayed silent the colonel could tell that Edward was feeling a little better. The boy seemed more relaxed, like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

As they neared the room Mustang saw that Al was standing in the hallway, his head slowly scanning each end of the hall. When the armored boy caught sight of them he quickly made his way over to them.

"Is everything okay?" The colonel asked once Alphonse had reached them.

"Yeah, everything is good," The boy nodded quickly. "Julia and I are done with the room, but you got a call form lieutenant Hawkeye while you were gone."

"Did she leave a message?" Mustang asked, a mixture of concern and excitement warring in his mind. Had she finally got their man?

"No, but she did say to get back to her as soon as possible." Alphonse was now looking towards Ed, who wore a slightly confused expression. "Here, let me help brother to the room while you call her back."

The colonel nodded in agreement, carefully helping Ed to lean against his brother. The boy looked concerned. "Thanks Al, I'll be right back Edward. Everything is going to be alright." His soft voice seemed to calm Ed, who nodded and began to hobble back towards the room with the help of his brother.

Mustang then quickly ran to the phones, dialing the familiar number that had been ingrained into his mind. The phone was answered on the second ring; the voice at the other end seemed to know who it was as though they had been waiting patiently for his call.

"Colonel, I have some news that you'll want to hear…"

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

As Mustang wearily walked down the hospital hallway he felt dread drop like a pit in his stomach. He had just gotten off the phone with Hawkeye, and while she had shared good news there had been a catch to it.

Edward's suspected attacker had finally been caught, but in order for the man to stand trial for that offence the boy would have to physically identify him. Meaning that, since Ed was still injured and healing, the man would be brought into the hospital at some point for the boy to see and confirm that they had found their man.

The colonel still remembered how his happiness had soured into worry at the news, piercing his heart like a honeyed thorn. Hawkeye had sounded just as concerned and sympathetic as well, he could tell she was as anxious about Edward's wellbeing as much as he was.

"I'm sorry colonel, but there's nothing I can do to change the police chief's mind. In order for the man to properly stand trial, Edward must confirm that he was the one that did it." The lieutenant had said in a quiet voice, sounding as though she had taken no true triumph in delivering this update. "As soon as Edward is able he will have to identify him."

"We can't use the excuse that he can no longer see, since he regained his vision when he woke up from his coma." Mustang had spoken sadly, while he was truly grateful that Ed could see once more, he knew that now there was no way he could protect him from this. If even the mention of the incident caused him fear, what would actually seeing the man responsible for it do?

"I can't keep the police chief waiting; we need to do this as soon as possible. There's only so long I can keep pushing this back before the man could potentially walk free." Hawkeye sighed into the phone as she had continued on. "I know that neither of us wants that to happen."

"Let me talk to Edward first," The colonel spoke quickly. "Give me until tomorrow to see when he wants to do this. I need time to help him realize that it is the right thing to do in order to move forward. I know he's not going to take this news well…"

"I can give you until tomorrow for your answer," The lieutenant confirmed. "I truly am sorry sir. I tried my hardest to convince the police chief that the identification wasn't necessary, but with so little evidence or reliable witnesses there's nothing I can do."

"No need to be sorry," Mustang's voice had been low and full of understanding. "We both knew this would end up happening, and I know that you tried to buy us some time. I'm grateful that you've given me an extra day to help prepare Edward for what's to come."

"Thank you colonel," Hawkeye's voice was still forlorn and unhappy, but he could tell his words had helped at least a little. "I have to go now; I'll be waiting for your call around the same time tomorrow."

And with that the conversation had ended, leaving the colonel alone in the almost oppressively silent hallway. He knew that Ed was going to take this information badly, he just hoped that he would be able to keep the poor boy from completely shattering.

As Mustang reached the hospital room, placing his hand on the slightly closed door, he could hear the brothers talking to each other in a bright tone. With a quiet sigh he pushed open the door and entered the room.

Both Ed and Al stopped talking as he took his first few steps into the room, looking at the man with curious gazes. It made him feel even more uneasy about his news, knowing that what he said next would cut brief the two boys happiness almost as soon as it had emerged.

"What did the lieutenant have to say, colonel?" Ed looked at him with shining eyes. Mustang could see a gentle fire glowing in the golden gaze and felt sick at the thought of being the one to snuff it out.

"They caught your attacker, Edward." He said, watching as the brothers looked at each other with a relieved happiness. Alphonse's eyes shone with pure joy while Ed looked pleased. But when the both of them noticed that the colonel wasn't sharing their triumph they fell into an uneasy silence.

"Colonel…Is there something that you're not telling us?" Edward's voice was full of foreboding, a concerned look on his face as he leaned towards the man.

"Edward…In order for the man to stand trial, you need to physically identify him…" Mustang's voice was quiet with fear of how the boy would react. He could see that, at first, Ed looked confused. Then a dark look took over his expression, dread and absolute terror gleaming in the boy's eyes.

"Y-You can't mean…" But Edward trailed off as a distant look appeared in the wide golden eyes, like he wasn't seeing the room or its inhabitants any more. This only terrified the colonel more, the haunted look in the boy's gaze sending chills down his spine.

"I'm sorry Edward…That means that the police will bring the man here, so you can tell them in your own words…" Mustang's voice trailed off as Edward began to tremble, taking in deep gasps of air as though he were drowning.

"Brother…Everything is going to be fine…" Alphonse reached a shaking hand towards his brother, his fingertips only managing to brush against Ed's arm before the boy let out a horrified scream.

"No! Stay away!" Edward shrieked, jerking away from his brother's touch as though he had been burned. The boy flopped down on his side in his bed, clutching his quilt tightly. And as his eyes looked towards the colonel, the man could barely stifle a fearful gasp.

Ed's pupils were dilated, his eyes appearing more black than the warm gold he was used to. While the boy was gazing at him Mustang could tell that Ed wasn't truly seeing him. An agonizing sadness pierced his heart at the thought that Edward had finally broken, withdrawing deep into himself as his mind began to crumble.

"No…No…No…No…" The boy was now shaking violently, his remaining limbs spasming every few seconds as he repeated the same word over and over in the most terrified voice.

"Edward…" The colonel felt like his heart would shatter as he slowly approached the boy. Ed's eyes didn't even follow him as the man knelt by his bed. Tears glittered in those blank golden orbs as Mustang watched on in fear, feeling helpless as he watched the boy break in front of him.

"M-Mustang, w-what do we do...?" Alphonse's voice was just as fearful as he looked down at his brother. "W-What's happening to him? Is h-he hurting? Do we need to get a n-nurse?" The armored boy's voice was trembling and the absolute terror in it almost shattered his heart to pieces.

"I've seen this before…Long ago in Ishval…There's nothing a nurse or doctor could give him to help. We need to wait this out, we need Edward to fight this battle on his own, from the inside…" The colonel gently placed a hand to Ed's pale cheek, feeling how cold and clammy his skin had become. He didn't register Mustang's touch; the boy just gazed at nowhere in particular as the violent flailing of his limbs slowed to a weakening tremble. He could tell that Edward's body was slowly beginning to tire, while his mind raced and cracked before their eyes.

"Edward…I'm not sure if you can really hear me right now…But everything will be fine, I promise…" The colonel spoke in a quiet voice, hoping it might ease the boy. Al stood stiffly as he looked over his brother's trembling form, anguish glowing in his soul fire eyes as he looked towards Mustang.

"I think if we talk very quietly it might help him." The colonel nodded towards Alphonse as he rose to sit at the edge of the boy's bed, keeping his hand on the boy's cheek. He could feel the cold dampness of tears as Ed cried silently into his palm.

"Brother, everything is going to be fine…" Al's voice was quiet as he ran a hand down Edward's back. The armored boy's shaking had eased but he could hear the faint hint of fear in his voice. Ed continued to tremble, whispering the one word over again and again, as though no one was there.

Mustang felt like his heart was breaking as he took in the scene before him. This had been his doing; he had been the final nail in the poor boy's coffin. Maybe he should have tried harder to convince Hawkeye that this wouldn't work. Maybe he could have overruled or pulled rank over the police chief's decision. The colonel felt like he should have done everything and anything he possibly could to protect Ed. But he had failed, broken his promise of keeping the boy safe from anything like this. The guilt threatened to overwhelm him as he closed his eyes, trying to keep a brave face, trying to keep from breaking down as well.

As the minutes dragged on for what seemed like an agonizing eternity, Mustang began to notice that Ed's trembling had almost stopped. Though the boy's limbs would occasionally twitch, he felt a small beam of hope break through his dark thoughts.

"Edward?" The colonel grabbed Ed's hand, gently removing the quilt from his grasp as he cradled the boy's hand. He leaned in closer to the boy as he continued. "Edward…Are you back with us? Can you hear me?"

Ed had stopped in his repetitive mantra, growing silent as his blank gaze slowly wandered in Mustang's direction. While his pupils were still huge and glittering with fear, he could see recognition in their depths.

"M-M-Mustang..?" Edward breathed out, sounding slightly confused and utterly exhausted as his trembling eased into a weak shiver. The boy's hand gripped the colonel's harder, like he was slowly emerging from the depths of whatever darkness had overtaken him. "W-Where am I? Did something h-happen?"

Mustang could tell that right now the boy needed to sleep this off, to let his mind rest and take a break. Edward curled around the colonel's body, seeming to seek the warm reassurance of someone nearby. He gently lifted Ed into his arms, holding him close as the boy's tense muscles began to relax.

"It doesn't matter right now," Mustang murmured gently. "Just rest for now Edward." Ed seemed to listen to him as he nuzzled closer against him, burying his face in the colonel's neck.

"Mustang…" Edward's voice was only the faintest of whispers, just a quiet breath of air against his skin. "I'm sorry…"

His words only baffled the colonel. What was he talking about? "What are you sorry for? There's nothing to apologize for." Mustang said in a perplexed tone, his voice muffled slightly by the boy's hair.

"This wasn't…Your fault…" Ed went completely limp in his grasp, finally losing his battle to stay conscious. This still confused and concerned the colonel and he tried to shrug it off. Al began to lean over him, asking if his brother was okay, but Mustang sat in a mystified silence.

"Oh Edward, you shouldn't be sorry, I should." The colonel held onto the boy, reluctant to be separated in any way from him. "I'm the one who should be apologizing…I'm the one who couldn't keep you safe…"

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Darkness surrounded Mustang as he lay in his cot, gently cradling Edward as he slept. The boy was now reattached to his IV, and he was careful not to jostle the needle embedded into Ed's vein. Edward was leaning heavily against the colonel, his face resting gently against the man's neck and his remaining arm lying limp across his chest.

The sun had set long ago and yet the boy remained unconscious, and both Mustang and Alphonse were starting to get a little worried. While the colonel knew that episodes like the one Ed had experienced hours before were both mentally and physically draining, he had hoped the boy would have woken up by now.

The only sign that Edward had shown that he was still, at least vaguely, aware of his surroundings had been a few hours ago when Mustang had gone to reposition himself so he was lying in his cot. As he was getting up, about to set the boy down gently in his own bed, Ed had clung onto him desperately. While the colonel had very carefully tried to free himself from the boy's grasp he had heard him whisper a few words so quietly that he hadn't been able to make them out. Once he had broken free and laid the boy in his bed, he had rushed to his cot and, as quickly and carefully as he could, had pulled Edward closer to him.

But that had been hours ago now. At first Mustang had begun to worry that Ed may have been starting to fall ill again, but he was relieved to know that there was nothing wrong with the boy, at least physically. Occasionally Edward would begin to whimper and struggle against him, as though overtaken by a nightmare, only to be soothed back into a calm silence when the colonel spoke to him in a quiet voice.

"Mustang…Could you tell me again what is going on with brother?" Al's voice sounded softly from across the bed. He had also refused to leave his brother's side, at least until Ed had woken up. But now the man could feel the worry and uneasiness radiating from the younger sibling, his soulful eyes glowing bright with concern.

"Sometimes, when someone experiences something particularly traumatic, their minds can hold onto the feelings felt at that dreadful moment. The memories can return and overwhelm that person, sometimes they can be ignored or they can come to the surface and consume them." Mustang said gently, trying to find the right words that floated through his fatigued mind. While Edward had slept, mostly oblivious to the waking world, he had been slowly wearing himself down with worry and the nagging feeling that this was his fault.

"Brother never did this before though," Alphonse argued. "Not even after we tried to bring mom back…" The armored boy's gaze drifted to his hands that were now fidgeting in his lap. The colonel gazed at Al sympathetically as he continued.

"Your brother's mind was stronger at that time. But now, with his brain healing from his concussion, his mind has weakened. Give him some more time to heal and I'm sure he'll be back to arguing with me and disobeying orders whenever he can." Alphonse let out a small laugh at that, seemingly calmed for the moment. But Mustang still had his doubts, which he would never voice to the younger brother.

Would Edward really heal properly from this? The colonel had seen many people break down during the war, some with fiercer attitudes than Ed. It could happen to anyone, and sometimes that person was never truly the same afterwards. Mustang couldn't stand to think that the fiery boy he had grown to love like a son would never break free from this. But it was a strong possibility and he feared that this latest incident might have stomped out the fire completely.

"Mustang, I think he's waking up!" Al's voice was a mixture of excitement and fear as the colonel turned his attention back to the older brother. Edward's eyelids were twitching and the boy's brow furrowed slightly. Slowly the hazy golden eyes opened, a blank expression on his face as he emerged from his slumber.

"Brother, I'm so glad you're awake!" Alphonse said in relief, his rigid body seeming to relax back into his seat. "Are you feeling okay? Do you need anything?"

Ed was looking at Al, but he remained silent as his brother continued to ask him questions. As Mustang began to worry that the boy was about to have another episode, Edward's gaze slowly focused on him. He began to speak softly as their eyes locked onto each other's.

"I want to speak to you…" Ed's voice was just a breath against his skin as he leaned in closer to hear the rest of the request. "Alone, without Al here to hear us…"

The colonel had a strong feeling as to why the boy wanted his brother out of the room for this conversation. A twinge of admiration struck him as he realized that Edward was starting to feel more like his old self. Even now, after experiencing something that would have caused even an adult to hesitate, he was still thinking about his younger sibling. Mustang could understand why the boy didn't want to seem weak in front of Al; he truly didn't want his brother to worry more about him. But getting Alphonse to leave the room would be a little trickier…

"Al? Edward asked if I could get him a glass of water. Do you think you could do it for me, since I'm a little held up?" The colonel gave an exaggerated sigh as he let his gaze wander over Ed's body, which was now pressed close against his.

"Of course, I'll go as fast as I can. I'll be right back, brother!" Alphonse's initial confusion morphed into determination as he left the room. As soon as the sound of clanging metal had faded into a faint echo, Mustang turned his attention back to Ed.

"Mustang…I wanted to know of you had any idea as to what happened earlier…" Edward's voice was low and hesitant, but the colonel could hear the fear behind the words as if the boy had shouted it.

"How much do you remember from earlier?" He had to know if Ed could even remember what had triggered such a fierce reaction. While he knew that trying to remember might cause the boy some stress it was truly needed in the long run.

"I remember you saying the man had been caught…" Edward's voice shook but he seemed determined to stay calm. "You said I had to identify him…And then everything went kind of dark…I could feel my body moving on its own…Then it ended and I could see you again, but I was really tired for some reason…" The boy's words ended in a hitched breath, as though he was holding back panic.

"Edward…What you experienced is something caused by remembering a traumatic event. Your mind couldn't quite handle the memory and caused your body to essentially try to escape itself." Mustang was never truly good at explaining these sorts of things, much less trying to explain them to the person who had just suffered through the experience. "When someone's mind does that it causes them to enter a fight or flight state. Your mind realized there was danger, knew there was nothing physical to harm you, and then tried to escape in any way. This, in turn, made your body tire itself out in another attempt to flee."

Edward was silent for a moment, seemingly trying to take all that information in. After a few seconds he seemed to compose himself, his gaze locking onto the colonel's once more. "Do you know what all that was though? Is it something the doctors could fix?" He could see the hesitant glimmer of hope fade from the boy's eyes as he shook his head.

"It's complicated, but there isn't much a doctor could do to help. It is a form of illness though, but it's one that only exists in your brain." Mustang could tell that Ed was trying to understand his watered down explanation, so he changed to being a little more blunt.

"Edward, right now I think you are experiencing something called post-traumatic stress disorder. It's a mental health condition that is causing your mind to enter into a fight or flight response. This is why you had that episode earlier and why you couldn't quite control your body." The colonel looked down at Edward, watching the confusion in his eyes slowly turn into understanding.

"I see…How do you know all this colonel?" Even though Mustang had known deep down that Ed would ask this question, it still made a chill run down his spine.

"I saw it happen a lot during Ishval…" His voice was quiet as memories swirled in his mind. "I watched the strongest soldiers become nothing more than a shell of themselves. Some would never escape the horrors they continued to see, while a few were able to get back on their feet. It really depended on the person." The colonel began to notice that he was trembling slightly, and he took a steadying breath to keep his own tired mind from succumbing to terror.

"But what if it happens again? How do I keep it from taking over?" Edward's voice shook as he gazed up at Mustang with wide eyes. He could feel the boy's body shaking alongside his and the colonel pulled him as close to himself as he could.

"There are ways to manage those feelings, and I can help you with them." Mustang said in a gentle voice. "I'll stay here by your side and teach you what I know about all of this."

Ed seemed to relax slightly at that, his body beginning to slowly stop in its fearful trembling. He felt the boy bury his face deeper into his neck and the colonel gently buried his face into Edward's golden hair. For a moment he felt peace overtake him, a soft warmth that made his tense muscles slowly relax.

"Mustang…None of this was your fault…" Ed's voice was muffled and slow, like he was trying to keep himself awake. The colonel shook his head, his breath ruffling the boy's hair as he spoke.

"I should have done more to prevent you from getting that stressed…There had to have been-"He didn't get to finish his sentence as he felt Ed head butt him gently in the throat.

"No, I had to face this sometime. You don't have to treat me like I'm made of glass." The boy said as Mustang coughed slightly, trying to find his voice.

"But-" Again, another head butt to the neck, this time it was a little stronger. As he tried not to wheeze from the blow he heard Ed's voice sound from below his chin.

"No. Try to blame yourself again and I won't be as gentle as before." The colonel let out a ragged laugh at the boy's stubborn tone. It made him hopeful that Edward would pull through this, that he'd go back to being the headstrong child he was used to.

"Colonel…I-I think I'll be ready to face him after tomorrow…" Though his voice quivered slightly, Mustang could hear the determination behind it. "I just want one day to…To prepare myself for it."

The colonel smiled softly as he hugged the boy tighter. "Whatever happens, I want you to know I'm proud of how brave you are right now. I've known people much older than you that would never be able to face their fears like this." A gentle warmth flooded through him as he felt Ed's body relax against his. He swore he could feel the boy's smile from beneath his chin.

"Thanks Mustang." Edward let out a small yawn as he burrowed deeper into his quilt and the man beside him. "But I'm really tired right now…I'll talk to you tomorrow…"

"Goodnight Edward," Mustang said softly. As he felt Ed's breathing slowly become more light and even he felt himself starting to drift away as well. As he felt his eyes begin to slowly close he heard the sound of hollow metal hitting metal. The colonel looked up to see Al standing in the doorway, arms crossed as he gazed warmly at the two of them.

"I heard the whole thing; don't think I didn't realize you were trying to get me out of the room." Alphonse's voice was light and he let out a small laugh as he continued. "Thanks for helping brother, Mustang. I'm really grateful that you've been helping both of us."

Mustang wanted to reply, but his body felt like it was made of lead. He could feel himself slipping from the waking world, his last sight being that of Al's soulful eyes gazing fondly at him.

"Goodnight Mustang and thank you." As Alphonse's gentle voice echoed in his mind the world began to fade away into darkness. The colonel let out a contented sigh as he let it drag him into the depths of sleep.