A/N: So sorry this is so late! I wasn't hit with inspiration until last night, and I was on a plane to Hawaii all morning...which is when I found the time to finally write this (and two other ones)! XD

This one's beginning can go for either series, but when you hit the part after Ed calling Hohenheim a bastard, then it's all Brotherhood ending spoilers! You have been warned!

Also, if you like this (yes, this is shameless self-advertising, shush! XD): I am currently writing a "50 Themes, One-Sentence" FMA Challenge as well! It's called 'Saints among Sinners,' so please check it out? Thanks so much!

3. Pain

Edward never got over it when Hohenheim abandoned his family.

He always blamed Mom's death on him, saying that if he'd never left she could have focused on getting better instead of pining away for him.

He hoped never to see the bastard's face again.

And yet, here he is, helping them in the fight against the abomination he unwittingly created all those years ago.

But now…now it's far too late.

The most important person in Ed's life...he just…

Al's gone.

So when Hohenheim offers himself up as material to retrieve his youngest from the Gate, when he tells his eldest to use the life he's lived long enough…for the first time, Edward can't decide whether he hates him or loves him.

The boy whirls on him all the same, though, breaking down with tears streaming and yelling all the while like the childhe is.

And his eyes…his eyes say everything he won't let spill.

I've already lost Alphonse. Though the hellfire-blaze in those golden orbs says he'll risk anything and everything to get him back. I may hate you, but I will not lose you, too.

Somehow, though…just from the notion that his…his rotten Father would really volunteer himself to save Al…

If only for the moment, by a fraction—

The pain lessens.

A/N: Thanks so much for reading! I have two more chapters after this to post, too, because I know I'm super late with updating! T.T Sorry! I'll post those a little later (timed increments and all), though, to give you time to read and (hopefully) review!