「elf ۞ voice」

[transmutates]

[ As the feed clicks on, there's a pause, the sound of pages rustling, and a long sigh. Ed's voice is laden with the kind of weariness and worldliness not common for someone only eighteen. Tinged with irritation, discomfort, and he knows he needs to take care of his tattoo soon. But after long nights of staying up, wondering when his boss would

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[alkahestry]

[Since learning about Kiyoha's death he hasn't exactly been a ray of sunshine either. His nights have all been fairly late ones and he's poured through more books than he can count. Nothing. It's frustrating, more so because he's emotionally high strung, but not finding answers on how to get home right away is hardly a deterrent.

Ed's post however ... it begins replay and the device falls loose in his fingers as he recognizes the look on his brother's face. It isn't that different from the haunted expression he wore when Nina died.

Nina ... his wish was supposed to stop things like that from happening. Not here, he supposed as he swallows the lump in his throat. A quick rub at his eyes and he finally lifts the device back up and hits the record button.]

Video

[alkahestry]

Try and eat something while you're at it, Brother.

[Edward gets nothing but a smile from him, even if beneath it all he's still worried. What he really wants to say is be careful, come home soon. And sadly, whether Ed likes it or not, he'll probably still be awake when and if he returns.]

video; private

[transmutates]

[ Al, unlike everyone else, gets the video. Because he's already seen his brother in his worst moods and Ed has nothing to hide from him. Not even the weariness in his shoulders or the somber expression. ]

Yeah. Yeah, I will. Al...

[alkahestry]

Since when do you drink anyway?

[A lighthearted question, with a hint of teasing mixed in.]

[transmutates]

[ He'll allow the change in topic for now, a wry laugh on his lips. ]

Since I'm of age and can do whatever I want. And since Teacher's not here to throw me into a wall either

[alkahestry]

[Not like he has a choice. It's his job to try and make you smile ... at least a little in these hard times.]

Is that all it'd take to get you to stop?

[transmutates]

[ No, little brother, your job is to live and be happy. ]

It'd be a pretty strong deterrent.

[alkahestry]

[Hard to do that when your idiot brother is out getting drunk and into trouble (always trouble).]

I'll keep it in mind for the future.

[transmutates]

Hey, Al... you're not thinking of trying to beat up your older brother, are you?

[ Except they both know "trying" is a bunch of crap. Al always could kick his ass.

A beat. ]

I'll be fine, Al. Sousuke's coming too, 'case I get too drunk.

[alkahestry]

[Whether or not he really has plans to beat up Edward is left entirely up to Edward to decide. If his soft laughter is any indication, he probably won't, but there's always that small chance.

The laughter dies away when the name Sousuke is mentioned, if takes Al a moment, if only because he treats people so formally.]

That's Mr. Aizen ... isn't it?

[So you won't be alone then brother? The smile fades from his lips as he nods. Shouldn't he be glad that there is someone to keep Edward company when he's feeling like this? When he looks up again, the smiles back, as if it never left.]

Try not to stay out too late.

[transmutates]

[ For a moment, he hesitates, Al's expression making guilt rise inside him. And even as Al's smile returns, his own lips remain turned down in light frown. ]

Yeah. ...Hey, Al...

[alkahestry]

[He's about to cut the feed when Ed says his name. Blinking up...]

Yeah?

[transmutates]

I...

[ He stalls, words not quite forming. After a few moments of trying and failing, he gives up, dropping his gaze. ]

Never mind.

[alkahestry]

Mmm.

[He doesn't push, knowing better, Ed would tell him in time if it was important.]

Give my regards to Mr. Aizen then.

[Al makes sure his smile is the last thing Ed gets to see before he ends the feed. He'll be awake and waiting for you to get home.]

[transmutates]

[ When Al disconnects, he heaves another sigh. ...Fuck. ]