There are many things Edward Elric is good at -- being tactful was not among them. He was the first to voice his concerns because most people wouldn't have the guts to. He was blunt because he felt that the truth was far more important than someone's feelings, because being upfront was often the only way to get information, because others would skirt around a subject that needed to be discussed.

He did what he did because he never wanted Al to ever get his hands dirty. Because he was the older brother and if anyone was to take blame for anything they did it would always be on his own shoulders. Because he would never let Al get hurt. Never let something happen to him. Never let something tear at the people he cared about.

What happened here... the things that happened before Al got here were things that Ed never wanted his brother to know about. It would just upset him, it would hit him hard and it would hurt.

Al's words hit Ed like a truck.

He'd been so careful. So careful, so mindful of what he told Al about the events that took place. Made sure to hide the disgust in his voice. He never told him about the nightmares he had because of it. Never told him how even now it was still difficult to look Riza in the eye. Al had nothing to do with what he did, with what was done to him. He never wanted his brother to share this hurt.

His voice wavers slightly as he speaks, never looking away from Al's eyes. "... What else did she tell you?"