It hurt to hear Ed crying like this, so hurt and upset and scared, but maybe it was for the best. If he could get it all out now, then it wouldn't be poisoning him inside any more. And it's obvious that's what it has been doing all this time. Al can't imagine the pain of holding that inside for so long, the guilt of actually having done it in the first place.

His arms tighten around his brother, fingers curled in Ed's clothing and refusing to let go no matter what. He's right here, brother, let it out.