FMA is not mine. Please don't sue. Then I can't buy the DVDs/CDs/other merchandise

Control

Bard Linn

They compliment me on my control.

They think its praise. In fact to many it probably would be. Keeping my brother contained isn't easy after all. But they don't understand what that control cost so they can't understand how much it hurts to hear that.

When we were younger brother and I did everything together. I followed him without question. The only thing we ever argued about was our father. My brother was my guiding light, probably because Father was never there. They don't know Ed wasn't always like this. Oh, he was always driven but he used to stop and enjoy things. He became more determined and focused after Mother died and he wanted to revive her but it still wasn't on this level. It was only after he promised to restore my body that he became so utterly obsessed to the point he often disregarded his own health.

And I'm the only one he listens to.

It's not because he loves me. (Though he does. So much that it makes my nonexistent heart ache. If he didn't then I would no longer exist. He lost his arm for me. How many siblings would sacrifice that much?) It's not even because he's my brother.

It's because of guilt.

When he first got his automail he drove himself so hard that he almost seriously injured himself several times. He wouldn't listen to Aunt Pinako and Winry but he would listen to me. I'd ask him softly and he would immediately stop with this terrible look in his eyes. He feels like he can do so little for me these days. He can't make me something to eat, he can't hold me when I have a nightmare and he can't ruffle my hair in that older brother fashion that used to make me feel as if the world was a perfect place.

These days it's even worse. Ed works himself so hard that it would kill someone less. He forces himself to go days straight rarely eating right or sleeping enough. I do what I can to make sure he stays healthy and sane. He is our drive and strength; I am our conscience and restraint. Is it such a surprise we make a good team? We are two damaged souls but make a complete person together.

Still, as I hold Brother back yet again from attacking the Colonel I look forward to the day when I don't have to restrain him with metal arms. Instead I'll watch as Ed stands proud on the two legs he was born with and regains everything he lost.

Sometimes, it's only that image that keeps me going.

Owari

Yes another FMA oneshot from me. They seem to come out on a regular basis. I'm going to try and give all my FMA oneshots one word titles. It seems to work well. This one was inspired by the image of Al holding Ed back which often appears in fan fiction but rarely in the series.

Thank you for all of those who have responded to my other stories. At the moment none have intended sequels/continuations. (Sorry!) I might work Growth into another plot line and continue it in a series of one shots but I haven't made up my mind.

Please let me know if you see any errors within the story please let me know so I can fix them. It's only me writing/editing my FMA stuff; I have no beta. Thanks!