maskormenace | [04] Voice

[ So even though the feed opens up, Walt doesn't talk for a moment or so. There's a sharp inhale and it's accompanied by a piteous cough. And then after a couple minute pause, he starts talking -- sounding rather relaxed. ]

Today was my birthday.

[ A beat. Nonchalant. ]

But it's also my death anniversary. How many people can say that? Their life came a full and complete circle, starting and ending all on the same day? I mean, what are the chances? Pretty crazy, that.

[ Another brief pause. Another follow up cough. When he speaks, his voice is a little strained. ]

I mean like, this whole world. What an insane concept, right? To think that our own individual worlds are just this tiny fraction of all the different worlds out there -- some with crazy powers or vampires or Satan. We have Satan. Does anyone ever stop to think about that? How Satan has a TV show? I mean, I guess...what a better way to say welcome to hell than Satan with his own TV show. I've never actually watched it, mind. But I imagine it probably involves burning people alive.

But following that thought -- I still think this place is hell. I mean, I can't be the only dead guy walking here, can I? And it's definitely not heaven. My therapist called it purgatory once.

[ A beat. ]

Purgatory is kind of accurate. Sometimes he knows what he's talking about. All of us just sitting here and waiting -- to either go home and die for good or to do whatever it is we do here. I mean, we can't die. There's a definite statistical likelihood that we come back to life if we get killed, so do we age? I'm 53 today, but am I not really 53? Am I eternally 52 until I die again? Do I die again? Or do I just live an endless loop of my life -- dying, coming here, dying coming here until some otherworldly being makes up their mind?

Maybe that's what Satan's show is about. Collecting as many of us that belong in hell and dragging us back with him. That's a pretty morbid thought, isn't it?

[ So why is Walt laughing. Why is Walt laughing like it's the most hilarious thing in the world? Why is he laughing at all? What was he laughing at again?

The laughter dies. ]

What was I talking about again? [ But it's lost. ] Anyway, I just want to know. Is there anyone else out there who died? Bonus if you died on your birthday. Might be good to talk about it. Therapeutic. And I'm here to listen. We can talk here or in person. If anyone wants to go with me to get birthdeath day breakfast for dinner, that could be a thing. That we do.

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You lost your mother...

[ He repeats, saddened to hear that. ]

You and your brother -- you had your father at least, though. Right?

Well, yes and no. He walked out before she got sick. I know he had his reasons, now. But that still doesn't change that he left her to raise us alone. We managed to get by after that ourselves, with Granny Pinako's help, and Teacher's, before I joined the military and was working for them.

[He still finds himself somewhat attempting to defend Hohenheim, now he knows why his father left. But it's taking longer to properly accept it and actually forgive him considering all that happened after he left.]

I'm sorry, Edward. I'm so sorry you had to go through that.

[ And the most brilliant idea comes to him. ]

I can be a father to you.

[ What a good natured thought. He can be a surrogate dad to Edward -- and wait. Did he just say that outloud or did he think it? ]

It's okay. I mean. We managed anyway. And I did get to greet him with a fist to the face.

[Of course he did. Ed and his temper at the best of times, let alone around his father and all that pain.

....

Wait, what?]

You....what?

[Did he hear that right? Sure, there are certain people that aren't blood that he considers family, or as good as. It's just not something he really consciously sought or considered, exactly. Especially here.]

What?

[ Walt asks, delayed on the uptake. ]

Oh. I actually said that, didn't I? Nevermind. Just ignore it. Ramblings of a rambling old man.

You....yeah, you did. But you're not that old. Old is like Granny Pinako when you have grey hair and grandkids.

[Fifties is way young in comparison. And that is not even going into Hohenheim's age for that matter either. Ed's father is something of a unique case for a lot of reasons. Ed himself doesn't have kids (yet), so he can't really imagine being separated from your children, not being able to see them at all back home. But he can sympathize to some extent, in perhaps some slight comparisons to Izumi or Sig. His 'family' back home. Himself being separated from Al. That hurts. Even if nothing and nobody can quite entirely replace that bond.]

You've probably gathered I don't have the best experience to draw on with fathers though.

Which makes even more sense for me to offer my guidance and advice.

[ Because it means Ed won't immediately see Walt for the failure he is! ]

I mean, that's all I meant. That you can come to me and talk. Whenever you need to. I know you've gone through a lot of things and you're very brave for it, Edward. But please, if you need to vent or some advice of any kind -- please feel free to come to me.

If you say so. I'll...I'll keep it in mind, at least.

[Ed just isn't yet as open as he was, even prior to the ordeal with Crane. That would take time. But venting he is generally good enough on, easily able to complain and yell about whatever might be annoying him at any given moment.]

Please do.

[ A beat. ]

Your Winry. She's a very lovely person, you know.

[If he really knew more about Walt, he might compare that to Bradley. To Kimblee, as an implied threat. But he's oblivious so he's just all but chuckling because of course everyone ever seems to know Winry around here.]

She's--yeah. She's something all right.

[There's a reason he ended up falling for her. A reason he keeps coming back to her every time he's in trouble. She's....well, she's 'home'.]

She's making me a pie for my birthday when she really doesn't have to. I'm sure you have all sorts of experience eating them. Are they as delicious as they sound?

Oh yeah. Her pies are the best!

[Why yes. Yes he does make it stupidly obvious he is proud of Winry and adores her with praising her each chance he gets.]

Then I'm really excited for my birthday pie.

A fantastic mechanic and a cook. You really have lucked out, Edward.

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