How do You Know?

Summary: Al and the Truth have a chat inside the gate.

Note: 'They' pronouns are used in reference to the Truth.

Alphonse lets out a gentle sigh, lowering his head as body and soul finally reunite. His eyes open, and the Truth grins back at him, seemingly searching him for something. Whether they find it or not, Alphonse cannot tell.

"So, your soul has entered you, huh?" their oddly doubled voice echoes in the pure white nothingness of the Gate, "But will he be coming back for you?" He is obviously Edward, his brother, his savior, the one Al had died to save.

"He will. I'm sure of it," he says it with simple confidence, complete and utter trust in his brother. His eyes close.

"How do you know?" the Truth asks, and when Al opens his eyes, they are tilting their head, "Hypothetically, what would you do if he doesn't come back?"

Al tilts his head in return, feeling the tendons stretch, feeling his nails dig into his palm. "Why are you asking? You know everything."

They laugh. "I know, but I want to hear it from you."

Al almost laughs in return. It is such a simple question, such a simple answer, and yet…

"If he didn't come back for me," Al stops, thinking through the words, already knowing what he is trying to say, "It wouldn't matter. Not to me. I did what I had to do. I saved him." He stops.

"What good are those sentiments," sneers the Truth, "if, after everything you've been through, after everything you've done to be together again, it all comes to nothing because your sacrifice?"

Al just looks at them, "I sacrificed myself so that he could live. I did it for him."

Silence. Neither can say anything in response to such powerful words.

"And I would do it again," it is whispered now, like a prayer, "I would do it all again in a heartbeat, if it meant I could protect him."

The Truth is silent, grinning, and Al is stupidly reminded of the pumpkins Granny used to carve and put on her porch for Halloween.

The Truth laughs, leaning back and actually laughing. Al is too shocked to respond. "You brothers are really something else. I hope he comes back for you."

Al smiles, his first genuine smile since he's come back, and together they wait.