[He's actually about to release his grip when the other's slackens, be his grip tightens again - catching Ed by surprise so he doesn't let go right off]

[It's then that he realizes he doesn't know where Al went. 'Safer' that was laughable, but he kept his expression serious - shrugging and trying not to be too thrown off by this Ed's total acceptance of what he just said]

Yeah, once I find him I'm taking him back to the inn where we're staying with some friends. Until we can get out of this place, anyway.

[After a moment he lets go of the fabric in his grip, hoping to be released in return, from the steel death grip]