He knows Al is only trying to spare his feelings, but Hohenheim can be very observant at times. More than he lets on. Even now, he has ended up hurting his son without meaning to. He can't help but notice the terrible irony of the situation: now that Alphonse has finally regained his human body, he can't take advantage of its tactile senses without succumbing to pain. And yet here he is, smiling as always. Alphonse was always the type to put the needs of others before his own.

"Ah..." Hohenheim rubs his neck awkwardly as way of reply.

He glances toward the door again, thinking it might be best to leave Al alone for a while. Or is he just running away again?

Wait. There is something else that needs to be said...

"I'm proud of you, son. Everything you and your brother have done for this country, and for yourselves... I'm proud of you. I just wanted you to know that."