The easiest way to do this in private was to go through the store, where Alphonse wouldn't overhear the conversation as long as the doors were securely closed. Ed had a long list of people to talk to before pulling this off, and he had to do it all in short order before telling his brother - or risk word reaching him before could say anything himself.

When Keith arrived Ed just offered him a weak smile. "Ah, yeah. I just wanted to let you know I'm heading out. A friend of mine went through the portal and ... she doesn't really have anyone else, so I'm going after her." He doesn't even care that others might poke holes in that theory when they realize he couldn't ensure the portal would send him the same place Valeria went, but maybe they'd assume he was just being reckless and hoping it might.

He shifted some, shrugging as if it wasn't a big deal. Goodbyes were always awkward, "I'm trying to let as many people know as I can before heading out, that's all."