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He's so loving. Let him hug you.

Location: Der Eisendrache

Dancing through the air, snowflakes fluttered to the ground, smothering the castle grounds in a crystal white blanket. The girl trudged her way through the thick snow, muttering her distaste in the icy conditions. She tugged at her coat, pulling it against her body, desperately trying to stop the bitter-cold breeze from nipping at her skin.

A couple of waves of the undead had passed, and throughout that time, the girl had hidden herself away behind the castles crumbling walls. Her thoughts were jumbled; she had trouble thinking straight. To ease her racing mind of worries, she mustered the strength to leave the spot she cooped herself in.

With her head bowed from the world, the girl hurried into the castle, finding herself in another sector she had yet to explore. For a moment she lazily gazed about the room, eyeing up the machines that illuminated the space. However, she soon lost interest. With an exhausted sigh, the girl quietly walked out of the room.

A daunting hallway came into view as she walked further inside. She seemingly tiptoed her way past the many empty and vacant rooms; her footsteps utterly silent. Occasionally the girl would peek inside one of the rooms, if something had caught her eye, though usually she would shrug and carry on her way.

The girl stopped in her tracks when she peered in to yet another room. She looked around the cramped space, noticing soft toys dotted about the floor, some of them missing parts or adorning a large tear, evidently a child's room before the outbreak. As she warily stepped inside, she gazed at the bed, merely wanting to curl up under the sheets that lied untidy. Turning her attention to the window, she noticed how the snowfall had become significantly heavier, making it almost impossible to see the land. She stepped towards the window, perching herself atop the ledge, staring outside through tired eyes.

Much time had passed, and the girl had merely spent her time daydreaming. She pondered for a while, questioning as to why the hordes had abruptly ceased. The four men she had fought alongside seemed to have disappeared, and none of them had searched for her... or so she thought.

Startling her, the door creaked open slowly. With his rifle raised, clutched under a tight grip, and ready to fire at any zombie in his path, Dempsey stepped into the room, his gaze sharp. Little snowflakes covered his jacket while some rested in his hair.

"There you are." Dempsey spoke, trekking snow into the room as he walked further inside.

As he stepped inside, he lightly pushed the door, allowing it to close behind him. He lowered his rifle, the weapon falling to his side.

"I've been looking all over for you." He told, brushing the snow from his jacket, then shoving his gloved hands into his pockets.

She tilted her head ever so slightly. "Really?"

Dempsey shrugged, a sheepish smile adorning his face. "Of course I have. I was getting worried."

The girl averted her gaze, staring at the floor, her face void of emotion. "I may have sat-out a few rounds."

In confusion, Tank asked softly. "Why?"

With a sigh, she fell silent. Dempsey moved to sit beside her, his gaze fixated on her.

Gently, he nudged her with his arm. "You feeling alright?" He asked, growing concerned. "You didn't get yourself hurt, did you?"

She quickly shook her head in response, beginning to nervously fiddle with her hands in her lap. For a moment she pondered.

The girl muttered. "I wasn't feeling right."

Tank slouched against the window pane, glancing from the girl beside him, to the snowfall beyond the misted glass. He noticed how she never made eye contact with him, instead keeping her head bowed. She bounced her feet lightly; much of a nervous quirk beginning to show.

He soon sat himself up and leaned towards her slightly, catching a glimpse of the dead expression that the girl adorned.

"You're awfully quiet." Dempsey pointed out, worry evident in his tone.

Slowly the girl nodded, feeling herself lost in a daze. Tank placed a hand on her shoulder, drawing her out of her trance. The subtle action made her turn to the American, and immediately she noticed the look of concern plastered across his face. She shifted her body in his direction, completely facing him, gradually decreasing the distance between their bodies.

"Sorry." She whispered.

Dempsey questioned, "What for?"

"For sitting-out a few rounds. I feel bad for not helping out." The girl looked up to the man beside her.

A little smile tugged at his lips. "It's alright, girlie. Just as long as you're not hurt."

The girl returned her attention to the snowfall, her body slumping slightly. A chill whisked throughout the room, causing the girl to shiver. Desperately she tried to conceal her body from the cold air, but no matter how tightly she pulled her jacket against her, the air still tickled her skin.

Movement sounded from beside her, and she glanced to the sound. Dempsey happened to be removing his gloves, which were caked in bloodstains.

She tilted her head a little, her body quivering. "Are you not cold?"

Tank shrugged, the grin on his face never fading. "Killing zombies is hard work. I'm not even feeling the cold."

She breathed a laugh, staring at the man with a soft dreamy gaze. Dempsey placed his gloves into the pockets of his jacket, then inching closer to the girl.

"Come here, missy." He softly pat his lap. "I know you're cold."

Without a second thought, the girl crawled onto Dempsey's lap, gingerly laying her head against his chest. She smiled softly as she immediately felt the warmth the man provided. Tank cradled her lovingly, softly caressing her face, his thumb ghosting over her cheekbone.

He felt the girl relax in his arms as she snuggled up to him.

Dempsey chuckled, tenderly stroking her arm. "You alright there?"

She muffled her giggles by burying her face in his chest.

"You're too good for this crazy world." He breathed, placing a chaste kiss to the top of her head.

The girl sat herself up, so she could gaze into his eyes. "I suppose I could say that same thing about you."

"Aw come on," Dempsey spoke. "I'm trained for this."

"That's not the point." She muttered, seemingly sinking into the warmth from the man.

As time passed, the girl grew sleepy. Her eyes were falling shut, gradually dozing off. Dempsey gently rested his head atop her own, resting his eyes all the while hugging her lovingly.

"You know, I've always had a soft spot for you." Tank admitted. "Ever since we met I've been thinking of you."

The girl giggled as she began to tease the man. "Look who's gone all soft."

She playfully poked at his cheeks as she gazed up at him, noticing his flushed face. He turned his head away sheepishly, a toothy smile decorating his face. The girl couldn't refrain from staring at him, she adored the way he smiled.

"Well I'm just saying." He chuckled. "You're what I'm fighting for."

The girl manoeuvred herself, straddling him. She held his face with both of her hands, leaning in to him, their lips merely inches apart.

"How sweet of you." She giggled, before softly pressing her lips to his.