~The apocalypse is taking a toll on each of them. Thank goodness they can rely on one another...~

(2388 words)

Written Aug '22. during a time when i was feeling a little lost inside my own mind, i expressed my own feelings to shape the plot in this story, and it might be one of the most angst-y piecess i've ever written. (not entirely proof-read. there may be some errors)

Location: Der Eisendrache

Staring up at the cracked ceiling, the girl lied wide awake on a makeshift comforter. Huddled under all the blankets she could salvage, from rooms that are nothing but wreckage of living quarters, nothing shielded her from the chill that haunted the castle. She fidgeted on the weathered mattress, trying desperately to lie comfortably in order to rest. She shivered, and soon huffed as she tossed the blankets aside, sitting up to rub her tired eyes.

Amongst the clutter the crew had shoved aside, Takeo and Richtofen lied sound asleep in the cramped room with her, each lying on a beaten-down bed, snoring softly as they seemed unaffected by the harsh winter winds. However, worry struck the girl once she noticed that the third bed was empty, its blankets messily draped over the edge.

She looked to the window as her heart began to race, the moonlight illuminating the delicate snowflakes whisking about in a flurry. Thunderous clouds threatened to invade the land, brewing a treacherous storm surely to smother the castle grounds in knee-deep snow. She began to stress that her friend was traipsing about the facility alone, and so she rose to her feet. After collecting her weapons, she hugged her coat to her body and tiptoed out of the room.

Despite knowing that Nikolai had willingly taken on the role of watch-duty for the night, the girl couldn't help the way she felt concerned about Dempsey.

Just hours before the crew settled for the night, her American ally had undergone the next crucial step to Richtofen's scheme; eliminating his older self. Dempsey showed nothing but a bitter and abrasive attitude to his team mates upon arriving at the castle days ago. He was angry, loud, and reckless more than usual. Richtofen surely faced the brunt of Dempsey's insults, and the way he was shoving any mentions of his plan to save the world back in his face, but the German knew better than to retaliate with the same nature and infuriate the American any more.

The moment Dempsey cut off the power to the capsule containing his former self was a concerning moment for all. Dempsey felt the stare from each person standing around him, but he pretended that they didn't exist as he turned to make an exit before a word was spoken to him. All heads turned in unison as he walked out of site, though one gaze followed him with intense worry. She debated following him, but figured that he could use some time alone to collect himself.

His voice was unheard of ever since. The only time Dempsey rejoined the group was some time before nightfall. Usually he protests about who takes night-watch, or perhaps where they all settle for the night, instead he simply agreed without making a fuss of the plans his allies came up with. Each man had looked to the girl worriedly when Dempsey was left to his own device. She glanced to the men before her, simply shaking her head as she gazed to the floor with a sad sigh.

Her steps were feather-light, all the while vigilant as ever with every corner she rounded, always prepared to unleash her weapon on any undead that wandered astray. She dared not to call out to Dempsey, in fear that she would alert Nikolai. He would respond to her calls and given his compassionate ways, he would only lead her back to bed, urging her to catch up on getting all the rest she could. But despite her best efforts to remain on guard, her heart ached for the dear American she had grown so attached to.

She was enamoured, utterly charmed by his naturally flirty demeanour, and his bold, cocksure sense of self. Not to mention, that wickedly attractive smirk of his, that never fails to make her heart skip a beat whenever it's flashed her way. Though, it wasn't solely his outgoing personality that she found alluring, but his protectiveness and strong will to fight for those around him stood out significantly to her, or specifically, the way Dempsey would keep a watchful eye on her.

Shaking off her distracting thoughts, the girl entered the central communications room from one of the second level balconies that overlooked the room. She stepped to the edge of the balcony, peering beyond the railing for the man she was in search of.

Startling her, a gruff accented voice sounded directly beneath the spot in which she stood. She couldn't mistake the voice of Nikolai, his Russian accent was far too distinctive. She pressed her hands against the wooden railing, leaning cautiously against the structure while she listened intently to the man. The girl squinted as his voice was almost inaudible as he spoke in a hushed tone.

"Perhaps some rest will do you good. I know how your thoughts can be overbearing sometimes..." He trailed off his words sympathetically.

She waited, hoping she would hear a response from the person Nikolai had spoken to, only to be surprised to see the Russian walking into her view. Hurriedly, she took light steps back, nearing the doorway she entered through, pleading she would not be seen. While she hid herself in the shadows, the girl could partially see Nikolai through the wooden banister, noticing his gaze remained fixed on something on the level below her.

"Now go." He demanded, a grin soon spreading across his face. "I do not want to fetch (Y/n) so that she can drag you back to bed." He laughed light-heartedly.

The girl rolled her eyes as a smile tugged at her lips. She witnessed the Russian exit the room as he began descending the stairs to the ancient temple beneath the castle, an assault rifle under his grip, evidently returning to his guarding duties. She returned to her position at the edge of the railing once she was certain that Nikolai had disappeared.

Just then, a heavy sigh came from below her. She gazed downwards and caught sight of the Marine stepping away from the wooden beam he propped himself against. She observed him as he completely came into view, seeing just how exhausted he was. His shoulders slumped as he barely held himself upright, his movements sluggish as he almost moved in slow motion. His expression blank as he was merely an empty, hollow shell of himself. The sight broke her heart.

The urge to call his name was on the tip of her tongue, but apprehensiveness held her back. The girl was uncertain of how Dempsey would react if she made her presence known, though he seemed much too tired to react in the slightest. Before she had the chance to act, Dempsey turned to observe his surroundings, his eyes immediately falling upon the girl as she leaned against the railing.

A soft smile appeared on her face, tilting her head subtly as she waved sweetly to him. Dempsey returned a lazy smile before he began making his way up to the balcony level. He reached the top only to be greeted by her doe-eyes meeting his own. But, he could read her expression like an open book. The way her brows raised and her eyes pleaded for reassurance that he was alright.

"Hey, Dempsey." She breathed. "You feeling okay?"

Dempsey stood beside her, nodding in response before mimicking her actions as he propped himself against the banister, hunching to lean on his elbows.

"That's not very reassuring." She told, cocking a brow.

Dempsey breathed a light chuckle. "Quit your worrying. I'm okay."

She watched the palms of his hands flick upwards, imitating a lazy surrender as he spoke before letting his hands flop, but she couldn't let go of the pent up stress. The girl inched closer to him, their shoulders practically touching, causing Dempsey to tense up at the sudden movement. He soon relaxed once he heard her calm voice again.

"You've been different since we got here." She said, gesturing to their surroundings.. "Especially after that moment earlier."

She hoped Dempsey understood her emphasis, and she figured that he did when she noticed him squint as he recalled the memory.

"That's over with now..." He mumbled under his breath.

Feeling puzzled, she asked, "Then what has you in such an... odd mood? Why have you been so distant?"

Silence enveloped the room. Sounds of the blistering winds crawling through cracks in the walls emitting eerie whistles, only intensifying how awkward the girl felt for a minute.

From the corner of her eye she watched the Marine, noticing how dark rings framed his dreary eyes. He was barely holding himself upright at this point, instead relying on the wooden railing to keep himself standing as he was battling fatigue. Dempsey breathed a shaky sigh as he put his head in his hand.

Just as the girl opened her mouth to speak, Dempsey's hushed voice cut her off.

"You wanna know something?" He said in a monotone.

His question piqued her interest instantly. "Sure. Tell me."

There was a long pause, but the girl remained patient as she figured Dempsey was only trying to put his words together in his head.

"I've never had things put into perspective like this before." He said bluntly.

"Well," She shrugged, uncertain of her next string of words. "I suppose we can all say the same thing...."

"No I mean, it's like a 'holy shit, this is real' kind of thing." Dempsey faintly chuckled at his own phrasing. "Made me realise exactly who, and what I'm fighting for..."

She was taken aback by how sudden, and blunt his words were, much like the realisation that Dempsey felt had now struck her too. He continued to ramble his thoughts, but she wasn't entirely tuned in. Only a few words registered, and the fact that he mentioned her plenty times, but nothing could overpower the numerous thoughts spinning round in her head. With each word she took in, she felt the very same raw emotion of the daunting realisation Dempsey had felt earlier, and it was definitely the most gut-wrenching feeling she had ever felt.

For a brief second, she believed time had stopped. But the second Dempsey huffed and went silent, did she fully return her attention to him. He moved to stand up straight, pressing his palms to the railing. She copied his actions, the minute distance between them still remaining.

Dempsey drew in a deep breath. "Sorry..."

She turned to face him swiftly, and he followed shortly after.

"Don't be." She reassured.

Neither of them had locked eyes until now. The girl observed his expression, much like he did hers. Aside from the meek, barely-there smile on his face, she could clearly read apprehensiveness in his tense stance.

Suddenly she opened her arms to him, a heartfelt smile painting her face. But Dempsey seemed frozen in place, only his eyes shifting as he looked her over.

She rolled her eyes as she half-smiled. "It's alright. Nobody has to know that the big, strong Tank Dempsey needed a hug."

That signature cocky smirk of his made an appearance, making her heart flutter. Gladly, Dempsey reciprocated and moved in towards her, the girl instantly took the opportunity to wrap her arms around him.

She nestled into him, resting her head on his shoulder as she savoured the warmth he provided. All the while Dempsey held onto her lovingly, his hands settling on the small of her back, his touch almost ghostly as he treated her like she was the finest delicacy he had ever held. But after a short while she pulled back, resting her hands on his shoulders.

"But in all seriousness, you have no idea how worried I was about you." She told sincerely. "I know it's not like you to be distant..."

Sending shivers down her spine, she felt his gentle caress as he rubbed her back soothingly.

"Hey, listen," Dempsey began, his dreary voice no louder than a mutter. "I'm okay. I appreciate you coming to find me."

She nodded meekly, acknowledging him. "Well then, could you at least smile for me? Give me some kind of serenity here."

The most genuine smile appeared on his face in an instant, and she couldn't refrain from kissing his cheek sweetly, returning the sincerest of smiles. Though taking her aback, Dempsey pressed his lips to hers before she could think.

She pulled back with a gasp to lock eyes with him, staring at him with a surprised look on her face. "So that's what you needed, huh?"

Dempsey shrugged sheepishly as she eyed him smugly.

"It's alright. So long as it made you feel somewhat better. I really don't mind." She pat his shoulder with a little giggle.

He seemed to cling to her still, finding great comfort in her presence.

"But don't go all soft on me now. We've still got a fight to win, and I still need you to look out for me." Her smile overpowered how serious she truly was.

Dempsey pulled her close for another quick embrace. "Of course. That's what I do, isn't it?"

Dempsey couldn't see her soft smile once she heard his words, as she sleepily rested her head on his shoulder once again. They savoured the rare moment of serenity, both wishing they could stay in each other's arms for a long while.

"I've got your back. I hope you know that."

Her voice was merely a murmur, but the way Dempsey gave her a gentle squeeze told her that he was nothing but reassured.

"I know..."