Richtofen Headcanons + Oneshots

Just for a moment. (Drabble)

The droplets of rain that splashed on the window were the only ambient sounds in the small room where Edward resided. He had turned in for the night long ago, but he still laid there awake, watching as the droplets raced down the pane.

There was something quite melancholic being the only one awake during a light drizzle of the night, it filled him with an empty sadness he hadn't felt in a long time. It was almost a comforting feeling, it reminded him of his childhood.

His mind swirled with a million thoughts, a million ways he can fucking everything up, a million ways he could cause his comrades anguish... a million ways you don't make it out alive. It was a painful thought that wouldn't leave him, no matter how hard he tried. Richtofen was exhausted, damn exhausted. His tank was running on empty yet he was far too tired to fall asleep. It was sickly ironic. His eyes burned for relief.

With a sigh, he dragged his legs to the side of the cot, sitting up with a groan. He couldn't do this alone, he was foolish for thinking he could. The tile felt startlingly cool on his bare feet. Edward stood up, a few bones popping with the sudden movement. He didn't even bother putting on socks, he simply dragged himself out of his makeshift lab, finding the room he so desired to be in right now- yours.

Yes, you two were lovers, but you hardly ever slept in the same bed. Edward was always too busy, too up and down, he hated that he couldn't help but wake you up when he slipped out of bed - you were a terribly light sleeper. So for your sake, he just slept on a cot in his lab, ready at a moment's notice to get up to keep working. You knew he was a workaholic. Even before the zombie days he told you he was. He found himself standing right outside your door, almost nervous to disturb you.

Knock knock knock

Richtofen's knuckles gently tapped on the door, even as quiet as they were, the sound echoed down the hall. He held his breath.

In the silence he could hear the faint sound of rustling, then the soft patting of feet on the tile, before the door slowly creaked open, your bright eyes showing beautifully through the crack. After seeing it was him, you fully opened the door, hair and eyes heavy with sleep.

"Eddie? Is everything okay?" You ask, voice gentle yet slightly coarse from disuse. He began mentally kicking himself for waking you.

"Nein...nein, nothing is wrong, Fraulein." He lied, a tight smile finding his lips. "I just... wanted to come see you. I didn't realize how late it was."

Your eyes narrowed from his words. You knew him inside and out, and you were fairly good at picking out when he was lying. His eye bags were heavy, though, and his smile didn't reach his eyes. You moved away from the door to let him in, deciding to let him lie for now if it made him feel better.

"You don't have to knock, you know." You teased, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek as he walked through the threshold. Even the simplest of kisses made his heart want to melt.

He laughed, a hollow laugh that didn't come from joy. It came from someplace more woeful, like he didn't even have the strength to amuse you. That was rare for Richtofen. You couldn't help but frown, sitting on the bed as your heart broke for him.

You slipped under the warm covers, holding them up in an offer of support, of comfort. "Please, come lay with me, Eddie."

You didn't have to ask him twice. As soon as you said it, he made his way over as if he was hoping you would offer. He slid in, body close to you as the twin bed you slept on didn't offer much space. Your arms immediately wrapped around his body to hold him tight, and it was like a balm on his soul.

"What's truly wrong, Edward?" You murmur in his ear. He held onto you tightly, burning his face into your neck.

"I'm afraid." He choked out, barely above a whisper. Edward Richtofen had many fears, but he was never so blunt about them. He hid them from the world, not a soul was allowed in.

Except you.

"There is still so much to do," He explained, voice strained. "Und everything is all going so very wrong."

You held him just as tightly as he did you, rubbing his back to comfort the disheveled man. For him to speak so candidly, you knew he was losing it from lack of sleep. You now knew he needed you to hold him, to protect him from this awful world for just a few hours while he succumbed to the sandman.

"You are doing the best you can." You assure him. "You have carried the world on your shoulders, it's no wonder you're tired."

You gently push him away to look in his baby blue eyes. They were red from strain, his complexion was duller. He seemed to look straight through you with lidded eyes. You brushed your lips against his, barely touching in a revenant kiss. His eyes fluttered closed, a soft sigh escaping him.

The kiss you shared was like no other. It was a passion only felt in the most trying of times. It wasn't a whisper for something to come, it was one of vulnerability, a vulnerability he keeps hidden away. He didn't press forward for more, he hardly even moved his lips, he just laid there, basking in the love you gave him without hesitation.

As the kiss ended, he laughed cynically, shaking his head at his own behavior. "I am so tired I can't even sleep."

"What terrible irony, isn't it?" You smile. You pushed his hair away from his forehead, kissing his temple. "Let's just lay here, then. Sleep be damned."

A true smile finally found Edward's face. It grew even larger as you unbuttoned his vest, telling him to get comfy next to you. Soon he was once again listening to the rain splatter on the windowsill, watching as the droplets race down the pane. But this time, he didn't feel so alone. Your hands idly drawing circles on his chest dissipated any sad emotion he felt. He no longer felt like a helpless child waiting for the tide to turn. He was where he needed to be in your arms.

He didn't think of the zombies, he didn't think of the Kronorium, or the older self he slain those many months ago. He kept his mind in the moment you shared, matching his breaths with your own.

"Why don't you close your eyes, mein liebe." You whisper to him. He always felt such warmth when hearing his mother tongue on your lips. Your subtle accent in the language made him swoon. He could almost understand why you loved his own accent so much.

His eyelids felt heavy, and the world around him felt calm in your arms. He nodded, eyes flutter close. "Jawohl," he agreed, he could feel his body relaxing. "Just for ein moment."

You watched as he quickly fell asleep, lips parted slightly, eyebrows unknotting from the grimace he seemed to always have. He looked so much younger like this, like a young scientist thrown into the midsts of chaos. He still held you tightly even in his slumber, like he was scared you'll slip away.

You might not be a genius like him, or be as useful fighting-wise, but you always kept Richtofen grounded, you kept him away from the edge of insanity. You made him feel safe enough to fall asleep in your arms when he felt like he was fighting the world. You were enough — more than enough.

You were the medicine this poor doctor needed.