Broken Road (a RiDe and TaNi love story)

Chapter 9

"Stop, I must speak to you."

Richtofen frowned, turning to face where the voice came from, blood red eyes gazing into his own sapphire ones.

"Speak to me?" he reiterated, making sure he heard right.  She nodded.

"That is correct.  You know why I stopped you, yes?" she whispered, leaning against a wall.  Richtofen frowned with a nod.

"Zhis is about Doctor Monty," he stated.

"Indeed; he is not friendly like you believe him to be."

"Und you are, Keeper Shelindria?"  The Keeper nodded, turning her head to look him in the eye.

"I am not corrupted like he.  Lord Monty is corrupt because—"

Richtofen woke with a start, still laying down, Dempsey's arms around his waist as he softly snored.  A soft sigh escaped him, snuggling back into his love's chest.  That dream was part of what he had heard from that Keeper—Shelindria—back when he went to retrieve the summoning key.  He knew why Monty was corrupt and he knew what must be done, however, it would be done when Dempsey woke.

A few hours had gone by, Richtofen had fallen back asleep at least thirty minutes before Dempsey woke, the marine smiling as he gazed upon his sleeping lover.  Gently and with care, he cupped one of the doctor's cheeks, caressing it with his thumb.

"Such a cutie~" he whispered, gazing fondly at him.  At this time, Richtofen stirred, softly groaning.

"I'm not cute," Richtofen groaned quietly, rubbing his eyes.

"Aww~!  But you look so adorable~!"

"S-s-shut up!"

Dempsey let out a bellowing laugh, holding Richtofen close by his waist.  The German traced lazy circles into the American's chest with a roll of his eyes.  The smaller male bit his lip, knowing he couldn't put it off any longer.

"Tank," he whispered, hesitant.

"Yeah?" Dempsey replied, gently rubbing Richtofen's back.  He was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"Z-zhe Ultimis test subjects...ve have to kill zhem."

Dempsey's hand stilled, his eyes wide.  Had he heard that right?  KILL!?

"W-we have to kill 'em?" he whispered, his heart pounding.  Richtofen whimpered softly and nodded.

"It is zhe only vay.  Keeping zhem alive vill only make zhe realm collapse," the Doctor whimpered, trying to hide a few tears.  Dempsey frowned and gently wiped them away, kissing his forehead.

"If that's what has to happen, then that's what will happen," he smiled, hugging his love close and tight.  Richtofen's eyes were wide before he quickly hugged Dempsey tight around his neck, grinning brightly.

"I vas so vorried you vould be angry," he admitted, suddenly feeling shy.

"I could never be angry at you," Dempsey spoke, smirking.

Richtofen nodded before he slowly stood, only to sit back down, groaning softly.  Dempsey immediately pulled him close in worry, kissing his cheek.

"S-Sorry, guess I got to excited," he sheepishly admitted, helping Richtofen get dressed, making the German blush in embarrassment.  The American softly chuckled, dressing himself, making the doctor's blush darkened further.

"I-I could at least dress myself," he softly stuttered, rubbing the back of his head.

"But why should ya when I can do it for ya~?"

Richtofen hid behind his hands and shook his head, not fighting Dempsey on the matter anymore. The marine enjoyed watching his lover's reactions as he dressed him, every so often pressing kisses to his temple.

"You're so darn cute, cupcake~!" Dempsey grinned, nuzzling close.  Richtofen puffed his cheeks out, feeling terribly embarrassed.  The American carefully picked up his German lover, knowing they needed to get going as quickly as they could.