Mein Liebling

Untitled Part 13

It's a rough climb up the steep hill, but some muttering from the other side lights a fire in your chest and wills you to press on. Your legs ache and lungs burn, every inch of your body throbbing and screaming for rest, but you finally find yourself at the top.

Warily, you begin your descent. The men haven't taken notice yet, and Gaius stays close by your side until you skid slightly on some leaves and opt to lean against a tree trunk to steady your swaying body.

Nikolai drops the metal pan he had been holding, his eyes finally landing on you and alerting the others to your presence. Dempsey lets out a short laugh, smiling as he stands in disbelief. You feel your body shaking, your legs giving out as you crumple to your knees.

Edward turns hesitantly from his seat on a fallen log, his back had been facing you and he seemed almost reluctant to face whatever had arrived and drawn everyone's attentions. As his eyes land on you, he seems almost frozen in place.

Dempsey rushes forward, moving to help you stand, but Gaius steps in front of you and a low growl rumbles from deep within his chest as the men seem to take notice of the dog for the first time.

"It's ok, boy." You mutter, barely able to spare enough energy to find the words.

Gaius whimpers and nudges you, allowing Dempsey to come to your aid and pick you up.

You groan in pain, but wrap your arms around his neck and clench your jaw as he sets you closer to the now roaring campfire as darkness begins to set in around you. Daylight faded fast in the woods, soon replaced by the varied flickers of the flames as your light source.

Gaius lays beside you, ever loyal and refusing to leave your side as you lean back and finally feel able to catch your breath.

Edward seems to snap out of whatever trance he had been in and makes his way over to you. Hesitantly, he kneels at your side and cups your face in his hands. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," You manage a weak smile. "Just a little bruised."

Before he can say anything in return, Dempsey grabs the back of his vest and yanks him back, sending him to the ground, and moves to stand between the two of you. "You fucking dropped her," He accuses, "You don't get to act concerned now."

Edward lowers his head in shame, barely even trying to sit up from where he'd fallen back.

"Is that what you think?" You whisper, barely audible, still in disbelief that Dempsey's hatred and mistrust could run so deep.

The men all turn to you, seeming to wait for your elaboration.

"He didn't drop me..." You look to Edward, meeting his solemn eyes. "Why didn't you tell them?"

"Because." He mumbles, finally standing and brushing himself off. "I DID drop you, I couldn't pull you up..."

Sighing, you close your eyes and massage your temples. "You didn't drop me Edward... You almost died trying to pull me up."

"What are you saying?" Dempsey narrows his eyes at Edward before returning his gaze to you.

"I knew he couldn't pull me up and fight them off at the same time," You shrug, accepting a jug of water from Takeo and taking a long swig before continuing. "And you guys are pretty important so I weighed my options... and decided to take myself out of the equation."

"Are you crazy?" Dempsey kneels next to you, gripping your face in his hands, forcing you to meet his eyes. "You gotta quit doing this doll, we're not worth dying for, especially not Richtofen."

With an agitated sigh, you shrug yourself from his hands and attempt to stand.

Edward moves as though to help, but Dempsey glares at him and assists you instead.