( Listen I'm so sorry this legit took a year to publish but here you go ;~; Plz don't booli me I had to use a whole 2% of my power :pepehands:
Requested by: Dr_Richmsey115 )

The perfect Duo ( RiDe)
Who would've thought that a German and an American could manage to come to terms? After everything that happened to the two, who would have thought they could become friends? Who would have thought they could become team mates with more respect for each other than they originally had?

The cold of Der Eisendrache embraces both of their pale skin while they sit in different rooms. Light from candles while the only warmth they can only feel came from those small flames. Sleep deprived and only wanting a break while Nikolai and Takeo spent their time in the lower levels looking through the various books that sit amongst the bookshelves.

Richthofen silently sobs to himself as he is imprisoned in his own thoughts. It was all his fault they all had to go through this. If he would have only left Maxis alone, done his work, never messed with the element in the first place. Everything would have stayed normal. Everything would have been perfect.

Tank only listened to these cries. Leaning on the cold stone wall while attempting to rub his hands together for warmth. He felt sorry for the German, the first few months of fighting along side him he could feel nothing but deep rooted hatred. It was the Germans fault after all that he would never make it home to his family.

Tank didn't actually think his goodbye to his family back at home was going to be his final goodbye. He expected to be able to return to the warm embarrasses of his parents. The warmth of a nice home cooked meal. The white picket fences that stretch for miles. A normal life waiting for him. The life he greaves for the most. The life he will never have.

However, he manages to cooperate with the German on closer levels each time they speak. Walking into the room where the manly German is most vulnerable Tank takes a slow seat next to him groaning slightly as his legs are stiff from the previous fights. He has yet to be able to stretch after all due to him wanting to make sure his teams mental health is top of the list.

"What do you want Tank?" The German questions sniffling and attempting to hide his tear stained face. Every so once in a while another water droplet cascading down cheek.

"I'm checking in on you." Tank simply speaks, his voice like velvet. Taking a deep breath he looks at Richthofen with his head slightly tilted to the right. "What are you crying about Richthofen? What's on your mind?"

"Nothing." Richthofen quickly objects shaking his head looking at the dirty carpet that sat at the end of the bed he sits upon. A tear dropping off his face leaving a small wet spot on its dusted top. Richthofen shivers as the cold breeze nips at him once more.

"Richthofen, you and I both know what you are thinking of." Tank rubs his hands together while his breath shows in the dimly lit room sighing. "Listen Eddy, if you don't want to talk to me then I get it. Between both of us, I feel like it would be the better option though."

"I'm sorry." Richthofen finally speaks up in a whisper. Surprising Tank he finds himself looking at the German in a different manner than the glares he use to look at him with. Tank began feeling sympathetic. "If I wouldn't have done what I had done, if I would've just walked away, if I would've just left it all behind we wouldn't be trapped here."

Tank went from rubbing his hands to wrapping his arm around the German. Richthofen stiffened for a second as the sudden contact came as a surprise. Looking up for a second his red puffy eyes interlocked with the Americans who has a small, gentle look to his eyes. A smile on his face as he rubs Richthofens arm looking away.

"Eddy. That's all in the past now alright?" Richthofen adores the man's words as he speaks smoothly. His soothing gesture causing Richthofen to lay his head down on the Americans shoulder keeping them in a closer embrace. " I would've loved to stay home with those picket fences and a nice little backyard ya know? But I left it all behind to keep those I hold close to me safe."

"Why leave it all though?" The German questions taking a deep breath. "You had the opportunity of a life time to stay at home. To stay with the ones you love. So why leave it all behind?"

"Same reason you left your home behind." Tank sighs with a slight frown remembering his parents. "I did it to fight. To protect those who can't protect themselves. The opportunity of a lifetime stared me in the eyes Eddy, and I took it head on."

Tank looks back at Richthofen who now studies him with curiosity and admiration all in one look. The manly German who caused all of this pain being practically gone leaving only a boy in its place. The American smiles down at him looking him in his eyes.

"The last thing I want to ever happen is anyone else getting hurt." The American continues as both of their breaths embrace each other, the heat from their side hug taking away the thought of the cold snowy mountain. "I want to protect those who still can't completely protect themselves. I didn't choose to be here fighting undead dirt bags, it chose me. And that's something I'm dealing with. Something that I'll be dealing with until deaths angel swoops down to take this old marine with it."

They both sit in silence for the moment being. Everything feeling serene while they sit upon that old dusty bed. The wind howling past each crack in that cement block castle wall and the sound of dripping deeper in the castles corridors. For once they both felt at peace with everything that has been happening. No hatred towards each other like the months previously, just content feelings with the predicament they are left in.

"Thank you dumb American..." The German speaks with a smile laying on Tanks shoulder for as long as possible. Tank shifts slightly and chuckles lightly.

"Not a problem idiot German." The American spits back in a light tone. He happily ruffles the Germans hair before placing his head on top of his.

It's not always white picket fences in each scenario that's the best option. Sometimes you just have to find your perfect partner to help through the rough patches known as life.