#codz x reader

[eloisyw8]

*Kisses Primis Nikolai cause he is baby boy to me and he deserves it*

To you and all the primis nikolai fans 🫵

[angelwheat]

The Mundane and the Magic

༻ a codz x reader story ༺

➶ Origins // ❝ Becoming One With Madness, A Chaos To Embrace ❞

➶ Chapter Three , 4378 words

Just as that wicked book of worldly prophecies foretold, the four men arrived in orderly manner. All hostile, and with the same mission to capture him, as predicted.

But who is she?

Richtofen paced about, holding his head in his hands, palms covering his ears like he desperately needed to muffle the sounds of the world as he lost himself in a state of hysteria. Jaggedly, he drew in shallow breaths, his heart pounding like a beating drum as he panicked like never before. Numerous thoughts ran rampant through his mind, none of which he could stably focus on, except one.

“Who is she? She’s not supposed to be here.” Richtofen choked out a whisper.

His mind replayed the same image of the girl. Despite how he only caught a glimpse of her from over the American’s shoulder, he can clearly recall all of her flawless details.

Her stoic, defensive stance, ready to spring into action in a blink. An assault rifle clutched tightly in her delicate hands. Her hair was windswept and dampened by the pouring rain, but somehow making her features look striking. Her most memorable feature of all was that of her eyes, so sharp and deadly as she glared down the American, visibly intimidating him.

Shakily, Richtofen exhaled, sweeping a hand through his hair. Even in the harsh winter climate, the German still found beads of sweat collecting on his forehead.

The Kronorium lie open on a tabletop before him. For what felt like hours, Richtofen had skimmed through every detail inked on the pages, desperately searching for a minuscule detail about a girl, just a mere mention of a name perhaps. Resultantly, he was none the wiser of her origin.

Stepping away from the table, Richtofen let his head slump slightly, his eyes lazily falling shut as he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

“This is just what I need.” He thought, a sigh slipping into the air in a cold mist.

Clambering and cluttering startled the German, instinctively reaching for his pistol as he noticed a stray zombie dragging itself out of a broken tomb in the wall. Landing itself on the floor with a hefty thud, the lofty creature staggered to its feet, and began lumbering towards Richtofen.

He raised his arm, squinting subtly as he stared down the barrel of the gun, and with ultimate precision, Edward fired a bullet directly through the zombie’s skull, sending splatters of blood flying askew, a few droplets landing on the exposed pages of the Kronorium.

Staring blankly as the creature crumbled into a heap of itself on the floor, Edward let his arm fall to his side, turning his nose up at the disgusting sight of the fallen undead soldier. He stepped over the zombie and headed towards the table, huffing when he noticed specks of blood painting the books’ pages.

An intrusive thought suddenly dawned on him, making his eyes shoot wide open in realisation.

“Did she even make it out of the bunker alive?” His mind yelled.

Ruminating on the thought of the bunker caving in on someone, or being trampled on by one of those giant robots, above all, had never made Richtofen cringe so badly before. He couldn’t put his finger on what made him this way now. A mere glimpse over someone else's shoulder was not enough to know the girl personally. So why did he grimace at the thought?

Despite how harsh it sounded in his mind, he didn’t care for her. She was merely a disruption to his storyline, someone that he convinced himself was of no interest, or better yet, of no gainful use to him.

But just why was a distant part of him longing to simply see her face again?

Deep down in his bitter heart, Edward felt guilty about abandoning the bunker so hastily. He was certain that the other men would save themselves, but was entirely unsure of her aftermath. Even if she did survive the collapse of the bunker, Edward stirred on the thought of the undead chasing her down, or even the thought of the other men interrogating her. Or worse...

He flipped the cover of the book over in a huff, closing it so harshly to emit a shrilling slap to bounce off the walls, now standing alone with the feeling of defeat.

-X-

The undead swarmed the land in higher numbers than ever before, becoming increasingly difficult to battle as the torrential rain battered the grounds.

Mutated soldiers, clad in heavy armour equipped with flame-throwers built into their steel suits, proved a monstrosity to defeat. With no logical plan devised at such a short notice, the foursome resulted in almost depleting their entire stock of ammunition when it hunted them down.

Waves of zombies fluctuated endlessly, rarely allowing the foursome a chance to rest. However, during that time they had managed to restore power to the barren lands, using the generators dotted scarcely.

Rain drenched their clothes, virtually weighing them down like anchors with their heavy gear strapped to their bodies. Keeping close by to one another, seemed to be their only tactic for survival at this point, for the gushing rain acted as a sheet they could hardly see through at long distance.

“We can’t keep fighting in these conditions!” The girl shouted over the deafening sounds of rain and gunfire.

“Do you have any better ideas?” Dempsey yelled, not intending for his words to sound so harsh towards her.

Nikolai sent Dempsey a death-glare when he heard his bitter tone again, however, the American failed to notice.

“She’s right. We’ll be ambushed.” The Russian retorted loudly.

Dempsey sent a scoff the Russian’s way.

Fortunately at that moment, the hordes seem to ease, with just a few stray zombies staggering towards them, making it much simpler to take them down from a distance.

The girl reloaded her rifle, as did the men standing nearby, counting their munitions. Just before Takeo sheathed his katana, he noticed a zombie limping towards them. Towards her...

She stood with her head bowed from the rain, preoccupied with stocking her weapons and adjusting her gear. That’s when the creature’s pace quickened as it caught sight of her.

“Behind you, (Y/n).” He warned, but the girl only faintly heard him.

Takeo lunged forward when the zombie neared dangerously close, coming up beside her, his stance stretched as he unsheathed his blade in a flash, his movements swift and majestic as he sliced the creature’s head clean off its body.

The girl had jumped back startled by the sudden movements, placing a hand over her racing heart. He peered at her, somewhat anxiously, noticing her staring back with her mouth agape ever so slightly

“Thanks, Takeo.” She breathed.

She watched Takeo as he pinched and dragged two fingers across the length of his blade, wiping away blood flay. He gave her a single affirmative nod in response.

A disruptive sound of someone harshly clearing their throat made the girl spin on her heel, her expression quickly changing into a look of disapproval as she immediately glared at Dempsey, who pretended to be observing his knife in his hands. Nikolai stood a fair distance to the side of the American, smiling weakly when she looked his way.

The girl stepped forward towards the trio of men that came together.

“Looks like we have a break.” She surmised, looking between the boys eyeing her intently. “But there’s no way I’m gonna see through another horde like that without ammo.”

Dempsey agreed, nonchalantly motioning to his own weapon. “Me, too. My gun’s empty.”

(Y/n) hummed. “Perhaps loading everything you had into that armoured zombie wasn’t the best idea.”

“What was I supposed to do? That thing was backing you into a corner.” The American reasoned, immediately regretting his choice of words when she looked at him in surprise.

“Well, it’s nice to know you’re looking out for me.” She feigned a smug grin, sending a rosy hue across his face.

Nikolai couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face when he heard her witty comment, looking back at her sheepishly when the girl glanced at him.

Takeo studied his surroundings, ignoring the bickering. The mound central of the dig site had piqued his interest the moment the girl handed him the map in the church. Judging from that map, there was a site underground still to explore, and a German to find, above all.

“Perhaps we should search the mound.” Takeo’s suggested, intervening the bickering.

In unison, everyone turned to the mound just a short walk away.

She walked up to stand beside the Asian, looking up towards the mound over-towering the grounds.

“Takeo’s right.” She agreed. “We haven’t searched there yet.”

Takeo’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of his name rolling of her tongue so lusciously, but desperately pushed his fondness aside, scolding himself for a brief moment of defocus on his mission.

“Maybe we’ll find the German up there.” Nikolai added in his gruff voice, shrugging his shoulders.

Dempsey grumbled. “I fucking hope so.”

(Y/n) trudged ahead of the men as they began walking up narrow wooden slopes, as pathways seeming more like scaffolding, leading to the core of the mound.

She dared not to peek over her shoulder, for she was already aware of the very obvious eye-balling from the American. She could feel his stare. Those gorgeous blue eyes of his, roaming freely over her body. She hated just how much it flustered her.

‘Ignore him. Just focus on your mission.’ She told herself.

Kicking rocks and debris aside with her boot, the girl stepped into the centre of the mound. Tower stone pillars arched acutely at the tip, embedded with patches of a illuminated blue substance, circled the area in which they stood. A machine, appearing as a short ancient sculpture made of stone, with a skull embedded in its design above a carved and hallowed out slit in the middle. Upon further inspection, there were gears inside. Just what the machine was used for, left the crew speculating. But presumably it had a higher purpose than any other machine they had seen, for it was protected at the top of the mound.

They wandered warily for a moment, until Nikolai called out.

“There is an entrance into some tunnels here.” He spoke generally to all present, but glanced to the girl specifically.

She was the first to wander over to the Russian, looking downwards at a gaping hole in the ground, with a wooden pathway leading further inside what seemed like a cave. Dempsey and Takeo soon followed, taking a look at the makeshift path themselves, the interior of the room lacking any light source.

“This is just what that map had drawn on it...” She trailed off, looking back at Takeo who nodded in agreement.

Prepared to enter the crypt, the girl keenly took a step forward, only to be met with Dempsey’s arm swiftly reaching across her to block her path.

“Hold it, missy.” He smirked. “I got this.”

She scoffed as Dempsey instantly moved a step forward when the sound of a shotgun cocking made him halt abruptly.

“Says the man with no ammunition.” Nikolai asserted, sounding unimpressed.

Without a word, Nikolai trudged past Dempsey, not even batting an eye in his direction. If he had, the Russian would have seen the way he glowered at him.

(Y/n) followed in Nikolai’s footsteps hastily. Down a rickety narrow slope, he lead them into a catacomb of ancient ruins, embellished with sovereign monuments, and no light to illuminate the place, but that of rocks carved to bare the very same glowing blue mineral they had seen in countless places about the grounds.

Dempsey and Takeo came just after the girl, observing the site of the ruins cautiously. Heading further down, an array of cluttered tables and workbenches came into view, with prehistoric artefacts lying on top, and a tall raven-haired man standing hunched slightly before them.

The girl instantly recognised the man, shoving her way past Nikolai and storming towards him.

“There you are, you slippery bastard!” Her shrilling voice echoed, bouncing off the walls and startling him.

Her pace quickened to reach the German. Grabbing his arm firmly, she spun him around, nearly tripping him over his own feet, and shoved him forcefully back into the table, emitting a crash and strangled yelp from him on impact

Utter fear spread across his face when she grasped him firmly by his shirt collar, his breath hitching when her face came inches from his.

“You’ve got some serious explaining to do!” She spat in fury. “Do you know what hell we’ve been through?”

Had the girl peered over her shoulder in that moment, she would have seen the confound faces of the men behind her. Each of them astounded by her ferocity and will to confront a mad man so closely. Especially the Russian, who was visibly flustered by her sudden burst of ferity.

Shoving herself away from the German, he saved himself from toppling back from her hard push, panting from where his breath held hitched.

Richtofen briefly appeared to be gawking at her. From where his mouth hung agape as he drew in quick breaths, his eyes enlarged and startled, he almost lost himself in a daze if not for a brute American accent catching his attention.

“Are you gonna let us in on what’s going on here?” Dempsey urged angrily. “What are those things?”

Richtofen knew just what he was talking about. Those stalking, filthy, rotten corpses...

“There is no time to explain.” He retorted in a panic, turning his back to them.

Weapons cocking in unison made the German freeze. His body stiffened as he warily pivoted, more so glancing over his shoulder to see his intruders standing with their weapons locked on him. The girl stood a small distance in front of the men, glaring him in the eye.

He sheepishly shifted his gaze between them all as he stuttered, “Uh- We need to start up the conversion generators.”

“Already done it.” She snapped, her jaw clenching.

Richtofen began to sweat, feeling his state of fret exacerbate. The intensity of her stare running up and down him wavered his composure.

“Then we must leave here. They will return soon.” Richtofen urged, placing his hand atop the Kronorium.

The girl had noticed the way he protected it from the beginning, only raising her suspicions.

“We? Yeah right.” Dempsey’s sarcastic voice made the German look his way.

She turned her head slightly, speaking over her shoulder. “Dempsey, as much as I hate to disagree with you right now, he’s right.”

Both Dempsey and Nikolai countered her words with a quick moment of shock, also noticing Takeo gazing at her in surprise when she spun around to face the men directly.

“Let’s face it,” She began to voice. “He’s probably the only man alive who knows this place in and out.”

“He’s the enemy, (Y/n).” Dempsey told, a blank look on his face.

“And you’re also my enemy.” She retorted, looking at each man individually. “But I think surviving is more important right now, don’t you think?”

Dempsey fought the urge to storm off at her argument, but mysteriously, he felt the need to keep his eyes glued to the German at all times. As well as Nikolai and Takeo, Dempsey noticed an unsettling glint to his eye, something that he didn’t like. Especially when he watched the German take a gander at the girl when her back was turned to him. It riled him up inside.

The trio she faced shared an irritated expression, to which they all looked at each other, silently agreeing with her.

Sternly, she spoke. “We still need ammo, remember.”

Richtofen hesitantly piped up. “There are a few ammunition stashes that I know of.”

(Y/n) pivoted when she heard the German’s voice, instantly noticing the way he stared at her, merely observing him as he straightened his posture. The pleading look in the German’s eye almost made the girl pity him.

Richtofen knew rightfully in his own mind that he was untrustworthy for his actions in account of participating in obliterating civilization entirely. However, here and now, the girl he was faced with seemed to be the only one that was wise enough to be sensible about the situation. He found himself admiring her for that.

“I could show you where those stashes are.” There was a faint hint of apprehensiveness in Richtofen’s tone.

Despite how he spoke predominantly to the foursome before him, the way his eyes settled on the girl virtually pleaded for her accord only.

Dismissing the dirty looks she received when she peered over her shoulder, (Y/n) gave a single nod to the German.

“Lead the way.”

-X-

Searching for ammunition stashes proved to be more than just a simple task. As well as fending off hordes of the undead, throughout the entirety of any break they were granted, bickering ensued between the boys, typically instigated by Dempsey.

If not for the girl’s voice of reasoning, and will to clap back at his sarcasm, the American would never stop talking. Although, it almost seemed that Dempsey was making witty remarks on purpose, to spark a reaction from her, for his own enjoyment. Especially when she would flash a smirk his way, Dempsey knew it stirred a disapproving reaction from Nikolai and Takeo.

Remaining a short distance ahead, Richtofen led the group across muddy trails, evidently cautious of his every step as he peered downwards to avoid slipping. A couple of times, the German made wary glances over his shoulder, presumably to check that he was still being tailed. But unbeknownst to the group, he was secretly admiring her.

Richtofen was baffled at how anyone could remain so well-presented and fiercely composed in the face of madness. The way she carried herself, standing tall, her eyes always level with her enemies, braving the undead with not a glimmer of fear in her eye.

Leading them into a dimly lit and cluttered bunker, Richtofen stepped quickly inside, the girl following a few steps behind.

“Here.” The German moved aside, motioning to towers of wooden crates and metal cases.

The men had trudged in wearily behind, their eyes fixated on the German entirely.

“Take all the supplies that you need.” Richtofen told before walking away to another area within the bunker.

“You guys go ahead and stock up.” (Y/n) said quietly, all the while eyeing Richtofen as he moved a lantern onto a workbench he stood by.

She listened to the numerous footsteps sounding behind her as the trio hastily made their way over to the supply crates.

Intently, she observed the German for a moment, watching as he fumbled to pull things from crates and boxes nearby, moving so jaggedly, that he was bound to trip over his own feet as he went from table to table almost in a fret. She squinted, merely eyeing him with a puzzled look on her face.

Why did he seem so unbothered by the fact that four people were just trying to kill him?

And how did she find herself getting lost in a daze as she admired him from afar?

Despite how she only viewed him from behind, her eyes were roaming freely over him while he had his back turned. His figure was tall and broad at the shoulders, yet slightly slimmer, and narrower at the waistline than the other men. Clad in a white shirt, dulled and dampened in colour by the rain, presented neatly with a light murky green waistcoat over the top. Her eyes followed down the length of his figure, eyeing his rear for a minute longer than she dared to admit, and further down his lanky legs.

She tugged at the collar of her coat, all of a sudden finding the garment restricting as her face heated up, her face boldly flushed a cherry hue.

“(Y/n).” A voice called, making her jump back to reality.

Spinning on her heel, the girl was faced with Dempsey eyeing her with a stupid smirk on his face. She crossed her arms, sheepishly making eye contact as her face heated up even more when Dempsey’s smirk transformed into a small grin.

“You know, for a guy you’ve just met-” He began.

“Yeah, yeah, save it.” The girl hastily cut his words short, huffing in annoyance.

The American’s cocky demeanour really grated her... In a strange way that made her cheeks red and heart flutter.

“You oughta get yourself suited up.” Dempsey urged.

Wiping a hand over her face, she lazily walked towards the men situated by the supply stash. Nikolai perched on the corner of a large crate, a smile tugging at his lips when she glanced at him as she walked up beside him. She began rummaging around the crate, chewing her lip as she thought to herself.

Nikolai observed her with curiosity and awe. For a girl extensively trained with firearms, one would not expect to see such a delicate touch. She stocked her weapons magazine to its limit, her agility and precision astounding as her movements flowed steadily with each bullet she loaded.

The girl had clocked his attentive stare from the moment she began restocking her weapons, silently pleading Nikolai hadn’t noticed the way she had almost fumbled with the bullets between her fingers, almost finding the thought of those gorgeous blue eyes of his, watching her intently to be disruptive.

“You work with absolute precision.” Nikolai commented, faintly startling her with his gruff accent.

She met his eyes and for a brief moment the Russian appeared anxious before he babbled again.

“I mean you have very steady hands. Unlike myself-” He mumbled the last few words with a nervous chuckle.

Almost smugly, she hummed. “I beg to differ.”

Nikolai gave her a sheepish grin, to which she returned a soft smile.

Just as the atmosphere seemed tranquil, clambering and cluttering emitted from the other room. Startled, the girl spun on her heel, standing bravely with her pistol raised before her, but hesitantly lowering her weapon when a series of curses in German tumbled out in annoyance. She rolled her eyes and returned her gun to its holster.

“The German seems... skittish.” Nikolai commented under his breath, although loud enough for the girl to hear.

“You’re telling me.” She crossed her arms, slouching back on a supply crate.

The Russian seemed to lowly chuckle to himself, causing the girl to raise a brow. She kept her gaze fixated on the doorway in which lead to Richtofen, somewhat expecting him to step out in a flurry.

“Perhaps he is scared you’ll threaten him again.” Nikolai quipped.

She laughed faintly.

“Well, perhaps he should tell us what we’re all doing here.” She raised her voice slightly, intentionally for the German to hear.

Her voice caught the attention of the other men present, each of them directing their line of vision to the doorway Richtofen soon stepped through.

The German appeared windswept with his untamed hair, presumably running his hands through it often. Frustration was apparent on his face as his brows scrunched faintly. His sharp eyes fell on her instantly, his gaze virtually scrutinizing her for disturbing him.

Takeo and Dempsey stood somewhat defensively nearby, apprehensive of the German’s next move.

“What’s going on here, Doc?” The American growled in annoyance, asserting harshness on his medical title.

Richtofen huffed, straightening his posture.

“The state of the universe is facing a collapse.” Edward told bluntly, knowing rightfully his explanation was bound to be called out.

He was met with three blank faces, followed by a dramatic eye-roll and unimpressed chuckle from the American. The German glowered at him, and with a huff, continued to speak.

“All of you may want to reconsider your mission-” Edward made a quick, apprehensive glance to the floor. “For it is essential that we move as one, for the sake of survival.”

The girl observed the men, noticing that Dempsey was verging on bursting with an interjection for the German, his lips pressed into a line and his fists clenched certainly proved it.

“We’re just supposed to take your word on that and get along as friends?” Dempsey’s almost growled.

“No.” The German clapped back. “I’m expecting you to take my word so that you can ensure that you won’t die.”

(Y/n) gazed to the floor as she smirked at his blunt comeback.

Richtofen huffed. “There are urgent matters we must attend to, and I can tell you more in due time-”

His eyes darted between the foursome before him, in turn eyeing him sceptically.

“But, trust me, I do not speak lightly when I say that there’s a war to be won.”

[moontheyo]

Hey, I know this is weird and out of the blue of me to say, and I don't want this to come off as guilttripping to anyone or forcing anyone to do anything, but I really wish there were more mlm/nblm cod zombies x reader stuff here.

Almost every codz x reader I've seen is for women, and as an achillean trans guy it feels.. a little lonely. I get that people may not know how to write that type of stuff and I'm not saying that women in the fandom don't deserve all that stuff at all.

But maybe a mlm/nblm one once in a while wouldn't be so bad, y'know? Like, even if it's just one. It'd be nice to see.

I know I could make some myself, but I'm not a pro in that sort of thing...

[eccentrcks]

I have two Primis! Dempsey x Reader headcanons in the works now. Feel free to request if you want more content! 💙

[ultimisnikolai]

Modern Warfare Fans stop posting abt MW Nikolai in the Nikolai Belinski Tag Challenge PLEASE

For those of you unaware Nikolai Belinski is NOT the full name of the Modern Warfare Nikolai- It’s the name of the COD Zombies Nikolai (MW Nikolai and the two Nikolai Belinskis in the CODZ universe are completely separate characters). I try to filter out MW tags so I can see things about the zombies Nikolai as best I can but a majority of what I see is still the MW Nikolai and honestly. With no malice intended it is driving me up the wall because I’m seeing a character mistagged in my favorite characters tag to the degree where I see more of the mistagged character than I see the actual one. So please. Modern Warfare fans I BEG YOU. Stop tagging MW Nikolai as Nikolai Belinski. They are completely seperate characters.

[enterwittyjokehere]

Hai! Can u do an Edward Richtofen x reader where the reader is a trans woman? It could either be fluff, smut or both. Thank you! :]

[Sorry this one took a bit, I had a little too much fun writing it... this first part is over 3000 words >_<]

Medicinal Misunderstandings

Part 1

[Primis Edward Richtofen x amab reader smut (with plot)]

[⚠️Warnings⚠️]

[Amab reader]

[Feminine pronouns]

[Swearing]

[German]

[Mentions of insecurities]

[Mentions of passing out]

[Mentions of injury and illness]

[Misunderstanding and miscommunication]

[Fluff]

[Smut 18+ only]

[Oral s*x]

[Handjob]

[Teasing]

Hearing his heart pounding in his ears, eyes darting from side to side, Richtofen began to accept his fate. This was it for him. His numb hands tried to clutch his slashed side, the blood loss in his appendages made them weak. 

Edward began to remember how he fell into this situation, he was foolish to go alone. Foolish to storm away from his teammates.

“Töricht-! Verd*mmt!”  

Eyes desperately flickering from door to door, for any sign of life or lack thereof. The vision of the beaten walls began to blur with his movements, the lids of his eyes grew heavy and hard to keep open.

“Bitte, Edward, so nicht- bitte-.” His voice, strained between the shallow huffs of his breathing. He spoke as though he was praying, attempting to keep his semblance of fleeting consciousness.

His eyes began to close as his vision faded out, in his last moments he saw a figure stumble into the room. 

Edward's hearing was the first sense he regained, hearing people talking, though they were muffled and distorted. He was not even capable of distinguishing the voices of the people surrounding him or perhaps he didn't know them.

The bright flickering of the dying fluorescent bulbs above him, dug into his eyes when he had regained enough strength to open them. Edward's hands flew to his face covering his burning eyes, a hissing sound leaked from his mouth.

The sound earned the attention of those around him, two men quickly glancing toward him. Both startled, yet slightly relieved. As Edward sat up, his mind moved even as his body did not, a swaying sensation came over him. The rhythmic beating of his heart filled his ears, “ugh, Sch*iße-!” 

A hand flew to his mouth, he gagged, one of the two men kicked a blue bucket closer to him. Richtofen found it, vomiting into the small bucket, “When smarty gets back let's ask her if that means we can kill him.” 

The voice earned Richtofen's attention, lifting his head, eyes meeting with the two men. One had a pistol drawn, the other held a knife extended in his hand. 

“Nein, bitte…” Edward paused at their confusion, “Please, you don't want to kill me.”

“And why is that?” The man with the knife spoke up, stepping closer to the doctor. 

“Finn, wait, let's wait until (y/n) gets back…” 

The man holding the knife began to back away, locking eyes with his teammate, nodding slightly, eyes tracing back to Richtofen.

“How many allies do you have?” Richtofen asked, laying back against the cold cot he was laid on. A hand found his chest feeling his rough heartbeat, his white button up opened, exposing his pale torso.

“Just us and-” 

As if his words had summoned you, you entered the room, closing the door tightly behind you. Breathing heavily, a cut on your upper arm oozing deep red blood, you bared your teeth when you turned. 

Grabbing the wound, your face clenched together in pain, “F**k!” 

“Hey, hey, What'd you do?” Finn, your teammate with the knife, ran to your side, “What happened?”

“Couldn't find anyone else -except for more creeps, ran into a wall -tryna get away… Pulled the cut, sleepy gave me, open.” your words were rushed, to match your breathing, you winced as you removed your hand.

Finn glanced back to Richtofen, who was now sat upwards on his cot, “Well, sleepy is awake… and I think European. Not quite sure what his first language is, though.”

“Anything I should take note of about the sleepy European?” You said, your eyes finding his own.

“When he first came to, he threw up… Does that mean he's infected?” The man with the gun asked, keeping an eye on Richtofen.

“No. No, Al, that's semi-normal for fainters. Saw it alot back at the hospital.” your eyes closed in on the German, he was still woozy from coming to, not so long ago, “Were you out there by yourself for a reason, sir?” 

“I just got separated from mein own team, tell mich, how did I get here?” Richtofen asked, glancing back at the gun, your teammate, Al was holding.

“Miss smarty, right here, found you passed out and brought you back here. She used to be a Doctor, before, well, all of this.” Finn patted you on the back.

Your pained demeanor faltered, for only a moment a soft smile took its place, “I really need to bandage my arm, Finn.” You said, moving away from his grasp, you offered the German a soft smile, “And get him some water it'll help him feel better.”

The German watched as Al rolled his eyes, mumbling something to himself. Before, begrudgingly, doing what he was told, bringing Edward a small canteen, “it's fresh, don't worry, we boiled it already.”

Edward nodded when he took the small piece of metal, only now realizing how dry his mouth was. Taking a swig, Edward felt the cool water run down his empty insides, the 

feeling making him squirm, “D-Danke.”

“Of course, mr.-?” You paused, looking at the Edward quite quizzically.

“Richtofen. I am Edward Richtofen.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Richtofen.” You smiled, hand loosening from around the slash on your arm. Soft steps traced over to your small tin first aid kit, taking out rolls of bandages and gauze.

The three men all watched as you applied it to your hurt arm, the German's eyes followed up your body to your face as you bit your lip in concentration. Finn was the first to get the hint, rolling his eyes only to turn and leave the room. Al noticed his teammates absence and quickly followed, leaving the two of you alone.

“Eine… doctor?” Richtofen mumbled to himself, eyes tracing up your body, “that means you bandaged mein wound, ja?”

“Yes, that was me, why?” You turned away from your arm to shoot him a glance, “Is my work not to your liking, mr. Richtofen?”

“Nein- not at all, It's just, I never would've guessed…” Richtofen shut his mouth, worried to say anything else.

“Would've guessed-?” Your words ushered him to continue.

A deep chuckle fell from his mouth, “ich never would have guessed someone like you would have been such a skilled hand.”

“Someone like me?” You repeated, insecurities flooding your words, you bit the inside of your cheek, finishing your arm. The words you wanted to speak failed, you gave the German a quick nod, before walking out.

Richtofen watched, unsure of why your demeanor towards him had suddenly shifted, but the slamming door gave him the impression he had upset you. Left lying on the cot, while the painfully sharp feeling of the gash on his side seeped into his body. He could only cover his face with his hands, expelling a groan, “Scheiße, Edward, really?”

Edward was unaware of how long he had been left lying there alone, he had finally begun to drift asleep before the door slammed. The sound alerted him, he jumped up, pulling at the healing wound on his side, his hands quickly shooting to grab at the pain. The German looked up as he winced, “Thank Gott, you came back, mein pain is-” Edward’s words stopped seeing your teammate, Finn, eyebrows so closely knitted it looked as though they were connected.

“I'm not here to help you, Dumba**.” Finn spat, anger lacing his words, “what makes you think you can speak to her like that?” 

Finn glared down at him, confusion taking over the doctor's expression, “I-I’m sorry? Was?”

“Don't play dumb, (y/n) told us what you said.” Finn lowered his face, getting incredibly close to the pained German. Richtofen's grimace, making the angry man smile, “your going to get what you deserve being a bigot after she saved you, you already cut her arm all up when she found you!”

“I injured her? Bedienen.. ‘a bigot’, I don't unde- I complimented her work-!” Richtofen defended himself, “und said, it was strange that such a young woman was such a skilled physician.”

“..No- you said ‘someone like her,’ you…” pausing, Finn gained a look of confusion. “you really weren't being a d**k?” Finn's anger melted away.

“Nein, I would never-...” Finn retracted at Richtofen's words.

“Well, you really hurt her feelings..” Finn said, backing away, “But I'll try to explain the miscommunication, it's been so long since we've seen her this happy…”

Finn's eyes dropped down to his feet, Richtofen nodded watching as Finn moved past him, leaving through the door.

“A bigot?”

Finn had tried to explain the German's words to you, but you did not care to listen, “his values are not my responsibility, I'll have him healed and then we can send him on his way, Finn.” 

Your teammates eyes were full of sorrow as you pushed past him ignoring his words, “Y-You don't mean that-” Finn called out, his hand grabbing your shoulder, “It has been so long, since we've seen you this happy… it might have been when you first started transitioning, and I know that it is none of my business but-”

“Then why do you care so much, Finn?” 

“Because I want to protect you that's all I've ever wanted.” Finn's hand slipped down your arm, latching onto your hand. His fingers rubbing soft circles on the back if your own, “and if that means helping you f**k this German guy, so be it.”

Your soft laugh brought a smile to your teammates face, “Fine, Finn. I'm listening.” 

“He's just weird, he didn't mean to offend you, or at least that's what he told me.” Finn's eyes glanced up, staring at your own, “He's also in a lot of pain, right now.” 

“Shit. I forgot I was gonna bring him medicine.” Your mind was suddenly returned, the level headedness you always seem to possess taking back its place. Finn watched as you ran over to a small table, picking up a small packet and your flask of water, “thank you, Finn, for everything.”

You made your way back into the room the German doctor laid in, when you entered he didn't look at you. He didn't speak. He just laid there. Pain had seeped into every inch of his body, radiating from the wound on his side, his hands grabbed at it, in an attempt to quell the soreness. 

“Mr. Richtofen?” He didn't Answer.

You moved closer into his line of sight, his eyes squinting and face tightly together. His sad grey eyes traced over you once more, “Es tut mir leid, truly, I understand what you choose to do next.” You could only spare him a small laugh.

“Open your mouth.” You smiled as he glanced up at you, quizzically, you lifted the pill packet into his view.

His eyes widened slightly, only for a moment, filling with hope. He nodded, closing his eyes and opening his mouth, you dropped the pills on his tongue. Your hand found the underpart of his chin, carefully holding it as you helped him drink from the flask, he sat back with a satisfying “ahh” sound.

“I would also like to apologize, mr. Richtofen…” his exhausted grey eyes found your own.

“Was? Why?” 

“Finn allowed me the knowledge that I had taken your words out of their meanings and it's something that I have always struggled with.” You looked back at him, “I'm just a little insecure about certain qualities I possess…”

“I don't see why, you should know you are incredible to behold, und mein heart beats twice whenever you send that soft smile my way.” He spoke, smiling, “aber I am so tired at the moment.”

You smiled, nodding, you crawled onto the small cot, Richtofen was surprised at first but slowly happiness, true happiness, had taken over. His small smile, grew as he rubbed your cheek, your hands found his face as well, pulling him to you. Capturing his lips in a heated embrace, a cascading moment of small kisses, breaking apart and moving right back onto another. His knee situated itself between your legs, he smiled, holding your body close.

The two of you drifted off like that, your head planted on his chest. His slow breathing comforting you, perhaps it was the connection or the safety of having another person there but it was the best sleep you had gotten in a while.

The morning rose and so did you, waking up and being met with the German holding onto you, tightly. His small exhales were the only noise in the room, you could only smile, it was perfect.

Small discontented groans left the germans mouth as you pulled away from his embrace. You tried not to wake him, yet he still stirred, grey eyes finding you. A small smile pulled at his lips, “Guten morgen, Frau doktor.”

You chuckled at his funny words, “Gesundheit..”

Richtofen shook his head, his small smile still present, “not quite.”

Your hands reached for his face, the pad of your thumb finding a scar on his cheekbone, rubbing the healed wound playfully. Richtofen's hand enveloped your own, pushing the palm to his lips, giving your hand a quick kiss.

“I'm very sorry that I was so cruel to you earlier,” your soft emotional smile replaced with a slightly more somber one as guilt pried into your mind.

“All is forgiven, you have been more help to mich than anyone has for as long as I can remember.” He spoke, leaning forward, his eyes staring into your own.

“I'm sure that's a fabrication, Edward.” You smiled at him, “still I can't help but feel bad.. Is there anything I could help you with before you're healed enough to leave?”

Edward's eyes widened at a thought, quickly as they did they glanced away from you, almost fleeing your presence. A faint hue of red dusts his pale features, “Nein, not really… Unless..”

Your heart skips a beat as he looks back at you, teeth gripping onto his bottom lip for comfort, “..Yes?”

“You do not have to encourage me, if you feel uncomfortable with my actions, please tell me..” With his disclaimer out of the way, he snaked a hand to your jawline, tilting his head slightly to stare up at you, “I have known very few people as affectionate as you, I enjoy it quite a bit… more than I thought Ich would. Und it is very likely we will not get another chance like this…”

“You want to have s*x?” You finished his words, his embarrassed demeanor deepened, only nodding as his face reddened much more, “I would love to.” 

Carefully pulling away from his grasp, you slid off the cot, pulling his trousers down. Edward watched with unspoken prayers as you toyed with him, your upper half laid on the cot beside him. Your hand gently stroking him, small gasps and moans seeping from his mouth.

Kisses from your mouth trailed up his p*n*s, your hand finding his balls. He was interesting to jerk *ff, due to him being uncircumcised, watching as the skin pulled away from the tip and recovered it. Biting your lip in anticipation, “Ready?” You looked back up at him, who looked down at you with a soft stare.

“Bitte.” His word was strangled, but said with a smile and him closing his eyes lightly.

“I'm glad I could help… It would've been unfortunate had I been an unhelpful b*t*h.” You laughed, he opened his mouth to reply but your mouth found the tip of his c**k far too soon. 

Richtofen's head tossed back as he released a guttural moan, “Nein. I do not care for that description-”

You pulled him out of your mouth, your hand pumping around him, “I was a little bit of a b*tch though..”

Pushing your lips back to his tip, you stared down at him, expectantly, “your actions were justified, you assumed I was being unhöflich.”

“Ah- Scheiße-! Even if you had been you're still a very kind und gentle woman-...” Richtofen's voice was clouded by pants and moans, his head laid back in ecstatisy, “Aber, you have to know that you are quite beautiful und very good with that mouth of yours- Gott-!”

You twisted your hands around the base of his c**k, while your mouth pleasured the tip. Taking him in your mouth slightly, your eyes wide as they stared up at him. His face a grimace of pleasure, made your own pants tight while you pleased the German.

He groaned out, his hips thrusting himself further into your mouth, when his chattering had died down you removed him from your lips, watching as he looked up to you almost immediately.

“No, no, no, don't stop talking now, mr. Richtofen, please-” You began to stroke his c**k, your hand pulling the foreskin back, the red tip almost aching for any kind of stimulation, “I love hearing that gorgeous accent of yours.”

His hips stuttered as you continued to pump your hands around him, “bitte, bitte, please, in den mund… Rein-!” 

His whines echoed, sounding like music to your ears as you teased him, you licked a stripe over his c**k, kissing the tip. Your hand twisted and pumped faster, it was not long before Richtofen was only holding on by a thread. His moans and whines were silenced when he pressed his hands to his mouth, before a prolonged muffled groan was released. He hit his climax, evident by the white strands that covered your face, you tightly closed your eyes, the German spread out panting. You wiped your face, carefully, only to open your eyes and see him carefully observing you.

“Yes, Mr. Richtofen?” You spoke, quietly, moving to sit on the cot, “anything else I can help you with?” 

“Nein, aber I want to please you now..” He said, placing a hand on your thigh, his hand inches away from the bulge in your pants. 

You smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, “That's sweet but I did just put your stitches in, it could be bad if they busted..”

“Es ist mir egal..” His hand rubbing the inside of your thigh, his soft and tired smile almost begging you. 

“I don't know what that means..” You laughed, leaning down to peck his cheek, Edward's hands looping over your shoulders.

“Please… we may never have another chance like this..” His gruff whisper in your ear, was nothing more than a simple plea, a plea that elicited quite the response.

The quick turning of your stomach made you gasp out as his hand ran over your bulge. Your heart raced as he palmed you through your trousers, “Bitte, allow me this..” 

A swear and a groan trickled from your lips, teeth sinking into the soft flesh to hold the others back. Edward's large, pale hands moved to unbutton your trousers, his neck craned to watch as he worked. Greyish eyes flickering from his hands at your crotch to your face, eyes closed and mouth whispering silent prayers.

“You look so wunderbar.” He whispered, his hand fully grasping your hard er*ct*on. Pumping slowly, he teased you, his calloused thumb rubbing small circles on the tip. You laid your head back letting out a gasp as Edward teased you. Your sweet noises mixed with the grinding of your hips against his hand brought a sweet smile to his lips, “So wunderbar.”

[mayhemakinguser]

Let Me Love You × Primis! Richtofen x Reader

Huahuahua

I decide to write a Richtofen x reader since I saw someone wanting more (Richtofen x reader hua)

Reader is gender neutral and is German :D

No warnings, just a lot of fluff (I think. Chaotic doesnt know if she is writing fluffc correctly. She also doesnt know why she talks in third person)

I have no idea where this is going to be taken place (I have only played bo2 origins, have never played bo3 nor bo4 which is a tragedy) so like, imagine it's one of your favorite maps 🤷‍♀️

<story begins nowwww rah>

You notice the German sitting by his lonesome on a bench, his notes spread out all over the floor and his face in his hands. He's also been noticeably stressed this past week, struggling to stay alive as well as finding a way to end this horrible nightmare.

You and Edward had worked together as scientists, so you knew little things about him the others did not. For example, how he chewed his hands when he was nervous, how his eyebrow twitched when he was irritated, a small smile when he secretly is excited. You knew a lot more about him than yourself.

But one thing you did know, was that you were hopelessly in love with the doctor. Like, puppy love. And the others knew it too. They would constantly tease you about it. Even right in front of him! Either Edward was oblivious, or he was too busy thinking to notice. It drives you mad how smart, but so dumb, he is.

With a quick contemplation, you stride over to him quietly, attempting to not startle him. You sit down carefully, watching him.

Edward must've sensed your presence because he looks up from his hands. "Oh, hallo, Y/n."

You gnaw on your lip. "Was die Sache?" What is the matter?

Edward watches you as closely as you watch him. "Nichts. It's just... been overwhelming lately. The others are trusting me less and less." He gives a tired smile.

You place a comforting hand on his shoulder. "They're just getting cold feet. They have been acting a lot different since we first met them."

He snorts. "Ja, they went from 'I want to visciously murder you and bury you under gallons of cement' to 'I just want to squeeze your throat for a little'."

You giggle into your other hand. "Progress!"

You two laugh with each other for a little before you both go silent.

"Eddie..." you begin, going back to chewing your lip.

He hums in response, his beautiful eyes flitting away.

"I want you to know that ich..." Ich liebe dich. I love you. "...i care about you. A lot. And I want to make sure you and the others' well-beings are... well, good. Let me take care of you."

His eyes latch back onto yours. You realize you two are only inches apart, and it makes your ears go warm with some embarrassment.

After a moment, he goes, "Okay."

You nod with a nervous smile. "Okay. First, we have to put these stress-inducing notes away." You kneel on the floor to pick them up and he instantly crouches beside you.

"It's okay, I got them-" Edward quickly says, not wanting to put you through all the trouble.

"It's alright. I don't mind," you practically chirp. And you genuinely didn't.

Your hands brush against his and in unison, both of your guys' hands jerked back as if ya'll touched some hot water. You blush profusely, refusing to meet his gaze. You take the pile from him and set it back on a shelf for later.

You sit back on the bench and he does the same. Silence again.

You turn towards him, drawing a leg up to face Edward. With a blush heating your face, you hold your arms out. Edward blinks at you, confused.

"It's proven by other scientists that hugs decrease stress," you explain quickly, face on fire. "So... bring it in."

Was it just you, or is his cheeks dusted with pink? He hesitantly wraps his arms around you, feeling stiff at first. But when you did the same, he visibly untensed, actually pulling you close and burying his face into the crook of your neck. You squeeze him, covering your face in his chest and inhaling his scent. He has a certain musk to you, not at all stinky (surprising, given the circumstances) but it was one you could distinguish from Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo. He smelled like... home. And everything you could ever want.

Edward mumbles something, stirring you out of your thoughts. "Hmm?"

"Danke, liebling," he mumbles, making your hairs rise. Darling? A pet name? "You are always so kind to me, ever since we met. How can I ever repay you?"

"You don't have to," you reply softly, resting your chin on his shoulder so your voice wouldn't be muffled. "All you have to do is stay alive for me. That's all I ever want."

Edward sighs again, but contently. Without warning, he drags you into his lap and you release a squeak of surprise. Your hands go to his chest and you gaze down at him with fiery cheeks. Edward's eyes look up at you, his own face a little pink.

"Oh, liebling," he whispers, one hand on your waist and the other going to your cheek. You lean into his hand with a soft whine. You wanted to be touched like this by him for the longest while. To be in such an intimate moment with Edward.

"How did I deserve someone so perfect like yourself?" he whispers to himself, staring at you like you were the most beautiful thing he's ever seen.

"Everyone deserves a little love," you whisper, leaning forward a bit. His eyes widen a bit. "Even you, Eddie."

"How can you be so sure? Everyone is convinced that I..." Edward trails off.

"I don't know who "everyone" is," you say with a gentle smile, "but they're wrong. I love you Eddie. I've always have."

Then you connect your lips with his. Edward's eyes went round, then softened, eyes fluttering shut as he cups your face with both hands, kissing back. His lips were so soft. You figured it would've been rough, but it was soft like a pillow. You sigh into the kiss, coiling your hands around his neck.

You both seperate for air, studying each other's eyes. Edward says softly, "I love you too, mein liebling." He brushes a thumb across your lip. "But, you should stop biting on your lip so often. It's too pretty to be bleeding."

You blush hard, hiding yourself in his chest again. "Shut up."

BONUS

"What did I tell you?" Dempsey whisper-shouts, shoving Nikolai's shoulder.

"I figured it would've taken them longer," the Russian bear grumbles.

Takeo opens and closes his hand, expectant. "Give it up, Russian."

Nikolai grumbles some more and slaps an item into Takeo's hands. "This is ridiculous."

<END OF STORY YIPPEE!>

hoped u enjoy!!

[bumblingbee1]

Tank Dempsey’s softer side

Primis/Ultimis: Ultimis

Reader gender: Gender neutral

Warnings: None

- Tank has always been a cat person.

- Dempsey has a stuffed cat named Felix. It’s namesake was his childhood pet.

- It helps him sleep better at night. He remembers the soft purrs. It takes him back home. He had a good life. Great family. Just thinking about it makes him shed a few tears.

- He’s very self-conscious about it too. He fears that the rest of the squad will think less of him. Call him childish. None of the crew knows, not even Takeo.

- When he’s bonded with you, he introduces you to Felix. There’s a special kind of trust that lies in sharing a piece of your childhood.

- “Felix was a good boy. If he was still around, he would love you at first sight. He’d notice how you’ve been so good to me.”

- You responded by giving him a big hug, pressing your head softly against his before kissing his temples.

[eloisyw8]

Draw more Takeo?

yes *gives him a tamagotchi

He forgot to feed the pet-

[eloisyw8]

it's already midway through January, how does Richtofen feel about Valentines day ? *gives Der doktor a rose*

[angelwheat]

The Mundane and the Magic

༻ a codz x reader story ༺

➶ The Giant // ❝ Self-righteous Suicide ❞

➶ Chapter Four , 4621 words

Wobbly legs failed to support her as she nearly toppled over onto icy ground from the sheer unsteadiness of being exported from reality for a brief second and zapped into a land unfamiliar. Evidently, the experience struck the four men just the same, for each of them stumbled, struggling to recompose themselves as their heads were virtually spinning.

Hunching over where she stood, the girl pressed her hands to her hips, fighting to keep the bile down that she could feel bubbling up inside. Allowing the motion sickness to subside, she stayed put for a moment, listening to the men huff and grumble in displeasure.

After a short while she straightened her posture, smoothing down her hair that had blown askew at such a surprisingly harsh motion of blending through the linear fabrics of the universe.

Observing the foursome spaced out around her, (Y/n) noticed that the German appeared the most well composed out of them all, somewhat strangely unbothered by the experience of being teleported. Perhaps he was fortunate enough not to feel the sickening effects so strongly… or maybe he’s used to it.

The fact that he looked so unaffected but merely swayed for a second was enough to taunt the boys who almost landed with their faces in heaps of snow.

Dempsey staggered to composure, spitting his words at the German. “What the fuck was that Doc?”

Richtofen bit his tongue, infuriated with the American’s persistent use of his abbreviated title.

“Time travel.” He answered bluntly, looking down to smooth his attire.

“Yeah, no shit.” Dempsey coughed into his arm.

Nikolai had readied his shotgun the very second his eyes could focus steadily on his surroundings.

Immediately, the location struck as new, and eerie without a doubt, for there were tall, fully constructed buildings surrounding them, unlike the crumpled monuments seen prior to their hasty departure from Northern France.

These buildings towered high, some ranging from two, to perhaps three or four floors. The location appeared to be a group of factories; guess-ably of use for constructive purpose for the German army, for the writings on metal signs were stamped with painfully long words in Deutsch, that only Richtofen could make sense of.

Now they stand in the centre of the grounds, in a courtyard. A wide elevated steel platform stands a small distance away, with stairs leading up to a large machine, somewhat resembling the teleporter they had just been thrown into. Connected to the contraption were three chunky electrical cables, adorned with thick icicles along their length, which separated and lead to three mainframe facilities equal distance from each other. What they were connected to was as good as anyone’s guess.

Questions began to rattle around their heads as they observed their surroundings.

“Where are we German?” The Russian growled.

If Nikolai were to lock eyes with the Doctor, his deadly glare would kill him. But instead, Takeo eyed the German suspiciously, waiting for his predictable short-handed answer.

“We have arrived at a research facility.” Richtofen answered, as simply as predicted. “On the outskirts of Eastern Germany.”

The girl side-eyed him in disdain. His will to speak simply, almost like he was dimming down his intelligence to match that of the rest of the crew, or his frequent use of compulsive riddles and metaphors was already driving her mad, and she had only known him for a month or so.

Although now that time travel was brought into the equation, she could have very well known Richtofen for an eternity after discovering that shifting timelines and potentially re-writing history was entirely possible.

“What are we doing here, Richtofen?” She asked flatly.

All eyes landed on her when she spoke but flicked to the German when he shifted on his feet.

“I- We need to collect something.” Richtofen stammered, his eyes widening slightly.

The small slip up of his words raised wariness instantly, especially in Nikolai and Takeo for they narrowed their gazes at him in sync.

It fell eerily silent as all four pairs of eyes stared down the German, intimidating him as they all awaited a follow up speech explaining just what he needs to “collect”.

When he had no indication of opening his mouth to speak, Richtofen took a step forward, only to be brought to a halt when the barrel of Nikolai’s shotgun came mere inches from his chest before he could even blink.

“Explain why you have brought us here, German. You’ve been feeding us nothing but riddles!” Nikolai’s accent thickened, lacing his words with a menacing tone in his burst of rage.

Dempsey, Takeo and (Y/n) stepped up alongside the Russian, but none wanted to console the brute, instead believing he was right in resorting to a more threatening manner of interrogation. Richtofen raised his hands up in feeble surrender, his chest heaving as he stared down the thick barrel of the gun aimed at him.

“I can explain in time.” Richtofen answered hastily. “That I promise.”

Nikolai shook his head, his jaw setting in a sharp line. “I’ve heard that one to many times already. I do not believe you have any good intentions.”

The Russian adjusted his stance, planting his feet firmly on the ground, his gloved finger grazing the trigger on his gun, prepared to put a bullet in his chest without a second thought.

(Y/n) could have sworn she saw a plead for mercy in Richtofen’s usually dull eyes, hoping he can be granted some leeway, and a chance to move without the men of the group virtually always breathing down his neck, for he stared between her and the weapon threatening him rather quickly.

Perhaps not this time.

While (Y/n) had been lenient in the beginning, simply following him blindly as a means of keeping everyone alive, however, it now seems that she’s growing just as impatient as the boys. Richtofen had certainly foreseen this.

“Alright, easy now.” The girl intervened with a firm voice, her hand reaching to lower the shotgun Nikolai held. “We know that killing each other isn’t going to get us anywhere.”

Visibly infuriated, and practically steaming from the ears with boiling rage, Nikolai huffed loudly and retracted from the group, allowing Richtofen to lower his hands and exhale a long breath.

The girl dismissed the way the Doctor stared at her for a second, and instead focused on Nikolai in concern, albeit even wary of his next move.

His broad shoulders noticeably rose and fell with every heaving breath he took as he simmered down the fiery rage within him.

She could understand his dramatic actions for the world was flipped upside before their very eyes in a matter of seconds, and at this very moment in time, any action, no matter how drastic, could be deemed as justified.

Just when everything seemed tranquil, the sound of glass shattering made all unleash their firearms.

Staggered footsteps across icy ground emitted a small distance away, gradually growing closer. A stumbling decomposing corpse hauled itself through a beaten down wooden barrier. Yet another fallen soldier to have become a victim to the brain-rotting infection. But it seemed lost. Although it appeared to have retained some memory of marching; as the man would have done alongside his platoon before the outbreak.

Though given the unpredictability of the zombie, all but one keeps their weapons aimed steadily.

From what the girl could tell from discreet glances, Richtofen appeared to be studying the creature, or perhaps he was awaiting its next violent move. She had learned that he was not an easy man to read, at least not through his expressions, for he typically appeared emotionless.

She missed the way the Doctor rolled his eyes and swiftly breezed past the crew with his arm raised and pistol loaded to gun the zombie down with a single bullet its head.

With a heft thud, the lifeless creature dropped to the floor, the heap of snow its head landed in now absorbing the blood pouring from the gaping hole in its skull.

Richtofen holstered his pistol, turning to face the group looking utterly unimpressed when he was met with four scorned faces.

“I would simply suggest killing them when you see them.” He instructed blankly. “Research shows that they do in fact sense presence sooner or later.”

Silence enveloped once again, and (Y/n) felt herself shivering as the wind whisked through much stronger than before, creating an eerie whistle as it crawled through crevices in buildings. Her intolerance to the cold failed to go unnoticed as Richtofen witnessed her body quiver, and she pulled her coat snugly to her body.

“We must not waste time. There is much to be done.” Edward asserted, wanting nothing more than to hasten his own mission.

As much as the Doctor tried to ignore the thought, he wished to get the girl somewhere warmer, or at least direct her there if he could not escort her himself. He would not dare to admit that part of him felt a fondness for her, especially for her will to seek justice between the crew.

“Might I also suggest we search for supplies.” Richtofen added. “I’m sure we’ll be needing them.”

As if his queue to leave, Richtofen spun on his heel and made his way towards the central facility.

Dempsey made a hasty move to follow the German, but a light touch of a hand pressing to his arm had pulled him to an abrupt stop. He turned, only to be met with a look of annoyance from the girl.

He immediately opened his mouth to argue before she raised her hand to halt his words.

“I think we should leave him be.” She spoke generally.

The American stared at her in disbelief. “You’re gonna let him run off?”

She rolled her eyes. “He’s not gonna run off.”

Dempsey’s hands flew out beside him in confusion and frustration. “Then what- “

Cutting him off swiftly, she declared, “If he doesn’t separate from us for a while, I think he’ll get killed.”

(Y/n) discreetly motioned to Nikolai with her eyes, who had his back turned at the time, prompting Dempsey to scoff and shake his head in annoyance, knowing very well that she was correct.

As flakes of snow fluttered down into her eye view, she peered upwards, sensing an impending snowstorm brewing above. Takeo had followed her gaze skyward, thinking just the same as clouds tumbled in thicker, hiding away the stars that barely glimmered in the evening sky.

“I’m gonna go look for supplies.” She told, wanting nothing more than to find somewhere warmer to roam.

Like her feet carried her away automatically, (Y/n) turned her back and began traipsing carefully over the snow towards a building. The doors to the main entrance virtually inviting her in as they were wide open.

Barely two seconds had passed before Dempsey’s cocky accent caught up to her.

“Woah woah, you’re not going alone missy.”

She could hear the way he spoke with a smirk on his face, and faced him immediately, quipping. “What? You don’t think I can handle myself?”

Tank’s eyes widened subtly upon sensing the stares from Takeo and Nikolai. (Y/n) couldn’t help the way she bit her lip in amusement as the American visibly regret his choice of words and fumbled to find a believable excuse.

But little did she know that Nikolai had turned away slightly to hide the way he smirked to himself, not wanting to have Dempsey bark at him in retaliation to finding his visible embarrassment amusing, but also, secretly, because of the way she held herself in that very moment. With her hand on her hip, almost proudly, as the corner of her lips curled up smugly. It made his heart skip a beat.

“What- No!” Tank breathed a faint awkward laugh, averting his eyes. “I just think we should stick together.”

(Y/n) shrugged. “Very well then, we’ll go in pairs. We can cover the grounds quicker.”

The three men perked up instantly, eyeing her attentively.

“Feel free to join me, but I’ve gotta get somewhere warm before I freeze to death.” She resumed walking away, this time much quicker as the cold air was nipping at her through her coat.

The trio exchanged blank glances, silently questioning whether to follow her footsteps. Yet not one of them dared to move, even though the girl had already entered the building.

That was until Nikolai wasted no time in taking a step forward, his boots imprinting the settled snow as he swiftly headed in the same direction as (Y/n).

In his wake, Nikolai left two men frustrated, with Dempsey visibly turning his nose up at the fact that the Russian had beat him to the same idea.

“That settles it then.” Dempsey grumbled, trudging past Takeo displeased. “Let’s just search this damn place.”

---

Hefty footsteps emitted behind her in a hasty manner, although not like the jagged pattern of a zombie. Despite how quick the person was walking; their steps had a steady pattern. She glanced over her shoulder, brows raised, only to be struck with surprise upon seeing the Russian following her path. She smiled politely when he reached her side, to which she earned the same in return.

“I was half expecting to see Dempsey behind me.” She admitted.

Nikolai couldn’t help the lie that slipped from his tongue. “He had agreed to pair with Takeo.”

(Y/n) nodded, oblivious to the fact that Nikolai was merely eager to join her.

Standing side-by-side, together they surveyed the room. From its spacey layout, and the huge vents surrounding a furnace central of a partially walled off section, it could be guessed that it was none other than a storage room, or perhaps a place that materials were discarded and burned for ashes littered the feet of the caged firepit. She couldn’t refrain from spluttering and covering her nose at the putrid smell that wafted from the furnace, one would assume the previous occupants were incinerating bodies what with such a foul smell.

A few crates and barrels lie on their sides, some of their contents spewed out and trampled across the floor, most of which were papers, scrapped rusty components, and bullet shells. Upon closer inspection, (Y/n) surmised that the bullets were splayed recently for not a drop of dirt covered one, and Nikolai had noticed this too.

“There was bloodshed here recently.” Nikolai thought aloud, moving forward a few steps.

(Y/n) hummed. “But the question is, where these people killing each other, or zombies?”

The thought of an army, once forged together by loyalty and discipline, turning on each other utterly driven to madness as the world collapsed, and people turned to flesh-eating murderers before their very eyes.

“I dread to think of it.” Nikolai responded, watching the girl as she crouched to view a crumpled sheet of paper.

Steel catwalks above their heads creaked and popped as the wind breezed through holes in the doors and walls, nudging its every obstacle with vengeance what with the force it was brewing up. Parts of the structure had already fallen from its rightful place, lying in piles of debris in random areas, the building being entirely torn apart by the harsh weather alone.

“We best not stay here too long.” Nikolai told. “My guess is that this place will be nothing but rubble before we know it.”

A fairy-light clink hit their ears, and as if ironically on queue a bolt from an overhead beam hit the floor, bouncing astray into a pile of ash. The pair locked eyes warily at the timing.

“Let’s see if there’s anything useful and get out of here.” (Y/n) urged.

Nikolai nodded and began his own deconstructive way of searching.

Little time had passed, and they had each found a great supply of fresh ammunition to be shared amongst the crew. Not being able to carry such a heavy amount of munitions between them means they resorted to shifting the supply crates to an area more safely accessible, for the crew to return to instead.

While (Y/n) had her hands elbow deep in a crate, she pondered on the earlier encounter with a raging Nikolai in the courtyard. His seething expression and merciless intentions to kill Richtofen remained permanently in her mind.

Knowing that she doesn’t fear the Russian in the slightest, for he has shown nothing but loyalty and kindness to her throughout the few weeks of knowing him, more so than he has shown anyone else, (Y/n) couldn’t help but wonder if Nikolai would have followed through with his drastic intentions if she had not intervened.

She looked his way, catching the way he swiftly averted his eyes to the crate he stood searching, taking herself aback when she felt her heart skip a beat.

Pushing away the thought of the mere instance, she called out to him. “Nikolai?”

The gentle way his name sounded when it fell from her lips made his rounded eyes met hers, prompting her to speak but the words were lodged in her throat as his eyes captivated and shimmered in the dim light the furnace glowed.

“You know I don’t blame you for nearly killing Richtofen earlier.” She declared with all sincerity.

However, the Russian scowled instantly.

(Y/n) watched as Nikolai drew in a deep breath, pressing his palms to the edge of the wooden crate.

“Richtofen is beginning to test my patience. What with all his riddles…” He told in his gruff voice.

“Tell me about it.” She muttered, fiddling with a bullet she had picked up.

“But I fear we are descending into madness by following his orders.” He admitted. “And I’m finding it nearly impossible to have any ounce of faith in his intentions.”

Something about the way Nikolai held himself in that moment struck her strange. He began to softly drum on the crate, his lips pressing into a line when he turned his attention back to the equipment before him. It seemed like there were words on the tip of his tongue, yet he could not allow them to fall past his lips.

(Y/n) chewed the inside of her cheek, staring blankly at the bullet she held, ruminating on his words.

“Do you believe that Richtofen has good intentions?” Nikolai blurted out.

The girl instantly locked eyes with him, noticing how serious he looked with such a hard-faced expression. His question made her ponder for a minute.

“I can’t say.” She answered truthfully. “He’s acting suspicious, that’s for sure. And God knows what he’s up to right now.”

Nikolai only nodded, acknowledging her.

“But let’s just get on with what we need to do. I’m already tired of stressing about his next move.”

Something sent a pang of guilt through the Russian. If the girl had not turned her eyes away, she would have seen the pitiful look on his face.

(Y/n) huffed and tossed small components back into the crate, walking briskly past Nikolai, and over to a smaller one yet to be searched on the opposite side of the room.

Another clink of a falling screw went unheard of as her footsteps overpowered the faint tap of metal hitting the ground. That was until the piercing sound of steel screeching, peeling away from the lengthy catwalk above their heads, a support beam overhead came barrelling down at an alarming speed driving terror straight through her as she froze beneath the collapsing structure.

She opened her mouth to scream, but she was voiceless.

Two hands gripped her sides firmly and dragged her out from under the beam’s line of fall, to which the enormous steel bar slammed to the floor with a deafening clang, rattling and shaking every inch of the building upon impact.

Riddled with sheer terror, the girl could not control the way she collapsed into the body of someone.

Nikolai almost toppled at the quick pace he moved, his back connecting harshly with the wall and audibly knocking the air from his lungs, his arms remaining locked around the girl in his arms.

Subconsciously, (Y/n) had pressed her palms to his chest to break her fall, and while still unable to comprehend such a flash of events, her mouth hung agape as she panted heavily. She could barely register a thing, feeling a dizzy sensation as she stared at Nikolai, her face full of fright at the thought of being crushed.

The Russian was worried that she could feel the way his heart was beating like a banging drum at such sudden closeness, but when her eyes dropped to see her hands planted firmly just below his shoulders, she came to her senses and almost jumped back out of embarrassment.

“O-oh my god, I’m sorry!” (Y/n) began to fret, adrenaline still rushing through her, causing such jittery movements.

She snapped around to observe the wreckage of the catwalk, that was once situated above their heads, now in a heap of itself, entirely blocking an exit route from the building.

“Are you alright?” Nikolai’s deepened voice called to her in pure concern.

When (Y/n) turned, she saw his face contoured with stress, and a hand readied to place on her shoulder, however, stopping himself when she nodded with a heavy sigh. She planted her hands on her hips, letting her head bow and eyes fall shut as she calmed herself.

“Thank you, Nikolai.” She breathed, wiping a hand over her face. “I owe you one.”

However, his face was flushed red as the thought of being so close together remained permanently etched into his mind. Unbeknownst to Nikolai, (Y/n) wouldn’t dare lock eyes with him, feeling the same embarrassment and awkwardness of being pressed so tightly to someone she hardly knew.

Neither of them could bring themselves to move as awkwardness was eating them up inside.

As if relieving them of the tense situation, Dempsey, tailed closely by Takeo, barged through the doorway atop the stairwell nearby, out of breath and clutching rifles tightly.

“We’ve got company.” Dempsey informed loudly, his voice gruff and stern. “Get your asses out here.”

Apparently, the crashing noise was enough to alert the stray undead swarms nearby, for they were filtering in through any access point possible, with some of them even tearing of their own decaying limbs as they came through or impaling themselves on broken barricades.

Equipping their weapons swiftly, (Y/n) bolted for the stairs that lead to a vantage point, with Nikolai tailing behind. She breezed past Dempsey, and took position beside Takeo, who had found excellent position that allowed for quick and easy shots to the heads of zombies.

With the team regrouped the hordes were cleared strangely fast. Typically, swarms came in frequent waves, virtually endless, but this time the air stilled. Not a groan or cry was heard from a zombie around. Even some of the boys moved to peer through open barriers, surveying the area, but they soon reeled themselves back to the group with their brows knit in confusion.

“Strange.” Takeo spoke aloud in his husky voice. “The land is silent.”

(Y/n) acknowledged Takeo and hummed in agreement, both vigilantly looking over their shoulders for approaching danger.

“So, did you guys find anything?” She asked, filtering her attention between the other pair.

Tank shrugged, looking a bit defeated. “A little. Couple cans of food, but that’s about it. This place is deserted if you ask me. We ain’t gonna find much.”

(Y/n) sighed in disappointment, the idea of a delicious homecooked meal seemed so far out of reach. She’s certain the men craved something more than just a measly can of beans, and even then, it’s typically shared amongst the five of them, barely subsidising the painful hunger.

Clicking of a gun being reloaded sounded. It was Dempsey loading his sidearm. While keeping his focus on what he occupied himself with, he spoke.

“What about you? Find anything?”

A response was on the tip of her tongue, but her own mind caught her off guard, teasing the image of her body pressed against Nikolai’s, and the way his gorgeous blue eyes stared deeply into her own. Vividly recalling the way his large, gloved hands rested softly on her sides, supporting her knees that dared to buckle under the weight of embarrassment. She felt her hands begin to clammer up at the intrusive thought, wiping them subconsciously on her coat.

When (Y/n) never responded, Dempsey’s little task in his hands halted as he peered through his eyebrows at her.

“We found stashes of ammunition, but not much else.” Nikolai had interjected.

Mentally, the girl thanked him for taking the words she failed to speak, however, feeling more awkward when she saw Dempsey eyeing her suspiciously.

Starling her, Takeo breezed past silently, moving to a cracked glass window that overlooked the storage room. Apparently something had caught his attention from afar. He observed the sight of the wreckage of the fallen catwalk; it certainly stuck out compared to the feeble clutter in the room.

(Y/n) couldn’t help the way her feet carried her towards him.

Sensing that she was standing a small distance from him, Takeo spoke.

“We heard a crash on the opposite side of the facility. Was it this?”

Takeo sounded so genuine, strangely. His speech was typically blunt and didn’t have much change in low tones.

“It was the catwalk that collapsed. The place is falling apart at the seams.” She answered briefly.

Takeo nodded in acknowledgment. He had suspicions that the rumbling noise of steel landing with such a mighty force had alerted the chaotic number of undead creatures.

(Y/n) stared blankly at the structure below, somewhat in a daze when she confessed. “I was standing underneath it when it fell.”

Dempsey and Takeo pivoted to face the girl simultaneously, their shoulders visibly tensed and eyes almost bulging.

Snapping back to her senses, she forced a smile as she quickly reassured, “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Both relaxed in sync, breathing relieved sighs.

“But I have to say that I’d be dead right now if it weren’t for Nikolai pulling me out of there.” She told, looking at the Russian sincerely. “I really owe him one.”

In that moment she hoped that the frosty air nipping at her skin had already tinted her cheeks a rosy hue, for she could feel a burning fluster rising from her chest. A smile threatened to tug at Nikolai’s lips as he glanced her way.

No one had seen Dempsey’s eyes practically burning fire as he snapped a dirty look towards Nikolai.

“Alright, enough with the sappy ‘who saved who’s life’ shit now.” Dempsey blurted out bitterly. “We’ve got shit to do.”

Thudding footsteps followed as Dempsey stormed off out of the building with his assault rifle under a mighty grip and chest puffed in hot rage. Takeo looked to (Y/n) who stood tall by Nikolai, only to be scrutinising the Russian with his intensive eyes before stalking out with a huff.

The girl knit her brows in confusion.

It could be said that Dempsey was known for his ability to lose his temper quickly, and few times she had seen his anger get the better of him, but Takeo’s strange reaction struck her differently. She had never seen him give anyone, but Richtofen, such a fierce glare.

“What was that about?” (Y/n) asked, sounding somewhat bewildered.

Nikolai swallowed hard, struggling to muster a response when she looked at him with beady eyes, hoping for an answer.

Unfortunately, the Russian knew all to well just what sparked Dempsey and Takeo to be so infuriated, with him only.

“If I didn’t know any better I’d say they seemed jealous.” She spoke aloud.

 Oh, but how jealous they were, and that’s only the beginning of it.

[eloisyw8]

Boop!

Inspired by

[angelwheat]

The Mundane and the Magic

༻ a codz x reader story ༺

➶ Origins // ❝ Becoming One With Madness, A Chaos To Embrace ❞

➶ Chapter One , 1853 words

Clouds blackened the sky, stripping away the land of all its colour and life when a raging storm brewed overhead. Rainfall battered the land with vengeance, falling so heavily in a blink of an eye, appearing misty to see through when the raging winds swept in. Bolts of lightning blazed the sky, illuminating the grounds like a blinding strobe, as simultaneously, clashes of booming thunder rattled the wilting bunker walls.

The trenches, muddied and puddling with streams of water flowing through deep grooves of tank tracks, soaked the battlefield something dire. Each step taken would leave boots squelching and dripping in murky rainwater up to the ankles, trekking it over paths constructed of wooden planks, only for them to be engulfed in the sea of mud when vehicles rolled through.

A trio of enormous steel mechanisms, bodied as humanistic robots that stood as tall as skyscrapers, patrolled the treacherous lands in sync. The stalked in jagged ways. Their grappled hands swing by their sides, so cryptic as the embodied natural human motions. When its corrugated mechanical foot stomped its route, flattening anything that dared stand in its way, to trek over the crumbling bunkers, they had the power to provoke a sudden earthquake that could bounce items that lay on tabletops. When gazed upon from the ground view, the fearsome giants were truly a fright to behold.

Yet, one could question how a man could be so tame in the conditions he was surrounded by. Normally, a man would shudder in fear when he looked up to see a robot standing so tall that it’s helmet clad head was lost in the clouds. Nor could anyone averagely watch in wonder when soldiers fell right before their eyes, only to mutate into a ravaging creature with a dire need to devour flesh and bones.

No. Not him... Not Edward Richtofen.

A man best known for his divine intellect. He calls himself a man of medicine. A German scientist like no other. That was rightly true.

Working in the medical field had always been his lifelong destiny; his soul purpose only righteous of a path consisting of surgeons tools and test tubes. Since just a young boy, his interest lied in the study of the human body. Unlike the average teenage boy, Edward enrolled himself further in education constantly, later on expanding his interests in the scientific field, where he would learn and want to test the limitations of the human body.

Edward rightfully believed that his study of science and medicine would only prove to best histories discoveries. To which it had. But when he was approached by, what he unknowingly thought was a reputable source, and praised greatly for his intelligence by men of power, little did he know that he would fall under the command of men ranked high up in the German army.

Apparently his vast knowledge in the medical field, and unsolicited will to carry out experiments that would certainly be harrowing to the faint of heart, proved him to be the perfect candidate to conduct study when the Germans made the discovery of element 115 during the world war.

Despite working alongside and shadowing many elder scientists during his time spent in science labs, Edward grew fond of working with a man in particular, named Dr. Maxis. When he proved himself worthy, their compatibility was certified amicable from the very beginning. With their combined intellect, experiments ranged from making useful discoveries that would better aid the German army’s advantage at winning the war, to very abruptly, their somewhat reputable line of work took a twisted path southwards when they unleashed an atrocity; that was an army of ravaging undead soldiers. That was solely an experiment gone wrong.

At present time, Edward and Dr. Maxis are stationed in Northern France where they would continue to work and better their studies.

In a bunker, ruptured by the swarms of undead creatures tearing gaping holes from what were but only cracks and crevices, Edward stands before a tattered workbench.

His stare wavers from hand-to-hand, blankly looking through the bloodstains embedded into the creases on his palms. He gulps, tilting his head down to see the carcass of an elder man, his limbs roped to the table, an unruly rigid saw splattered with blood placed beside the man’s head that remained cleanly uncapped, his brain void in the rightful space it should be in the centre of his skull; instead preserved in a cylinder glass container nearby.

Dr. Maxis...

Had he committed a murder in cold blood? Had he just saved the decomposing state of the universe? Despite his blank expression, Edward’s mind rattled with questions. None of which he could answer himself. But whatever may be the correct question to ask, he believed that the preserving his co-worker’s brain was a righteous answer nonetheless.

Edward pressed his hands to the table and hunched, a juddered sigh slipping into the winter air creating a small cloud of mist. His eyes clamped shut when flashes of painful memory reminded him just how the man, now lying dead with his mouth agape and unhinged in front of him, thrashed and resisted Edward’s fight to revoke and rob him of the rest of his life.

“It’s all for the betterment of the universe.” Edward mentally assured himself, “The Kronorium said so.”

Ah, the Kronorium, Better known as a sick and twisted novel entailing details of threatened chaos and despair that will most certainly bestow upon the entire universe, written by god knows who.

For a book that seemed to magically appear on his workbench prior to the day he killed Dr. Maxis, Edward was eager to flip the leather cover and read it without questioning just where it came from. He was hooked the second he read the details of the first few pages, for it resonated with him in a strangely familiar sense when it told a back-story of a boy just like himself. That’s when he discovered that it wasn’t just a regular old fairytale novel. No...

It was a book that foretold the prophecies of the entire universe. A story that he alone must set in motion, no matter how catastrophic the consequences. Supposedly, alternate time-lines and dimensions that he would only theorise existed just like the one he was apart of presently. It taught him names of unfamiliar people. Others he had never met before in his life. Yet somehow they were associates in this story.  

Edward couldn’t be convinced that the book was realistic in what it preached. However, after stewing on what he had read, the story wasn’t sitting right with him if he just ignored it. It was oddly precise with commands and instructions, written in a way that would sound like a regular story book to anyone that would listen.

Edward felt compelled to endure every aspect scripted in that book, even if he didn’t rightfully agree. Almost like it was his calling to pursue such an honourable duty, to ensure the universe would remain in tact. After all, he had already committed to something so heinous.

Why stop now?

That’s how he ended up in the current situation with his co-scientist dead and decomposing before his eyes. Edward believed he was going mad, but he kept repeating a specific phrase.

“This is what you have to do.”

A familiar sound of routinely thundering footsteps emitted faintly from the distance. One from the trio of monstrous robots was making its typical patrol across the outskirts and soon through the battlefield. Each time it marched across the land, the route programmed for it to take would make sure it step directly on top of the bunker Richtofen stationed himself in. With each hourly patrol, the bunker was weakening and being burrowed under the crushing weight of the giant machine. The ceiling had already somewhat caved in and crumbled in the centre. It was certain that the rest was to collapse at any moment.

Yet Edward made no hasty attempt to get to a safer location before such an event occurs. Although, no where was safe. An undead army had overrun the land within minutes of exposure to element 115. He was outnumbered, for sure.

Part of him urged him to go down with the book in hand, to never let the chaos unroll by destroying it and himself simultaneously. On the contrary, his curiosity was his worst enemy. He wanted to know just how the story would pan out, but he questioned everything.

Will it all go to plan? Will it fuck up somewhere along the way?

With his eyes still closed, Edward breathed deeply, his shoulders rising and falling once he exhaled. Edward knew that book was just one workbench over from him, and all he could think about was reading the next chapter of cleverly told instructions.

A cluster of sounds hit his ears at once. Rustling of heavy gear shifting on a persons being as they moved in swift motions, to be precise. Footsteps stalked closer in an uneven pattern. The weighted sound of multiple pairs of boots crushing fallen blocks of concrete on the ground indicated that it was not a singular person in the room with him, and judging by the lack of hissing and groaning, it was certainly not a stray zombie clambering in to tear him apart.

His head remained bowed until the sound of movement ceased, and the click of a gun being cocked turned his attention up to meet a narrow barrel of a vintage pistol pointed directly between his eyes, held in the gloved hands of a brawny, dark haired foreign man on the opposite side of the table.

On either side of the man in the middle, stood another man. To the left, one clad in winter attire and a bullet proof vest, a hefty shotgun clutched in his hands. To the right, one welding a samurai sword, majestically in a defensive stance, his jet black hair slicked back in a neat bun.

The trio of narrow stares looked him up and down, each feeling uneasy with the horrifying sight they behold on the table, but each making an immediate conclusion that they had stumbled across the man they had each been sent for.

“You’re Doctor Richtofen, right?” The man in the middle spoke, his accent distinctively American. “I’m taking you out of here.”

Edward never shuddered. Never flinched. Nor felt a measly pang of fear when three foreign soldiers invaded his quarters with weapons cocked and raised, ready to fire at him if he so much as twitched.

A gun clicked behind the tall man in the middle. Edward noticed the two men standing either side had instantly averted their attention to an unfamiliar source, apparently right behind the American that he was confronted with.

“We’ll see about that, won’t we?”

[angelwheat]

The Mundane and the Magic

༻ a codz x reader story ༺

➶ Origins // ❝ Becoming One With Madness, A Chaos To Embrace ❞

➶ Chapter Two , 5075 words

When someone has a loaded gun pointed at the back of your head, what do you do?

According to one man, you lower your own weapon and turn around to meet the antagonist with a cocky smirk on your face... and apparently, you feel flutters in your heart when you meet their eyes too.

Piercing, cold eyes of a foreign girl stared down the American, wavering his bold smug ego to a quick strike of fear when the tip of her gun barrel edged ever-closer to his face, never faltering from his eye level.

“Step aside.” Her voice was cold, monotonous. “I’ll be taking him with me.”  

Words were lodged in his throat as he stared between the gun and her striking features, which were tinted a rosy shade of pink as the bitter cold nipped at her skin. He gulped when her eyes darkened, his Adam’s apple visibly bobbing up and down,

The American could have suspected that he would meet foreign soldiers along his travels to Northern France, but he bypassed any expectations of meeting a girl, who was astoundingly flawless with a loaded assault rifle clutched in her hands. He’s not sure what captivated him more. The way she kept herself composed, and her riveting bravery to confront 4 soldiers single-handedly. Or, how beautiful she alone looked with that gun in her hands.

Each of the men surrounding the American never eased their defences, remaining vigilant of their unpredictable setting. It seemed they were each surprised just the same, with Richtofen even peering over the American’s shoulder to take a brief look at her. They all exchanged, what seemed like, weary glances. Except one. The man that was distinctively Asian, given his Eastern features, never faltered from his stern, sharp expression, still urged to continue his own mission and begone with this unwanted intervention.

‘Thud!’

The ground rumbled, startling all but Richtofen. Tensions began to rise between every person present when what could only be guessed as a bomb being dropped just a fair distance away, shook the ground they stood on, and vibrated tools messily scattered about. Everybody flinched when it sounded again, only this time it was louder.

Standing to the right of the girl, was the man in the bullet-proof vest. He seemed to be the only one who paid attention to the thumping that was becoming louder and nearing at a steady pace. He turned his head to peer outside the barrier he had hauled himself through in the beginning, trying to locate the source of the noise, but the torrential rain was proving impossible to see through.

Becoming increasingly agitated the longer she stared at this man’s ridiculous dumbfounded expression, like he was absolutely oblivious to the hellish nightmare presumably closing in, her brows knit tighter in fury as her finger twitched on the trigger of her gun impatiently. Despite the way she scowled, her mind yelled the words she dared not slip from her tongue in a state of panic and fret.

“There’s literally a loaded gun shoved in his face! Why the hell is he staring at me like this?”

Judging from his bold and daring nature to turn and face someone with a loaded weapon in their hand, with a conceited grin on their face all the while, she had already sussed the surface of his stupidly brash personality. But in this very moment, she couldn’t surmise if it was his pride or his mission to be an obstacle between herself and her target; Richtofen.

‘Thud!’

Multiple clumps of concrete crumbled from the ceiling this time. Clouds of ash and dust landed on the shoulders of every person standing sparking the fear that the bunker was destined to fall apart at any second. The German began scrambling to gather his belongings, knowing that he was to be crushed by the bunkers’ debris if he didn’t move soon.

“You have five seconds.” She warned through gritted teeth, desperately trying to conceal her panic, knowing well that danger was approaching.

‘Thud!’

Huge clusters of slate smacked the floor, barely skimming their bodies when it shattered into tiny clumps as it connected with the ground.

As she opened her mouth to threaten the dark-haired man once again, agonisingly loud screeching emitted directly above the bunker.

A beaming circle of golden light shined through the gaping hole in the ceiling, absolutely blinding to behold. The five-some stared upwards in sync, their weapons slumping to their sides, astounded to see an enormous mechanisation of a steel foot raised sky-high above their heads.

“Move, now!” The bearded man in the bullet-proof vest yelled loudly as he hastily exited the bunker through a barrier in the wall.

The other men followed suite and disappeared quickly, but the girl stood anchored to the ground, frozen in fear as she stared up at the godlike machine, mouth agape and eyes wide.

Knocking the air from her lungs, a brute force jolted the girl sideways, causing her to accidentally fire her gun, fortunately at the floor, as her finger hit the trigger while being grabbed a hold of and hauled rapidly out of the bunker seconds before it was diminished into nothing but a pile rubble when the robot stepped its route.

Her weapon flew from her grasp before she landed sloppily with a yelp on top of someone unknown, the mud squelching underneath their bodies when they hit the ground together forcefully. She had yet to open her eyes, to which she had clamped shut when she was saved from certain death. Her palms pressed firmly against her saviours chest, feeling the curvatures of the military gear and additional weaponry in holsters on top of a leather jacket. It then dawned on her just who she had landed on.

Her eyes shot open to meet a pair of baby blue eyes gazing back at her in concern. Instantly, she scrambled to her feet when she recognised the face of the man she was antagonising just minutes ago, patting her pockets and holsters in a desperate fret to arm herself.

The man stood and composed himself hastily, just as she had.

“Easy! Easy!” His empty palms raised to imitate surrender “It’s alright.”

Something about him made her panic ease slightly. She huffed, looking him up and down blankly at his tall and stocky physique as he wiped away odd splatters of mud on his face, and only at this time did she truly absorb the little details about him.

His hair, a rich auburn shade, slicked back smoothly, given a sharp contrast by the glint of his charming blue eyes. She noticed a small amount of facial hair on his upper lip, against his fair complexion, to which was dampened by droplets of rain that trickled down his sharp jawline, and dripped on his brown leather jacket.

The man side-eyed her, somewhat pretending to be observing his surroundings when he made minute glances at her.

“Am I not going to get a thank you?” He said smugly.

That cocky expression she was first faced with in the bunker shined boldly on his face once again. Admittedly, it made her heart skip a beat when his lips curled into a waggish smirk.

She took a deep breath and swallowed hard before muttering a few words of gratitude, keeping her eyes focused on the flooded ground, merely embarrassed.

Breaking the uncomfortable silence, the American huffed and soon an outstretched hand came into her eye view as she kept her head bowed from the pouring rain.

“Name’s Dempsey.” He greeted, before beginning to stumble over his words. “Well, uh- it’s “Tank” Dempsey. You can call me either.”

The girl peered up at him through her eyebrows, reading his eyes and searching for some sort of harmful intent, but his soft gaze seemed entirely genuine.

She begrudgingly accepted a small handshake.

“(Y/n).” She responded, seeing him smile faintly.

Feeling his gloved hand in her own briefly brought great warmth, as opposed to their bitter cold conditions they stood central of. She crossed her arms and surveyed the area, squinting as the rain began to batter harshly on her face.

Every inch of the land had something horrifying to behold. Wooden wagons lie tipped on their sides, run aground in a heap of mud and blackened from a fire that evidently scorched it prior to the rainfall, now left to wither away with the Earth. Barbed wire fences had fallen soldiers entangled in them, meeting their fates gruesomely when the undead virtually outsmarted them by cornering them to their death. Wooden spears, shanked into the gut of soldiers, displayed around the battleground, as a taunt that disobedience meant fateful punishment.

The sight made her stomach churn, leaving her to question the mess she had fallen victim of.

A mound, with wooden crafts of walkways leading to it’s centre, distinctively stood out more so than anything else, apparently to Dempsey too.

“I’m guessing you have the same mission.” His statement sounded more like a question of surprise.

Just why was the German wanted in so many countries?

“Yeah.” She short-handedly replied, keeping her attention focused on anything but Dempsey.

It was evident in the skies blackening colour of the clouds that another storm was yet to thrash the land. Thunder began to growl in the distance. The rainfall was pattering evermore, unrelenting as it almost never ceased, only worsening the muddied conditions of the makeshift pathways to navigate their way around.

“Where did that fucking German run off to?” She took a few steps forward as she thought out loud, her question going unheard by Dempsey as the rainfall became overbearing.

However, Dempsey did hear what she muttered to herself, he just couldn’t pay much attention to it as his eyes remained on her, observing her every feature, perhaps more provocatively than he should be. The rainwater dampened her clothes and slicked it to her figure, accentuating her body, and highlighted the leather straps of the holsters she adorned across her chest and thigh, complimenting her figure beautifully, in Dempsey’s eyes.

A flash of lightning igniting the sky reeled Dempsey from his imagination, startling him more when the girl turned to him, sending a red hue across his cheeks.

“We should get moving.” Dempsey suggested, needing to raise his tone over the sound of the rain splashing in the puddles around them.

He began trudging through the deep mud, presumably heading to the central battleground, to the mound they each noticed earlier. However, Dempsey paused when he didn’t hear a second pair of footsteps tailing him, turning on his heel and shielding his eyes from the rain when he looked back at her. She almost looked dumbfounded.

“Are you suggesting that we stick together?” She snickered. “I hardly know you. What makes you think I’m so up for that idea, pal?”

Dempsey chuckled and rolled his eyes, as he began to reason. “Well, I can only assume you faced the same things before we got here.”

His statement sounded more like a question, to which she nodded at him in agreement before he continued.

“Then I’d say we have a better means of survival if we stick together.” Dempsey raised a brow, eyeing her as she scowled at his naturally cocky mannerisms.

The American was talking sensibly, but she would be damned to admit that he was right not to a man she just met. Judging from his noticeably inflated ego, it would only fuel his will to be so overweening in himself, more so than he already is now.

“Fine.” She huffed, making her way up alongside him, her hand resting on the pistol in the holster on her thigh. “But try anything funny and I won’t hesitate.”

She motioned to the gun below her hip.

Dempsey tutted as he said sarcastically, “Got it.”

-X-

The duo had scavenged the wasteland for what seemed like eternity, battling hordes of undead creatures around every corner, amidst a raging storm all the while.

Throughout their travel across the battlefield, they stumbled upon plenty of questionable contraptions and machines, that Dempsey sought be power generators, although still leaving each of them just as confused as they other as to what they do exactly. For they were no ordinary power switch on a wall, but instead a large steel platform with pillars and dials, a large antenna on top, and words engraved in German above buttons. Presumably, it held some significance to the German’s for there were numerous buildings of the same structure dotted about.

“Just what have the German’s got going on down here?” Dempsey spoke, his hand hovering above a big red button on the generator.

“I don’t know.” She sounded suspicious, looking about. “But I wouldn’t press any buttons if I were you. We don’t know what that thing does.”

Dempsey stood upright with a huff, glancing over his shoulders nonchalantly, making a brief observation of any opposing threat. He kept his weapon equipped, looking her up and down while she reloaded her assault rifle a small distance from him.

“Is there a problem, Dempsey?” She asked lazily, noticing his staring from the corner of her eye.

“No.” He responded quickly.

“Well, on we go then.” She began walking away leaving the American to follow her hastily.

The girl stepped into a pit of mud, mounded in a perfectly rectangular shape in the middle. Both of them had discovered that it was a imprint in the ground made by one of the German’s robots. Occasionally, they had witnessed them step their typical patrol route, and one time barely scrimping away alive as they hurried through pools of mud to get out of its way before they were stomped on.

Dempsey seemed to have more whereabouts of the area, leading the way across paths and to better places of shelter. While she trailed behind a small distance from him, it gave her time to wonder more about his back-story.

During the short time she had spent with him, the girl figured him to be a very genuine man behind his typical brash demeanour. Often the remarks and responses he had were rather crass, but he had not a care. He would play things off with a small chuckle. He was quite fascinating to her.

But perhaps that was due to her lack of interactions with anyone during the time she travelled from her homeland to Northern France. She was sent with the trust that she could tackle this mission alone. Little did she now there would be upheaval that’ll cause disruption.

She found herself walking quicker to be alongside Dempsey. He turned his head slightly only to catch a glimpse of her, before slowing and stopping in his tracks to look up the huge bell tower that caught his eye. The girl paused by his side and followed his line of vision.

“A church.” She looked up at him slightly. “You think we can take shelter in there?”

“Hopefully.” He responded. “We just need to get outta this damn rain, and maybe come up with a plan.”

Dempsey carried on walking, the girl following suite.

“My boots are squelching so bad I can practically have a conversation with them.” He grumbled to himself.

The girl happened to faintly catch what he said and cracked a smile, giggling faintly in confusion at his random statement, but apparently it quipped Dempsey’s attention. He smiled bashfully, but kept his focus diverted to avoid it being noticed.

“So, I’m gonna go out on a limb here and guess that you’re a Marine?” She sounded a little cocksure in her question, but it was entirely genuine.

Tank was somewhat taken aback. “What- How’d you know?”

“I didn’t. You just seemed like you’d fit the profile.” She shrugged. “And I don’t think they’d assign just any soldier a mission like this.”

Part of him wanted to be assertive and retort with a flirty comment, but he pushed the urge aside as they neared the church, knowing well he needed to remain level-headed.

The church entrance came into full view, or what seemed more like a gaping hole in the side of the building, guess-ably obstructed by a bomb. Clusters of stone bricks piled up around the site, from patches in the ceiling that had caved in on itself, weakened by the harshnesses it was facing from the undead barging and tearing their way through what once were mere cracks in the walls, and the storms ripping apart the structure brick-by-brick.

‘Just how much longer is this place gonna be standing?’ She thought.

Proving itself to be everything else but safe, the churches only liable aspect was that of the feeble shelter it provided.

(Y/n) was preoccupied in searching for any clue that the German may have left behind to let them know of his current whereabouts, and it was certain that Dempsey questioned his location just the same. She scanned tabletops for something as simple as a letter, perhaps some notes, or a map even, that might hint a location that they had yet to explore.

“We’ve got ourselves some transport if we need it.” Dempsey called out.

Following the sound of Dempsey’s voice, she found him observing a German tank. Judging by the way he eyed it like it was a brand new toy, he seemed quite compelled to climb aboard and take it for a ride.

“You think it’s still operational?” She asked.

He never took his eyes off the vehicle. “There’s only one way to find out.”

The American slipped his gun back into its holster, preparing to haul himself up onto the tank.

“Halt!”

They froze in sync when a shotgun cocked behind them. (Y/n) side-eyed Dempsey, only to see him roll his eyes dramatically at the sudden intervention.

“Turn around, slowly.” The commanding voice was gruff, and definitely foreign, above all.

As ordered, the duo spun around wearily, met with two men, both utterly diverse from each other. Despite how they each recognised the opposing men, Dempsey’s stern face never faltered. His chest puffed and shoulders levelled, virtually sizing up the men despite the fair distance between them.

(Y/n) took note of the man with the shotgun first, a tad taken aback by his tall and broad physique.

From where she had dismissed him at their first encounter in the bunker, she observed his attire intently. He was adorned in padded, thermal winter clothing, along with his bullet-proof vest over the top of his coat. Judging from his aviator hat, with goggles over the top, and leather gloves, she guessed he was Eastern; a soldier of origin from a colder country.

However, his facial features she couldn’t surmise much description of, for his most prominent features were that of his sunken eyes, his bushy eyebrows, and thick beard, groomed neatly on his chin and moustache that delicately curled up pompously at the ends. As for the man’s hair, it was concealed by his hat.

Perhaps an arms length to the side of him, stood a man slightly shorter, the top of his head only level with the taller man’s chin.

The girl scanned his features from head to foot, immediately noticing his prominently muscular build, for his uniform was slashed and torn off completely at the sleeves, revealing the contours of his bulky arms. In a neat, sleeked bun, his hair was jet black, much like his facial hair, to which was groomed similarly in style to the man beside him. Sharp and narrow were his eyes, cold and stern in his typical expression. He was distinctively of Asian origin.

Instead of carrying a heavy weapon like the tall man he was with, he sported a samurai sword in a holster at his hip, and clutched a pistol in one hand.

Dempsey exhaled. With such a dastardly mean look on his face it could certainly kill.

Oddly, the shotgun aimed their way seemed directed more so towards the American, but (Y/n) dismissed it as he clearly appeared to be weary of Dempsey more so than her, presumably because of the way Dempsey was death glaring at him.

The girl noticed the way his finger was twitching on the trigger of his gun and decided to intervene before tensions accelerated.

“We don’t want any trouble.” She reasoned, ignoring the way Dempsey scoffed and rolled his eyes a second time.

His shotgun slumped, and surprisingly his squinted eyes softened when the man looked her way, taking in the sight of her.

“You are here for the German?” His voice was deep and heavily accented.

‘Russian. He surely has to be.’ The girl guessed.

“I believe we all are.” She answered, glancing at Dempsey.

The sincere look she gave promised him that she was being truthful, seeming to subtly ease the hostile tension rising between the men.

(Y/n) watched them suspiciously when, the Russian, huffed and turned to the shorter man beside him to mumble something incoherent. The Asian didn’t seem to want to engage much, nor want to look at him, for he remained focused on her and Dempsey. He only responded with a single nod and a mutter of just a few words to the Russian.

Suddenly, they began trudging towards them, the Asian walking slightly behind. Dempsey instinctively reached for the pistol strapped to his thigh, prepared to the defend himself, but the Russian held up an empty hand in front of him.

“Stand down, comrade. I do not wish to cause trouble.” The Russian grumbled, sounding unimpressed.

He stopped a small distance from them, standing more so before the girl. She watched as he took a deep breath and stood tall, significantly larger than her. Glancing over at the other man, she noticed him eyeing her too, his arms crossed making his muscular arms appear flexed.

“My name is Nikolai Belinski.” He greeted, outstretching his free hand to her.

She shook his hand and smiled softly. “(Y/n).”

The girl offered a handshake to the Asian, surprised to see his stoic manner shift as he reluctantly accepted.

“Takeo Masaki.” He introduced, subtly bowing his head when he greeted her, seeming like a subtly mannerism of his culture.

“And you are?” Nikolai drowned out his question when he eyed the American with his hand out to him.

Dempsey sneered, staring him up and down in disdain. The girl only watched him.

““Tank” Dempsey.” He responded bluntly, looking between the two men and crossing his arms tightly, rejecting his offering of a handshake.

(Y/n) happened to notice how the Russian’s hand balled into a fist when he dropped it to his side, already disapproving of Dempsey’s rude greeting.

Nikolai cleared his throat and looked back at her. “Have either of you seen the German?”

Despite how the Russian was generally questioning both of them, his attention was solely fixated on the girl, and Dempsey noticed this.

The girl looked back at Dempsey, silently questioning just who was going to be the one to answer the man. Instead, she only caught him eyeing her intently.

She huffed, sounding defeated. “No we haven’t.”

Nikolai scowled and turned away.

The girl observed the three men. Each of them were insanely hostile, making sure to keep their distance for the meantime. She watched as they explored the church individually, finding herself doing the same. During that time, no mere mutter of conversation was heard, but only the sound of the blistering winds whistling through cracks in the walls.

Takeo happened to wander over to a workbench with interest. A tool box sat opened wide, with said tools scattered besides random components to an unknown device yet to be constructed. Papers with instructions written in German lie in messy piles about the tabletop, and just by his feet from where the wind had blown them astray.

Catching sight of him from the corner of her eye, the girl observed him as he picked a few sheets of paper, that now appeared discoloured with a rustic brown hue and smeared with ink by the dampness within the church. He studied them, trying to make sense of the notes scribbled in ink, just like she had before.

She glanced to Dempsey, who was preoccupied with searching crates for useful supplies, before making her way over to the samurai.

Apprehensively, she stepped up beside him and spoke, “I tried making sense of these myself.”

Takeo wearily side-eyed her, but strangely did not think to step back when approached by someone he hadn’t met long ago.

“Turns out I am none the wiser.” She breathed, looking down at the tabletop for something she may have missed the first time.

While she was fixated on shifting through papers, she missed the way Takeo’s stone-faced expression softened into a faint look of awe as he observed her. From her facial features to, her attire, he absorbed even the little details in that brief moment.

“You are familiar with the American?” Takeo’s husky voice made her peer up at him, his English slightly broken.

There was a hint of something pleading in his tone, just a tad, that only she picked up on, like he was hoping for a specific answer.

She shook her head vigorously. “I only know him just as well as you do. We just got split together when the bunker caved in.”

Her attention reverted to the papers once again, searching for something particular. Takeo squinted as he watched her hands shuffle through the sheets until she pulled one up before him.

“Here,” She saw his eyes scan the paper curiously. “I found this earlier, and I think it might give us an idea of where the German might be.”

The paper showed a perfectly drawn representation of the mound central of the battleground, as well as secret tunnels and passage ways in various locations. According to the map, beneath the mound was an entirely new setting, the drawing somewhat representing an ancient crypt. Takeo was visibly intrigued.

“He’s hiding somewhere.” (Y/n) handed him the crinkled paper for him to observe closely.

She turned and began walking away, leaving Takeo to stand alone by the workbench, paper in hand, but he couldn’t find himself studying it, not like she had. Instead, he stared blankly through the map, his mind dwelling solely on her, awed by her cleverness and natural will to be so sharp-eyed. Takeo knows in himself that he could have potentially missed finding such a helpful aspect for their mission, and it made him feel embarrassed, almost.

Light footsteps caught Dempsey’s attention. He stood with his back against a stone pillar, arms folded across his chest, eyeing the girl sharply as she walked his way. Just before she bypassed him, Dempsey piped up.

“Getting a little friendly, ain’t ya?” He chided.

Nikolai glanced over his shoulder, pausing from searching through the contents of a crate when he heard the bitter tone in the American’s voice.

She scoffed. “You sound jealous.”

The way she visibly caught Dempsey off guard went unnoticed by her when she strode past him with a smirk on her face. His heart fluttered at her witty retort, and Nikolai noticed this when he appeared startled afterwards. He chuckled faintly at the American’s flushed face.

Finding herself wandering towards the entrance, the girl stopped just beforehand, merely watching the rainfall. Strangely, she delighted in the serene melancholy.

Fighting tooth and nail to keep herself alive, facing creatures she believed were only a fable, proved to bring nothing but hardship; moments that would bring the faint of heart to death at the first hurdle. She had been a witness to calamities born and collapsed, and it certainly took its toll to shape her perception of the world in its fragile state. Countries had rose to stardom and ultimate power to rule and conquer lands, while others met fate when swarmed and overrun by flesh-hungry zombies within days. For as long as she could remember, peaceful moments were a luxury, and a rarity, above all.

So much as watching the rainfall, even if just for a minute, was but a sheer moment of bliss.

As if on queue to disrupt a peaceful moment, banging and cluttering, followed by gargling shrieks and screams rang in their ears.

Everyone exchanged hurried panicked looks and sprung into action. A silent, unprompted plan to fight alongside each other being formulated in their minds when wooden planks crafted as makeshift barriers across gigantic holes in the walls were being torn to shreds at an alarming rate as the undead fought their way in, driven by a dire need for a feast of human flesh.

“Sticking together might be our only option!” The Russian called over the sounds of shrilling screams and gunfire.

“And you think that’ll work out?” Dempsey barked immediately.

The girl blasted the head clean off a zombie before she yelled, "Dempsey, I don't think we have much choice at this point!"

[angelwheat]

The Mundane and the Magic

༻ a codz x reader story ༺

➶ The Giant // ❝ Self-righteous Suicide ❞

➶ Chapter Five , 3270 words

Wandering aimlessly seemed to be the only cure for boredom. Entering almost every building, traipsing down long corridors, going from room to room, yearning for something, no matter how minuscule, even if it were simply a picture on the wall, to pique her interest and deter her mind from the persistent stress she suffered. But she’s seen it all numerous times; nothing sparked anew.

Restless, she was. Nights lacking adequate hours of sleep soon turned entirely sleepless, not just for one, but sometimes days in a row as the apocalypse was daunting on her. Thoughts of dread and fear, like a plague attacking her ability to sleep, wondering if she’ll even see the coming day through to the end.

The boys had tired themselves out just the same, if not worse. Each of them had willingly taken it upon themselves to be resourceful and contribute to a better chance of survival by restoring barricades, albeit a little poorly, but the chances of being ambushed were lessened at least. Nikolai had salvaged some wood to build a small fire in the empty courtyard for extra warmth and heat up what food they had salvaged. Even Richtofen made a few spotty appearances, sometimes his arms full of supplies whenever he came by, with food or blankets for them to use for makeshift beds.

While the men had resided to lying low in a room tucked away from danger, surprisingly not demolished nor were the walls painted a mucky red from blood and dirt, (Y/n) felt a dire need to separate herself, hoping to allow her train of thought to run smoothly for once.

Finding herself miserable as she stared at the dullness of the room she stood centre of her glassy eyes roamed the walls, seeing posters and papers crooked and some barely hanging on. She squinted upon noticing the clock. 2:45 it reads.

Could it just be mere coincidence, but that would be the third time she had seen a clock stopped on the same time. Although with every clock she had come across, every so often the hands would twitch, ticking exactly 5 minutes ahead before returning to 2:45.

(Y/n) convinced herself that it was ridiculous to be pondering on the thought of a mere clock having stopped working, but even the giant one she noticed on the side of the central facility had done the very same. She wondered if the boys had noticed.

Finding her posture slumped slightly, she stands upright, feeling almost every nerve in her back twinge, virtually crying for a rest. She attempts the shake away the cloudiness in her mind, and heads towards the door, finding nothing more of interest in this room.

Shoving her hands into her coat pockets, (Y/n) steps into the corridor, moving herself along and passing rooms nearly at snail’s pace, headed for no destination. There’s nothing to catch her eye here, not even a window to overlook the lands. She had already passed through once; nothing was bound to have changed. Instead, she kept her head bowed, finding more interest in watching the way her feet dragged along the gritty floor.

It could be deemed as strange that not one of the boys had come to seek her out, despite how obviously watchful and attentive each of them was becoming towards her. (Y/n) recalled the way Dempsey, Nikolai, and even Takeo had offered to accompany her, but she politely refused.

At the same time, Richtofen was present, his attention only pouring into the book he was reading, or from what it appeared it be. His ears were tuned into everything around him, even the way he heard Dempsey rise from where he sat on the floor, his intentions set on accompanying the girl. Little did (Y/n) know that Richtofen’s eyes flicked up to peer over the top of the pages, staring blankly at the American, finding himself infuriated with his persistence.

She had not intended to take her leave so hastily, but her patience seemed to be wearing thin. If she could not be granted time alone to collect her thoughts she most definitely would drive herself insane.

Not realising just where she had carried herself to until the strong daze she was enveloped by had subsided, (Y/n) stopped under a doorway that opened to a balcony.

Icicles like daggers hung from the railing, like an imposing threat of the winter air beyond the walls of the buildings. Snowflakes continued to flutter by, however in no way could be seen as a beautiful scene when they littered on frozen bodies of zombies. A hazy glow graced the lands as the pale moonlight beamed through thin clouds passing by swiftly, adding to the ghostly atmosphere.

She leaned against the wall just before the doorway, arms crossed tightly across her body to try and retain some warmth, exhaling deeply seeing her breath catching in the air as a frosty mist before her eyes.

Ruminating again, she was. Thoughts of the past, the present, and even the future dawning on her; a persistent anchor weighing down her very soul. Everything seemed to be an unanswered question. She had even considered soliciting Richtofen to perhaps gain some peace of mind, but as smart as he presented himself to be, she was certain that even he wouldn’t have any legitimate answers.

(Y/n) tried to convince herself that it was purely the freezing air stinging her eyes as they glazed over with tears threatening to spill.

She imagined the now still, empty land once bustling with life. Or even in any corner of the world there were once people working jobs, raising families, carrying out a normal life oblivious to the devastation to befall once a global war was announced.

Blinking her watery eyes, she leaned her head against the wall, allowing her eyes to rest when she couldn’t bear how heavy they were.

The volume of her thoughts had her failing to recognise the man standing still at the end of the corridor, his gaze reflecting a sense of disquietude.

With no pure intention of stumbling across her location, Richtofen couldn’t help the way he loitered for a moment. He felt a pang of guilt strike a nerve for he could almost see the gloomy, downcast aura enveloping her. Beyond any control of his own, it was almost like he was being guided by an unseeable force in her direction.

Wary as to not startle the girl, Richtofen added subtly heavier emphasis to his footsteps, earning her attention as he neared.

Richtofen seemed apprehensive while he tried to read beyond her blank expression, remaining completely silent when she eyed him up and down. Although unbothered by his presence, (Y/n) made no indication to speak when her attention returned to the outside world.

Clearing his throat quietly, the German spoke up. “Are you alright, (Y/n)?”

She heard the concern lacing his words and dared not meet his gaze, fearing that he’ll notice the twinkle of tears lingering in her eyes.

“I’m okay.” She assured softly. “Just thinking.”

The German observed her drowsy state. She was barely supporting herself, instead relying on keeping on her feet with the help of the wall her body leaned against. Unable to find the will to leave her be, Richtofen shoved his cold hands into his pockets and inched closer.

“Would you like some company?” He gently offered, albeit apprehensively.

Richtofen’s unexpected offer caught the girl off guard, for she eyed him sceptically. Never had he shown, let alone asked off his own back, any want stay in the company of another.

“Sure.” She replied.

Taking place on the opposite side of the doorframe, allowing some distance between them, Richtofen subconsciously mimicked the way she leaned against the wall with her side, examining the outside area she gazed longingly towards.

“How’re the others?” (Y/n) broke the silence, never reeling her eyes away from the clouds.

Richtofen hoped she couldn’t sense the way he continuously glanced at her.

“They seem… fine.” He answered, somewhat unsure of his own observation of the three in question.

“They’re getting along without arguing at least?” She added, her tone of voice flat.

Immediately the German tilted his head in confusion, squinting his eyes in her direction. (Y/n) turned her attention to him when he never responded.

She huffed loudly, body slumping slightly. “It’s all they do. You haven’t been around much to hear it all.”

The only instance of bickering Richtofen had been a witness to be the moment before the girl had decided to separate herself from the group for a while. Although, that dispute, on the boys’ behalf, seemed petty from his point of view. He was beginning to feel a little nosey, but part of him just desperately needed to know what sparked them to be so differential, almost for her sake. Just in case there was something he needed to settle to take some stress from her shoulders.

“About what, may I ask?” He asked softly, not wanting to seem as intrusive.

Shaking her head, (Y/n) bowed her head, eyes falling shut.

“Everything.” She told shortly, lazily wiping a hand over her face.

Chewing the inside of his cheek, Richtofen nodded in acknowledgment, despite it going unnoticed. She kept her head down, almost like the feeling of tiredness was pulling her to the floor.

However, awkwardness hung heavy over the German. Ever since the crew came to be, there had only been rare instances when Richtofen had been alone with (Y/n), but those were times of hostility and sheer threat, on her side. The girl had not shown any signs of trust, nor has she let her guard down enough to merely take her eyes off him for a split second.

That was up until now.

Richtofen believed he was staring at someone new. With their guard let down, and entirely drained of life above all…

Peering to the man standing a foot from her, (Y/n) caught a glimpse of the worried glint in his eye, and the way his brows levelled. The odd sight stuck a nerve in her. Usually he was so stern, perhaps even bitter, in his expression.

Once again, she wiped a hand over her face, as if trying to clear the exhaustion visible on her features.

“What are we doing here, Richtofen?” Words lazily tumbled from her lips, barely able to put effort into speaking.

Richtofen swallowed hard, clearing his throat before words began rolling off his tongue with ease. Rightfully, he knew that she was owed a clear explanation, after the sheer anguish and torment they’re suffering daily. She was deserving of some peace of mind, above all. He couldn’t stand to see her fighting tooth and nail, practically throwing herself towards death, and being clueless of what the purpose of their mission is.

The German had her attentive stare locked on him all the while he spoke, never uttering a word to allow herself to absorb every detail. In the back of his mind, Richtofen sought his clarification to be ridiculous, there were small moments that stared at him like he was a madman. Nothing of which would ever be believed to the ordinary person. But in this case, after the grief, torment, and superficial encounters she had been a witness to, (Y/n) believed every word.

Finishing his long-winded explanation with an exasperated huff, Richtofen gave her an awkward smile.

“I don’t expect you to believe any of it.” He said, looking at his feet.

(Y/n) turned to him with all sincerity and spoke, “With everything I’ve witnessed, I believe you, Richtofen.”

A little smile curled the corners of his lips when he looked her way meekly, making her heart flutter.

“Have you explained everything to the others?” She quizzed.

Instantly, Richtofen was overwhelmed by anxiety, his had reaching to the nape of his neck.

“Well, I feel they might have a more… conflicting opinion on the matter.” He confessed.

(Y/n) took a moment to ponder and surmised that his guess was most likely to be correct. Dempsey had struck her as the type that was willing to argue and make a flamboyant dispute about the latter. While Nikolai and Takeo simply not in favour of a word he had to say about their mission.

She let a hand perch on her hip. “Perhaps I can tell them somehow. Maybe they’ll believe me.”

Richtofen hated to know that her voice would at least be heard of reasonably, but he could understand the simple reason that she speaks less with an authoritative manner, but instead humble in her softer tone. He knows that he has a will to prove himself as above them with his intelligence.

“You may be right.” He answered. “But I can’t expect that of you.”

“But you can’t leave them in the dark forever.” She quickly but into reason. “Days are passing by, and they don’t know what their purpose is here.”

Richtofen run a hand through his hair, like he always did when he began to feel dread washing over him. “In time, I promise.”

The girl studied him, sensing him becoming restless.

“I just need to figure out a way of telling them…” He drew in a deep breath, thinking for a moment before he continued. “Without them thinking I’ve completely lost my mind.”

The girl was swift to counter his words. “They already think you’ve lost your mind.”

She quickly earned herself a scoff and a look of annoyance from the German when he shook his head. Although his expression quickly turned bitter when an icy gust of wind whisked through, his teeth threatening to chatter as tried to contain the way he shivered.

Seeming like she was immune from the freezing cold, Richtofen watched as (Y/n) moved further out under the doorway, the moonlight striking her features with a milky glow and the glint to her eyes twinkling like that of the stars above, utterly captivated by the way snowflakes collected delicately atop her shoulders and in her hair.

She spoke. “Do you remember this place before the apocalypse?”

Snapping himself from his daze with a small jolt, his heart pounding as he was caught off guard.

“I have a vague memory of this place.” Richtofen answered shortly.

The girl kept her focus on her surroundings as she hummed in acknowledgment. That was until she peered over her shoulder at Richtofen, brows raised and arched acutely, eyes rounded and staring at him in wonder. Richtofen believed his heart stopped for a minute.

“What was it like?” She asked softly.

At that moment in time, Richtofen seemed to have lost all ability to speak, taken aback by her question, and the sincerity in her voice above all. His gaze followed her own when it landed on the dead space of the courtyard.

“It was busy.” Richtofen simply responded. “Although I did not visit often.”

“You weren’t stationed here? But I thought you were a scientist.” She quizzed.

Around the site, (Y/n) had stumbled across multiple rooms filled to the brim with scientific equipment; test tubes, odd looking tools, papers with hastily scribbled words of (presumably) chemicals on them. It was no ordinary construction facility, despite the couple of odd ones dotted around. It could easily be presumed the place was for research purposes only.

“I am a scientist.” Richtofen stated. “But the German army have numerous research sites.”

She nodded. “I see.”

An exasperated huff fell from her lips, pulling herself in from the cold, but suddenly her knees buckled, exhaustion finally overpowering and making her topple, her arms flying out to catch herself against the wall, as well as Richtofen’s when he swiftly braced himself to catch her.

The German inched closer, riddled with concern.

“When was the last time you gave yourself a rest?”

She slumped, shaking her head. “I don’t know. It’s been a day or so, I think.”

Attempting to stand upright, feigning a composed manner, she gave Richtofen an assuring look. However, he could see through her bloodshot eyes, easily reading that she was bound to fall asleep where she poorly stood.

“But I’m fine.” She countered, waving a hand.

“My dear, you’re barely standing.” Richtofen told truthfully.

He stayed close, fearing that her ankles would give way and she would crumble to the floor. It truly pained him to see the girl so fatigued. And given that his focus was solely on her well-being, Richtofen had completely dismissed the endearing name that slipped past his lips until (Y/n) met his eyes with a faint look of surprise adorning her face.

Richtofen gulped nervously upon realising, averting his eyes as he wiped his palms awkwardly on his waistcoat. But she smiled warmly, subtly easing the tension.

“You know I’m surprised you’re out here.” She spoke. “It’s freezing.”

Despite his thin attire, the German had numbed to the freezing temperatures long ago, for the heat rising within him due to his nerves was enough to keep him warm.

Richtofen answered. “You get used to it.”

“I guess.” She shrugged.

Her inability to keep her eyes open did not go unnoticed, for she often rubbed them to somewhat rid herself of tiredness.

“We should be heading back.” The German declared. “I’m sure the others are wondering where you are.”

(Y/n) thought about the trio Richtofen spoke of, secretly pleading they had taken advantage of the opportunity to rest, but sensing deep down they were probably wide awake, stewing on idea of where she had gone. They all seemed to fret more over her recently, and she wondered why, but only surmised that they were merely cautious of her safety. Much like she thought of them.

“You’re right.” (Y/n) agreed, pushing herself away from the wall.

Weakly standing beside Richtofen, she took a step forward, feeling her ankles almost roll inwards causing her to stumble. Fortunately, the German had caught her hand in his to steady her. She knew at this rate that her weary state would have her headed in the wrong direction.

Feeling the warmth fade from her hand in his, Richtofen instead let his hand float a small distance from the small of her back, his other subtly outstretched to guide her.

“Come now.” He prompted, moving forward as she followed suit. “We can’t have you like this.”

Traipsing lightly alongside him, (Y/n) felt unsteadiness overpower her ability to walk straight. She side-eyed Richtofen, seeing his focus directed down the corridor they trekked through, and cautiously linked her arm around his to aid herself. She felt the faint way he jolted at the unexpected contact.

Richtofen almost brought himself to a halt if only he hadn’t met her bleary, bloodshot eyes pleading for rest. His heart skipped a beat, lips pressing into a thin line.

“Sorry.” She laughed awkwardly. “But I’ll crash here otherwise.”

His opposite hand reached over, instinctively landing atop her own that clutched his arm gently.

“It’s alright.” He assured.

She inched closer, sensing the warmth radiating off him. “Thanks, Richtofen.”

(Y/n) hadn’t seen the way his Adam’s apple visibly bobbed up and down when he gulped axiously.

“You can call me Edward.” He said, nervously adding, “If you like.”

She hummed, smiling softly when she glanced at him, her eyes drooped from excessive fatigue.

Rounding a corner, they saw their route leading them outside. The sight of the wisping snowfall sent a chill crawling up her spine, making her shiver violently.

“Hey, Edward,” She started, her voice almost tremulous. “If we’re teleporting someplace else after this, please let it be somewhere warm.”

In response he gingerly squeezed her hand as reassurance.

Edward… Oh how that made his heart flutter.

[angelwheat]

The Mundane and the Magic

༻ a codz x reader story ༺

❝ "See beyond the rationale. Accept the fate that nothing is meant to be."

Roped into a dimension full of utter chaos, time travel, and the undead, keeping your sanity intact while facing death and destruction around every corner proves itself not for the faint of heart.

What happens when love is thrown into the mix? Perhaps that's just a recipe for disaster... ❞

- topics include : female reader , fluff , angst , hurt , comfort , injury , depressive themes , cursing , guns , violence , blood

➶ Origins // ❝ Becoming One With Madness, A Chaos To Embrace ❞

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

➶ The Giant // ❝ Self-righteous Suicide❞

Chapter Four