A/N: I said I'd write something funny, but it turned into angst. Better luck next time I guess. This is more of a Richter x Aster and Richter x Aqua oneshot about unrequited love. Takes place before Emil and Richter met.
"A promise to never love again, a promise of a lie."
Love Lies
It was a rainy day. Richter was sitting in the library, legs crossed and a book in his hand. His seat was next to the window so he could hear the raindrops splashing against the glass, but he didn't look outside even once. His book was too engrossing.
He didn't normally read so casually, but he finally got the chance to read for his enjoyment instead of having to conduct research. And honest to god, Richter had always been a bookworm. Before he got to Sybak he was reading books like his life depended on it. Many half-elves shared that characteristic, but no one he'd met read more avidly than him. Once he started reading he would not put the book down until he finished.
"Master Richter!"
Or maybe not. Richter sighed and looked up to see Aqua.
"What?"
"I wanted to ask you something."
She was blushing profoundly and not even trying to hide it. Her obvious crush on him was admittedly annoying and Richter knew she was going to ask his opinion on something she had or didn't have. He wasn't in the mood for any of that, but he let her speak. His silence was the sign of approval Aqua needed.
"What do you look for in a partner?"
"I prefer to travel alone."
"No, I mean like a lover. Your significant other."
The question became clearer after Aqua added a specification. Richter had a feeling where the conversation was headed and while he expected a topic of the sort, he found Aqua's way of putting it abnormally bashful. She was always gushing over him without shame, but she seemed embarrassed to ask him what she had to do to become the perfect wife for him.
Richter put his book down on the small table next to his chair. Love was not on his list of topics to discuss with anyone, but he knew why Aqua was so persistent in getting him to talk about it. Somehow it was impossible to convince her that they could never work. He'd tried, many times.
"I don't concern myself with inconveniences," he answered. "And I consider love a great inconvenience."
"As expected, Master Richter, you're so cool!" Aqua was doing it again: acting obsessed and oblivious. She didn't even seem to care that Richter was opposing the idea of falling in love. "But there must have some picture of the ideal wife in mind."
"I really don't. Never even thought about it."
"Then do it now. Just think, Master Richter. What kind of person would you fall in love with?"
The question was simple enough, but the answer wasn't. As someone who had never been in a relationship Richter didn't have any idea on what to think of. He was used to getting by on his own and only had Aqua tag along with him because she knew more about Ratatosk. He was an independent man, strong and smart.
That wasn't entirely true. He had depended on another person before. Someone who was curious yet highly intelligent and wasn't afraid to take risks. The only human that really treated him like an equal. And that was what he wanted. He didn't need a clingy housewife who would cook him meals and demand attention from him all the time. He needed someone who understood and respected him.
Someone like Aster.
Richter never understood what his feelings for Aster meant. They had been through a lot together, at the research facility and their journey. Aster was a brilliant man with a kind heart, but he was strong-willed too. It was thanks to him that they found their way to the Ginnungagap. And it was his determination that became the death of him.
The rain wasn't as soothing anymore. It reminded him of how alone he felt without his companion. Aster was like the sun, bright and full of energy, something that Richter lacked. His positivity kept their journey bearable and while Aqua was energetic too, she could never replace him. She tried, but it wasn't enough.
Aqua was starting to get worried when her master didn't give her an answer. She knew that pained look in his eyes all too well.
"Master Richter?"
Richter looked at her, but without letting his emotions shine through.
"I told you I don't care about love," he said.
"But you were..."
There was a pause when Aqua struggled to find the right words to describe. It gave Richter the chance to interrupt her and take over the conversation.
"I realised there is no perfect wife for me. There are several things that I would gladly invest my time in, but a relationship that is doomed to fail is not one of them. I'm not a lover, Aqua. I'll never fall in love."
Never again.
Aqua didn't know what to say. Whenever they talked she usually had some kind of response ready, but she wasn't prepared to deal with the pessimism of her beloved master. He was hiding something from her. Something that he wanted to keep to himself, even if it hurt. She didn't want him to keep his feelings bottled up, but there was nothing she could do.
She had a feeling why he was so upset. The reason why she was with him now was because he was blinded with hatred for Ratatosk after he killed Aster right before his very eyes. That urge to seek vengeance, it was out of love. Maybe it wasn't the romantic type of love she meant or maybe it was, but it was definitely love.
It was a sign for her. If Richter was able to hold someone dear and risk his life to avenge them, he did have love to give. And she was going to get it, no matter what it took. She'd show him how to love again.
