No one understood it. But, in truth, no one needed to really. Most times, Stein didn't understand his own mind. He hadn't asked to be like this, he just was. Every measure and precaution had been set in place for him to fight it. Fight off the madness that came so naturally to him. The batle was relentless and never-ending. The constant circle he ran in, much like the turning of the screw in his head. Knowing how better off he was fighting, but some days wanting nothing more than to let it all go. Madness was so intoxicating.
This seemed to be his doomed pattern of existence- until she came along. For whatever inexplicable reason, her soul calmed and soothed him in ways he never would have thought possible. The peace of mind and clarity just being with her instantly brought began to mean everything to him. Before he realized it, she had become his world, his center, his ground to stand on.
Being in danger and battles as often as they were, the progress was slow and faint. But still burning like the embers of a fire, never fully going out, even when they had hardly any strength left. She always found him, always brought him back, brought him home. His Marie.
So strong, so beautiful, so unwavering in her faith in him. He couldn't deserve her no matter how much he tried, and yet, she stayed anyway.
Nights were his favorite times as he got to simply watch her. He ran his fingers all over her skin as she slept. Being able to hold her, kiss her, entrust his soul to her completely without fear or hesitation. There was nothing so liberating to him. He'd brush her yellow hair from her forehead, placing a gentle kiss between her eyes. She instinctively would move closer to him, twisting her body around his own. This was his heaven.