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Archimedes cooed pathetically in Ludwig's hands. The war was over. Had been for a while. Now, it was time for Archimedes to stop fighting too.
Ludwig tried not to tear up. He knew it was coming eventually, but god damn all of it! He thought they had more time. Twenty-six years since Ludwig had found that pathetic hatchling in the mud near a recently fallen tree.
He remembers it like it was yesterday. Taking the poor thing home, trying to warm it up. He knew jack shit about birds at the time, but with mostly luck the small fleshy bird survived.
He knew that his baby wasn't going to live much longer when he first noticed his lack of appetite. Archimedes loves his cranberries. Maybe even more than he loves the man providing them. Ludwig remembers the day he offered him the special treat (as you're not supposed to feed them that often) and Archimedes didn't want it.
He holds his feathered son closer. Archimedes has lived a very long life especially for doves. The bird nuzzles into his papa's neck.
Archimedes lived a very exciting life. He fathered many children. (Earning the nickname “Frauenheldin” from his exasperated father.) He's stolen plenty of organs, been in plenty of chest cavities, and caused much chaos.
“It's going to be alright, mein kleiner junge, you've done so good. I'm so proud of you.” Ludwig said, trying not to break and start crying.
He pet Archimedes softly. Holding him to his chest as if he could shield his dove from the inevitable.
He could feel Archimedes fall asleep, and he could almost laugh. He's done reprehensible things to other people without a shred of humanity, but the second some bird passes away he gets teary eyed. Though, he knows Archimedes wasn't just some bird. That was his baby, his medical assistant, his best friend.