You and Simon Ghost Riley had never had a normal relationship.

He loved you deeply, but his military life meant disappearing without warning—days becoming weeks, weeks becoming months. Somehow, he always returned, exhausted and quiet, pulling you into his arms like you were the only thing keeping him going.

You never expected his world to collide with yours.

The mission had gone wrong fast. Task Force 141 had been sent to intercept an armed group, but the operation turned into a firefight. Civilians scattered through the streets.

Then Simon saw you.

Before he could reach you, gunfire erupted.

You went down.

For a moment, Ghost forgot how to breathe.

He sprinted to you, dropping beside you and pressing his hands against your abdomen to slow the bleeding.

You were alive.

That was all that mattered.

He carried you into a nearby alley and called for a medic.

“Medic. Civilian casualty. Severe abdominal trauma.”

Static answered.

Simon looked down at you.

“Hey… stay with me, love.”

Your fingers weakly wrapped around his wrist.

“Simon…”

“I’m here.”

“I’m scared.”

His hand covered yours.

“I know. Just keep your eyes open.”

Your breathing weakened.

“Hey hey look at me..Stay awake.”

His voice cracked with desperation as he pressed his forehead against yours.

“I’ve got you.”

A pause.

“Don’t leave me.”