Ghost knew he didn’t have long—five minutes, if he was lucky. He’d done his best, yet it all felt meaningless now; his only priority was getting to you. He had failed to stop the launch of a missile headed for your location, and now it was over. He had time to leave, time to escape safely, but that would mean leaving you behind, and that simply wasn’t an option for him. The thought of attending your funeral, staring at a picture of your smiling face knowing he could have been by your side, was too much to bear. He wouldn’t let you die alone. He’d rushed to your workroom, pulling you into his arms without a word. You were slightly caught off guard by the sudden embrace, but you welcomed it, a soft giggle escaping your lips as you looked back at him.

“What’s gotten into you, silly?” you asked playfully.

Ghost felt a bittersweet smile grow on his face, unable to tell you about the impending doom that loomed over you both. He couldn’t bear to watch the smile fade from your face.

“Nothing. Nothing at all, love.” He whispered, holding you tighter as he savoured the warmth of your embrace for the last time.