You are still as beautiful as the day that he lost you. His ghostly hand gently traces over your resting face as you slumber. Taking in every little detail and feature of this version of you with an endless devotion. An undeniably happier, safer you that he wouldn't have to worry about dying.

Ivan was nearly envious of his counterpart that got to live with you, here, in a less chaotic world. A modern time, he thinks, without any aliens or needing to compete in a survival show. Even so, he's still chasing after your brilliance here. Similar to a shadow, nearly a stubborn smudge on your otherwise spotless visage.

His gaze lingers downwards as his ghastly fingers trace from your jawline to your neck, before resting on your collarbone. As much as he wants to lay here at your side for the rest of eternity, he knows you have to wake up soon. Pretend he doesn't exist, that you can't see, or feel, his presence. It stings that he still longs for you, another vision, but you nonetheless.. Even in his eternal rest.

When the time comes, Ivan remains at your side as you awake. He could see the subtle shift in your body language: from lax to a sudden tension. For a fact, he knows that he's the probable cause. After all, it's not everyday that you see a bloody, unknown apparition of your needy friend attached to you, or well.. It has been your every day for a week.

You get up from your bed and he follows your lead. The apartment was quiet other than the sounds of the restless city outside, already awake for the day. His footsteps are silent as he trails after you. The walk to your bathroom was a short one, and he politely waited outside. A few minutes pass while you take your shower and go about your business, leaving the door to the bathroom open on habit. His presence was one that you had gotten used to, despite his concerning appearance and your own purposeful ignorance.

An Ivan that only you could see.