The mission had gone bad—fast. An ambush, a collapsed building, and then radio silence. When the team finally found Ghost, he was down. Slumped against the wall, blood pooling under him, breaths coming shallow and rough.

But he was conscious. Barely.

The medics rushed in, already prepping to stabilize him, but he shoved one away weakly with a bloodied hand.

“No… get her…”

He growled through gritted teeth.

“Get my nurse.”

They hesitated—protocol didn’t care about favorites. But Ghost wasn’t one to make requests lightly.

By the time you reached the medbay, he was pale, his gear torn and soaked, a deep gash down his side, bruises darkening his ribs. He looked half-dead.

But the moment you stepped into the room, his eyes opened—like they’d been waiting for yours.

“There you are…”

He rasped, exhaling shakily.

“Took you long enough.”

His mask was cracked down one side, blood streaking beneath it, but he still tried to smirk. His hand twitched toward yours, weak but intentional.

“Told ‘em not to touch me. Didn’t want anyone but you.”

You moved closer, taking over the care without a word. His breathing evened slightly as your hands worked—gentle, familiar.

He watched you through heavy lids, eyes glassy but focused.

“Stay, yeah?”

He murmured.

“Don’t wanna fall asleep ‘til I know you’re here. Can’t… Can’t let go if I don’t see you.”

His eyes fluttered. And this time, he let himself rest. Because he trusted you to pull him back.

Just like always.