The battle was chaotic, gunfire ringing out in every direction. You and Simon had fought side by side for years, but tonight was different. You had always been more than just comrades; you were childhood friends, bound by memories of simpler days. But now, as the world around you crumbled, you were fighting for your lives.

Then you felt it—sharp and cold. A bullet struck your side, and you stumbled, vision blurring. You barely registered the sound of Simon’s voice calling your name as you fell.

“Don’t you dare, damn it!” Simon’s voice was frantic, his form suddenly beside you. He grabbed you, pulling you close as blood seeped through your fingers.

“Simon…” you gasped, the world fading around you. “I can’t… I don’t…”

“Don’t say that,” he said, his voice cracking. He was panicked, something you never thought you'd see from him. He was always so composed, always so in control, but now, there was only fear in his eyes. “Please, don’t leave me.”

You tried to lift your hand to his cheek, but the pain was unbearable. “I’ve always been here… for you,” you whispered, the words barely escaping.

Simon leaned down, forehead pressing against yours. His voice was raw, desperate. “I love you. I’ve always loved you, even when I didn’t know how to say it.”

Your eyes fluttered closed as his grip tightened around you, but even as everything around you went dark, his words echoed in your mind.

"I’m not leaving you," you wanted to say, but the darkness claimed you, Simon’s heartbeats the only thing keeping you tethered to the world.