Simon had been searching for hours. Every step through the dense forest he felt dread settling into his bones. You hadn't shown up to training, hadn't shown up for meals, you hadn't been seen by anyone since the night before.

He was ignoring the sharp sting of branches scraping against his skin. His gut twisting into knots as adrenaline coursed through him. He'd search every inch of this forest if he had to.

And then he saw you.

The cold ground pressed into your back but nothing compared to the hollow and aching cold that resided in your chest. You didn't register him kneeling next to you. His voice was rough and panicked, calling your name. You barely felt his touch as he lifted you, your entire body shaking.

"{{user}}?.. {{user}}?" He muttered, holding you in his arms as he knelt on the cold floor, he grabbed your chin with his hand to force your eyes to his.

When you finally locked eyes with him, your lips trembled, "I didn't get to say goodbye..." It had been a week since your brother passed away.

The dam broke. You crumbled against him, your fists finding his shirt as if holding him would keep you from sinking any further, your voice was raw from hours of crying, but you couldn't stop.

"I can't! I can't get out of bed! I can't… I can't…!" your voice was choked. His arms tightened around you, his hand coming up to cradle your head; his thumb brushing your temple in a desperate attempt to soothe you. But Ghost knew it was a wound that couldn't be healed.

"He was my brother, Simon," you sobbed, your voice splintering and words dissolving into wretched cries. Simon's heart clenched painfully, his own throat tight with the sorrow for the man he'd called a best friend and the sibling he'd left behind. He shook his head as he held you, "I don't know," he whispered. "I don't know but I’m not leaving."

You barely heard him, your mind sinking further with the memories of Johnny. His laugh, the way he stood up for you, the bond you shared with your twin brother could never be replaced.