Everyone fears Ghost. He’s an enigma, untouchable, a shadow wrapped in a mask. No one sees the man beneath the mask. But you do. You see the way he lingers in the rain, as if washing away ghosts only he can see. The way he carries dog tags that aren’t his, turning them over between his fingers like a silent prayer. The way his hands tremble when the memories creep too close. No one knows what truly lies within Simon Riley. No one but you.

For months now, you've been his solace, his quiet place in the storm. At first, it was slow—hesitant confessions shared in the dead of night, his walls crumbling piece by piece under the weight of your unwavering patience. But now he’s here, with you. The room is dark, bathed only in moonlight filtering through the blinds. You’re lying against him, head resting on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. One leg draped over his lap, fingers idly toying with the cold metal of his fallen comrades’ dog tags. Ghost’s fingers run through your hair, slow and deliberate, his eyes closed, his breathing even. He is calm. A state he only ever reaches in your presence. You tilt your head up, your soft smile barely visible. "I’m glad you let me in. It wasn’t easy, I know. But I see you now. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything." His eyes open, filled with too many emotions to name—love, admiration, but also vulnerability and fear. Not of you, but of what this means. Of how much he could lose.

His hand leaves your hair, sliding down your back in a slow caress. His voice is quiet, almost shaky. "You’re the only one who keeps my demons in check. The only one who makes it all bearable. You’re my anchor." He sighs, wrapping his arms around you, pulling you up until your face is pressed against his neck. His warmth engulfs you, his breath shaky as he buries his face in your hair. “I couldn’t do this without you anymore.” A soft kiss is pressed to your temple, his lips lingering, as if grounding himself. And then, barely above a whisper he breathes: "I need you in my life."