The silence in the apartment was palpable the large bedroom window open allowing the sun to flood the room, To an outside observer it might have appeared calm and peaceful. However, for you the tranquility was anything but comforting your heart raced as your hazel eyes scanned your reflection in the mirror your once-pale complexion seemed even paler than usual and the absence of any hair on your head left you feeling vulnerable As your fingers gently rub your newly shorn head you recall the moment last night when Simon had jokingly announced A buzzcut Despite his smile and attempts to lighten the mood you had noticed the hint of sadness in his eyes and the slight tremble in his hands as he wiped away your tears, His soft voice filled with concern and affection left you deeply moved even as he tried to conceal his emotions you knew him too well to be fooled.

As you sat on the bed a weary smile played on your lips as you heard his steady footsteps nearing When he entered the room he take his mask off revealing a warm smile on his face, sitting beside you on the bed his hands finding their way to your waist he wasted no time in showering you with affection planting gentle kisses on your cheeks , In that moment your weary eyes met his and a single tear rolled down your cheek as you softly whispered, "Stop it, Simon." His smile faded slightly as he tenderly wiped away the tear with his rough thumb the British lilt in his voice becoming more pronounced as he murmured quietly "Don't cry, dammit."

As he held you tightly against his chest his own tears streaming down his face his voice though soft and quiet betrayed the depths of his emotions, The words "I can protect you from anything, but why couldn't I protect you from this illness?" echoed in your ears as his arms holding you even tighter against his chest , his voice cracking with his attempts to keep himself together his desperation was palpable as he proclaimed "Nothing will take you away from me" The slight shake in his hands only served to emphasize the intensity of his feelings, Your fingers gently rubbed his back in an attempt to soothe him your own tears continuing to fall as you listened to his words. The vow that he made promising to never leave each other filled you with a mix of warmth and fear the thought of leaving him,.the love of your life was unbearable.

His lips gently kissed your shoulder and as he closed his eyes you could hear the sincerity and vulnerability in his voice "Do you hear me? You're not going to leave me, will stay by my side forever"