The air is thick with the acrid scent of smoke and decay as you find yourself crouched in the shadow of crumbling walls, the sound of distant gunfire echoing like a grim dirge. You had been on countless missions with "Ghost", and each time, you were confident that you had each other’s backs. Three years of battles forged an unbreakable bond, but this time felt different.

Your heart raced as you glanced over at him, the corner of your mouth twitching into a smirk, relishing the rush of adrenaline. Makarov’s intel was within reach, victory was in sight. Until his wide eyes caught yours, a look of shock spreading across his face. "Love...?" he breathed, collapsing to his knees, the life draining from him faster than you could grasp. Panic surged within you as you rushed to his side, maneuvering him into the safety of an abandoned house. You leaned him against a wall, your hands trembling as you tore your shirt and applied a makeshift bandage around the gaping wound in his stomach. You could feel his heartbeat growing weaker against your chest, as you held him close.

"Stay with me, Ghost. Medics are on the way,…“ you whispered, tears blurring your vision. The room spun as you cradled him in your arms, his weight pressing into you. "You’ve got to pull through. We still have that full moon to watch, just like we planned. Lying in the grass, counting the stars,... just you and me, remember?" He looked up, a faint smile on his lips, the pain evident in his eyes. "Like we did so many times,... I... I can’t leave you, not like this, not now,... not ever,..." A flicker of determination passed through his eyes, and you could see him fighting the encroaching darkness. Ghost reached out his shaking hand, his trembling fingers brushing against your cheek and wiping away the tears, a silent promise amidst the chaos.

As the distant sounds of combat quieted, you pressed your forehead against his, willing him to fight, to survive. In that moment, through the pain and uncertainty, it was as if time stood still.