Call of Desire

12. Companion

com·pan·ion
/kəmˈpanyən/
noun
a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels.

lover?

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There was only darkness. He was warm and comfortable, his pain finally gone. It felt... similar, but not necessarily the same as when he had died. But there was that same complacency, that acceptance of his situation. 

John heard a voice that was achingly familiar, but could not place it. A deep, masculine voice. A gentle, soft voice. Where did he know it from?

It spoke gently to him, as if ensuring him of his safety, consoling him.

Who is that? They seem quite worried...

The voice began sobbing. Anguished, strangled sobbing that struck anxiety in John's core. He didn't know why, but he desperately wanted to comfort the person, assure them everything would be alright.

I know that voice... who's voice is that?

He remained confused, listening to the quiet cries echoing around him. Johnny focused, trying to decipher a few words...

That voice is so familiar... who is that?

That voice...

That's Ghost!

The Scotsman tried to force himself into consciousness, but the never endoing void kept its grip firm and unyielding. All he could do was  listen to Simon's muffled anguish.

I'm right here, Ghost... It's alright. I'm okay!

Simon muttered something about love and hate... Johnny couldn't quite understand.

Am I okay?

...

Simon?

"Don't leave me alone here, Johnny." The words reverberated through him, the void seeming to react to the desperation in Simon's voice. "I need you."

...

You... need me?

Everything went silent for several long moments.

In one of these moments.... Johnny began to feel.

He felt the subtle throbbing of his hip and arm.

The cold air on his skin.

Simon's hand in his.

Simon was... holding his hand. He was shakily caressing John's knuckles with his thumb.

"I'm not leaving until you wake up." Simon exhaled, his hands trembling. "I'll die before I leave you again." His voice was low and coarse.

Simon... Have you been crying, my love? I'm here now, I'm okay. I promise, I'm okay. Please don't cry. Don't cry.

"I know you hate being alone..." Simon laid his head on the edge of the bed, a shuddering sigh escaping him. John wanted to speak. He wanted to tell Simon every single thing in his head. Simon's breathing eventually even out, little snores leaving him.

Soap used all of his strength to gently squeeze the other's hand. Ghost hummed softly in his sleep, returning the delicate squeeze.

A slight smile tugged at the corner of John's lips.

Once more, Johnny used what little strength he had, forcing his eyes to flutter open. The pale light blinded him for a moment before his surroundings settled into place.