Ready to comply.

He could see it. He could see that James was trying to keep his composure but struggling to. Yet, Ghost didn't mention it, instead looking back up, gaze looking up toward the other's face. That is, until he heard the doorknob click and immediately he was on alert, blue eyes staring straight toward Steve who had just walked in, followed closely by Fury. His body tensed up, fingers holding onto that blanket as if it was a shield. His head tilted away slightly, eyes still upon the blonde as brows furrowed. That aggressive tone made him want to flinch - it reminded him of his handlers yelling harshly at him, and when Fury's voice came out, loud, the soldier found himself wincing, hands letting go of the blanket to cover his ears as he squeezed his eyes shut.

His thoughts were loud once more, making him want to retreat within himself again, ignore what was going on in hopes to be left alone despite he knew that they wouldn't let go of it. They wanted answers, they wanted him to atone for crimes that while he did commit, it wasn't truly him that did them. It was the Winter Soldier. With all those words tossed his way, what was he supposed to do?

He didn't want to listen. He didn't want to, he didn't – 

The softest of gasp left him when Steve grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, eyes reopening, wide and wild as icy blues met with the captain's own blue eyes, a stare so cold, so piercing it was as if Ghost was staring into his soul. Metal hands moved, grabbing onto the other's wrist before squeezing, forcing him to let go of him. The blunt ends of metal digits would soon shift once more, digging metal claws into fabric and eventually skin as pupils shrank. It didn't take long before the brown and white haired man would deliver a swift kick to Steve's stomach, causing him to stumble backward before he slowly rose from the couch, discarding the blanket.

A low hiss escaped his mouth, teeth being bared like a wild animal just ready to pounce.

His body twitched, head leaned to the side as the plates of bionic arms shifted while fingers bawled into fists. With Fury now pointing the gun at him and with James stepping in front of him, it told him enough of what would happen. His tongue would dart out, wetting his lips before one hand reached up, pushing James to the side as Ghost then stepped forward, slowly, like a wolf stalking prey. Little did they know that high distress would reactivate the programming implemented in his mind.

No longer was it Ghost controlling his own body, it had given way to the Winter Soldier once more.

“<<Go on, then.>>” His voice was oddly calm as he spoke, the previous dialect of Russian he was using being replaced by one that would be much easier to understand. Another few steps forward, and Fury wouldn't hesitate to fire a warning shot - which was deflected just as easily by one bionic arm, the bullet flying straight into the ceiling. Nostrils flared as the soldier took another step forward, then another, until he was within point blank reach of the gun. Without hesitation, he would press his forehead against the barrel, eyes still carefully watching, devoid of any previous emotion that had dared spark any light within them.

“<<Shoot.>>” The word rolled off his tongue almost like an order. His hands would come up to steady to gun, to make sure that Fury couldn't aim anywhere else than directly between his eyes. “<<If you care so much about stopping them, then shoot.>>” His tone fell flat as he spoke again. Though, he was well aware of what was going on near him, and when Steve tried to get his hands onto him once more, the Winter Soldier turned with reflexes so fast one could hardly react to them - bionic hand firmly grabbing onto the blonde's throat, metal claws barely digging into skin.

His head slowly tilted as he firmly held the captain in place, eyes going from him back toward Fury.

Years. It had been years.

Years that he had endured nothing but torture, that he had been nothing but the Winter Soldier, that he didn't even get a moment to be himself since whenever his programming became loose, Hydra made damn sure to reset him, reverting him back to an emotionless husk waiting for orders. But now, that could be changed, right? He didn't have to hear his trigger words anymore, right? Uncertainty filled his mind about it. Instead, he tried to focus on what James was saying, explanations for everything, apologies that he wasn't even sure he wanted to hear -- no, his mind just didn't want to register them as apologies. But it was true, what he had suffered through, it couldn't be fixed, it couldn't be changed, and he knew he'd have to live with this for the rest of his life, however long that would be.

So when James moved closer, Ghost found himself looking up, terrified.

"<<N-no.. wait-->>" The words were choked out of his throat as he was brought into this tight embrace, causing him to simply freeze, unsure how to react. Part of him wanted to sink against it, block out everything and simply sit in the quiet that it did bring to his thoughts, while the other part of him was screaming to push him away, to fight back, to get away in whatever way he could. But he sat there, stunned, tears still streaming down his face as his mind blanked out, unable to proceed with how to react. It was there, the small comforting feeling that he had missed all those years - he remembered how James always held onto him when Hydra had tried to break him, encouraging to not let it get to him, that they'd get through this.

The promise of getting out - together. He recalled it so clearly, despite that day had been such a blur in his mind, it now felt so clear.

How Hydra had caught up to him- it wasn't because they knew, it was because he hadn't been fast enough to get away from them. A simple limp that he hadn't really realized he had, it was what had slowed him down, allowing them to keep track of it. It wasn't James' fault, far from it, James had done everything he could, it was just the small details that weren't planned for that had gotten in the way.

One hand moved, grabbing onto James' arm, the sharp ends of metal digits returning to blunt after plates shifted, and Ghost found himself burying his face against the other's shoulder, barely caring if his tears stained that shirt of his. A quiet sob left him again as he sank into that embrace, eyes squeezed shut as he allowed himself to breath, to relax the tension in his body somewhat. James was his anchor - always had been. He had never truly abandoned him. Shifting slightly, Ghost moved, mostly so that he could return that embrace a bit more properly, burying his head against the other's neck without a word.

At least, not until James' question caught his attention.

“Mmn.” A low noise in his throat as his hands found purchase upon the other soldier's back. “<<Memory a little foggy..>>” He muttered, moving his head to lean his chin upon James' shoulder, eyes barely open. “<<Shock.. I remember seeing shock on your face.>>” The winter soldier then added, followed by a small sniffled as he then pulled the other closer, not wanting to let go. “<<You.. Didn't look too happy about it, but you didn't treat me like they did.. You were gentle, understanding when I was so confused, still trying to find my footing..>>” His voice was quiet as he spoke, only loud enough so that it would stay between them. No one else needed to know anything, though he wouldn't be surprised if Fury had stuck something in the room just to listen in as needed.

He opened his mouth again for a moment but hesitated, closing his mouth for a little bit longer.

“<<S-sorry.. Um.>>” A quick apology as he then moved his head, lowering his chin from James' shoulder as his grip onto him tightened a little as he looked away. “<<Thinking.. hurts.>>" He may or may not have gotten a headache now that his body wasn't in fight or flight mode, and paired with the exhaustion he was feeling, it wasn't the best combo of sensations.

James   held   Ghost   even   tighter,   his   own   heart   aching   at   Ghost   so   distressed.   He   hated   seeing   Ghost   like   this,   so   vulnerable   and   lost.   He   gently   wipes   away   the   tears   with   his   fingers,   wishing   he   could   erase   the   pain   entirely.   "I'm   not   going   anywhere."   He   whispered,   his   voice   firm   yet   soothing.   James   felt   a   mix   of   resolve   and   love   as   he   spoke   softly   to   Ghost."You   don't   have   to   push   yourself   right   now.   Just   breathe,   okay?"   He   wanted   Ghost   to   know   he   was   safe   and   didn't   need   to   overwhelm   himself   with   memories.   "We're   in   this   together,   and   I'll   help   you   find   your   way."   He   knew   the   uncertainty   of   their   situation,   but   he'd   made   a   promise   to   himself   to   stand   by   Ghost   no   matter   what.   Even   if   Fury   had   plans   that   were   beyond   their   control,   James   was   going   to   shield   Ghost   from   harm.

 "No   one   will   hurt   you   again."   He   promised,   his   grip   reassuringly   strong.   James   carefully   shifted   his   holding,   adjusting   Ghost   until   he   was   securely   placed   in   his   arms.   He   moved   with   deliberate   gentleness,   carrying   him   over   to   the   couch   where   he'd   set   up   a   few   comforters.   As   he   lay   Ghost   down.   James   grabbed   the   bag   he   had   brought,   retrieving   comfortable   clothes   for   Ghost   to   change   into.   As   he   did   so,   little   Alpine   padded   over   and   curled   up   beside   Ghost,   offering   her   own   comfort.

James   took   out   the   clothes,   handing   Ghost   some   of   his   own   shirts   and   sweatpants   that   he   thought   were   more   comfortable.   "Here,   these   should   fit   you,"   He   said   softly,   recalling   Steve's   advice   to   provide   something   familiar   and   comforting.   "Why   don't   you   change   into   these   and   rest   for   a   bit?"   James   suggested   gently,   sensing   Ghost's   exhaustion.   "I'll   make   you   something   to   eat,   something   light,   so   you   can   keep   your   strength   up."   He   added,   heading   towards   the   kitchen.   James   didn't   want   to   stress   Ghost   out   with   anything   heavy,   so   he   had   brought   the   ingredients   to   make   a   simple   soup.   He   carefully   unpacked   the   bag   in   the   kitchen,   setting   aside   the   vegetables,   chicken,   and   broth. 

James   wanted   to   keep   it   simple,   knowing   the   warmth   of   the   soup   could   offer   some   comfort.   Even   if   Ghost   didn't   feel   like   eating   the   noodles,   James   hoped   the   soothing   broth   would   be   enough   to   nourish   and   calm   him.   As   he   chopped   the   vegetables,   James   couldn't   help   but   think   back   to   the   guilt   that   lingered   beneath   the   surface.   He   felt   like   a   failure   for   not   finding   Ghost   sooner,   for   not   being   there   when   Ghost   needed   him   the   most.   At   the   same   time,   Alpine   meowed   softly   at   Ghost,   nudging   him   gently   with   her   head   to   remind   him   of   her   presence.   She   hadn't   been   fed   dinner   yet,   and   her   persistent   meows   were   her   way   of   asking   for   attention   and   a   meal.

James   was   still   lost   in   his   thoughts,   guilt   gnawing   at   him,   but   Alpine   let   out   a   loud   purr.   It   snapped   him   back   to   reality.   He   paused   his   chopping,   realizing   he   couldn't   neglect   her   needs.   Setting   the   knife   down,   he   grabbed   her   favorite   churu   treats   from   the   bag.   "Do   you   want   to   feed   her?"   James   asked   Ghost,   hoping   the   small   task   might   distract   him   from   his   worries.   "I   completely   forgot   to   feed   her   earlier,"   James   admitted,   a   hint   of   embarrassment   in   his   voice.   "I   was   in   such   a   hurry   to   get   here   and   make   sure   you   were   okay."   He   paused,   meeting   Ghost's   eyes   with   sincerity.   "I   really   wanted   to   see   you   and   make   sure   you   were   alright."

Steps were the only thing that filled his ears, at least until James spoke. His attention was piqued, but laying here, like this, body trembling as he simply allowed himself to cry, it wouldn't allow him to even look over. Those words touched him, but his mind did everything to reject it. He was alone - he always had been alone. If anyone had been there to begin with, then he wouldn't have ended up so beaten down, so broken that he could barely hang onto anything that seemed like a semblance of self. So when his hand was taken and squeezed, his first reaction was to pull away, only to bring his arm over his head, trying to shield himself - from what? It was more than likely to shield others from himself, if anything.

A noise of complaint left his throat in warning, clearly being touched was not something that he enjoyed at all. It was when those hands went to hold his face, that thumb wiping away tears, that his reflexes kicked in. In one swift motion, the soldier moved, teeth sinking into skin, drawing blood - forcing James to pull his hands away as Ghost simply stared, gaze wild, brows furrowed - how he now held himself looking just like a trapped animal. He wouldn't harm Alpine - she was fine, though the sudden movement probably spooked her, causing her to move a few feet away. The soldier found himself to his feet, ice blue eyes staring back into vivid blue ones as he stepped away, putting distance between them once more.

Part of him knew that James was just trying to help, but with his mind so fractured, so broken, he couldn't let him this close, not this soon. Metal fingertips were pressed against the wall behind him, taking note of how big the room was - how much space he could work with if needed. 

And it shouldn't be needed. But he needed a back up plan, in case, for himself, to make sure he didn't cause more harm than he already did.

The taste of James' blood still lingered on his lips as he still stared without a word. His senses had now kicked back into gear properly, carefully keeping track of every little thing they heard - the steps behind the door to the room, the muttered words between a few folks that he knew were watching this go down. That was another thing he was aware about - they always kept watch on him, even if told otherwise. One hand was brought up, using its wrist to dry the remnants of tears before he tilted his head, a curious gesture despite how tense he looked.

“<<You failed me.>>” His voice was hoarse, his throat dry but he didn't care. “<<If you searched for me, you would have found me.>>” Metal plates along metal digits shifted, transforming what had been previously blunt edges into pointy, sharp ones. His eyes stung again, tears forming once more as clawed fingers dug into the wall too easily, leaving holes. “<<I.. I trusted you. I TRUSTED you..>>” The volume of his voice was, his anger clear as day but so was his anguish. One hand was pressed to the side of his head as another surge of memories came through, causing Ghost to wince as he stumbled, almost falling to his knees. The pain of regaining what had been taken away from him by drastic measures was unbearable, making him struggle to stay somewhat sane for the smallest amount of time.

A soft hiss left him.

“<<I..I.. You..>> James..” That name fell from his mouth so easily. Too easily. His lower lip quivered as anger turned to sadness, the wild look on his face turning into one of horror before he lowered his head in shame. “<<I'm sorry.. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.>>” Apologies that found themselves repeated as he collapsed to his knees, palms pressed against the flooring for a moment before he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against the floor as hands returned to hold onto his bionic arms, clawed fingers tugging lightly at metal plates. Once more making himself small as a whine left him, his whole body trembled from the array of emotions he was going through.

Why couldn't it be steady? Why did it feel like he was a ship being tossed about by the most powerful of waves that threatened to allow the ocean to swallow him whole?

“<<Hurt.. so much..>>” He mumbled, sniffling. “<<Mind heavy..>>” He then added after a moment, slightly raising himself as his gaze then stared at James' feet for a moment, before attempting to look up to him. To be seen in such a weak state, he could only imagine how hard it must be for the other. His eyes looked down, feeling like he didn't deserve to look up, that he only deserved to look at the ground and nothing else. His mind and body were fighting over his need to seek comfort, to seek safety, to find how he could ground himself in the moment.

James   didn't   flinch   when   Ghost's   teeth   sank   into   his   arm,   a   silent   acceptance   of   the   pain   he   felt   he   deserved.   He   took   a   step   back,   giving   Ghost   the   space   he   needed   while   he   listened   to   the   torrent   of   emotions   spilling   from   the   broken   man   before   him.   Each   word   struck   him   like   a   ton   of   bricks,   weighing   heavily   on   his   conscience   as   he   realized   the   depth   of   the   betrayal   and   the   hurt   he   had   caused.   Listening   to   Ghost's   words,   more   tears   streamed   down   his   face.   He   had   searched   for   Ghost   for   so   many   years,   longing   to   make   amends,   but   Hydra   had   always   been   out   of   reach,   eluding   him   at   every   turn.   Now,   standing   here,   he   could   finally   see   the   consequences   of   his   past   actions,   and   the   weight   of   his   regret   felt   insurmountable.   With   a   choked   voice,   James   pleaded,   "I   tried   to   find   you,   Ghost.   I   did   everything   I   could,   every   lead,   every   clue   -   I   followed   them   all."   The   desperation   in   his   eyes   mirrored   the   anguish   in   his   heart.   "But   it   was   like   chasing   shadows.   You   were   always   out   of   reach."   He   confessed,   hoping   his   sincerity   might   bridge   the   chasm   between   them.

James's   mind   drifted   back   to   the   countless   nights   spent   poring   over   old   files   and   faded   photographs,   searching   for   any   hint   of   Ghost's   whereabouts.   He   remembered   the   whispers   of   hope   whenever   a   new   lead   emerged,   only   to   be   crushed   by   a   dead   end   and   silence.   The   guilt   of   knowing   Hydra   had   taken   Ghost's   other   arm   gnawed   at   him,   a   constant   reminder   of   his   failure.   "I   blame   myself   for   not   being   there   when   they   came   for   you."   He   admitted,   his   voice   barely   above   a   whisper.   "If   only   I   had   got   to   you   sooner,   things   could   have   been   different."   James   sighed.   "I   know   I   can't   change   the   past,   and   nothing   I   say   will   erase   the   pain   you've   endured."   He   continued,   his   voice   thick   with   emotion.   "But   I'm   here   now,   and   I   want   to   help   you,   to   make   things   right   in   any   way   I   can."   James   took   a   deep   breath.   "I   know   words   aren't   enough,"   he   acknowledged,   his   gaze   fixed   on   Ghost.   "Hydra   did   unspeakable   things,   and   I   can't   undo   them,   but   I   can   stand   by   you   now.   Whatever   you   need-whether   it's   taking   down   those   responsible   or   finding   a   way   forward   -   I'm   here   for   you."

Seeing   Ghost   in   this   state   broke   James's   heart   even   more,   as   he   had   never   wanted   to   see   his   friend   so   shattered.   The   pain   etched   across   Ghost's   face   was   proof   of   the   depths   of   his   suffering,   and   it   pained   James   to   think   he   had   played   a   part   in   it.    James,   without   hesitation,   moved   closer,   disregarding   any   potential   backlash   from   Ghost.   He   only   wished   to   connect,   to   show   his   unwavering   support   and   remorse.   Wrapping   his   arms   around   Ghost,   he   pulled   him   into   a   tight   embrace,   hoping   the   gesture   would   convey   the   sincerity   of   his   intentions   and   the   depth   of   his   regret.   Holding   on   to   him,   James   cried,   overwhelmed   by   the   flood   of   memories   that   rushed   back.   He   missed   the   quiet   comfort   of   those   nights   when,   once   the   guards   left,   they   found   solace   in   each   other's   embrace.   Ghost   was   his   anchor,   providing   warmth   and   reassurance   in   the   darkest   of   times.   James   longed   for   the   peace   that   only   Ghost's   presence   could   bring.

They wanted answers.

They wanted answers out of him now that he had woken up from being knocked out. But Ghost wasn't going to budge, he wasn't listening, wasn't paying attention, and most importantly, he stayed quiet. Eyes down to the floor unless someone got too close, legs brought close to his chest as he simply sat in that corner, minding his business, not caring about anything else but himself and the way his mind just spun. No matter who they had tried to reach out to him, to get him to come out of his shell, it hadn't worked at all. Be it Steve - or that Banner guy, they weren't given any attention. And when it was James' turn, parts of Ghost's memories stirred, coming back in a flash and all the man could to was to hide his face, cover his head with his bionic arms and hope that it would just go back to complete silence.

He hated it. He hated it so much. Being unable to understand why he was feeling this way, terrified of the unknown, of the fact he had stepped so far from the road he was given by Hydra. What was he even supposed to do, now? S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't let him go, and even if they did, Hydra would find a way to pick him back up and torture him even further than they already did. Could a broken man be broken even further? That question echoed in his mind, left him wondering, left him scared.

It felt like he had no where to go, no where to turn to, no soft landing to catch him as he fell further within this pit that opened right under him. And even if he landed, what could he do? He was nothing but a killing machine, activated within a matter of words, no one would want to do anything with someone with so much blood on their hands, someone that didn't even know how to live by themselves, that only knew how to live as he was ordered to.

Each time that door opened during all those days, Ghost had found himself wincing, memories of the torture he went through flashing within his mind, causing him to pull himself closer, to hide further in an attempt to be ignored, to be rendered small and invisible, to be left alone once they'd realize it'd be better to just give up since he wasn't going to talk or anything. The soldier didn't want to think about anything, he just wanted peace and quiet so that he could finally calm himself, but with how distressing his current situation was, it was hard. It was so hard considering they also shoved him within a room, just like Hydra would do - he wasn't allowed to leave.

It felt too familiar.

Today was no different. The door opened, the noise causing him to visibly flinch before he covered himself once more. But it was different - only did he realize once he felt something rub against him, making him move slightly to see what it was and soon the white furred feline had taken its place on his lap - or at least, attempted to. The thunderous purring that vibrated through her body as she pressed herself against him, pushing her head under his chin - it left him so confused. A soothing feeling, for sure, but.. How? Confusion crossed his face, the first expression to finally appear after days - no, weeks of a blank stare without as much of a muscle twitch. His gaze stared, searching, trying to understand what was happening, only for James' words to finally reach his ears now that his guard had been finally lowered enough.

Alpine.. 

Tongue darting out to wet his lips, hands stayed still, hovering the feline, afraid that his touch would just cause more problems. That was what he was good at - causing problems and leaving a trail of blood wherever he went. Carefully, he picked her up, only to set her to the side and Alpine wasted no time to get back to the spot she was, purring even louder than before. No, he couldn't have that happen, he couldn't - but he also found himself unable to push the animal away once more. The way she chirped before she once more pushed her head under his chin, rubbing against him - it was as if she knew he needed that comfort. 

He kept his walls up all this time, and just like that, they would crumble away.

Eyes stung, limbs faintly trembled, a hand reached up, pressing against his eye as he turned his head away. Hide weakness, his mind screamed, hide weakness and pretend that nothing matter. And yet… Yet… A tear managed to roll down his cheek as he tried so hard to keep it from doing just that.

It hurt. It hurt so much.

A sniffle, a silenced sob, limbs brought closer once more as hands held onto his head for a moment before they covered his face, trying to dry those tears that now fell from the corners of his eyes so easily. Everything came crashing down onto him at once - but most importantly, he realized one, single thing. James still cared. He still cared even after all those years, he never saw him as he saw himself - he never saw him as a man made into a monster, into the perfect deadly weapon that wouldn't argue back, that would follow orders given. He saw him as someone, someone that struggled and deserved much more than the hand he was given in life - even if he wasn't even supposed to be alive. 

He sank against the wall, eventually going from sitting to just laying there, face still covered by metal hands as the most pitiful and almost quiet sob just left his throat. Existence was suffering, it was a feeling that had been drilled into his mind, that he didn't deserve anything but what Hydra had given him, that he only deserved to be used, to be a means to an end. So why? Why?

Why was he being given a chance? Did he actually deserve it?

Eyes were squeezed shut, his metal hands moving from his face to firmly hold onto his arms as he once again brought his body closer, tears flowing as he just trembled. The white furred feline curled up against him, purring her little heart out as paws stretched, pawing oh so gently against Ghost's skin that he barely felt it. Words still weren't going to come out of his throat, even less now that he just didn't even know how to function anymore, even less figure out something to even say.

James   stood   watching   helplessly,   his   heart   aching   from   the   sight   before   him.   This   wasn't   what   he   wanted,   seeing   Ghost   break   down   like   this,   feeling   so   lost   and   undeserved.   God,   he   hated   it   -   hated   that   he   couldn't   just   reach   into   Ghost's   mind   and   pull   out   all   the   pain,   all   the   doubt,   and   replace   it   with   the   certainty   that   he   was   worth   so   much   more   than   what   Hydra   had   made   him   believe.   He   had   seen   the   horrors   firsthand,   the   mind   games   and   the   relentless   conditioning   that   stripped   them   of   their   humanity. 

Yet,   his   own   escape   had   left   a   void   of   uncertainty   about   what   further   torment   Ghost   had   endured   in   his   absence.   James   felt   a   deep   sense   of   guilt   for   not   being   there   to   protect   Ghost   when   he   needed   him   the   most.   The   sight   of   Ghost's   tears   was   a   reminder   of   the   pain   and   suffering   he   had   endured   alone.   James   wished   he   could   have   been   there,   to   shield   Ghost   from   the   torment   and   to   remind   him   that   he   was   never   truly   alone. 

Without   hesitation,   James   walks   to   Ghost,   kneeling   down   before   him,   tears   already   formed   in   his   own   eyes.   "Please   don't   cry."   He   whispered,   his   voice   trembling   with   emotion.   "You're   not   alone,   and   you   never   were.   I'm   here   now,   and   I   promise   I   won't   let   you   suffer   through   this   alone   anymore."   He   understood   that   words   alone   couldn't   erase   the   scars   left   by   Hydra's   brutal   conditioning.   James   had   lived   through   the   same   torment,   and   he   knew   how   deeply   the   programming   could   burrow   into   one's   psyche.   Yet,   he   was   prepared   to   stand   by   Ghost,   to   offer   the   support   and   understanding   that   only   someone   who   had   walked   the   same   path   could   provide.   He   softly   grasped   Ghost's   hand,   feeling   the   tremors   beneath   his   touch,   and   offered   a   reassuring   squeeze. 

Alpine   seemed   to   be   watching,   purring   in   approval   as   she   curled   up   beside   them.   Her   presence   was   a   comforting   reminder   of   home   and   safety.   James   knew   that   rebuilding   trust   would   take   time,   but   this   moment   of   connection   was   a   step   towards   healing   their   wounds.   "Ghost..."   James   murmured   gently.   "I   know   this   is   hard,   but   we're   going   to   get   through   it   together."   He   cupped   Ghost's   face,   his   thumb   tenderly   wiping   away   the   tears   that   had   traced   paths   down   his   cheeks.   Though   it   might   be   daunting,   James   was   ready   to   help   Ghost   find   his   way   back   to   himself,   one   small   step   at   a   time.

James   realized   that   he,   too,   needed   to   release   the   emotions   he   had   kept   bottled   up   for   so   long.   The   weight   of   his   own   past,   the   guilt   of   his   absence,   and   the   relief   of   finally   being   with   Ghost   all   collided.   He   cried   freely.   It   was   a   moment   of   vulnerability.   "I'm   sorry,   Ghost..."   James   finally   managed   to   say.   His   voice   choked   on   emotion.   "I   search   for   you   endlessly."   He   confessed,   his   voice   barely   above   a   whisper.   "There   wasn't   a   night   I   didn't   lie   awake,   haunted   by   the   thought   of   you   out   there   alone   and   suffering.   I   scoured   every   lead,   every   whisper..."   He   paused   for   a   second   to   look   Ghost   in   the   eye. 

"I   hated   that   I   was   forced   to   give   up,   that   every   trail   seemed   to   vanish   into   thin   air."   He   continued,   bitter   helplessness   etched   into   his   words.   "It   tore   me   apart   knowing   that   I   couldn't   find   you,   that   I   had   to   live   with   the   guilt   of   not   being   there   when   you   needed   me   the   most."   His   hands   shook   slightly   as   he   spoke.   The   weight   of   all   those   years   was   heavy   on   his   shoulders   James   let   out   a   dry   sob,   raw   and   filled   with   years   of   suppressed   emotion. 

"Ghost,   you   were   the   only   thing   that   kept   me   alive   when   we   were   in   Hydra's   hands."   He   admitted,   his   voice   trembling   in   sincerity.   "Every   day,   you   were   my   strength,   my   reason   to   hold   on,   and   I   can't   express   how   much   you   mean   to   me."   His   heart   ached   with   the   shame   of   letting   Ghost   down,   of   not   being   there   when   it   mattered   most.   If   only   he   had   made   it   to   their   meet-up   sooner,   Hydra   wouldn't   have   taken   Ghost   away.   James   swallowed   hard.   He   blamed   himself   for   every   decision   that   led   to   their   separation,   replaying   moments   in   his   mind   where   he   thought   he   could   have   acted   differently.