"Don't die... Don't die on me. Please..."
This fear which gripped him was foreign. He’s died before.... Sacrificed himself to become the Great Seal for the sake for the FRIENDS he had made. The FRIENDS he has come to love. There was no hesitation, no second thoughts. No sense of regret or fear of dying. Because at the time, he wasn’t leaving anything behind but a world where his friends could live their lives and be happy. Away from the monsters that haunted them.
At the time, Minato knew that they could all handle it. That they were strong. He understood that him dying would only cause them grief, but they’ve fought through worse together. Been through worse together -- and then some apart. Which was why he was able to go with peace in mind, knowing that he was doing it for them.
But this was different. If the blood which pooled in the back of his throat wasn’t suffocating him enough, he was sure that this wave if panic and regret would have. He wasn’t sure what hurt more: the deep gash on his chest which spilled his life essence, or that frantic fear on her face.
He was leaving her again. He just came back into her life, no matter the circumstances, and he was given the chance to meet the daughter he’s been watching over since she came to this world. And he was leaving her again.... He cursed. He swore. Damned every higher being he could think of for such cruelty.
“... Me... Meiko.” His voice is weak, but he tries to be strong. He tries to hide that fear which sat heavily on his chest as he reaches up, only to hesitate. Bloody fingers curled into small fists before he dropped his limb to his side once more. “Shhhh....,” He tries to sooth. Maybe... Just maybe... If he could hold on for a little longer, help will come and he will be saved.
“Just... It’s okay Meiko. I’m not... I’m not going anywhere... Not again.” Eyes flutter shut, only to clench together. He hat to stay awake, for her sake. He had to stay focused. “Tell me... Tell me about your fifth birthday party. What did everyone get you, M.. Meiko?”