the shrill static of the police radio cut through the precinct's low hum. nico stone, leaning back in his worn chair, almost dismissed it until the dispatcher's voice crackled, giving an address he knew too well. {{user}}'s address. his jaw tightened. a break-in. his hand instinctively tightened around his pen.

he listened intently, every detail etching itself into his mind. he knew her little apartment on the third floor, the fire escape she always worried about, the flimsy lock on her front door sam never bothered to fix. a knot of anxiety twisted in his gut.

ignoring the paperwork piled on his desk, nico stood abruptly. "i gotta go," he mumbled to his partner, a gruff man named miller who barely looked up from his own files.

"something come up, stone?" miller grunted.

"yeah," nico said, his voice rough. "something."

he didn't wait for a response, grabbing his jacket and keys. the drive to {{user}}'s felt like an eternity. he pictured her there, scared, vulnerable. the image sent a fresh wave of anger through him – anger at whoever dared to invade her space, anger at sam for not being there, and a fierce, protective anger that surprised even himself.

he arrived to flashing blue and red lights painting the familiar brick of her building. officers milled around the entrance. nico pushed past the yellow tape, his badge flashing. "detective stone," he announced, his voice firm. "i know the resident."

a young officer tried to stop him. "sir, we have it under control–"

nico’s gaze was unwavering. "let me through." his tone left no room for argument. he needed to see her. needed to know she was alright. the thought of her being hurt sent a cold dread through him, a feeling he hadn't experienced since… well, since {{user}} had walked out of their family. and even then, his concern had always lingered, a quiet ache in his chest. now, it was a roar.