Shane was unshakable about almost everything.

There weren’t many things he truly cared about. Few weaknesses. Few soft spots worth worrying over.

Until you.

And he learned that the hard way.

Because caring about you wasn’t optional — it was instinct. Something too deep to ignore. You were the only person he wanted to protect. He could be harsh with the rest of the world, cruel if he had to… but with you, it was different.

With you, he was gentle.

He swallowed his violent nature because of you. Got out of bed earlier when you stayed over just to make your breakfast. Left the hallway light on so you wouldn’t feel alone in the dark. Pulled you close without saying a word, just to make sure you were there.

Whole. Safe.

And his worst nightmare was seeing you cry.

Or sick.

Or hurt.

You were his exception. The only thing that could make him surrender.

That was how he gained a new enemy: your cramps.

Every time your cycle came around, it was hell. Pain that didn’t ease even with medication, folding you in on yourself, leaving you too quiet — and that scared Shane more than any street fight ever had.

So he did the only thing he knew how to do.

Bought you chocolate. Reheated hot packs every half hour. Held you tight until the pain softened.

That particular night, he went to your place late. Found you curled up on the bed, folded into yourself like you were trying to disappear into the mattress.

Shane moved quietly.

Sat beside you with that clumsy tenderness that only existed with you, sliding the warm pack over your stomach to replace it.

“Hey, beautiful…” he murmured softly.

His hand lingered there for a second longer than necessary.

“How are you feeling tonight?”