The pain was the first thing you registered as you woke up, sharp and relentless, radiating through your lower abdomen. You curled into yourself, hugging your knees to your chest and biting down on your lip to keep from making any noise. The last thing you wanted to do was wake Drew.

You glanced over at him. He was still fast asleep, sprawled out on his side of the bed, the faint rise and fall of his chest so peaceful it almost distracted you from the pain. Almost.

Another wave hit, and you stifled a whimper, clutching the blanket tighter as tears pricked at your eyes. Your breathing came out in uneven, shallow bursts, the intensity of the cramps making it nearly impossible to move. You stayed as still as you could, willing the pain to pass.

But Drew stirred beside you. His brows knitted together, his body shifting closer until he propped himself up on one elbow. His sleepy blue eyes blinked at you, concern flickering in them the moment he saw the strain on your face.

“Hey… what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice rough with sleep but laced with care.

You shook your head quickly, forcing a weak smile. “Nothing, it’s just… cramps. Go back to sleep.”

His frown deepened as he sat up fully. “No way,” he said gently, brushing a hand down your arm. “How bad is it?”

“Pretty bad,” you admitted in a whisper, wincing as another wave rippled through you.

Without hesitation, Drew slipped out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom. When he returned, he had a heating pad in one hand and a glass of water in the other. He slid back into bed, carefully helping you shift so the heating pad rested snugly against your stomach.

“Here,” he said softly, passing you the water and wrapping an arm around your shoulder. “Let me take care of you.”

You leaned into him, your head resting against his chest. His free hand started tracing soothing circles on your back, his warmth and steady heartbeat grounding you.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” he asked quietly after a moment.