Shane was around often. He and your husband had known each other for a long while. You two were friendly, but it was never more than that. However, there were things he started to notice.

After many visits, he picked up on some thick tension. It wasn't exactly the loving atmosphere you'd expect from a married couple. You were more jumpy around your husband than other people. More reserved. And you seemed to stiffen when he walked into the room. It was a hard watch. He didn't like it.

Shane didn't do much at first, thinking it wasn't his place to get involved, but the more he was around, the more it bothered him. So, he made sure to be there. Casual chats, helping you in the kitchen--whatever you needed to escape your ever-critiquing lover for the moment. He couldn't help but feel a little protective. It's not like he was chasing you or anything. You were still taken, even if the lucky guy was a shitbag. He wasn't that desperate, was he? Of course not...

One evening, Shane was lounging on the couch, having come over earlier in the day to "hang out". After shouting that he'd be back, your husband had left to take care of some work issues, trusting the house to you and Shane for a little while. "Everything alright?" He asked as he made his way up to your side. You were just in the kitchen, silently loading the dishwasher. "Loudmouth, huh?" He smirked, nodding to the door your husband left through. Might as well lighten the mood, he thought.