there for me (shourtney)

xlv.

courtney's pov -

A weight pressed to my chest piqued my curiosity as early morning sunlight glittered through the window. I laid on my side, flexing my body to stretch, my eyes adjusted to the light. Gathering my surroundings, I noticed Shayne's weight wasn't next to me, but rather, a tiny body curled up against the curve of my torso. Propping myself up on my elbows, I smoothed my hair out of my face. Good morning, Jude. 

I smiled at the blanket he was tucked under, Shayne must've come in during the night.

Gently, I laid a hand on Jude's forehead, brushing his hair back with my palm. A soothing, repetitious motion. He didn't stir. His quiet, barely audible breaths stayed even. 

"Jude." I whispered close to his ear. Laying a hand on his torso, I wiggled my fingers on his pajama covered chest. Hoping the movement would wake him. It didn't. His breathing stuttered slightly as he whimpered and flipped over. His legs flattened against mine - arms bent, folded close to him. His head ducked near my ribs. Staying asleep, Jude's body relaxed. 

I kissed the tips of my fingers and placed them on his cheek. Careful not to make too much noise, I lifted the covers and slid out of the bed. Realizing I slept in my sweatpants and Shayne's shirt, I laughed. Wow, didn't even bother to change.

Heading out of the room, I shut the door behind me. I caught the time, 8:06am. Sleep, Jude, we'll be out here.

A sharp snore caught my attention, and as I rounded the couch, my eyes fell on Shayne. A mess of tangled limbs. A throw blanket that mostly dipped onto the floor hardly covered his legs. I stifled a laugh with my hands. 

As I passed the fallen blanket, I flipped it up onto his legs while I knelt on the floor near Shayne's head. I placed a hand on his cheek, my face slightly above his. He let out a drawn-out breath and buried his chin in his sweatshirt before cracking his eyes. Groaning, he stretched and sat up. I moved out of his way as he swung his feet onto the ground, standing back up, I offered out a hand for him to take. Silently, he did. And I led him out to the deck. 

Shutting the sliding glass door behind us, Shayne and I moved the plastic chairs toward the railing, but in view from inside. Just in case Jude woke up.

"You slept on the couch last night?" I smiled as I asked Shayne. Looking over at him, he nodded.

"I did." He let out a low laugh. "You two were knocked. Couldn't disturb." He rubbed his eyes, flexing his legs straight out. 

"Jude was adorable this morning, Shayne." I said as I pulled my legs into my chest. Hugging them. "He was right here." I outlined my front with a finger. "God, I didn't know if I should've woken him up - or - I just let him sleep." I shook my head. I don't know his schedule. What if I did something wrong? Shayne just grinned.

"He's sweet. I walked into the room last night and he was right there with you. He might've been cold because this kid was just sandwiched against you." He held his flat palms together to emphasize the point. 

"That's funny. He must've slept like a brick then, he was in the exact same position this morning." I chuckled. "Did you put that blanket on him?" 

"I did." He smiled. "Softest one I could find."

"You're too kind." I said, flattening a hand on his bicep to squeeze it gently. 

"Are you feeling better?" He asked. Sapphire blue eyes caught sunlight off the ocean.

"I am. I think I just needed sleep." I waved it off. Just leave it at that. "How did Jax and Sam seem last night? Were they rushing out?"

He nodded and ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, they seemed exhausted. I don't blame them. I mean their youngest could've broken her wrist. Scary. And her crying." He cast a glance inside, behind his shoulder. "She was screaming." Hey, she's okay. The pain will fade.

"I feel so bad for her. Maybe it's just a fracture or stress." I tried to reason. I can feel your stiffness. Relax. 

"I hope so. Jude handled the screaming better than me, honestly. He just stayed close as I was literally trying to scoop him up and leave." He admitted. 

"Brotherly love." I smiled. But glancing at Shayne, his lips were thin. Did something else happen?

"True." He shrugged, his eyes quickly flicked to mine. 

"Something else happened." I said softly. Not a question. Tell me.

"Jude had his first interaction with a fan."

"Yeah?" I kept my gaze on Shayne's face. 

"To be fair, I don't think he was entirely awake. Like, he wasn't overly curious about her. But this girl, our age, came up and said she was a fan. Talked about Smosh." He cleared his throat. "She didn't ask about him, but - I don't know - I just felt this urge to just - to." He stuttered.

"Protect him." I finished for him. You got protective.

He sighed and looked at me. "Exactly. I had him on my hip, and I moved him away from her view." He talked with his hands, moving his arms as if holding Jude. "So she couldn't see him. He's too young, Courtney, he's too young. And I didn't want pictures of him getting out."

"I hear you, baby. I know. Did she ask for a photo?" 

"No. She said 'hi' then pretty much went on her way." Shayne held his face in his hands. 

"Relax, Shayne, take a deep breath. Jude is inside right now. He's with us. He's safe." I said in a soothing voice as I rested a hand on his back. "No one took any pictures." 

"I know." He sat up, taking my hand in his. The movement making me uncross my legs and land them flat on the deck. "Please, I just." He breathed. "If we - if that ever happens with us - with our family." Eyes unblinking. "Their faces won't be out there. I won't let that happen." 

His seriousness threw me. 

I nodded fast. Unprepared for his vow. "I know you won't. I know." I nuzzled my head in the crook of his neck. Hoping the contact would soothe him. Did you think about that all night?

-

tbh i could see shayne being protective of his kids, or any small child, and not want their face out on the internet. idk just shourtney fluff haha