**Chapter 3: Shield of Protection**

As the moments ticked by, Hange's tension slowly dissipated, his muscles relaxing as his breathing returned to normal. His tail, still swaying gently, seemed to be the last remnant of the primal energy that had coursed through his body. I continued to suck on my sippy cup, feeling the warmth of his chest against my cheek, and the gentle rise and fall of his lungs as he breathed. Hange's fingers, still splayed across my back, began to move in a gentle, soothing motion, stroking my skin with a tender touch. His hand moved in slow, sweeping circles, as if he was trying to calm his own nerves as much as mine. I closed my eyes, letting the gentle pressure of his fingers wash over me, and felt my own tension melt away. As I drifted into a state of relaxation, I became aware of the sound of footsteps outside our makeshift shelter. The thud of feet on the forest floor was light, cautious, and I could sense Hange's ears perk up in response. His head lifted, his eyes scanning the entrance to our little clearing, and I felt his body tense once more. The footsteps grew louder, and I could sense a presence outside our shelter. Hange's hand tightened around me, his fingers wrapping protectively around my tiny body. I peeked up at him, my eyes meeting his, and saw a flicker of wariness in their depths. A figure emerged from the trees, its features indistinct in the fading light. Hange's growl, low and menacing, rumbled through his chest once more, and I felt his body shift, his muscles coiling like a spring. The stranger, a young woman with a look of curiosity on her face, halted at the edge of the clearing. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of Hange, his massive body looming over me, his eyes fixed intently on her. For a moment, the two of them locked gazes, the air thick with tension. Then, in a movement that seemed almost imperceptible, Hange relaxed, his body language softening as he regarded the woman. The woman, seeming to sense the shift in Hange's demeanor, took a cautious step forward. Her eyes flicked to me, and a look of surprise crossed her face. "You're...caring for a child," she stated, her voice barely above a whisper. Hange's response was a low rumble, a gentle sound that seemed to convey a sense of warning. The woman's eyes snapped back to his, and I could sense a spark of understanding between them. She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips, and took another step forward. As she approached, I felt Hange's tension return, his body language wary once more. But this time, it wasn't fear that drove his response - it was a primal protectiveness, a desire to shield me from the unknown. I reached up, wrapping my tiny hands around his neck, and pulled myself close to his chest. The woman halted, her eyes locked on mine, and I felt a jolt of connection. For a moment, we simply stared at each other, two strangers linked by a thread of understanding. Then, with a gentle smile, she turned and disappeared into the trees, leaving Hange and me alone once more. As the silence closed in around us, Hange's body relaxed, his breathing slowing as he wrapped his arms around me once more. I snuggled into his chest, feeling safe, protected, and loved. And as I drifted off to sleep, I knew that I was exactly where I belonged - under Hange's shield of protection.