wasted times- s.r

THIRTY-ONE

Spencer removes his tie aggressively and tosses it on the floor for what feels like the hundredth time, but it really the fourth. Tonight, he was taking you out on a date, and nervous would be a major understatement-- he was terrified. He'd contemplating asking Derek for advice but ultimately decided against it in the end, meaning he was left on his own, freaking out with less than twenty minutes before he's supposed to pick you up. He grabs another tie from his bed, carefully tying it into an intricate knot around his neck, straightening it out and adjusting it under his collar. He groans loudly, throwing the tie into the pile where the four other discarded ones had begun to pile up.

God, Spencer, you look like an idiot.

He glances at his watch, deciding he doesn't have time to go through this again, discarding a tie altogether and just adding a jacket on top, deciding it would suffice. He slips on a pair of mismatched socks, thankful for the extra hint of luck on his side tonight. Though Spencer doesn't like it all too much, he grabs the cologne bottle off his dresser that he barely uses and spritzes himself with it, giving himself a small amount. He laces up his converse and grabs the small bouquet of flowers off the counter, walking down to his car and trying to keep himself from freaking out.

He starts his car and drives it across the street to park it in front of your building and he glances up to see the lights on in your apartment through the drapes. He steps out of the car and grabs the bouquet from his seat, walking up to your apartment five minutes early. He brings his knuckles up to the door but decides against it at the last minute. He's five minutes early, so he's sure you aren't ready yet. He opts to pace outside your apartment to calm his nerves for another three minutes until it's a reasonable amount of time for him to show up early.

His head snaps around when he hears the sound of your door opening, his breath catching in his throat at how ridiculous he probably looks, pacing outside your apartment like a maniac. He lets out a small breath of relief when it's not you exiting your apartment, but rather JJ. They both glance at each other for a minute, blinking slowly.

JJ points to the door, "You know she's in there, right? You don't need to stand out here."

"N-No, I know. I'm just early."

JJ squints at Spencer, examining his body language from head to toe before landing on his face. "You're nervous," she remarks, gesturing to his body language that screams with nervousness. He scoffs incredulously, denying the claims, but he knows it's true. JJ's about to say something again when a loud thud comes from the other side of your door, followed by a string of curses. Spencer looks to JJ for assurance, who motions wildly to the door with her hand, Spencer making the choice to knock quietly.

"Spence," JJ says quietly, her voice in a warning tone. Spencer already knows what she's going to say, so he nods, "I know." She nods again, giving him a small smile and a wave as she turns around, walking out just in time as your apartment door swings open.

"Are you alright? I heard a thud," Spencer asks, glancing at you up and down for any sign of injury. He regrets it almost immediately, feeling the butterflies swarming in his stomach as he takes in how beautiful you look. You had on a short black dress that flattered you in the best way possible, paired with a pair of heels that puts you almost at his eye level, but not quite. He snaps out of his gaze when the sound of a god barking pulls his attention to the floor and he sees your body blocking the small dog from coming to greet him.

"Oh, yeah! I just tripped over that damn carpet," you answer, waving him off. He nods slowly, noticing your eyes drifting down to the flowers in his hands. "O-Oh, these are for you." He doesn't miss the small smile that takes over your cheeks as you take the flowers from his hand, thanking him quietly and inviting him in.