Sweeter Than Honey

Chapter 8: Hand-In-Hand

Cassia's POV:

As I finished tidying up Spencer's apartment, I couldn't help but notice the small, personal touches scattered throughout the place. Photos of him with our team, his extensive collection of books, and little trinkets that screamed his name. Everything here was so distinctly him, and it made my heart swell with warmth. I wanted to be a part of this, a part of his world, more than anything.

Once the apartment was in order, I took a moment to watch him sleep. He looked so peaceful, his face finally relaxed after what must have been a torturous day. I wondered what had upset him so much, but I knew better than to push. Spencer would talk when he was ready, and until then, all I could do was be here for him.

I decided to make something simple and comforting, like chicken noodle soup. It was one of the first recipes Rossi had taught me, and I knew it was one of Spencer's favorites. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables and the simmering pot on the stove brought a sense of calm over me. This felt right, like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

As I ladled the soup into bowls and set them on the small kitchen table, I heard a soft rustling from the living room. I turned to see Spencer stirring, his eyes fluttering open. He looked disoriented for a moment, but then his gaze landed on me, and a small, grateful smile crept onto his face.

"Hey, sleepyhead," I called out softly, making my way over to him. "How are you feeling?"

Spencer rubbed his eyes and sat up, the blanket falling from his shoulders. "Better," he said, his voice still groggy. "Thank you for staying."

I sat down next to him, pulling him into a side hug. "Of course, Spence. You know I'd do anything for you."

He leaned into me, resting his head on my shoulder. "I know," he whispered. After a moment of comfortable silence, he sighed. "It was a tough case."

I tightened my hold on him, waiting for him to continue. I knew that he needed to share at his own pace.

"It was the last case before you joined the team," he said quietly. "A young girl. We were so close to saving her, but..." His voice broke, and he took a shuddering breath. "I keep thinking if I had just been a little faster, a little smarter..."

"Spencer, no," I interrupted gently but firmly. "You did everything you could. Sometimes... sometimes it's just not enough, and it's not your fault."

He looked up at me, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I just... I hate feeling so helpless."

I nodded, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. "I know, Spence. But you have to remember all the lives you have saved. You make a difference every single day."

He took a deep breath, seeming to absorb my words. "Thank you, Cassia. I don't know what I'd do without you."

I smiled, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "You'll never have to find out. Now, come on. I made some soup. Let's eat and then we can just... relax. No more heavy stuff tonight, okay?"

He nodded, a small but genuine smile gracing his lips. "Okay."

We made our way to the table, the aroma of the soup filling the air. As we sat and ate, the weight of the day's events seemed to lift slightly. We talked about lighter things, shared a few laughs, and just enjoyed each other's company.

Later, as we settled back on the couch, Spencer resting his head on my lap, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. This, right here, was everything I wanted. The world could be a dark and dangerous place, but as long as we had moments like this, I knew we could face anything.

"Thank you for being here, Cassia," Spencer murmured, his eyes closing as he drifted back to sleep.

"Always," I whispered back, stroking his hair. "I'll always be here for you, Spencer."