"Spencer?" She asked as they sat down, "You've been ignoring me. What's wrong?"
He stayed silent for a minute, undoing her bandage and rewrapping it, keeping his eyes down. Finally, he spoke angrily, "You could've gotten yourself killed Juliette, for God's sake, you're so reckless."
She looked at him in shock, "Spencer, I did what I needed to do. That girl needed me."
"I told you to stay by the car until we had backup, and you ignored me and got seriously hurt, Jules." He tightened her bandage and looked down; she could see the hurt and concern his eyes.
"I'm sorry, I know you're mad, but I did what I had to. I was doing my job." She reached for his hand, trying to get him to look at her. "You know I did what I needed to keep that kid safe, I wouldn't let anyone get hurt on my watch.
"Except for yourself? Jules, I know you were looking out for her, but you need to be more self aware, you have to be safe. We can't lose you. Can you imagine how it felt for me, knowing that i was supposed to be looking out for you. We are partners, that means we do things together. FBI agents are 84% more likely to get hurt when their partners aren't around." He let out a shaky breath; trying to find the right words, "You got hurt, and it was all my fault."
Tears began to well up in her eyes, the emotion hitting her like a truck.
"Spence, it wasn't your fault. I went against direct orders from you, and I chose to chase him down alone. I'm sorry. I promise I'll be safer next time."
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, like he did when she was upset, and responded gently, all the anger dissolved: "I know you will, ans I will always protect you. Please don't cry, I'm sorry for ignoring you, I just worry so much. You can be so reckless and stupid, and I don't want you getting hurt. You mean so much to me."
The tears ran freely down Juliette's face, and she laughed, relieved that he wasn't too angry with her.
"I'll always protect you too spence, that's what I'm here for. I know I can be stupid, and reckless so thank you for putting up with me."
He smiled his adorable smile at her, and she felt her stomach flutter as she wrapped her arms around him, feeling safe and comforted in his arms. He was an amazing hugger; though he barely hugged anyone except her. He brushed a strand of hair out of her face, and they sat in silence for a little while, enjoying the presence of one another.
Suddenly, Spencer interrupted the silence, "You need your rest, and probably want to get out of your clothes from the mission. I can leave if you want, or I can stay."
She nodded her head sleepily. She was totally exhausted. She rushed a reply as she attempted to stand, "Can you stay, please? I don't want to be alone. Unless you want to go home, I don't want to keep you here."
His hand was on her back, guiding her to her closet as he spoke, "Of course I want to stay, I just wasn't sure if you'd want me here. Let's get you cleaned up."
She changed into a large band tee and shorts for bed and walked into the bedroom, where Spencer stood awkwardly, like a fish out of water.
"Never been in a woman's bedroom, huh Reid?" She teased.
"Uhm, well, actually, I've never, I haven't. Not for a long time, " he stammered, his face turning red.
"Oh Spencie, I'm only teasing. You're so easy to fluster. It's adorable." She laughed and gestured for him to join her sitting on the bed. She accepted his sweet offer to braid her hair for her since she couldn't properly lift her arm.
It was relaxing, having someone gently brush and play with her hair. The braid was good too, and he sat back proudly, admiring his handiwork. "Did you know that braids actually date back well over 5000 years ago? They are thought to have originated in Nambia, and spread. They're a quintessential part of so many cultures. Sorry, am I rambling?"
"No no not at all, I love hearing you talk, and your facts are always so interesting. Please keep talking!"
The joy that spread across his face was contagious, and she though to herself, God he's so cute when he's excited, like this. Tiredly, she yawned, she couldn't contain them anymore.
"Come on, Jules, let's get you to sleep," Spencer said as he lay her back gently on the pillows, looking at her with care.
"Spencie, please stay, keep talking" She mumbled sleepily, wrapping her good arm around his.
Pulling her closer so she was leaning ln his chest, he smiled and nodded, reeling off every thought he had, until she fell asleep in his arms.
A/N:
This one was a lot of dialogue, but it set the scene. There may or may not be a chapter from Spencer's POV in the not so far-flung future. I'm also going to try and use more description and action in the next few. 😊😁
