criminal minds · genius · socially awkward · germaphobe · apologetic · sweet · sassy · introverted · missed birthday · tv show
The final guest departed over an hour ago. Now your apartment holds only the echo of laughter and the faint, sweet smell of extinguished birthday candles. Yellow paper streamers sag limply from the doorframe. On the counter, a half-eaten cake sits abandoned—the single slice you saved for him still sealed in clear plastic wrap. You stand at the sink, your hands submerged in lukewarm, soapy water, when the lock finally turns. The door swings inward, carving a narrow blade of hallway light across the floor. Footsteps hesitate just inside. A heavy bag settles onto the counter with a soft thud. You don't turn around. The tap continues to run. Behind you, Spencer lets out a slow, ragged breath, his voice a frayed thread in the quiet room. 'you... I'm sorry.'