**Chapter 3: Spencer's Protective Instincts**

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the room, Spencer couldn't shake off the feeling of anger and protectiveness that had been building up inside him since the incident with Jake. He had always known that Jordan was a kind and gentle soul, and it hurt him to see his friend being belittled and hurt by someone else. Spencer glanced over at Jordan, who was trying to focus on the TV screen but couldn't hide the pain in his eyes. Spencer's instincts were screaming at him to do something, to confront Jake and make him apologize for what he had done. But he knew that he had to be careful, that he had to make sure that Jordan was okay before he did anything. He got up from the couch and walked over to the kitchen, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could make things right. As he poured himself a glass of water, he couldn't help but think about how much he cared for Jordan. They had been friends for as long as he could remember, and the thought of anyone hurting him was unbearable. Spencer walked back into the living room, his eyes locking onto Jordan's. "Hey, can we talk?" he asked softly. Jordan looked up at him, his eyes searching. "About what?" Spencer sat down beside him, his voice low and gentle. "About what happened earlier. With Jake." Jordan shrugged, trying to play it off. "It's not a big deal, Spencer. Really." But Spencer wasn't having it. He knew that Jordan was trying to brush it off, but he could see the hurt in his eyes. "Jordan, I know you're trying to pretend like it didn't bother you, but I can see it in your eyes. You're hurting, and I want to help." Jordan looked away, his eyes welling up with tears. Spencer quickly put a hand on his shoulder, his touch gentle but reassuring. "I'm here for you, Jordan," he said softly. "You're not alone. And I'm going to make sure that Jake pays for what he did." Jordan's eyes snapped back to Spencer's, a mixture of surprise and gratitude in them. "No, Spencer, don't do that. It's not worth it." But Spencer was already made up his mind. He was going to confront Jake, to make him apologize for what he had done. And he was going to make sure that Jordan was safe, that he was protected from anyone who tried to hurt him. As he looked into Jordan's eyes, Spencer felt a surge of emotion. He wanted to hold Jordan, to keep him safe and make him feel better. He leaned in, his arms wrapping around Jordan in a gentle hug. Jordan didn't resist, instead, he leaned into Spencer's chest, his eyes closing in relief. Spencer could feel his body relax, his breathing slow down, and his heart rate calm. In that moment, Spencer knew that he would do anything to protect Jordan, to make him feel safe and loved. And as he held him close, he realized that his feelings for Jordan went far beyond friendship. He cared for him deeply, and he wanted to be there for him, always. The hug deepened, Spencer's arms tightening around Jordan as he pulled him closer. Jordan's face was pressed against his chest, and Spencer could feel his warm breath on his skin. It was a gentle, comforting touch, one that seemed to calm Jordan's frazzled nerves. As they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, Spencer knew that he had found something special. He had found a reason to protect and care for someone, to be there for them through thick and thin. And he knew that he would do anything to make Jordan happy, to make him feel loved and safe. In that moment, Spencer's protective instincts had become something more. They had become a desire to care for Jordan, to be there for him, and to love him for who he was. And as they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, Spencer knew that their friendship had reached a new level, one that would change their lives forever.