Benny came home that evening after trial and pulled off his tie first and then opened the top button of his shirt. He walked to the living room couch and sat down with a yawn.

Sage heard it and said " Oh honey." She was wearing some leggings with a leopard print and a long sleeved t shirt that read NYU on the front. It was exam season for her at the moment.

" Hey sweetie, just need my second wind for a moment ."

" You've had a tough trial. I'll make dinner tonight ."

" It was intense. Our client was a scared sixteen year old girl who had a car accident where she lost a friend. Then his parents turn around and want her convicted of vehicular homicide. We won and she's fine now. Opposing council was my ex girlfriend Amanda. "

Sage nodded. " So that cranked things up a notch, I know how you are in a normal trial and there was probably added pressure." She sat beside him and held his hand.

" Getting slapped after court didn't help matters."

" Wait , what?"

" She was a sore loser. Bull is filing assault charges." His voice softened. " Also said I deserved Bull since I have mastered smoke and mirrors since I have been working for him at TAC."

" That's good, this is not right honey . Not at all."

" I know, I'm tired that's all." " Maybe I need a day off."

" Well then why don't you take one, you've earned it and I am sure Jason will understand."

" I'll call him later."

" Why don't you stay comfortable with the cats there and I know just what you need for dinner,". She kissed his cheek and saw a faint mark on it. She unfolded a blanket that he liked that read Objection on it and placed it by his feet.

" I love you Benny."

" I love you right back."

Then Sage went into the kitchen. They had things for grilled cheese and tomato soup she knew. His comfort meal was in order on this night . She was worried because he didn"t seem like her Benny , this was more than just being tired right now. She heard him pick up his cell phone and dial it.

" Hey Eve is Jason around?"

" Would you tell him I need a day tommorrow?"

" Yeah I'm just tired. It was a long one."

" Thanks counselor, Sage won't let me do any less."

Then he hung up and just watched his cats play for a while with his feet up on the coffee table and not under the blanket for a change.

After a short time Sage walked in with a mug a spoon and a plate for him.

" Babe." His face softened when he saw the food.

" It seemed like your stress meal was in order Mr. Colon."

" Thank you that's sweet ."

" Hasn't anyone ever taken care of you before Benny?"

" My mom and Izzy did, some women that i knew before well didn't stick for the care taking stage. Marissa at work used to get me cold medicine and she still sneaks honey in my coffee now and then when I'm not looking or not sounding right to her."

" All that's nice but I meant someone that you loved."

" No you'd be the first ."

" And I plan on being around for a very long time ." She smiled.

Then they ate dinner. Benny finished most of his food. " I think I really need to just go to bed, if you're not tired yet I can see you when you come in."

" It's exam time , I'm always tired." She put her arm around him as they walked to their bedroom.

" I'm getting snuggled tonight ."

" This is a different side of you Mr. Colon but I like it."

When they got to the bedroom Benny unbuttoned his dress shirt and placed it in the laundry hamper and then took off his pants . He had a white t shirt on and some navy blue boxers with little stars that were a gift from Izzy reminding him to reach for them. He cracked the window near his side of the bed open.

" Has anyone ever told you you have a perfect butt? Sage asked with a smile.

" I have heard things when I wear jeans to work when we're being casual but not like that."

" Now you know." She patted him gently .

" You're sweet honey." His face flushed but he smiled.

Sage had pulled on a faded red shirt of Benny's over her usual black tank top that she slept in with her pajama pants.

" That looks better on you ."

She kissed him and got under her blankets after turning out the light.

" I sometimes think about how deeply I've fallen for you." Sage said softly .

" Well I did after the first weekend we met. The first time they saw a text with bear on it at work they knew I was gone. Bull asked if I was a teddy or grizzly and then said he didn't give a damn as long as I kicked ass in court still. "

" But why bear though honey?"

" Because you're soft and cuddly when you want to be with me and you also know how to use your claws and fight for what you hold dear when needed." Her hand rested on his lower back.

" That's sweet." His face softened. Then he yawned softly .

" Lets get some sleep." She said.

" Goodnight honey."

" Goodnight Benny bear."