The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

7. "My Saturday date"

Y/n pov

I walk into the upscale restaurant on Capital Hill, the soft hum of conversation and clinking silverware filling the air. I pull down my dress a little more as a chilly breeze follows me through the door. The ambiance is warm, with dim lighting and candles flickering on each table.

I spot Eric at the corner, his broad shoulders and confidence posture unmistakable from the bar. He looks just as he did the night i first saw him. As i approach, he stands up, a cocky smile on his face.

"Y/n Garcia, right on time," he says, pulling out a chair for me to sit next to him. But as i feel him looking at me, i feel him judging my hair. The streaks.

"Thanks, Eric," i reply, sitting down and glancing around. I answer his gaze to my hair as he sits down. "My sister coloured it yesterday, apparently it's not a wash out colour."

"Oh, how old is your sister?"

"She's 29, we had a sister night. It got a little out of hand with the wine." And as i feel the judging in his gaze, i feel the need to change the subject. "This place is very nice."

"Only the best for a pretty lady like you," he says, taking the change in subject without interjecting. And i cringe. "So, Y/n, an FBI Agent, huh? Must be pretty thrilling?"

"It has its moments," i say, smiling politely as i already feel the urge to leave. "And you're a lawyer, right? How do you like that?"

"Well, it's not as action-packed as chasing bad guys, but it has its perks," he says, leaning back in his chair confidently. "I get to argue my case, win big settlements, and make a name for myself. It's all about strategy and knowing how to play the game."

I nod, sipping my water. "Sounds like you enjoy it."

"Oh, i do. Nothing beats the feeling of being in control, knowing i've got the jury eating out of my hand," he says, his eyes gleaming. "But enough about work. Tell me, how does a woman like you end up in the FBI?"

I shrug. "I've always wanted to help, and i love the challenge that is profiling. It's demanding, but i feel like i'm making a difference."

"Yeah, but isn't it though? You know, for a woman?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

I hold back a sigh. "It can be challenging, but it's not just about physical strength. At the BAU it's about intelligence, persistence, and teamwork."

Eric smirks. "Sure, but i bet those bad guys are more scared of your male colleagues."

"Actually, they're often more surprised when they realise how capable i am," i say, keeping my tone even. "Underestimating me is their first mistake."

He chuckles. "I like your spirit, Y/n. But, let's be honest, it must be tough keeping up with the guys. I mean, the physical demands alone..."

I force a smile. "I manage just fine. And i've got a great team backing me up, including my sister."

Eric nods, looking mildly impressed. "Well, i suppose it takes all kinds." And i feel like his words are a jab at my sister, making my fist clench beneath the table. "But enough about that. Let's talk about something more interesting."

He leans forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You know, you and i, we're not that different. We both like to be in control, to dominate our fields. I bet we'd make a great team."

I raise an eyebrow. "How so?"

"Think about it. You with your FBI and profiling skills, me with my legal prowess. We could be unstoppable," he says, his voice lowering suggestively, his gaze following. "In more ways than one."