The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

12. "How will i ever do this?"

Temperance POV

It's the early morning, and i've found myself at my desk even if it's sunday. Surrounded by case files nd skeletal remains. The soft glow of my desk lamp casts shadows across the room as i medically examine the bones in front of me. Besides me i think there are about ten other people in today, and a few interns finishing projects and papers.

But my concentration is interrupted by the buzz of my phone on the desk. I glance at it and find myself smiling with relief at the name that appears on the screen. Y/n. I answer quickly, feeling a warmth in my chest.

"Hey, you," I say, my voice softer than usual. "I was wondering if i'd heard from you today or tomorrow when you wrote that you'd call me later."

"Hey Tempe," Y/n's voice comes through the line, sounding tired but affectionate. "I'm sorry for just taking off this morning without saying much. Hotch called with this case and we have to move quickly, and the note was all i could come up with without waking anyone up."

"It's alright." I responds, though i can't help but feel a small knot of concern forming. If she had to be called in on a sunday, it must be bad. "I understand. You're out in the field now?"

"Yeah," she sighs, and i can hear the weight of the case in her voice. And something else. "We're on our way to Portland. It's a rough one this time- a serial killer who's targeting women and using magic tricks ot lure them in. The whole team is already on edge."

The knot of concern tightens. "That sounds dangerous. You have to be careful, Y/n. These cases..."

"I know." Her voice softens, a hint of regret slipping in. "And i'm sorry i didn't have time to say goodbye properly this morning. I just... didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful, and i hated the idea of disturbing that."

I can't help but smile to myself, touched even though it's not the first time she's said that. "I appreciate that. But you don't have to apologise. I know your work is important. Just... don't forget to take care of yourself too, don't push yourself too much."

She chuckles, and i can almost see the smile on her face. "Coming from you, that means a lot. How's everything at the Jeffersonian? I've missed hearing about your cases."

I lean back in my chair, letting the conversation pull me away from the bones on the table. "It's been quiet the past week. We're working on a few remains that were uncovered in an archaeological dig, but nothing as intense as what you're dealing with. I miss having you here, thought. It's... quieter without you." As i had noticed making breakfast this morning.

"I miss that too, Tempe," Y/n says softly, and i can what the sincerity in her voice. "More than i can express. But i'll be back soon, and we'll have dinner at that little place you like. I promise."

"I'd like that," I say, my voice matching hers in warmth. "But for now, just focus on what you need to do. And don't hesitate to call, even if it's just to hear a friendly voice."

"You always know just what to say," she reply, her voice tender. "I'll call you when i can. And before you can say anything, yes, i'll be careful. I have both Emily and Morgan watching my back at all times."

But it breaks my heart to hear the way she says Emily's name this time. Have she already had the time to talk to her? What if my once chance has been blown away by my own cowardness?

"Hey, the jet is taking off, i need to hang up. But i love you Tempe, and i'll call you as soon as i can. And will try to remember to text morning and night every day."

"Yeah, i love you too. Talk soon." I say, and i start to hate myself for being such a coward. I mean, everyone's been saying it for years. Sure, did i realise the word for it only two years ago, yes, but still. That's two years, twenty four months, where i could have said something.