The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

35. "The nights we stay awake"

Y/n pov

The roof is a secluded oasis, far removed from the noise and chaos of the city below. Temperance and i have created a makeshift haven with mattresses and pillows spread out across the surface, and the gentle hum of the city feels like a distant murmur. The sky above us is a deep, velvety black, punctuated by a scattering of stars that twinkle like distant promises.

I'm lying comfortably on the pillows, a glass of wine in my hand, feeling the warmth of the alcohol blend with the warmth of the night. The chill in the air is just enough to be refreshing, but not enough to make me uncomfortable. Temperance is beside me, her presence a soothing balm to the weariness that's bene gnawing at me.

We lie there in silence for a while, the kind of silence that feels full rather than empty. I turn to look at her, her profile softly illuminated by the starlight. Her hair is splayed out against the pillows, and she's gazing up at the sky with a contended smile. I reach out, my hand finding hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Do you remember the first time we came up here?" I ask, my voice soft and reflective.

Temperance turns her head slightly to look at me, her eyes catching the starlight. "How could i forget? It was our little escape from everything- the world and its problems. We'd come up here to talk about anything and everything."

I nod, smiling at the memory. "I remember how we used to lie here for hours, just talking about our dreams, our fears, and everything in between. It felt like our own little world, away from the chaos."

She chuckles softly, her gaze returning to the stars. "I always loved those nights. It was like time stood still for us. It's funny how the simplest things become the most precious."

I roll onto my side, propping my head up on my hand as i look at her. "Yeah, it was those moments that made everything else seem manageable. Even when things were tough, i knew i could come up here and feel better."

Temperance glances over at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of fondness and something deeper- something that i can't quite place. "Do you remember the night we talked about our future? The one where we dreamed up all the things we wanted to do?"

I laugh softly, shaking my head. "How could i forget? We talked about travelling the world, having a little house with a garden, and-"

"-and never letting go of each other," she finishes for me, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, feeling a lump in my throat. "Yeah, i remember. It felt like we had all the time in the world."

A brief flash of something unsettling crosses my mind- a vision of the woods, of darkness and fear. But i push it away, focusing instead on the warmth and comfort of the moment.

"I've missed this," i admit, my voice wavering slightly. "Missed you."

Temperance reaches out, her fingers brushing against my cheek in a tender gesture. "I've missed you too. More than you know."

We fall into a comforting silence, the kind that only comes from deep understanding and shared history. I take a sip of wine, savouring its rich flavour, and then pass the bottle to Temperance. She takes a small sip and then sets the bottle aside, her gaze returning to me.

"You know," she says, her voice thoughtful, "we've come a long way from those nights in the park. So much has happened, so much has changed."

I look at her, my heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words. "Yeah, thinks have changed. But being here with you, it feels like some things haven't changed at all. It's like coming home."

She smiles softly, her eyes reflecting the starlight. "I think some things are meant to stay the same. And i think we're one of those things."

The conversation drifts to our past, to shared memories of work, of laughter, and of quiet moments like this. We talk about everything and nothing, the kind of conversation that flows effortlessly between old friends. We discuss our days, our triumphs, and our struggles, but it's clear that the focus is on the comfort of each other's presence.

I find myself relaxing more and more, the stresses of the world seeming to melt away in the tranquillity of the night. My thoughts occasionally stray to the flashes of fear and pain i've experienced, but they're fleeting. Here, with Temperance beside me, i feel safe and loved.

As the night deepens, the stars seem to shine even brighter. The cool breeze becomes a gentle caress, and the wine has made me pleasantly drowsy. Temperance's hand is still in mine, her warmth a constant reassurance.

I turn to look at her, her face serene and peaceful. The vulnerability i saw in her eyes earlier seem to have melted away, replaced by a tender, affectionate gaze. "Temperance?"

"Yes?" she responds, her voice soft and soothing.

I lean in slightly, my forehead resting gently against hers. "Do you ever wonder if we're living in the best possible version of our lives?"

She closes her eyes for a moment, considering the question. "Sometimes. But right now, here with you, i think this is exactly where we're meant to be."

I close my eyes, letting the comfort of her words wash over me. The stars above seem to shimmer in agreement, and the gentle sound of the city below becomes a lullaby.

"We should probably get some sleep," i murmur, my voice barely audible.

Temperance nods, shifting slightly to get more comfortable. "Yeah, let's do that."

We settle into a more relaxed position, our bodies nestled lose together. I rest my head on her shoulder, the softness of her skin and the steady rhythm of her breathing a perfect counterpoint to the night. Her arms wrap around me, pulling me closer, and i let myself be enveloped in her warmth.

The last thing i remember before drifting off the feeling of being utterly safe and cherished. The worries and fears of the world seem to fade into the background, replaced by the simple joy of being here, in this moment, with Temperance by my side.

As sleep begins to claim, i whisper softly, "Thank you for being here."

Her voice is a gentle murmur against my ear. "Always. You're my everything."

And with that, i let the darkness of sleep envelop me, secure in the knowledge that no matter what happens, this - this moment, this feeling - is what truly matters.

And that no matter what happens, where we are in live, i will forever be in love with Temperance Brennan.