The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

44. "Christmas decorations"

Y/n pov

I wake up earlier than usual, the grey morning light barely seeping through the curtains. It's Christmas Day, but the hospital room feels as far from festive as you can get. The nurses have been kind, wishing me a Merry Christmas as they do their rounds, but it's not the same. I try not to dwell on it too much, but the fact that i'm stills tuck here gnaws at me.

At least i'll be able to come home to New Years, not that it'll be festive, but still, i'll be home. Or rather, i'll be at Rossi's, having restrictions.

Just as i'm about to give in to the gloom, the door creaks open, and Emily slips inside, holding a large bag in her hands. She's wearing a dark green sweater, and her hair is pulled back in a neat ponytail. She looks tired, like she's been up for hours already, but there's a spark in her eyes that i haven't seen in a while.

"Merry Christmas," she says softly, her voice warm as she sets the bag down on the foot of my bed. "Thought you could use some company."

"Emily, it's five am," i say, surprised but gently happy to see her. "You didn't have to come so early. Don't you have work?"

She shrugs, pulling up a chair next to me. "I volunteered to work today, actually. But i've got some time before i have to be in, and i wanted to see you. Besides, it's Christmas. I couldn't just leave you here all alone."

My heart swells at her words. Despite everything, Emily's always been someone i can count on. "Thanks. I really appreciate that."

She waves it off with a smile, but i can tell she means it. "I bought some stuff," she says, gesturing to the bag. "I know it's not much, but i figured we could make this place a little more... festive."

I watch as she starts to pull out small Christmas decorations- string lights, tinsel, and even a tiny tree. "How did you manage to get all this?" I ask, amused as she begins to se things up around the room.

"I've got my ways," she says with a smirk. "And i might've sweet-talked a nurse into letting me do this. I know it's not much, but it's something."

The room slowly begins to transform under her careful hands. The twinkling lights add a soft glow, and the little tree on the table beside me akes the sterile space feel just a bit more like home. I can't help but smile as i watch her work, my heart warming at the sight.

"It's perfect," i tell her, and i mean it. "Thank you."

She glances back at me, her expression softening. "I'm glad you like it. I know this isn't exactly how you planned on spending Christmas, but... we'll make the best of it, right?"

"Right," i agree, trying to keep the mood light. "Though i'm still annoyed i won't be out in time for Christmas. No drinking or passing out at Rossi's this year."

Emily chuckles, coming back to sit beside me. "Yeah, it's a bummer. I was looking forward to seeing Hotch loosen up after a few glasses of wine."

"Maybe next year," i say with a smirk. "You'll just have to drink twice as much for me this time."

"I'll do my best," she promises, her tone teasing. But then her gaze softens, and she reaches out to gently squeeze my hand. "Seriously, though, it's going to be okay. We'll make sure next Christmas is one to remember."

"Yeah," i say, feeling a lump form in my throat. We both know there's a loft left unsaid, a lot of unspoke emotions between us despite how much we've gotten out. But today isn't the day to unpack all that, or ever. Today, we're just... friends, like we used to be. And that's okay. It has to be.

We start reminiscing about pasts Christmases, the ones we've spent with the team. Emily tells a story about how she and Morgan once tried to sneak into Rossi's kitchen to spike the eggnog, only to get caught by my sister, who was too tipsy to care. I laugh, the sound coming out a bit hoarse from lack of use, but it feels good to laugh again. For real.

"Remember the time Reid tried to explain the physics of Santa's sleigh?" I ask, grinning at the memory.

Emily groans, rolling her eyes. "Don't remind me. I think he was still walking about it even after we left. JJ finally had to rescue him by dragging him into the living room for presents."

We both laugh, the sound echoing softly in the room. It feels good to focus on the happy memories, to let the weight of the past few weeks lift, even if only for a little while.

Eventually, the conversations lulls, and i find myself yawning despite my best efforts to stay awake after the little sleep i've had this night. Emily notices, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You need to rest," she says, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"I'm fine," i protest weakly, but another yawn betrays me.

Emily just shakes her head, getting up to gently adjust my pillows. "Nope, no arguing. You're going to sleep, and i'm not leaving until you do."

"But you have work in an hour." She just looks at me and i sigh, knowing better than to fight her on this. "Fine," i grumble, letting her fuss over me. "But only because you're being bossy."

She chuckles softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead. "That's right," she says with a smile. "Now get some sleep."

As i close my eyes, i can't hel but feel a sense of peace wash over me. Emily's presence is comforting, familiar. Even though things have changed between us, she's still here, and that's what matters.

Just before i drift off, my thoughts wander to Temperance. I miss her so much it hurts, and i can't shake the ache in my chest whenever i think about how distant she's been. But for now, i push the thoughts aside, focusing on the warmth of Emily's kiss till lingering on my forehead, on the decorations that are now making the room feel alive.

Sleep comes easier than i expected, and for the first time in days, i don't feel so alone.