The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

46. "Give me permission"

Y/n pov

The morning light filter through the thin hospital curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. It's quiet, a stillness that feels both comforting and unsettling. Especially now that all the christmas decorations have gone done. I only got to keep them over the actual Christmas. I've gotten used to the hum of machines, the occasional murmur of nurses in the hallway, but this quiet is different- like the world is holding its breath.

I'm sitting up in bed, flipping idly through a magazine that Penelope brought me, though my mind isn't really on the articles. It's been almost two weeks since i've seen Temperance, and the ache of missing her gnaws at me, more painful than the physical wounds i'm still recovering from. I try to push it aside, but it lingers, a constant reminder of what i've lost- or maybe what i've never truly had.

The door to my room creaks open, and i glance up to see Morgan standing there, looking unusually hesitant. It's not like him- Derek Morgan is always so sure of himself, so steady and confident. But right now, he looks almost... nervous.

"Hey, Y/n," he says, stepping inside and closing the door softly behind him. He shoves his hands into his pockets, his gaze flickering around the room before finally settling on me.

"Morgan," i greet him with a smile, setting the magazine aside. "What brings you here so early? Shouldn't you be out saving the world or something?"

He chuckles, but it's a little strained. "Yeah, well, i figured the world could wait for a bit. I needed to talk to you."

There's something in his tone that makes me sit up a little straighter, a sense of seriousness that i wasn't expecting. "Everything okay?" I ask, my concern immediately piqued.

He moves closer, pulling up a chair beside my bed. "Yeah, everything's fine. Actually, everything's more than fine. It's just... complicated."

I raise an eyebrow, leaving back against the pillows. "Complicated how?"

He hesitates, and i can see him trying to find the right words. It's strange, seeing him like this- Morgan, who's always so articulate, struggling to express himself. Finally, he takes a deep breath and looks me in the eye.

"It's about Penelope," he says, his voice steadying. "I wanted to talk to you before i did anything, out of respect. She's your sister, and i know how close you two are."

My heart skips a beat, and i can feel the beginning of a smile tugging at my lips. "Go on," i prompt, already having an inkling of where this is going.

"I've always had feelings for her," he admits, the world tumbling out now that he's started. "I just didn't realise what type of feelings they were until she kissed me a few days ago. I was like... everything just clicked. Like i'd been blind to what was right in front of me."

There's a warmth in his voice when he talks about her, a softness that i've rarely heard from him. It makes my chest tighten with a mix of emotions- happiness for them, a protective instinct kicking in, and a little bit of relief that Penelope has found someone who truly cares about her.

"I'm happy for you, Derek," i say sincerely. "But you know i have to ask- what are your intentions with my little sister?"

He chuckles again, this time more genuinely, but there's a seriousness in his eyes as he responds. "I intend to treat her right, Y/n. I never want to hurt her. I care about her more than i can even put into words."

"Good," i say, my voice firm despite the smile on my face. "Because if you break her heart, i'll have to break your legs. Or is it your arms you favour?"

He laughs, shaking his head. "I'd expect nothing less from you." Then he sobers, reaching out to place a hand over mine. "But seriously, Y/n, i don't ever want to lose her. She means too much to me. I'd do anything to make her happy."

There's a sincerity in his words that touches me deeply. I've known Derek Morgan for years, seen him at his best and worst, and i've never doubted his loyalty or his integrity. But hearing him talk about Penelope like this, with so much love and care, reassures me in a way that nothing else could.

"I know you will," I say softly, squeezing his hand. "And for what it's worth, you have my blessing. Just... take care of her, okay? She's been through enough."

"I will," he promises, his gaze unwavering. "You have my word."

We sit there in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling between us. It's a good kind of silence, though- one filled with understanding and mutual respect. I can see how much this means to him, how much Penelope means to him, and it makes me feel a little better about everything, even if just for a moment.

"You know," i say after a while, breaking this quiet, "you're going to have to work hard to keep up with her. Penelope's a force of nature."

He grins, the familiar confidence returning. "Oh, i know. And i'm looking forward to every minute of it."

I smile, genuinely happy for them. "Good. Because she deserves the best."

"And i'll do everything i can to be that for her," he says, his tone serious once more.

There's nothing more i need to say. I know Derek will take care of Penelope, and that's all that matters. As he gets up to leave, i feel a sense of peace settle over us. It's a small comfort, but it's something.

"Thanks for coming by, Morgan," i say, watching him as he heads for the door.

"Anytime," he replies with a smile. "You take care of yourself, okay? And if you need anything, you know where to find me."

"I will," i promise, returning the smile. "And Derek?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't forget- break her heart, and i'll break your legs."

He laughs, shaking his head as he steps out of the room. "Noted," he says, before the door closes behind him.

As the room falls back into silence, i find myself smiling. Despite everything, despite the pain and uncertainty, it feels good to know that Penelope has someone who cares about her as much as Morgan does. Someone who will protect her, love her, and make her happy.

And that's all i could ever want for my little sister.