The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

58. "Some wooing to do"

Temperance pov

It's been a few days since everyone found out about Y/n and me. The way things feel into place so naturally after the reveal still surprises me. But maybe that's because they always saw us a couple, when we were nothing more than friends. I didn't realise how much i'd been holding back until the secret was out. And now, here we are, about to spend a night out with other couples.

We entre the bar, the familiar energy of the place buzzing around us. Morgan and penelope are already seated at a table near the back, laughing about something. Hotch and Jenny are just arriving, and JJ and Will are sitting together, looking as cosy as ever. Y/n's hand rests casually on my back as we walk in, the subtle gesture that still sends a rush of warmth though me.

"Hey, lovebirds!" Morgan calls out, grinning as scoots into the booth to make place. "Bout time you two showed up."

Y/n gives him a playful glare as we sit down. "We weren't late," she retorts with a grin, squeezing my hand under the table.

As the night goes on, drinks are poured, stories are shared, and laughter fills the air. I feel lighter than i have in months, even with everything that's happened. Being around friends, seeing Y/n smile, it grounds me in a way that makes all the chaos worth it.

A few drinks in, and the conversation gets louder, more animated. Morgan's leaning back in his chair, smirking, while Penelope rolls her eyes at something he's said. Hotch and Jenny are quietly chatting in the corner, and JJ's laughing at Will's terrible attempt at a joke.

Y/n, though, is in the centre of it all, her eyes gleaming with that mischievous spark i love. She's had a few drinks herself, her cheeks flushed, and she's gotten more talkative, a bit bolder with each passing minute.

Form one of Morgan's comment, she grins, raising her glass. "You know what?" she says, her voice a little lourdes than usual but still full of that warmth. "We Garcia's are hopeless romantic with dirty minds and high standards."

The table goes quiet for a split second, everyone turning to look at her, and Penelope. My cheeks start to burn as i glance at her, but Y/n's not finished.

"We want to be treated like a lady in public, ravaged in private, and wooed for eternity!" She declares, her grin widening. And now i truly wonder what Morgan had said.

Morgan burst out laughing, practically choking on his drink. Penelope's eyes widen before she cracks up as well, shaking her head at Y/n's boldness. JJ's covering her mouth, trying to suppress her laughter, while Will just raises his eyebrows in amusement.

I can't help but blush, feeling my face heat up as i glance over at Y/n, who's looking at me with this playful smirk. She leans in closer, her eyes twinkling. "What?" she teases softly. "Too much?"

"You're impossible," i whisper, trying to fight the smile tugging at my lips.

"Aw, come on, Temperance," Morgan says, still chuckling. "She's just being honest. That's what love's all about, right?"

I roll my eyes, but i'm smiling now, too. Y/n rests her head on my shoulder, her body warm against mine, and i feel her lips brush my ear as she whispers, "You know it's true."

I laugh, shaking my head slightly. "I suppose i can't argue with that," i murmur back."

The night continues in the same way- full of laughter, teasing, and stories. At one point, Morgan challenges Y/n to some ridiculous bar game, and of course, she can't resist. Especially as she wins. They stand up, trying to balance quarters on the edge of shot glasses while Penelope cheers them on. I stay seated, watching them with a smile This side of her - the playful, carefree Y/n - is something i adore. It's moments like these that remind me why i love her, how she brights light into my life in ways i never expected.

Eventually, the games die down, and we're all sitting around the table again, winding down for the night. Y/n rests her hand on my knee under the table, her fingers tracing light patters, and i lean into her, content.

"We should do this more often," JJ says, smiling as she looks around the table. "It's nice, having a couples night out."

"I agree," Hotch says, raising his glass. "Here's to many more nights like this."

We all clink our glasses together, a sense of camaraderie settling over the ground. I glance over at Y/n, who's still grinning, her cheeks flushed with happiness. She catch my eye and winks.

"Come on, Temperance," she says softly, her voice a little husky from the alcohol. "Let's get out of here."

I raise an eyebrow, amused. "Already?"

She leans in closer, her breath warm against my ear. "I've got some more wooing to do."

I laugh softly, feeling my heart swell with affection fro this woman how's turned my life upside down in the best possible way.

As we say our goodbyes and head out into the cool night air, i can't help but feel grateful. For Y/n, for our friends, for everything that's led us to this moment. Even if it scares me sometimes, being with her feels right. And as she takes my hand, puling me closer as we walk, i know that we'll barely be able to walk in the morning.