The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

62. "The Bowling Hall"

Penelope pov

Bowling. It's something i haven't done in years, but today feels like a throwback to simpler times. I'm out with Derek, Y/n and her - now - girlfriend Temperance. Which i can't stop smiling about. Weäre hitting the lanes like old pros. Well, at least the Garcia sisters are pros.

I glance over at Y/n, who's holding a bowling ball like it's nothing, even though i know her back is still a bit sore. She's pretending she's fine, but i know her too well to believe it. "You sure you're up for this?" I ask, my concern bubbling up despite how fun this is supposed to be.

Y/n smiles, rolling her eyes in that big-sister way. "I'm fine, Pen. Let's just enjoy tonight, alright?"

I raise an eyebrow. "You say that, but remember the last time you bowled with me?"

Y/n laughs, leaning back against Temperance, who wraps her arm around her waist. "Oh, i remember. I wiped the floor with you."

Temperance smiles down at Y/n, shaking her head. "I thought you hated bowling," she teases, leaning in to whisper something that makes Y/n's cheeks flush a little.

"I do," Y/n amidst, "but i'm competitive enough that i'll win anyway."

I can't help but grin "Well, sister dearest, letäs see if you still got it. But don't be surprised when i blow you out of the water."

Derek leans in, smirking. "You're gonna have to get past me first, baby girl. I've got a killer curve."

I snort, trying to hide my laughter behind my hand. "Derek, you've seen me bowl, right? You're going down."

The game starts, and it's like no time has passed at all. Y7n and i both jump into our usual rhythm, laughing, teasing, and- okay, maybe gloating a little when i get a strike. The competitive side of me wakes up fully when i realise we're all pretty evenly matched... except for Derek, bless his heart. He's struggling, and i'm enjoying every second of it.

"I thought you said you had a killer curve!" Y/n yells out, clapping as she nails another spare.

Derek just groans. "I do have a curve. It's just... out of practice." He shoots me a look, narrowing his eyes playfully. "You're supposed to be my cheerleader here, Penelope."

"I'd cheer for you if you gave me something to cheer about!" I tease back, taking a sip of my milkshake and nudging him with my hip.

Meanwhile, Temperance is shockingly... amazing? She lines up every shot like she's calculating some kind of ancient bone structure. It's insane. I look over at Y/n, who's just watching her girlfriend with this look of pure disbelief. "Has she played before?" I whisper, nudging her.

"Twice," Y/n says, shaking her head. "How is she this good?"

Temperance, hearing us, smirks over her shoulder. "I guess i'm just good at everything," she says, and for once, i don't think it's bragging. She lands another strike, and we all groan.

"I thought this was supposed to be fun!" Derek yells, throwing his arms up dramatically "Not an ego trip for Doctor Brennan over there."

Y/n laughs, wrapping her arms around Temperance's waist and kissing her cheek. "Let's just say i'm proud of my girlfriend."

Temperance smiles softly at Y7n, her eyes lighting up in a way that makes my heart melt a little. Who knew she had such a warm, playful side? The competitive streak in her is real though.

We end up finishing the game, with Tempe winning, obviously, and Derek in dead last place. I share second with Y/n, but somehow, it feels like the real win is just being here with them. Considering where we were only two months ago.

We sit down to finish off some fries, drinking milkshakes and talking. "So, how did you finally admit your feelings to each other?" I ask, teasing them both.

Y/n rolls her eyes. "There was... screaming. Let's just say it ended with us making up."

Temperance blushes slightly, dipping a fry into her milkshake. "It was more... scientific than emotion at first," she admits, but the way she looks at Y/n now? That's pure emotion. The purest form i've ever seen from anyone.

Derek leans back, looking at me. "We're surrounded by genius, Pen. What chance do we have?"

I giggle, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "It's okay, Derek. We're smart enough in our own way."

Y/n watches us, smiling, and i know she's happy. We may have been through a lot growing up, hut nights like these remind me that no matter what, family's always there. Even when they're kicking your butt at bowling.