The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

64. "Double date painting class"

Y/n pov

I'm still getting used to the whole double date thing. First with Hotch and Jenny, then with my sister and Morgan. Now, JJ has managed to rope me into one with her and Will, of all people. A couples painting class-

Of course, i agreed. I mean, it's JJ- how could i not? Plus, spending time with her and Will is always a good time. And, if i'm being honest, i think Temperance likes the idea of trying new things together. I just... i'm terrible at painting. But hey, it's not about being good, right?

As we walk into the studio, i glance at Temperance beside me. She's calm and collected as always, her hands neatly folded in front of her. But there's this little glimmer of curiosity in her eyes, like she's already analysing the painting process in her head.

JJ and Will are waiting for us by the entrance, and JJ gives me this big, excited grin as soon as we walk up. "I'm so glad you guys could make it! This is going to be fun."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "You do realise i have absolute,y no artistic talent, right? It's all Penelope."

"Neither do i," JJ says, laughing as she loops her arm through mine. "That's the point! We're here to have fun, not to create masterpieces."

We head inside, grab our aprons, and claim our easels. The instructor gives us a quick rundown on how the evening will go- pick a picture to pain, follow the steps, enjoy ourselves. Seems simple enough. But i glance over at the canvases, and already in know this is going to be a disaster for me.

Temperance, on the other hand, looks completely at ease. She studies the black canvas in front of her like it's a challenge waiting to be conquered. I lean over and whisper, "You know, you don't have to be perfect at this. It's okay if you mess up."

She smirks, her eyes flicking to mine." I don't plan on messing up. I've already calculated the brush strokes necessary to replicate the images.

I laugh, shaking my head. Of course she has.

JJ and Will are already getting started, both of them chatting and joking as they dop their brushes into the paint. Will, surprisingly, seems to have a natural flair for it. His strokes are steady, and he's already creating the outline of a landscape that looks, well, pretty impressive.

I glance at my own canvas. I've got... a blob of blue. I think it's supposed to be a sky.

"How it's going over there?" JJ teases, peeking over at my work. She bursts out laughing. "What is that supposed to be?"

"Art" i say, deadpan, though i'm smiling. "It's abstract. You wouldn't understand."

Jj boats, giving me a playful nudge. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that."

Will leans over, squinting at my canvas. "Maybe it's an... impressionist piece?"

I laugh. "Yeah, let's go with that?"

Temperance, of course, is a complete natural. Her strokes are precise, and before long, she's managed to paint a stunning landscape that looks like it belongs in a museum. Will's painting is similarly impressive, the colours blending together beautifully.

Meanwhile, JJ and i are lost causes. Her painting is a chaotic mess of bright colours, and mine... well, let's just say it looks like a kindergartener's first attempt at finger painting.

"This is harder than it looks," JJ mutters, leaning back to examine her work. "How are they so good a this?"

I laugh, wiping a bit of blue paint off my cheek. "I have no idea, but it's making me feel very inadequate."