The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

70. "Her perfume"

Temperance pov

After a long day at the office, I finally manage to close my laptop and gather my things. The quiet hum of the air conditioning is the only sound as I make my way out. Angela, who has been working late too, is at her desk, her focus intent on a pile of paperwork.

"Hey, Angela," I call out softly as I pass her desk.

She looks up, her tired eyes brightening. "Hey, Temperance. Long day?"

I nod, trying to shake off the weariness. "You could say that. The case is challenging, but we're making progress."

Angela stretches and stands up, a sigh escaping her. "I hear you. I've been knee-deep in reports all day. I'm just about ready to call it a night."

"Same here," I say, giving her a tired smile. "I'm heading home. I've got an empty bed waiting for me, though it's not quite the same without Y/n."

Angela raises an eyebrow. "Isn't she out on a case?"

"Yeah, she's been back at work for a few days now. It's strange not having her around all the time, but I'm proud of her for getting back into the field."

Angela nods sympathetically. "I bet. It's always hard being apart from someone you care about. But she's strong. She'll be fine, and so will you."

I appreciate her words, but I can't shake the feeling of longing. "I hope so. I just miss her. It's amazing how much of a difference her presence makes in my life."

Angela smiles warmly. "Well, at least you have her perfume to keep you company tonight."

"Yeah," I say, my smile widening. "She left it on my pillow. It's like having a little piece of her here with me."

Angela chuckles. "That's sweet. It's the little things like that which make the distance a bit easier to bear."

I nod, taking a deep breath and savoring the comfort of her words. "Absolutely. It's the thought that counts."

We exchange a few more pleasantries before Angela grabs her coat and heads out. I take one last look around the office, ensuring everything is in place before heading to my car.

The drive home is a blur of thoughts and emotions. Each turn brings me closer to the apartment and to the quiet solace that awaits me. As I pull into the parking lot and make my way up to the apartment, I find myself more eager than usual to return to the familiar comforts of home.

Once inside, the quiet of the apartment feels oddly comforting. The absence of Y/n is palpable, but her presence lingers in the air, especially as I catch the soft, sweet scent of her perfume.

I walk to the bedroom and see the perfume bottle resting on my pillow. The sight brings a smile to my face, and I carefully place it back on the bedside table, running my fingers over the smooth surface. The scent of Y/n is stronger here, filling the room with a sense of intimacy and warmth.

Changing into my pajamas, I can't help but think of her. I remember the last time we were together, how she held me, her laughter, her touch. The bed feels emptier without her, but I try to find comfort in the scent that fills the room.

Sliding into bed, I pull the covers around me and take a deep breath, allowing the perfume's scent to envelop me. I close my eyes, and the memory of her fills my mind. The bed is softer, warmer, and somehow less lonely with the reminder of her.

I'm almost asleep when my phone buzzes with a text from Y/n. "Just finished up for the day. How's the apartment?"

I type back quickly, "It's quiet here. I miss you, but your perfume is keeping me company."

Her reply comes almost instantly. "I miss you too. I'm looking forward to being home with you. Sleep well, love."

I smile, feeling a bit of the loneliness ease. As I drift off, I imagine her beside me, her presence palpable even in her absence. The bed is filled with her essence, and though it's not quite the same as having her here, it's enough to help me through the night.

Tomorrow, we'll be back to our routines, and the days will continue to pass until we're together again. For now, though, this bed filled with Y/n's scent will have to suffice.