A/N: I loved and I mean *loved* the end scene of Code Red but I had this idea in my head prior to the episode airing, so here's my take on it. Thank you to Tracie, Div and Chiisana for rambling with me about how awesome the Jello moments were and for inspiring this little fic. Enjoy!
Spoilers: 2x16 Code Red
Disclaimer: The numbers one, two and three don't belong to me! Hey that rhymes! Oh and I don't own the Mentalist either. *grumbles* Oh and the Sushi Garden actually exists (here where I live, not in Sac). Another thing that I don't own...
One, Two, Three
"Well that was fun, wasn't it?"
Lisbon glares at her impossibly annoying consultant, who's lounging comfortably in the chair across from her.
"Oh yeah, being convinced that I was going to die was such a picnic. I'm going to highly recommend that experience to all of my friends."
Although she is still angry about his latest stunt, she can't keep a wide smile from spilling onto her face.
"Ah, you see, there. You should have death scares more often. I don't think I've seen you smile like that in a long time."
"Don't make me punch you again."
"Eh, you punch like a girl."
She shakes her head, rolls her eyes.
"Don't you have somewhere to be?"
"Nope, not really, I was waiting for you to invite me to dinner."
"Dinner with you?" she scoffs. "As if."
"I think it's only fair. After all, I treated you to…"
"Fair?" she repeats, incredulously. "Don't you talk to me about being fair."
"Okay, you know, the whole wrath-of-woman-scorned routine is getting a bit old."
Lisbon looks ready to throttle him and Jane silently thanks his lucky stars that there is a desk between them.
"I hope you have a real good plastic surgeon."
"Actually back in the day, I had the best in the country."
He beams up at her.
"You have three seconds to scram."
"Oh c'mon, can't I at least stay for your phone call with your brother?"
"One."
"Please? I promise to behave."
"Two."
"You're being completely unreason…"
"Two and half."
Before he could get out the door, a paper projectile hits him square in the face.
"Hey, you didn't say three!"
He manages to escape her office without further injury, the door clattering shut behind him. Regardless of the fact that she closes her blinds, he remains outside, playing catch with Lisbon's choice of ammunition.
"One, two, three."
He finishes counting and waits. And waits some more, until he hears her voice.
"Hey, Tommy. It's me."
She is barely audible, speaking in a hushed whisper.
"I'm fine. Sorry for calling so late. I just, I-I wanted to talk to you."
He takes a step a back, giving her the privacy that she deserved. He wanders over to his couch, sinks down and continues his game of toss. He stops briefly and turns the wad over, smoothing it out. Grabbing his cell, he flips it open and dials the familiar number printed in his hand.
"Konbanwa! This is the Sushi Garden, how may I help you?"
His face lights up with his signature megawatt grin. He figures that if he can't bring her to dinner, there's nothing stopping him from bringing dinner to her.
Fin for now, Jello forever