I need you
Jane shifted on the couch and tilted his head to look at Lisbon – her hair shadowing her face as she was reading the file about their last case.
He smiled. He was pleased to see her completely relaxed in his presence. Until a few weeks ago she would immediately stiffen if he did as much as poking his head into her office. Quite rightly sometimes – he had to admit.
He had always enjoyed making her lose her temper, especially in the first times. He could tease her for hours, with the only purpose to see on her face that exasperated look he had come to know so well.
Then, somewhere along the way, he realized that he'd rather have her smile. He began treasuring those rare, precious moments.
That's how they unexpectedly found themselves bound by an odd kind of friendship, which managed to survive through the hardest moments.
Because Lisbon was the only person he really trusted – the only one he actually cared for, in his own way. And Lisbon couldn't help trying to protect him every time – even when she had plenty of reasons not to do it.
Both of them hurt by life, they could see each other's fragilities more clearly. Even understand them.
Things had slightly changed after Red John's arrest. Jane withdrew into himself – in order to avoid the burden of all those years suddenly overwhelming him.
And Lisbon… Lisbon just took care of him. She stayed at his side without pressing him to do anything. As only a sister could do. He had been grateful for that.
It was kind of ironic that he – who could read people's minds – never understood his real feelings towards her. Or, maybe, he unconsciously refused to acknowledge them. After the tragedy that had befallen his family, he simply couldn't afford to have something – or someone – to lose.
However, he was forced to face the truth when he actually came so close to losing her. In a split second – as Lisbon collapsed into his arms, shot by a bullet aimed at him – he understood.
He needed her. More than anything in the world.
There was no use trying to deny it.
At that moment he could only grasp at one single incoherent thought: Please, let her live. I beg you.
That was the closest thing to a prayer that had ever crossed his mind. Surprisingly, his prayer was answered.
Then he discovered something even more amazing. Lisbon needed him too.
Suddenly he stood up and approached her desk. He laid his hand on her shoulder and gently caressed it with his thumb.
"Would you like some coffee?"
She smiled at the tenderness in his voice.
"You're reading me".
Jane shook his head and replied with a hint of amusement: "Anyone could have guessed that".
"Yeah", she admitted.
Her hand met his own, and their fingers entwined for a moment.
"I'm going to make your coffee", he murmured softly.
"Thank you".