I've haven't watched "Violets" yet but thought I would post this before I actually saw the episode. This is my first Mentalist story and I'm humbled to be here among such amazing writers of this genre. Thank you any and all who venture in to take a peek. Enjoy

I don't own The Mentalist or profit form my writings. Rated T to be safe might go up or down.

The Best of Frenemies

"Marcus"

He heard the voice he knew all too well a voice he hears in his head the better part of the day calling the handsome man from across the room. Teresa Lisbon was waving at the intruder into his word with a bright smile. Once that smile was for him but not anymore and it hurt it hurt like hell but he was Patrick Jane the ultimate con man and this was just one more game he had to play. Only this time he wasn't sure he was going to win.

Marcus Pike walked past Jane on his way to Lisbon's desk.

"Jane, how's it going? Haven't seen you around much. What'cha been up to?"

"Oh you know this and that." Jane forced a smile.

"Old FBI keeping you on your toes then no more of your crazy shenanigans."

"I'd say just enough shenanigans to keep the old brain cells busy. How about you? How are things in your corner of the world."

Just then Lisbon walked over to Pike slipping an arm around his waist and giving him a quick kiss.

"What are you two getting up to? Anything I should know about?" She gave Jane a skeptical look.

"Nothing serious Reese." Pike returned Lisbon's kiss. "Ready for lunch?"

"Just let me get my jacket" Lisbon turned to walked back to her desk.

"Jane, we're up." The not so dulcet tones of Kim Fischer filled the bullpen.

"My master voice. Nice talking with you Pike."

"Same here Jane. We should get together one night, have a few beers, shooting some pool. Maybe tell me some embarrassing stories about this one." He put his arm around the petite brunette who'd just returned to his side.

"Lisbon's never embarrassed herself so it would be a dull conversation."

"Jane are you coming? We don't have all day."

"After two times she starts shooting." Jane clapped Pike on the shoulder and walked away.

"You know Teresa he's a lot different then I thought he would be after all the horror stories I heard from Cho."

"Cho told you stories about Jane? That's not like him."

"Just about a few cases Jane help close in an unconventional way." He seemed a bit uneasy but just for a moment.

"That he did, but he got the job done. Guess that is why the FBI wanted him so bad." Teresa took his hand as they waited for the elevator.

"I know it upset you not being asked to join The Bureau the way you were, being forced by Jane's demands and all but I owe him for making you part of the bargain". Pike smiled his sweetest smile.

"Yeah, I guess we both do." Lisbon sighed deeply.

She did owe Jane for bringing her here the job was challenging, the cases were exciting and of course there was Marcus. She was happy, happier than she'd been in a long time. He could be "the one". Finally someone she could seriously consider for a future.

The elevator ding brought her put of her revelry.

"Penny for your thoughts"

"Not yet Marcus." Lisbon moved closer to his side. "Not yet."

Marcus looked across the room to Jane and Fischer, his hatred barely concealed.

"Those two deserve each other." He thought. "A bitch and the rabid dog she brought to heel."

"Well that's going well" Fischer nodded her head toward the closing elevator.

"Really I hadn't noticed"

"Seriously? You parked yourself most days right in front of her desk. How could you not notice ?"

"Meh." Jane gave his standard one syllable answer. "But speaking of that can I get some help moving the coach I think I need more sunlight."

"We said you could have the coach not be your moving men."

"I don't need moving men moving women would be fine. You look pretty strong there Kim."

Fischer rolled her eyes. "You want it moved do it yourself on your own time."

"Don't blame me if I throw my back out and can't work for weeks."

"Whatever. Hurry up the meeting already started.

Jane followed behind her, he thought about the days at the CBI he never walked behind Lisbon. He was always besides her, her partner and even though she was the boss her equal. He missed those days more than he ever thought possible. When they were happening it was all about Red John but now he knew it was so much more.

"Why the fancy place for lunch? I feel under dressed." Lisbon looked around at the well-heeled patrons.

"You look beautiful as always." Marcus raised her hands to his lips and brushed a soft kiss on the palm.

"I was thinking Reese about us. We are good together and I thought maybe we could share more than just a few nights a week doing sleep overs."

"You want us to move in together? We've only been dating a few months just started sleeping together. I think it's a little soon for that step, Marcus."

"I know how I feel about you Reese. And that's not going to change anytime soon. I hoped you were feeling the same."

"I do care about you Marcus." She took his hand to emphases the point. "You make me happy, very happy. But it's still to early for me to make a big commitment like co-habitation. I hope you understand."

"I do but ..." He stopped and looked into her eyes.

"What?" Lisbon was looking at him like she wanted to bolt.

"Easy Marcus don't blow it now your so close." The words in his head made him calmer as he took her other hand in his and smiled.

"Well I've been offered a position in Washington DC and I would like you to come with me. There are several openings in other divisions if you still want to stay with the FBI."

Lisbon straightened her back and released her hands from his placing them in her lap. It was Jane all over again, some man making her his tag along.

"I know what your thinking but it's not the same as Jane. I'm asking you because … " He swallowed hard. "I'm asking because I love you Teresa."

Lisbon was shocked, he loved her and wanted to start a life with her it was all too much for her to take in right now.

"I'm flattered but this is all so sudden." Lisbon was almost gasping for words. "I … I need to think absorb all of this," She got up from the table making a hasty retreat for the door.

The warm sunshine felt good on her skin and the hot air burnt her lungs a bit as she took a deep breath. Damn she had left her car at work having driven here with Marcus.

Dialing a familiar number she was ready to hang up when a worried voice answered.

"Lisbon are you alright? Where's Pike and what has he done to you?"

"I'm fine Jane I just need a ride back to the office. Can you come and get me? I mean if you're not busy."

"I'm never to busy for you Teresa. Are you sure your OK?"

"Yes Jan I'm OK just need a ride. Can you come or not."

"Women are you rolling your eyes at me?"

"Me no never. Yes or no to the ride Jane."

"On my way just text me the address."

Jane looked up to see everyone conference room looking at him.

Are you done Mr. Jane? Can we continue with the briefing now?" Abbott was not amused.

"Sure carry on." Jane got out of his seat heading to the door.

"Jane where are you going this meeting is not over."

"Lisbon needs me." A voice was heard as the blonde head slipped out the door.

Lisbon felt a hand on her shoulder and stiffened a bit.

"Teresa, don't go. I didn't mean to just spring this all on you at once." He gave her a sad smile. "Can I at least take you back to the office? No talking of love or co-habitation I promise."

Teresa looked at him with those big emerald eyes she was staring to soften to his idea he could tell.

"I'll let you pick the radio station." Pike took her hand and swung it between them.

She looked at him under her dark lashes. "OK"

Teresa Lisbon walked back into the office a preoccupied look on her face. The drive back hadn't been so bad, She picked a soft jazz station as background noise and Marcus told her of the latest happening in the art thief department. But her mind kept going back to his declaration of love, she never thought about their relationship coming to that point so soon. She was really fond of Marcus but love she wasn't sure she was there yet but the idea wasn't unpleasant.

"Teresa,"

"Oh hi Kim what can I do for you?"

"Where's Jane I thought he was with you"

Jane, oh damn she never called to tell him not to come get her. In truth she had forgotten all about him.