An Ordinary Morning
(After death of Red John and marriage)
Lisbon gradually woke, content to take her time knowing it was Saturday. Stretching, she was pleasantly surprised when she brushed Jane's arm. Though he usually rose before her, he had driven four hours back from a crime scene and was tired enough to sleep in.
She smiled at the tousled waves of bronze-blond hair highlighted by the morning sun. Unbidden, the thought surfaced again that his hair was the perfect metaphor for the man–vibrant and impossible to contain or control. She snorted softly, scoffing at herself. God, I am such a soft touch for this man! Thirty-eight going on 13. Brushing his hair away from his eyes, her fingers traced the line of his cheek and jaw, skin rough with beard stubble. She lightly stroked the broad planes of his chest. Lean and long-limbed, he was well-built but would never be bulky with muscle.
Jane stirred without waking, lips pulling back slightly into a faint smile of pleasure. Unexpectedly he chuckled and partly woke. "You're tickling."
"No I'm not," she protested. After they had finally–finally!- gotten together as a couple, Lisbon was surprised to learn Jane was so ticklish that it was jarring rather than fun. She had made a point of not tickling him since.
He smiled drowsily and looked at her through half-open eyes, "Your hair, silly. ...Don't stop," he murmured. He stretched and yawned.
She smiled in return. "I'm just admiring the magnificent creature I find in my bed," and gave him a kiss.
He shook his head at the ridiculously over-the-top compliment. "Now I'm a 'magnificent creature'? What's that mean? Do I get a pass next time I forget to put the toilet seat down?"
"That means I can't believe how lucky I am. Like a unicorn. Or maybe that stag in the Harry Potter books." Then fiercely, "And you with the infallible memory damn well better remember to put the seat down!"
He raised his eyebrows in surprise, waking a little more fully. "How do you know about Harry Potter? Didn't think you were into fantasy and magic."
"Annabeth talked me into reading the books."
"Enjoyable. I read them with Charlotte." Sadness shadowed his face for a moment then was gone as quickly as it had come.
He lithely rolled onto his side, pulling her to him in a strong embrace. There was nothing left of sleep in the kiss he gave her. He stroked her back from shoulder to thigh, squeezing the left cheek as his hand passed over her butt.
"You know, anyone else would get arrested for that."
Enjoying the exclusive intimacy with his mate, he grinned. "Yeah, I do know. Great, isn't it?" He never tired of the contrast between her straight-laced public persona and the much more playful intimate partner. Reaching the hem of the long football tee she slept in, he ran his hand underneath, stroking her skin with a feather touch. He added, "You better be prepared to finish what you start, lady. There are consequences."
She replied between kisses, "I was thinking more 'reward' for waking you."
"And now she wants me to sleep even less."
They gradually adjusted to life as a couple. The opportunity to be spontaneous was enough to convince Jane to stay up late rather than rise early. In turn, Lisbon tempered her work ethic to allow for flexibility in the mornings. She drew the line at coming in late, but found it well worthwhile to vary her schedule as needed so that enjoying life together was the priority. She had suspected there would be a big payoff to living with Jane once he had dealt with Red John. And made a real commitment to her. She was just beginning to learn how right she was.