First off, I never intended to publish this. It was just a dream I had, that I wanted to write down before I forgot it. But then I was having trouble continuing it, and I didn't know how to start a story that would get here, so I thought Hey, I'll just publish this lil' old thing. And that's what I'm doing. So don't expect it to make sense. Actually, if you go in with rock bottom expectations, you just might enjoy it. I don't own.


"How about I cut you a deal." Lisbon eyed the man warily. Cutting deals with serial killers wasn't preferable at all, but she was more concerned about Jane and what she could do to help him. Anything. She would chew off her own arm before letting any more harm come his way.

"Please, just let him go."

"You poor thing. Is he really worth that much to you?" His lips curled up in a feral grin.

"Please, I'll do anything." Lisbon's cheeks flamed. She hated groveling, begging. It was weak, and Teresa Lisbon was not weak. But she would ensure Jane's safety by any means necessary.

"Oh, how touching. You have yourself a real white knight here, don't you Mr. Jane?" The man sneered and curled his fingers into Jane's curly blond hair, yanking his head up.

"Lisbon, stop." Jane looked at her with serious eyes. Not a chance in hell would he let her take any of the pain from him. She wasn't even supposed to be here. His fault. It was all his fault.

The man dropped his hand and sauntered back to Lisbon's chair.

"Tell you what." Lisbon raised her head and shot the nastiest look she could muster at her captor. He laughed heartily and bent down close to her ear, gently picked up a lock of dark brown hair. He stroked it almost reverently.

"Such lovely hair. Such a lovely woman. Poor Mr. Jane doesn't seem to appreciate your beauty, does he? A shame." He let the strands fall through his fingers and straightened up once again.

"Now about that deal. You can help Mr. Jane here. I won't touch a hair on his head anymore… if… you take his place."

Lisbon's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean, 'take his place?'"

"It's simple. I won't go anywhere near Mr. Jane. I will hurt you instead of him. Are you willing to do that for your partner?"

She visibly shuddered with relief. She could save him. It was simple. The best possible scenario she could have pictured. No more hurt, Jane. She thought. He won't hurt you anymore.

Unfortunately, Jane overheard their little deal and sputtered in outrage.

"Absolutely not! Lisbon, don't! I forbid it! Don't touch her, you monster!" His eyes were crazed, his expression livid.

"Yes. Yes, please. Don't hurt him. Hurt me instead." She pleaded, eyes wet with tears.

"You're a heartless man, Mr. Jane. She saves your life, puts herself in harm's way to protect you, and you make her cry."

"Lisbon, stop please. Lisbon! Don't do this! I'm fine, I can take it!"

"Oh no, it's too late to be the hero now, Mr. Jane." The man snapped at Jane before returning his attention to the agent in front of him.

"I'm going to hand you this knife, and I'm going to undo one of your arm straps. If you attempt to cut yourself free or harm me in any way, I will not hesitate to shoot Mr. Jane here." To emphasize his point, the man cocked Lisbon's glock and aimed it at Jane's head.

"Lisbon, don't do this! You can't- I won't- I won't let you! Stop!" Jane wouldn't stop yelling, tears streaming down his face.

Lisbon simply ignored him. She waited as the man slowly unstrapped her right hand, careful to keep the gun aimed steadily. Her eyes were trained on her consultant's, though, trying to communicate without words. It's okay. I want to do this. I want to take your pain away.

She barely registered the firm pressure of the knife handle in her palm. The man grabbed a fistful of her hair, much like he had Jane's, and twisted her head to face him.

"Cut your arm. Until I say stop. Too shallow, and I blow his knees out. For every cut you make, you save him one. Start."

Lisbon squeezed her hand around the cool wooden handle and raised her arm. She watched as the man flinched and tightened the grip on his gun. Finally she brought the blade down against the bare skin of her inner left arm.


yep. That's it. If anyone wants to take this little snippet and build it a story, you're more than welcome. I don't even need credit. Just PM me when you finish so I can read it! He needs a home, and I'm not getting anywhere with him! Thanks for reading, and reviews are always nice ;)