A/N: I have the worse writer's block, so no new updates for Redress or my weather series. Thankfully, Tracie threw bunnies at me and I came up with this short oneshot in anticipation for tonight's episode Black Gold and Red Blood. So big thanks to Tracie for the inspiration! Let's just hope this translate to more writing. Friendship with a hint of Jane/Lisbon romance. Enjoy!
Spoilers: 2x06 Black Gold and Red Blood (just from the promo).
Disclaimer: There was a girl who had a dog (but wanted the rights to the Mentalist but couldn't afford it) and Bingo was his name-o!
Yes
"You gotta let him go."
"Does he mean that much to you?"
"He closes cases."
"Is that all it is?"
She stares at him blankly.
The implication of his words hits her almost immediately.
"What kind of question is that?"
"A valid one. Do you have feelings for Jane?"
She takes a nanosecond to respond. Too quick.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Are you really going to deny it?"
There's a long and tenuous pause.
Lisbon notices that Sam is doing that eyebrow thing he does when he's concentrating. Then, his blue eyes light up.
"You know, it's finally starting to make sense. I've been wracking my brains, trying to figure out why you put up with his crap day in and day out. It's all crystal clear now. You're in love with him."
"Me? In love with Jane?" she laughs. "The two of you should start a club or something."
"Don't you see?" he continues, ignoring her comment. "He's brainwashed you. He's made you his little puppet and you run around doing his bidding…"
"You know what? I don't have time for this," she cuts him off, shaking her head. "You don't want to let him go, fine."
"Teresa…"
"No, I'm done."
She doesn't even make it to the door when he blocks her way. She glares down at where he's holding her and he immediately releases his grasp around her arm.
"He's going to get you killed one day."
"Not if I kill him first," she quips with a grin.
"I'm being serious. I'm trying to protect you."
"I'm a big girl, Sam. I don't need your protection, not anymore."
Her eyes are blazing as she brushes past him and strides down the hall. She makes it through the bullpen, ignoring the curious looks from her team before disappearing to the safety of her office. The door slams shut behind her and she slowly sinks down into her chair. She doesn't even realize that her hands are shaking.
The telephone rings.
She's unsure how long she's been sitting in silence.
"Hello?"
"Guess who's back?"
A smile tugs at her lips.
"Great, I was wondering where Slim Shady has been hiding," she deadpans.
"Funny."
"I try."
"Is everything alright?"
Figures that even on the phone, Jane can immediately tell when she was off her game.
"Yeah, everything is fine. It's not like the paperwork stops just because you're not here. Although I must admit, it is considerably less."
She surprises herself at how calm she sounds. He knows she's lying. She knows, he knows. For some reason he doesn't press the issue. Maybe jail did do him some good.
"Do you need a lift?" she asks, steering the conversation in a different direction.
"I was going to ask Cho, but if you're offering?"
"I could use some fresh air. Do you want me to bring a muffin?"
"Blueberry?"
"Of course."
She is about to hang up.
"Hey, Lisbon?"
"Yeah?"
"Whatever you said to Bosco worked."
"I didn't say anything to him," she replied offhandedly.
"Well then I appreciate what you didn't say to him," he pauses, his voice is barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Teresa."
The line goes dead.
She listens to the dial tone for a few seconds longer before slowly placing the receiver down.
"Does he mean that much to you?"
Sam's question floats to the forefront of her thoughts.
The word slips out without warning.
"Yes."
Fin for now, Jello forever