A/N: Okay so, fair warning, this story is going to be extra fluffy... I've never really written something this fluffy for The Mentalist before so we'll see how it goes. This is a future fic that jumps in time with each chapter so it spans the length of a year. It won't be super long, probably about five chapters and I'll post maybe once a week. Hope you enjoy it!

"I know the cost

Of what's been lost

I won't turn away

The choice is made

I'm not afraid

Do what you will

Go for the kill

I lay my armor down"

May 2012

"Alright...everyone's clear on their assignments...we're on the road in five. S.W.A.T. will be in position when we arrive."

Her words scattered agents left and right. Jane eyed her. She turned to look as her team ranged around her, all of them stoic and serious. "Okay guys, we only have one shot here. I don't think I have to tell you what's at stake."

"We're ready, boss." Van Pelt's voice was hard. Cho and Rigsby nodded their agreement.

"Okay. Let's go."

He followed them down the stairs and out to the parking lot where agents from every conceivable organization darted from vehicle to vehicle, donning vests and collecting guns. He snagged her wrist before she got to the car.

"Lisbon, wait." She rounded on him, eyes wide with surprise.

"Wait? Jane, we don't have time to wait-you of all people know that. I'm surprised you didn't take off right when we figured it out...wait...why didn't you take off, try to beat us there, take him on by yourself? If you're planning something-"

"This is never going to work." He cut her off at the pass. He had things she needed to know, things he needed to say.

"What? Jane, you don't know that."

"Of course I do."

"Jane-"

"Oh, come on, Lisbon! You think it's this easy? We waltz in on him unawares...please. He's waiting for us. More to the point, he's waiting for you." She blinked at him for a moment, completely still amidst the agents swarming all around them in the parking lot.

"Me? Why me? This is about you. It's always about you when it comes to Red John." He was shaking his head even as she spoke.

"Not today. Think, Lisbon! Why would he kill me? What would that accomplish? Why kill me when he can break me instead?"

"Break you-"

"And I would break, Lisbon, if he killed you."

"Jane-"

"He's going to go after you because it's his best way of striking out at me. A demonstration of his power over me, another nail in the coffin." She was gaping at him now. "Look, Lisbon, I'm telling you this because I need you to do something for me. When he comes after you-and he will come after you-I need you to take the shot."

"Take the..." Her voice trailed off into a silence that was thick with surprise.

"If you get the chance, take the shot, Lisbon. A jail will never hold him-not with his connections." She was shaking her head, still looking dazed. He needed to make her understand. He stepped forward, gripping her shoulder urgently, invading her space. "This isn't about me, Lisbon. It's not about my revenge, or my desire to see Red John dead. It is about my desire to keep you alive. To keep him from hurting you. Please. If you can...take the shot."

She was looking at him that way she sometimes did, like she could read him as easily as he could read anyone. Her voice was tentative when she spoke.

"If I kill him...you won't be able to."

He stared hard into her eyes.

"I know."