A/N: This is my Chisbon tag to episode 2.16: Code Red. Don't get me wrong. I am a Jisbon shipper to the core. But there's something about Cho's loyalty to Lisbon which sets my little mind hamsters racing in their wheels. I hope you like this little tag.
Also, do read my other Mentalist story The Angry Princess and the Thief Who Stole Her Tiara. I'm on the verge of discontinuing that one. Your reviews might motivate me to write another chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Mentalist or its characters.


Dying Wish (2.16: Code Red)

Lisbon put the phone to her ear. It was all so ominous. She had to do it though. Cho's stern, yet somehow pleasant voice, came through.
"Hey boss, we're about five minutes from your location"
Lisbon told him,
"Look, Cho. Jane and I have been exposed to the virus and it looks like we might die soon"
She knew him too well to think he would gasp or exclaim something.
"Okay"
Lisbon gathered her courage,
"I just wanted to thank you and Rigsby and Van Pelt. It has been an honor working with you"
Of course. She could trust Cho with her last wish. Who else could it be? Yet she hesitated a little.
"I need you to call my brother Tommy. His number is in my desk diary, it's under Town & County Electrical. Tell him that I love him and that I forgive him for whatever. And he needs to make peace with his brothers. It's my last dying wish, you tell him that"
"Will do"

She was less than a mile away from him. But dying? Kimball Cho listened to every word his boss said. Her saying the phrase 'dying wish' made everything much real for him. A faint smell of cinnamon wouldn't pass by his desk every morning anymore. When he stole a glance at her office, he wouldn't find her beautiful face bent over some files. He would never get to walk by her side again. And he'd have to live every single day, while she will have died without knowing that he loved her.
"Lisbon, wait", Cho said,"I love you"
"What the...", Rigsby gasped and almost crashed the SUV.

When Welks had been put away for processing and the disaster was over, Teresa flumped down on the couch in her office. More than her impending death and the fact that she wasn't really dying, Lisbon had been shocked by Cho's proclamation of love. She tried hard to get it out of her mind.
'It was a spur of the moment thing. I guess'
She sighed and got off the couch for a glass of water and some strong coffee. The day had gone from worst to traumatizing. Her resolve to put the whole thing behind them had vanished when she found Cho in the break room. Alone.
"Hey"
"Hey", Cho did not turn to look at her, "Jane says you punched him"
She leaned against the table,
"Do you blame me?"
He faced her,
"No. He deserved that"
She smiled. It was remarkable how he could look so composed after what he had said to her.
"Cho?", she began.
He was listening. Lisbon stalled for the right words,
"What you said... on the phone. What did you mean?"
There. Right there was the clink in the armor. She could see him now. He looked like he was dying to hold her. A moment passed and Teresa grew more anxious.
"I love...", Cho looked at her, "I love working with you. And I will do nothing that will need either of us to be transferred out of the unit. Good night, boss"

He went home just like that. Lisbon grabbed a chair by the table and steadied herself. Jane had admired her for being strong and noble just a few hours ago. Now she was tearful and incoherent.
'But I love you too'