After the kill
Lisbon made her way back to her SUV. She was numb with disbelief. She should have known he would keep his word. She was stupid to think that he would consider her, his team – the people that cared about him. The people that loved him. He always had to be right.
And then she saw him, despite the fact that her SUV was still several paces away from her in the dimly lit ally. Even she couldn't miss those familiar dark blonde curls resting against the passenger seat. She increased her pace, heart pounding. With anger? With relief? She wasn't sure.
She didn't rest her gaze on him until she'd closed the SUV door behind her. He wasn't looking at her. Lisbon could see the crease in his brow. Blood was smeared across his face, his blazer was gone and his shirt was dishevelled and ripped. His unshaven, unkempt appearance unsettled her – and so did his expression. Emotionless. Apathetic.
She watched as his eyes grew red. She watched as he began to cry. She had always seen him so self assured and confident, she was jealous of his ability to just... be okay - despite the terrible tragedy he had suffered. But Patrick Jane wasn't a man who was 'okay'. She could see this now. She could see it, but it was too late.
Lisbon reached out a hand and wiped the blood dripping from his cheek. He raised a hand there to meet hers and their eyes met. His piercing blue stare was filled with hurt and grief and sadness, but somewhere deep in those enchanting eyes, she saw triumph. It was over. Patrick Jane had killed Red John. He always said he would do it and she always convinced herself that he wouldn't. But, she knew. She always knew in her heart that he was determined to exact his revenge on the man that slaughtered his family, and flung his life into a state of disrepair. After all, could she really blame him for that?
Jane let out a sigh. Lisbon tentatively smiled, because it wasn't a sad or a defeated sigh, it was relief. His past was now just that – the past. He could look back on the memories of his family with happiness and peace of mind. He wouldn't have to wake up every day feeling guilt dragging at his every thought. Lisbon was glad for that. And as Jane's blue gaze grew closer, as his free hand delved through Lisbon's hair and as their lips met for the first time, she tasted the love she had yearned for for so long.
"What took you so long?" Lisbon mumbled. She felt Jane smile on her lips but he didn't reply. Their kissing grew faster and more forceful as Jane climbed through into the back seats and guided Lisbon to follow him. She was astride him now, her long hair brushing against his face as they continued to share a passionate kiss. As they broke apart, she hesitated.
"Are you sure?" Lisbon asked, wary of what this meant for both of them. Jane brought her forehead down and pecked it devotedly. He watched Lisbon for a second, his eyes carrying a well of emotions. One stood out for Lisbon: conviction.
"I've been sure for nine years," he replied, definitely.