Disclaimer: No I don't own Mentalist or its characters. But I do own Mark Sawyer. And he's smokin hot! In my head he's 6 feet two inches tall, has a stunning physique( abs, biceps, triceps and all), has deep set grey eyes, a chiseled jawline with a bit of a stubble and of course the most adorable pair of dimples. I'd say he can give our favourite hottie Patrick Jane a run for his money . I love my imagination sometimes ;). So yeah , CBS can keep their Patrick Jane but I'm definetly keeping Mark. Though I admit its a shame I have to marry him with another figment of my imagination . So heres another chapter.

PS : Those who are not a huge fan of Red john would like this update as it is pure fluff. Jisbon lovers, this chapter was written for ya.

CHAPTER-2

"I am almost there Jane, merely twenty steps or so left. You can hang up now."

"Excellent! Now be a good girl and hurry up, knock the the front door and wait for your so called " best-friend" was it?- so I can be sure you're in safe hands."

"Are you kidding me! You're treating me like a five-year-old, the irony of which isn't lost on me."

"Just humour me please." Its been a while since Red john had struck. Jane was almost certain that Red John wasn't oblivious to the strange bond he has with Lisbon. Its certainly more than a simple friendship, but its not a romantic relationship either. It was frighteningly obvious to any third observer that Jane deeply cared for her and would go to any lengths to save her. And it scared him to hell and back on a daily basis. After what happened to Kristina Frye, he wasn't taking any chances. Moreover, Red John's prolonged silence was keeping him constantly on edge these days. "Lisbon, I know you've reached the door. Just knock it already. Is it so hard to believe that I'm actually concerned for your safety?"

"Sheep dip! You're probably just bored out of your lunatic mind, that's why you called me so you can ' push my buttons' as you had so eloquently put last night. I don't know why am I even talking to you. I should have hung up five minutes ago." Lisbon muttered as she knocked the door to Mark's house.

"Oh I know why, its because you loooove me Lisbon." He joked playfully.

Her breath hitched as soon as she heard the L-word. She didn't know why but it took her a moment to realize that he was just kidding. She recovered quickly, unaware of the fact that Jane was currently hitting his head on the wall next to him, wondering what on earth made him say that of all things. How stupid could he be to joke about such a thing, with her of all people.

"Oh yeah Jane, I love you alright. I'm sure my right hook loves your nose even more and you know very well the level of attraction the bullets of my gun have towards your skull." She shot back sarcastically, mentally patting herself on her back. Nice save Lisbon, she thought.

She was still a little breathless due to the shock of hearing Jane say something like that , when the door opened and suddenly she was swept of her feet by the tall state agent. She squealed as Mark Sawyer swung her around like a five-year-old-

Five-year-old.

Oh for the love of God!

"Put me down!" She shouted angrily. "I don't know when you jackasses are gonna get it through your obviously thick skulls that I am not a child!"

Mark laughed and shook his head nostalgically but complied. The same old Lisbon. He had missed his firecracker- pixie friend more than he realised.

"Nice to see you too Liz." He grinned, unfazed by her anger. "What has got your little pixie-panties in a twist? Ow!" He exclaimed when she punched him in the gut. "Damnit woman! That's gonna leave a nasty bruise."

"Good, it was supposed to you jackass! You should be grateful I took pity on your fiancé and spared that pretty face of yours. A black eye or a broken nose hardly suits the groom." She shot back irritably.

" Now now Liz, is that a way to greet your best friend after so long? What you missed your early morning caffeine fix or something?" His face scrunched up with discomfort as he rubbed the sore spot on his pecs. Then suddenly a goofy grin took its place as a thought crossed his mind and he added, "And speaking of jackasses-I'm pretty sure you used a plural before. Is there another jackass in your life now? I'm already green with jealousy." He elbowed her playfullly.

But Teresa was completely unaware of his poking due to the fact that she was red with mortification as she just remembered that Jane was still on line and had no doubt heard their whole exchange.

" Excuse me Mark, do you mind? " She made her way to the corner of the room gesturing towards her phone.

Jane was amused. Not to mention a little jealous. Maybe more than a little actually. He envied the ease at which they were when around each other and that the guy seem to know her as much as he does, possibly even more than him, if that little exchange he'd accidently heard was anything to go by. He was rather miffed that her old partner had freedom to mention her "pixie-panties" and also got to swing her around. All he ever got were harmless bantering and awkward hugs.

" Sorry Jane, that was my friend Mark for you. I guess I really do have a soft spot for jackasses." She admitted smiling. Who was she kidding. These two are the men she's closest to despite their annoying natures, even more so than her brothers.

Jane suddenly felt all warm and tingly inside, his jealousy already forgotten. 'She has a soft spot for me' he gloated, despite the fact he already knew it. Its one thing to know Lisbon cares for him but its another matter entirely when she admits it aloud and is at peace with the fact. He felt so giddy that he couldn't help but tease her a little.

" So it seems. But do tell Lisbon, how come he has such extensive knowledge about your supposedly "pixie" unmentionables? Furthermore is it theoretical or practical knowledge?" Jane teased. But he was seriously curious about whether or not were they ex-lovers. Suddenly he found himself jealous of Mark Sawyer all over again but for a completely different reason this time.

Lisbon was blushing furiously at this point. Beyond shocked at his bluntness. He had overheard just one conversation with Mark and her annoying best friend has already rubbed off on Jane. God forbid whatever would happen should they ever meet. "Forget soft spots Jane! Right now my knee has a really hard spot for your 'unmentionables'. Wanna try it?" She threatened.

"No thank you Lisbon, my unmentionables are very comfortable where the are." he replied quickly, scared for the health of his private parts. That's what he gets for too much boldness. "I should let you go back to your friend." Enough buttons pressed for one day, he thought but couldn't resist adding, " Don't forget calling me after every few hours or so, you know how I worry."

"Jane ..." her voice got menacingly low.

"Okay I'll drop it I'll drop it!" Jane laughed and backed off , scared of her wrath. "Give my best wishes to your friend."

"Goodbye Jane." she rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed.

"Goodbye Teresa." He said in that same velvety soft tone from last night which made her stomach do somersaults and hung up.

She couldn't help but grugingly let her face be engulfed in a wide grin and then shook her head at herself. You're much too old for this 'butterflies-in-stomach' silliness Teresa, she thought to herself and walked back to her friend.

AN: Please don't hate me. I really had intended to progress the story a little in this chapter but then the chapter sort of wrote itself( Jisbon bantering and all) and soon I reached my 1K words limit. But I promise Red John's letter is just a couple of updates away. As for Lisbon's secret, it will be unveiled to the readers soon, but its gonna be a while till Jane finds out. Next up we have Mark and Teresa catching up on stuff. Also enters Phoebe, Mark's fiance. Lucky bitch.