I'll be waiting

Authors note: thank you guys so much for all of the kind reviews! I absolutely love the feedback! I haven't been able to update as fast as I wanted to because of a hectic work schedule the past couple weeks, but I have some time off now so hopefully can update more frequently and start another Mentalist story as well as this one. I hope you guys enjoy!

Carefully closing the front door, Lisbon leans her head against the cold wood, willing her brain to think of the perfect excuse to get away from Marcus. She never meant for him to be involved in this, and he really didn't deserve it. He looked after her, wanted to show her how to be a normal couple, in a normal house, with normal jobs and a normal family. He didn't break laws, he didn't lie and he would never run away from her. On paper he was perfect.

That was the problem though, he was perfect.

She hated perfect; despised it in fact. She had spent her whole life growing up in a less than perfect home with the less than perfect family. She couldn't stand the feeling of having to act a certain way, just so she looked perfect. She could already sense an underlying tension between her and Marcus, where she would have to bite her tongue when he told her to hush in the movie theatre, or would rearrange the magazines on her side table, or would complain she was drinking too much damn coffee. Both her work and personal life had roughed her up around the edges, and she knew she was emotionally damaged; a bit like Jane. That's probably why she grew attracted to him, they both understood exactly what the other was feeling without having to say a word. Sure he caused her grief, and she spent 90% of her time telling him that he was a pain in her ass and could go to hell, but they were the things that made her day so much easier to bare. It isn't that Marcus isn't as good as Jane, it's that he just isn't Jane at all. Marcus is too perfect and would be a brilliant partner for another woman, but she knew deep down he wasn't on her level; not like Jane is.

Her current problem was she was too nice. Jane was currently waiting in his airstream for her whilst she still had a patient Marcus waiting in her front room. She wanted to trust her heart so badly, but she wasn't used to this. She always followed what her head told her to do, and that way she couldn't get hurt by anyone, and although Jane had managed to hurt her more than once, as a general rule it had worked out pretty well. If she followed her heart, it has potential to be crushed multiple times over, and she doesn't think she can bounce back from it anymore – it's too much.

With her internal debate still flowing in her mind, she warily enters the living room and perches on the corner of the couch.

"Pike.."

Unlocking the airstream, Jane jumped up the steps and flipped on the lights. He was going to tell Lisbon the truth, in his airstream. He set about cleaning to make sure it was nice and cosy for when Lisbon arrived and made himself a cup of tea to calm the nerves currently sending shockwaves through his limbs and through his thudding chest. He had almost forgotten what being nervous had felt like. It had been years since he had pursued a woman for obvious reasons, and this was not just anyone. How do you tell your best friend you don't see them that way? That you're not hugging them to be polite, but because you just want to know what their touch feels like?

Oh God he sounded like something from Mills and Boon, she was going to hate that. She would probably laugh and then continue to tease him for the rest of his miserable life.

1 hour and twenty minutes later, Jane is positive his body is going to implode on itself. Maybe she went back inside and Pike whisked her off her feet and upstairs to prove his masculinity, or she decided he was too much of a pain and she didn't want the hassle anymore. Or even worse, what if she had tried to come and something had happened to her, it would be typical for him after all.

Just as the fear began to settle low in his stomach it was replaced with panic as he heard the crunching of footsteps and then three tentative knocks on the airstream. Blue eyes shot up and pierced through the metal door, like a deer caught in headlights. Mind kicking into gear he reaches for the lock and pushes the door open, allowing the light of the airstream to cast shadows on her figure. Lisbon steps into the airstream and Jane automatically places his hand on her lower back as their bodies graze each other from the close proximity.

"Hi"

"Hi…"

"would you like some tea, Coffee? "

"Why do I get the feeling I'm going to need something stronger" Lisbon releases in her low, breathy tone.

"ahh, well then you're in luck, I have just the thing". Grabbing two tumblers and a bottle of Scotch, Jane makes himself comfortable next to Lisbon on the couch, making sure to leave enough space between them. Lisbon pours the amber liquid and brings the glass to her mouth, taking a small sip and leaving the glass resting against her lower lip. He knew she was nervous; it was one of her easy tells. He had seen it on numerous occasions at work Christmas parties and gala's when men in cheap suits would attempt to hit on her.

He liked having the upper hand in this particular situation, so he watched as she twisted in her seat with uneasiness, looking back between her eyes and her lips. He heard a faint intake of breath through her lips before she recomposed herself. The tension consumed every corner of the room, a heavy heat settling in the atmosphere. This was not how he thought his day was going to go when he woke up this morning.

"So…?"

"did Pike go home?"

"you made me drive all the way out here to ask about Pike?"

"No, no of course not, I'm just trying to be polite. It must have been awkward get rid of him"

"well yeah, it was. I did it because what you wanted to say seemed important" Lisbon said, beginning to get flustered with the useless small talk. This is not what she came here for.

A long silence passed where they both continued to look at one another then look into their laps, not knowing who was going to crack first. They both knew what the other wanted. Jane knew she must still have feelings for him, the same way it was undeniable his attraction and care for her. The problem was Lisbon needed him to say it first. She deserved that from him after everything he had put her through over the years, but he just didn't quite know what to say that would seem appropriate for the enormity of the situation. They both looked at the other, Jane pulling a face that he thought would convey his thoughts, and how desperate he was. Lisbon looked at him her eyes round and innocent, imploring him to say something, anything that would mean she wouldn't feel like she was wasting her time. Defeated, she set her glass down and stood up ready to leave.

"Lisbon wait!" Jane grabbed her wrist to pull her back.

"I have been waiting 12 years Jane, you don't get to make me feel bad anymore!"

"I'm not trying to make you feel bad, quite the opposite actually. I'm just not used to this, you know that"

"used to what? Being honest with me. God Jane" she released her wrist from his grip "you are so confusing"

"me confusing what about you! I can't do anything right at the moment. Before I left we were so close and I thought things would go back to that, but all you have done is try to ignore me. Your upset when I try and spend time with you, then your upset when I'm trying to give you space you said you needed. How's that for confusing!"

"Exactly Jane!" Lisbon was practically blowing steam out of her ears now, how could one man cause so many emotions all at the same time? "you just thought things would go back to the way they were, me your sidekick, always doing what you say and just going along for the ride. Never knowing what is truly happening but going along with it anyway, because you tell me to. That's not enough anymore Jane. You were gone for two years, people change Jane". Lisbon defiantly crossed her arms over her chest, signalling she wasn't budging on the matter.

Jane sighed and looked down, hands fiddling with the ageing ring on his finger. He knew she was right, but he didn't want to believe he had hurt her. That was not his intentions at all. He loved her.

"I..I know. I know I didn't treat you the way you deserved, but I had reasons for that. Valid ones. Ones that would keep you alive and safe and unharmed. And I know you hate that but I did it anyway and I don't regret it". Jane made a step towards her but she turned her head and took a step back, waist hitting the edge of the counter. "But I wanted things to be different when I came back. I had it all planned out, but then I went to the detention suite and you didn't want me interfering with you, and then Marcus Pike came along and every chance I thought I had kept being taken from me. I have tried hard to tell you how I feel, tonight being one of them".

Lisbon sighed "you can still tell me Jane, we have all night"

Jane could feel the moisture in his eyes from the emotions that were bubbling on the surface. He had been desperate for this moment to happen, and now it was here he felt like he was ruining it.

He looked her dead in the eyes. "I love you, Teresa". Lisbon stopped breathing, mouth gaping open then closing again when she realised no words would come out. "I love you, and I have loved you for a long time. Please do not go to D.C with Pike. He is a good man, and it's selfish of me and weak but I won't last a day without you being here. I have lost one love before; I really don't want to lose another to my own stupidity".

Tears were now silently pouring down Lisbon's face as relief washed over her entire body. "Please say something, Teresa. Even if you want to tell me to go to hell, I'll take that. I just need to know you're going to do what makes you truly happy. I will suffer a thousand times over to make sure you have what you deserve". Worried, Jane steps towards her and pushes a strand of her from her face, slowly lowering both hands to her upper arms. Instantaneously Lisbon grasps her fingers around his wrists to keep him close. Recognising her acceptance of his touch, his hands drift upwards passing her collar bone and cupping her cheeks, all the while her hands staying firmly placed on his. Taking a deep breath and shutting her eyes, Lisbon whispers "Why did you never tell me before?" "tell you what before?"

Lisbon gives him a pointed look and a mischievous grin appears on his face. It slowly drops again and turns into a frown. "a million reasons. You wouldn't be safe, we wouldn't be able to act on it, I wouldn't be able to keep my hands to myself once I told you, you weren't ready. There are a million reasons Teresa, but I can't have you leave with another man without knowing that it wasn't in all your head. You weren't imagining it".

"you are pain in the ass, you know that?"

Jane let out a low chuckle, not wanting to break the serenity of the moment. He looked down at her lips and had never been so tempted; he felt free. Lisbon stared back at him knowing what was on his mind. "well, just in case your psychic abilities have failed you this time…I feel the same way" Lisbon's breath blowing onto his face. He smiled lovingly, feeling the moment was surreal. Their eyes settled one another as their faces were slowly drifting close together, but not quite touching. "so, can I take you on a date?" Lisbon's face inched closer to his, "Maybe"

"maybe?" he chuckled, nose now sliding against her own. "well.. I need to keep you on your toes, a clever man such as yourself" she licked her lips and the tip of her tongue came into contact with his upper lip.

Jane groaned lowly and strained his lips to touch hers slightly, so close she could feel the movement of his lips as he spoke. "I have no doubt about that, Teresa". Goosebumps spreading across her skin, she could feel his right hand entwine with her hair, softly stroking across her scalp; his presence was intoxicating.

"Jane, we can't do this. I need to go. I haven't broken up with Pike".

Jane closed his eyes, pressing his forehead against hers, trying desperately to compose himself. He knew she wouldn't cheat but it honestly hadn't crossed his mind. "Your right. We shouldn't do anything tonight, not if Pike is still in the picture"

"I will break up with him. I just, haven't yet. It would be right". They broke apart slowly, not wanting to let the other go, enjoying the warmth way too much. She needed to leave. She needed to break up with Pike and think on her own. She was currently dating one man whilst stood in the arms of another wanting to rip every last shred of clothing off. She picked up her keys without breaking eye contact, turning at the very last second to open the door and step down on the grass.

"I hope you break up with him soon, Teresa. Tomorrow is a new day, all bets are off".

Lisbon quivered at the thought of Jane actively pursuing her, and the roguish look in his eye told her he meant it.

She was already looking forward to tomorrow.