It's her birthday.
She's at work early, as usual. But she doesn't mind, she likes work. It keeps her sane...mostly.
She walks into her office, and a figure startles her.
"Happy birthday, Lisbon."
"Oh gosh, Jane." She puts her briefcase of never-ending paperwork on her desk, ditching her coat. "Why are you here so early?" He smiled. A mischievous smile.
"I wanted to be the first person to wish you happy birthday." She smiled wide, walking closer. "So...happy birthday." He held out a small box with a bow on it.
"Really?"
"Yeah." She opened the box, revealing a silver necklace that said 'Teresa'. As she lifted it out of the box, the little emeralds on either side sparkled in the dim light. She looked back up, dazed.
"Wow, Jane...this is...beautiful." He smiled, taking it from her hands and gently latching it around her neck. "Thank you, Jane, this is gorgeous." He pulled her into his embrace, squeezing her tightly.
"Happy birthday, princess."
She just let him hold her. She buried her head against his neck, filling in for all those times when he'd disappear for days without a word. They stayed like that for a while, close to each other. All of a sudden there was a knock on the door and a smiling Rigsby peeked through.
"Oh sorry boss, I didn't realise you had company." She pulled back, turning around.
"Oh no, it's okay." She looked back at Jane awkwardly, unsure of what to say.
"I just gave her her birthday present." Rigsby nodded, smiling.
"Okay. Well, Cho and Grace want to see you and Jane in the bullpen." Lisbon smiled, nodding, as Rigsby walked out. She turned back to Jane, letting out a breath.
"Oh come on, it was just a hug."
"Oh stop it you." She slapped him playfully on the arm while he pretended to look hurt.
She walked out, Jane shadowing her, wearing a knowing smile. As she turned the corner, she was met with a chorus of "happy birthday!" and poppers going off. She laughed, a little shocked. He smiled, her happiness fuelling his. Everyone surrounded her, excited. All those who called the bullpen home were here to celebrate Lisbon's tenth birthday at the bureau. Jane slowly walked back towards his couch, sitting on the arm. He didn't care much for joining in on parties.
Lisbon looked at him from the other end of the office; her mouth smiling with happiness-but her eyes smiling with affection. He only saw that occasionally. He was glad he gave her his gift before the party began. That way they had privacy. As he sat there, watching Lisbon enjoy her birthday, he dwelled on the last few minutes. He loved holding her close to him. Where she would always be safe. It felt so good to have her in his arms. It had been...so long since he hugged her last. As soon as she had pulled away, he missed her. He ached for her now. But he always felt like that. He had learned to live with it. He just had to wait for an excuse to be close to her.
But one day...he hoped he wouldn't have to.