Chapter 3

It was a sunny morning in Austin, Texas. Perfect weather, really. Jane and Lisbon sat at the kitchen counter eating breakfast together as if they had done it every day, and they had recently. For the past week the couple had been nearly inseparable. With Lisbon's injuries she received some time away from FBI work. Abbot insisted that she take at least two weeks off before resuming the strenuous activity. Though, Lisbon planned on returning Monday, in just two days. Jane got some time off, as well, so he could "take care" of Lisbon (more like drive her crazy).

"These are great, Jane," Lisbon said through a mouthful of pancakes.

"I know, they're my specialty," He grinned.

"Oh don't be so egotistical," Lisbon teased and flung a forkful of syrup at him.

"Hey!" Jane wiped his face, "respect the cook."

Lisbon just shook her head as a smile spread across her face.

Eventually their banter shifted to a much less fun topic.

"I called Pike last night…" Lisbon began.

"What did you tell him?"

"That he's a great guy but he's not the one for me."

"So you two are over?"

Lisbon nodded in reply.

"How was it?"

"Awkward. Now that it's over I'm relieved. He was a bit too intense; it was overwhelming."

Jane smiled, "well I guess I can do this now," he said while slipping a folded sheet of paper to her. She glanced at him cautiously before unfolding the note. It read: "Will you go out with me? Check one." Beneath the writing were two boxes, labeled 'yes' and 'no'. Lisbon grinned at his strange and juvenile manner. Nothing was ever normal with him. She checked yes and slid the paper back to him.

Jane beamed, "It's a date! I'll pick you up at six."

"Jane, we don't have to make a big deal out of it..."

"We do, it's our first official date."

"Fine," Lisbon grumbled, attempting to hide her growing excitement.

Having finished her hair and make-up, Lisbon stared at her reflection, nervously tugging at the edge of her dress. It was her first real date with Jane and she had to wear a stupid, good-for-nothing sling. Nevertheless, she felt like a giddy high school girl. Lisbon couldn't help it; Jane made her feel peculiar things. She smoothed down the black fabric of her dress, falling just above her knees. The doorbell rang just as the brunette slipped into a black pair of heels. With a final glimpse in the mirror she made her way to the door. But what greeted the agent on the other side left her speechless.

Belatedly she sputtered, "P-Pike, what are you doing?"

"I came to talk…"

"Marcus, I told you, I'm with Jane now."

"I want to change that." Pike argued, a dark and all-too-familiar intensity appearing in his eyes.

Lisbon didn't falter. "Listen, Pike, you're a great guy and you're going to make some girl really happy one day. But that girl isn't me."

"It could be… we could go to DC together, like we originally planned. Before Jane got in the way."

"No." Lisbon stayed firm and shook her head, "Jane was always there, it just took me a while to see him. Look, what you and I had was nice but it isn't what I want. It's over."

"Teresa, I-" Lisbon interrupted him, "I need you to leave."

"You're going on a date with him, aren't you?" Pike glowered.

"That does not concern you. Now, please leave before I personally escort you to your car." Lisbon huffed.

Angrily, Pike stormed away, the woman's response was enough for him to confirm that Jane would be there shortly. He fumed, pacing around his car, parked on the side of the street.

Meanwhile, Lisbon remained by the front door. It was a quarter past six and Jane wasn't there. She strode around the living room and was halfway through dialing his number when the doorbell rang.

"You look beautiful," Jane greeted with a bright smile.

"You're not so bad yourself," She grinned, but it faded when she met his eyes. "Jane, what happened to your eye? It's bruised."

"It's no big deal… not the first one anyway." He beamed, seemingly unfazed.

Lisbon gently touched the swollen area and he flinched.

"At least ice it," Lisbon advised as she guided him into the kitchen and wrapped an ice pack in a towel.

"Fine," he sighed, "but only for ten minutes."

"So, who'd you insult this time?" Lisbon asked once Jane was seated.

"It didn't do anything, I swear. He just sort of came over…"

"It was Pike wasn't it?" Lisbon asked.

Jane nodded.

"Damn. I should've known," Lisbon said as she ran her hand through her hair, "sorry."

Jane waved an unconcerned hand, "don't worry about it. Anyway it was fair: you broke his heart, he broke my face," Jane exaggerated before continuing, "I think we both know who's going to recover first."

They grinned at each other and made small talk until Jane rose.

"Well, we better go now."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Positive"


Jane spread out a checkered blanket on the soft grass, it might have been cliché but he didn't care. Lisbon would love it. In front of their spot was a large stage where a band had begun playing. A gentle breeze caused the trees to sway in time with the music. The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow on the sea of people gathering around the band.

"Jane, I'm impressed. This is nice." Lisbon smiled over the mini feast he had prepared; sandwiches, fruits, crackers, cheese, and chocolate chip cookies (her favorite) speckled the blanket.

"I try." He grinned and met her eyes. Their gaze lasted a little too long and they shifted their glances down, blushing slightly.

As the sunlight dwindled so did the space between the pair. By the time the sky was ebony black Lisbon's head rested on Jane's chest. They were lying on their backs, listening to the music and whispering sweet nothings. Jane toyed with Lisbon's hair. Her fingers fit perfectly in the space between his. A warm and contempt feeling bubbled inside the blonde and nestled in his chest.

He hadn't felt this way in years.

The end of the night came all too soon.

As the couple drove home Lisbon tried not to get lost in the moment; the way his curls blew in the wind, the sparkle in his eyes, the night air and the long road. It was beautiful. Everything was beautiful because of him.

When they arrived at her house Jane walked Lisbon up to the front door.

"I had an amazing night," Lisbon said.

"Me too," Jane agreed, "I've missed you."

Lisbon looked down sheepishly. "The feeling was mutual."

Jane smiled. "We should do something again."

"Yeah, I'll call you tomorrow."

"I'm looking forward to it," Jane declared with a wink.

"Goodnight, Teresa."

"Night, Patrick." She whispered. He filled her with a contagious confidence; fearlessly she rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him quickly on the cheek before slipping inside.

Lisbon leaned up against the front door and sunk to the floor, the edges of her lips turning up as she bit the bottom one. Her heart raced. A beautiful, ache filled the brunette's chest. Already, she longed to be with him.

Little did she know Jane was on the other side of the door, dazed and unable to wipe the grin off his face. His fingers traced the place where lips had just been.

If this wasn't love he didn't know what was.


A/N: Last night's episode killed me. Honestly, I cried. It was ridiculous. Anyway, I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed, followed, and favorited this. You make my day! Also, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. As always, reviews are appreciated!