Author's notes: This is for Rosepeony who requested a funny tag for Balls of Fire. A hard request as Jane and Lisbon's banter at the end of the show is my favourite scene of their's. But I've tried my best and I hope she doesn't mind that there's a bit of pathos in there too. Thanks to all who reviewed my last tag from Fugue in Red. More requests are welcome.
Lisbon looks at her watch and then into the bullpen, the couch is empty, her stomach does a flip and she tries to keep the panic out of her voice.
"Has anyone seen Jane?"
Cho looks up from his desk. He looks over at the empty couch.
"Ron said that he was here earlier, that it looked like he'd slept all night on the couch. He said it was almost as if he didn't like the interruption. Jane got off the couch and was heading for the elevators before Ron had even taken his jacket off."
"Did Ron say if he looked okay?"
Cho shrugs. Lisbon feels a little relieved that Jane was spotted this morning, but she's still uneasy about his whereabouts. She takes her phone from her pocket and rings his number as she walks to her office. It goes straight to answer phone as she enters.
"Boo!"
Lisbon jumps out of her skin and turns around.
"What do you think you're doing Jane. I could do you some serious damage."
"Well I'm glad you controlled yourself."
Jane's beaming at her as she sits behind her desk.
"Where have you been anyway?"
Jane shrugs.
"Just went for a walk, stretching the old legs. They were still a little 'creaky', as you so charmingly put it, from the cattle prod."
"Did it help?"
"Yes, I feel like a new man."
"Well that is good news, I look forward to working with a new Jane."
Jane looks offended.
"And what was wrong with the old Jane?"
"You mean the one who liked to bait powerful politicians, offend anyone who can give me a headache.."
Jane raises his finger.
"I want to stop you there, he didn't only offend anyone who could cause you trouble, He wasn't that discriminate."
"True."
Jane makes himself comfy on her couch, swinging his legs around so he's laying facing her.
"So what do you wish from this 'new' Jane?"
Lisbon opens up her laptop and pretends to be busy as she hides herself from his knowing gaze and she realises there's so much she could say. The truth, no more lies about what he's doing, where he's going. No more 'trying to protect her'. No more quest for revenge, no more plans to kill Red John, putting his freedom and his life in jeopardy. No more spending time in the attic, no more pulling away from people who care about him, keeping them at arms length, keeping himself shut down. No more recklessness, treating his life as if it means nothing to him, or anyone else. No more reasons to worry about him. Instead she peers over the laptop:
"A man who keeps his promises."
Jane looks offended.
"What promises haven't I kept?"
Lisbon smiles at him.
"I'm still waiting for that apple for one."
"Woman! Are you still going on about that apple!"
Jane reaches into his inside pocket.
"Catch."
An apple sails over towards Lisbon, which she catches.
"Thanks, better late than never."
She takes a bite as Jane scowls at her and she looks at him and smiles.
"It's the best apple I ever tasted."
Jane understands all that's meant by those words, that she's glad he's back, safe and sound. He settles in to the cushion under his head and closes his eyes.
"My pleasure Lisbon."