Sorry, I couldn't update sooner because I have some exams next week and I had to work a lot. So, I won't update next week either, but I will do it on the next week-end. I hope you understand what I'm saying ^^
Happy reading! And thank you for your so nice reviews
9. Well-deserved rest
As Rigsby sat down at his desk, he threw a quick look over his shoulder into Lisbon's office. He thought he could make out her silhouette behind the desk, but upon closer inspection it only proved to be Jane, who was comfortably leaning back in her chair, staring off into space. Rigsby figured he was probably waiting for Lisbon and as he turned on his computer, he walked to the break room, passing Lisbon who sighed loudly. She briefly looked at the younger agent before letting her eyes sweep the room, her gaze coming to a stop at Jane's couch. It looked awfully comfortable and she was just so very tired…
When Rigsby walked back in a couple of minutes late, candy bar and coffee firmly in his hands, he was more than a little surprised to find his boss apparently taking a nap on Jane's beloved friend. He thought it best not to interrupt or try and wake her up, seeing as he only had a little paperwork left before he could go home himself. In the end, it took him about half an hour and when he got up, he glanced over at Lisbon who now seemed to be sound asleep. Should he wake her up? Then he remembered Jane was still in Lisbon's office, and he decided to pass the task onto him. He gave a gentle knock when he walked in, discovering that Jane had moved to the couch as well, and he didn't stir when Rigsby walked closer. If he had to wake on of them up, he'd definitely choose Jane.
"Hey, Jane"
"Huh? What?" he started.
"Are you playing 'I'll be you and you'll be me' with Lisbon?" Rigsby asked, somewhat amused.
"Huh?"
"You fell asleep while you were waiting for Lisbon."
"Ah…"
"Who's currently asleep on your couch," Rigsby finished.
"What do you mean?"
" Lisbon. Asleep. Your couch," he summed up.
"Oh…"
"Well, I'm going home. See you tomorrow."
"Yea, yea, see you," Jane said absentmindedly.
He rubbed his eyes, switched off the night light in Lisbon's office and silently closed the door behind him. He quietly crossed the bullpen, approaching Lisbon, whose face was completely relaxed as she slept. She looked entirely peaceful, serene even…As his eyes swept over her, he noticed the trail of goosebumps on her arms and he walked over to the closet, taking out the plaid blanket he'd used occasionally. He silently unfolded it, covering her body to keep her warm. After he'd made himself a cup of tea, he settled himself at Van Pelt's desk, momentarily happy to simply watch her sleep. There was a part of him that thoroughly enjoyed the idea of Lisbon having fallen asleep on his couch, because it implied she felt safe and comfortable there. What he wouldn't have given at that moment to be able to read her mind and discover her dreams or nightmares. Maybe she had wanted to know what it felt like to actually sleep at the office, as he had done countless times. Jane found himself relaxing just by observing her; just to see her like this, completely freed from problems, cases and responsibilities. No suspects to question, no witnesses to protect, no reports to finish…just her and her dreams. He must've sat there, staring at her, for more than ten minutes. Once he'd carried his empty tea cup to the break room, he sneaked closer to the couch, intent on waking her up so she could go home. Yet, when he saw her curled up under the blanket, he didn't have the heart. He was overcome by the sudden desire to lie next to her and just share the serenity she seemed to exude. Instead, he bent down and placed a soft kiss on her temple as he muttered, "Good night," before switching off the lights and leaving the room.
Lisbon could feel something lightly tickling her neck and she relaxed as she felt herself being covered in warmth. Her mind seemed to float between reality and her dreamworld, but she instinctively understood someone had put a blanket on top of her. She thought only a few seconds had passed when she suddenly felt a pair of soft lips against her temple. She was too tired to even open her eyes and thank whoever was standing next to her, but the whispered "Good night" told her all she needed to know. She smiled in her sleep, convinced that tomorrow morning, she'd probably believe everything had been a dream.
