Pursuit Of Happiness

Epilogue

Jane and Lisbon sat side by side on the couch. This had become their traditions, Saturday nights, movie and pizza, the two of them with no interruptions. It was a tradition they liked, something that grounded them, and something they were in no hurry to change. Tonight, however, as the final instalment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy played into the otherwise silent living room, neither of them was really paying attention to what was happening on the television. Jane was too busy watching the woman in his arms, knowing that the reason he had picked a particularly long film was because he hoped it might bore her into talking to him about whatever was bothering her. He knew that something was on her mind, but whenever he asked her about it she brushed him off, insisting that she was fine.

"You sure you're ok?" he asked her, as Aragorn was finally crowned the King of Gondor or something like that on the screen. He enjoyed this trilogy, but no matter how many times he read the books he found it hard to remember who was king of where.

"Yes, I'm completely sure," she assured him.

"Honestly?"

"One hundred percent," she nodded.

"You know you could tell me if there was-"

She turned to him, now sitting sideways on the couch and facing him. "Patrick, I appreciate your concern, but really, I am fine," she told him firmly.

There was another silence and he nodded, looking away from her. She noticed the slightly hurt expression on his face and to make sure that he knew she wasn't mad at him she took hold of his hand, giving him a gentle smile. When he saw this smile, it removed all negative emotions from him. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I know it's bugging you; me keep asking this."

"It's not bugging me," she assured him. "I just don't understand why this is bothering you so much."

"I can't help worrying about you, Teresa, you know that," he reminded her.

"It's nice to know that you care that much," she admitted. "I just wish you wouldn't worry so much."

"Easier said that done," he mused.

"Still, perhaps its worth trying sometimes, right?" she hinted.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Would you mind terribly if now isn't one of those times?" he asked.

She sighed. "Patrick, really, I'm fine," she insisted again.

"See, as much as you say that, I just can't believe you," he said, turning to face her in a similar way to which she was seated now.

"You think I'm lying?" she tested him.

"Not lying," he corrected quickly. "Just not elaborating on the truth."

"Really, Patrick, there's nothing for you to worry about."

"Isn't there?" he questioned. "Teresa, you've been quieter than usual for days. Every time somebody tries to talk to you, you end up wandering off to be alone and you're hardly sleeping either..." at this, she turned her face away from him, staring intently at the television. "You said you were happy with the way things were, so why start doubting it now?" he asked.

"I'm not doubting anything," she whispered.

"Then what?"

She was silent.

"Teresa, you can tell me."

She shook her head. "You'll think it's ridiculous," she said.

"I don't care," he shrugged. "You could tell me that you were imagining a group of dancing birds in the middle of the room and I wouldn't care." He leaned in to her, kissing her cheek. "I just don't want you to be doing whatever it is you're doing on your own anymore."

She had to smile at his words, and decided it was better to tell him if only to save the questions. "I think I've just finally started to see that this is my life now," she mused. "Here, with you. It's so surreal sometimes, and I can't believe that it's happened because I'm not used to being this happy."

And true to his word, he did seem to understand. "I see what you mean," he nodded.

"Sometimes, just before I open my eyes in the morning, I wonder whether I've dreamed everything and I'm still in that coma," she admitted, a little quieter than before.

"You know that won't ever happen," he assured her.

"I know," she smiled. "That's why it's ridiculous. I know that nothing will have changed when I open my eyes, but sometimes this all seems so unbelievable."

He leaned back a little, looking deep into her eyes. "Teresa, you're happy with things how they are?" he asked her.

She nodded. "I wouldn't want them any other way."

"Then you shouldn't be afraid that it'll disappear," he smiled. She returned the grin, which grew when his hands settled on her upper arms. "Look, Teresa, no matter what happens, we'll always find a way to be together. We're in this now and we're not backing out. So, whenever you need further convincing of that just come and find me, and we'll find a way to work it into your head that this is how things are supposed to be," he smiled, before letting his eyes fall over her body briefly. "And I can start that by telling you how insanely beautiful and captivating you are and that I love you more than anything in this universe."

She let out a tiny laugh. "I love you too," she assured him.

Their lips met, as they had done a thousand times, but it still gave them a fresh tingling of something new and exciting. "I'm sorry if I worry too much," he mumbled against her lips afterwards.

"I think I can forgive you," she nodded. "Unless, of course, you go too far with it."

"Define 'too far'," he asked awkwardly.

"Following me around even more of the day than you already do would definitely be too far," she decided.

He laughed. "How do you know I don't do it anyway and I'm just very skilled at being hidden?"

"I would know," she insisted immediately. "Besides, you're too busy watching the one who's following you around every second of the day."

His smile grew, and his eyes filled with a familiar warmth as they always did when this topic was mentioned. "He's too much like you for his own good."

"Not completely," she argued.

"No?" he laughed.

"Every time I look at him, I see you," she insisted.

He shook his head. "His hair's too dark to be me," he mused.

"What do you expect?" she asked. "Clearly I had the dominant hair genes. Besides, you're forgetting how he has your blue eyes, and he's always sneaking up on people like you do."

Jane smiled triumphantly. "I'm training him well."

They laughed and their lips met once more. This time, when they pulled away, there was a fire burning in their eyes that was more than just concern and reassurance. "You know," Jane mused. "Perhaps it's a good thing that our little monster is having a sleep over tonight," he nodded.

"He's not a monster," she said innocently, shuddering as he scraped his fingertips down her spine. "Although, he and Joshua are probably driving Laila insane."

"She has her friends over too," he reminded. "Pre-teens hate young boys, it's a rule. She is eleven now."

"And our little guy is nearly five," she realised. "He won't need us anymore, soon."

He bought his lips closer to hers. "Alex is always going to need his parents," he assured her. "And when he's all grown up and claims he doesn't, I'll still need you."

"Is that so?" she asked innocently.

"Let me show you how much," he said seductively, pressing his lips down to hers.

END.

A/N: Yes, this really is the final chapter. I've really enjoyed writing this story, and I've enjoyed reading your reviews even more. It's definitely convinced me to write more Jisbon and Rigspelt stories. At the moment I'm focusing on The Fire Breathes, which is a big Jibson story and I'd like to see what some of you make of that if you fancy reading. Also, I am on livejournal now where I'll be posting alerts for any new stories that I put up if anyone fancies adding me as a friend.

Thank you for reading