A/N: Hello everyone! Im so so sorry for the wait! I hope you're not too mad at me for taking so long...it is Christmas time after all. So much to do! And I had some trouble getting through this chapter. I would like to thank Lalalupin for all the help! There are a couple paragraphs in here that belong to you and I appreciate you letting me use them. You have helped me so much! Looking forward to reading whatever you have planned next! Also a shoutout to all of you who continue to follow this story of mine! And for leaving such wonderful reviews! I hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Disclaimer: I think you all know by now that I don't own a thing. Only the mistakes I'm sure to make! And I apologize for any :)
Jane awoke to the sound of someone persistently knocking on his door. Cracking an eye open, he snuck a peak at the clock. 6am! Who would be waking him up at this godly hour? When the knocking didn't let up, he groaned and rolled out of the bed, making his way to the door.
Padding across the floor and rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he swung the door open. Ready to tell whoever it was to get lost but once his eyes focused enough, the words never left his lips. "Tommy! What are you doing here?"
"Jane? I'm sorry, I thought this was my sister's room." Tommy said, looking a little more then confused.
His sister's room? Shit, it is. Last night when he climbed into her bed, he had promised Lisbon he would be back in his own room by morning so something like this didn't happen. He had to think, and quick. It couldn't be too hard right? He does it all the time. "Uh, it is."
Tommy's eyes narrowed slightly, "So what are you doing answering the door?"
"Uh, I heard you knocking from my room. We have adjoining rooms. And it sounded like she wasn't getting the door anytime soon, so I figured I would." Jane tried, hoping Tommy bought what he was selling. "Let her sleep a little longer, you know?"
Tommy raised a skeptical eyebrow but said nothing to his sister's colleague. He sidestepped the other man, passing him to go wake Reese up.
Jane let out a puff of air, relieved Tommy didn't ask questions. Yet. But he still worried what his reaction was going to be when his eyes land on the bed. There was no getting around the fact that it looked like two bodies slept there instead of the expected one. Maybe he would write off as Lisbon being a restless sleeper. She was unusually restless last night, and he couldn't figure out why.
"Time to wake up, Reese!" Tommy said tossing himself onto the bed next to his sister. He wasn't going to ask about the state of the bed, it was his sisters business and he wasn't going to pry. Plus, he really didn't want to know what went on between those sheets.
A muffled sound came from somewhere under the mound of blankets but nothing else.
"Reese, wake up." Tommy tried again, while poking at his sister.
"Don't call me Reese, Jane." Lisbon mumbled.
Tommy's eyes widened a little, "Not Jane, Reese."
Not Jane? Lisbon thought. If not him, who else could it be? The only people who call her 'Reese' is her family...
Oh no! Fully awake now, Lisbon tossed the covers away and looked back and forth between her new bed mate and the old one in horror.
"Relax Lisbon. I heard him knocking and let him in. I hope you don't mind." Jane said, trying subtly to tell her the story he came up with. He saw the tension leave her shoulders as she processed what needed to be said.
"Yeah, no it's fine. Thanks Jane. Sorry for waking you." Lisbon apologized, giving him a smile that hopefully said much more then words could right now. He gave her a small smile and nod in return, then made his way to his room. She was truly grateful that he was allowing her to tell her family when she was ready. She could tell it hurt him to keep what they have, quiet.
A hand came up in front of her face and snapped, "Reese?"
"What?" Lisbon said turning to address her brother.
Tommy chuckled while shaking his head. His sister really needed to work on her acting skills. "Nothing. I was sent to make sure you and Patrick were awake. It's Six Flags day Reese! Remember going as kids?"
Lisbon saw the excitement in his eyes and decided not to darken the memory by bring up the painful past. So instead she tried to join him in his excitement. "Yeah! Some great memories where made there."
Tommy noticed that his sister was trying her best to be as excited, but when he saw the happy smile on her face fall ever so slightly, he couldn't help trying to comfort her. "Hey. It's okay to be sad. You don't have to try with me. I know what you're going through, I was there. I remember."
Tears began to pool in her eyes and she started to get that burning sensation in her throat. Wiping her eyes, she refused to cry. Today was supposed to be filled with happy memories not with tears. "I know. Thanks Tommy." She said clearing her throat. "What time is the shuttle bus picking us up?"
Tommy gave her a reassuring smile and said, "Eight. So no rush Reese, take your time. And maybe you should explain why today might be a little hard for you, to Patrick. You two seem pretty close." He teased.
"Go." Lisbon said blushing and smacking him with a pillow.
"Alright! I'm leaving." He said holding his hands up in surrender.
Once he was gone, Lisbon fell back onto the mattress and let herself be surrounded by the bedding. It was warm and soft there, she didn't want to leave.
"Lisbon?"
"Huh?" She could already feel herself falling back to sleep. Maybe just a few more minutes...
Jane knew listening at the door was wrong but he just couldn't help it. And when he heard the siblings talking about something that happened years ago, he was immediately concerned. A million and one questions buzzing around his head. "Is something wrong?"
Lisbon took a deep breath, of course he would be listening. And maybe Tommy was right, maybe she should tell Jane. He might be able to help and keep her from loosing it altogether. She sighed and lifted the covers so that he could join her.
Once he was settled, Jane turned to her with unspoken questions in his eyes. He wanted her tell him on her own without bombarding her with his questions. He sat, watching her for a few minutes. Her breathing was elevated and she was twisting her fingers, avoiding his gaze. He could tell she wanted to tell him, she just wasn't sure where to start.
Frustrated with herself, Lisbon huffed and through the blankets up and over her head. Why was this so hard? She trusted Jane with her life for crying out loud! And then there was the fact that she loves him. He does deserve to know what has her upset. Even though he probably would grant her the same courtesy.
Jane joined her in her cocoon of safety and warmth and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"It's another memory I guess..." she started. "The last time I was at a Six Flags, my family was whole. It wasn't the broken mess it is now. Everyone was there...Mom, Dad, James, Tommy and even little Tim. Him and Mom always sat out because he was too small to ride with the rest of us, but that time he was finally tall enough. He was so happy...Mom and I had a tradition too. She always made a special effort to find a Farris Wheel to ride...just the two of us."
Jane saw the smile tugging at her lips that was trying to break free, but noticed she wouldn't let it.
Lisbon tried to breath evenly as she sadly spoke the next part of her tale. "It was the last time I saw my family happy. It was the last time I saw my mom smile and heard her laugh. I fell asleep in the car on the way home and when I woke up the next morning, she was gone. The drunk driver hit her on her way home that night."
"Teresa, I'm so sorry." Jane said with sadness in voice. With the morning light illuminating their hide out, he was able to see that she was fighting very hard not to cry. But she just wasn't fighting hard enough, a tear escaped and he watched it travel down her cheek before he reached out and gently wiped it away. He had barely rid her face of that tear when another followed. The arm around her waist tightened a little as he brought his forehead to rest against her temple, his nose brushing her cheek ever so softly. "I'm so sorry..."
Hearing his hushed apology, she couldn't hold back anymore and just let the tears flow freely. She clung to his arm that was around her like a life preserver, anchoring her to reality. But even in her emotional state, she couldn't bare for him to see her cry. She turned her body so that it was pressed snug with his and buried her face in his neck.
Her body shook with silent sobs as Jane rubbed soothing, calming circles on her back and kissed her hair every now and then. Always whispering how sorry he was.
She couldn't understand why he was apologizing so much. What was he sorry for? Its not like it was his fault her mom died or that her and her brothers chose to go to Six Flags today, knowing what kind of emotions would get stirred up.
Sniffing and wiping the wetness from her face, she brought her eyes up to meet his. "Why do you keep say you're sorry?" She said with a scratchy voice.
"It just something you say when someone you care for is hurting." He said looking at her with sympathy.
She nodded, understanding. He was right. "Thank you." She said quietly.
"Anytime...Reese." Jane said trying to ease the heavy tension. He knew he wasn't allowed to call her that nickname.
It worked though. She glared at him and smacked his chest. "Don't call me Reese."
He laughed and grabbed the hand she hit him with and brushed a sweet kiss on her palm. "Maybe someday?" He asked, hopeful.
"Never. I hate that name. Call me Teresa, Lisbon, Love...almost anything else. Just not Reese." Lisbon said making a face of disgust.
"I knew you liked being called 'Love'." Jane teased.
Lisbon blushed, "Shut up."
It was silent for a minute before Jane decided it was safe to speak again. "Thank you for telling what was wrong Love."
Lisbon may have rolled her eyes, but what she said, she meant, "Thank you for listening. It means so much Jane. Opening up doesn't come easy for me."
"If you haven't noticed, opening up doesn't come that easy for me either." Jane smiled.
"Oh I know." She laughed.
Jane captured her lips mid laugh with a searing kiss. When they broke apart, do to lack of air, he said, "Just returning the favor. You have helped me so much over the years, listening to your story and giving you comfort doesn't even come close to what you have done for me. I know I'm a pain in ass-"
That was all she let him get out before her mouth was on his again. Only this time, she swung a leg around him, straddling his waist and let her tongue run across his bottom lip.
Both were still safely under their fort of blankets and pillows when Lisbon suddenly pulled back at the sound of her phone buzzing, their lips parting with a smack. Only it wasn't anyone calling, it was her alarm. She had set it last night in order to be up in time, but Tommy had taken care of that for her.
"Damn." Lisbon said shutting it off and climbing off Jane and finally out of bed.
"I agree." Jane said. "I wasn't done." He tried to reach for her again but she was too fast.
Shaking her head, she hands Jane the room phone, "Order something simple from room service please? We only have about an hour before we have to go."
After breakfast and trying to find something to wear that was suitable for a theme park, the pair made their way down to the lobby with only minutes to spare.
"What were you two doing up there that took so long?" James asked when he saw them. "I hope it was worth almost being late again."
Lisbon could tell by the teasing tone in his voice that Sarah had let him in on her secret. One thing she had always admired about their relationship was the fact that they kept nothing from each other. Even if it was other people's secrets. She could also tell that James wasn't disapproving. He looked genuinely happy for her.
Deciding to play games with her family, Lisbon answered, "It was." and walked out to the awaiting shuttle van. Sly comments were a good start, she thought. The moment in the hotel room had her feeling closer to Jane then ever and she wanted everyone to know he was hers.
When Jane joined her moments later, he leaned in and whispered. "Everyone is talking about your little comment you know."
"Are they?" Lisbon said with a smirk, "Let them."
"You continue to surprise me Lisbon. Are you sure you're ready?"
Lisbon reached for his hand and held it in hers. "Yes. They're going to find out sooner or later. Why not tease and mess with them a little. And I know how much you love games and messing with people..." She smiled.
"True." He laughed. "But this is your family. It might come as a surprise to you, but I would really like to make a good impression."
"I don't think you have to worry about that Jane. They already love you."
Jane smiled down at her and threw his arms around her in a playful hug. "I'm glad you think so."
"What are you two doing back there?" Lisbon heard Tim yell above the commotion of the suddenly crowded shuttle. It looked like the Lisbon Family wasn't going to be the only family on it.
"Yeah, there are children present!" Tommy and James added in unison.
Lisbon shoved Jane away and laughed, a little embarrassed. "Can we just get a move on please?"
On the way, Jane entertained the twins and Simon with various magic tricks, as Lisbon sat pressed up against him, due to the lack of room. Not that she minded anyway.
Annie had called shotgun, and was constantly turning around to smirking at her Aunt Reese. Lets just say she got the death glare every time she turned around.
Tommy, James and Tim were reminiscing about the good old days. They told embarrassing stories of their childhood and made a point to share more about their sister then anyone else. Just to embarrass her in front of...whatever Patrick Jane was to her now. Because they certainly weren't buying the 'just partners' thing anymore. Especially not after what Tommy shared with the group about what happened this morning.
Luckily the other families that rode with them weren't an issue. Except for the women. Of course Jane was getting flirtatious looks left and right, like he always did. And it was slowly getting on Lisbon's nerves. Come to think of it, it had always bothered her in some way.
She couldn't wait to get to Six Flags...
XXX
Once the tickets were purchased, and the twins were given the safety talk, Lisbon took charge and led her family through the gates and into the amusement park.
All around them, there were happy families on vacation, children laughing, and excited screams from the roller coasters in the distance. Lisbon paused and smiled for a moment, taking it all in. She was glad she agreed to do this. Yes, there were painful memories that came along with being here, but in doing so it gave her an opportunity to make great new ones.
Jane walked along side Lisbon when he noticed that she stopped, her brows furrowed in thought. He nudged her lightly with his elbow and asked, "What's got you thinking so hard?"
She turned to look at him, and her expression softened, "Just thinking about all the new memories I'm about to make."
He nodded, agreeing with her. He new what she meant, he cherished each and every new memory he made. Tucking them away in a special room of his memory palace so he was sure to remember them.
Jane looked into her eyes for a moment and then cracked a smile.
"Shut up." Lisbon said, then grabbed his hand, "Lets go."
"I didn't say anything though!"
"You were going too."
They caught up to the group quickly, and Jane noticed Lisbon still had a hold of his hand. He tried to get her to let go, worried it might draw too much attention and raise too many questions, but every time he loosened his grip, she just held on tighter. He knew if anyone asked, she would brush it off and eventually let go, but that's just who she is. What happens in her private life, is her business and no ones else's.
In fact, throughout the day, her hand hardly left his. She only let go when necessary, then it was right back in his. Every now and then he could tell she was holding on out of comfort and safety, making sure he was still there and wasn't going anywhere. And Jane was going to do his best make sure that stayed true.
XXX
After a few hours of riding coaster after coaster, the group decided to split up for a while. Everyone went their own way, planning to meet back at the shuttle van at around 5.
James and Sarah took Emily and Amanda to a more kid friendly part of the park. They couldn't ride the big roller coasters just yet, so even though they were being good sports about it and understood why, they deserved to have some fun too. Though it was a little difficult for Mom and Dad to drag them away from Uncle Patrick.
Tommy and Annie choose to spend the entire time getting on and off the biggest roller coaster they could find. All the while, competing to see who could go the longest without hurling up their lunch.
Tim, Abigail and Simon decided to go shopping. Everyone needed to get something for someone back home and found this to be the perfect opportunity.
And as for Jane and Lisbon, Jane remembered seeing a certain ride he wanted to take Lisbon on. It was another something he could check off the list.
XXX
"Jane! Where are you taking me?" Lisbon laughed. She couldn't see anything due to the fact that Jane had a hand over her eyes and he didn't give her any type of hint about where they were headed.
Jane gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and told her, "Be patient Love. It's a surprise."
The smile on her face crumpled into a slight frown when she heard the word 'surprise'. "You know I don't like surprises Jane."
"Well I hope you like this one..." Jane said as he stopped in front of their destination. He counted down from three quietly in her ear and when he got to one...he slowly removed his hand.
Lisbon blinked a few times against the bright sun as her eyes tried to focus on what was in front of her. She gasped, "Jane...
"Do you like it?" Jane asked, hope laced throughout his voice.
After the shock wore off, Lisbon threw her arms around Jane's neck.
He caught her around the waist and laughed as he managed to keep them up right. They held onto each other like that from a couple minutes before Jane felt the grip around his neck loosen.
With her feet firmly planted on the ground and her eyes locked on Jane, Lisbon firmly grabbed his face and planted a kiss on lips. When she let him go, she whispered, "Thank you."
Jane smiled, "I think I need to surprise you more often if that's the response I get."
"Ha ha." Lisbon said dryly. "Are we going up?"
Jane didn't miss the hope he heard in her voice. "Of course. Why would I bring you here if we weren't?" He said. "Come on. The Farris Wheel awaits!"
Go to Six Flags/Ride a Farris Wheel- Check.
A/N: Please leave a review if you have time! And I have a little Christmas present for y'all...I'm working on a couple Christmas inspired stories! One won't be an extremely long one, just a couple chapters or so. The other might be a little longer. And I hope to get the first one posted here in a couple days! If I don't, it will either be late on Christmas Eve or after Christmas. So look for "Sparks Fly on Christmas" and "Run Away Heart". Thanks again for reading! Next up- Watch Fireworks.
