A/N: I'm sorry I didn't get to update yesterday. I managed to make this chapter longer, but it's also probably my least favorite one. I'm not really happy with it, but oh well.

And since I love music so much, I just couldn't resist putting the chorus lyrics of Holding On And Letting Go, that I find to fit Lisbon's position perfectly.

It's everything you wanted,

It's everything you don't.

It's one door swinging open,

And one door swinging closed.

Some prayers find an answer,

Some prayers never know.

We're holding on...and letting go.

Ross Copperman - Holding On And Letting Go

"I'm leaving for D.C."

She'd had enough time to think it through. She'd needed to make a decision, and Marcus had needed it from her, too. She had evaluated all her options, had also waited for one more to present itself. She'd felt guilty because it wasn't fair to Marcus; but in the end Jane hadn't pronounced himself, so it hadn't mattered. She had finally listened to her head and taken the decision that seemed to be the best for her and her future, a decision that would prevent any more heartbreaks.

So why, after uttering the words at her normally last owner reunion, did they feel so wrong?

Because, the little voice inside her head answered as she met the sad gazes of the people she had grown attached to, she had made this place a home. She felt good here. The only true homes she'd had in her life before were her childhood house before her Mom died, and the CBI. It was only normal she didn't want to leave the one she'd just found again - especially when Jane had been such an important part of her CBI and Austin homes. Truth be told, she didn't know how she was going to cope without him.

But, she convinced herself stubbornly, she'd make herself a new home with Marcus. After all,he was everything she had once wanted for herself: trustworthy, attentive, truthful... someone she could depend on.

It was too late to turn back now, anyways. She had taken her decision and had called D.C.'s office to tell them she was accepting the job. She would go through with it.

"The boys'll be sad to hear the news," Mrs. Richards quietly said as they excited the room.

Lisbon smiled sadly. "I'll miss those two."

"When do you plan on moving?" the woman asked.

"In two weeks." It had been a decision quickly taken after Marcus had reminded her gently that she didn't have forever. And Abbott had been right when he had kept her in his office, trying to coax the truth out of her after her latest stunt with Jane. She was risking throwing away a good opportunity - if it was what she decided to take - by covering Jane's back. The sooner the better.

Mr. Richards joined his wife. "Well if you need anything, we're in the building to the left."

Lisbon thanked him, and the three wished each other goodnight before parting. Lisbon and Nadia both headed in the direction of their condos.

"So this is it, then," Nadia stated, having closely followed Lisbon's previous conversation. "You're leaving."

"I am," Lisbon confirmed. Then, after a couple of seconds, she added, "I'll miss it here."

Lisbon had told her the week before about her job offer in D.C. It had been a tough choice to make; but Nadia highly disapproved of her final decision. Of course it was about Jane - it always had been where the woman was concerned. But settling for second best because it seemed like the right thing to do was never a good decision.

She'd be just as miserable as Jane if she ever left.

They started climbing up the stairs in silence.

"And how about Jane?" Nadia asked boldly after a pause, true to her form.

Lisbon slowed her step. "What about him?" She was feeling uneasy with the turn of the conversation.

"What does he think about your decision?" Nadia asked carefully.

She only answered once they were in front of their respective doors, her voice thick. "I haven't told him yet."

She hadn't wanted to - hadn't been ready to break the news. Not yet.

"That alone should tell you something," Nadia told her, looking at her intently. Then, because nothing else but "Goodnight" needed to be said, she turned around and entered her condo, leaving a lost and tormented woman behind.