A/N: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing this story. I never imagined so many people would still follow it after now more than 20 chapters! I have to apologise again, it turned out this chapter might be even less eventful than the last one, but I promise you more will be happening on the case front very soon.

The three-piece suit

Lisbon turned the the light switch in the bathroom off and stepped into the corridor. It was strange how much difference a simple shower could make. She felt a lot more like herself again, as if she not only had washed away the stench of cheap prison shampoo, but also part of her problems. Clad in one of her favourite jerseys and a simple pair of black sweatpants she tapped back into the living room, her bare feet hardly making any noise on the wooden floor. Her eyes immediately found Jane as she entered the room; he was sitting on the couch, his eyes closed, but even at a distance she could tell that he wasn't asleep. He hadn't turned the TV on, but was just sitting there, seemingly deep in thoughts. Lisbon looked at the table, where nothing indicated that they'd eaten just a short while ago. She felt bad for a moment, because he'd cleaned up everything after already having taken care of the cooking. But then… he'd insisted on doing it and it had seemed silly to argue about it with him. It was slightly unsettling to be exposed to this new side of him. Jane had always looked out for her, at least in a way, but never as openly as he did now. It almost felt as if he would do anything to make her feel better. She enjoyed it, no question, but this wasn't supposed to be only about her. She wanted to make him feel better too, she wanted him to be happy.

He looked up as she walked over, a smile flashing across his face.

"That was fast."

She sat down beside him and shrugged.

He turned slightly towards her and it just felt natural to curl into him, her back against his chest. She heard him sigh in contentment as he buried his face in her hair and her heart swelled. Maybe it wasn't as difficult to make him happy as she'd thought.

"Admit it," he murmured into her hair, "you just couldn't stand being away from me for too long?"

She laughed, trying to silence the quiet voice in her head that actually agreed with his statement.

"Keep telling yourself that."

He used one arm to pull her closer, his hand resting on her waist. "I will." He inhaled deeply, before he said, "You smell amazing."

She could feel herself blush and her first instinct was to dismiss his words. "That's not me. You have to thank my new body wash for that."

He chuckled. "Tell me, are you going to refute every compliment I'll try to pay you? Because if you do, I have to warn you. You won't succeed in stoping me; I'll just try even harder next time."

She smiled at his silliness, while a tiny part of her rejoiced at his words. She closed her eyes, laying one of her hands on his.

"No answer, I see."

Lisbon was even more determined now than before to not reply to this. Instead she chose to change the topic.

"I didn't mention it before, but I thought you might wanna know. Two of my brothers and Minelli all suspected that you had something to do with the charges hold against me."

She wasn't sure whether it was a good idea to mention this, but then… somehow she couldn't forget it, maybe because she felt an urge to defend him. She'd done it over the phone, but she also wanted him to know.

To her astonishment, Jane chuckled.

"Well, I can't say I'm surprised. I guess I deserve that."

"Hey!" she turned around, so that she could look at him. "Don't say that. You surely don't deserve it; you had nothing to do with it."

Jane shrugged. "No, but only because the evidence was made up. Come on, we both know, if they ever would find something in your file, it would be because of something I did, or because you covered for me."

While there might be a certain truth to his words, Lisbon couldn't let this stand like this.

"It always was my decision in the end. You didn't force me to accept your…" she searched for the right word, "..to accept your unusual methods, or to lie for you. I helped you because you were my friend and I would do it again."

She settled back against him, satisfied with her reply. Jane said nothing for a moment and she already thought that he would leave it like that, when he suddenly said. "Thank you." He paused for a moment, and then continued softly, "I know I was a horrible friend back then, but I'll do my best to make it up to you."

"Don't say that, Jane!" She considered to turn around again, but he chose that moment to tighten his grip around her and bury his face in her hair.

"You were a great friend, the best I've ever had. It might have been difficult sometimes-"

"Rather most of the time."

She ignored his interjection. "-but you helped me enjoy my job so much more and I learned that much from you."

He spoke very softly. "But I hurt you."

She flinched at his words; she knew it would be pointless to lie. God, why did she have to start this discussion? In her defence, she couldn't have known that merely mentioning her brothers accusations would lead to Jane questioning their whole past.

"Yes, but there was so much more to it than just that."

She remembered his words in the attic a few days ago. "I thought you're not going to remember only the bad parts?"

He sighed, but she could hear the smile in his voice.

"I should have been more careful about what I told you there, eh? Now you're going to hold this against me all the time."

He pressed a kiss to her hair.

"It seems like a good advice to me," Lisbon countered.

"Yeah it is."

They both remained silent after that, and while this discussion was far from over, Lisbon felt that it was the wrong moment to continue it. They would talk about this, at some point; maybe in a few weeks, maybe in a year, but some day she would make him understand that she wouldn't for anything in the world give away the years she'd spent with him. She swallowed; not even if he would never have returned from his island and those years would have been all she ever had with him.

It was very quiet in her flat, but what a difference to the quietness of her isolated cell. She opened her eyes as a thought struck her. It was indeed awfully quiet considering what had happened. She'd been convinced that she would receive a few more calls during the evening.

"Jane," she began, frowning slightly, "where's my phone?"

He yawned, tightening his grip around her. "On the table, where you left it, why?" He sounded innocent, but she knew him too long to be fooled by that.

"Did you turn it off?"

A short pause.

"It depends."

She tried to sit up but his arm hold her back.

"How can this depend on something? Did you turn it off, or not."

She rather felt him sigh, than actually hearing it.

"Will you be angry if I say yes, because then I might choose to ignore your question for now."

She shook her head in resignation and settled back against him.

"No, I won't be angry," she promised.

"In that case, yeah," he immediately replied, as if he was afraid she might change her mind if he waited too long.

"I turned it off. You deserve a few hours of rest. We both do."

Even if she would have been annoyed at him, which she hadn't, his lasts word would have softened her. This wasn't any longer only about her and while he hadn't been in jail, she knew that the last days couldn't have been easy for him.

"Yeah, you might be right."

"Really?" The surprised tone in his voice made her smile.

"Really," she said firmly. "I don't want any disturbance for the rest of the night, not while you're here."

It took her a few seconds until she realised what he might interpret into her words and the blood rushed into her face. They hadn't talked about moving their relationship to the next level. What if he wasn't ready for it? She'd only offered him the couch because Cho had been in the room, she never actually considered that he might prefer the couch over her bed until now. What if this was going too fast for him? What if she was pressuring him into something he wasn't ready for? He hadn't slept with a woman in over a decade - she purposely chose to ignore Lorelei in her reflections.

"Stop thinking so hard, Teresa," Jane whispered in her ear that moment, obviously sensing the sudden tension in her body. The idea that he might suspect what she was fretting about filled her with horror. Maybe it was best to leave things as they were for now. She wouldn't pressure him and she wouldn't talk about it. She was sure he would mention it if he felt ready; she just would wait until then; however long that would be.

She cleared her throat. "It's getting late, maybe we should try to get some sleep."

"Yeah, we could do that."

He didn't show the slightest inclination to get up, belying his own words. Instead, he gently moved her hair to the side, exposing her neck. A shiver run along Lisbon's spine as his fingers brushed against her skin.

"Or we could stay awake a little while longer."

She felt his breath on her skin, just moments before he kissed her neck. Her breath caught in her throat and her heart suddenly beat very fast and loud in her chest. Jane slowly pulled the collar of her T-shirt to the side, trailings his lips across her skin, setting it on fire wherever he touched it. Lisbon closed her eyes, pressing herself against him.

"What do you say?" he whispered against her neck.

She turned around and found his lips with hers. He moaned slightly, as her hands buried themselves deep into his curls, pulling him close.

"I guess that means no sleep," he said as they parted to catch some air, a smile playing on his lips. Lisbon laughed, but it turned into a gasp as he slipped his hands under her jersey, skimming over her bare waist.

"No," she managed to answer, blood rushing in her ears.

She kissed him again, and at same time started to unbutton his vest and shirt. He shuddered as she pressed her hand for the first time against his bare chest and she could feel his heart hammering under her palm. She bend forward and pressed a kiss to the newly exposed skin. She was rewarded with a slight gasp, every time her lips touched him; he was almost shaking by now. It was thrilling and terrifying at the same time, seeing him react like this, knowing that she did this. He was losing control, because of her. His heart was now beating almost alarmingly fast under her hand. Maybe too fast?

"We don't have to rush this," she told him, moving her free hand to his neck. She leaned her forehead against his, trying to calm her breathing, "We can wait, if you need more time, ...if this is too difficult."

"No," he opened his eyes, moving back ever so slightly to look at her, his pupils wide, "I want this. I want you." He swallowed. "I need you."

"Okay," she whispered, suddenly overwhelmed by the emotions showing on his face. This was truly happening. She was here, with him, with Jane. He kissed her again, very softly and tenderly. Warmth spread through her whole body, leaving a tingling sensation all the way to the tips of her toes and fingers. She couldn't remember having ever craved anything as much as his touch; the need and desire leaving her in a dizzy haze. His hands were moving slowly now, almost tantalisingly under her jersey.

"Let's move this to your bedroom", Jane said, his voice hoarse. Lisbon just nodded and stood up, holding her hand out for him.

Jane blinked a few times, his consciousness only slowly surfacing. Something was pressed against his side; something warm and soft. It took him a few more seconds, before he realised where he was and what had happened. He opened his eyes and a huge smile lit up his face. Lisbon was curled into his side, her hand on his chest; resting above his heart. He laid his hand on hers and just watched her for a moment. She was deep asleep, lips slightly parted, her chest raising and falling in a slow, regular rhythm. She looked peaceful; happy... he took a deep breath as he felt a lump forming in his throat. She was perfect. He closed his eyes against the tears that suddenly threatened to overwhelm him and pressed a kiss to her hair. She stirred slightly in her sleep, her fingers moving over his chest, but she didn't wake up. Which probably was for the better; she needed every minute of sleep she could get. He very carefully tugged a strain of her hair behind her ear, so that he could better look at her. She probably would hit him if she ever learned that he watched her sleeping, but he couldn't help himself. He was mesmerised by her and could hardly believe that she was truly lying beside him, that this wasn't a dream. But no, it was real, the most real thing that had happened to him in years. He closed his eyes, basking in the memories of their night together. He had filed away every small detail into his memory palace to be cherished as long as he lived; the feel of her flushed skin against his, her soft hair brushing his skin as she moved above him, every small sound of pleasure she'd made when he touched her.

Jane took another deep breath, this time in an attempt to calm his stirring body. He glanced at the clock on her bedside table and sighed. He'd slept longer than he wanted to and definitely longer than he had in a long time. He couldn't prevent another grin; for once he had a good idea why his body had craved the sleep.

Cho and Wylie would arrive very soon and as much as he would have loved to kiss Lisbon awake for a rerun of their nightly activities; there simply was no time. He decided to let her sleep a little while longer though, there was no need for both of them to get up already.

He very carefully disentangled himself from her and stood up, but not before pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder. She made a disappointing sound as he moved away from her, but still didn't wake. He pulled the cover higher up to compensate for his missing body heat and spent another few moments just staring at her, before he finally managed to step aside.

About twenty minutes later he'd just started to cook breakfast as the doorbell rang. Wylie had arrived first and even earlier than they'd agreed on.

"Come in," Jane said, ushering the young agent through the door. Wylie didn't seem surprised to find him there. He we was carrying a heavy duffle bag and let it sink to the floor with a sigh.

"The security system, I suppose?" Jane asked, pointing at the bag.

Wylie nodded. "Yeah, it might take a while to get it all set. I thought I'd rather start immediately."

He looked around in the living room, his eyes stopping for a moment at the couch, where Jane had laid out a blanket to make their story more convincing. He personally wouldn't have minded their team members to know where exactly he'd spent the night…but he suspected that Lisbon might feel differently about it. They'd never talked about it, but he was almost convinced that she preferred this to stay between them; at least for now.

"Lisbon is still in her room," he explained Wylie, before the young agent could ask the obvious question.

"Why don't you start," he made a vague gesture towards the bag, "wiring up the house, while I see whether Lisbon is up."

Wylie nodded, obviously only listening half heartedly while he stared at his vest. Jane supressed a grin as he realised that his colleague never had seen him in one of his more formal suits; which explained the slight confusion on Wylie's face. He didn't, however, seem to dare asking him about it and Jane wouldn't do him the favour of broaching the subject.

Wylie shook himself visible out if his momentarily state of confusion and grabbed the bag.

"I'll start at the front door."

Jane just nodded. "Do that."

He slowly walked back to Lisbon's door and knocked softly. As he'd expected there was no response and after assuring himself that Wylie was busy at the entrance, he slowly opened the door and stepped inside. Lisbon was still in the same spot he'd left her. He sat down on her side of the bed, gently rubbing her shoulder.

"Lisbon," he said softly, "It's time to wake up."

She murmured something unintelligible and he grinned. She'd never been a morning person. He kissed her on the cheek.

"Come on sleepyhead."

She rolled on to her back and cracked an eye open, looking at him. "What time is it?" she asked, her voice still hoarse from sleep.

"Time to get up," Jane said cheerfully, very much enjoying the situation. "Unless of course you want Wylie to find you like this?"

Lisbon sat up, suddenly wide a wake. "Wylie is here?" Her voice was quite a bit higher than usual. Jane didn't immediately respond, he was too distracted staring at her breasts. Lisbon blushed ferociously and pulled the sheet back up. Too late though, for Jane not to note that her endearing blush wasn't limited to her face.

He bit back the remark that it was a bit late to act all shy now after what they'd done just hours earlier. Teasing Lisbon in the early morning was a dangerous game and he didn't want to risk it before she had her first coffee.

"You're already dressed? Why didn't you wake me?"

He smiled at her, despite the tone of annoyance or even accusation in her voice. "Good morning to you too, Lisbon." He pecked her on the lips, thrilled to see her relax infinitesimally after it.

"I woke up just a short wile ago, and I didn't want to disturb your sleep, you didn't get nearly enough of it the last days."

She raised her eyebrows at him. "You didn't seem particularly worried about my lack of sleep when you kept me from it last night."

He grinned and kissed her again, before he got up. "No, I have to admit rather selfish reasons kept me from it. I showed some restraint this morning though, and oh I was tempted, believe me.." he let his eyes roam over her body, only hidden by the thin sheet, and corrected himself, "I still am."

She grinned and threw her cushion at him.

"Get out of here," she ordered, "before Wylie gets suspicious."

There, he thought. She'd just confirmed his earlier conjectures.

"Afraid you might be unable to keep your hands of me if I stay a minute longer?" he asked her teasingly. The smile on his face fading as her eyes turned dark at his words. He really needed to get out of here.

"Who is losing control now?" Lisbon asked after him, as he walked to the door. He turned around, a wide grin on his face. "To be honest, I don't trust either of us very far at the moment." With her laughter in his ears he opened the door and left the room.

Lisbon felt slightly nervous as she stepped into the living room, even if she couldn't explain herself why. Well, okay, she might have a suspicion, it was ridiculous though. There was no way Wylie, or Cho would be able to see that she'd slept with Jane.

She'd taken a quick shower, but it had been enough for Cho to arrive and they were now all sitting at her table, with Jane in his apparent new role as host, serving them breakfast. She had to admit, she could get used to that picture. Not her colleagues sitting at the table, but Jane acting very much at home at her place. But then, he was Jane. He even made himself at home in a suspects house, which had its benefits for once. No one would suspect anything out of the ordinary because of his behaviour.

"Lisbon!" he called as he saw her and pulled out a chair, gesturing for her to take a seat. She rolled her eyes at him, but complied with his request.

"Morning," she said.

Cho reciprocated her greeting, whilst Wylie murmured something unintelligible, his mouth too full to be understood.

Jane handed her a mug with coffee before he sat down beside her.

"Help yourself," he said, pointing at the richly loaded table in front of her. Scrambled eggs, pancakes, toast…he'd outdone himself. She frowned, she was pretty sure she hadn't had all the ingredients in her house needed for this breakfast; he must had bought them before he went to fetch her at the jail the day before. He seemed to have put a lot of thought and effort into her return from jail.

He was still looking at her and she took a slice of toast, before he could complain that she wasn't eating. She noted the line between his eyes and knew that he was disappointed she'd chosen only the toast. It took her quite a bit of effort to suppress a smile.

"So," she said after having taken a sip of her coffee. "How's the cctv going?"

Wylie swallowed. "I'm about half done. The windows in your bedroom are still missing and then I have to set up the screens, both here and in the guardhouse, but this shouldn't take long. Another hour maybe, tops."

Lisbon wasn't sure whether she should feel relieve about it, or regret her lost privacy.

"I talked to Carlson before I came here," Cho said that moment, "Everything is set in motion. The first pair of officers will be in the guardhouse by noon."

Lisbon nodded, turning her mug in her hands. "What about..?"

"It's covered. Chicago PD placed someone close to their houses."

Relief washed over Lisbon. "Thank you, Cho."

She finally decided that she'd teased Jane long enough and helped herself to a pancake.

"I hope the officers don't show up in their uniforms, but then on second thought, it probably wouldn't make a difference anyhow," Jane said, making it very clear what he thought about police officers abilities to go undercover.

Lisbon shook her head at him. "Do I have to remind you that I was the only one arguing against this idea? Don't look at me when you're criticising it."

Cho shrugged. "It's too late now anyhow. Local police is informed, Carlson made sure however, to only involve a handful of people. I still think there's a chance Volker won't get wind of it."

"We'll see," Lisbon said sceptical.

She caught Wylie staring at Jane's vest and a moment later he asked. "Why are you wearing this?"

She almost chocked on her coffee.

Jane looked down at himself. "The three-piece suit?" He sounding surprised. She didn't believe him for a second.

"Yeah," Wylie nodded and seemed a tiny bit embarrassed. "I mean, it's so formal. It looks as if you're going to a wedding…or a funeral."

Lisbon couldn't stop herself from laughing this time, but she tried to disguise it as a cough; not very convincingly. It didn't help, that Jane looked a tad offended now.

"He used to wear this all the time," Cho explained, before Jane could answer himself. "You'll get used to it, Wylie."

Cho seemed to assume that the vest permanently returned and Jane didn't correct him, which pleased her more than she could say.

"Why now?" the stoic agent asked next, and Lisbon noted how Jane's eyes flicked to her for the fraction of a second.

"What brought it back?"

Lisbon concentrated very hard on her pancakes, feeling heat rise in her cheeks.

"I thought I have to look my part during the trial and while wearing it I remembered that I actually quite like it. Why?" Jane's voice was calm.

Cho shrugged. "No reason, just wondering."

Lisbon looked up in surprise, forgetting for a moment that she was trying to seem uninterested in the whole affair. Cho never asked something for no reason at all. His eyes were fixated on her and Lisbon immediately focused on her plate again. In horror she realised, that Cho might have correctly guessed it wasn't Jane who favoured the vests. That much about keeping this a secret.