Absolutely done to death ... but I just rewatched a few seasons of the show and couldn't help myself. I don't know if anyone is really even following this now. Oh well - at least I'll enjoy this. :-)

After their kiss Jane sat back carefully and let out a long, slow breath. He blinked, his world completely tilted off kilter. Before he had a chance to speak, or at least attempt to speak, he heard voices in the guard room behind him and then the door opened.

"Lisbon," Abbott's voice interrupted his – well, he wasn't sure what he would call this moment.

"Jane," Abbott stepped forward. "Let's go."

Jane frowned, as Teresa stood up. "Go?" he asked, still not quite sure what was real or present, or what was some kind of hopeful dream.

"Yes," the agent replied, his expression the same but a measure of humor in his voice. "Unless you'd prefer to stay here?"

"Here?" he repeated, but at Dennis' quizzical look he shook his head and took another deep breath. He hadn't yet looked at Lisbon, not sure he could without grinning or fainting – he wasn't sure what.

"Sorry," he finally spoke. "Just a little tired. Can I really leave."

"Mmm hmm," the other man nodded. "Everything's all settled. Do you need some help," Dennis nodded at his ankle.

"No, I'm fine," he said, slowly lowering his foot to the ground with a small grimace. "They had a medic look at it. It's just a sprain."

"Okay then," Abbott rubbed his hands together. "Lisbon, you okay?"

"Yes, Sir," she nodded, no expression on her face. "I uh – just – wanted to make sure Jane was okay," she tried to explain.

Her boss simply nodded, not questioning why she was in the detention room with Jane rather than on an airplane headed for DC.

"Let's get going before they decide to actually lay charges against you, Jane. And next time, if you want to speak with someone, can you do it before they get on a plane."

"Yes," Jane gave a small smile, although he was still feeling rather stunned. "I forgot my FBI identification," he explained, as if that excused his conning his way onto a passenger airplane and generally creating chaos.

"Yes, well, I'm glad you did. I really wouldn't want to explain to my bosses why you used your ID for a – uh – personal matter." He reached down and gave Jane a hand to stand up.

"So – no charges?" Jane asked, finally realizing what Abbott had said, although truthfully not really caring. On second thought, he frowned, he was quite relieved he didn't have to spend more time in this little room because – well because – Teresa!

"Nope, although I'm afraid you can't fly out of here. They want you out of their airport, so I'm afraid you're going to have to rent a car or take a bus back."

Jane nodded. That was fair. As he limped out, Dennis at his elbow to ensure he could walk, he nodded to the guard. The man had been a supercilious ass, but right now he decided to be somewhat civil because – well Teresa.

"Where are we going, Sir," Lisbon finally spoke from Abbott's other side, obviously as discomfitted as he was.

"Well, both of you look like you're ready to collapse, so I think I'll take you back to the hotel. Cho and Fischer are finalizing things with the local police, after which we're all catching the plane back to Austen. Lisbon, do you want to come with us or are you still heading to DC?"

"DC?" she asked, sounding surprised. "Uh no – Sir. I've decided to – well …"

"You've decided to stay with us," he nodded, sounding as if it was the most reasonable thing in the world. "That's good. We're glad to have you. As for getting back to Austen?"

"If it's okay Sir, I'd like to put in for a couple of weeks leave," she rushed out quickly. "I need to get things sorted out. I have to contact my landlord, see about my stuff," her voice faded out as she appeared overwhelmed.

"Of course," Dennis nodded, a glint of humor in his eyes which both of his people missed. He was clearly enjoying the whole thing. "Why don't you stay here and get some rest for a day. That way you can babysit Jane and maybe drive him back to Austen. He may have trouble driving with that ankle."

"That sounds like a good idea," Jane nodded, for the first time sounding like himself.

Dennis cocked an eyebrow at Jane. "You're paying for it," he said. "The FBI isn't going to cover the cost since it was your stunt that banned you from the plane."

"Of course," Jane nodded. "I'll handle it."

"All right then – let's get back. I was able to recover my car – thanks for leaving it in a tow zone Jane! We should be back at the hotel in twenty minutes."

A limping Jane and a tired but calm looking Lisbon walked alongside Agent Abbott through the airport to the parking lot. As soon as they arrived, they both piled tiredly into the car. Jane insisted on taking the back seat, suddenly needing a bit of privacy, while Lisbon sat up front with her boss.

Jane watched out of the window as they exited the airport and made their way back onto the highway to the Blue Bird Hotel. He thought back to his wild ride the night before and felt a moment's sense of wonder. The despair he'd felt as he'd raced to the airport, sure he would miss Teresa, had disappeared, to now have been replaced by something he hadn't felt in a long, long time. At first, he couldn't put his finger on what it was. It felt strange, unreal, like a dream or distant memory.

Finally, as he sat watching the scenery fly by as if on a movie screen, it suddenly came to him.

It was joy.