The One with Pike

Jane lay on the couch listening to the buzz of Christmas Eve around him. It was only shortly after noon and everyone was in the process of making their getaway plans. Lisbon too.

He'd overheard her on the phone with Pike. She was speaking just above a whisper, no doubt trying to conceal the conversation from him. He heard anyway.

They were going to exchange gifts tonight at her house, a decent meal, hot chocolate, and watch "It's A Wonderful Life". He rolled his eyes behind his closed eyelids while he listened, but honestly, it was just what she deserved. It was something she never had, a normal Christmas. Even he'd experienced a normal Christmas after getting out of the carney circuit and having his own family.

He resented that Pike was able to give it to her and he couldn't. Jane was getting fearful that their relationship was getting serious. (She still hadn't told him that Pike asked her to come to DC with him). He came back for Lisbon, he wanted to be with her himself, evidently he couldn't move fast enough. Frankly, he wasn't certain when he would be ready, he wanted it, but it didn't stop the paralyzing fear of taking a step forward.

Now there was a building fear of losing her next to the longstanding fear of being with her. If he was going to lose her, this should be the way. Pike was a good guy and she seemed happy.

"Hey."

He jumped, he was so lost in his thoughts he hadn't heard her come up to him. He opened his eyes and she was leaning over him with a nervous smile.

"Hey. Getting out of here early." he noted, "Big plans for tonight?"

She shifted awkwardly and looked away, "nothing big".

He smiled at her, "You deserve a nice Christmas."

"So do you Jane. What are you going to do?"

"Oh, you know me. I'll find something to occupy my time." He gave her his most stunning grin that could have fooled her many years ago, but she knew better now.

"You want to go grab some pizza?" she asked with a small smile.

"What about Pike?"

She shrugged a little, but didn't answer.

"You go have your Christmas Lisbon" Jane said snuggling down into the couch and closing his eyes.

She placed her hand gently on his shoulder, "Merry Christmas Jane" turned and walked away.

"Merry Christmas" she heard softly from behind her, she didn't see the tear that fell down his cheek.