This idea came to me this morning as I woke up, and wouldn't leave me alone before I ficced it. Just a small, soft Jeller moment from Patterson's perspective. Happens shortly after 5x05 (although the ep hasn't even aired yet). Sorry guys, this ep will probably feature in my next few ficlets because of the synopsis of massive angst that seems to be in store. Can't wait to see it!
Heather, thanks again for the proofread!
Intruding
Patterson stared at the piece of information in front of her on the screen. "What…", she muttered to herself. Rich was fiddling with the coffeemaker, making himself another cup of java by the wall. She shook her head, declining his silent offer of coffee. "No, thanks."
She tapped away at the keyboard again, only to stop and sigh in frustration. She knew she needed Weller's opinion on what she had found. But she hadn't seen him since the early hours of the morning, after he had refilled the generator. Given that Tasha was out meeting some old contact of hers, and Jane was injured, she knew probably with Jane in their room.
"I'll be right back," she called out to Rich over her shoulder and got up.
Making her way through their current home, Patterson headed to the accommodation wing of the bunker. She knocked on the door and entered, already talking that she'd found something he should see. But she stopped in her tracks, silenced by the scene in front of her, even before Kurt mouthed a silent "Shh!" at her, holding a finger against his lips for emphasis.
Kurt was sitting on the bed, his back against the wall with Jane asleep in his arms.
"She looks so frail." Patterson couldn't help thinking with sadness, as she watched her friend's features, the cost of the events still visible. Jane's face looked gaunt and pale, save for the dark rings under her eyes, and her torso almost drowned inside the zip-up hoodie of Kurt's she was wrapped in. Her head was pillowed on his chest, her expression now mercifully relaxed and free of the pain that had been a nearly constant companion the past few days after getting shot. Her arm was wrapped tightly around his waist.
Despite their circumstances, Patterson felt a slight smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Her friends' love and devotion to each other was plain to see.
"What is it, Patterson?" Kurt asked softly, glancing at her briefly before his attention was back on Jane. He pressed his lips into Jane's hair, murmuring something inaudible to her as she shifted in his arms restlessly. She soon settled again as Kurt caressed her back.
It was clear to Patterson from Kurt's demeanor and gestures that even after all these years and hardships, Jane was still his world. Getting uncomfortable, feeling like she had no right to intrude on them, Patterson muttered, "I, uhm, I found something you should see."
Kurt shook his head. His words were directed at her, but his eyes were on his wife, as he lovingly brushed Jane's cheek.
"Can't it wait a couple of hours, while you try to find more information?" He glanced at his friend, his look almost pleading, his arms subconsciously tightening their hold on Jane. "The painkillers finally kicked in and she fell asleep. I don't have the heart to wake her by moving." He gave Jane another loving look, his tone betraying his worry. "She needs to rest."
"An hour or two won't bring the world crashing down." Patterson decided. "Okay, Rich and I will keep digging. I'll let you know what we find."
Kurt's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thanks, Patterson."
She smiled, giving Kurt's shin a reassuring pat before leaving the couple alone again.