Author's Note: Here's chapter 21! I wanted to get one more update in for this story before I started school tomorrow, so here it is! I hope your all ready for a little intense emotion and a whole lot of fluff! Thanks for the reviews, favourites and follows!

Disclaimer: The Mentalist is not mine.

Jane had tried to comfort Lisbon as best as he could for the remainder of the day, but he could tell she really needed a familiar face; and sadly, that wasn't him at the moment. He gave Cho a call to fill him in on the situation and asked if he'd come back to the hospital to talk to Lisbon. If Lisbon would trust anyone, it was Cho.

"What are you doing out here in the hallway?" a familiar voice asked Jane. "I would have thought you'd be in there right next to her."

Jane turned to see Sandy standing behind him with a soft expression on her face. She was in her usual lab coat and scrubs. "I wish I were. She needs to talk to Cho right now."

"I didn't get to look at the file before I came over here. My break is getting cut in half. We've been really busy here today. What happened? I mean, Cho gave me the run down about the explosions, but what happened when you got here?"

"She's got amnesia."

Sandy looked at him, surprised. "Amnesia? How bad?"

Jane's jaw clenched, not wanting to repeat it all. Saying it out loud made it feel too real, but he knew that he had to let her know. She might be able to help. "Teresa is missing a lot of years of her memory."

"How many years, exactly? But she still knows her name and everything? She remembers where she's from, her birthday?-"

"Yeah, she knows all of her own information. She's missing about 15 or 16 years of her memory."

"Fifteen or-are you kidding?"

Jane looked at his shoes. "I wish I was, Sandy."

"So, she has no idea who you are."

It wasn't a question, but Jane answered. "She does now. I told her. I don't know if she believes me, though. That's why Cho's talking to her now. She remembers him and she trusts him."

Sandy nodded. "I understand. Do you need us to take Melody for a little while, then?"

Jane's head snapped up to look at her. Melody. What was he going to do about Melody? "Could you, please? I hate to ask, but at the moment I have no idea what to tell her."

"Of course." Sandy nodded. "You and Teresa looked after Ellie while Andy and I were both away on that cruise last summer. It's only fair."

"Thank you. I don't know what we'd do without you guys."

"Likewise." Sandy smiled. She glanced at her watch. "I've gotta get going. My break is ending. We'll take care of Melody as long as you need. You look after Teresa. Try to keep her around familiar things. I hope her memory comes back quickly. Sorry to run off on you. Good night."

"Sandy?"

"Yeah?" Sandy paused to turn and look at him.

Jane's throat constricted. "Give Melody a good night hug for me?"

Sandy nodded. "Of course. Anything else?"

"If you could find the time to take her to see James tomorrow, that would be awesome. Teresa and I usually take Melody to see him on Wednesday's."

"I'll talk to Andy and we'll try our best. I promise. What should I tell Melody? About this, I mean." Sandy gestured to Lisbon's room.

"Tell her that something really important came up on the case and we're sorry that we can't be with her right now. But tell her that it's going to be okay."

"Will do."

"Actually." Jane changed his mind. "I'll get Cho to drive me to your place so I can see her myself. She's not always very easily reassured."

Sandy nodded. "I'm sure you being there will help her a lot. I'll be sure to stick with your story. I'm sure the hospital will let you stay with her tonight, if she's okay with it. I'll see you later."

"Good night." Jane waved as Sandy left.

Not long after Sandy left, Cho emerged from Lisbon's room.

"How is she doing?" Jane asked.

Cho sighed. "She's still confused. She's upset. Doesn't want to seem like she's upset, but she is. She does want to talk to you again, though."

Jane nodded. "I'd like to ask you a favour. After I talk to her, will you drive me to the Fallon's place? I need to go see Melody."

"Sure thing. And you want me to drop you off back here after?"

"If you would."

"Of course."

"You're great." Jane smiled and then entered Lisbon's room. Lisbon watched him entre, almost curiously. "I hear you want to talk to me again."

Lisbon cleared her throat."Yeah. The doctor told me that I have amnesia and Cho told me that you were telling the truth."

"Okay." Jane sat on the bed at a respectable distance.

"I...I'm sorry...about being so rude to you earlier." Lisbon blushed deeply.

"That's okay. You weren't that rude. I understand. It's scary to wake up and find out your life is nothing like you think it is with a bunch of strangers that seem to know you, even though you don't recall knowing them."

"You sound like you're talking from experience."

"I am. You got me through it."

Lisbon just stared at him for a moment, trying to think of a reply. "I, um, uh...I'm glad you understand."

"Of course I do, Teresa."

Lisbon blushed at the use of her first name and glanced away, fingers playing with her wedding band-that Jane was glad to see-that she had placed back on her ring finger. "So...um...how long have we...been married?" She couldn't bring herself to look at him out of embarrassment.

"Six years."

"Six y-" Lisbon squeaked before clearing her throat again. "Six years?"

"That's right."

"I don't remember six years of marriage." Lisbon breathed. "Oh, my god."

"You will." Jane assured her. "You will. We'll make sure of it. The memory is there, you just need to find it."

"You make it sound so easy."

"Easy or not, we'll do it."

Lisbon gave him a small, hopeful smile. "I hope you're right."

"I know I am."

"Jane...Uh, Patrick." Her expression was worrisome again.

"Yes."

"Do we...do we have any children?" You said we've been married five years- which I am still finding so hard to believe, but...I can't...don't tell me we have a child and I don't remember them."

Jane placed his hand on top of her's. "We don't have a child."

"Don't lie to me. Not about this. I know the doctor says my memories need to come back on their own, but you have to tell me the truth about this."

Jane looked right into her eyes. "I'm not lying to you. I swear."

"Did we...think about it?"

"The topic came up occasionally."

"And we decided no?"

"Not really, we just...It's complicated."

"Complicated?"

"It...it's something you need to remember on your own. I'll help you as much as I can, but I promise you you haven't forgotten about a child of yours."

"But, I have forgotten someone, haven't I?"

"Teresa, don't be mad at yourself. None of this is your fault. There's a lot you don't remember, I know, but that's why we're all here. What you need to do right now is relax and rest. They'll probably release you tomorrow and we can go home."

There was a gentle knock on the door before Cho poked his head in. "I'd hate to cut in, Jane, but if you want me to drive you, we need to leave soon."

"Where are you going?" Lisbon asked.

Jane looked back at Lisbon. "I just need to take care of a few things. It's okay. I'll be right back. I'm going to spend the night with you, if you'll let me."

"Yeah. If you want." Lisbon shifted slightly on her mattress.

"I'll see you in a few minutes then." Jane gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before he left.

-Mentalist-

Cho filled Jane in on the case as they drove to see Melody. There wasn't a whole lot of news, though. Rigsby was working with the bomb squad and forensics to try and gain information about the bombs. Van Pelt was going through people who had access to the building and any footage she could come up with to see who might have planted the bombs.

Jane got out of the car and hurried up the driveway to knock on the door while Cho waited in the car. It was now just after dinner time. Andrew Fallon answered the door, quickly letting Jane in.

"I was told you'd be swinging by." Andy said, then lowered his voice. "How is everything?"

"Could be better, but we're making a little bit of progress, I think."

Andy nodded. "I hope you make more." He turned to call over his shoulder for Melody. They heard the thudding of two pairs of feet and soon Melody was hurrying into the little greeting area, followed by Ellie.

"Patrick!" Melody said, relieved.

"Hey." Jane smiled at her.

Melody stopped in front of him, hands on her hips. "You didn't call me back all day! You didn't even text me! What happened!? Where's Teresa!?"

"Melody, calm down. Please."

"Don't tell me to be calm when you and Teresa are the ones that ignore me all day when you always pick up or text me back!" Melody folded her arms over her chest.

"I'm sorry. We got really busy with the case we're working. We didn't mean to ignore you."

"Being busy never stopped you before." Melody snapped.

Jane held Melody's gaze. "I'm sorry, Melody."

Melody swallowed hard, speaking more softly. "I was worried. Where is Teresa?"

"She's really busy right now."

"With what?"

"A lot of things."

Melody frowned at him. "I'm not stupid."

"No, you definitely are not."

"Don't treat me like I am, then. Tell me the truth. Why isn't Teresa with you?"

Jane just looked at her.

"My dad has cancer. My mom basically doesn't exist to me. I know what the bad news face looks like. Just be honest with me." Melody took a shaky breath as tears welled in her eyes. "You all want to protect me, but I just want you to tell me the truth."

"She's not dead, Melody. I promise you."

"Then what's wrong?"

"It's complicated."

"It's always complicated." Melody shook her head and looked away, wiping at a falling tear.

Jane looked up for a moment and saw that Andrew and Ellie had left them to their conversation, probably trying to busy themselves with something pointless. "Look, Melody." Jane took Melody's hands in his, making her look at him. "Please trust me when I tell you that I will take care of it. We have some things to work out before we get you involved. We both love you, you know that. You'll stay here in the meantime, though. Okay?"

"How long is that?"

"I'm not sure yet."

Melody looked at her feet, disappointed.

Jane let go of her hands and wrapped her up in a tight hug, kissing her head. "You'll see her as soon as possible, I promise. Everything will be okay." He couldn't help the tears that welled up in his own eyes.

"Everyone says that, but it never feels like it's true." Melody sobbed against his chest.

"Sssshhhh..." Jane stroked her hair. "It is true. I'll come visit you again tomorrow. I love you. Teresa loves you, too. I know you're probably upset with us right now, but just give us some time, okay? Please, Melody."

"Okay." Melody replied, reluctantly. "But you'll come back tomorrow?" Melody looked up at him.

"Yes. I promise."

"Good." Melody tried to blink away her tears. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Jane let go of her to cup her face with his hands and wipe at her wet cheeks. "I still want you to have a good day tomorrow. I know you're worried, but you shouldn't let that stop you. Leave everything to me, okay? I'll reply when you text me tomorrow and everything. I'm sorry about not responding today."

"It's okay." Melody sniffled. "Just don't do it again?"

"I promise." Jane smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow." He kissed her head. "You're wonderful, you know that?"

"I've been told that a few times." Melody smiled back at him.

"Good. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Are you heading out?" Andrew Fallon asked as he approached them.

"Yeah." Jane answered. "I'll be back tomorrow, though. Have a good night." He locked gazes with Melody. "All of you."

"We'll certainly do our best." Andy assured him.

"Thank you. Good night." Jane waved to them as he left.

"You didn't tell her, did you?" Cho said after Jane got in the car.

Jane shook his head. "That wouldn't have helped anything."

"She has a right to know."

"I'm aware of that. I just don't think it's best to tell her right now. Everyone is worked up and I don't know where we all stand. Teresa might only have mild amnesia and wake up tomorrow thinking this was a dream. I can't properly tell Melody what's happening when I hardly feel like I understand it all myself."

Cho just looked at him for a moment.

"What?"

"Nothing." Cho deadpanned. "You've changed a lot is all. Old you would have 'had a plan' to fix it and probably gotten us all yelled at."

Jane smirked. "I guess you're right. You want to tell me you don't like the change?"

"Not at all." Cho started the car.

-Mentalist-

Jane made his way back to Lisbon's room. Cho had been nice enough to stop by their house so Jane could grab a few things. He saw a nurse leaving Lisbon's room with a tray of garbage, probably Lisbon's finished dinner. The nurse smiled and nodded at him as she passed, he returned the gesture before entering Lisbon's room.

"Hello." Jane greeted her cheerily.

"Hi." Lisbon said, still quite shy but trying not to seem so.

"How was dinner?" Jane set the duffle bag on a plastic chair before going to sit on the side of Lisbon's bed.

"It was fine. As far as hospital food goes. You know."

"Would you like me to go get you something else? Maybe some dessert?"

"No, that's okay. Thank you. Have you eaten?"

"Uh..." Jane hadn't even thought about eating. "No. I haven't eaten yet."

"What were you doing, then?"

"I was getting some things from home. Some other errands."

"Well, you should eat."

"While I'm out, would you like me to get you some dessert?"

"No, thank you. It's a very nice offer, but you don't have to do that." Lisbon's cheeks went pink.

Jane couldn't help the warmth in his heart that her blush gave him. She was still very much the woman he married. "Well, I'll go get something to eat so you don't have to worry about me. I brought you something, too." He got up and went to the duffle bag, unzipping it. He could feel Lisbon's curious gaze at his back as she pulled out and unwrapped the object he had brought her. He sat back down and held it out to her.

"What is...Is that...a tiara?" Lisbon stuttered.

Jane grinned. "Yes, it is."

"Why would you bring me this?"

"You going to tell me that you don't like it?"

"No, not at all. It's beautiful. I just...you didn't have to get me that."

"You've had it for a while."

"You mean...It's actually mine?"

"Of course. I brought it from home. I know you don't really wear it, but I know you're still very fond of it."

"It's beautiful." Lisbon repeated, reaching out to touch the heart shaped emerald.

"That's exactly what you said when I first gave it to you."

Lisbon looked back up at him and whispered, "I wish I remembered."

"Give it time." He told her. "You should wear it. Maybe it'll make you feel better or bring back some memories."

"I'll look ridiculous." Lisbon said.

"Nonsense. You look beautiful in it."

"I'm wearing a hospital gown and-"

"Perfect. You're already in a gown. Humour me?"

"Okay." Lisbon agreed.

"Good. Thank you. I'll even put it on you." He held the crown up and placed it on her head when she tilted it forward for him.

When Lisbon lifted her head, she touched the crown. "How does it look." She smiled, trying to do as he asked and humour him.

"You look beautiful." Jane grabbed the closest reflective object he could find, which was a little tray on the bedside table. He held it up so she could see herself.

Lisbon's breath caught in her throat for a second. "It certainly distracts from this ugly bandage, huh?"

"Shush. You look wonderful, either way." Jane placed the tray back down. I'm going to go get some food. I'll be right back."

Jane quickly found himself a sandwich to eat, as well as a maple donut-Lisbon's favourite-and a coffee just the way Lisbon liked it. His sandwich was done by the time he got back to her room. She had picked the tray back up, puzzling over her reflection when he walked in.

"Glad to see that you like it." Jane grinned, making her jump slightly.

Lisbon placed the tray back down. "I was trying to remember."

"I understand. Here. These are for you." He gave her the coffee and the brown paper bag with the donut in it.

"What? No, you shouldn't have. You have them. You didn't have to buy me anything."

"Well, I don't drink coffee and maple is your favourite. I got them for you."

"How did you-right." She looked down at the offered food. Of course he knew her favourite kind of donut. They were married. "Thank you." She took the food from him.

"Anything for you, Teresa."

Lisbon took a sip of the coffee. It was just the way she liked it. "It seems that I'm a very lucky woman. Despite my current mental state."

"I'm an even luckier man."

Lisbon gestured with her hand for him to come closer.

Jane leaned in and received an affectionate kiss to his cheek. Surprisingly, his heart skipped a beat. He was used to her kissing him, but this felt a lot more special because he knew it was a big step for her. He couldn't help but return the favour and kiss her cheek in return, hearing her gasp in surprise and her whole face reddened all the way down to her neck. "Finish your food, Teresa. I talked to the doctor and he said that you should be able to go home tomorrow."

"Where is home?"

"Our apartment."

"Where is that?"

"Helpful hint: it used to just be your apartment."

"I'm still living there?"

"We are."

Lisbon let out a sigh of relief. "At least I know where we're going tomorrow, then."

"Yes. Now finish your food and get a good night's sleep so we can go home tomorrow."

"Where are you going to sleep tonight?"

Jane shrugged. "I'll find somewhere."

"Hm." Lisbon didn't seem impressed with his answer.

"Don't worry so much and eat your food."

Lisbon glared at him for a moment before eating her food and they lapsed into silence. When Lisbon finished her food, she broke the silence. "Maybe you should go home, then."

"No. I'm going to stay right here."

"You'll just end up sleeping in an uncomfortable plastic chair."

"I am fine with that, Teresa."

"I'm not."

"Don't argue with me about this, please. Worry about yourself for once. I'm sure I'll be able to convince them to bring me a cot to sleep in if I really need it. You just rest."

"I know how to take care of myself."

"I would beg to differ on certain fronts."

Lisbon frowned at him.

A nurse came in a little while later to help make Lisbon more comfortable so she could go to sleep.

Jane pulled up a chair so he could hold her hand.

"Seriously." Lisbon turned her head to look at him. "It's not fair that you have to sleep in a plastic chair. You should go home."

"It's not fair for me to leave you alone like this."

"I'll be fine."

"And so will I in a plastic chair."

Lisbon sighed irritably. "Fine. I'm not arguing with you about it anymore. My head is starting to hurt."

"Go to sleep. I'll sit further away if it'll make you feel more comfortable."

"It's okay." Lisbon said softly. "You don't have to move. You're fine where you are."

"I'll stay right here, then."

Lisbon closed her eyes as Jane ran the pad of his thumb over her knuckles. She fell asleep relatively quickly and Jane kissed her head.

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you thought in a review! See you at the next chapter.