Author's Note: Whoa I actually managed to write this all in one day. I mean, I'm up really late, but I finished it all in one day! So, I figured since Lisbon had a weird FBI dream, it was only fair that Jane should have one as well. Thanks to zats, MyDreamsForYou, blueeyedmentalistfan and njtoocool for the reviews on the last chapter. Also, thanks to everyone else for your favourites, reviews and follows! I hope you guys like this chapter!
Disclaimer: The Mentalist is not mine.
Jane snuggled close to Lisbon once she was under the covers with him. God, he was tired. It had been a long week with a difficult case. He met Lisbon's eyes, both smiling. "I love you." He told her.
"I love you, too."
Jane captured her lips in an affectionate kiss. "Thank god we get to sleep in tomorrow, hm? Maybe we can just stay in bed all day."
"We have Melody to look after." Lisbon reminded him, still smiling.
"She's a big girl. I'm sure she'll enjoy the freedom."
"Shush and just go to sleep." Lisbon chuckled, closing her eyes.
"Yes, ma'am." Jane kissed her head and drifted off to sleep.
xxx
Jane opened his eyes and sat up. He was on his couch, but it wasn't in the office…at least, not the office he remembered. His couch was right in front of a floor to ceiling window and the office was much bigger. He saw Lisbon, sitting at a desk nearby, her back to him. There were other agents at desks working. He recognized Cho, but no one else. Jane was really confused. Where was he? He sat up on his couch and the elevator pinged. Jane didn't pay the elevator much attention until a head of blond curls caught his eye. His heart stopped as he recognized sixteen year old Charlotte walking into the bullpen carrying a four year old Melody, both girls laughing.
"Hey, Uncle Cho." Charlotte waved as she and Melody passed Cho's desk.
"Hi!" Melody greeted cheerily.
"Hey." Cho returned.
Charlotte walked past Lisbon, greeting the older woman as she continued past to Jane, stopping in front of him.
"Hello." Jane smiled, unsure as to how Charlotte was here…wherever here was.
"Hi."
"Can I help you?"
"Yes." Charlotte grinned widely. "So, here's the thing. Amy wants to go to the movies, so I kind of need to get out of my babysitting duties for today."
"I'm not a baby!" Melody insisted.
"You're my baby sister. You'll always be a baby to me."
Melody frowned and Charlotte kissed her forehead.
"Don't be mad, Melody. It's only because I love you so much."
That made Melody smile again. "I love you, too."
"Anyway." Charlotte turned back to Jane. "So, this movie."
"What movie?" Lisbon asked, joining them and standing next to Charlotte. She took Melody from Charlotte, kissing Melody's cheek.
"It's new. Amy invited me to go see it with her older brother and some of our other friends."
"What time is it at?" Jane asked.
"Three."
"What movie is it?" Lisbon asked.
"Twelve Souls."
"Isn't that a horror film?" Lisbon raised a brow.
"Yeah? So? I'm sixteen. Horror movies are my favourite. I also need some money." Charlotte looked back at Jane. "Come on, Dad. Please?"
"I can go and make sure she's okay." Melody offered.
"That's okay, Melody." Lisbon said.
"But I want to go."
"You can't go, Melody." Lisbon shook her head.
"Why not?"
"Because I want you to be here with me." Lisbon pouted.
"Oh." Melody considered that. "Okay, Mommy. Of course I'll stay if you want me to."
"Thank you." Lisbon kissed Melody's head. "How about we get a snack?"
"Okay!"
Lisbon looked back at Jane, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder before giving Charlotte a kiss on the cheek and heading off with Melody.
Charlotte sat down next to her father. "So, what d'ya say, Dad? Gonna give me a couple bucks for this movie or what?"
Jane looked at her for a moment, thinking. How was any of this even possible? How was Charlotte here? Where was he? Lisbon was Melody's mom? Nothing was adding up.
"Don't you have money from babysitting?"
"Yeah, but I went to the mall last week. You haven't paid me for today."
"Paying for this movie will count as payment for your labour today."
"You drive a hard bargain, Dad. But, okay. I will take it because I know I'm ditching today."
Jane pulled out his wallet and passed Charlotte a few bills. "That should cover it."
"Thank you." Charlotte smiled, taking the offered money.
"Be back for dinner, though. And behave yourself."
"Obviously." Charlotte rolled her eyes, grinning. "I love you, Dad."
"I love you, too, Charlotte."
Charlotte leaned forward, giving Jane a hug and kissing his cheek. She lingered in the hug. "I'm happy, Dad. Don't worry."
"I'm not-"
"Please, I know that look. It's the same one you get when you worry that I'm mad about Teresa and Melody. I'm not. I'm happy. I like them."
"I'm glad to hear it." Jane said, feeling a little choked up at that. "Have a good time at the movie."
Charlotte pulled away, beaming. "I will. Thanks." With that she got up and went to say goodbye to Lisbon and Melody who were returning to Lisbon's desk.
"You going?" Lisbon asked.
"Mhm." Charlotte nodded. "Don't worry, Dad already said to be back for dinner."
"Good. Call if you need anything." Lisbon glanced quickly at Jane then nodded at Charlotte.
"I will, thanks." Charlotte gave Lisbon a hug. "I love you. I'll see you later." She kissed Melody on the cheek. "Have fun, sis. I love you, too."
"I love you, too." Melody echoed.
With that, Charlotte was off toward the elevator as Lisbon sat down with Melody.
Lisbon situated Melody on her lap and opened the bag of animal crackers she'd grabbed from the break room.
"Those look yummy." Jane said, leaning on the counter.
Melody held one shaped like a lion out to him. "Do you want one, Daddy?"
Jane's heart stopped for a second. Did Melody really just call him dad? "I'd love one." Jane grinned, taking the offered cracker and eating it. He kept Melody and Lisbon company at Lisbon's desk for a few minutes before going in search of some tea to give himself some time to think. He found the break room with ease and began to look through the cabinets, finding himself some tea and his favourite teacup. But, his favourite teacup had cracks in it. Puzzled, Jane looked the item over. It had been glued back together – rather well, at that. He decided it was the smallest of the problems he had to figure out and simply made some tea.
"Hey, Jane." A cheery voice said and Jane turned to see a young blond man in black slacks and a button up shirt.
"Hey, Wylie." Was that really his name? How had he known it?
"You've been quiet today." Wylie commented. "You still recovering from last week's case?"
"I guess so." Jane shrugged. "How about you?"
"I slept it off on the weekend. But I guess when you have two kids, that's hard to do."
Jane nodded. "That, it is." He agreed.
"You know, if you and Lisbon ever need me to babysit, I can. I know Charlotte does sometimes, but if you ever need a backup. I've got plenty of videogames to keep Melody busy."
"Thanks for the offer. We'll keep that in mind, if we ever need one." Jane sipped his tea. He liked this Wylie. He seemed very nice. Still a bit of a child, but nice nonetheless. They exchanged a few more pleasant words as Wylie got himself some coffee and then went back to his desk.
Jane pondered on everything that had happened so far. From what he'd gathered, this was the FBI – apparent from the shield that he'd seen painted on one wall. Charlotte was alive? He and Lisbon were Melody's parents? Wait. Hadn't Lisbon said that she'd had a dream like that? Yes, she had! She hadn't mentioned Charlotte, though. Hm. Lisbon's strange dream must have stuck in his subconscious or something and come out in this dream. Was he in Texas as well in his dream? Is this what the office had looked like in Lisbon's dream? He supposed he'd never know. But, knowing this was a dream was a relief. Why not play along? He went back out to the bullpen once his tea was done. He heard Melody squealing and looked to see what all the commotion was about.
Lisbon and some other agents had gathered around Cho's desk. There was a brunette woman there, looking like she was in the final stages of pregnancy. She was lifting Melody up above her head and then lowered Melody to kiss her cheek.
"How's our little honourary FBI agent?" The new brunette asked, placing Melody on her hip.
"Good." Melody said, gently patting the woman's swollen belly. "How are you?"
"I'm pretty good. Bored mostly. Thought I'd drop by and see what trouble I could cause around here."
"You should be at home resting." Cho said, Jane could hear the affection in his voice. It took a lot of practice for a person to be able to hear the subtleties in Cho's voice. Was this Cho's girlfriend? No…Jane cast a glance at the woman's left hand. She was his wife!?
The woman flicked her wrist dismissively. "Don't be ridiculous. I need to get as well. I'm pregnant, not ill. Well, not right now, anyway."
"Seriously though, Kim." Lisbon said, taking Melody back. "Don't overdo yourself."
Kim laughed. "You were in the office basically right up until labour. You're telling me to not overdo it?"
"Labour?" Melody asked.
"Until you were born." Kim told Melody. "Mommy and Daddy were hardly in the car after work when you decided to make your grand entrance."
"Kim!" Lisbon gasped.
"Was I already in the car when you got there?" Melody asked. "Was it a magic trick? I was in your tummy and then I get into the car first? Am I a wizard?"
Everyone laughed.
"It wasn't that kind of trick." Kim told her. "You'll understand when you're older."
"When I do understand, is that when I'll get all my wizard powers?"
"Something like that." Kim poked Melody's nose.
Jane joined the group, standing next to Lisbon. "You look great, Kim."
"Thanks. Might be all the veggies I'm eating. They're gross, but my hair is loving it."
Lisbon laughed. "Tell me about it."
"Okay. Well, I think I've embarrassed Kimball enough for one day. I'll go grab myself a snack from the break room and head home."
"Would you like me to come with you?" Cho offered.
"I'll be fine." Kim gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze and then gave him a quick peck on the lips.
"Patrick, can you hold on to Melody? I'll go with Kim."
"Sure." Jane took Melody from Lisbon.
Lisbon and Kim headed off.
Melody looked up at Jane. "Are you going to tell me the secret so I can get my wizard powers?"
Jane couldn't help laughing. "No, I'm sorry. You're going to have to take that journey alone."
"Not fair." Melody mumbled as Jane walked back to his couch and sat down with her.
-Mentalist-
Jane convinced Lisbon to leave work early and they went to pick Charlotte up from her movie. They all decided to go out for dinner and Lisbon pulled up to their favourite restaurant. At least, that's what Jane assumed it was.
Charlotte got Melody out of the car seat as they all got out of the car.
Once they were all out, Lisbon locked the doors and Jane and Lisbon let Charlotte and Melody proceed them into the restaurant.
They were seated quickly in a booth, a booster seat provided for Melody, and they looked over the menus. Charlotte and Lisbon on one side, Jane and Melody on the other.
"Chicken fingers." Melody said as she coloured in the picture of a puppy on her children's menu. "I want chicken fingers."
"Sweetie, you always get chicken fingers." Lisbon told her.
"But I like them."
"Melody-"
"I'll get onion rings instead of French fries."
Lisbon sighed.
"Can I see?" Charlotte asked.
Melody handed Charlotte her menu for Charlotte to look at.
"You know…" Charlotte raised her index finger to her chin like she was thinking. "The chicken fingers sound pretty good, but you know what I think sounds even better?"
"What?"
"The grilled cheese. I haven't had one of those in a while. You like grilled cheese, right?"
"Yeah."
"Just something to think about." Charlotte handed the menu back to Melody.
Melody looked over the menu again.
Not much later, their waiter returned with their drinks and they ordered, Melody surprising everyone with her choice of fish sticks.
"Charlotte. No texting at the table." Lisbon said.
"I know." Charlotte told her, hitting send on her message. "I was just saying good night to Annabeth. The time difference between Chicago and Sacramento really sucks." She placed her phone back in her pocket.
Jane had to stop himself from raising a brow. Charlotte and Annabeth were friends? This was one hell of a dream. How much sugar had he eaten before bed?
"I'm glad you two are getting along so well." Lisbon smiled.
"I don't know why you both seem so surprised that I get along with her and the other cousins. Having cousins is great!"
"What about me?" Melody put down her crayon.
Charlotte gave her a goofy grin. "Having a little sister is even better."
Melody giggled and blushed, picking her crayon back up.
Lisbon took Charlotte's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Not long before their food arrived, Jane excused himself to the washroom, heading towards the illuminated sign.
"Excuse me, Patrick." A voice said once he'd gotten into the empty hallway that led to the bathrooms.
Jane turned at the sound of his name to see a short brunette woman that he recognized as Lisbon's mother. "Mrs. Lisbon." He gawked.
"Danielle, please."
Jane just nodded, not sure what to say. This is not how he'd expected this all turn out.
"Would you mind?" She gestured to an unmarked nearby door.
"Sure." Jane followed her through. The room was big with some comfy looking chairs. What an odd room for a small restaurant to have. Jane cautiously took a seat on the couch. "So…what's this all about?"
"Shouldn't you know? This is your dream, after all. And, you know it's a dream."
"That's true." Jane acknowledged. "I'm not sure why you're here, though. No offense. You're not someone who makes normal appearances in my dreams. I'm sure you're delightful, though."
Danielle laughed. "Charmer, aren't you? Then again, you'd have to be to win over my stubborn daughter."
Jane smiled. "Teresa is also a lot of other things."
Danielle's expression softened. "You're very right. She is."
"Thank you." Jane said suddenly.
Danielle tilted her head, confused. "For what?"
"Having such a wonderful daughter."
A bright smile graced Danielle's face. "You're very welcome. I'm very proud of her, despite all her self-perceived failures and shortcomings."
"I can see. So am I."
"I'm proud of her brothers as well."
"As you should be." Jane agreed.
"I'm glad you both found each other, even though your paths were made up from tragedy. You're both a wonderful pair and you care about each other. That's all I ever wanted for her. I wanted her to find someone that truly cared about her and that she cared about in return."
"I'm doing my best at that. I was lucky to find that again."
"I'm glad you see that. Please understand that Angela does send her love. She's happy for you, not mad at you."
Jane cleared his throat and shifted a little bit uncomfortably. "Thanks."
"You must be wondering where my husband is." Danielle changed the subject and Jane was relieved.
"Yeah, kinda."
"He'll be here in a moment. I told him to give me a few minutes with you. As I'm sure you can imagine, Steven and I aren't quite the same as we used to be. Some…parenting style differences we are having difficulty getting past."
Jane nodded solemnly.
Seconds later, the door opened and a tall, muscular man entered that Jane recognised as Lisbon's dad.
"Steven Lisbon." The man held his hand out to Jane.
"Patrick Jane." He shook it.
"Steven, don't be too harsh." Danielle warned.
Steven cast his wife an apologetic look, but Jane was sure that was probably the look he always wore. Steven turned back to Jane. "So, Teresa's husband."
"Yes." Jane replied politely. He'd said that he'd have wanted to meet Lisbon's parents, but this is not what he'd meant at all!
"You're good to her. You're stupid sometimes, but you're good to her."
"Steven!"
"It's okay." Jane shrugged. "That's not news to me."
Steven Lisbon looked Jane up and down for a moment and when he spoke next his voice was thick with emotion. "Don't hurt her like I did."
Jane's eyes widened. Whatever he'd been expecting the man to say, it hadn't been that. "I won't."
Steven grunted and Jane wasn't sure how to interpret it.
"You should probably head back out there." Danielle said. "Before they start to wonder why you're taking so long." She began to usher him towards the door.
"Uh…" Jane wasn't sure what to say.
"Just keep making her happy and we'll be happy." Danielle opened the door and smiled at him. "Now, go keep making our baby girl happy. It was lovely talking to you, Patrick. Maybe we'll be back." She shoved Jane out the door and closed it behind him.
Jane looked at the shut door for a moment before mentally shaking himself and heading back to the table, where Charlotte, Lisbon and Melody had already started eating.
"Did you fall in?" Charlotte joked as Jane sat down.
He smiled at her. "Something like that."
They all made cheerful conversation through dinner and then headed home.
"Would you like me to get Melody ready for bed?" Jane offered as they all took off their shoes once they were at home.
"No, it's okay." Lisbon smiled. "I can do it. You just take it easy. Sit in the living room."
Jane said good night to Charlotte and Melody as they headed upstairs, Lisbon carrying Melody. Jane then wandered into the living room, looking around. There were some extra pictures on display. Some of himself with Lisbon, Charlotte and Melody at picnics and others from birthdays. There was one in particular that stood out to him and he picked up the frame. It was a picture of just Lisbon and Charlotte. Lisbon looked to be about in the third trimester of pregnancy, smiling as Charlotte was leaned over to kiss Lisbon's swollen belly. Jane smiled. That would have been a wonderful memory. He took a seat on the couch, waiting for Lisbon to join him.
"You haven't fallen asleep on me, have you?" Lisbon teased as she sat down next to him.
"No." Jane grinned. "Not yet."
Lisbon leaned into his side. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah." Jane kissed her head. "Everything is fine."
"Are you sure? You've been kind of off today."
"Oh, I was just kind of tired is all." Jane dismissed.
Lisbon looked up at him. "Are you sure? It really does seem like there's something on your mind."
"No, it's completely fine." Jane reassured her. "I just want to go to bed."
Lisbon gave him a gentle smile. "Okay. If you say so. Let's go to bed, then."
"Yes. Let's." Jane pulled Lisbon in for a deep kiss. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
There was a loud thud from upstairs that startled them both.
"Honestly, if those girls are playing another game when they should be going to bed, they're going to be in so much trouble. It's the second time this week." Lisbon grumbled as she and Jane got up from the couch.
The headed upstairs and Jane halted to a stop at the top, grabbing Lisbon's hand to stop her as well.
"What?" Lisbon asked, turning to look at him.
Jane could hardly breathe. The second floor looked like that of his Malibu house. He didn't let go of Lisbon's hand as they walked to the master bedroom at the end of the hall.
"Patrick, seriously. What is wrong?" Lisbon demanded.
Jane didn't respond. He pulled Lisbon behind him as he opened the door, nearly doubling over at the sight of the bloody smiley face. The second thing he noticed was Melody and Charlotte's bloodied bodies lying underneath it. There was a slicing noise from behind him and light splattering. He whirled around to see Lisbon clutching her throat that was gushing blood, eyes wide in shock. "Teresa!"
She gagged for a moment and began to fall forward, but Jane caught her.
"No. No this is just a bad dream." Jane told himself. "Teresa, it's only a dream. It's my dream and I don't want this. I don't want this. I don't want this."
"But it's happening, Patrick." Jane opened his eyes to see the masked Red John in front of him, holding a knife.
"You're not real."
"Aren't I?" Red John asked, slashing his knife at Jane.
xxx
Jane's eyes shot open as he gasped for air.
"Patrick!" Lisbon whispered earnestly as she leaned over him after shaking his shoulder for a few minutes to try and get him to wake up.
"Teresa…" Jane panted, lifting one hand to touch her cheek so he could confirm that she was there.
Lisbon covered his hand with her own. "Patrick, what happened?"
Jane just stared at her for a moment, breathing heavily. When he finally got his mind working, he pinned Lisbon under him and kissed her deeply to confirm that she was really there, muffling all of her protests. He held her as tightly as he possibly could and kissed her until it was imperative that he come up for air. "You're okay." He murmured breathlessly as he peppered her cheek with kisses. "You're here. You're safe."
"Patrick, of course I am. God, what kind of nightmare were you having?" Lisbon entangled her fingers in his hair as Jane started to calm down.
"I just…" Jane breathed deeply, trying to calm himself down faster. "I'm glad it's over."
"Patrick. What happened?" Lisbon made Jane look at her.
"It was like your dream."
"What?"
"Your dream about us being in the FBI. I had one. Cho was married and he was going to have a baby. And you and I…we were Melody's parents and she was four again. And…Charlotte…Charlotte was still alive. She babysat Melody and she was friends with Annabeth. And it…our house was broken into and you were all killed." He left out the part about it being Red John because he didn't want to worry Lisbon. And he didn't want to tell her that her parents had both made an appearance, either.
Lisbon sighed heavily, running her fingers through Jane's hair. "It's okay. We're safe, Patrick. It was just a bad dream."
"I know." Jane nodded and kissed her lips gently. "I'll be right back." He quickly got out of bed.
"Where are you going?" Lisbon propped herself up on her elbows.
"To check on Melody." Jane said, exiting the room and making his way across the hall, quietly slipping into Melody's room. Relief washed over him when he saw that she was thirteen still and that she was alive. He tucked some hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek. "You are safe. You are loved. And you are wise." He whispered to her, then quickly left so that he wouldn't wake her up.
Lisbon was fully sitting up when Jane returned.
Jane clambered into bed and lay down, pulling Lisbon to lay down with him.
"What was that about?" Lisbon asked, turning on her side to look at him.
"I just wanted to make sure that she was okay."
"What's the verdict?"
"She's safe."
"Good." Lisbon snuggled closer to him. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"
"Just stay here with me. Please."
Lisbon lifted her head and smiled. She kissed him lips softly. "Of course I will." Lisbon rested her head back on his shoulder and they both fell back asleep.
Author's Note: That's it for now! I hope you liked it! Please leave a review letting me know what you think! Now, I'm off to bed because I'm tired. Until next time, guys!