Note: Thank you to everyone who gave me a review! I really appreciate the feedback. This one is a bit longer, hope you enjoy!
Dislaimer: I don't own The Mentalist.
- I never knew they did such things.
- I never expected that I'll live to the day that Patrick Jane doesn't know something and admits it!
- Oh come on, I'm not an encyclopedia.
- Sometimes I doubt that.
They walked slowly around the new exhibiton about everyday lives of ancient Romans. Lisbon enjoyed it a lot. She usually didn't go to events like this, even though she really wanted to, because it wasn't that fun without someone to experience it with. She had tried a couple of times to go alone, but had regretted it later. She was happy that Jane had decided to come with her. It was actually amusing to see him in a different environment, where he wasn't his usual all-knowing self.
The exhibition turned out to be much bigger than they had expected, so after roughly two hours they decided that they had seen the most important exhibits and left the museum.
- So what now? - He asked, looking around the street.
- You promised me ice cream, remember? - She smiled.
- Right. I know the perfect place. Let's walk, it's not that far away.
They walked down the street and discussed some things they had seen at the museum. The weather turned out to be just like they had said in the radio – warm and without a single cloud on the sky. Because of that, there was more people on the streets than usual.
After a couple of minutes they found themselves in front of a park's gate.
- Well, let's forget about the Romans. Did you enjoy it? - She asked honestly, walking down the aisle.
- You already know I prefer more modern times when it comes to history. - Jane answered, but as soon as he looked at her, he realised that he had misinterpreted her question.
- I'm not talking about the exhibition. - He knew what she was trying to ask, but decided to stay silent. He wanted her to say it out loud. - Did you enjoy going there... with me?
- Yes, Teresa. - Jane grinned. - I very much enjoyed being there with you. It was nice to see you somewhere else than the CBI or your apartment.
- Good. - She smiled shyly. - I really enjoyed it, too.
Finally, they found an ice cream booth. Lisbon sat down on the nearest bench, while Jane placed the orders.
- They only had vanilla. Hope that's ok. - He said, sitting down beside her.
- It's actually my favourite.
They enjoyed the dessert in silence, watching people passing in front of them. There were many families with little children, which made Jane a bit sad. The shadow made himself apparent again. Lisbon could clearly see that in his eyes. She took his hand and just held it, tracing little circles on his skin with her thumb. They didn't need words to communicate.
- You know, today she would be about the same age as that girl in a purple dress. - He said after a while.
- I bet she was a very sweet girl. - Lisbon hoped that talking about Charlotte would help him a little.
- Yeah, she was... - He whispered. - So innocent and pure. She often made me regret all those awful things I've done to people. You know, as a psychic. Sometimes I wanted to quit that, so she could be proud of me later, when she's older. She wouldn't like the fact that her father was a con man. But I didn't quit and... you know far too well how things went.
- You were an amazing father, Patrick. - Lisbon held both of his hands. They were cold, despite the weather. - I know you don't believe in such things, but I do, and I very much believe that they're proud of who you've become. You help people now. Solve cases.
- You know what was the reason I came to the CBI. - He avoided her gaze and just stared at their hands clasped together on his lap. - And you know that I started to enjoy doing this, working with the team... working with you. But the main reason hasn't changed.
- I know...
- Who's the all-knowing now? - He joked, trying to lighten the mood.
- I guess we both know each other well. - She smiled faintly.
They sat there in silence for a couple of minutes, still holding each other's hands. Jane was actually surprised that talking with Lisbon made him feel a lot better. "She really is my light", he thought, looking down at her. She seemed lost in her thoughts, staring out in the distance.
- I hope I haven't ruined our date. - He said, a little worried.
- No, of course not! - She smiled, her eyes still locked on something in front of them. - I was just thinking...
He followed her gaze and saw an elderly couple, sitting on a bench on the other side of the aisle, holding hands just like they were.
- Do you think you could ever... start over? - She whispered. The other couple noticed them and smiled.
- I believe that I got another chance when I met you. - He said, looking deep into her eyes. - You're my hope for a new life, Teresa, but I still need closure when it comes to my previous life and it's not gonna change. I know things will get rough and even dangerous when we come closer to catching Red John, so I can't promise you anything, even though I desperately want to. But yes, I think someday I could start over.
- So... what do you suggest? What are we? - She asked after a while, not sure what to think about his confession.
- I suggest we enjoy the moment and take things slow. I don't want to screw things up... I don't want to hurt you. You're too important to me, Teresa. - He brushed a piece of hair from her face.
- Ok... - She answered, trying to smile and be cool about it, but inside she was scared and worried.
She wanted to be with him so badly but was afraid of heartache when things get hot with Red John. She was so lost in her thoughts that only after a while had she realised how close his face was to hers. She subconsciously looked down at his lips and remembered their kiss last night. As much as she wanted to feel his lips against hers again, she needed space to process things. She sat back and took her hands from his.
- I'm starving. Let's get something for dinner. - Lisbon smiled awkwardly and stood up. She glanced at the elderly couple one last time and the lady winked at her. "We'll figure it out", she thought hopefully.
- Stop it! - Lisbon was bent in half, holding her stomach that started to hurt from laughing.
She didn't remember when was the last time she had laughed like that. Jane was telling her stories from the time he was still working in a carnival. After they came back from a grocery store, their moods have lighten, which was great, because the vision of an awkward evening wasn't appealing for either of them.
They had already finished eating dinner they had prepared together and were just joking around and talking.
- You know, before my mum died, we used to go together to a circus every summer, even though my brothers were still very little. - She said. - After the accident I tried to continue this tradition, but it just didn't work out.
- Why? - He asked, pouring her another glass of red wine.
- I don't know... - She rolled her eyes when Jane remained silent. - It was already too hard for me, being practically a mother to my siblings and trying to protect them from our dad. I was so young, I wasn't ready for any of this and my brothers and dad didn't make it easier for me. So, going to a circus seemed unnecessary and too tiring, mentally-wise.
- I understand. - He mumbled, sipping on the wine. - When you look at it, we were both parents.
- You're right. - She smiled. - I've never noticed that.
- Do you think you could ever be a mother again? Have children? - He asked, enjoying this deep conversation. They hadn't usually talked about stuff like that. It was a nice change.
- Yes, I would love to. Just not now. - She answered, feeling a little intoxicated. - You?
- Honestly, I don't know. Probably yes, but like you said – not right now.
Lisbon nodded and stood up to put dishes in the sink. She suddenly felt a little dizzy but managed to get to the kitchen counter.
- How much wine have we drunk? - She asked, looking for something in the nearest drawer.
- One whole bottle! - Jane shouted, surprised. - Do you think it's enough or do you want me to open another one?
- It's saturday night, Jane. - She answered, like it was obvious what he should do. - Let's have a little fun, last week was boring enough.
- Yes, boss.
- Meanwhile, I've got something for you. - Lisbon grinned as she saw his shocked face. She ran up to her bedroom to get a little bundle from her purse. - I saw it in the museum's souvenir store and bought it when you went to the bathroom. I don't know why but it reminded me of you. Maybe it's the colour. Thought you'd like it.
He opened the package and saw a light sea green shirt with little turtles, that were only a little bit darker than the shirt. He opened his mouth in shock.
- I hope it fits. - She said, clearly amused by his reaction.
- Thank you, Teresa. - He finally spoke and hugged her. - I love it. I give The Lisbon's Hotel four stars out of five for how they treat their guests.
- Only four? - She tried to look offended, but couldn't stop her lips from smiling. - What would I have to do to get five stars?
- I bet you'll figure it out, Lisbon. - He winked at her. - But don't worry, I'll recommened your service to my friends, that's for sure.
- Oh, please, don't! I don't want to clean up after Rigsby. He looks like that type who likes to flood the bathroom when he showers. With all due respect.
- Alright, I won't. - Jane laughed. - Let me go get changed.
He went to her bathroom and while he was gone, she put some music on and poured both of them another glass of wine.
- It fits! - She heard his voice behind her. - It's actually really comfortable. You've got a good eye.
She turned around and found herself looking him up and down.
- You look good. - She went up to him and touched the collar of his new shirt, trying to look like she was examining the material. - Very... exotic.
He grinned and caressed her cheek, looking down at her lips. He saw her smile disappear and looked up to meet her gaze. He was surprised by the amount of love he saw in her eyes. Their lips were only and inch away, but he found himself unable to move. Her eyes hypnotized him.
It was Lisbon who closed the distance between them. They still weren't used to the sensation, so the kiss was as gentle and slow as their first one.
- Would you like to dance with me? - Jane said when they pulled away. - I love that song.
- Of course.
He took her hand and guided her to the middle of the living room. She put her head on his shoulder and he held her close to his heart. It wasn't like the last time they danced during the high school reunion in Rancho Rosa. It was more intimate and less hesitant. They were alone, no one was watching them. What's more important, they didn't need to supress their feelings anymore. She didn't need to hide her quickened heartbeat and he could kiss her head and don't care about the consequences.
- Last night you said you needed me. - She whispered when the next song started. - The truth is, I need you too, Patrick. I've never realised it until today. I think that we both need each other, because no one else would understand us. I was always sure that if I let any man this close and show him my dark side, he'd run away. But then you came and I let you in... Closer than I've ever let anyone. I showed you, sometimes not voluntarily, what I consider the worst part of me and... you stayed. What's more, you've helped me work through this mess, even though you're much more broken than me. I think what I'm trying to say is... thank you... for staying. Even though you've got your own mess.
He shifted a little to put two fingers under her chin and make her look up. He didn't hesitate this time and kissed her, trying to show her how much he appreciated her words. How much he agreed with her. How much he loved her. She put her hands behind his neck and pulled him closer. A quiet moan escaped her mouth when he started to kiss her neck. She let him do it for a while, but then moved his head to once again taste his lips.
When the kiss grew more passionate, suddenly the track on the vinyl ended and a loud noise came from the nearest shelf. They jumped and Lisbon ran to stop the record player. When she turned around to face him, she looked at him and they both laughed, feeling like two teenagers caught red-handed by their parents.
- We should probably go to sleep, it's already past midnight. - She said, smoothing out her hair.
- Do you want me to stay for another night?
- I already told you, I won't let you sleep alone in your house. At least not this weekend.
- Alright. - He grinned.
He quickly cleaned up the kitchen while she took a shower. After some time, they finally laid down, each one occupying either side of the bed. Maybe it was the wine, or maybe after today she became more sure about their relationship, but only after a couple of seconds of silence she shifted to put her head on his chest and cuddled him. He didn't react at first, but after the initial shock, he put his arm around her and pulled her closer. Her hair were tickling his bare skin and he felt her warm breath on his stomach.
- I was cold. - She whispered, tracing her finger up and down from his neck to the end of his sternum.
- Right. - He chuckled, knowing that it was only an excuse. - You haven't told me about your dream last night.
- Oh, I already forgot it.
- Will you ever quit lying to me, Lisbon? You know I don't have to look at you to know when you're not telling the truth. - Her finger stopped somewhere near his collarbone, but then continued its journey.
- Fine. - She groaned. - In my dream we were sitting on a beach . The sun was setting and we were alone. You said that your favourite colour was orange. Completely out of the blue. When I asked if there was any particular reason, you said that you'd always loved the colour of the sky during sunset. Then you asked me what my favourite colour was. When I answered "blue" you asked why. So I said: "Your eyes are blue".
Jane closed his eyes as he felt a sudden wave of warmth in his chest, just were her head was resting.
- Is it actually true? - He whispered and felt her smile against his skin.
- Yes.