(A/N - so the unanimous response is that this story is not over yet! Thanks for the suggestions about what specifically you're curious about with their new life in DC - the plot continues!)

The million-dollar wedding gift finally felt like a home. Jane was a permanent resident at last.

Lisbon was so relieved to have him on her team again, and sighed at how wonderful it was to have him back in her life during the midweek days… And nights.

She hadn't slept a wink on Tuesdays or Wednesdays since their separate schedules had begun. It felt like the move hadn't been real, up to now, and she was finally allowing herself to enjoy the excitement of their new start together. The addition of the Abbotts into the mix was a welcome bonus.

Jane was swimming in happiness and expectation now that he was officially settled in… Officially accepted on Lisbon's FBI team… Officially home.

When Lisbon mentioned her sleeplessness during their separations, he admitted the same. He was definitely going to miss Cho (the gift of his friendship and protection during Jane's weekly Austin tasks had been more necessary to his wellbeing than he'd expected), but, outside of that he had felt like he was being slowly smothered during those days. The absence of Teresa was tantamount to a lack of oxygen. It was glorious being back in her presence 24/7. The brief struggle of that schedule had amplified his need for her - their need for each other - even more. Partners forever. An indomitable team. His eyes threatened tears, prickling just a bit, as he watched her taking in the new decor in the music room (she had just noticed the ultra-rare Willy Shubert concert poster he'd found and had framed - matted with a much-loved ticket stub Lisbon had kept from that same show, which she'd attended back in college). She was so very beautiful - especially when her face was lit up with delight as it was now.

His plan had worked, thanks to Dennis's help. Yesterday's surprise appearance and staff-reveal at the office had been choreographed back in Austin at the same time the two men had cooked up Jane's 'barely in Austin' work schedule. This was the part he'd teased would be revealed 'in due time.' (Dennis was already transferring to follow Lena's confirmed appointment to her new position, but hadn't revealed any details yet, so the pièce de résistance for his plan was already in place at that time. He had simply built around it.)

"It's so good to have you home for good, sweet Patrick." Lisbon cooed, sliding her arms around him, underneath his unbuttoned vest.

"It's good to be home, my dear. I felt as if I couldn't breathe during the hours and days when we were apart." He held her gaze a moment, to allow his eyes to fill in the deeper sentiments he couldn't find words for. Then he slowly kissed her, passionately, but also leisurely, as if they finally had all the time in the world.

Coming up for air, Lisbon hummed, "I know what you mean, love. I was so worried with us working in different offices - I hated not being there to protect you. And I missed you fiercely during the times I was alone here at home. It's funny - when we first admitted that we couldn't live without each other, that night in your hotel room, I sincerely felt the truth of that phrase. Still, a part of me also worried we were being a tad over-dramatic. But nope! As it turns out, your presence is an absolute necessity for my health and happiness."

He enveloped her in a comforting hug for a long moment. "Hearing that makes my heart skip a beat, my dear." He gently kissed her, just behind her earlobe, then had a thought. "Hey, now that I'm here, and now that the decor is complete throughout the house, how would you feel about a housewarming party?"

She pulled back, eyeing him with a raised brow. "As long as you're doing the planning?"

"Of course, my dear!"

"On that basis, I think it would be fun! I'd love to show off this amazing house."

She really was in awe of the place. Jane had outdone himself not just with the decor, but with the multitude of thoughtful touches throughout the house. She had been completely taken aback when he'd revealed the fully intact music room. Though she had adored them when they had taken the tour, she'd assumed the piano and stereo system would be moving away, along with the previous owners. But, knowing her love for music, Jane had insisted - and paid extra for - the inclusion of those items in the deal. (It hadn't gone unnoticed by her, either, that he'd included a clarinet in the room. Laughing to herself at his obsession with which band instrument she played in high school, she planned to bring it up at a time when she could adequately tease him about being wrong… again… She couldn't stop her amused smile as she pictured the moment.)

"Thank you, Jane, for all the thought you've put into this house - our house! It is beyond amazing!" She beamed at him. "It's still outside of my understanding how you can so accurately predict my likes and dislikes with stuff like this." She grinned, then put her hands on her hips, eyes sparkling at her remarkable fiancé.

"You knew which house I would pick before we ever came here to look didn't you!"

"I plead the fifth!" Jane grinned, arms out with a shrug.

"Typical!" She teased, slapping his arm lightly, with amusement.

"So that's a 'yes' to the party?" He confirmed, coyly changing the subject.

"Yes!" She replied, with some amusement. Then her demeanor transformed before his eyes.

"But, you know, Patrick," she breathed, moving closely, hands behind his neck, threading her fingers through those amazing curls, "we need to have our own little housewarming party first. We haven't appropriately christened this place since your surprise arrival yesterday." She smoldered, barely able to stop herself from taking him right there on the grand piano. God, he was so gorgeous.

"Oh?" He rumbled, pleasantly caught off-guard, "what do you suggest, my dear? Your wish is my command." His eyes couldn't break from hers.

"Ooh… That is a fabulous development!" She purred. "What if we christened each room individually?"

Jane took in a sudden rush of air, his imagination spinning. "That would be quite enjoyable, my love! Shall we start with this one?" He asked, moving her toward the keyboard. "Make some beautiful music together?" He flirted.

"Mmm yes! But not on the piano - too uncomfortable." She giggled, imagining what crazy, atonal song might result from such an activity.

"Of course, dear. Perhaps the settee?"

"Much better!" She panted as they danced slowly to the upholstered piece, kissing and disrobing as they moved. Quite a while later, they were pleasantly ensconced in one another on that sofa, at the end of a long trail of clothes.

She rested on his chest, lovingly tracing patterns above his heart with her index finger. "So, we're gonna get the house professionally cleaned before this party, right?" Lisbon asked, with a hint of worry at the possible aftermath from their planned christenings.

"Evidently, my dear." He laughed comfortably, pulling her against his bare chest.

Resting her cheek over his heart, she relaxed, allowing the steady beat to lull her worries to sleep. "Can we take a honeymoon before the wedding as well as one after?" She asked, feeling positively drunk on her love and desire for him.

"That would be heavenly, Teresa! But Dennis would probably not appreciate our continued absence just as he's starting out here in DC. Especially after he risked his reputation and his very job in hiring me, despite protests from the upper offices of the FBI."

She sighed. "Of course. You're right, love. Damn. Guess we'll have to pack twice the fun into the regular honeymoon then." She kissed his clavicle, provocatively.

Her daydreaming was interrupted by a phone call from the office. They were up.