Disclaimer: The Mentalist show and characters are the property of Bruno Heller, Primrose Hill Productions, Warner Bros. Television, CBS,…

Author's Note: I'm on a roll! I should study but this story won't let me. I don't think this chapter is really interesting but it was necessary for the rest of the story. A special thank you to all my reviewers and those who put me on alerts or as favorite.

Also, I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Enjoy.

She made a choice. The one to be there for him. To believe in him. She can't back down now.

In the end Lisbon did show up to work looking like a zombie. It had been Jane's fault. The culprit had decided to wake her up with his wandering hands a mere two hours after she had fallen asleep. Apparently he couldn't get enough of her. Not the she complained. The man was an excellent lover but that didn't mean he could show her exactly how good he was whenever he pleased. She liked morning sex as much as the next person but she liked sleep just as much. At least he had more than made up for it. She had felt the need to be clear afterwards, about him not being allowed to be this loving every single morning. Otherwise he could visit her couch for all she cared.

They also didn't get an opportunity to talk about their newfound relationship because all their fooling around had almost made them late for work. With a dreamy smile she thought about Jane's ingenuity of saving time and water by taking a shower together. Even though she wasn't quite sure they really managed to save both. Jane and his wandering hands again. Why was she even surprised anymore, she knew he was the master of being sneaky.

They had had no choice but to come into work together. Luckily they had been quite early so there hadn't been many people present. In that sense she was happy people were used to see Jane's car in the lot at all hours. Everyone knew the man ended up sleeping in the CBI more than was healthy. Although she supposed that was going to change now that they were trying to make it work. Or were they really trying? She still didn't know what they were doing. She really needed to talk to Jane soon.

The day also brought a new case; making it almost impossible for Lisbon and Jane to have a moment to themselves. The team had already left the office while he was napping on his couch. Lisbon was still working on paperwork in her office.

It was getting late and while he wished he could talk to Lisbon he knew he had to get home to change into a new suit before the team got suspicious about him wearing the same one for three days straight. He hoped she would still be here when he got back.

When he got back to the CBI one hour later all the lights were off indicating that Lisbon had probably gone home to get some sleep. He briefly entertained the thought of joining her home before dismissing the idea. She needed to relax and be alone. She deserved it after such an emotional few days.

Tomorrow he would talk to her. Tomorrow.

Lisbon entered the bullpen bright and early. The sleep had obviously done her good; the dark circles were gone, her cheeks were rosy and she wore a slight smile. She also had a spring in her step, which was even more surprising.

"Hey!" Her voice was cheery when she saw him lying on his couch.

She didn't wait for his reply before heading into her office. Bemused, Jane immediately joined her and watched as she hanged her jacket and booted her computer. He gently closed the door.

"Hello darling," he answered with a slight drawl. "Someone obviously had a good night."

Lisbon smiled widely, "Fantastic! Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep can do wonders to the body and soul." She raised her eyebrows at the word 'uninterrupted', clearly bringing her meaning across.

"Hmm, if I remember correctly I don't recall you complaining about the methods used to keep you awake."

She comes to stand before her desk and leans against it. "I don't remember having any choices in the matter."

She's pouting but her eyes are twinkling and he only wants to kiss her. He quickly checks if anyone can see them but it's only 7 AM and, for the moment, they're the only ones present on this floor. So he slowly advances on her before tangling one hand in her hair and using the other on her lower back to push her body against his. It's the perfect position to plunder her mouth without restraint. She only moans and melts into his embrace, seeming to have waited for this moment since yesterday morning. She's slowly rubbing her tongue against his lips and teeth before he grants her access to the warm wet cavern that is his mouth. She tastes of coffee and Lisbon and it's all he can do to not push her onto her desk and take her. He hugs her close to him before lifting her up so that she can sit on her desk. A few reports fall onto the ground but they don't notice, too lost in each other. She cradles him between her tights and her hands start to draw patterns onto his back. His mouth slowly leaves her lips so he can trail hot, moist kisses down her neck until he feels her pulse point and starts to suck and nip at it. Lisbon bucks her hips into his and she can feel his growing arousal against her core. It's enough to bring her back to reality. Jane feels her tense and pulls back to see why she's suddenly so still. He tries to find her eyes but finds them closed, trying to regain her composure. She's gripping his shoulders and he's still hugging her body to his. They're both panting, trying to catch their breaths. She gets off her desk and he's obligated to stand back to give her room. Lisbon slips from between his arms to walk behind her desk. It's obvious she's trying to put distance between them and while he doesn't agree he understands why she feels the need to get away.

"I'm sorry Jane but not here," her voice is hoarse and she has to clear her throat before continuing, "this really isn't the place or time."

"Yes, okay. You're right," he sounds sincere even though she's sure he's doesn't completely agree with her.

Jane shifts awkwardly, trying to relieve the pressure in his pants. She can see he's uncomfortable and she can't help herself as she smirks. "Though I can't say I'm sorry about that."

He lightly glares at her mockery but doesn't say anything; instead his eyes get that serious glint that always worries her. Unconsciously she straightens her back, bracing for what he's going to say.

"What's with the change of attitude? Yesterday you could barely look at me and now you're allowing me to kiss you in your office?" Jane asks, his expression showing his genuine confusion.

"I had time to think about us since yesterday morning," her eyes flicks down to her desk, unwilling to reveal more.

"And?" he prods.

"And nothing, I decided to not think about it anymore, just go with the flow," her green eyes are honest, her stance sure.

"I can say I'm honestly surprised. Since yesterday I was sure you would have found a thousand reasons to stop this," she can see he doesn't understand her decision, bothered that he misread her.

"Trust me, I did find a thousand reasons but then I decided to stop worrying and just see where this is going," she bents down to gather the files that have fallen earlier and misses his worried expression.

"Okay," it sounds more like a question than an affirmation.

She glanced at him, "You don't seem happy."

"I am but, don't get me wrong here, this isn't like you."

"Look Jane," she sighs, "I decided only time would tell if we can work. So why not enjoy the time we have together and hope for the best? God knows something will happen sooner rather than later."

The last phrase was said with a note of complacence he didn't like but couldn't blame her for. He damn well knew this couldn't end well. Trying to move on with her didn't mean he had forgotten about his future plans, he was a realist after all. Maybe she was right and they should just enjoy the time they had before all hell broke loose. He knew he was incredibly selfish to get close to Lisbon but he couldn't help himself. She was so intoxicating and, like he told her before, he couldn't let go of her. It may mean pain and heartache for them both later on but he figured she was wise enough to know what she was getting into. After all Lisbon was everything but stupid. He knew she would do everything to protect her heart and if that meant she had to leave him when it got too hard she would. That last thought comforted him somewhat.

"Yes, you're right. I suppose you do have some rules regarding, how do we say that again, public display of affection?"

"Glad you approve," she gave him a slight smile, "and I do have some rules. No kissing, touching, looks, mentions of us when we're working. Even during out-of-town cases. I don't want anyone to know or suspect a thing," she glared, "I mean it Jane."

"I can't say I agree but I guess I understand. I do have one request in exchange," his smirk made her fear the worst.

"Shoot," her slight quiver told of her nervousness.

"Every other moment I get the right to show you just how crazy you make me. No complaining allowed," he gave her a big smile when he saw her frown.

'Yes,' she thought to herself, 'he was a sneaky little bastard.'

"Fine," she grumbled.

He smiled in triumph; his impromptu little plan had worked wondrously.

"Great!"

Before she could react he had already gotten around her desk and was hugging her to him.

"Thank you precious," he whispered in her hair.

He let her go and gave her a long peck on the lips before sweeping out of her office, smug look firmly in place.

Her lips still tingled when she yelled a "Jane!" through her open door. Her only response was a laugh. She smiled; it really was impossible for him to listen to her. Then she groaned, what had she gotten herself into?

They didn't get to close the case that day but did meet at her apartment that night. Even though they weren't getting anywhere with the case she was still happy because Jane had acted like always. Nothing had been out of the ordinary. It was a good start.

That night they made it as far as her couch, both in a hurry to get rid of their clothes as soon as possible. Their passion was overwhelming and both only wanted to feel the other's skin on their own. It was fiery and mad and oh so good. Afterwards they ended up cuddling under her fleece blanket, too tired to get to her bedroom.

It was only when her skin was cooling that she remembered that, for the first time, they have forgotten to use a condom. Frantically her mind calculated and easily decided it was impossible for her to get pregnant now. She decided to get to the drugstore tomorrow to get the morning after pill. It wasn't very glamorous but she wasn't ready to have a baby and she wasn't sure if a baby with Jane was the wisest idea. She was almost certain he never wanted children again, even though he always got on great with them the few times they handled cases involving children. She also decided to call her gynecologist tomorrow so she could make an appointment. If their recent activities were anything to go by it seemed her future would be filled with more sex than once every two weeks. That meant she really needed to get on the pill. Better to be safe than sorry. She didn't know if she should talk to Jane about it. While her womanhood wasn't something she was ashamed of she didn't want to make him uncomfortable. She knew how men got when women started talking about subjects like that; their awkwardness was always off-putting and annoying. So, unless Jane mentioned something she would take care of it herself.

After a while they relocated to her bed. It was more relaxing and easier for sleep. She started thinking about her decision again, she wasn't that sure it had been the right one to make but she figured they could try. Only then would she know for sure if they really could last. She really liked him even though he annoyed her a great deal and was almost impossible to manage. They got on great, both at work and at 'home'. She giggled; they also got along great in bed.

"What are you laughing about Miss Lisbon?" came Jane's sleepy voice.

"About how insatiable we are Mister Jane."

"Can you blame me with such an enchanting creature as yourself?" his eyes opened to relish in her reaction. He wasn't disappointed.

Lisbon blushed, "Oh hush you, you smooth talker."

He brushed her hair from her face and laughed, "You really cannot accept a compliment can you?"

She mumbled something unintelligible before burying her head in his neck. He smiled, pleased with himself.

"Go to sleep darling, you deserve it."

She rolled over to switch off her bedside lamp before, once again, molding her body to his. She whispered a 'sleep well' as his heartbeat gently lulled her to sleep.

Her last thoughts were about what had happened today and how she didn't regret it. She made a choice. The one to be there for him. To believe in him. She can't back down now.