A/N: OK, so I'm getting a bit of flack about some details…artistic license, folks. I know Lisbon knows a lot about Jane's family, and I know I'm writing Jane as more vulnerable than he is…all part of the plan. ALLLLL part of the plan.

Chapter 2

Lisbon gave Jane's shoulders a final squeeze, then pressed a kiss to the tangle of blonde curls atop his head. "Get your gear, Jane. You'll sleep better in a real bed than on a door or a couch." Jane wordlessly complied, head down, moving like an automaton. Lisbon watched him, worry furrowing her brow as she did.

"You're going to get wrinkles if you don't stop that, Lisbon." He didn't smile, but there was a ghost of the old Jane in the teasing barb.

"Well, who cares? No one ever looks at me, anyway. I could have a face like a dried up prune and no one would notice, as long as the work gets done." Lisbon snorted, but smiled. This was more like it. He was opening back up and was losing some of that haunted look.

"I look at you. I'd notice."

"Only so you could give me hell about it like you do everything else. Get your stuff and get a hustle on before I really give you something to notice."

"Meh. Quit nattering at me, woman. I'll be along when I'm good and ready. This was your idea, not mine." Jane caught the flash of hurt across Lisbon's face. "I know you're trying to help, Lisbon. I'm sorry. I was only teasing you. I'm ready. Shall we?"

Lisbon glared at him long enough to make her point, then headed for the door. "Separate cars, or who's riding with who?"

"You think anyone will notice if we ride in together in the morning?"

"Tomorrow's Saturday. I highly doubt it."

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They took separate cars after all, Jane's reasoning being that, if he were to wake before Lisbon, he could head out without waking her up to chauffeur him back to CBI.

Lisbon lived in a tidy little cottage with white wood clapboard siding, shuttered windows, and a touch of gingerbread about the porch. Surprisingly feminine touches for the no-nonsense boss. Jane pulled behind her into the driveway and followed her to the detached garage, parking in the bay next to her when she raised the door to indicate he should.

Lisbon opened the rear door of the house, entering into the kitchen and tossing her keys into a wooden bowl on the side table. She shrugged out of her blazer and disappeared down a dark hall. Jane waited where he was, loath to do anything without leave. A light blazed in the hall and Lisbon returned, sorting a stack of mail.

"Bill, bill, bill…" she tossed the offending pile on the mosaic-tile table. "Everybody wants money."

Jane actually grinned at the domestic scene. Lisbon caught the grin and reciprocated.

"Come on, I'll give you the nickel tour."

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"Lighthouses, Lisbon? I never took you for a nautical person." Jane looked around the guest room, his gaze resting on the embroidered comforter. "That's beautiful work."

"It should be. Took me damn near five years." Lisbon colored a bit at Jane's surprised look. "What?"

"Nothing at all. You're full of surprises. Makes me wonder what's next."

"What's next is bed."

Jane grinned again. He really was starting to shake the funk he'd been in and couldn't resist. "I thought you'd never ask. Lead the way."

Lisbon rolled her eyes. "Lead the way, hah. Seriously, do you have everything you need? Towels are under the sink in the bathroom, spare toothbrushes in the middle drawer…" Jane held up a hand.

"I'm set. Do you mind if I grab a shower? Or do you have dibs?"

"There's an en suite in my room. No need to flip for it, go ahead. I'll rewrap your hand after if you want." She turned to go.

"Lisbon." Jane's voice stopped her.

"Jane?"

"Thank you." Jane started to say more and faltered. Lisbon crossed the room and wrapped her tiny arms around his middle, giving him a firm but gentle hug. She stepped back and smiled up at him.

"Any time. Now, I'm going to get out of these clothes. I reek." Jane grinned again.

"Well, being the gentleman that I am, I wasn't going to mention it…" Lisbon parting shot to that remark was a middle-finger salute on her way out the door.

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"OK, hold still." Lisbon skillfully bandaged up the hand again, glancing at him with almost palpable curiosity. Finally, Jane spoke.

"What?"

"Nothing. I've …."

"Spit it out, Lisbon. You never what?"

"I've never seen you out of a suit before." Jane glanced down at the worn tee and lounge pants he had dressed in after his shower.

"Well, I don't sleep in a suit, m'dear." He indicated her own attire with a nod of his head. "Not exactly your everyday apparel, either, Lisbon. Who knew you had legs under that suit?"

Lisbon glanced at her own pajamas, a tank and striped shorts. A blush crept over her cheeks. At length, she responded. "I think, given the circumstances, you can call me Teresa, Jane."

"Teresa Jane? My, my, aren't we impatient. I haven't even proposed yet." Lisbon clapped a hand over her mouth, but not before a snort escaped. Finally she gave up and let the giggle escape. Jane smiled back at her, watching as she regained her composure. "Thank you again, Teresa."

"For what?"

"For this. Inviting me in, being my friend, making me feel better than I have in a very long time. Thank you."

Lisbon shrugged. "You'd do it for me."

"I would at that. Any time, anything." His gaze held hers a fraction of a second too long before she looked away.

"Shall we see if there's anything fit to watch on TV, or are you ready for bed?" Lisbon caught the misstep as soon as she spoke. "In your bed, I mean. No, dammit! Me in my bed, you in yours!" Her face was flaming. Jane looked bemused.

"This is just a guess, mind you, but you don't often have male overnight company, do you, Teresa?"

"No, I don't, thank you very much. And one smart remark about that…" Jane held his hands up in mock surrender.

"Not a word. Your remote control awaits, my lady."