The next morning Lisbon was released from the hospital with a month of mandatory leave, away from the stress and the work. Even though the sedative were out of her system and she had slept six hours in a row, she had been relieved to have Jane helping her, his strong arm around her waist and his solid body avoiding her too exhausted frame to fall apart. Himself was tired to the bones, but his priority was being the stabile rock for Teresa, like she had been to him for years. A serious breakdown was the final medical diagnostic, it didn't cover every angle of her state but that was a general summary.
Abott understood, even if seen three people of his team away in a week was really not something to rejoice about. At least leaving Jane taking care of Lisbon and himself was better than having him messing around in the office, and Jane'd promised to help on request.
When they arrived at home, Lisbon was drained as if she had run a marathon. The doctor had told her that she will feel like that for a long time and that she should have patience with herself. That had made Jane smile softly and Lisbon grumbled, that will be a challenge they knew.
With Jane's help she reached her bed and lay down. Sleep came as soon as her head hit the pillow. Jane sat down next to her, stroking softly her hair, looking at her so frail body. He knew he wasn't the only cause of her state, but him underlying his leaving had definitely close the circle. Hesitating a moment to lay down beside her, he headed toward the kitchen instead, to prepare them a light lunch. While Lisbon was asleep and him cooking, he thought about his fears, about the life he wished for them both, about what he could loose and what he loved most. It was such a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts and decisions to sort, he nearly let the rice overcooking and the vegetables burn. How could they take the next step if their life visions couldn't match? How could he try to live in the present when the future was such a dreadful vision? What would she find in a professional domain that wouldn't abnegate who she was? Would they be able to live a daily life without working together and spending more time together? Did they have more in common than their job, her passion and his mental stimulation?
After a good hour of sleep Lisbon woke up in her bedroom, bathed with the warm light of the day soften by the curtains. It felt good to be at home, it felt good to hear the gentle noise in the house letting her know she was not alone. Slowly she got up and went to the bathroom, she had to shower and change off of the funeral clothes. The running water on her skin was divine, as was the scent of her soap and shampoo, she felt at home at last. Dressed in some casual clothes, damp hair falling on her shoulders, she arrived in the kitchen drawn by the nice cooking smell. Jane had his back at her and too deeply absorbed by his thoughts he was oblivious to her presence. Her face touching his back made him jump slightly but he didn't turn around. They stood like that minutes long, before she wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. Letting his own hands wrapping hers, he sighed softly and they breathed in unison for a while.
"Hey Love... did you sleep well?", she nodded her answer. "Are you hungry? Rice and vegetables are on the menu", she nodded again but didn't move. "We could stay like that for another hour but your stomach will soon protest and dessert will definitively be spoiled..." he said teasingly. She still didn't budge, so Jane turned around in her embrace to face her. "Hey..." he said smoothly. Lisbon titled her head then to look at him. Their eyes met, full of love, full of gratitude to be together, full of apprehension, full of unspoken words, that they shared then in a sensuous kiss.
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NB: Not much action I'm afraid... I want something slow and sheltered, a breakdown is never easy and J&L have to find their ways together and alone. Not sure either where I'm heading... Let's see!
Many thanks again for the followers and reviewers, it's really a nice motivation to continue! Thank you!