Author's notes: I'm just a writing machine at the moment. Thanks once more for the wonderful response to this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter. A guest reviewer had a request. I hope I fulfilled it a little bit.

They're silent for the first few minutes, trying to displace thoughts of explosions and death or injury by straining to hear what's happening in the other room. Jane can feel the tension in Lisbon besides him and knows that it's having as much success for her as it is for him.

"Why don't we make ourselves a little more comfortable?"

"Huh"

"We could be here a while, let's sit down."

Lisbon sees the wisdom in this, her legs are already feeling the strain. It takes a little maneuvering but they manage to turn themselves around in the little space they have between the wall and the couch, with only stepping on each other's feet a couple of times and a slightly uncomfortable moment when they're practically embracing each other. Jane, of course, makes the most of the moment with a delicious grin and a remark:

"If I'd known the advantages of being handcuffed, I would have done it sooner."

Lisbon 'accidentally' catches him in the kidneys with her free hand, and smiles a sweet apology. Finally they are sitting with their backs against the upturned couch and their legs splayed out in front of them. Jane acknowledges his pleasure at the new position.

"Ahhh much better, though you have to talk to me, as I'm busting now after you're abuse of my kidney."

"It's nothing less than you deserve."

"I was only enjoying a moment, surely that's not a crime when we could be blown up any time?"

Lisbon is silent and Jane kicks himself for taking them back to reality. Jane gives her a nudge.

"It'll be fine Lisbon."

Lisbon doesn't acknowledge at first, but after a moment she asks.

"Why did you do it?"

"Do what?

"Do this."

Lisbon lifts up their chained wrists.

"You've survived enough bombs over the past week, you shouldn't have put yourself in danger again."

"Bombs and a shooting, don't forget the shooting."

Lisbon closes her eyes and leans into the couch. She had forgotten the shooting. Boy, it's been a long day! How could she forget her friend getting shot in the head, being knocked to the ground out of her line of sight. The panic in her stomach as she waited to hear Pete's report on him, trying not to picture Jane with half his head blown off. She looks at him with concern.

"How are you doing? You're suppose to be taking it easy."

"I'm fine Lisbon, just a slight headache."

He also felt a little tightening in his chest, but decided she didn't need to know everything or she would have them up from behind the couch, looking for the nebulizer.

"I'm sorry I hit you in the kidney."

"A sympathy apology, but I'll accept it."

Lisbon growls:

"Forget it! I take it back."

Jane chuckles and gets a dig into his side for his trouble.

"Stop it woman."

Lisbon leans back satisfied. Silence descends again for a few moments and then Lisbon realises the insufferable man never answered her question but used her concern for him to deflect the conversation.

"Why did you do it?"

Jane is silent for a moment, then turns slightly to look at her.

"As you pointed out my dear, I've survived a few bombs this past week. The universe is smiling at me and I thought I would make certain it was smiling on you too."

Jane can see that Lisbon's disappointed at his second attempt at deflection . They both jump as a shout sounds from the bullpen, they each hold their breath but order reigns, no explosion rips the air, they're still here. As they start to breathe again and relax, they find they are holding hands. Jane gives Lisbon's hand a squeeze.

"Just making sure, you're still here."

He releases his hold.

There is silence between them once more as each take deep calming breaths, and try to settle their heart rate. Guilt washes over Jane at his behaviour. This could be their last moments and he's avoiding being truthful with the most important person in his life, as if they have forever.

"I didn't want you to go through this alone. I knew you would insist that I left, Broadman too. I did it myself to you. I know how scary it is."

"I'm a big girl Jane, a cop. I can handle it."

"I didn't say you couldn't handle it, I just wanted to be here to help."

"You shouldn't have done Jane."

"I couldn't stand outside behind barriers not knowing. Wondering if you were going to die any moment, and I-I..and having to bury my best friend again."

Jane leans back in to the couch and closes his eyes.

"The idea of being left behind again was more frightening than whatever is out there in the bullpen."

Lisbon wraps her fingers around his hand.

"Jane.."

They both jump, at the sound of the door opening - it's Broadman.

"The bomb's been disabled and my men are removing it from the building."

Lisbon and Jane help each other on to their feet and start to make their way from behind the couch. Broadman puts up his hand.

"No stay there, we still have to disarm the bomb in your watch Agent Lisbon."

Jarvis appears at the door with protective gear.

"I want you both to put these on."

Jarvis hands the gear to Lisbon and Jane. There are bullet proof vests and helmets with shields. Jane puts Lisbon's vest over her head and fastens the velcro. He ducks his head to allow Lisbon to put his vest on. Jane helps Lisbon on with her helmet and pulls the shield down, He taps it with his finger.

"Feels solid enough."

Both know that if the bomb goes off, it's protection will be inadequate.

Jane bends once more as his helmet is put on his head. Jarvis inspects their work and nods his satisfaction to Broadman.

"Back down behind the couch. Agent, put your arm up and rest it on top of the couch, and get down as far as you can. We have experience of how this bomber constructs his devises, so hopefully this shouldn't present us with any problems. As Lisbon and Jane settle as best they can, Jane looks over at Lisbon. She gives him a nervous smile.

"It'll be fine. Lisbon. I'm here remember. I'm like a cat."

"Cheetah?"

"That's not nice."

"Anyway I think you used up your nine lives ages ago."

"Probably true."

"Are you ready agent."

"Yes."

Lisbon takes a deep breath, She feels Jane take her hand once more.

"Jane?"

"Yes."

"Thanks for being here."

"You're welcome."

"Just don't do it again, or I will kill you myself."