So, I also forgot to mention that these chapters will read more like stand-alones. I won't really be writing what happens in between each month, although antics in previous chapters may be mentioned! I'm also extremely embarrassed about my grammar mistakes-my excuse is that I write these chapters around midnight! It's still no excuse! Also, I hope the last chapter wasn't too out of character, but then alcohol and karaoke tend to make everyone act out of character! This one's inspired by the upcoming episode! I won't be able to post tomorrow, so I went ahead and wrote this one tonight! Y'all enjoy!
Chapter 3
The next month went by quickly, and no one brought up the events of karaoke night. It seemed to be an unspoken rule that what happened at team night, stayed at team night. Although, from time to time Jane would start to hum Celine Dion when he was around Rigsby who didn't have a clue as to what was so funny. The newest development around the office was Jane's newest obsession with Lisbon's footwear. However, this Friday would be one month to the day and Cho claimed seniority in order to plan the next team building event.
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Suggested Event: Overnight Camping Trip
Location & Date: Friday, Agent Cho's backyard
Objective: Team will learn to appreciate each other by working on listening skills, and will also enjoy a positive experience with no threat of death.
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Rigsby surveyed the materials strewn haphazardly around the backyard. Cho had asked him to come over early to help set up. The tents needed to be assembled, the fire pit needed to be arranged, and the grill needed to be cleaned among other things. He scratched his head.
"Cho, why exactly are we camping in your backyard?"
"In case it rains. This way we're close to a house. Besides, it's free," he answered as he stacked firewood in a neat pile.
"Always logical, our Agent Cho," rang a familiar voice. Patrick Jane peeped around the corner of the house before heading over to the two men. He was early, but he figured Cho might need help setting up. Dropping a sleeping bag, he picked up directions for the tent. Rigsby peered over his shoulder, while Cho continued to ignore him.
Thirty minutes later, Lisbon and Van Pelt arrived carrying a sleeping bag and a small suitcase each. They bypassed the front door, and headed around to the small backyard where they could hear raised voices.
"It doesn't fit there, Jane!"
"It's not my fault you're holding it upside down, Rigsby."
"Well, if you would just keep it steady!"
"This is supposed to be so easy a child can do it," Cho muttered, frustrated.
Holding in their laughter, the women put down their suitcases. Rolling her eyes, Van Pelt shooed the guys away, and in a matter of minutes had the tent assembled. They looked at her in shock. "My dad took me camping a lot," she said with a shrug as Lisbon put together the other tent. "We'll finish up here, why don't you three start on dinner!" Mumbling to themselves, the guys headed to the grill.
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Lisbon sat on a log as she took a bite of her slightly charred hamburger and vaguely wondered if her team was trying to give her food poisoning. Gagging, she caught Jane's slightly nauseated expression across from her. Okay. So it wasn't just her. Standing up, she went to throw the rest of the meal away and jumped when a hand touched her back. She spun around to face a very sneaky Jane. She raised an eyebrow.
"What do you say we go pick up some McDonalds?" he pleaded, trying to not be overheard by the two chefs. At that moment her stomach growled, making Jane smile. Lisbon looked over to the others who were trying to eat the burnt meat. She sighed.
"Jane forgot his pajamas, so I'm going to take him to his house real quick. Anybody else need anything?" She glanced around the group and caught Grace's pleading expression. With a subtle nod to the younger woman, they headed out with a wave to the other agents.
"Think they're doing it yet?" Rigsby asked when his boss was out of earshot.
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"No salads today?" Jane grinned as Lisbon wolfed down her chicken sandwich while they sat in the parking lot. With a glare, she flashed her middle finger.
"Shut up, Jane." He smiled as they headed back to their campsite with an extra hamburger for Grace. Pulling into the driveway, Lisbon's eyes narrowed at the amount of smoke riding from the backyard.
"Well that looks promising," Jane said with a concerned look. Warily, they headed around back. Grace looked miserable while Cho and Rigsby seemed to be feeding the fire, arguing over how big to let it get. Grace's eyes lit up as she saw them and Lisbon tossed her the keys. She smiled as she snuck back to the car.
Finally, it was time for s'mores. Lisbon smiled as she watched the flames flicker around her marshmallow toasting it to a perfect golden brown. Jane laughed at her focused expression as she continued to make sure her s'more was absolutely perfect. He stiffened as she let out a soft moan at the first bite and watched as she slowly licked the gooey marshmallow off her fingers. He shifted uncomfortably and raised his eyes to hers while she gave him a smirk.
"You're evil, woman," he said just soft enough for her to hear. Her eyes twinkled as she sauntered off to where she'd left her sleeping bag.
Without warning, it began to pour soaking them all. The rain quickly doused the fire, as the agents grabbed their belongings and sprinted towards Cho's house. Fumbling for the keys, Cho hurried to unlock the door. Jane looked around and noticed that Lisbon was still standing near the soaked tents looking up at the sky. He jogged over to her.
"I love the rain," she said quietly, letting it drip down her face. He tried not to stare at the way her shirt was clinging to her body, as he grabbed her hand. They sprinted to the front door where Cho gave them an odd look before throwing them each a towel. Drying off, they spread their sleeping bags on the living room floor. Shivering, Lisbon's sleeping bag gravitated towards Jane, seeking body heat. He smiled as he felt her press against his back in the dark.
"You're never allowed to plan a camping trip again, Cho." Lisbon growled as they slowly fell asleep on the hard floor. While they slept, Jane turned to face Lisbon and pulled her to him, wrapping his arm possessively around her waist. In the morning, the other agents wisely kept their mouths shut.