Yes I know! I have shamefully neglected this story for wild holiday festivities!! Sorry to all… I will post the other 2 parts today and hopefully have a sweet little New Years Story up tomorrow to make up for it! OK??

I've decided, or rather those pesty story bunnies have decided to let everyone have a POV for this holiday. Again, since this all began as part of WildDaisies Secret Santa, I thank her for letting the bunnies run away with her prompt!

DISCLAIMER: Gifts that need wrapping? Check. Mentalist? Nope!

December - Christmas Part 3

Kimball Cho watched out of one corner of his eye as Lisbon progressed across the dance floor. Sure, he had been pre-occupied with his lovely partner, but he always kept an eye on Lisbon. She hated Christmas and the CBI party was her least favorite tradition. He knew she put up a good front, but would rather have dressed up for something else. Cho was not surprised that Jane managed to get her onto the dance floor. If anyone could it would be the annoying blond consultant. He knew that Jane was trying to deal with his feelings toward Lisbon. Frankly, he was a little worried about that whole thing. Unlike Rigsby's romance, this could destroy two very fragile lives. Whether Jane would survive the fallout was not nearly as important as Lisbon.

While enjoying every moment of holding a lovely young woman close on the dance floor, Cho watched as Jane and Lisbon melted into each other on the dance floor. He didn't think either one really was aware of how close or lover-like they appeared. Luckily, so many people were pushing the envelope on fraternization rules, that their slip might go un noticed by most. Hopefully, the way Rigsby and Van Pelt were wrapped around each other would provide the majority of the post party gossip.

Damn the man! He had to ruin it for her. Cho watched as Lisbon crossed the floor wearing that damn mistletoe. What was wrong with Jane? Didn't he know he just blew all that good feeling out of the water? Lisbon was going to pitch a fit when she saw what he had done.

As each successive person kissed her, he could see her confusion growing. By the time Dickerson from Cyber crimes had planted one right on her lips, Cho was pretty sure this was going to end in a blow up. As much as Jane deserved everything Lisbon was about to dump on him, including a drink, he suspected, she would regret causing the scene in the morning.

Disengaging himself from the adorable girl from the 3rd floor, Brittany or was it Tiffany? Cho headed toward the hallway with the restrooms. When she came out fuming with the offending piece of greenery, Cho was waiting.

"Boss. Lisbon. Teresa!!"

It was his uncharacteristic use of his first name that finally got her attention. She stopped, and waving the mistletoe, fumed, "Did you see what he did?"

"Yeah, we all saw."

"Oh great. He has really crossed the line this time."

"Stop. Now. The bigger deal you make of it, the more satisfaction her gets from the prank. Want to drive him nuts? Don't react. He doesn't pull this crap on me because I don't react. Think about it. He's all about the theatrics."

"Yes, but did you see Dickerson?"

"I know. I know, but the poor slob has been in love with you for years. He must be wasted to have even had the nerve. So, you gave a few people a fast cheap thrill. Other than Dickerson, no one will remember if you are calm. Throw a scene and that they will remember."

Lisbon stopped and smiled at Cho. He was right. If she didn't react at all, it would drive Jane nuts. She took several deep breaths, and clamed her self. Jane was about to be played himself.

"Ok, then. Do I look calmer? Good. Why don't you go back inside to dance with Tiffany? I am on my way."

Cho nodded, secure that he had once again watched out for Lisbon. It was what he did. At least he had learned the girl's name. It had gotten a little embarrassing trying not to say her name as he talked to her.

Passing Rigsby and Van Pelt he nodded at Grace's inquiring look. He knew she understood what was going on. She was bright and empathetic. Rigsby was so wrapped up in holding her on a dance floor that he missed it all. Cho was sure Grace would explain it later to him.

Tiffany was being pulled onto the dance floor by an emboldened Dickerson. Oh no, this wouldn't do at all. She looked a little panicked and was trying to resist. Smoothly, Cho slid between them and said, "Thanks Dickerson. I think Kristy from payroll was looking for you. Tiffany, I believe this is our dance." With that he led her onto the dance floor, leaving a confused Dickerson behind. In Cho's hand was that mistletoe. If Jane and Lisbon weren't going to make the most of it, there was no sense in wasting it!

Don't you just love how practical Cho is to not waste the mistletoe?

My fave couple up next!!