Heya everyone! Sorry this has taken me a little longer than normal to update, but school has been rather hetic this week. But i only have a month left of school.. so i'm not complaining, as i am sure to miss it when it's over. Talking of which, good luck to everyone who is taking their exams this year.

Of Many Things
Chapter Fourteen

As Wayne Rigsby came to sit in one of the greying plastic chairs that lined the corridor they were increasingly beginning to hate, the woman he vowed to love with his whole heart entered their boss' room. Grace VanPelt had been informed by Jane of his plan to take Lisbon on a date. Or, well, bring the date to her. Being ever romantic she had immediately agreed to help him with anything that he may need to make his plan as perfect as it should be.

Grace sat a little nervously beside Teresa's bed, fidgeting with the zip of the toiletry bag she carried, not really knowing where to begin. That was however was solved when Lisbon looked quizzically down at the bag, whose zip was now being tugged back and forth a little. Noticing the glance, VanPelt immediately stopped her hands from pulling at the crimson material. 'Jane told me about his plan, for you and him i mean. And i thought that maybe a little hair and make-up was in order?' she feared her boss might take her gesture the wrong way, but was relieved to see the smile spread across the elder woman's face. Lisbon picked up the hand mirror that was on the table beside the bed; seeing her reflection for the first time since she had entered the hospital. Her smile faded as quickly as it had come. Tears stung her usually bright eyes; now washed out and tired. He skin unhealthily pale. Her hair hung limply by her face. She didn't want anyone to see her like this, but especially not Jane. She wanted for him to think of her as beautiful, not as some deathly creature. As if reading her mind, Grace placed her hand upon Lisbon and squeezed it tight, 'You will always be beautiful to us.' The sentiment meaning a lot to Lisbon. 'all we need is a little blush for your cheeks.' The young agent smiled brightly, and began to dig about in the bag.

Grace was with sat crossed legs in front of Lisbon, who mirrored her position. Make-up spread about the bed. Teresa had never been all that girly; she had no time for it when she was a teenager, her brothers were all she cared about. Keeping them safe. Appearance had seemed rather meaningless to her. Now she liked to look professional rather than pretty, after all, the CBI hardly screamed out beauty pageant. But it felt nice, being pampered a little. Even if the truth behind the powder was an altogether uglier one. 'Thank you, for doing this Grace. I don't think i could have faced looking at my reflection for long enough to do it myself.' a little bitterness coming through the gratitude.

VanPelt looked into the eyes of her boss, seeing a sadness in them that she had never before, 'I wish i could do more.' the notion hanging in the air as Grace finished with the last details. Handing Lisbon back the mirror once she was done.

It was an almost complete transformation. Almost. If not for the darkness that had taken over Lisbon's eyes, you would believe she was preparing for a normal date. Not that there was anything normal about Lisbon going on a date. Her complexion, ever pale, but now glowing a little. Rouged cheeks adding to the healthy light. Her hair pulled up into a messy bun; hiding the lifeless hang it had adopted. She looked almost like the woman who had left her apartment for work that morning. Nothing could be hidden from her eyes though. Even as a little girl they had been her biggest tell. Emotion flowed through them whether she wanted it to or not. Looking into them she could literally see death staring back at her. Something which she was trying desperately not to think about. Not yet. Right now, she was just a girl, getting ready to go on a date with a man she was sure she loved.

'I'm sorry that i ever doubted you Grace. Looking back now i can't believe that i ever underestimated your abilities to make a truly excellent agent. You'll go far, so don't you ever let anyone make you think different. It's a hard world for such a beautiful woman to be in; some men just can't see past the allure of the female form. They don't like to think about the fact that you can take them down if ever you need to. But you're strong, and independent, and you will be a great success for the CBI. Don't let the job ruin you though; make sure that you have a life outside of it. A career is a wonderful thing, but it can't ever replace the people that we love.'

Grace was warmed by the words of her boss; she had always hoped that she would one day impress Lisbon. 'You have taught me well.' And she had. Grace looked up to Lisbon more than anyone else. But she also saw how work had consumed the raven haired woman. How she ignored her blatant love of their consultant for so many years. And now, how that would be her one regret. She would be a damn good agent, but she would be a great lover too. As silly as it sounded, she had always dreamed of a big family and a pretty little house in the country. Something which she was determined to get, and secretly had a good idea of whom it would happen with.

Both women were a little lost in their own private day dreams; fantasies of the men they loved. Of men that sat and stared at the blank walls just the other side of the curtained window. Lisbon of ending a relationship that never had chance to grow. VanPelt of a future she refused to let slip away from her.

Grace was shocked from her own mind by the haunting sobs that escaped Lisbon's tired chest. As she lent across to comfort the woman she considered a friend, Lisbon collapsed into her arms and allowed the sadness to wash over her. 'I'll never get a chance to love him.' Her voice was choked by tears.

Grace made Lisbon look at her; holding her face firmly in her hands. 'Yes you will. You have this chance Teresa. I know it isn't long, but then an eternity would still seem too short. You just make sure that he knows how you feel. You tell him, and you show him, and you keep doing so until he understands. Time doesn't matter all that much; it's what we do in it that leaves memories. You'll get your chance; don't fill it all with sadness. Give Jane something wonderful to remember you by' It seemed to Lisbon that Grace VanPelt was wise beyond her years. That the young woman talked with the conviction of a thousand years.

And with nothing more to the said, Lisbon pulled the woman she considered more like family than a subordinate into a tight grasp. An embrace that was filled with gratitude for everything that Grace had done for her that night. 'I'm going to miss you Gracie.'

'I'm going to miss you too Tess.' perhaps more than either woman was prepared for.

And as they shared the last hug of a great friendship, Lisbon realised that it wasn't just Jane who she had missed out on. It was her whole life. She had always been so stubborn. So guarded. It took this to make her realise something that she should have always known, but was too sure of her independence to notice. Love.

Thank you for reading. I do hope that you are still enjoying it.
Katie