Hello all. I'm back again, and this time a lot sooner. It feels wonderful to be able to write again; i didn't realise how much i had missed it. I hope you enjoy this chapter.. it is longer than my normal updates, but it didn't seem quite right when i tried to split it into two parts.

Of Many Things
Chapter Twenty Five

Grace VanPelt and Wayne Rigsby had found comfort in the arms of each other after the heartbreaking sorrows of the day had made it too painful to even imagine spending the night alone. They knew that their desperate attempts at hiding their relationship from their colleagues had all but failed completely from the very beginning, but now they didn't care in the slightest. Not after today. Not after all that they had lost. They loved each other, and intended to make sure they spent all the time that they had left together. Of course, neither knew how long they had left together. They hoped to spend decades growing up, and growing old together. With marriage, and children, and a white picket fence. But they had both witnessed firsthand the fragility of life, and how easily it was ripped apart. They wanted to make the most of their days. They wanted to be together, in every sense of the word. Tonight, as they lay under the covers of their king sized bed; skin against skin, and a warmth that only a lover can bring, they had never felt closer. United in grief, and a longing for human contact.

Grace was tucked tightly into the chest of Rigsby; his arms holding on to her like never before. Pools of silent tears collected on the pillow beneath their heads, tying together their pain. The letters, so surprisingly written by Lisbon, lay on the bed covers with them; neither quite sure if they were ready for what lay inside.
'I don't think i can read mine Wayne. I'm not strong enough, not tonight.' Grace's voice was but a tear streaked whisper; but still a stark comparison to the deathly silence in which they had previously been.
'You are the strongest person i have ever known.' Rigsby wanted more than anything to comfort her, but he simply did not know what to say. Would anything ever be able to take away the grief fuelled exhaustion that had encased them both?
'No, Wayne, I'm not...' he tried to protest, but was cut off by the continued words of VanPelt, 'Lisbon was. She was so wonderfully strong, probably throughout her entire life, and we need to honour that. Lisbon was more than just a boss to us, she was family. She was Teresa. And her words deserve to be read.' VanPelt wasn't sure where that had come from, but she truly meant every word. Teresa Lisbon had, over the years, become a part of her family, and they needed to read her letters.
'Ok.' Was the simple agreement of Rigsby, who knew that VanPelt was right. They needed to do this tonight; they needed to honour Lisbon's wishes. It was the only thing that they could do.

They had agreed that they would read the letters privately before sharing what was within them. Lisbon had written them personally to each of them, and it didn't seem right to allow anyone else to see what was written before they had done so themselves. That is why they had found themselves sat in separate parts of the apartment they shared, with a promise to return to each other once they were ready to do so. To share what they wanted of the letters, but to respect the privacy of the words as well.

Grace VanPelt was seated in the window sill of their living room. The curtains open against the beautiful night sky. Starlight shining bright, even against the city lights. Rigsby's sweatshirt hanging from her smaller frame; filling her with a sense of love and comfort. She held onto the ink stained paper with shaking hands; the ivory envelope placed gently beside her. Snuggling as deep as she could into the warmth of her lovers scent, Grace found the courage to begin reading the final words of Teresa Lisbon.

To the beautiful soul of Grace VanPelt,

I want to start by thanking you for your hard work and dedication to the job. I know that i was a little hard on you to start with, but it was only because i wanted you to be the agent that i knew you could be. To be strong, and fearless, and courageous. I could see that you had great spirit, and i hoped that you would use my somewhat harsh treatment as a way to prove yourself. And Grace, you did, a million times over. You have such a bright future at the CBI, and i know that you will achieve all that you want to. Don't ever let anyone tell you different. We both know that there are still some small minded idiots that do not believe woman should be a part of the CBI, but we also both know that they are terribly wrong. You have proven yourself to me, and you can do so to anyone that questions you. Please, do not let anyone destroy your spirit; you don't need to be bitter and twisted to be a damn good agent. Get out there, and kick the ass of anyone who even dares to mess with you. You are a wonderful agent VanPelt.

But, life isn't just about work. I found this out far too late, but you don't have to make the same mistake as i did. Differentiate between Agent VanPelt, and Grace; this will be your greatest gift in life. To know that work isn't everything; you need a personal life too. Fall in love, and have a family, and do all the things that you dreamed of as little girl. I wish i was there to share in them with you, but you are in good hands with Wayne Rigsby. He is a good man, and you both deserve to find happiness with each other. I've seen the lingering looks you share, and the obvious love you have for one another. There would have been a time when i was angry about the relationship of two co-workers, but now i see it to be a beautiful thing. Don't waste any time with fears of what other people will think. Make a go of it. Live a life of love and happiness. Don't sacrifice your entire life, for a job. In the end, it's the people that mean the most who you remember, not how many arrests you made. I wish you every happiness in the future, and am secretly hoping that you find it with Wayne. You two are the definition of fairy story love, and you should have your happily ever after.

I hope you don't mind me asking something of you. Look out for Jane. I believe that he will be hit hardest by my parting. We all know that he has witnessed terrible things in the past, and was barely surviving when he was first dropped on our doorstep. He's stronger than most think, and he's passionate, but he feels deeply. Sometimes too deeply for anyone to realise. He'll need someone to turn to when he is ready for comfort, and i am intrusting him to you. You are compassionate, and understanding. You're not afraid to speak of how you feel. I know that, if mine and Jane's places were reversed, i would turn to you for support. He can take care of himself, but might just need a little push to get him started. To prevent him from slipping too far into his grief. It would mean the entire world to me if you could look after him a little; In case my looking over him is not enough.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the friendship we have shared throughout the years; you are a wonderful woman Grace VanPelt, and i will never forget you.
Good luck with all that comes your way, and great love too, Teresa.

VanPelt collapsed into a mass of cascading tears, and did nothing to discourage them. The words of her dear friend echoed throughout her head. Grief piling ever more on top of her. Nothing but tears could do anything to dispel it. So there she sat, with her letter tightly clung to her chest, waiting for the warm arms of Rigsby to envelope her once again.

Wayne Rigsby had always like being outside, which is why he chose to sit on the back door step to read the letter Lisbon had written to him. The kitchen light illuminating the space, and the stars shining ever bright. The cool night air stung his face and cleared his head; making it seem somehow easier to breath. The ivory envelope had been discarded on the kitchen table, and he was as ready as he would ever be for the inevitable heartache that was awaiting him.

To the lovable heart of Wayne Rigsby,

It has been a wonder to work with you Rigsby. You are an excellent agent, and i would entrust my life to you in an instant. You are brave and bold of heart, and you always have the team's best interests in mind. I see how you look out for us. I see how you protect us, and ask for no recognition. But more than that, you make our work enjoyable. You and Cho are somewhat of a double act, and many times it's been hard to control the laughter at your antics. You are a great asset to the CBI, and i want to thank you for your years of service under me. I know it will be of little surprise that Cho will take over my position as senior agent, but he will need your help. Someone to come to for advice when it all seems far too difficult to handle, and someone to cheer him up with a goofy one liner. You are an excellent agent, and i know Cho will appreciate all that you do help him, just as i have.

I want to offer you and VanPelt my blessing for all that your future holds. I see the way you look at her; i see how much love you share. Don't waste a single moment of your lives together. Don't give a second thought to CBI rules; they mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. What is important is that you have found a woman who you love, and who loves you back. You have time, and you have a future. Keep a hold of Grace; she is extraordinary in every ounce of her being. Ask her to marry you; perhaps not right away, but soon. You two are ready; ready to begin the rest of your lives. Learn from my grave mistakes. I loved Patrick Jane, but was too afraid to even admit it to myself. It is my biggest regret, and i wish i could go back and tell him years ago. Don't be the fool that i was. Show Grace how much she means to you. Live your lives, and be truly happy. Do what your heart is telling you to, and don't ever look back. I'll be watching to make sure that you do.

I always saw you a little like a younger brother. You remind me so much of my own. Strong and tenacious, but with a heart of gold. Lovable in everything that you do. You hold a great deal of my own heart, and it has been an honour to share in your friendship.
Keep looking forward, and follow that wonderful heart of yours, Teresa.

Rigsby was truly touched by the words of his beloved friend, and intended to listen to her wise words of encouragement. He did love Grace, and he did want to spend the rest of his life with her. He wanted the fairy tale future, and he knew that she did too. But that could wait a little longer. Tonight was not the time for proposals and plans of a life together. Tonight needed love and comfort, and the memories of a magnificent soul.

Grace heard the back door click shut and knew that Wayne had finished reading his own letter; not five minutes after she had hers. She detangled herself from the window sill, and tried to wipe the tears from her face.
Rigsby entered the front room and was taken aback by the beauty which he saw; the beauty of Grace VanPelt. Her hair had been lazily pushed back, tears cascaded down her cheeks; despite efforts to stop them, his sweatshirt hung from her slender body, and her whole being seemed to be weighed down with sorrow, but to him, she had never looked more beautiful in her entire life. She was here; stood in front of his own eyes. She was alive, and so was he. And that in itself was more beautiful than words could ever express.
Rigsby and Grace met in the middle of their living room; both utterly shattered by the day. She collapsed into his waiting arms, and breathed in all that she could of him.
'God, i love you so much Grace.' Rigsby's voice was laden with passion. He look her face into his strong palms, and kissed her deeply; with love and comfort and the need to mend their broken hearts. Pulling apart from him slightly, Grace looked deep into his tear stained eyes, before leaning her aching head against his muscular chest and falling into his arms once more, 'I love you too.' she whispered.

So, there we have it. I haven't ever written for Grace and Rigsby before, so i apologize if their characters seem at all off.
Please let me know what you thought?
Thank you for reading, Katie.