She is warm.
That's the first thought that crosses her mind as she wakes. There is something solid and comfortable beneath her and like a cat she stretches, spreading her arms across that warmth. her fingers flex, and her body arches before she gathers the warm thing closer to her. it is only when he chuckles that she remembers the warm thing is Patrick Jane.
Her eyes snap open, any last dregs of sleepiness washed away in a flood of surprise, and she half sits up, startled by his presence. She'd been half afraid on waking, that last night had been just another fevered dream. Another product of her overactive imagination.
But it wasn't. he was here, staring up at her with that sinfully charming smile. And she cannot help but smile back, a warmth spreading through her at the knowledge that he stayed. He disliked human contact, she knew that, and cuddling would have been difficult for him. but he shows no sign of discomfort. In fact, he seems quite at ease, as if some weight has lifted from his shoulders, some guard that he had always maintained around him was no longer necessary.
His eyes reflect a faint amount of amusement, and she knows that he's reading her. She doesn't care, she lets him in, almost welcomes his presence inside her mind. and understanding crosses his face.
She takes the moment to look at him, to let her eyes greedily take him in as she'd often longed to do. he looked like something out of a romance novel, pale skin against pale sheets, a toned form that practically begged to be explored, mischievous eyes and a wicked smile. The sunlight kissed him, falling against his skin and making him appear sharper, more real. He reaches up, tugging at her to lie back against him and she goes willingly.
Almost unconsciously her hand ends up on his chest, resting just above his heart. She can feel it steady and strong beneath her palm.
They lay like that for a few moments, basking in the simple rightness of the moment. her mind began to wonder, Where would they go from here? Was he really interested in a relationship with her? no matter if he was interested, was he capable of having a relationship with her? she knows his scars run deep. All of the what if's she successfully banished the night before came flooding into her brain, and as she opened her mouth to voice them, she abruptly closed it again. No. She'd much rather luxuriate in this moment of peace, the future could wait a little longer.
"Stop thinking so loudly Teresa."
She chuckled, and he continued, "I'm not going anywhere you know."
And she felt herself relax. "oh?"
She tries to make it light, as if the answer doesn't matter as much as it does.
"I told you last night. This was an all or nothing thing. You're kind of stuck with me."
She snickers, and there is a solid sense of relief in her. His hand came up to capture hers on his chest.
"I'm not good for you Teresa. And in doing this, in getting…attached to you, I've made you a target."
"I'm a cop Jane, I can handle myself."
He stiffens beneath her, anxiety bleeding off him, "He's Red John. He'll take everything from me again if I don't stop him first."
Patrick tightened his grip around her, almost clinging to her form.
"I wont let him take you Lisbon."
Her heart trembled, it was silly, she was far more capable than he was in a physical confrontation. But his conviction made her smile.
"And I'll protect you from him, as best I can."
He stroked her back comfortingly. And they stayed like that, peaceful.
"So."
He starts at the sudden breaking of the silence, shifting beside her at the tone in her voice.
"You told me once that you were a very good cook."
She didn't dare look up at him, aware that the smile on her face was too big to hide. He murmured something suspiciously in the affirmative. She let out a soft breath that tickled across his skin, "Well, if you're going to be by my side all of the time, being your usual asshole self, the very least you can do is make me breakfast."
He laughed, and she felt it travel through her, right down to her toes.
"As the lady wishes."
There was a pause, and she barely restrained herself from laughing.
"uh…lisbon?"
"Yes?"
Her voice is warm, no hint of amusement. She's been waiting for this.
"I don't have any clothes."
"I know."
He pauses, and she's shaking with silent mirth.
"Am I to do this completely naked then?"
"Don't burn yourself or anything."
"Wicked woman."
His tone is disgruntled, and it sets her off, she starts laughing. It rocks her body, starting as small giggles but escalating at the look on his face.
Patrick sat up and slid from the bed, and her laughter stopped as she got to look at him properly. Her mouth went dry and part of her wanted to yank him back into the bed and taste every delicious inch of him. He smirked, before turning and walking away.
The bed was very warm, decadently comfortable. But Patrick Jane, her irritating consultant, was going to cook breakfast for her in the nude. It wasn't exactly a hard decision on which one she'd like to indulge in more. Besides, people would pay good money to see this man naked, and she certainly wasn't going to miss it.
Authors note: Well, this is it for this story. I might write a little follow up soon if you guys really want it (and i can come up with it), but for now this is where the story ends. I hope you guys enjoyed reading it as much as i enjoyed writing it. So let me know what you think, and thank you all for sticking with me through all my delays :D
~Madam Red.