Author's notes: Thanks, once again for the reviews follows and favourites. I really appreciate all your support. I look forward to reading your thoughts on this chapter.
The next morning Jane knocks on Lisbon's door.
"Are you decent?"
Lisbon answers the door. She's dressed and Jane can see her suitcase open on the bed.
"Slow coach, I'm all ready."
Lisbon heads back to the bed and Jane enters with his suitcase in hand.
"Some of us sleep Jane. What time did you wake up."
Jane shrugs
"Four, I guess."
Lisbon turns and studies her friend.
"Did you have another nightmare."
Jane reassure's her.
"No, I slept like a baby, while I was asleep. Just don't seem able to do it for long periods at a time."
"I guess another thing you have in common with babies. Well if Rigsby's tales are anything to go by."
"That boy didn't seem to sleep much. We were lucky with Charlotte, she slept through, almost from the night we brought her home, and what do you mean? another thing?"
Lisbon zips up her case, Jane quickly moves in and lifts it down off the bed.
"Be careful Jane."
"I am Mom. It's not exactly heavy"
Jane give she a teasing smile to let her know that he's not upset.
"Sorry."
"I appreciate you looking out for me."
Lisbon looks around her room making sure she has everything.
"Have you packed your stuff from the bathroom?"
Lisbon nods.
"Okay let's go to breakfast, I'm starving. We can either leave our things here and come back, or have reception look after them?"
"Let's take them with us."
Jane persuades Lisbon to have more than a muffin for breakfast and there is a mountain of pancakes in between them with a side order of eggs for Jane. He's looks over at Lisbon tucking into her pancake with gusto. Feeling his gaze she looks up and smiles at him.
"Do I have something on my face?"
"No, just the opposite. I was watching your technique for eating pancakes absolutely drowning in maple syrup.."
He picks up the china boat holding the syrup.
"...By the way, this syrup's suppose to last us for the whole batch of pancakes and it's almost empty."
Lisbon waves her hand dismissively
"I like maple syrup."
"I understand now, why you don't have pancakes very often, maple trees would be put on the endangered species list."
Lisbon scowls at him.
"Anyway I was admiring the fact that there is no syrup on your chin, you stick your tongue out just a little which catches any drops of syrup, trying to escape the pancake."
Lisbon raises her hand to her mouth in horror protesting:
"I don't do any such thing."
"Oh you do my dear, but, whereas, it could be disgusting on a burly truck driver, on you it's very cute."
Lisbon throws her napkin at him. He catches it laughing and leans towards her whispering.
"Be careful Lisbon, you'll get us thrown out."
He digs his fork in to his eggs and closes his eyes in rapture.
"Mmmm delicious"
When he opens his eyes, he's delighted to find Lisbon once again attacking her pancake.
Lisbon savours the last bite and wipes her mouth with her napkin and can't help but smile when she realises there's no syrup on her face. Jane flashes a smile in return.
"Quite remarkable Lisbon."
"Shhh. Where should we go next?"
"I was thinking about that while you were sleeping the morning away..."
"I was up at seven."
"...that Yosemite might be nice."
"I have heard it's very pretty and I haven't had the chance to go there yet..."
"...and we've never had a murder there either."
"It's hiking, are you up to that?"
"I'll be fine Lisbon, I won't do too much. I'm being responsible."
Lisbon realises that yes he is.
"Yosemite it is then."
"Good I'll go pay for our room."
Lisbon visits the bathroom while Jane is busy at reception. He's waiting for he with the suitcases when she re-appears.
"That was quick"
"They waved all charges on account of us busting the dognappers. I argued with them but they stood firm. I was happy for the free room but they shouldn't shoulder the cost of the maple syrup!"
Lisbon hits him playfully on the chest as she takes her bag from him.
"I claim driving"
"Aw Lisbon you drove last time."
"If you're good and I don't hear another word about maple syrup I may let you drive after lunch."
"You drive a hard bargain."
Lisbon smiles to herself. She knew Jane would have no idea how far away Yosemite was, by her reckoning, they should get there for lunch.
They load the cases in to the car. After closing the trunk lid Lisbon feels Jane's hand gently take her arm. She turns to him and is surprised at the intense look on his face.
"I want to thank you Lisbon, this is a great idea. As I sat on the balcony this morning watching the sunrise, I thought of the day ahead of me with my best friend, who's a great companion. Who accepts me as I am, and is patient with all my faults and flaws and I can count on to rein me in, when I get too reckless. And I felt happy. For the first time in a long time, I felt happy.
Jane pulls her into a hug and whispers in to her hair.
"Thank you."
Lisbon feels her eyes water, she takes out the keys from her pocket.
"Here you drive."
Jane wipes a tear that has settled on her cheek as he takes the keys with his other hand.
"I think I'd better, as you can't see."
Lisbon gives an embarrassed laugh. As Jane practically skips towards the driver's door, Lisbon becomes suspicious.
"If you said all that just to get the keys, I will knock you out and leave you stranded somewhere very hot."
Jane looks horrified.
"How could you think such a thing..."
"Oh I don't know - past experience."
"I meant every word. I promise."