It was almost dinner time when they finally put everything where it belonged. Lisbon wanted to order take-out not really having energy to cook but Jane insisted that he would gladly cook a nice homemade meal. She tried to argue, but with no point. When the man set his mind onto something it was no use trying to talk him out of it. So she insisted in helping.
She was chopping some vegetables for salad, while Jane prepared salmon. It smelled heavenly. She was nearly drooling over it.
„Smells great."
Jane was wearing an apron he found in the kitchen. Lisbon was not even aware of it´s existence. It must have been left there by the last tenants.
„Wait until you taste it, Lisbon."
She huffed.
„I don´t think I can wait that long, I am starving."
She was eating some of the vegetables as she chopped them.
„Won´t be long, I promise."
„Fine, what about these vegetables? Should I, uh, put them together?"
Jane chuckled at her.
„Why don´t you leave that for me, hm?"
„But what am I supposed to do?"
Jane turned to her. She was looking so cute with that puzzled frown. There was an intruder in her kitchen and she did not know what to do with him. Or with herself.
"Well, can you make me a cup of tea, please? I am a little parched."
„I can do that."
She started making him tea. Milk first, then add water. She knew that. In fact she was one of very little people who made him tea the way he liked it. Soon enough there was a steaming cup prepared for him. He took it happily.
„Thank you, Lisbon." And he did not mean just for the tea.
„Not a problem, Jane." And she knew it was not just for the tea.
They both smiled and a little awkward silence followed. Jane then turned to the salmon, sipping his tea. Oh, yes, she knew how to make tea.
The salmon was ready and Jane was putting everything on the table. Lisbon helped him a little but not that much. She was hungry and tired and that is not a good combination.
When everything was ready to Jane´s liking they finally sat at the table and dug into the food. As Lisbon expected, it tasted heavenly. Maybe Jane was right, maybe she should start living a little healthier. But that would require some cooking skills which she lacked.
Where the hell did he learnt to cook like this?
„It´s so good, thanks for cooking."
Jane, himself hungry, just smiled and nodded and continued eating. They ate in silence. Not because there was nothing to talk about, not at all. They were just savoring the taste and getting their stomachs full.
Even the salad was good. Jane made some kind of dressing with herbs and olive oil. She was not sure about it first, her experiences with salads were not always good. This one though, this one was tasty. She ate almost the bigger half of it only realizing she might leave something for Jane.
After all the food had been devoured Jane insisted on cleaning everything and again there was no fight with him. So Lisbon went upstairs to change her clothes and maybe take a shower. It was a long day even though they were only shopping.
Shopping with Jane, so it required a lot more mental energy then shopping with...well, with anybody else.
But she had to admit, it was nice, being with him. He drove her crazy on many occasions but still...it was so...domestic. Shopping with somebody, laughing over stupid things, talking about nothing and everything. He is her only true friend since how long? Since she was twelve and her mother died. There was not much time during that period of time for going out with girls and talking about boys. Her brothers needed constant caring and most of the time she was ashamed of going out even if she could because of the bruises her father left on her.
He was a good man. But the grief changed him. Grief and alcohol. His two companions.
She stayed strong, no matter what. And she plans to keep it that way.
After her shower, which she enjoyed, she headed downstairs with her hair damp in her favorite jersey and comfy pants with fluffy socks on her feet.
Jane, being finished with cleaning, spied her walking down the stairs before she could see him.
Imagine a princess going down the stairs, in her beautiful dress, with her hair made, smiling as she is ascending down...
Lisbon was the exact opposite. Her hair damp and little tangled, still a bit wet, the oversized jersey which made her look like a little girl, those fluffy socks...
And that little frown on her face when she could not see him...
He was mesmerized.
„Jane?"
"Uh, here I am. "
She looked at him and smiled.
„You can use the shower if you like to."
Jane mentally shook himself and nodded.
„Well, thank you Lisbon, you sure took your time, have you left any hot water or it is cold shower for me?"
He grinned at her.
She just rolled her eyes at him and headed into kitchen.
Jane really did a good job cleaning. No work left for her. Everything was lined up neatly, they were so different in this. Lisbon had to admit, she is messy. A lot. It´s not that she don´t like house chores but she lacks the time. And the energy. Just like now. The energy all gone again and tiredness was slowly creeping over her. She took out some beers they bought and headed to couch. It was her nightly routine to watch mindless TV shows with some beer.
Or with ice cream, it depended on her mood. The tequila was for the emergencies, when one particular consultant of hers pulled some stupid stunt, or when she was worried about him. Which was a lot, these couple of weeks.
He seemed fine today, and she was hoping that this night would be a little better. But this is Jane. And Jane can put on the greatest act.
Well, they will see.
Jane swiftly undressed himself, feeling a little awkward, standing naked in Lisbon´s bathroom. The cinnamon scent was rich in here, and again he breathed in. It was soothing, really soothing.
Streams of hot water were flowing all over his body. Normally, he spent a little time in his motel shower, but this was different. He closed his eyes and let the water flow away the anxiety he was feeling.
He thought about Lisbon again, seeing her walking down the stairs again...What was he thinking? He should not be here. He is better off alone. If this is too much for him, how much it is for Lisbon? The last thing he wants is to hurt her. Not again, and not because he is weak. Which he is. Why in the name of God can´t he sort this on his own? Why drag Lisbon into it?
Because he is tired.
And afraid.
And a selfish bastard.
He should leave. Right now. Told her how thankful he is but it would be better for both of them if he spent some time alone.
But wasn´t that what he was doing for seven years? He never let anybody close. He could smile, joke, eat case closed pizzas, but in his own mind, he was alone. Nobody had the permission to be that close to him. Not even Lisbon. Partly because he wanted to protect her and partly because he knew...he still knows. She is the third best person that came to his life and he has no right to even think about deserving her. Not after what he have done.
Because of him, two of his most beloved and cherished people are dead.
He should be left alone.
That´s what he deserves.
He thought about how he almost lost her. How he saved her life. How she spent some time in hospital and he didn´t leave her side until they let her go home.
He thought about losing her, leaving her here to worry about him.
Hot water flowed over him mixing with his own tears.
A slightly irritated voice came from the door.
„What´s taking you so long? I will fall asleep if you don´t come downstairs soon."
Despite his feeling he had to smile. Only Lisbon could be so loving and caring as she is bossy and controlling.
Okay, time for some cheerful act.
„I am enjoying the hot water you left me Lisbon, it is quite pleasant."
„You don´t have to use it all, you know."
„Hmm, I will think about it."
„Okay, well think fast."
He heard her going down the stairs.
He should leave.
But he can´t.
A selfish bastard indeed.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hope you will like this new chapter, and thank you all very much for your reviews and encouragment :)