Well, it has certainly been a while! Dabbling in my new obsession with the Mentalist, so enjoy! Any feedback is appreciated, I am way out of practice!
"Hey, come on!" The TSA slapped his hand against the security window once more, but the kissing couple were oblivious to him. The man was practically sitting on the table and making out with the woman in the chair, despite his protests. The man finally got up and ripped the door open, his face red.
"I said cut that out!" He snapped, slamming his hand on the table. "Do we need to take you into custody too?" He barked at Lisbon.
"No no, there is no need for that." Jane said a bit breathless as they finally broke the kiss and he settled back in to his chair. "No need at all."
"I'm sorry." Lisbon blushed, but her tone and her grin were anything but sorry. "Can I wait with him still?"
"Best behavior, we promise. Scout's honor and all." Jane did a little salute and Lisbon tried to tame her smile into a more professional one.
"Fine." The guard huffed and crossed his arms. "Any more funny business and you're out. Got it?"
"Yes sir." Lisbon nodded seriously and the guard eyed them both skeptically before leaving the room once more. Jane waited until the door was closed and the guard had sat back down at his desk before turning his attention back to Teresa.
"Well, that was something."
"Something?" Teresa arched a brow at him. "It had better have been more than something."
"Oh, you know what I mean." He waved a hand at her with that special grin of his.
"Yeah, actually. I do." She smiled back, her heart still racing. "So, what happens now?"
"Well." Jane leaned back in his chair. "Unless you are here to plan my jailbreak, we wait and see if they are going to turn me loose. And then if they will even let me fly back to Texas. I might have to hire someone to smuggle me back, or worse, walk." The twinkle in his eye gave no hints as to whether or not he was playing with her or working on some secret scheme just in case things went awry.
"That seems a little dramatic." She tried for a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. The thought of him running away from her again, even if it was to get back home…
"Teresa." Jane reached across the table to pick up her hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze, his thumb rubbing soothingly over the back of her hand. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise."
"Are you sure you can't read minds?" She shook her head at his uncanny knack for being able to tell what she was thinking. "Jane, I can't handle it if you run again." She hadn't been sure if she wanted to speak her confession aloud, but it seemed like one of those things that was better said than left in her head.
"I know, I know." He sighed heavily. "I am sorry for all the times before. I never wanted to hurt you, that was never my intent, but that was often still the unfortunate byproduct of my schemes. But, I am done running from you. I swear it."
"Okay. Good." She nodded and took a deep breath. "Good. I guess we've got some stuff to work out, huh?"
"All in due time." He gave her a reassuring smile and squeezed her hand once more. The door opened and Lisbon jerked her hand back.
"Abbott, sir."
"Ah, Abbott, my good man. Come to rescue me?"
"Something like that." Abbott eyed them but kept his suspicions to himself. "I've arranged flights back to Texas for the both of you. They're going to cut you loose Jane, as long as you promise never to fly out of this airport again."
"But what if I have a craving for the local cuisine? And I really would like to stay in that hotel one day." He didn't have to look at Lisbon to know she was rolling her eyes at him.
"Well, I guess you had best plan a road trip in the event you decide to come back." Abbott crossed his arms. "Your flight leaves at 6AM sharp. You're free to enjoy your evenings however you wish, as long as it is not within the confines of this airport. They do not want to see you again until it is time to fly out, understood?"
"You jump on one plane and suddenly the whole airport hates you." Jane shook his head.
"We understand sir."
"Good. And I also do not want to see you. Both of you take a week to figure your shit out." Abbott held up a hand in protest as Lisbon tried to speak. "You need to get your things moved back, and I am not particularly in the mood to deal with Jane without you. No offense."
"Oh, none taken at all. I have heard a time or two that I can be difficult to deal with." Jane flashed a knowing grin at Abbott; he was a big softy underneath it all.
"That's an understatement." Teresa muttered.
"Well, unless you two have any questions, I, myself, would like to catch the jet back home. Good night, and good luck."
.
.
.
.
"You're not driving." Jane snagged the keys from the valet before Teresa had a chance to take them.
"Jane, I'm fine." She argued, crossing her arms and glaring at him.
"You haven't slept in over 24 hours."
"Neither have you!"
"I'm used to it though." He smiled softly and cupped her chin, her thumb caressing her cheek.
"Let me drive, please?" Teresa sighed and leaned in to his touch for just a moment before pulling away and glaring at him.
"Fine. Cheater." She mumbled the last part.
"All is fair in love and- ouch!" He dodged her second slap to his chest. "Point taken." He climbed behind the wheel of the SUV Abbott had left waiting for them and studied Teresa as she got into the passenger side. They had stayed up talking most of the night, catching up on things they had not been able to say at the airport, and had only parted ways to shower and pack for the trip home. The plane had encountered storms on the way home and the turbulence had been enough to keep them both awake for the entirety of the flight, and the exhaustion was evident on Teresa's face.
"Am I taking you home? Do you even have a bed there still?"
"Yes, I do." She mumbled as she leaned her head against the window and closed her eyes. "But no." She didn't answer for a moment, her eyes still closed. "Let's go to your place." Jane didn't fail to notice the tinge of red on her cheeks.
"Technically my place could come to you." He grinned, hoping to diffuse any embarrassment, and was rewarded with a sleepy smile. Teresa mumbled some ineligible response as she curled up in the seat, her head drooping. Jane smiled to himself and focused on the road, determined to avoid any potholes or bumps that would wake Lisbon from her slumber. All too soon Jane parked the SUV outside the airstream and had a silent debate with himself on staying in the car with Lisbon and letting her sleep or waking her up to go inside. He finally decided that a sleepy Teresa would be less grumpy than a Teresa with a crimped neck.
"Teresa." Jane reached over to caress her nape with his thumb. "We're here."
"Hmm?" She leaned in to his touch without opening her eyes.
"Wakey wakey." Jane reached over to brush a kiss against her lips.
"Mmm." She finally opened her eyes, a sleepy smile playing at her lips. "That's not the worst way to be woken up."
"Oh, I agree. I could think of several ways all far more offensive than that." He grinned. "Come on, let's get out of this car." Together they made their way across the short span of lawn to the airstream and Jane unlocked the door, motioning her inside.
"Ladies first."
"And I thought you said you didn't know how to act anymore." Lisbon teased him as she stepped up in to the trailer.
"Some of it is coming back to me." He chuckled as he flipped on the lights and sat down their carry-on bags near the table. "I guess I should give you the grand tour." He waved his arm in a grand gesture. "Around us we have a deluxe combined kitchen and dining area, complete with all the fancy amenities; we have running water, a stove, a microwave, even a fridge. If you walk a couple of feet that way, you'll find the bedroom and a bathroom, complete with a shower and a sink. Fancy, huh?"
"Oh yes." Lisbon smiled. "And to think you really drained the FBI's budget with your housing negotiations."
"What can I say, I drive a hard bargain." He grinned. "So, are you hungry? I can make you something to eat? I've got eggs…and toast…and tea…Maybe I should go shopping." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Actually, I'd love a shower…ugh." She groaned as she finished the thought.
"What's the matter? I promise my bathroom is clean, albeit a bit tiny."
"No, it's not that. Everything in my carry-on is dirty." She wrinkled her nose.
"Well," Jane tapped his finger to his chin. "You could always opt for nothing."
"Stop it." She swatted his arm.
"I jest." He patted her arm. "Fear not my good lady, I can loan you something clean to change into. I would be a monster to deprive you of a shower after being on a plane."
"You'd be my hero." She stepped into his space and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his body.
"Mm, I do like the sound of that." He rested his cheek against her head. "I can sweeten the pot even further, if you're interested."
"Oh yeah?" She closed her eyes as she rested her head against his chest. "How so?"
"The shower takes a bit to get heated up- this gal has old bones and all. So, I'll hop in first and fight the ice dragon, then my fair lady may enjoy her hot shower in peace."
"You're just really pulling out all the stops, huh?"
"Lost time to make up for and all that." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Follow me." Jane led her to his bedroom and motioned towards the small closet that housed an even smaller dresser. "Rummage about until you find whatever you want. Don't be shy. Make yourself at home. Back in a flash."
He disappeared into the bathroom and Lisbon took a moment to look around the small space. Everything was very neat and tidy, although impersonable. The whole trailer was very Jane, yet it didn't feel like his space. The only thing in the room that truly spoke to it being his was the vests and suit jackets hanging in the closet above the small dresser. No, there was something after all. She carefully picked up the small framed photo that was sitting on top of the dresser. It was her and Jane at the old CBI office. He had a birthday hat perched upon his head, one that Lisbon had insisted he wear, and his arm was slung around her shoulders. They both looked happy and carefree, and she knew that was not something that had come easily to Jane in those days.
With a smile she sat the picture back down and began opening drawers until she found something she could wear. She was about to make herself comfortable on the bed and forget showering all together when Jane opened the door and stepped out in a entirely too fluffy white robe.
'Of course.' She thought to herself and mentally rolled her eyes; now that was Jane.
"You're up." He waved towards the bathroom. "Water is still running, and it is finally hot. I left a fresh razor out for you and a clean towel."
"Thank you." Lisbon smiled at him and kissed his cheek as she walked by. Jane smiled and closed his eyes for a moment, relishing in the feeling of her simply being here with him, in his space, and not somewhere in DC. He'd had a lot of close calls throughout his life, but this one had been far too close for his liking.
'You're a real fool when you want to be.' He thought to himself as he wandered over to his closet. He was suddenly presented with a new puzzle; he couldn't recall the last time he hadn't slept in his day clothes. He had paid someone to stock the trailer of necessities and move his clothes in from storage when the FBI had delivered it to him, but he had very little memory of what he possessed beyond his work wear, boxers, and socks. Had Lisbon even been able to find anything?
"I guess this week is just going to be full of surprises." He mused. "What's behind drawer number one?" He pulled open the drawer below his sock drawer and found several pairs of old sweat pants. He rummaged through, discarding two pairs that were far too big, and one that would have made a fashion statement as capri sweats, before he finally found a pair that he decided were comfortable. They were a bit snug, but at least they wouldn't fall off or cut the circulation to his calves off. He hesitated as he reached for a drawer to find a shirt to sleep in, wondering if he should bother? How did normal people sleep? Or maybe the better question was what did people sleep in after confessing their love to one another after several years and a whole lot of heartache?
The sound of the bathroom door opening yanked Jane out of his thoughts and he looked up to find Teresa standing inside the bedroom. His mouth went dry as he took in the sight of her standing there in a pair of his boxers, and one of the old CBI t-shirts that she had gifted him who knows how long ago. It was an incredibly appealing combination on her, and he opened and closed his mouth, unsure of what to say.
"Wow." He finally managed, feeling rather dull and slow. It was not often that he was at a loss for words. He wanted to blame it on his lack of sleep, but that was hardly an excuse for him of all people.
"Wow yourself." She gave him an approving look. She'd never seen Patrick in such a casual state, bare chested and clad in a pair of gray sweat pants of all things. He'd always been attractive(she'd plead the fifth if she was ever asked to admit that aloud), but this was an entirely different side of him she hadn't expected.
"First time for everything I guess." He smiled a bit shyly as if he was reading her thoughts. "Should I put on a shirt? That is what I was standing here debating when you made your grand entrance."
"You don't always have to overthink everything." Lisbon's smile was gentle, her eyes soft. "Don't go off getting lost in that mind of yours and leave me behind."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. No chance of that tonight." He cleared his throat and tore his gaze from her. "I, uh, I have been thinking though. And I think it is something you should hear."
"Okay. Let's talk, tell me about it." She sat down on the bed and patted the space next to her. Jane nodded and crawled on to the bed so that he could rest his back against the wall. He was about to invite Lisbon to join him when she crawled between his legs and leaned back, resting her body against his chest. Jane smiled and wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling his cheek against hers.
"Hi." His breath tickled her ear and she couldn't help but smile.
"Hi." She snuggled closer and closed her eyes as she took in the warmth spreading between their bodies. "This is nice."
"Yeah, it is." He sighed. " And it scares me." He confessed.
"Yeah? Talk to me." She didn't turn to face him, but took a hold of his hand and squeezed it encouragingly. She knew she had her own set of fears and worries about everything that was happening, but she also knew they had to talk about them or they would never be able to move forward.
"I, uh." Jane took a moment to gather his thoughts. "It feels so right, you being here, being able to tell you I love you, being able to hold you and kiss you and know that when I wake up tomorrow, you're going to be here. But it is also scary. The last time something was this real for me…well, you know how that ended. So it is scary to think too far ahead, to imagine what could happen, what could be. And I really am out of practice with all of this." He gestured towards them. "Knowing what I want and how to go about that unfortunately aren't quite connecting in my mind yet. There hasn't been anyone since Angela, just acts and smoke screens, and I didn't ever think I'd be able to love someone again. I know I am messed up inside, and I'm scared of moving too fast, of trying to make up for lost time and losing something in my haste, or doing something wrong. Does that even make sense? I feel like I am rambling."
"You're not rambling." She moved her legs across his so that she could turn to face him. "I understand what you're saying, and I think we're on the same page about a lot of things. I am okay with slow; I've always moved too fast trying to run away from what was real. So yes, It is scary, and there are going to be a lot of big changes for the both of us. It won't always be easy. But, the changes can be good, even if they are hard. And they will be good, I have faith in that. I can't tell you what the future holds, but I do know that I love you, and I know that you love me. So, we can figure the rest of this out as we go, okay? Even if that means taking it a day at a time." She cupped his cheek and held his gaze.
"Okay." He nodded and was surprised to realize they had both shed tears. "Okay." He repeated as he took a shaky breath.
"Hey, you?" She brushed her thumb over his cheek.
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"I love you too." Jane leaned in to kiss her. For several moments the rest of the world ceased to exist as they got lost in one another, their tongues tangled, her hands exploring his shoulders and chest, his hands roaming her back and sides. Lisbon yawning interrupted the moment and he smirked at her. "I think we should probably get some sleep. There will be plenty of time for all of this later."
"I hate that you're right." She grumbled. Jane used the switch on the wall to flick the lights off before pushing the blankets back and sliding beneath them. He rolled on to his side and held up his arm in a silent invitation for her to join him. Lisbon laid next to him and scooted backwards until he was spooned around her, his arms holding her close. "Later, I'm holding you to that."
"Absolutely." He gave her a squeeze and pressed a kiss to her head. "I am entirely under your spell Ms. Lisbon, have no fear about that."
"Good." She smiled and closed her eyes, the weight of his arm and the warmth of his body making her feel more safe than she ever had before. "Good night, Patrick."
"Good night, Teresa."