I was intrigued by Erica coming back, so I thought what if Walter, too? For Erica and Jane, it was just a kiss. But Lisbon and Walter had a one-night stand. Although I know there wasn't something between Jane and Lisbon at the time, but it still kinda pains me to think about it. Some people think it was even ooc for Lisbon to do that. Anyways, it would really shake things up a bit in Jane and Lisbon's relationship, especially Jane knows it and Lisbon doesnt know that he knows👀

I set this after the episode where Lisbon says "I love you." Although we already know they love each other, that moment was when Lisbon openly established it. In writing this, I'm also assuming they didn't discuss about Mashburn after Jane casually brought him up in Beirut.

As for the case, I went along "Mashburn Avionics" which was Walter's company and made up everything else 😂. This is my first time writing a plot involving a case, so bear with me . I've had this idea brewing for days, finished it actually, but kept doubting if it was any good. I just couldn't resist exploring Jane being adorably jealous and how Lisbon would handle it :

So, here it goes...

The bullpen hummed with its usual rhythm, a symphony of hurried footsteps, the shuffle of papers, and low, clipped voices. Agents moved briskly from desk to desk, each immersed in their own small crises. Amid the chaos, Patrick Jane sat in his corner, deliberately out of step with the tempo of the room.

He was sprawled comfortably on the worn couch he'd claimed as his own, a teacup balanced delicately in his hand, his legs crossed in a way that suggested he had all the time in the world. His gaze, sharp and wandering, seemed absent but missed nothing. Despite the commotion swirling around him, his focus inevitably settled on Lisbon.

She sat at her desk, her brow furrowed, intent on the reports scattered in front of her, her fingers moving methodically across the keyboard. Jane watched her quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

They had been together for months now—a relationship carefully kept as a secret, for now. Lisbon wanted to keep things private, and Jane agreed. He respected her need for boundaries, though he often wondered how long their secret would hold. Abbott probably knew. Jane was almost certain of it, the man was far too perceptive to be fooled for long. But for now, they lived in their bubble, a world they guarded fiercely, away from prying eyes and the inevitable speculation.

It wasn't easy. The instinct to reach out, to comfort with a touch, to share stolen moments, was always there. Long glances lingered when they thought no one was looking. Sometimes, when the bullpen was quieter than usual, the temptation to steal a kiss or brush fingers across a desk was almost too strong to resist. But they held back, waiting for the right time. After all, at home, the rules were different. There, they could be themselves—unguarded, unrestrained.

Jane's musings were interrupted by a voice cutting through the hum of the office.

"We've got a case," Abbott called, his tone brisk, pulling everyone's attention.

Lisbon glanced up from her reports, her expression sharpening. Jane rose from the couch with unhurried ease, his teacup still in hand.

Abbott gathered the team in the conference room, his tone brisk and commanding. "We've got a case," he began. "A leading aerospace company has recently been targeted by a series of suspicious accidents and sabotage. New experimental drones—potential game-changers in military technology—have been destroyed during testing. Because of the high stakes and national security risks, the FBI is stepping in."

He swiped the screen behind him, revealing the company's logo and a photo of its owner. "This company is Mashburn Avionics, owned by Walter Mashburn."

The name hit Jane mid-sip, and he froze, his tea catching in his throat. Lisbon's reaction wasn't much better; her eyes locked on the screen, her expression stiffening as she muttered under her breath, "Mashburn."

Jane's gaze darted to her, sharp and questioning, but she didn't meet his eyes. Her focus stayed on the screen, her posture rigid, brows furrowed in a mix of surprise and discomfort. Beside Abbott, Cho glanced at her briefly, his ever-stoic expression betraying just a flicker of curiosity.

Walter Mashburn was a good friend—or at least as good a friend as a playboy billionaire could be. Known for his insatiable appetite for money, women, and thrills, he was always chasing the next high, the next new thing. He had everything anyone could want, and yet he was constantly seeking something new, something to break the monotony of having it all.

His connection to the CBI began during a case, but what left an even deeper mark was his history with Agent Lisbon. Walter's infatuation with her was no secret. It was obvious at the time. It was almost laughable how he, a man so accustomed to getting whatever—or whoever—he wanted, was completely disarmed by her. She was the one woman who had rejected him, a sting that seemed to fuel his fascination.

Walter described himself as "cunning, ruthless," a man who "hates being ignored" and "hates to lose." Lisbon, on the other hand, brushed off any notion of attraction. Jane, at the time, even pushed her to give him a chance.

And so, she did. That visit to Walter's place said enough, though Lisbon made it crystal clear afterward: it was a one-time thing, nothing more.

Now, out of nowhere, after all these years, Walter was back.

Abbott wrapped up the briefing, assigning tasks and sending the agents off to their respective duties. The room quickly cleared, but Jane and Lisbon remained seated, the silence between them laden with unspoken thoughts. Lisbon's hands rested on her lap, nervously rubbing it. Jane studied her for a moment, his eyes searching hers, but she finally broke the silence.

"I'm going to get a coffee," she said, her tone clipped but steady as she stood up.

Jane gave a slight nod, watching as she walked away, her strides purposeful yet tense. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his teacup. This case had clearly thrown her off, and he couldn't blame her.

He knew something she didn't know he knew—a detail about her history with Mashburn that had never been part of the team's official files. But he also knew Lisbon. She'd need a moment to process this unexpected development on her own terms. They would have to talk—later.

Lisbon felt a sudden wave of discomfort. Nervousness? Embarrassment? Cringe? She couldn't quite pin it down. Whatever it was, she needed coffee—lots of it. Something stronger might have helped, but that wasn't exactly appropriate right now.

As she prepared her coffee, her thoughts began to spiral. Walter Mashburn. Not just a guy—a billionaire, a walking headline, for crying out loud. And, unfortunately, someone she'd had a one-night stand with. She closed her eyes and exhaled sharply, a cringe tugging at her face. It was years ago, yet the memory still felt awkward. She wasn't even into him like that. It wasn't like her to give a guy like him exactly what he wanted. With a sigh, she pressed her fingers to her temple, trying to push the thought aside.

To be fair, he had shown he cared about her—at least in his own way. It was hard to ignore his charm, his pretty face, and the endless stream of fancy, enticing gestures that would for sure, entice any other women. But not her. That smug look he wore, the quiet confidence that he could have anything he wanted—that was what irked her the most.

So why had she done it? The turtleneck? Maybe. But it wasn't about that—not entirely. It had been a fleeting, impulsive decision, a way to get him out of her system. Just one night. Nothing serious. Can't blame her at the time, she deserved a little fun time. But she'd ended it on her terms—a bold move, a slap to Walter's smug face. She made it clear to him that whatever happened was never going to happen again. Or…had she?

She winced as the memory of that morning resurfaced.

"Well, when am I gonna see you again?"

"Aren't you going to Europe tomorrow?"

"Oh. Two months. Got board meetings."

"Well, there you go then."

The sound of coffee nearly overflowing snapped her back to the present. She stirred the cup slowly, muttering under her breath. It had been years—so many years. It was all in the past. She didn't even feel anything about it anymore.

She's not even sure why she's thinking about it now. But one thing she's sure is that, right now, she's happy. Actually happy, in a way she hadn't been for a long time. She's in love, truly in love, and there wasn't a doubt in her mind about it. Still, she supposed it was normal for something from the past to stir up old memories when it resurfaced. Her thoughts circled back. Good thing Jane probably doesn't know about it, so it would be less awkward. But what if he knew? She doubts it. Would she have to bring it up? And if so, how? More importantly, does she really have to? She winced at the thought, the awkwardness of the conversation looming in her mind. With a sigh, she took a sip of her coffee, grounding herself in the present.

"Hey," came a soft voice behind her.

Startled, she turned to see Jane standing in the doorway.

"Hey," she replied, setting her cup down as she walked toward him.

Before she could say more, he smirked and said, "Abbott wants us in his office. Something about…this case."

Lisbon gave him a pointed look. "Oh, okay," she said

Jane's eyes lingered on her, glinting with mischief.

"What, Jane?" she asked, already unamused.

He grinned, the teasing unmistakable. "Come on. Aren't you just a little excited your old crush is back?"

She rolled her eyes. "Ha-ha. Very funny. Let's go."

"If you say so," he said, his grin widening as he followed her out.

Lisbon and Cho sat on the sofa, while Jane was perched casually on the armchair to Lisbon's right, his long legs crossed in an almost lazy fashion that contrasted with the weight of the case they were discussing.

"So, this is a high-value case because apparently this… Walter Mashburn, isn't just a billionaire," Abbott said, scrolling through his tablet, "He's also one of the most well-connected men on the West Coast. He's got politicians, CEOs, and celebrities in his Rolodex. The powers-that-be really want this solved—and fast. Could benefit the FBI, too. You know, helping a billionaire protect his empire from sabotage."

"Sir, we've worked with Mr. Mashburn back in the CBI," Cho said, his tone blunt as always.

"Uh, yeah, on a case where someone framed him for murder. Turns out he was innocent," Lisbon added, her voice casual, though she shifted slightly in her seat. "It was years ago."

"Huh, really? Well then, that could make things a lot smoother," Abbott said, leaning back slightly. Then, with a knowing look, he added, "Oh, maybe that's why, when he heard your names, he insisted we take this case."

"He insisted," Jane repeated softly, a faint note of amusement in his voice as his eyes flicked teasingly to Lisbon. "Hmm. What a surprise."

Abbott's brow furrowed briefly as he glanced between them, sensing an undercurrent he didn't yet understand.

"Oh, it's fine, Abbott," Jane said with an almost dismissive wave of his hand. "Walter and I were good friends back in the day."

"Alright then," Abbott said with a smirk, his expression suggesting he knew there was more to the story. "Get the rundown on interviews from Wylie."

As Jane and Lisbon exited, Cho stood to follow, but Abbott's voice stopped him mid-step.

"Cho," Abbott said, lowering his voice slightly, "is there something I should know? There was definitely something there just now."

Cho hesitated for a moment, his expression as neutral as ever. "Oh. Right. Mashburn and Lisbon had... some sort of thing back then."

"A thing?" Abbott asked, intrigued.

"Yup. Not sure how serious it was, but Mashburn definitely had something for Lisbon."

"Interesting..." Abbott said, his smirk widening as he leaned back in his chair, already piecing together the side glances earlier

At Wylie's desk, Jane couldn't resist poking fun. Is it to amuse himself or he's jealous? He thinks, the former and definitely not that latter.

"So, Walter Mashburn," he said casually. "Quite the coincidence, don't you think?"

Lisbon shot him a warning look. "Jane."

Wylie, oblivious, chimed in. "Wait, you guys know Walter Mashburn? That's so cool! He's a big deal in the tech world." He continued, "Real big time"

"Oh, we know him," Jane said, grinning. "Lisbon knows him particularly well."

"What do you mean?" Wylie asked, intrigued.

Lisbon sighed, her tone firm but laced with exasperation. "It's not important. And it was a long time ago."

"He had a crush on her," Jane added, feigning innocence, the grin still firmly in place.

"Jane!" Lisbon snapped, glaring at him.

"Cho, back me up," Jane said, turning to their usually stoic colleague.

"Oh, definitely. Everyone knew about it," Cho replied matter-of-factly, his deadpan delivery making it even more amusing.

"Really?" Lisbon shot Cho a look—half surprised, half exasperated—her cheeks tinged with faint embarrassment.

"Come on, it was glaringly obvious," Jane added, clearly enjoying himself.

Wylie nodded at the little banter of the two. He didn't push on because, as far as he knows or everyone who could observe, there is something going between Jane and Lisbon. Not just a professional relationship nor a friendship nor a brother-sister vibe. It was something else. Whatever it was, it ran deeper, and Wylie suspected this case might stir the waters a bit.

Lisbon, determined to steer the conversation back to work, said, "Wylie, could you run the names of the employees for us?"

"Oh, right!" Wylie snapped back to attention, rattling off the names and relevant information related to the case.

Then, as if struck by another thought, he asked, "Hey, could you tell me a little about Mashburn? Might help me start a conversation—or, you know, impress some tech buddies."

Before Jane could deliver another teasing comment, Lisbon grabbed his arm and tugged him toward the elevator, cutting the moment short. Cho followed close behind, his expression unreadable as always. Jane, looking over his shoulder, offered Wylie a parting, "Sorry!" with an unapologetic smirk.

In the elevator, Jane wore a teasing smile, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp.

Cho, ever the pragmatist, broke the silence. "Lisbon, it's better if you go interview Mashburn. Maybe you'll get something useful out of him."

Jane immediately stiffened, his posture subtly shifting as if preparing to argue. There was no way he was going to let Lisbon handle Mashburn alone—not that he'd admit it outright. Lisbon arched an eyebrow, her gaze flicking to his as if silently asking, her tone casual as she said, "Okay."

Jane opened his mouth to protest, but Cho cut him off. "Jane, you're coming with me to talk to the employees. You're better at reading people."

"That's flattering," Jane said smoothly, his smile widening, "but I think I'll go with Lisbon. Walter and I are good friends, too, you know."

Cho sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. He knew better than to push Jane, especially when Lisbon was involved. The man was as immovable as a rock when he wanted to be, and Cho had long since learned to pick his battles. "Fine," he said with a resigned shrug.

Jane let out a relieved sigh, the tension in his shoulders easing. Lisbon glanced at Jane, a flicker of amusement in her eyes, but she said nothing.

Jane stared out the window, his hand resting on his chin as the landscape scenery blurred past. His thoughts drifted, as they often did, to the puzzle in front of him—but this time, the puzzle was personal. Walter Mashburn. Jane had always found Walter amusing in his audacious way. A man who thrived on adrenaline and lived for the thrill of the chase, both professionally and personally. There was charm in him, sure, in his irreverence, his love for danger, his relentless pursuit of the next thrill. But there was also a hollowness. A man like that, Jane thought, doesn't pursue anything out of need. He pursues to feel.

Jane remembered the way Walter used to look at Lisbon, a little too long, a little too often. Of course he had been drawn to her. He couldn't blame him. Beneath his playboy exterior, though, Walter had once genuinely cared for Lisbon. That much had been clear. And, yes, he'd been attracted to her—maybe to her damaged intensity, or the walls she'd built around herself. Walter was the kind of man who couldn't resist trying to break through, just to prove he could. Back then, Jane had even encouraged it. He'd teased Lisbon about Walter, half-seriously pushing her toward him. After all, she deserved some fun, someone who could make her feel special. Someone who, at the time, wasn't him.

Because while Jane had always cared deeply for Lisbon—maybe even loved her—he'd been too consumed by his own darkness to admit it. His vengeance, his rage, his grief—they were weights he wouldn't let her carry. Loving her openly would have put a target on her back, and that was something he couldn't risk. He'd already lost too much. He couldn't lose her, too.

Even now, the thought of Walter unsettled him, not because he doubted Lisbon, but because Walter's reappearance meant something. It wasn't coincidence—Jane didn't believe in those. Walter Mashburn didn't move without a reason. And this time, the reason might be Lisbon. Her name alone would've been enough to reel him in.

But why now? Walter had all the resources in the world to find her before this. Years had passed since their last encounter. Since that night. Lisbon didn't know Jane was aware of it, and he'd never brought it up after that awkward dinner in Beirut. He'll just wait for Teresa to bring it up. So why would he suddenly appear now? Jane shook his head slightly, pushing the thought aside. It didn't matter. Whatever Walter's reasons, he trusted Lisbon. They'd grown stronger together, and what they have now was solid. Real. Teresa was with him now—in a committed and consummated relationship. For the first time in years, he was content, happy, and completely in love. Now, the urge to say it aloud lingers at the edge of his thoughts—that he and Lisbon are together, that she's his. His girlfriend. The word feels both strange and natural, like a secret he's not quite ready to give away. But he knows Teresa wouldn't like it. He hasn't asked her yet, not in the way that matters.

Still, the thought of Walter trying to dazzle her with his charm and his extravagant lifestyle stirred something in him—a feeling he refused to name. Definitely not jealousy. Nope. Not at all.

Lost in his thoughts, Jane didn't notice Lisbon stealing glances at him, her brows furrowed in curiosity. Finally, she broke the silence.

"Jane, you're awfully quiet," she said, her tone teasing. "Longer than usual. What's on your mind?"

"Nothing," he replied, gaze still fixed on the road. His hand remained on his chin.

"Really, Jane?"

"Really. Just thinking about our old friend Walter, that's all. How he suddenly popped up in our case. In the FBI. In Austin."

Lisbon shrugged. "Like Abbott said, it's national security."

Jane turned to her with a sly smile. "He specifically insisted on you, you know."

"You don't know that for sure."

"It's not unlikely that he's still into you" His grin widened, teasing and full of mischief.

"Stop it, Jane. It was a long time ago. Probably just infatuation."

Jane's thoughts lingered on her words. Is that really all it was? When she's ready, she'll tell him. He sighed dramatically, putting on a pout, "Yeah... Might bring back some old feelings now he's back, though." His tone was light, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—something Lisbon couldn't quite place.

She tilted her head, studying him with a furrowed brow. The thought seemed absurd to her. "Old feelings?" she repeated, her tone skeptical. Then, softer, with a trace of concern, she asked, "Jane, is everything okay?"

"With what?"

"With you. You're acting strange." She paused, reconsidering her words. Everything about Jane is strange she thought. Then she corrected herself aloud, "Well... stranger than usual."

Jane waved a hand dismissively. "Of course I'm fine. Everything's fine."

"You know, there's nothing to think about," Lisbon said, her voice steady. "I have no interest in him. You know that," she added, as though trying to convince him. She let out a soft giggle at the silliness of it all. The idea of reminding him felt almost silly because, by now, he shouldn't feel threatened. She was with him, after all.

"I know," Jane replied quickly, almost too quickly, his tone taking on a defensive edge. "Of course I know that."

Lisbon arched a brow, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Then why does it look like it's bothering you? Does it?"

"No," he shot back, his tone a touch too forceful. "Definitely not."

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Okay. If you say so."

As the car came to a halt at a red light, Jane kept his hands on his lap, his gaze fixed ahead. Lisbon watched him for a moment, her expression softening. Without warning, she leaned over, placing a quick kiss on his cheek, her hand brushing his shoulder as she drew back.

Caught off guard, Jane turned to her, their faces close for a fleeting moment.

"Don't worry," she said gently, her eyes searching his.

Jane blinked, his mind momentarily blank, the weight of his earlier thoughts slipping away.

"Eyes on the road," he muttered, turning back to the wheel, his voice quieter now.

Lisbon just smiled, amused, as the light turned green and she drove on.

Jane and Lisbon arrived at Mashburn Avionics. His hands on the small of her back as they go through the automatic sliding door.

Lisbon requested at the receptionist, showing her badge, "I'm Teresa Lisbon. This is Patrick Jane. We're from the FBI, investigating a case. We'd like to speak with Mr. Walter Mashburn."

The receptionist nodded, picking up the phone to make a call. "One moment, ma'am." After a brief exchange, she glanced back at Lisbon. "I'm sorry, what was your name again?"

"Teresa Lisbon," Lisbon repeated firmly.

The receptionist repeated the name into the phone, then smiled as she received what seemed like approval. "You're good to go. Take the elevator to the third floor. Mr. Mashburn has been expecting you."

"Hmm," Jane murmured, one brow arching in curiosity.

"Thank you," Lisbon replied, her tone polite but businesslike. The receptionist nodded with the usual professionalism

In the elevator, Lisbon pushed the button and Jane's hand instinctively rested at the small of her back, which she allowed and leaned closer to him.

The elevator doors opened with a soft swoosh, and they stepped out into a polished, quiet corridor, the buzz of office activity faint in the background. Lisbon glanced around, her keen eyes taking in every detail, but Jane's attention was on the door at the end of the hallway. It was large and imposing, with a brass nameplate that read "Walter Mashburn, CEO."

Jane's lips curled into a playful smile, the air around them charged with a mix of tension and curiosity. "This should be interesting," he murmured under his breath, his tone laced with both amusement and intrigue.

Lisbon, ever the professional, straightened her posture and adjusted her blazer. She knocked firmly on the door before pushing it open. Inside, the room was spacious and decorated with a view that overlooked the city. Walter Mashburn, the man they had come to see, was seated behind a large, sleek desk. He looked up as they entered, his sharp features framed by a well-maintained suit.

"Teresa, Patrick…" Walter Mashburn greeted them with a smooth, confident voice as he rose from his chair. Without missing a beat, he pulled Jane into a warm hug, clapping him on the back. "Long time no see," he said, his tone filled with a mix of familiarity and amusement.

He turned toward Lisbon, who smiled but hesitated, clearly reluctant to share the same gesture. Mashburn, ever the charmer, didn't press it. Instead, he extended his hand toward her, which she shook firmly. "How are you two, huh?" he asked, his smile widening.

Jane and Lisbon exchanged a quick glance. Jane's lips curled into a teasing smile. "We're fine. It's good to see you, Walter," he replied, his voice light and easy.

Lisbon, her smile genuine but cautious, added, "Yeah, good to see you."

Walter motioned toward the plush seating in the corner. "Oh come on, I was expecting you. Please, take a seat," he insisted, his tone warm, almost too casual.

Jane and Lisbon sat down on separate sofas, while Mashburn remained standing at the end of his sleek, polished desk, leaning against it like it was an informal lounge rather than a place of business.

Jane glanced at Lisbon with a playful smile before turning his attention to the office, taking in its impressive decor with a mix of admiration and skepticism. "Nice office," he remarked, his voice filled with a quiet but unmistakable judgment.

Walter laughed softly, clearly enjoying the dynamic. "Why, thank you." Walter's grin widened. "Wow. The FBI, huh? Even I was surprised to hear your old crew worked for them. When I found out, I immediately suggested your team handle this. I want the best."

Walter turned his gaze to Teresa for a moment, then back to Jane. "So, Patrick, how's life treating you these days?"

Jane leaned forward slightly, his expression pleasant but inscrutable. "Oh, you know me. I get by."

Walter chuckled. "That's great! Last time I checked, you were on the run from the FBI, and now you're working for them? You really have to teach me how you pulled that one off."

Jane's grin deepened. "Not for them—with them. And you know the rule, Walter—a magician never reveals his secrets."

Walter laughed appreciatively before turning to Lisbon. "And what about you, Teresa? How are things with you?"

Lisbon nodded briskly, a polite but guarded smile on her face. "Great. Really great."

Walter raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Yup. The usual bluntness of Teresa Lisbon."

For a moment, the room fell silent. Whether it was tension, embarrassment, or both, the quiet stretched long enough for Jane to step in. "What about you, Walter? Things still going smoothly on your end?"

Walter's chest puffed up slightly, his pride unmistakable. "Oh, absolutely. Business is booming. We've been expanding into new markets, pushing boundaries. These drones are the future, you know. We're talking about tech that will change everything."

Lisbon, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward slightly, cutting in. "I'm sorry to interrupt the catching up, but we're here about a case, Mr. Mashburn." Her tone was polite but firm, and Jane could tell she was working to keep her composure steady.

Walter tilted his head, smirking again. "Mr. Mashburn? Teresa, we've known each other long enough..." There was a sudden and brief tension and awkwardness for a second. His words hung in the air and Lisbon's gaze faltered, darting downward. Walter's smirk softened, his tone dipping into something gentler, "Call me Walter."

Lisbon hesitated, glancing briefly at Jane, who gave her an amused shrug. "Alright… Walter. We're here to ask about the sabotage of your experimental drones. Can you tell us what you know about it?"

Walter waved a hand dismissively. "Of course, of course. I assume you're referring to the recent incident with one of my employees?"

Jane leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on Walter as Lisbon took the lead. "We're looking into a series of accidents that appear to be intentional. What can you tell us about your security protocols? Have there been any recent hires or unusual activity among your staff?"

Walter rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We've tightened security since the first incident, but nothing out of the ordinary has come up. David Kane, one of my senior engineers, was overseeing the project. Brilliant guy, but he's been… off lately."

Jane raised an eyebrow. "Off how?"

Walter hesitated. "He's been distracted. He's usually sharp as a tack, but lately, he's missed deadlines and avoided meetings. I chalked it up to burnout or personal issues, but now…"

Lisbon's brow furrowed. "We'll need access to his records and any communication he's had regarding the project."

"Done," Walter said with a confident nod. "I'll have my assistant send everything over to your team."

After a few more minutes of questions and answers, the conversation wound down. Jane stood, offering Walter his hand. "It's always a pleasure, Walter," he said, his smile warm as they shook hands.

Walter clapped Jane on the back in a friendly gesture. "Likewise. You know, it's been too long. Why don't we catch up properly sometime?"

Jane glanced at Lisbon, who crossed her arms. "Sorry, Walter. We've got work to do."

Jane grinned. "She's the boss."

Walter raised an eyebrow, smirking as he stepped back. "Alright, alright. Next time, then."

Jane turned and headed for the door. Lisbon followed, but Walter's hand lightly brushed her arm, stopping her in her tracks. She turned to him, her brows furrowing slightly as their eyes locked. For a moment, the air between them felt heavy, weighted with unspoken words. Walter's expression shifted, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face as though he were wrestling with something left unsaid.

Finally, he managed, "It was really nice seeing you again, Teresa."

Lisbon offered a small smile, pulling her arm gently from his grasp. Without another word, she turned and followed Jane, who was lingering by the door, clearly having caught the moment.

As the two walked to the elevator, Jane broke the silence, his voice tinged with amusement tinged with subtle irritation. "Interesting. Walter still has feelings for you."

"What?" Lisbon asked, glancing at him incredulously.

"Come on," Jane replied, his tone light but pointed. "I was standing just a few feet away, and I could see how his eyes lingered on you. Don't tell me you didn't notice—you were pretty caught in it."

Lisbon rolled her eyes with a frustrated sigh. "That's ridiculous. It's nothing"

Jane grinned knowingly. "Okay, okay. If you say so"

She pressed the button for their floor as the elevator doors slid shut.

Walter Mashburn sat alone in his office, lost in thought. It had been surprisingly nice to see old friends again—funny how nostalgia could sneak up on you. Patrick Jane, for one, he considered a friend of sorts. Sure, Jane was a cunning charlatan, but their shared moments back in the day had been anything but dull. Those encounters had brought Walter more than just amusement; they had introduced him to new thrills, new experiences that no amount of wealth could buy.

And then there was Teresa Lisbon. Ah, Teresa—the one that got away. His thoughts lingered on her, conjuring memories of their time together during a case at the CBI. He couldn't forget that unexpected visit she paid him one night. Yup, that one night. Some might have chalked up his pursuit of her to pride or smugness, given her tough exterior. She had been a challenge, and he did love a challenge. But somewhere along the way, it became a little bit more than that., even if he didn't fully realize it at the time.

It had been years since then, of course. That chapter was closed. After that brief night and his trip to Europe afterwards, he had entertained the thought of calling her—or even finding an excuse to return. But life had a way of intervening. Business demanded his attention, and, well… there were always other distractions for a man like Walter Mashburn.

Still, Teresa had been different. One of the few encounters in his life that felt like more than just...physical or a thrill or a fling.

But that was all in the past now, wasn't it? Walter leaned back in his chair, letting out a quiet sigh as he shook the thoughts away. A small, bittersweet smile played at his lips.

Thanks for reading! This'll probably be 3-4 chapters, it still depends. Will upload the next chapter tomorrow. xx