Happy New Year, everyone! Wishing you all the very best in 2025 . Honestly, I made it through most of 2024 thanks to reading Jisbon fanfics, and sometimes I can't believe I'm the one writing them now😂 . Thank you so much for all the comments— you have no idea how much they mean to me and how they keep me inspired to write more 😘

So, here's the new chapter—get ready for some angst and fluff 😌

On the way to the parking lot, Jane kept glancing at Lisbon, clearly debating the best time to broach the subject. Finally, unable to hold back, he spoke.

"So…what did Abbott say? Is it about the case?"

"Yes, but not really..." Lisbon replied tiredly, avoiding his gaze.

"Okay...what is it?" Jane pressed, not one to let things go.

"Jane, can't we just talk about this at home?" Lisbon said, trying to deflect, exasperation creeping into her voice.

Jane frowned and pushed further. "I know it's bothering you, Teresa, and I don't want to—"

Knowing Jane wouldn't stop until he got answers, Lisbon cut him off and blurted, "Walter made an official request."

Jane blinked and raised a brow. "Official request for what?"

"To have dinner. With me," Lisbon admitted, her tone flat.

"He what?!" Jane stopped in his tracks, grabbing her arm to make her stop too.

"Yes, I know, Jane. It's ridiculous," Lisbon said, pulling her arm free.

"Uh, downright preposterous," Jane snapped, his voice rising. "He's desperate to lure you back, Teresa. It's obvious!"

"I know, Jane," Lisbon said, her frustration building. "But Abbott said it's an order from the powers-that-be. His hands are tied."

"And you're just going to go along with this ridiculous scheme because he's got connections?" Jane's voice was laced with disbelief.

"Jane, we've been over this—about Walter and me. There's nothing for you to worry about," Lisbon said, her steps quickening toward the car. "If it were up to me, I wouldn't go. But Abbott could get in trouble if I refuse."

"And that's all this is? You could just make up an excuse," Jane said skeptically, his voice rising before he added with a snarky remark, "Or maybe... part of you wants to go." The words were barely out of his mouth when regret began to creep in.

Lisbon froze, spinning around to face him, her anger flaring. "Oh my God, Jane! This again?" She stomped toward her car, pressing the key fob to unlock it with an angry beep.

"What again?" Jane asked, following her closely.

"What kind of excuse, huh?" Lisbon demanded, turning to glare at him. "That I can't go because you're jealous? Don't you trust me, Jane?"

"Yes, I do, but—"

"Then why are you so afraid?" Lisbon snapped. "Is that what you think of me? That one moment with a guy I slept with years ago, and I'd just throw myself at him again?"

"No! It's not like that," Jane said quickly. "I don't mean that at all. I'm just saying...he's going to try something, Teresa. It's a dinner. Just you and him. Alone. Believe me, he won't be talking about work."

"Well, thanks for the reminder," Lisbon said sarcastically, shaking her head. "Clearly, you don't trust me. I get it."

"What?! Which part of what I said made you think that?" Jane shot back.

"Oh, I don't know—the part where you think he'll 'dazzle' me, and I'll just take the bait and what? Jump into bed with him?"

"No!" Jane shouted, clearly flustered. "I didn't say that. But you said it yourself—he has a certain appeal. And he might…you know, charm his way..."

Lisbon stared at him in disbelief. "Unbelievable," she muttered. Then said, "So that's what you think of me?" Lisbon demanded, her voice trembling with anger.

"No! It's not—" Jane began, but she cut him off, slamming the car door shut with a sharp finality.

Jane quickly slid into the passenger seat as Lisbon fumbled through her bag, frustration mounting. With a sharp motion, she found the key, jammed it into the ignition and started the engine, her movements taut with frustration.

"Teresa...I didn't mean—"

"Yeah, it's always like that with you, isn't it?" Lisbon interrupted, her voice trembling with anger. "You don't mean to hurt me. You don't mean to run away and leave me. You didn't mean to hide the fact that you kissed Erica, even though you knew we'd be working with her. But this? You making such a big deal out of this as if I'd run off with Walter? That shows me exactly how much you don't trust me."

"Okay. This is not about me. It's about—" Jane tried again, but she cut him off once more.

"Don't. Just don't," she said coldly, gripping the steering wheel tightly as she drove off, leaving an icy silence between them.

The drive was covered in tensed silence like they're both a bomb that will explode at any second. Jane stared at the window, his body stiff, and hands on his chin. Trying so hard not to blurt out something he might regret later. Anger is a poisonous thing, not just for him but for the both of them.

Jane thought that he's just worried is all. Jealous is a big word. That is not what it is this time. Now, it's all getting real. He just wanted to explain himself, to make Lisbon see that it wasn't about her or her loyalty; it was about him. About his fears that someone—especially someone with as much history as Walter—could slip in and take what he couldn't bear to lose. Now, Teresa is angry. She is really angry.

He replayed their argument over and over in his head. The way she'd snapped, her words cutting through him like a blade. "Clearly, you don't trust me. "That stung more than he cared to admit. He trusted her, of course he did. He does. It even goes without saying. His protective instinct had kicked in— too strongly, too desperately, too carelessly. Now, he hates Walter. That his influence could make Lisbon feel trapped in a situation where it would look like she has to choose between him and her job. That's not what this is and he would never do that.

But she was right, too. He had made assumptions about her that were unfair, that bordered on possessive. She didn't deserve that. It just came out of him in a moment of anger. Maybe he had been too insecure. But the more he thought about it, the more it felt like everything had been out of his control. The dinner, Walter, even their fight. And he hates being out of control. He glanced sideways at her as they drove, but she was focused on the road, her jaw set in that way that told him she was still fuming. Jane swallowed, his heart heavy. What had started as a simple concern had turned into something far worse. This is a relationship, Patrick reminded himself. You have to accept that you cant control everything. All you can do is trust. He just hoped that she would give him the chance to explain himself before it was too late.

Meanwhile, as Lisbon drove, her hands gripping the wheel a little too tightly. Her mind buzzed with the remnants of their argument, and her emotions were a chaotic mix of anger, hurt, and frustration. She hated how easily things had escalated, how quickly Jane had pushed her to the edge. He'd crossed a line this time. She had tried to stay calm, tried to explain herself, but it was like he couldn't hear her. It was as though, in his mind, she was always on the verge of betraying him—always a step away from falling for someone else.

It wasn't just the words that hurt, but the implication that Jane didn't trust her. That somehow, she was weak enough to fall for Walter again. After everything they've been through, why would Jane think so little of her? The dinner. It wasn't the dinner itself that bothered her, though it did feel like a trap. It was the idea that Jane would assume she was so weak, so vulnerable, that she'd cave to Walter's advances. She wasn't the same woman she was back then, and she certainly wasn't the type to fall for Walter's tricks.

And still, she understood why Jane was worried. She understood his need to protect her, to protect them. But doesn't he see her as capable of making her own decisions? She bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. She didn't want to cry. She didn't want to feel weak. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized that maybe, just maybe, this fight wasn't about Walter or the dinner or even the job. Maybe it was about them—about the unspoken cracks that had started to show in their relationship. She had trusted him with everything, and now, it felt like he was trusting her with nothing.

She glanced at him quickly, is face was set, as if he were deep in thought. She wondered if he was regretting the things he had said. She didn't know if she could face him right now. But she also didn't know if she could walk away.

Maybe they both needed time to figure things out. Maybe this wasn't just about Walter. Maybe it was about everything they were not saying to each other.

They both got out of the car, Lisbon moving quickly as if she didn't want to talk about it. Jane followed behind, giving her enough space. When she reached the door, she left it open. Jane hesitated, unsure if he should stay or leave, but she didn't close it, so he stepped inside. He wasn't the type to leave things unresolved.

Lisbon took off her blazer, her back still to him. Jane stood there, fiddling with his hands, waiting for a moment to bring it up.

"Uh… we should probably talk about this," Jane said, his voice uncertain. Lisbon didn't reply, still not turning to face him. He pressed on, "I know you're angry, and I'm sorry if I said things that hurt. I didn't mean for it to come out that way." He spoke quickly, as if trying to say everything at once. "And for the record, I do trust you. More than anyone else, but..."

She turned to face him abruptly, cutting him off. "There it is again! That 'but.' You think I want this, Jane? I don't like this any more than you do."

"Then don't go."

"I don't have a choice! Abbott's hands are tied, and the FBI would look bad if I refuse."

"You do have a choice, Teresa."

"No, I don't. Okay? So just… trust me with this. I'll be careful."

"I just—uh—"

"Still don't trust me," Teresa's voice was bitter, tinged with sarcasm. "Okay, got it."

"It's just... you can't promise that," Jane said, frustration in his voice. "It's not impossible for feelings and attractions to—"

"Oh my God, do you even hear yourself?!" Lisbon almost shouted.

"Yes, I do. You just don't get it. You don't," Jane retorted, his tone sharp.

"And why is that, huh? Did I make a big deal about you and Erica?"

"That's different! For Erica, it was just a kiss. But you...you had slept with him!" Jane's voice grew more heated.

Lisbon let out a heavy sigh, placing her hands on her face, shaking her head. "You're really not going to let this go, are you?" Her voice faltered, turning hurt and sad and weak.

He stood there, his eyes filled with sorrow, brimming with unshed tears.

"Okay, uh," Teresa said, swallowing a lump in her throat, trying to find the right words. "I'm going to take a shower before we say things we'll both regret. So... just… do whatever the hell you want," she said, fighting to hold back tears. She left, but even with her back to him, he knew the tears had already started to fall. And he hated that he was the reason why.

As Lisbon left, Jane felt a wave of nervousness wash over him, his hands trembling slightly as he struggled to figure out how to make things right. Everything had been going so well between them since they got together. Sure, there had been ups and downs, but nothing like this. This felt different, and a fear gnawed at him—that maybe, just maybe, Lisbon was slipping away. He covered his face with his hand, trying to steady his breathing, to calm the storm inside him. Finally, he made up his mind. When Lisbon was ready to talk, he wouldn't let anger take over. He would speak the truth, straight from his heart, and hope it will be enough to fix everything.

Jane sat on the sofa, the waiting making him feel uneasy. Lisbon emerged from the shower, dressed in a tank top and pants, moving around the kitchen. Jane could hear the faint sound of her movements. Moments later, he was surprised to see her in front of him, placing a bottle of wine and two glasses on the table. She poured the wine and handed him a glass. He took it and drank, and she did the same.

They both sat in silence for a moment, their eyes meeting across the room. A shared sadness and worry lingered on their faces. It was Jane who broke the silence, his voice soft but heavy.

"Teresa, I'm sorry if I said those things," Jane began, his voice quiet but sincere. "I just get worried, you know?" His eyes were filled with apology, his tone vulnerable.

Lisbon sighed. "Why don't you trust my love for you, Jane?" Lisbon asked, her voice a mix of frustration and hurt. "That I'm faithful to you. That even if there were hundreds of guys or if all my exes lined up, I wouldn't bat an eye. Because I'm foolishly, ridiculously in love with you. Why can't you just trust that?"

His mouth opened as if to speak, but the words faltered. Jane's voice cracked, betraying the weight of his vulnerability. "Because I don't know if I'm enough for you," he admitted quietly, his gaze falling to the floor. "If I'm ever enough to deserve you, enough to make you stay. I know how annoying, stubborn, and messy I am. Honestly, I wouldn't love me." He paused, his voice trembling as he continued, "But you do—and I don't know how long it'll last before you realize I'm not the man you think I am. That you deserve better."

He paused, swallowing hard. "Not that I'd blame you. But it hurts. Because I don't want to lose you. And Walter… he's everything I'm not. And better"

Lisbon didn't reply with words. She leaned closer, cupping his face in her hands, and kissed him. Soft, tentative pecks at first, but soon they deepened. Open-mouthed kisses, each one brimming with the love she couldn't express through words alone. Jane responded fervently, his hands tracing up her waist as if afraid to let her go.

After a long, stolen moment, Lisbon pulled back slightly, her forehead resting against his, her gaze steady and full of conviction.

"Jane," she said softly, "I've seen you at your worst. I've walked with you through your darkest days. And I'm still here. Yes, you drive me crazy sometimes. You give me plenty of reasons to be annoyed, irritated, even furious. But none of that makes me stop loving you. I don't need nor want you to be perfect. I just need you. Plain, flawed, wonderful you. And that's more than enough for me. She paused for a moment, her eyes steady and sincere before adding, "I love you. More than you'll ever know."

Jane smiled through the tears still lingering in his eyes, overwhelmed by the depth of his love for this woman and the fact that she feels the same.

He reached for her hands, clasping them tightly in his, ready to speak, but Lisbon cut him off.

"Jane. I love you," she said again, more firmly this time, as if to remind him—willing to say it as many times as necessary to make him believe it.

And then she said it again, this time in between kisses.

"I—" she kissed the side of his lips.

"Love," she kissed his forehead.

"You," she kissed his neck, her lips lingering near his ear, ensuring the words etched deep in his mind.

Then, she unbuttoned his polo just enough to reveal his chest, caressing while trailing kisses down to his collarbone. "So damn much," she whispered, each word accompanied by a soft kiss.

She pulled back slightly, looked up at him, her gaze locking with his. "Don't forget that. Lock it into your memory palace."

He rested their foreheads together, his hand gently caressing her cheek as hers found their place on his neck and chest.

"Oh, I will," he replied, a soft smile curving on his lips, his voice filled with quiet certainty.

They stayed there in silence, wrapped in each other's presence, the weight of their words lingering. No more needed to be said. It was clear—these two were falling deeper into each other, and there was no doubt about it. They were both determined to fix things, both scared of losing one another.

Then, with a gentle pull, Jane broke the stillness. "So, what time is that dinner anyway?" he asked with a smirk, his tone light, teasing.

His insecurities faded into the background, replaced by an overwhelming sense of love. He trusted her love now, and that was enough. They belonged to each other, and nothing—not even Walter—could change that.

Lisbon stepped into the living room, fully dressed and ready. She wore a black tank top, fitted pants, light makeup, and a shoulder bag slung casually over her shoulder. Jane looked up and remarked with a teasing smile,

"You're really heading to a fancy dinner at a fancy restaurant in that suit you only wear for work?"

Lisbon raised an eyebrow, a hint of a frown forming. "What? You don't like it?"

"Oh, it's not that," Jane said with a smirk. "You look stunning, as always. No matter what you wear... though I'd be just as happy if you weren't wearing anything at all."

Lisbon chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Well, he said it's for work, so... I guess he just have to deal with it," she said with a smug smile

Jane moved closer, his arm wrapping around her waist. Lisbon's hand found its way to his neck.

"Alright. I'm gonna do my best not to bolt out of here," Jane said with a grin. "Take care."

He leaned in to kiss her, but she stopped him. Confused, he pulled back, only for Lisbon to explain, "Uh, I just put on my lipstick," with a shy smile.

Jane's lips curled into a teasing grin. "That's not a problem," he murmured, then gently kissed down her neck, slowly working his way to her earlobe. He found that spot she liked, and a soft sigh escaped her lips.

Lisbon immediately regretted saying anything because his touch felt too good to stop now.

With her breath quickening, she whispered, "Jane... I... uh... I really need to go."

But Jane didn't stop. His kisses grew softer but more insistent on her neck. As his hands slid beneath her blazer, he revealed the sleeveless tank top she was wearing underneath. He kissed her shoulder, tracing a path to her collarbone, then up her neck. Lisbon pulled his head up to meet her eyes. What Jane saw made him pause—dark, hungry desire reflected back at him. He knew exactly what this was doing to her, and she couldn't resist.

Without another thought, Lisbon kissed him. Hard. Deep. They went on like for some moment until Jane pulled back slightly to catch his breath.

"What about your lipstick? And aren't you gonna be late?" he asked, voice ragged.

Lisbon didn't care anymore. So, she let herself give in. She kissed him again, his tongue brushing her lower lip and she parted her lips for him, inviting him in. Their tongues danced, moving in perfect rhythm, exploring each other in a kiss that deepened with every second. They shifted positions, angling themselves to deepen the kiss even more, their soft moans blending in the air.

Jane's hands roamed over her waist, hips, and back, while Lisbon's fingers threaded through his hair, pulling him closer.

Suddenly, Lisbon's phone vibrated, breaking their moment. They reluctantly pulled apart, both breathing heavily. Lisbon glanced at the screen, her eyes narrowing as she read the message.

"How the hell did Walter get my number?" she muttered, incredulously.

Jane, with a playful smile, teased, "Well, I guess you better go handle it. Leave me here."

Lisbon leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a low, seductive tone. "If it were up to me," she murmured, her eyes fixed on his lips, "I wouldn't be going anywhere and continue this..."

Jane ached to continue, too, every fiber of his being wanting to keep her close. But he knew she needed to do this. So, he mustered a smile, the faint smudge of her lipstick still lingering on his lips. "You better get going," he said softly, his voice tinged with playful restraint, "because if you keep looking at me like that, I might not let you leave."

Lisbon chuckled softly, wiping at his lips with her thumb. "What?" Jane asked, oblivious.

She kissed him one last time, grinning. "You've got lipstick all over your mouth. Sorry."

Laughing softly, she grabbed a compact mirror and quickly touched up her lipstick. Once done, she snapped it shut and stood, reaching for her coat.

"All right, I'm heading out," Lisbon said, adjusting her blazer.

At the door, she glanced back at him with a small smile. "Bye. Love you."

Jane smiled warmly, his eyes soft. "Love you, too."

The restaurant was as lavish as Walter Mashburn's reputation suggested, with gleaming chandeliers casting warm light over pristine white tablecloths. Lisbon had arrived a little late due to certain activities, dressed in her usual understated elegance that made her feel professional rather than approachable. The setting made her skin crawl; it felt too intimate for what was supposed to be a work-related dinner.

Walter, however, seemed perfectly in his game. He rose from his seat with that ever-present grin and greeted her warmly, a little too warmly. "Teresa, you look stunning," he said, pulling out her chair.

She offered a tight smile, sitting down and immediately reaching for the water glass in front of her. "Thanks, Walter."

"A bit late, but it's fine," Walter said, trying to be polite

"Sorry, I, uh, ran some...errands," Lisbon replied with an easy smile, thinking, Making out with your boyfriend counts as errands, right?

She offered a tight smile, and immediately reaching for the water glass in front of her. "So, what's this about the case?"

He chuckled, waving over a waiter. "Straight to business as always. Let's order first, and then we'll talk."

Her jaw tightened, but she forced herself to relax. This was just a formality. Dinner, some vague discussion about the case, and then she'd be out of here. Jane's voice echoed in her mind. She could handle this.

The meal proceeded with Walter trying to steer the conversation to personal matters at every opportunity. Lisbon kept redirecting him back to the case, her responses curt but polite. At one point, her hand rested on the table, and she noticed Walter's subtle move to place his over hers. Quickly, she withdrew it, her actions brisk and deliberate. By the time dessert arrived, she was nearing the end of her patience.

"So," she said, setting down her fork, "about the specifics of the lead you mentioned. How exactly do you think it ties into the case?"

Walter leaned back in his chair, studying her with a smile. "Teresa, you're relentless. Always so focused. But tonight isn't just about the case."

Her eyes narrowed. "Well, it's supposed to be."

He seemed unfazed, rising from his seat and extending a hand toward her. "Do you hear that?"

Lisbon frowned, genuinely confused. "Hear what?"

"The music," he said, his voice coaxing. "Dance with me."

She blinked, caught completely off guard. "What? No, I don't think—"

"Come on," he interrupted, his tone soft yet insistent. "Just one dance. Consider it part of the evening's negotiations."

Her stomach tightened in discomfort. She didn't want to entertain this, not even for a moment. Searching for a polite way out, she mumbled, "I, uh, I don't really know how to dance. And, honestly, my outfit is out of place here."

Walter chuckled, waving off her excuse. "Oh, please. You look more stunning than anyone here, trust me." His voice dipped into that overly charming tone. "And if you don't know how to dance, that's fine—I'll teach you." He held out his hand again, expectant.

Reluctantly, she stood and let him lead her to the small dance floor where a string quartet played softly. "Walter, this doesn't look like work now," she said flatly. "You know the deal."

"May I?" Walter asked, his hand hesitating mid-air as he gestured toward her waist. She nodded reluctantly, feeling it would be rude to refuse. Her hands rested stiffly on his shoulders, keeping as much distance between them as possible. Her body tensed, awkward and stiffed under the weight of his hand on her waist.

"Relax," Walter said, his tone smooth. "Work later. Besides, I'm not that bad of a dancer." With that, he led her into a gentle sway.

"This isn't about dancing," she said, her voice low but laced with urgency. "You didn't go through all this trouble for nothing. There has to be something you can share—something that will help us with the case. Your company is being sabotaged, Walter."

"I know, Teresa," Walter said softly, his voice tinged with charm. "But just for a minute, let's just relax."

She sighed, avoiding his gaze and fixing her eyes on a spot just over his shoulder.

They swayed in awkward silence for a moment before Walter suddenly tilted his head down toward her. Lisbon's instincts kicked in, and she jerked her head back, her hands pressing firmly against his chest.

"What the hell are you doing?" she hissed, stepping back.

Walter looked momentarily startled but recovered quickly, his grin returning. "Teresa, come on. Don't act like we don't have history."

She glared at him, her voice low but sharp. "That was years ago, and it meant nothing. I'm not interested, Walter."

Lisbon turned sharply, stepping off the dance floor. Walter followed her, catching up at the balcony just outside the main dining area. The cool night air prickled against her skin, but it did nothing to cool her frustration.

"Teresa, wait," he said, his voice softer now. "Why are you so defensive?"

She spun to face him, crossing her arms. "Because this isn't about the case. You dragged me here under false pretenses!"

He held up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, maybe I wanted to see you. But can you blame me? I've...missed you. I've thought about you. And I think… we could start again"

Lisbon's laugh was humorless. "You've got to be kidding me. Walter, whatever you and I had was a one-time thing. It was never going to amount to anything."

He stepped closer, his expression earnest. "You don't mean that. I know you felt...something."

"Walter, there was never an 'us,' okay? All of this—trapping Abbott and me in your little scheme just to set this up—it's not going to work. And you know what it proves? That you're still the same smug guy who thinks he can have it all. Well, guess what? You can't."

"So—that night, that was nothing? Then why would you come back to my place? That wasn't nothing, Teresa. I know it," he countered, his voice tight with frustration.

He stepped closer, but she immediately took a step back, her hands raised in a firm stop, "No, Walter." Then she continued, "I thought maybe you'd changed, that you actually had something meaningful to contribute to the case. But I was wrong. If you have no business to discuss with me, I'm leaving."

"Wait." He reached out, his hand gripping her arm lightly, his expression pleading. "Tell me it was nothing. Teresa, look me in the eye and tell me it didn't mean anything."

Lisbon sighed, her gaze softening slightly but her tone resolute. "It's in the past, Walter. I'm sorry if that hurt you, truly. But you forcing this to us, isn't gonna work." She paused, her expression empathetic. "So, I'm just gonna make this clear, I don't...have feelings for you, Walter."

Walter let go of her arm, his confidence visibly faltering.

"It's been a couple of years, Walter. And as a matter of fact, you can have any girl you want..."

"That's just it," he interrupted, his voice uncharacteristically vulnerable. "When I was with you, that was the only time that I felt something. After that night, I tried to go back to you but well, life got busy. So, when I found out you're working with the FBI, I thought maybe it's a chance. I know it sounds silly."

"Walter," Lisbon replied gently, her tone softening, "It's not silly, but I'm sorry I can't... return those feelings, and you deserve someone who can. Someday. Maybe even sooner if you stop being an ass," she added with a faint, bittersweet smile.

His lips twitched in a faint smile at her candor, but it faded quickly. "Is that your final answer? I could give you everything you've ever wanted, Teresa. We could leave all this behind, go somewhere—"

"Walter, stop," she interrupted, her voice firm.

"Why?" he snapped, frustration and hurt creeping into his tone. "Are you really so stubborn, so cold-hearted, that you can't even—"

Lisbon's patience finally snapped. She knew Walter wouldn't stop pushing until she told him the truth, so she closed her eyes, took a breath, and blurted out, "I'm in love with someone else." She opened her eyes and met his gaze firmly. "Okay?"

Walter was stunned, caught off guard by the bluntness of her confession. The words hung in the air, heavy and final. He stared at her for a moment, his usual confidence faltering for the first time that evening. Finally, he found his voice. "What? Who?"

Lisbon didn't answer. She simply turned to leave, her hand brushing past him as she made her way to the door. "Goodnight, Walter," she said.

In her car, she sat with a sigh and gripped the steering wheel. She did not expect that. Walter being interested in her is one thing, but discovering that he's in love with her after all these years? She should be flattered but she just feels sorry for him. And, she had just admitted that she was with someone else. It was a spur-of-a-moment thing, but she knew it was the right thing to do.

She felt utterly drained, both physically and emotionally. Now, all she wanted now was to go home—to Jane and to the steady comfort of his arms.

Meanwhile, back inside the restaurant, Walter returned to his seat, his mind reeling. He stayed just for a few minutes, drinking wine, trying to numb the sharp sting of rejection. He was about to leave when he noticed Teresa's shoulder bag still on the table. A flash of realization hit him, and he grabbed it, his fingers lingering on the strap. He made a quick decision, motioning for his car. As he got into the driver's seat, he made a few calls, trying to track down Teresa's location. He thought maybe this was his chance to apologize—to make things right.

When Lisbon arrived home, she wasted no time searching for Jane. He appeared from the hallway, but before he could ask how the evening went, she rushed to him, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. She buried her face in his chest, inhaling his scent, and exhaled a deep, weary sigh, savoring the comforting familiarity of his embrace.

Jane welcomed her with open arms, his hands gently caressing her back, sensing the tension radiating from her. He knew at that moment that the dinner with Walter hadn't gone well. They stayed like that for a while, the silence between them saying everything that words couldn't.

After a moment, Jane attempted to pull back slightly, but Lisbon tightened her hold, her voice muffled as she muttered, "I'm tired. I just want to stay like this," pressing herself more firmly into him.

"Alright," Jane said softly, caressing her head. "But it'd be more comfortable on the couch."

Reluctantly, Lisbon released him, and they moved to the couch, where she slipped off her blazer, and Jane, already in his pajamas, pulled her close. They settled together, tangled in a quiet, blissful comfort. It felt domestic, serene—like everything was right, just as it was.

After a while, Jane coaxed her gently, "So, are we going to talk about how it went?"

Lisbon let out a tired sigh, her body slightly shifting as she untangled herself from his embrace just enough to speak. "Don't freak out, okay? Let me finish first."

He braced himself as she spoke.

"Well, we ate, talked absolutely nothing about the case, then we danced, then he, uh, tried to kiss me," she said, her voice steady but heavy with the weight of the moment.

Jane's mouth opened slightly, eyes widening in disbelief, but he swallowed the impulse to speak, holding his composure.

"But I avoided it quickly," Lisbon added, sensing his tension. Jane visibly relaxed, relief flooding his face. She continued, "But you were right. He has feelings for me. And he's still an ass. Still the same Walter—thinks he can get his way with everything. I made it very clear that whatever he's expecting, it's not gonna happen"

Jane let out a quiet chuckle, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "That's my girl."

She smirked and then sighed, the exhaustion of the evening settling in again, and curled back into him, seeking solace in his warmth.

Jane didn't know what to say, so he said nothing. Instead, he caressed her head, intertwining their hands, silently letting her know he was there for her—no words needed.

Then there was a knock.

Jane glanced at Lisbon, who was now a little sleepy but still awake, her eyes heavy. He whispered softly, "I'll get it."

When he opened the door, he was taken aback by the sight of the man standing there, and from the looks of the man, he was just as startled to see him, too.

The silence stretched for a beat before Jane awkwardly broke it, "Walter…"

Walter's face was a picture of disbelief, his mouth opening and closing as if trying to find words, but none came. His mind raced, taking in the sight of Jane, clad in pajamas, standing in Teresa's house at such a late hour. Finally, he blurted out, his confusion evident, "Why are you... in pajamas? Here?" He already knew the answer, but he just couldn't bring himself to believe it.

Jane, ever unflappable, could only shrug, an awkward smile tugging at his lips. "Uhhhh... How do I put this..." he began, as if stalling for time.

Feeling Jane's absence, Lisbon sleepily shuffled over to him, wrapping her arms around his back in a gentle hug. Her eyes were half-closed, and her face rested against the side of his biceps as she lazily mumbled, "Jane? Who's at the door?"

When Lisbon glanced up, her sleepiness vanished in an instant. Her eyes widened, and her body tensed. "Walter," she murmured, blinking rapidly as the awkwardness of the situation hit her. She crossed her arms, fully aware of how seeing her and Jane together like this might look. "Uh, what brings you here?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Walter blinked, his mind struggling to process the scene in front of him. "Oh my god. You and Patrick... you're, uh... you're...oh my god," he stammered, utterly flabbergasted.

Lisbon and Jane exchanged a brief, knowing glance before both breaking into smirks.

Jane quipped with a smirk, "Sibling-like vibe, huh?"

"Walter, why are you here?" Lisbon asked

"I was, uh..." He hesitated, before shaking his head, running a hand through his hair, as if gathering his thoughts. "No, wait. So, you two are... like...together? A couple? Boyfriend and girlfriend stuff?"

Lisbon leaned slightly closer to Jane. Well, there's no point in denying it now, she thought.
Jane, without missing a beat, flashed a grin and replied, "Yes. All of the above."

Walter blinked a few times, still processing. "Wow. Okay, well, I just came to give you your bag. You left it at the restaurant." He handed her the bag, and she took it with a polite nod.

"Thank you, Walter," she said. Walter hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. "But, honestly, I didn't expect this," he said, his hand moving in circular gesture, taking in the situation. He released a sigh, shaking his head, still absorbing everything. He noticed Lisbon looked sleepy, and it was late, so he added, "Okay, I should, uh, get going." He said it almost enthusiastically, the surprise still clearly written on his face. "Let you two get some rest," he said, gesturing toward them.

They exchanged a few awkward goodnights, and as Walter turned to leave, Lisbon called out, "Hey, uh...," she said softly, stopping his tracks. "I'd appreciate it if this stayed just between us. I really don't like—"

Walter cut her off, nodding quickly. "Of course, of course. I understand." He gave her a tight smile, then turned and left.

Walter gripped the steering wheel tightly, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips as he replayed what he had just witnessed. All this time, he had been fooling himself. He thought he was the one who had a chance, but the reality was right in front of him, clearer than ever. Jane and Lisbon had been doing a damn good job of hiding it. He'd always noticed the closeness between them, but he had dismissed it as nothing more than their close friendship. He even said they had a sibling-like bond. Well, what he saw wasn't at all like that. Yet, seeing the way Lisbon had touched Jane, the ease and familiarity in their gestures—it was all so natural, so domestic. It was obvious now, and he couldn't deny it anymore. He had made a fool of himself, thinking he could win Teresa back. He genuinely believed that night meant something, even if it was brief. He had even gone so far as to pull strings to force her into a dinner, and worse, he'd tried to kiss her. The whole thing felt like a bad joke now. He envied them, not for what they have, but for the bravery it took to love like that. It made him wonder if he'd ever had that kind of connection with anyone.

Back in the house, Lisbon and Jane lay in bed, tangled in each other's arms. Her head rested peacefully on his chest, and his arm wrapped protectively around her. After a moment of silence, Jane whispered, "It's probably for the best that he knows now." He couldn't help but think, Hopefully, he'll back off and keep his hands off of you.

Lisbon, half-asleep, murmured a soft, "Yeah. Uh-uh," before yawning and surrendering to the quiet comfort of his embrace. All her worries seemed to fade as sleep took over, and she knew they would face it all tomorrow. For now, she was exhausted.

Well, tomorrow's another day.

thanks for reading! stay tuned for the last chapter 👀👀 xx