#jibson

“Jane, how’s the sink repair going?” Teresa asked as she pulled the last batch of cupcakes from the oven. “We can’t let the bowls with batter sit overnight.”

“It’s-” Patrick started, tightening one last bit, “-done.”

Patrick sighed and stood up, patting away the invisible dust on his jeans. Teresa couldn’t help but do a once over Jane in his white t-shirt and dark denim jeans. He decided to ditch the suit as his every-day outfit once their toddler decided it was fun to run away from their parents at the age of eighteen months.

Teresa finally looked up and saw a smirk plastered to Patrick’s face.

“Like what you see?” Patrick half joked.

‘Two can play at that game.’ Teresa thought.

“How much do I owe you?” Teresa asked, with a smirk of her own.

Patrick hummed in response, turning around to check the water was flowing from the tap without any leakage from the pipe below, before turning back around. “I was thinking… five?”

Teresa furrowed her eyebrows, “Five?”

“Yeah.” Patrick responded wiping his hands dry on a cup towel hanging from the oven door, standing close to his wife.

“Five what? Five hundred?” Teresa laughed at her own joke. “What do you want with five hundred dollars? You would just spend on the girls anyway.”

“No. Not five hundred.” Patrick started, before smirking, “Five dozen.”

Teresa blamed their youngest, Emilie, keeping them both up all night lately for not understanding a word out of Jane’s mouth.

“What are you on about, Jane?” Teresa asked.

“And they have to be sugar with those little dehydrated strawberries I like.” Patrick continued.

“Patrick, what are you—” Teresa started.

“And.” Patrick interrupted, taking a step closer to Teresa, Lisbon standing her ground. “I get to eat every-” Jane takes another step towards his wife, pressing Teresa against the counter, “-last-” Jane puts his hands on the counter on either side of Lisbon’s hips, “-one.”

Teresa furrows her eyebrows at her husband’s words again, “You want me to bake you cookies?”

“Yes.” Patrick nods, leaving a soft kiss against Teresa’s cheek.

“We just made 3 batches of cupcakes; eat some of those.” Teresa said, lightly pushing Jane back so she could cover the cupcakes.

Teresa watched as Patrick silently left the kitchen, keeping an eye on him as he rounded the corner, knowing he was up to something.

Lisbon started washing the dirty mixing bowls so Jane could make dinner in a semi-clean kitchen that night, when their youngest, Emilie came toddling into the kitchen.

“Mama.” Emilie stated.

“Yes, sweetie?” Lisbon asked, crouching down slightly to be eye level to her daughter.

“Staw-bewie cookies?” Emilie asked.

Teresa glanced to the archway of the kitchen to see Patrick “hiding” behind the wall watching the interaction, quickly moving back behind the wall when he caught Teresa’s eye.

“Pweese?” Emilie asked, looking at Teresa with eyes that matched her own.

Teresa pursed her lips before replying, “Daddy will make some tomorrow, and you can have one then.”

Teresa listened to the juxtaposition of Emilie cheering and Jane groaning as he walked towards them, trying to hold in her own laughter.

“Go on.” Jane chuckled, lightly tickling his daughter as her cheers turned into giggles. “Go ask Charlotte to come down and help with the cupcakes.”

“Okay!” Emilie replied, jumping from her dad’s hands to run across the house to her older sister.

“I can’t believe you told her that I would make strawberry cookies tomorrow.” Jane faux pouted.

“I can’t believe you sent our toddler in here to manipulate me into making cookies.” Lisbon started, “No wait, I actually can.”

Jane responded with an exaggerated gasp, “I never!”

“Jane, I worked with you for several years, it is exactly the thing you do!” Teresa laughed, not actually mad at her husband, then asking hopefully, “But you’ll make the cookies once we get back tomorrow?”

“Yes, dear.” Jane responded, knowing that he signed himself up for that when he got Emilie in on his little plan.

“Em said you needed me?” Charlotte asked, walking into the kitchen.

“Can you help ice the cupcakes for your class bake sale tomorrow?” Teresa asked her step daughter that she loved as her own.

“Is it the-?” Charlotte started to ask.

“Yes.” Teresa interrupted, setting down the plastic containers of pre-made cupcake frosting.

“Perfect!” Charlotte smiled, grabbing a couple of piping bags from the pantry. “Dad, are you helping?”

“Hand one over.” Jane replied, watching as Emilie sat in the living room playing with her toys. “Bet that I can do this dozen faster than y’all.”

“You’re adapting to the Texas language well, Patrick.” Teresa laughed.

“Howdy.” Jane said, tipping an invisible cowboy hat.

“Kind of.” Charlotte giggled to Teresa.

The three spent the next several minutes removing the cupcakes from the pans and frosting them, while joking around with one another. After they were done, they packed the cupcakes up in the carrier bin to bring to the bake sale the next morning.

Once they were done, Teresa took Emilie to get cleaned up after noticing how her daughter was dirty in only the way a toddler can be. Charlotte washed the piping bags, only making the mistake once to let frosting sit in them overnight, while Jane was preparing a casserole for dinner.

“Go wash up, I just need to heat up dinner and then it’ll be ready. Say, 20 minutes?” Jane told Charlotte, as he put the last of the toppings on the casserole.

“Sounds good to me.” Charlotte shrugged, as a hyper Emilie ran up to her sister asking to play blocks with her, Teresa trailing back into the kitchen.

“We’re not going to buy anything at that bake sale tomorrow, right?” Teresa asked, eyeing their own cupcakes.

“Oh no. Already have a check wrote out with a donation.” Jane responded, leaning against the island counter as Teresa walked towards him.

“Good.” Teresa sighed with relief, playing with the fabric of Jane’s t-shirt between her fingers, “I didn’t know how we would have those strawberry cookies you promised to make tomorrow along with a bunch of baked goods from the sale.”

“I promised?” Patrick laughed.

“Yep. You can’t let Emilie down.” Teresa reasoned. “And Charlotte likes those dehydrated strawberries too.”

“Okay. Only because I love you.” Jane said, kissing Lisbon once on her lips.

“I love you too.” Teresa smiled, returning a small kiss to Jane.

“Gross.” Charlotte laughed as Emilie shrieked, “Eww! Cooties!”

Teresa turned to look at the two girls with faux astonishment while Patrick laughed and grabbed Emilie, peppering her face with kisses while she laughed.

Lisbon sits down with her friends at the lunch table on the outside patio after their Criminal Justice class lets out. She notices how much nicer it is outside now that winter and all the cold fronts have passed. When Pike sees her at the table, he smiles at her, and she gives a half smile back.

“Guys, the drive-up movie theater is opening up this weekend again, we should go!” Van Pelt says glancing at her boyfriend of four years, Rigsby to let him know it is not a question. “They are going to be playing WALL-E, and it could be fun!”

“That would be fun to go watch an old movie and just hang out!” Hightower agrees, “Cho, Pike, Lisbon? What do you think?”

“I won’t mind going, I love WALL-E.” Lisbon nods. Cho and Pike nod when they notice Hightower is still looking at them for an answer.

“Yay!” Grace cheers.

~

“Yo, Cho, check out this car.” Pike grabbed Cho’s attention, “This car is so cool.”

“Thanks, it’s a Citroën.” A guy looking around their age, presumably the car owner, announced walking toward the car holding a drink and popcorn.

“How did you get this car?” Cho asked suspiciously, narrowing his eyes.

“Ehh, that’s a long story, short story is a client gave me this car as payment.” the guy chuckled, setting his drink and popcorn on the roof of the car.

“I think you just made Cho very suspicious of who you are and what you do.” Rigsby cut in, reaching out his hand for a shake, “I’m Rigsby, that’s Cho and Pike. We go by our last names because we are going to be detectives one day and we are just trying to get used to it.” Rigsby explained.

“Well, my last name is Jane if you want to call me that.” the car owner, Jane, replied.

“Rigs, do you want to find a spot somewhere, the movie is supposed to start soon…” Van Pelt ran up to them, Lisbon and Hightower right behind her, threading her left arm through one of Rigsby’s arms, “Oh, hi sorry, I’m Van Pelt.” she smiled, reaching out her right arm for a handshake that was returned by Jane.

“Hey guys this is Jane, he has this cool car. Jane, Van Pelt here is my beautiful girlfriend, and the girls are Hightower and-”

“Lisbon.” Lisbon cut off Rigsby, and held out her hand for Jane to shake, both holding on for longer than necessary. Pike shot daggers at Jane with his eyes when he saw this.

“Nice to meet you, Lisbon.” Jane smiled, “And you Rigsby and Van Pelt.”

“Nice to meet you as well Jane.” Lisbon replied, still feeling the memory of the warmth of his hand in her hand.

“Well, Van Pelt, let’s go find a spot to sit like you said.” Pike interrupted, but was looking at Lisbon.

“I’m gonna go now. See you around?” Lisbon asked Jane, turning her body towards her friends but not breaking eye contact with him.

“Yeah, go ahead. See you around.” Jane smiled watching Lisbon run back to her friends after a quick goodbye.

When Lisbon caught up to her friends, she noticed that there were some blankets laid out on the ground for them.

“So, Lisbon, Jane’s kinda cute, isn’t he?” Van Pelt knocked her shoulder with Lisbon’s playfully.

“What? I didn’t even notice.” Lisbon blushed.

“Yeah okay, if that helps you sleep better at night, Lisbon.” Hightower joked.

As the movie was going on Lisbon wasn’t really paying attention but thinking back to Jane, there was just something about him that she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Once the movie was over and they got up to leave, she noticed that the blue Citroën was gone. Trying to hide her disappointment, she said bye to her friends and all went their separate ways.

~🛣️ 🎥~

Jane walks out of the tent that his father uses to give “psychic” readings to carnival visitors, defeated just wanting the day to be over. This morning he finally told his best friend Angela that he liked her more than friends and wanted to know if she wanted to go on a proper date with him that night, to which she replied that she thought of him like a brother but they could still hang out that night if he wanted. Jane just shook his head and continued talking and hanging out with her like he normally would, trying to ignore the feeling of his heart breaking in his chest. Now his dad just involved him in a con, tricking an old woman into buying a rock that would “heal” her terminal granddaughter. He hates these cons his dad involves him in and can’t wait until the day when he can finally leave the carnival and never look back. Jane stood outside the tent gently kicking around some rocks to take his mind off the horribleness of the day, wondering what it would be like to actually have a happy day and ending, not like the lies his dad tells the visitors.

“Did you hear the drive-in theater is opening back up this weekend?” Jane heard the voice of a girl at a distance.

“The one on main street? They are playing WALL-E, it’s a cute movie and I want to go just to experience the drive in.” he heard another girl's voice say.

“Me too! Ask John if he wants to go and we can go on a double date with me and Tyler.” the first girl insisted.

“I will! It will be a lot of fun.” the second one said with what sounded like a smile in her voice.

Jane thought that maybe watching a movie would end his terrible week on a good note. Although he has never seen the WALL-E movie, and doesn't know if it's a good movie, but if it can take his mind off of the week, he will watch it.

~

Once Jane found a good spot for his car he parked and headed to the concession stand to grab something to snack on. He decided on popcorn and a drink after seeing most people with that combination walking around.

“Yo Cho, check out this car.” Jane saw a brunette guy maybe around his age staring at his car, this not being the first time his car was admired. “This car is so cool.”

“Thanks, it’s a Citroën.” Jane smiled when he got a little closer, not sure what else he could say.

“How did you get this car?” a raven-haired guy asked with his eyes narrowed, his voice dripping in suspension.

“Ehh, that’s a long story.” Jane said not wanting to explain to complete strangers what he does on a daily basis. “The short story is a client gave me this car as payment.” Jane chuckled out the word payment, while setting down his popcorn and drink on the roof of his car.

“I think you just made Cho very suspicious of who you are and what you do.” a third guy cut in reaching out his hand for what Jane had to guess was a hand shake. “I’m Rigsby, that’s Cho and Pike. We go by our last names because we are going to be detectives one day and we are just trying to get used to it.” Rigsby explained while shaking Jane’s hand.

“Well, my last name is Jane if you want to call me that.” Jane replied.

“Rigs, do you want to find a spot somewhere, the movie is supposed to start soon…” a girl with red wavy hair ran up and threaded her left arm into Rigsby’s right arm while two other girls walked up behind her. “Oh, hi sorry, I’m Van Pelt.” she smiled, reaching out her right arm for a handshake that was returned by Jane.

“Hey guys this is Jane, he has this cool car. Jane, Van Pelt here is my beautiful girlfriend, and the girls are Hightower and-”

“Lisbon.” the most beautiful girl Jane has ever seen, said cutting off Rigsby, and holding out her hand for a shake which he took and held onto for longer than most handshakes, but he knew he wasn’t the only one holding too long. Jane noticed that the brunette guy, Pike, had a look of jealousy and envy looking at their hands.

“Nice to meet you, Lisbon.” Jane smiled, “And you Rigsby and Van Pelt.” Jane remembered other people were there, letting go of her hand.

“Nice to meet you as well Jane.” Lisbon replied, clasping her hands together in front of her.

“Well, Van Pelt, let’s go find a spot to sit like you said.” Pike interrupted the conversation, looking at Lisbon.

“I’m gonna go now. See you around?” Lisbon asked Jane, turning her body towards her friends but not breaking eye contact with him.

“Yeah, go ahead. See you around.” Jane smiled watching Lisbon run back to her friends after a quick goodbye.

‘Just earlier this week I was thinking all about Angela, but Lisbon… Wow.” Jane thought, getting into his car driver’s seat with the popcorn and his drink. Jane watched the movie considering just leaving the drive in when EVE left WALL-E, but the tears pooling in his eyes stopped him from actually leaving. When the movie was over, Jane was smiling, but he still had some tears left. As the credits were rolling, he did leave the theater, not wanting to chance seeing anyone in the state he was in.

~🛣️ 🎥~

Over the week Lisbon’s mind kept drifting off to that blue-eyed boy she met at the drive-in who introduced himself as Jane. Lisbon wanted to go to the drive-in again to see if Jane happened to be there, but both Van Pelt and Hightower were busy this weekend and couldn’t go, and Lisbon did not want to go with one of the guys, especially Pike. She eventually decided she could go by herself, she was 18 and almost out of high school, one time at a drive-in by herself isn’t going to kill her. She kept telling herself this every day up until the moment she was at the drive-in after being dropped off by Van Pelt after school on Friday. Luckily for Lisbon, she did see that blue car that made her know Jane had to be nearby. She walked up towards it and saw he was not in it or around it. Lisbon started walking to the stands in the back to sit down to watch the movie and that’s when she saw him.

“Hi Jane.” Lisbon smiled at him.

“Hi Lisbon.” Jane grinned, turning towards where Lisbon was standing, hitting his cup that was next to him and knocking it on the ground behind him. “Wow, I’ve really done it now huh? I’m sorry about this.” Jane reached behind him to pick up the now empty cup, tossing it into a nearby trash can.

“I don’t think you really care about that drink.” Lisbon joked, before asking. “Are you here by yourself?”

“Is it that obvious?” Jane gestures around him slightly.

“Would you like some company?” Lisbon asks, already shooing him more into the stands so she can sit next to him.

“Even though I made a complete fool of myself?” Jane moved over enough to give her space but still where it wouldn’t take much movement for their thighs to touch.

“Especially since you made a fool of yourself, Jane.” Lisbon never stopped smiling.

“Well, I guess I can be good company; if you’ll excuse me for dropping my drink. Would you like some popcorn?” Jane offered some popcorn her way which Lisbon accepted by taking a handful of popcorn.

“So Jane, how was your week?” Lisbon asked, trying to get to know Jane better, looking at his blue eyes.

“Well, I’m glad to be here and glad to see you here again.” Jane smiled, his gaze never leaving her. “Also, you can call me Patrick if you want, I know your friends have the thing with last names and I don’t want to intrude on that.”

“In that case, Hi Patrick, I’m Teresa.” Lisbon beamed, holding out her hand which Jane shook with a small squeeze.

“Hi Teresa.” Jane replied, causing Lisbon to feel happy inside. “Thank you for spending time with me, but if you want to go back to your friends, you can, I’m sure your boyfriend, Pike isn’t it, is waiting for you.” Jane shifted.

“Pike isn’t my boyfriend;” Lisbon chuckled, “and I came here by myself today.”

“Oh! I’m sorry, I guess I misread him.” Jane replied happily with her response, “What’s his deal then?”

“No, I don’t think you misread him. He has asked me out multiple times, he’s a good guy, but not the guy.” Lisbon grabbed a few more pieces of Jane’s popcorn.

The rest of the movie Jane and Lisbon went from watching the movie to making jokes and comments to each other about the movie. When the credits were rolling Lisbon sighed, disappointed that she would now have to go home and deal with that .

“You can tell me if I am overstepping, but would you like to go get something to eat? I know a diner down the road that makes really good eggs.” Jane asked.

“You are not overstepping at all, I would love to go get something to eat with you, but I need to start heading home before it gets dark. It’s only a fifteen-minute walk home from here, and I don’t want my dad upset with me for staying out past the time I told him I would be out until.” Lisbon replied, despite what she was saying, wanted to spend the time with him.

“Okay.” Jane smiled a sad smile, “Can I drive you home so you don’t have to walk? I promise to drive the speed limit.”

“Okay, but next time I’ll buy the popcorn.” Lisbon replied, following Jane to his car.

Jane stopped and turned around facing her, “Next time?”

“Well, yeah.” Lisbon replied in a tone reflecting on that was obvious, not missing the smile on Jane’s face as she walked past him. They both got into his car and she gave him directions to her home.

Once in front of her house Lisbon unbuckled her seat belt but stayed in the seat. “I had a lot of fun this afternoon with you.”

“That’s lucky, because I had a really fun time with you as well.” Jane grinned, “I want to see you again if you would allow.”

“Of course, I do owe you popcorn after all.” Lisbon waved her hand, “What do you say about next Friday evening? The drive in?”

“It’s a date?” Jane questioned.

“It’s a date, Patrick.” Lisbon smiled, opening the passenger side door to get out of the car. “Oh, before I forget, if you want to text me before Friday, here’s my phone number.” Lisbon grabbed Jane’s hand and a pen out of her bag to write her phone number down. “I’ll catch you later.” This time Lisbon did get out of the car and walked to the door to her house when her phone vibrated in her pocket.

Unknown: Just checking :) Oh, BTW this is Patrick

Lisbon looked back to see his car still parked in front of her driveway, so she waved at him, walking inside. She looked through the blinds of the windows at the front to see him driving away. She ducked her head to hide her blushing as she went upstairs to her bedroom getting ready for bed, but knowing she is not going to be going to sleep any time soon. Lisbon turned on her TV for just some mindless background noise thinking about how she just grabbed his hand and he didn’t even flinch, when her phone vibrated on her night stand.

(Patrick) Jane: Thank you for keeping me company earlier, you made the movie much better.

Me: thank you for letting me join you and steal your popcorn xD

(Patrick) Jane: You can steal my popcorn anytime you want.

Me: that sounds like a plan

(Patrick) Jane: That does sound like a great plan. Have a goodnight Teresa :D

Me: goodnight patrick :D

~🛣️ 🎥~

The next Friday when Lisbon got to the theater and she didn’t see that blue car parked anywhere, she was worried. Before leaving school for the day, Jane had texted her that he would see her soon, which Lisbon replied saying that she couldn’t wait. Now she stood there, knowing she might be a little early, but really hoping to see that car.

‘ i’m here whenever you get here. ’ Lisbon texted Jane not expecting a text back if he was driving. Lisbon went to take a seat at the stands in the back and absently scrolled through her phone until choosing to rearrange the apps on her phone to pass time. As more and more people were arriving, Lisbon started to feel more defeated, she didn’t know if this was a date or not, but it sure felt like she had gotten stood up. Lisbon checked her messages and nothing, she sighed and decided that she would watch the movie since she was there already. About ten minutes into the movie her phone vibrated with a message from Jane.

(Patrick) Jane: Hey, I’m sorry, something came up, but I am headed up there right now. Are you still there?

Lisbon contemplated if she should reply or not, upset that he wasn’t there, but relieved that he texted her back.

Me: yes, i am still here. are you okay?

(Patrick) Jane: I think I will be once I see you. Give me 10 minutes please. :)

Lisbon’s heart felt like it skipped a beat, he wanted to see her too, but he obviously isn’t okay and she is a little worried. Sure she has only known Jane for barely two weeks, but she does care about him. Lost in her thoughts she barely noticed when she got a new text message.

(Patrick) Jane: I am here in the back viewing row if you want to join me in the car.

Lisbon walked behind the stands to the car viewing row and when she spotted his car, walked over and lightly knocked on the door, while Jane was already reaching over to unlock and open the door from the inside. “Hey.” Jane whispered, as Lisbon shut the car door.

“Hey.” Lisbon whispered back.

“It’s good to see you.” Jane breathed slightly over a whisper.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Lisbon asked aloud this time.

“It was a bad day today. I don’t want to bore you with the details, but it wasn’t good.” Jane sighed.

Lisbon reached over the center console and held his hand, “You won’t bore me with any details. I care about you Jane, let me know what I can do to help.”

Jane sighed and rested his head on her shoulder, squeezing her hand a little more, “My dad is not a good person, and working with him gets harder every day. I just want to leave but I can’t leave them all, they are my family. You know?”

Lisbon shook her head, she didn’t know what he was talking about, but related to the part where he said that his dad is not a good person. “I’m not sure I understand in a whole, but my dad too, he’s not very nice.”

Jane looked up at Lisbon, not removing his head from her shoulder, “Your dad hurts you? I’m sorry Teresa. I shouldn’t be acting like this over my small problem.” Jane shook his head.

“Hey,” Lisbon grabbed Jane’s face, her hands on either cheek, “It’s fine, well it’s not fine, but it doesn’t matter what size problem you have, you can tell me and I’ll be there for you.” 

Jane leaned into her touch and chuckled, “This is a lot for a first date…” 

Lisbon froze for a moment. ‘ Is this still a date?’

“Oh, is this not a date? I read this all wrong.” Jane shook his head, “I am so sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed and used your shoulder as a pillow. I am so, so, sorry Lisbon.”

“Hey,” Lisbon whispered again, causing Jane to look up at her eyes. “I just wasn’t sure if this was a date or not, but I’m happy that you thought it was. And you didn’t do anything wrong, if you want to rest your head on me again you can.” Lisbon smiled and moved her thumbs along his cheeks. 

Jane chuckled again, “Maybe later, I’ll tell you the long story, but the short story is I grew up and still live with the carnival. My dad likes to use me to con innocent people, and I am sick and tired of it.” Jane put his hands over Lisbon’s hands, bringing them to rest in between the both of them. 

“My dad started drinking when my mom died, and likes to yell at me and my younger brothers. So, to answer your question, my dad doesn’t hurt me, no.” Lisbon replied. “If he hurts your feelings, that’s still hurting you.” Jane replied. “Did you want to watch the movie, or do you want to go get something to eat? I still have to get you to try those eggs at the diner.” Jane asked, trying to change the subject.

“I believe I still owe you a bag of popcorn.” Lisbon smirked, accepting the change in conversation. 

“How about next time you get us some popcorn?” Jane asked.

“Next time? Mr. Confident over here.” Lisbon joked.

“Well, if you want there to be a next time… My answer is yes if you want to ask me.” Jane joked with less confidence. 

“Jane of course, I’ll get us popcorn next time.” Lisbon smiled, “Also, yes, let’s get something to eat, please.” 

Both Lisbon and Jane buckled their seatbelts, while Jane put the car in reverse and left the drive-in to head to the diner.

~

“So, you and that Jane guy have had like seven dates already, is he your boyfriend now?” Van Pelt asked Lisbon, sitting down at the lunch table.

“What?! No!” Lisbon blushed, “He hasn’t asked me yet…”

“Wait, that guy with the car?” Pike interrupted, “That’s not the kind of guy you want.”

“Marcus, you don’t know what kind of guy she wants.” Van Pelt argued.

“You’ve been on seven dates, he is your boyfriend.” Cho stated.

“Plus, you told me that you hold hands and cuddle up on each other.” Van Pelt started.

“Hey! Hey! I didn’t tell you that for you to tell everyone else!” Lisbon stopped Van Pelt.

“Yep. Boyfriend.” Cho stated again, taking a bite of his apple.

Van Pelt smiled at Lisbon, “See he is your boyfriend, just admit it to yourself.”

“Well, I would like for him to be my boyfriend, but as of right now he’s just a guy I talk to. Besides, now is not the time to get serious, I’ll be leaving for college in a few months, I can’t expect anything to happen there.” Lisbon signed defeatedly.

“Why don’t you just ask him and see what he wants?” Van Pelt asked.

“Yeah, you’re right, I will do that.” Lisbon answered. 

~

Jane and Lisbon sat at the table at the diner they had started to become regulars at. Jane was pushing his eggs back and forth, not really eating it.

“Hey, Jane, what are you thinking about?” Lisbon put her hand lightly on top of his hand that was pushing the fork.

“Just thinking.” Jane barely smiled.

“What are you thinking about?” Lisbon pushed.

Jane ran his fingers through his hair, “I- I don’t want to ruin anything, but maybe? Teresa, would you want to maybe be my girlfriend? It’s okay if you don’t-”

“Patrick.” Lisbon cut him off, “Am I not already?” Lisbon joked, echoing a joke he had made to her several weeks prior.

“Well, aren’t you Miss Confidence?” Jane completed her joke.

“Maybe a little bit.” Lisbon smiled using her fork to pick up a piece of egg off his plate and ate it. ”But yes, to answer your question. If I’m not already, I would like to be your girlfriend.”

Jane breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, “That’s lucky.”

~

Jane made his normal drive to Lisbon’s house to drop her off after they finished their meal, but this time there was something different, a man sitting on the bench on the front porch. The sun was beginning to set so Lisbon knew she didn’t go out past her curfew. “Jane, my dad can be a lot, so if you want to drop me off and drive off-” Lisbon quickly explained unbuckling about to open the door to the car.

“Teresa. House. Now.” Lisbon’s dad suddenly appeared. 

“I’ll text you.” Lisbon whispered before running up the driveway and into the house, peeking out the window blinds. 

“And who are you?” Mr. Lisbon bellowed at Jane.

“My name is Patrick Jane, sir.” Jane replied weakly.

“And what are your intentions with my daughter?” Mr. Lisbon leaned down to make eye contact with Jane.

“I don’t have any plans, just to be her friend first, and love her unconditionally. See where life takes us together.” Jane smiled, slightly embarrassed. 

“She’s 18, she doesn’t know what love is, she’s not allowed to have any boyfriend, she needs to take care of her brothers.” Mr. Lisbon scoffed. 

“Respectfully sir, I believe that is her choice to make.” Jane contradicted.

“Lose her number, and don’t speak to her again.” Mr. Lisbon stated before walking back into the house.

“Teresa, get in here now.” Mr. Lisbon yelled up the stairs.

Lisbon quickly ran down the stairs, hearing her little brother saying ‘someone’s in trouble’, and shooting him a glare.

“You need to be here for your little brothers, not messing around with some boy you just met. Delete his number before I delete it for you. Now go back to your room, I don’t want to see you for the rest of the night.” Mr. Lisbon demanded, without getting her a chance to speak, heading to the fridge to presumably grab a new beer.

Lisbon ran upstairs and closed her door with a little too much force, cringing, hoping her dad wasn’t about to yell at her for ‘disrespecting his house’. After a couple of minutes, when her dad had not come up the stairs, she breathed out and looked at her phone, unsure of her next move. When the screen lit up with a notification, she guessed her decision was made for her.

(Patrick) Jane: I don’t think your dad likes me very much.I like you very much though.I understand if you want me to delete your number, like your dad told me to.But I don’t want to, but I will if you tell me to.

Lisbon was mad that her dad told Jane what to do, she was sad that he even considered the thought that she would stop talking to him just because her dad said so. Overall, she was happy that Jane told her he likes her a lot.

Me: i like you very much too Patrick :)

and i don’t want to stop talking to you

don’t even think that for one moment

Lisbon stopped typing for a moment considering if she really wanted to send the next text message or not.

Me: i’m sorry you had to witness his behavior

(Patrick) Jane: I’m sorry I can’t be holding you right now.Or sitting next to you, whichever you are more comfortable with.

Me: i think i would love a hug from you right now.

(Patrick) Jane: I can be back at yours in less than 20 minutes. Just tell me which window I need to climb through.

Me: haha jane

(Patrick) Jane: No, really Lisbon.

Me: i’m not going to sneak a boy into my room when my dad is already mad at me

(Patrick) Jane: Would you like to come to the carnival next Friday? I can teach you all the tricks to win. You can bring your little brothers if you want. Or your friends, I’m sure Rigsby might like to win a giant stuffy for Grace.Only if you want to though.

Me: trying to make good with my siblings and my friends to get the stamp of approval?

(Patrick) Jane: Maybe :DBut also looking for a reason to see you more.

Me: i’ll ask grace at school on monday.it’s getting late, i’m gonna go to bed, i had a fun evening, sorry it ended the way it did.

(Patrick) Jane: It’s okay, I had fun too. Have a good night, Teresa 

Me: goodnight patrick 

~

“Van Pelt, how would you and Rigsby like to go on a double date to the carnival on Friday?” Lisbon asked Van Pelt as she was pulling books from her locker.

“What’s at the carnival?” Van Pelt replied, shutting her locker door and walking to their next class.

“Jane asked me if I wanted to go, and make it a double date. He met my dad on Friday.” Lisbon finished when she saw Van Pelt raise her eyebrows at the initial statement. “How was your dad?” Van Pelt sighed, not having a good experience with Lisbon’s dad herself.

“He was probably three drinks in. He told Jane that I’m not allowed to have a boyfriend and I needed to take care of my brothers first.” Lisbon answered.

“So, everyone says he’s your boyfriend except for you.” Van Pelt paused her walking.

“For your information, Jane only asked me Friday, before he met my dad. When my dad told him that, Jane and I were only official for like 2 hours.” Lisbon defended.

Van Pelt squealed in excitement and continued walking, “I’m happy for you Teresa, I’m sure Rigsby would love to go on a double date on Friday.” 

“Awesome, I will let Jane know.” Teresa smiled as they walked into their classroom.

~

Lisbon steps out of the back seat of Van Pelt’s car already looking for where Jane might be, sending him a quick here :) text. 

“Where did Jane tell you to meet him?” Rigsby asked Lisbon, getting out of the passenger seat of the car and stretching his legs exaggeratingly, getting a small chuckle out of Van Pelt. 

As if on cue, Jane was walking up to them, grabbing Lisbon’s hand when he reached her. “How are you my dear?” Jane asked, squeezing Lisbon’s hand.

“I’m good.” Lisbon blushed, from the endearment. Jane gave her a smile in return.

“Van Pelt and Rigsby! Nice to see you again. Is there anywhere special you would like to see here? I can tell you the tricks to win every one of these booths if you want.” Jane said, guiding them into the gates out of the parking lot. 

“What about that balloon dart game? Why do the balloons not pop?” Van Pelt asked.

“Easy, they put a balloon inside of another before airing them up and half the darts aren’t sharp enough to pop them.” Jane replied.

“The game where you have to shoot the bottles as they move?” Rigsby piped in.

“The guns are slightly pulling to the right, so you need to shoot just before you think you should.” Jane answered.

The group continued asking questions about different booths before Rigsby decided he wanted to test Jane’s theory and see if the rifles did shoot a little to the right. Rigsby quickly found out they did, adjusted his aim a little, and ended up getting every bottle and winning a top shelf stuffy for Van Pelt, much to the booth keeper’s dismay.

Rigsby and Van Pelt decided they wanted to go into the Fun House and Lisbon would rather not do that, she would much rather just walk around through the different tents and booths, and enjoying her time with Jane.

As they were walking past one of the tents, a man’s voice interrupted their mindless chatter, “Patrick. What are you doing?” 

“Dad?” Jane turned around to face the voice, “I’m hanging out with my… friend. Showing her around and-”

“Why aren’t you here making us money?” Mr. Jane questioned.

“Because I don’t want to.” The younger Jane shrugged.

“Patrick Jane, I am not going to ask you, but tell you, to get into the tent and make me money.” Mr. Jane stared at Patrick.

“No, I don’t want to be a con man for the rest of my life.” Jane said sternly.

“Is it this girl here telling you that? You don’t need a girlfriend if they are just going to tell you what you can and cannot do.” The elder Jane asked pointing towards Lisbon.

“Nobody told me to say anything. I decided I don’t want to be pushed around anymore by you, and I don’t want you making decisions for me anymore either.” Jane exclaimed before he  quickly took Lisbon’s hand and ran off, hearing curses from his father, knowing tonight was not going to be fun, thinking he may just sleep in his car tonight.

Jane led them to an area behind the Ferris wheel where no patrons would go, where there was a bench and table. He slowed them down and sat down pulling Lisbon’s hand lightly to convince her to sit next to him. 

“So that was my dad.” Jane chuckled full of awkwardness. 

Lisbon sighed, “Our dad’s both don’t want us dating each other - nice.” 

“Do we need their permission?” Jane took Lisbon’s hand.

“Nope.” Lisbon started, “There’s been something I wanted to ask you; you don’t have to say yes. And there’s never a good time to ask, but I’m running out of time.” Lisbon squeezed Jane’s hand. “Patrick Jane, would you like to go to prom with me?

Jane let out a chuckle, “That is not where I thought you were going with that, but yes. I would love to go to prom with you, when is it?”

“It’s on Saturday. Yes, this Saturday.” Lisbon replied, “I told you I was running out of time, you can still say no if-”

“I’m not going to change my mind.” Jane smiled, “Can I ask you a question too?”

“Of course, Jane, you can ask me anything.” Lisbon replied

“Can I kiss you?” Jane asked. Lisbon answered by kissing Jane, hesitantly at first, but found the rhythm of his lips shortly. 

“Wow.” Jane breathed, breaking away resting his forehead on Lisbon’s forehead.

“‘Wow’, is right.” Lisbon smiled. “Should we go find Van Pelt and Rigsby?”

“Nah.” Jane put his index finger under Lisbon’s chin to lift it, while capturing her lips in his again.

After several minutes of enjoying kissing each other, Lisbon put her hands on Jane’s chest and pushed him back a little before whispering, “I think we should stop for now. I don’t want to, but I think we should.” 

“I think you’re right. However,” Jane paused and gave Lisbon another light kiss, “ now we’re done.”

~

“When are the guys supposed to be here?” Lisbon asked Van Pelt as they were finishing up their prom makeup.

“They should be here very soon, if not right now.” Van Pelt replied. “I’m done, what about you, want to go wait in the living room for the guys?”

“Yeah. let’s go do that.” Lisbon replied, already walking out of Van Pelt’s room down the stairs that led to the living area, both seeing the guys right away. 

“Wow.” Both Jane and Rigsby said at the same time. 

“You look absolutely beautiful Teresa.” Jane breathed, holding out his arms to grab Lisbon’s hand and planting a light kiss on it. 

“Thank you, Patrick. You look absolutely beautiful as well.” Lisbon smiled.

After complimenting each other, the four friends got into Patrick’s Citroën and headed out to the venue that was hosting the prom, and enjoyed the rest of the evening together.

~🛣️ 🎥~

“Do you want to go on a walk? One last walk around the neighborhood before you leave for college?” Jane asked Lisbon after loading the last box she had into her SUV, shutting the rear-hatch.

“Jane, I’m moving one town over, I will probably come back to see my siblings a couple of times a month. I don’t need to see everything in the neighborhood I grew up in again. Plus, I’m tired.” Lisbon sighed.

“Just a short walk?” Jane pleaded with the eyes that Lisbon couldn’t say no to.

“Fine. No more than ten minutes.” Lisbon bargained.

“Deal.” Jane smiled, grabbing Lisbon’s hand. They walked in the direction towards the end of her street for a few minutes, before turning back around. “Before we get back, I just wanted to let you know something, you are not obligated to say anything back, I just wanted to let you know… I love you, Teresa.”

“That’s lucky, cause I love you too, Patrick.” Lisbon squeezed Jane’s hand that was in her hand. “Now what do you say we get to heading over to the apartment, you can help me unpack, and I’ll drive you back home tomorrow?”

“Are you asking me to spend the night, Lisbon?” Jane cocked an eyebrow.

“Yeah, you don't mind sleeping on couches, and I’m too tired to drive anymore after we get there today.” Lisbon poked her tongue out at Jane in a joking manner, jogging the rest of the way to her car pulling Jane with her.

~

“Can I ask you a crazy question?” Jane asked Lisbon while sitting on the couch in the apartment Lisbon and Van Pelt are renting during their freshman year of college. 

“How crazy?” Lisbon raised her eyebrows.

“Maybe a little?” Jane questioned.

“Well, I’ll say yes, just because I’m curious about what is going on in that head of yours.” Lisbon chuckled, pointing at his forehead.

“Do you want to get married?” Jane asked, turning his full body to Lisbon, watching her cough as if she choked on air.

“Are you serious?” Lisbon squeaked between trying to catch her breath.

“Well yeah. Not now though, that would be crazy, but like some day?” Jane replied.

“Wait here for a moment.” Lisbon told Jane, avoiding the question.

' I knew it was a crazy question. I should not have said anything. She’s going to tell me to leave. ’ Jane thought.

“Here.” Lisbon started, holding out her class ring from high school, startling Jane as he didn’t know she was there. “Yes, one day in the future I will marry you.” Lisbon smiled, slipping her ring onto Jane’s pinky finger.

“Wow. Did you just give me a promise ring Lisbon?” Jane half-joked.

“Yeah. I guess I did.” Lisbon breathed, still smiling.

“I love it, and I love you, Teresa.” Jane said, leaning in to kiss Lisbon.

~~~

After Charlotte was dropped off at the school bus stop next to the CBI building, Jane decided that they would stop by the small bakery next door to get some treats before heading home for the weekend. After grabbing a couple of pastries, Jane and Charlotte sat at a booth in the corner of the shop, Jane facing the entrance.

“Dad.” Charlotte said, waving a hand in front of Jane’s face, trying to get his attention. “Daddy.”

Jane blinked hard before turning his head towards Charlotte, giving her all his attention. “Yes sweetie?”

“Who were you looking at like that?”

“Like what?” Jane questioned.

“You looked at someone like people look at each other before they kiss in TV shows.”

“What TV shows are you watching? I’m going to need to give you less freedom on the TV. What shows do they make for seven-year-olds these days?”

“Dad, please. I am seven and half.” Charlotte waved him off, matter-of-factly. “And I think it’s cute that you have a crush. Mom left us years ago; I won’t be upset.”

“You have always been too smart for your age, Charlotte.” Jane smiled, “But if you must know, I wasn’t looking at anyone. It was nobody.”

“Hey Charlotte!” Lisbon smiled coming up to the table Charlotte and Jane were sitting at.

“Ms. Lisbon!” Charlotte jumped up hugging Lisbon, with Charlotte barely tall enough to put her arms around Lisbon’s waist.

“What have you been up to?” Lisbon asked, when Charlotte pulled away.

“School.” Charlotte huffed, crossing her arms.

“Oh no, that’s not fun.” Lisbon joked.

“It’s boring, but Dad said I have to go to school or else he’ll go to jail.” Charlotte said, making Jane let out a chuckle.

“Well, we don’t want that, do we?” Lisbon said, looking at Jane.

“No, we don’t.” Jane responded, smiling at Lisbon.

“No, we don’t.” Lisbon echoed, maintaining eye contact with Jane before turning back to Charlotte and saying, “Charlotte, I have to head back to the office, but come by soon? My niece, Annabeth, is supposed to come to visit next week, she’s close to your age. Maybe we can do something, the three of us? No boys allowed though.”

“Yeah, no boys allowed.” Charlotte cheered.

“Sounds good!” Lisbon smiled at Charlotte. “I’ll see you later Charlotte, Jane, I’ll see you Monday?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there first thing Monday, after dropping Charlotte off at school.” Jane smiled at Lisbon.

“Ugh. School.” Charlotte huffed, but not without noticing the same look as before in both her dad’s and Lisbon’s face.

~🙅~

“Charlotte.” Jane whispered, kneeling down next to his couch in the bullpen, in which Charlotte decided to nap on. “Let’s go home.”

“Dad? What time is it?” Charlotte asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“It’s close to midnight.”

“You were working late again? Who with?”

“Nobody, darling.”

“Hmm. You have been working late with nobody a lot in the last couple of the weeks Dad.” Charlotte stated with a cocked eyebrow, now that she was more awake.

“You know that we are always busy, and there’s paperwork to do.”

“You don’t do paperwork dad.”

“I can do paperwork.”

“Goodnight Charlotte, night Jane.” Lisbon yelled over her shoulder walking towards the elevator.

“Hold the elevator, we’re coming!” Charlotte yelled back, grabbing her backpack and running after Lisbon. Jane released a small chuckle following after his daughter and Lisbon.

“Thank you.” Jane told Lisbon when stepping into the elevator.

“Of course.” Lisbon smiled back.

“Ms. Lisbon. Did my dad actually do any paperwork?” Charlotte asked, looking up to Lisbon.

“Why would your dad do paperwork?” Lisbon laughed.

“Hey! I can do paperwork.” Jane repeated, defeated this time.

“But you don’t.” Lisbon retorted.

“But I can.” Jane laughed lightly, nudging Lisbon, before the elevator dinged, notifying them that they were on the ground floor in the parking garage.

“Okay. I’ll leave you the paperwork for tomorrow then.” Lisbon joked as the three of them stepped out of the elevator.

“I didn’t say I wanted to do paper work.” Jane smiled, before lightly touching Lisbon’s arm. “I think I should get Charlotte home. Have a good night, Teresa.”

“Good night, Patrick. See you tomorrow?” Lisbon responded.

“Yes.” Jane smiled, looking at a smiling Lisbon longer than would be normal before departing and walking with him and Charlotte to his car.

“So, Dad. You were working late with “nobody”.” Charlotte asked once they were both in the car.

In response Jane looked at Charlotte in the rear view mirror and gave a small smile.

~🙅~

Before Annabeth was due to go back to Chicago, Annie wanted a day with Lisbon and Charlotte, and not being very girly, chose to go to a batting cage, afterwards they went to the park to eat lunch. Annie and Charlotte were talking while Lisbon was acting like she was listening to the two girls, but her mind was far away.

“Aunt T, what are you thinking about?” Annie asked Lisbon, noticing she wasn’t paying attention.

“Hmm? Nobody. Nothing. Not thinking about anything. Just enjoying the weather.” Lisbon gave a small smile.

“My dad does that too; says he’s thinking and talking about “nobody”. Must be an adult thing.” Charlotte whispered to Annie.

“She said that the other day too. She came home really late and my dad asked her where she was and she said at work. My dad asked her who with, and she said nobody.” Annie whispered back.

‘Hmm…’ Charlotte thought.

 ~🙅~

Jane smiled looking down at his phone as a text message came in.

“Dad, who’s texting you? Your smile is huge.” Charlotte asked.

“Nobody, it was just a spam text.”

“Why do you call Ms. Lisbon ‘Nobody’, Dad?” Charlotte questioned.

“What are you talking about?” Jane asked back, putting his phone in his pocket.

“Every time you and Ms. Lisbon talk, you both can’t stop smiling at each other. I may be seven and a half, but I know what it looks like when someone has a crush on someone else.” Charlotte started, “And you and Ms. Lisbon have a crush on each other.”

Jane just stared at Charlotte in response for a moment before saying in a volume barely above a whisper, “Sweetie, Ms. Lisbon doesn’t look at me a certain way and she doesn’t have a crush on me.”

“Dad, pl-ease.” Charlotte intoned. “You look at each other like you both want to hold each other’s hands and never let go.”

“Sweetie, even if I did - I’m not saying I do - have a crush on Ms. Lisbon, she would never want to date me. Women don’t want to date single fathers.” Jane sighed.

“That is the most ridiculous thing you have ever said, and you tried to tell me there was a large bunny that left eggs in the house when I was a kid.”

“One, you’re still a kid. And, two, even if she did like me, we can’t. The rules at work say we can’t date.”

“Since when do you follow the rules?” Charlotte cocked an eyebrow.

“Okay, you have been hanging out with Lisbon too much. You are acting like a mini-her.” Jane chuckled.

“Anyways, Ms. Lisbon and Ms. Grace were talking the other day when Annabeth and I were playing in Ms. Lisbon’s office. Something about how the rules were lifted and now Ms. Grace was thinking of asking Mr. Wayne out again.”

Jane’s eyebrows shot up before saying, “This is why I stopped bringing you by the office. You are not old enough to hear this stuff.”

“Dad, I know that adults like each other. Sometimes they get lunch together, and sometimes they get married and have kids.”

“Oh.” Jane mouthed.

~🙅~

“I’m going to go to that sandwich shop today for lunch, will you keep an eye on Charlotte?” Jane asked, guiding Charlotte to sit on his couch next to Grace’s desk.

“Yeah, can you bring me back a number 8? Who are you going with?” Grace answered.

“Oh, nobody, and yes, I’ll bring you a number 8. Thank you.” Jane responded, walking towards the elevator.

“You know who “Nobody” is right?” Charlotte asked Grace.

“Yep, and-” Grace started before being interrupted.

“Grace, I’m going to run down to the sandwich shop. Do you want anything from there?” Lisbon asked.

“No, I’m good. Thank you though.” Grace answered. “Who are you going with?”

“Nobody.” Lisbon smiled, before walking towards the elevator where Jane was still standing, “See you later!”

“They're not even trying to be subtle, are they?” Grace asked.

“Nope.” Charlotte agreed.

~~~

1.

It was a normal quiet day in Cannon River but something felt off to Lisbon, she just didn’t know what was going to happen, but it wasn’t good. 

“Sheriff, there’s a man here from the FBI to see you.” Officer Jacobs said, knocking on the already open door to Lisbon’s office taking Lisbon out of the daze she was in.

“What did he say his name is?” Lisbon asked.

“Abbott?”

So, this is what was going to happen today. Lisbon thought.

“Of course, Jacobs, he can come in.” Lisbon said, with a tension headache already arriving.

“ Sheriff  Lisbon, is it now? How are you?” Agent Abbott asked walking around her office, looking at all the knick-knacks sitting on the shelves.

“Hello, Abbott, what can I help you with today?” Lisbon replied, ignoring all pleasantries. 

“I just wanted to let you know that we are closing in on your boyfriend. We narrowed it down to where he might be, and if you tell me where he is now, then we can save a lot of time for both of us.” Abbott said, picking up a conch shell off of Lisbon’s desk, flipping it over in his hands before setting it back right side up on her desk.

“He’s not my boyfriend and I don’t know where he is.” Lisbon stated, watching Abbott’s movements- watching the conch shell that Jane had sent her a week prior.

“You know, it’s been a while since I have been to the coast.” Abbott started before smiling and saying, “Have a good day Sheriff.”, before walking out.

2.

Lisbon was glad she was able to work with the FBI, and see Jane again, but she didn’t miss dealing with Jane’s antics. She was very glad it was a Friday, with a case freshly closed, and neither Fischer nor Lisbon was particularly interested in case closed pizza. Fischer went to the bar to order their first round of drinks and when she arrived at the tall table, Lisbon grabbed for them.

 “How much paperwork did you have to fill out to cover Jane’s mishap from earlier?” Fischer asked.

“Honestly, not as much as I thought I would have to.” Lisbon chuckled, taking a sip of her drink.

“How do you put up with it? Scratch that, how do you put up with Jane? Doesn’t it get tiring dealing with him all day every day?” Fischer sat down and rested her chin on her hands.

“No, not really. I guess working with him for ten plus years, I just got used to it. But at least I’m not his boss anymore, that cuts down on a lot of paperwork.” Lisbon shrugged.

“I’m sure there are other perks you have to not being his boss anymore.” Fischer winked. “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”

“Jane and I usually watch a movie on Friday nights, on Saturday’s do some chores around the house, and on Sunday’s just relax before going back to work.” Lisbon explained.

“You and Jane are like an old married couple with your weekend plans.” Fischer chuckled.

“We get that a lot, which is weird considering we are not married or a couple-”, Lisbon started.

“Good evening, ladies.” Jane said, resting his hands on Lisbon’s shoulders giving a small squeeze before pointing at a stool next to Lisbon and asking. “Is this seat taken?”

“No, it’s not, but Jane, why are you here?” Fischer asked.

“Teresa texted me that you both were going out for drinks so I thought I would offer you both a ride home. Whenever you are ready of course, I can play some pool while you talk and drink.” Jane replied.

“Come on Lisbon, he calls you Teresa, and is offering you a drive home. How can you honestly tell me that you are not dating?” Fischer voiced when Jane walked away.

“We have known each other for ages, it would be weird if we didn’t call each other by our first names every so often and he offered you a ride home too. Jane and I are not in a relationship, we are just good friends” Lisbon replied defensively. 

“Whatever you say.” Fischer said, barely hiding a smile behind her glass.

3.

“Why don’t you just use the key that I gave you Jane? Yes, I’ll be leaving work in the next hour. Yeah, yeah, I’ll see you at home. You too, bye.” Lisbon hit the red end call button on her phone, before going back to typing her end of the day reports on her computer.

“Wait, did you just say that you and Jane are living together?” Fischer spun in her chair to face Lisbon. 

“Jane’s Airstream is in the shop due to being overdue for maintenance, and the FBI doesn’t really allow Jane to sleep in the bullpen on his couch.” Lisbon responded nonchalantly waving her off, “So we don’t really live together, he just sleeps in the guest room or the couch in my den.”

“And you said that he has a key to your house?” Fischer cocked and eyebrow.

“Just for the time while his Airstream is in the shop, besides it’s easier than him picking the lock every time. No, it’s not like that.” Lisbon replied to the small chuckle Fischer released.

4.

Lisbon walked into the break room to get some more coffee, where there were two blond secretaries chatting and giggling, as soon as they saw Lisbon, they stopped.

“Hey Lisbon, I wanted to apologize to you.” the secretary Lisbon recognized as Ms. Taylor approached her.

“Umm, okay?” Lisbon responded, confused.

“I didn’t know that you and Jane are dating, so if he tells you I did anything, I didn’t know, I’m sorry again.” Ms. Taylor responded before walking away faster than any innocent person would, almost bumping into Jane as he was walking into the break room.

“You look very confused Lisbon.” Jane started, “Ahh I was hoping I would be able to tell you before she did, but alas.” 

“What are you talking about? What is she talking about?” Lisbon asked, confusion in her voice.

“She was flirting with me so I told her we were dating so she would stop. I didn’t think you would mind given the situation.” Jane waved off.

“Okay, but why me?” Lisbon continued asking.

“You’re cute, Teresa.” Jane smirked before walking out with a newly poured cup of tea.

5.

“Hello, Ryan Crawford? This is Patrick Jane; my wife and I are out house hunting and noticed your sign in front of this lovely house on King Street. When are you available for us to walk around and take a look inside?” Jane spoke on the phone, staring towards the ‘For Sale’ sign in front of a small blue house.

‘Wife?’ Lisbon mouthed at Jane.

“Yes, we are in front of it now. You can be here in five minutes? Perfect. We will see you then. Bye.” Patrick stated ending the call on his phone.

“Wife?” Lisbon voiced this time.

“What? You have been my wife before in a case to get a killer. Don’t be surprised.” Jane smiled, giving Lisbon’s hand a quick squeeze. When he sees a car come down the road he gets out of the car, walking to the other side of the car, opening the door for Lisbon, putting his hand on the small of her back and shutting the door once she was out.

–

“You’re under arrest Mr. Crawford, for the murder of Jason Barrett.” Lisbon stated, slapping handcuffs onto Crawford, before reading him his rights.

“Wait, won’t your husband be upset about not being able to buy the house?” Crawford asked.

“Oh, Jane? Yeah, we’re not married. Duck your head.” Lisbon told Crawford, pushing him into the back of the issued SUV.

“Well, you fooled me, that acting was a little too convincing.” Crawford said as Lisbon shut the door.

1.

Lisbon walked into the living room to see Jane already up and dressed, folding up the blanket he had been using, setting it down at the end of the couch. 

“Good morning. I got a call from the shop that the Airstream will be ready around 10, and I can pick it up, maybe you can give me a ride to the shop later? Then I can get out of your hair, until you grace me with your presence again.” Jane smiled, “Do you want me to make you breakfast? I already prepared your coffee maker; I’ll press start on the machine now that you are up.” 

“Yes, coffee, yes.” Lisbon replied, half asleep sitting down on the couch, where the blanket wasn’t.

“Your wish is my command dear.” Jane bowed before walking to the kitchen. Lisbon did a small chuckle before resting more into the couch. A couple of minutes passed and Lisbon started to fall back asleep, but the smell of coffee had her open her eyes again.

“I have a question for you.” Lisbon started, taking the coffee from Jane’s hands, and took a sip. Jane took a seat next to Lisbon on the couch, his eyes shifting back in forth like he was reading her face like a book. "Jane, why don't you have a girlfriend yet?"

Jane visibly relaxed once the question was out in the air but started to chuckle, "What are you talking about?" 

"Why don't you have a girlfriend? I know something happened back on that island with Kim, so you are clearly ready for a relationship. While I will not complain about you making me coffee in the mornings, but aren’t you tired of not having someone to go home to?" Lisbon asked sincerely. 

Jane’s eyes went back to reading Lisbon, before his face went pink with embarrassment. "I am not as good at reading situations as I thought I was. However, you have always been a translucent read to me Teresa. But you asked me a question and my answer is a question to you. Are you telling me, you are not my girlfriend?" Jane stared into Lisbon’s eyes.

“Why would I be your girlfriend?” Lisbon said in a high pitch voice. “Wait, that came out wrong, not that I wouldn’t want to be your girlfriend, but why would you think that I- that we-”

"Teresa, when you gave me the socks, I didn’t have as much control over myself and I told you I love you. I felt like I screwed everything up, but you told me you love me too and you grabbed my hand. I just thought you wanted to take things slow-." Jane explained before getting cut off by Lisbon pressing a light kiss to Jane’s bottom lip, midsentence.

“You thought we were dating for what, six months? And I wanted to “take it slow”? Jane, I thought you were telling me you love me like friends, if I knew that you assumed we have been dating for the last six months, you wouldn’t have been sleeping on the couch, in my den.” Lisbon explained.

“Teresa, I do love you, you are my best friend, my partner, in both work and life, there’s no one else I want to be with. No matter if you want me to sleep in your bed or if you just let me make you coffee every morning, I just want you in my life.” Jane smiled.

“I do want you to make me coffee every morning, and I also want you to stay here. We can pick up your Airstream today, but stay another night.”

“Can I ask you a question first?” Jane asked, and Lisbon nodded in response. “Will you be my girlfriend, for real this time?” This time Lisbon’s response was to grab Jane’s face in a long, much needed, kiss.

A/N: decided i'm just gonna post all my ff to this blog and not deal with having multiple blogs for each fandom i want to write for. also finishing and editing some wips that have been sitting in my google docs, some for a couple of months, some for several years. This one is 1/? and has been in my docs for only a couple of months. maybe i'll get better at titles by the end of the year ¯\_(ツ)_/¯