#vanpelt

You were a pretty good agent. You did your work efficiently, you stayed away from unnecessary trouble and you had managed to maintain a good relationship with both the FBI and the DA’s office. A perk that really came in handy. Lisbon was never shy with her praise when she asked you to join her team on occasion and you never had a problem because you got to see him. 

“Good morning Agent (L/N).” 

He looked so peppy and you smiled. 

“Good morning Jane, how have you been?” 

“Better now that you’re here.” 

He flashed one of his smiles and you looked away bashfully. 

“Alright break it up, we have a case to solve.” Lisbon came buzzing by and you followed her as she asked you for an update. 

Jane was still smiling even when you left, and the team flocked around him. 

“When are you going to stop flirting and ask her out?” Cho asked. 

“Patience my dear Cho.” Jane tsked. 

“Come on Jane, You guys have been doing this for months. It’s obvious you two are into each other, what are you waiting for?” Rigsby urged. 

“Well, I’m waiting for her to ask me out. She thinks I’m just being friendly. She respects me and the unit, so she’s been battling whether or not she should risk it. I was about to finally make my move but recently she’s decided that she’ll be more direct, bold.” 

“And how exactly do you know that?” Rigsby challenged. 

“Because, she’s started to wear more bright colors. She got another piercing and changed her perfume. She’s making small steps out of her comfort zone that she’s always wanted to do. It’s a build up and I’m eagerly anticipating how this will play out because that cute expression that she’ll wear when I say yes is going to be worth it.” 

Vanpelt smiled, walking over and giving Jane a kiss on his cheek. 

“That’s so sweet.” 

He grinned, gesturing to Vanpelt. 

“See, ladies like considerate men. Take notes fellas.” 

“I think I’m good.” Cho replied, heading back to meet Lisbon. Rigsby’s eyes just followed the redhead. 

“In your case, maybe just ask Vanpelt.” 

Risgby stumbled over his words at the insinuation before he excused himself. Jane chuckled under his breath, watching as you gave a rundown. From the way Lisbon turned to provide instructions, he knew they were about to head back and do some old fashioned research. Nods were exchanged and they all started moving to the cars. 

“We’re heading back to the precinct, turns out our victim had some angry customers at his dealership. We might have to run through a few alibis.” Lisbon explained. 

“I understand. Can I have a ride back with you (Y/N)?” 

You smiled, nodding eagerly. 

“Of course.”

Jane returned the smile and Lisbon rolled her eyes playfully. 

“No funny business Jane!” She called. 

He made a halo gesture and you giggled as you waved the rest of the team off. You all dispersed to head into your separate cars. Jane jumped into the front seat with you, moving from side to side after he buckled his seatbelt. 

“Onward!” 

His childish actions always seemed to brighten your day. Pulling out of the driveway, you kept your eyes ahead. 

“So what kind of music do you like?” He quizzed. 

“I guess I kind of like a bit of everything. I grew up listening to the older Rhythm and Blues, so there might be a bit of bias there. What about you Jane?” 

“The classical stuff I would say. Anything soothing.” 

“Somehow that’s exactly what I pictured.” 

He laughed. 

“Really, I seem like the type?” 

“Yes. Despite all the craziness I think you try to keep a balance, hence the classical tunes.” 

“Hmm, careful, I might get the wrong idea. I might just fall in love with you if you keep reading me like this.” 

You blushed despite yourself, playing it off with a laugh. 

“You have a beautiful smile (Y/N).” 

The comment caught you a bit off guard. With a bashful nod, you tried to stay focused on the road ahead. Because the way things were going, if he delivered anymore compliments you might accidentally crash the car.

“Thank you, Jane.” 

“You’re welcome.” 

You didn’t have to look over to know he was still smiling at you. Possibly with that little gleaming twinkle in his blue eyes. 

A part of you wished the ride back had been longer. Jane tapped your roof with a smile as you dropped him off to follow your own lead on the case. He was smiling all the way inside the building. 

When he was finally out of sight you pressed your head on the steering wheel. 

“Another missed opportunity.” 

You could have asked him then, but you blew it. 

This was becoming a recurring thing. Your intention was to pull out, but you glanced at his seat, and the cellphone caught your eyes. It’s clear it had slipped out of his pocket. 

“I should return it.” 

There’s no way you could just leave it there. You would spend the entire day staring at it if you did. 

Parking the car, you grabbed the phone, heading into the building. Pushing past the doors, you   head to the elevator. He was standing next to it, waiting. 

“Jane!” 

He turned at the call. 

“Oh, couldn’t get enough of me could you.” 

With a shy smile you shake your head, holding out your hand. 

“You left your phone in my car.” 

He patted his pockets. 

“How strange, that usually never happens.” 

He was still smiling at you, and there was just something in his tone that hinted at another motive. He took the phone and you shifted on your feet, wondering if maybe you’d been given another chance. 

“Jane.” 

“Yes.” 

He seemed extra attentive, and you opened your mouth to finally own up, but the doors of the elevator parted and Lisbon and the rest of the team came bounding out. 

“We just caught sight of the suspect, he’s making a run for it.” Lisbon advised. You shifted into cop mode almost immediately. 

“Well I’ll just be here, waiting, all night. Come back when you’re done!!” Jane calls as you all practically sprint out the building. You just had a second to cast him one last look before you were out the door. 

He smiled to himself. 

The chase took a few hours. The guy was slippery, that was for sure. By the time you made it back to the CBI you were a little exhausted. Lisbon has assured that you didn’t have to worry about the paperwork until the morning. So there really was no reason for you to get back. You just hoped that Jane would be at his couch. You didn’t see the harm in checking. So you trailed up the stairs with the intention to finally propose the question you’d been ducking for the last two months. 

The voices of some other agents caused your steps to slow. As you got closer you began to recognize the main one. 

Kyle Truman. 

“Come on, she has a crush on the guy. No wonder she’s always sucking up to Agent Lisbon.” 

You hadn’t planned to walk in on the conversation. Bad blood between units was never unusual. But the man talking badly was someone you’d turned down when he asked you out. Kyle was never really good at handling things without a vicious word or two. Hence your instant decline to his offer. Even if you weren’t sporting a crush for Jane, Kyle would have to be the last man alive on the planet for you to even look in his direction. You knew a red flag when you saw one. You can just imagine who he was bad mouthing now. 

“(Y/N)  likes the lunatics, that’s why she’s head over heels for Patrick Jane.” 

His tone was mocking and your hurt was hard to hide. Your stomach dropped at the laughs from all three men gathered there. You turned to escape the group, but the second you did he was standing right there. 

Jane was right behind you. 

You sucked up what little dignity you had left, bowing your head as you walked past him. 

It was humiliating, being outed like that. Who you had feelings for was none of their business, but you supposed Kyle couldn’t just let it go. 

After the encounter you lectured yourself to be professional. It was your fault for being so transparent. You would do better. 

The next case you assisted on, you were careful to limit your interactions with Jane. He hadn’t done anything wrong, you were just against seeing a look of pity. It was clear from his expression that night that he knew. 

He knew about your feelings, how could he not. 

The entire time he was probably just being nice and it just made the situation worse. 

“(L/N), thanks for the tip. You really helped us out.” 

You’d given some information that caught the convict they were after. With a smile, you nodded. 

“No problem, always happy to help.” 

Regardless of the situation, getting praised from someone like Lisbon who you look up to always felt nice. Rigsy, Vanpelt and Cho offered their thanks as the SWAT team began to clear out the house and take the criminal away. You holster your gun, reaching over to remove your bulletproof vest. You barely had a chance to remove the velcro. Jane stepped in your line of view and your heart gave a quick stutter. You took an unconscious step back, trying to school your features. 

“Jane, good work today.” 

You were grateful your voice remained steady. Moving towards your car, you had no intention of exchanging anymore words. He pressed his hand to the door, and you forced yourself to look at him. 

“Are you going to avoid me forever?” 

“I don’t know what you mean Jane.” 

You weren’t about to admit anything, not to him. 

“I know that you have feelings for me. I’ve known since the second you did.” 

His words caused your jaw to tighten. It was selfish to just cut him off like you did, but rejection wasn’t exactly something you wanted to deal with. You’ve never been a very emotional person, but at that moment, you felt like you would burst into tears. 

“I’m sorry if I made you feel like I was being kind out of pity. I was waiting for you to ask me out.” 

Your solemn expression changed to confusion. 

“What..” 

His smile was wide and he stepped closer. 

“I wanted to see that look in your eyes when you realized that our feelings were mutual. I could tell that you were building up to it. That’s why I left my phone in your van that afternoon.”

You couldn’t believe it, he must have been messing with you. 

“I know that idiot Kyle only spoke up because you turned him down. You probably did it in the nicest way possible because you’re observant and you take special care of respecting others feelings. Even a pig like Kyle.” 

You couldn’t help but laugh at the accurate description of the man. 

Jane returned your smile. 

“He was being petty, and hurtful. I apologize. If I’d just been honest with you maybe your feelings would have been spared. “ 

You shook your head. 

“It’s not your fault, it’s mine for always being a coward.” 

You laughed despite yourself, running a hand through your hair. This was not how you thought the day would be going at all. Taking a breath, you straightened your form. Jane’s eyes seemed to light up when he realized what you were about to ask. 

“Patrick Jane, would you like to go on a date with me?” 

“I would love to, Agent (L/N).” 

You couldn’t hide your content, and Jane reached out, pulling you into a hug. 

“I was right, you look even more beautiful with that expression.” 

You were a detective after all. Walking into the office of your supervisor, you stopped by the door.

“Close it would you.”

He gestured.

You closed the door, now very worried at the way he was smiling at you proudly.

Captain Sean Haynes never smiled like that unless a corrupted politician was exposed or a serial killer was off the streets.

“Who did you kill, sir?”

“Because I’m in a good mood I’m going to ignore that comment Detective (L/N).”

He stood from his seat.

“I’m sure you’ve heard some of the others discussing that opening at the CBI. They’ve been looking for some of the best.”

You grin, because you realize where this is going.

“Angela told me. Micheal as well. A lot of them applied for the position. Did Angela get the job? You want to plan a surprise party? I’m on it. I can start putting things together.”

You looked ready to dash out the office.

“Hold up, that’s not why you’re here.” 

He picked an envelope off his desk, stepping closer as he held it out. You just stared down at it.

“What is this?”

“It’s your new job. You got it.”

Disbelief crossed your face, then panic.

“S-Sir, that's impossible, I never applied for the position.”

“I sent in your application. I also added my recommendation along with a few more from your previous jobs. You’re an incredible detective. The director asked me personally to make a recommendation and I chose you.”

The fact that he thinks so highly of you should make you ecstatic, but the realization of what this means is terrifying. You should have explained to him better why you didn’t apply. He must have overheard you speaking to some of the others about your hesitance and assumed you were just scared of change.

“This is a good thing. Trust me I don’t want to lose you in this department, but this opportunity is a game changer. You’re adaptive, honest and thorough. I have faith in your ability.”

You have yet to take the letter. As you stare at it you become aware that you can’t just turn down this. Sean is not known for being the most emotionally expressive person, but you know he’d put his life on the line for any of his officers. He did this for you, to help. To reject that would be bad. You try to keep your hand steady as you take the envelope and his smile brightens.

“You’ll do great.”

That’s what he said.

A month later you were transferred into the California Bureau of Investigation. Angela and Micheal had both congratulated you and used some of their vacation days to help you unpack and get settled in. The second they left California you could feel that internal fear that came with the realization that this was actually happening.

You tried everything to look on the bright side, but the idea of being here was stressful. You took an extra day to gather your wits and when you walked through those doors, you gave yourself a talk. You just needed to be smart. Keep your head down for the first few months. Settle in and above all else, keep your distance from him.

“This is Patrick Jane, he’s our consultant.” Lisbon introduced.

He held out his hand and you gave a nod, keeping your hands at your side like you’d done with the rest of them. He withdrew his arm with a careful look and you were sure to keep your expression neutral.

“Thank you, I look forward to working with all of you.”

Vanpelt was smiling, possibly excited to have another woman on the team.

“Your desk is right here, let me know if you need anything.” She offered.

You were seated a bit closer to Cho’s desk. With a nod, you move to check out the area.

“I’m sorry to throw you into the field so early but we have a case. We were just about to head over. If you’d like to get settled in you can hang back.”

You contemplated it, but turning down the invitation would certainly raise a flag, at least for a certain consultant.

“It’s no problem. I can join.”

“Great, everyone meet at the van in five minutes.”

Nods were exchanged as everyone began to gather their belongings to leave.

You waited patiently, joining them when they started filling out the door.

The second you were all in the van Jane seems inclined to start his interrogation.

“So what’s the deal with you?”

“Jane.” Lisbon’s warning tone was enough.

“Please don’t piss off the newest member of our team.”

“I was just making conversation. “ He responded.

The rest of them snickered in the back, and you just sat quietly, hoping to get there quickly.

~

Lisbon was questioning Mrs. Connell and you studied everything. Your eyes drifted over James. Her son. He’s young. You know this will take a toll on him. Losing his father. At least that’s what you thought. 

You expected a different temperament. 

His collected behavior was a bit suspicious. You lifted your head when you felt a pair of eyes boring into you. Jane was looking at you. Clearing your throat you looked away. About to take a step to the side to maybe look for other clues that could back up what you were slowly putting together about the murder. You moved to head into the kitchen but James grabbed your hand unexpectedly, clearly about to ask a question.

The rush you felt at the contact made you practically rip your hand out of his hold. You stared at him in horror and now all eyes seemed trained on you.

“P-Please excuse me.”

You paced out of the room, lecturing yourself for losing your cool.

When the interview was over everyone met you outside.

“I apologize for my reaction.”

“It’s okay.”

From her look you knew she must have just assumed you had some kind of issue with germs. You sighed, happy with her understanding.

“About the case, I think we should look into previous accidents involving their son.” You advised.

Lisbon looked a bit confused.

“Their son? James is twelve. Why should we focus on him?” 

“Because James is a sociopath.” Jane’s comment produces shocked expressions.

“What do you mean sociopath, he’s a kid.” Lisbon argues.

“He’s the murderer. Case closed. Lock him up.” 

Jane turned heading for the van as Lisbon chased after him.

“Wait! You can’t just drop something like that without evidence.”

“You’ll find evidence in that little box he keeps under his bed. He’s smart, but narcissistic. He doesn’t think he’ll ever be caught. His mother isn’t an angel either. She’s known for a while that he might be dangerous. She probably even suspected that he killed her husband.”

Lisbon still looks unsure.

“If you don’t believe it, just bring them in. Put them in different rooms and threaten to send her to prison, she’ll confess to anything if she thinks she’ll lose her son. Her husband just died, she doesn’t want to leave her her son too.” 

Through his entire assessment you’re quiet. Lisbon lets out a sigh, as she begins to give tasks.

“Rigsby, Cho, call the sheriff, we’re going to take them in for questioning. Vanpelt call forensics, we’ll need a warrant to search the house.”

Lisbon turns back to Jane with a solemn look.

“I hope you’re wrong about this.” 

You know she doesn’t want to believe an innocent child could do something so horrible.

“Me too.”

Lisbon knew it was unrealistic. 

Whenever Jane spoke in that tone of confidence she knew. They’d gotten the warrant. What was found in James’s bedroom proved Jane’s theory and much more. You didn’t need it though. From the second you saw him you knew something was off. But it’s that touch. That short interaction that reinforced what you suspected when you entered the house and James looked more composed than grieving. His mother pleaded, but there was nothing that could be done to stop it.

Her son was a monster. Left unattended he could kill so many. They took a monster off the street. You should be relieved. However, Jane has been sending you some not so subtle looks for the entirety of the day.

You just try to make it through the best you can.

The following day you try to ignore it all. Walk in and pretend that nothing is wrong.

“That’s the fastest we’ve ever closed a case. You might be a good luck charm.” Lisbon commended.

You gave a tentative smile.

“Jane was the one who figured it out, I just had a hunch.”

“Oh, don’t be modest, you’re good. I saw your file.”

You tense and Lisbon glares at him.

“How exactly did you get a hold of this file?”

“I have my ways, anyway, how did you know?”

He’s seated on his couch, just holding his cup of tea. You’ve never been so disarmed by someone that looks completely harmless.

“You’re a good detective, that goes without saying. You studied his body language. Picked up on the little social cues. It’s commendable. Your closing rate is also impressive. What concerns me is the fact that someone as skilled as you has stayed in the detective position so long. You’ve had plenty of opportunities I’m sure. I get the feeling that you were forced into this one. You never wanted to be here.”

You play that off with a smile.

“Why does everything have to be a conspiracy with you Mr. Jane.”

“Answer the question.”

Lisbon can spot the tension and now the rest of the team is just watching.

“Alright let’s all calm down.”

“I won’t because she’s hiding something. Something big. Whatever it is, it’s connected to the reason why you refuse to let people touch you.”

Swallowing, you pray that he’ll stop talking, stop fishing.

“You have no problem letting people think that you’re some kind of germaphobe, but that’s not it.”

“That’s enough Jane, stop it.”

“What, don’t you want to know if your agent is a spy, Lisbon?”

“I’m not a spy.”

He grins.

“But there is something, right?”

"I don't have to listen to this."

You need to leave before he says more.

“It’s something terrible, something you don’t want anyone to find out.”

You freeze in place, and you can see the looks you get from everyone in the room. 

Judging you, suspecting you.

Regardless of how unhinged Jane is, they trust him. 

You’re scared. 

You should have done a better job, faked it better. You should be denying every word, but you can’t get yourself to speak. You’re so panicked that you haven’t realized that Jane has closed a bit of the distance.

“What are you hiding?”

He takes your hands and you jolt.

“Why are you doing this, please, stop!”

You plea.

He’s staring at you in shock.

“How are you doing that..”

You just gape, because you didn’t imagine it, he heard you.

He heard you.

A bulb above your head pops, the glass dropping to the floor. Everyone jumps and you yank your hands out of his grasp. Before anything else is said you sprint out of the room.

“Great job Jane.” Lisbon is wearing that usual exasperated expression.

Jane is still speechless.

“Jane? Jane!”

He jumps back into reality, looking over at the rest of them slowly.

“Everything okay?”

He nods slowly.