Jane woke slowly and he quickly became aware two things, the first that he has managed to sleep through the night in years. Sleep was not something which easily came to him after the brutal murders of his wife and daughter the images haunted him every night he never could sleep straight through the night.

The second thing was that today he felt a bit light, a little bit less lonely and the reason for that was not in the bed beside him anymore.

He could hear faint noised from the pantry and his nose picked up the ever-familiar smell of his favourite breakfast wafting to the room. He got into his boxers and walked in search of his missing partner. Partner? No lover, at least he hoped she felt the same . After all they never said the L word.

Dressed only in a big T-shirt, Lisbon was just turning the stove off when he hugged her from behind. It seems so natural to him that he didn't even pause to think how she might react, to his relief she just sighed happily and turned her head around to kiss him.

''wow breakfast'' he said peeking over her shoulder and looking at the pan on the stove.

"Yes your favourite scrambled eggs, just the way you like it .I have heard you explaining to people so many time how to make it I actually think I got it right." Lisbon said proudly gesturing towards the pan

"Hmmm yes it does seem like the right colour and the texture" he contemplated

"What Jane I can hear something else coming" she turned towards him completely

"Well it used to be my favourite" he shrugged

"Oh really but you always order this. Wherever we go you obsess over which restaurant does it best" she rambled clearly frustrated

"Yes that was till yesterday night. Now my favourite thing is you ,for breakfast , lunch and dinner and in between he said pulling her closer and kissing her full on the mouth before she could come up with a reply. He pulled back when he absolutely felt the need to breathe.

Jane was never a person who held back he always spoke his mind no matter the consequences, except with Lisbon . Now he didn't want to hold back any more "Lisbon" he held her face and titled it up to look into her eyes " I am in Love with you"

Deep down Lisbon has always felt it but hearing it from him still shocked her

"I know I am damaged and I come with a lot of baggage and its ok if you can't love me back, I will take whatever you are offering"

His words snapped her out of the shock . When she looked his eyes which normally shines with mischief and arrogance she saw love. She has caught glimpses of it now and then whenever he was concerned for her but he was generally quick to hide with his arrogance or a joke.

He is being honest with her after all this time and it was time for her to do the same.

"Would you be surprised if say I do love you" she asked

"I will be very grateful about it"

"I do Jane I do Love you" she smiled

"Let me show you how grateful I am" his eyes were full of usual mischief as he bent down once again to claim her lips.