6x16 Tag: Jane and Lisbon Talk

Disclaimer: The Mentalist is not mine, only this story is.

Lisbon is having fun casually flirting with Pike, but it takes her by surprise when he asks her out to get pancakes with him.

"Dinner is the best time for breakfast," he persuades, "What do you say?"

She wasn't expecting him to ask her out. They were technically colleagues since they worked on this art thief case together and she's never dated anyone within her work before. Granted there were rules against that back at the CBI, but she agreed with those rules nonetheless. Romance rarely mixed well with work. Grace and Wayne were an exception. Plus, she usually spends time with Jane after work. She starts to decline Pike's offer when he interrupts her.

"Look if you don't want to go, it's good. We're cool. But I like you. I think you're a hell of a good-looking woman and I'd love to get to know you better."

It was hard to resist after his straightforward admission, but something was stopping her.

Jane.

She could go into denial and say it is because she wants to maintain a professional relationship with Pike, but deep down she knows she can't accept because of her feelings for Jane. When it really comes down to it, it is always about Jane. Jane is the reason why she didn't want to work in the FBI in the first place, but he is also one of the reasons why she changed her mind. She had missed him so much those two years he was in exile on that island. She couldn't pass up the opportunity to work with her partner again. Also, it's hard to deny a job offer from the FBI. It is definitely a step up from the CBI, and this time she doesn't have to be responsible for Jane's antics.

She sighs and braces herself to reject Pike.

"I'm flattered, Marcus, really. And I would be lying if I said I wasn't tempted. You aren't so bad looking yourself," she says flirtatiously, "But I have to decline."

Pike doesn't look too surprised by her response. He looks almost as if he was expecting her to say that.

He leans forward resting his arms on the table. "It's because of Jane, isn't it?" It isn't really a question—it's more of an observation.

However, this statement throws Lisbon off guard and she is struggling on coming up with a response. How could he have possibly known that is why she rejected him? Is she that transparent? Luckily, Pike speaks for her.

"Look Teresa. It's obvious that you and Jane mean something to each other. I even asked Agent Wylie myself if you guys were together. His uncertainty in his answer should've given me a hint, but I wanted to shoot my shot anyway."

Lisbon didn't know what to say. Also, did he say it seemed like Jane was interested in her as well? Since coming to work with him in Austin, Jane has given her no signs that he wants to take their relationship to the next level. Perhaps, it is her own feelings that are clouding her judgement or the crippling fear that Pike is right—that Jane has had feelings for her all along and she has just been too afraid to notice or admit it.

"I'm sorry," she manages to reply.

"It's okay, Teresa," he assures her. He waits a beat before adding, "Can you do one thing for me, though?"

"What?" She is nervous for what Pike may suggest.

"Talk to Jane. I saw the way he looks at you during the case. You guys may have been undercover, but the affection he has for you is obvious and it's clear that you return those affections." He gives her a pointed look then shrugs. "I don't know. If I were in your position I wouldn't hesitate to declare my feelings." Pike then gives her an encouraging nod and leaves her to think about what he said.