Title: Not Everyone Gets a Second Chance
Author: lucy_roman
Rating: Gen
Summary: John is hoping that Lisa will take him back
Characters: John Bacchus, George Gently
Word Count: 661


This morning John put on his blue suit, the one that Lisa used to say brought out the colour in his eyes. He wants to look good for her, so when he begs for a second chance, she will remember all the good times they have had together. And maybe if he's very lucky she'll say yes.

He can see George watching him from the other side of the office. There's a thoughtful knowing look in his boss's eyes.

The minute hand finally reaches the 12 and John stands up.

"You're off then?"

"You don't need me to stay?" John asks, hoping that George will give the answer he wants.

"What are you doing?" George's voice is gentle.

"Going home," John lies.

"In that suit and that tie?"

The tie was last year's Christmas present from Leigh-Anne. The suit that Lisa likes, the tie from Leigh-Anne, John has planned this carefully.

"Does it matter where I'm going?" John has his coat over his arm. He's ready to leave so why isn't he leaving? Why is he still standing here listening to George? "I'm not..." he says but trails off, furious with himself, furious with George for making him feel like this. "I'm going to see Lisa."

"Why?"

Doesn't the man ever stop? "Why'd you think? To ask her to forgive me, to try again."

"And you're sure that's what you want?" George has not moved. He's still sitting behind his desk, his day has obviously not finished yet. On a whim John wants to know what George does of a evening. How does he fill all those empty hours?

"What else can I do?" He hadn't meant to answer honestly but George has a knack for cracking open people's shells. It's one of the things that makes him such a great policeman.

George interlaces his fingers and leans back in his chair. "Sometimes even though we think we know what we want it's not actually the best thing for us."

"That's very helpful, thanks." He can't keep the sarcasm out of his voice. "I need Lisa to take me back. I need to see more of Leigh-Anne. I wouldn't expect you to understand."

Too late he sees the hurt in George's expression. He might as well have punched him in the face. But he can't take the words back.

"No, you're right," George says but he doesn't meet John's gaze. "I don't understand."

Some people don't get second chances. The realisation makes him stagger. "I didn't mean---"

George waves him to silence. "It's alright, John. It's not my place to interfere in your life. I just... I don't like seeing you hurt."

For a moment John feels as though George is letting him see something rare and precious. John tucks it away for later consideration.

"What about you? Wouldn't you give anything to have Isabella back?"

George looks furious. "Of course I would. But this is different. You're not me and Lisa is not Isabella." The fury drops away and grief takes its place. "Just go, John. You've obviously decided what you want. So go."

He's at the door but still he hesitates. He looks back at George. The man is slumped in his chair and if John didn't know better he might think he could see tears glimmering under George's eyes.

"Go." George looks up. 'I'm just an old man, John. What do I know about your life? Go."

John wants to tell George he's wrong, that he has learnt a lot from the inspector and he is sure there is plenty more that George can teach him. But he doesn't say anything. He's not sure it would be welcomed. So instead he pushes the door open. "Goodnight, sir."

John steps out of the office and he doesn't turn back despite the lump in his throat and despite the fact that he knows just how much George cares about him. After all how many second chances has George given him?