Really felt like some angst and comforty goodness from our very own Patrick Jane of course. Hope you enjoy, 1st mentalist fic sooo yea =D

Lisbon sat trembling, her knees pulled up to her chest, back against the wall, just inside her office at the CBI building. It was late at night and there were no lights on. She'd driven here on instinct; this is where she felt safest - though right now she didn't feel safe at all. She was terrified.

She hugged her knees tightly and tried not to make a sound as tears streamed down her face. Had any rational part of her brain been working she would've known she was out of danger; that no one could get in the building without a key card, however Lisbon was too distraught and frightened to think straight, all she could do was stare ahead with wide eyes, reliving the terror of a short time ago.

Her head snapped around at the sound of soft footsteps entering the bullpen. She froze further, holding her breath as the footsteps came closer then stopped. A second later she heard "Lisbon?" In the haze of her frenzied mind she didn't recognise the voice. Perhaps they had followed her, found a way in... oh god she thought. An involuntary whimper escaped and she clamped a hand over her mouth. The intruder had heard though and was approaching her office. She didn't have her gun or any weapons; she just sat frozen with fear as a man appeared in the doorway.

Through the blur of her tears and the darkness shrouding the room, she couldn't see his face. This is it she thought it's all over... "Teresa?" Patrick Jane couldn't believe what he was seeing. Lisbon was on the floor, collapsed in on herself, a total wreck of nerves and tears. It terrified him to see his perpetually strong and confident colleague and friend like this. At the same time fury rose inside him for whatever had caused her this pain.

It was when she heard his voice the second time she realised. That soft voice full of worry and concern, calling her first name, the others hadn't known her name. "Patrick..." she rasped out as he rushed to her side. He dropped to his knees in front of her and she drew back a fraction, still in shock and edgy. "Hey, it's ok... it's just me" He said softly, not moving closer just yet. He could see how scared and what a bad state she was in. He wondered what could possibly have happened to cause this; it must have been truly horrible to reduce Lisbon, his Lisbon to this condition. Patrick desperately wanted to gather her in his arms and comfort her but he knew if he pressed too hard straight away, it would only make her react worse.

He gave her a few seconds for his presence to sink in before he cautiously ventured "Teresa... what happened? Are you hurt?" She blinked at him before her eyes glazed over. As she processed his questions, the horrible ordeal flashed before her eyes again. She tightly shut them in a desperate bid to rid herself of the terrifying images. More tears escaped as she lowered her head slightly.

"Hey..." Patrick whispered soothingly. He reached out a hand and cupped her cheek, running his hand down to her chin before gently guiding her to look up at him. His heart ached as she gazed into his eyes. The hurt and fear there was almost too much for him to bear. For a long time now he'd had the instinct to protect her from any pain and danger, but here she was so obviously hurt and scared... it broke his heart.

As Lisbon really looked at him for the first time since he came in, something changed inside of her. She lost herself in his eyes and couldn't, nor did she want to tear her eyes from his. Shinning blue even in the near darkness, they held such care and shelter from her world, she allowed the panic and fear to slowly start melting away in his presence.

Jane saw the change in Teresa and was relieved she was no longer a captive to her memories of what had happened. He inwardly warmed at the fact she trusted and him and felt safe enough with him to calm slightly and let go of the terror that had held her when he saw her from the door. As he saw her eyes lose their wild shine he quietly and calmly told her "You're safe now... you're safe."

Hearing his gentle words, she crumpled. Her eyes closed and she listed to the side. Jane was right there to catch her and moved behind her to support her. Resting against his back, she let her head fall back on his shoulder as tears continued to track down her face. After a second he just made out her tiny voice. "Jane..." he leaned closer to hear "Hold me...please.." she whispered in a voice so broken, he didn't know if she'd ever be whole again. Brow creased with the anguish he felt for her, he tenderly he wrapped his arms round her middle and she covered them with her own.

They stayed that way a long time, Teresa soaking up the reassurance and warmth of Patrick's embrace, finding solace and relief in his arms as the horror of the night gradually ebbed away. It was all she could do to rest there against him and it felt so good He was content to hold her, he knew it was what she needed right now and was thankful he was there for her, plus, holding her so close, feeling her breath on his neck and the delicate pressure of her petite body on his chest, he wasn't exactly complaining. But more than anything, despite the circumstances, he felt proud Teresa had finally let her guard down and accepted someone's help and comfort, he felt privileged she trusted him enough to seek respite in him, he knew how hard it must have been and how highly she values her own personal strength.

Some time later, when Patrick knew she had been totally relaxed for a while, he softly squeezed her and spoke her name. "Teresa.." She responded with a quiet hum. "Can you tell me what happened?" He felt her tense slightly and her breathing quickened but it was nothing compared to her earlier state. She remained quiet for a long time and Patrick waited patiently until she spoke, her voice small and low "Tonight I...I thought I was going to die..."

Would looove a review... please n thx :)