Goodnight.

It's been a long time since Jane felt like this. Ten years to be exact. He hasn't felt the need to protect someone since his wife and daughter, and he always thought he wouldn't feel like that again with anyone again.

But yet, here he was watching the door like a hawk, expecting Lisbon to come from her office with that cute frown between her brows and a pie of files in her hands, expecting to see her beautiful face once more, to make her laugh and see her dimples, or to make her blush in that lovely shade of pink.

The bullpen was desert; it was to be expected at half past midnight, Grace, Cho and Rigsby had gone home early thanks to their boss, who thought it was a good idea, especially after this rough week, according to her they all needed a break from work, and yet here she was, working herself to the ground, filling those annoying forms.

Eventually he met enough courage and strode inside the office without knocking –as usual- and plopped on the couch.

Lisbon didn't acknowledge his presence, instead she focused harder on her work, but after a few minutes being stared at, she raised her head and asked with her voice filled with annoyance and irritation, a common mix when Jane was concerned:

"What do you want Jane?" she put aside her pen and glanced at him.

"I want you to go home"

"May I ask why?"

"Sure. Go ahead" with a sigh she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Why?"

"Because you're tired, it's late, you're hungry… there's a myriad of reasons for you to go home dear."

She had to stifle a yawn while she signed the last report with a flourish.

"Fine. I'll go, but just because I just finished it, not because you asked."

"If that makes you feel better."

"Ha. Funny" She said with a sarcastic smirk.

"C'mon, I'll walk you to your car"

Knowing it was impossible for her to change his mind; she agreed and preceded him through the door, feeling the comforting heat from his hand on the small of her back.

They were silent the short way from her office to her SUV. When she was buckled in, she opened her mouth, suddenly feeling brave.

"What do you say if we get some late dinner together, my treat?"

"Sounds lovely but I'm afraid I'll have to pass." He replied with a smile. "Goodnight Teresa, See you tomorrow." He patted her hand and stepped back while she left the parking lot with a wave.

He was careful to not let the man hidden behind the brushes to know he had spotted him.

Someday he would be able to go out with Teresa; someday he would be allowed to be with her, to cherish her and love her, to mark her as his; someday, just not now. Today he would be hidden in her office, trying hard to smell the lingering rest of her cinnamon essence, trying to imagine her with him, cuddled against his chest.

Once he was on her office, he stretched and got comfortable on the couch, preparing for a long night of fantasies and unfulfilled dreams.

One day they would catch Red John and he'd finally be capable of have her for real, of show her his love, but tonight he would settle for goodnight, knowing that one of these days they would spend them together.

A/N: Well this is my first fic in English. Please let me know what you think and forgive me for any grammar or spelling mistake.

Kisses & hugs to everyone who read this I wish you I wish you Patrick Janes and a beautiful day!