As the plane touched down in Santa Barbara, Patrick Jane couldn't help smiling as Lisbon woke up with a start. He was amazed how she could go from angelic to cute to grumpy within a split second.

Despite the team already knowing their tasks when they reached the crime scene, Lisbon added some last minute thoughts. "Thanks guys for taking this case, I know it isn't our usual patch so far south, but Im sure they will appreciate it."

"Im just looking forward to the sunshine, maybe even a trip to the beach after the case has been closed." Van Pelt hoped.

"That sounds good, I cant remember the last time I took a holiday." Even over Christmas I was looking over cold case files, perhaps I should book some leave. "Well after we check out the crime scene, so Cho, Jane if you can start follow ups on the witnesses, Van Pelt if you liaise with the local PD, Rigsby we'll talk to his employers. We can use the hotel as a base for now until the local PD set us up with an office."

The team were used to working in different roles, but Jane still noticed. Was she keeping her distance from him on purpose?

X

As it turned out, the case only took a couple of days to solve, much quicker than Lisbon had expected. "Thanks guys for your work this week, you've been outstanding." She really was so proud of them, and thankful no one had mentioned she tried to avoid working with Jane. She hoped they hadn't noticed, even if they had she wished they wouldn't say anything. It was still painful seeing him around, but she did manage to keep herself professional, if distant. "I'll get onto the airline, see when we can head back to Sacramento."

"No rush boss." Rigsby said with a grin, he hadn't been to this part of California before and enjoyed the sunshine.

"Seems like someone is on your side Rigsby. Im afraid they're fully booked until Friday morning, unbelievable, its only Wednesday." Lisbon sighed, so much for a few days away, she'll have to call Nathan after lunch. Maybe he wouldn't mind so much, he did seem genuinely into her when they first met. She was looking forward to a second date, trying to stop thinking of her charming consultant, charming, gorgeous, best friend of a consultant. Who didn't want her the way she wanted him. It had helped not seeing him so much the past couple of days, especially keeping things focused on work, despite his best efforts otherwise.

"Great! Maybe after lunch we could hit the beach, I haven't been in so long." Van Pelt smiled, it was infectious that smile, Teresa found she could hardly say no to such enthusiasm. "Sure that would be great. We might as well make the best of the situation. How about we grab our things then head down that way, I think there are some cafes down that way."

"I'll bring some beers, Jane do you want to give me a hand?" Cho asked. He couldn't think of a nicer afternoon than a book and some beers on a beach.

X

Jane was glad of the distraction. Teresa was definitely trying to stay away from him. What had he done this time? He was pretty sure he hadn't wound up anyone on this case, which was a rarity. Maybe it was a case of what hadn't he done? No, still no idea.

"Cho, have you noticed anything odd about Lisbon lately?" as much as it pained him to admit it, he was drawing a blank.

Cho rolled his eyes, when would they stop this charade, it had been years. "Why have you noticed something?"

"Perhaps, I can't quite put my finger on it though. Maybe I'm getting rusty."

Something in Cho broke, he would probably regret this rant, but it needed saying in his eyes. "Or maybe you can't see what's right in front of you? You know Lisbon is in love with you right? When are you gonna stop treating her like she doesn't matter? You keep leading her on, flirting with her every time she tries to heal herself. Ever since Red John's death it's been obvious, she's been trying to continue by putting on this professional mask. I wouldn't be surprised if she's considering moving, she's strong but maybe she needs a fresh start. I hope she doesn't, she belongs here."

Jane was shell-shocked. He couldn't believe it. Cho continued "I'm sorry man, it needed saying. Just stop hurting her, I guess you probably didn't realise it from the look on your face."

"No." Patrick replied quietly, "I had no idea. For some great observer I don't pay attention to the people who matter do I." After the adrenaline high of closing the case, this definitely brought him back to earth with a bump. How could he have been so blind? He knew he had always cared for Lisbon, he promised he would always be there to save her. But wasn't that just what partners did? It was only after he saw her in that coffee shop, smiling at that other man, blushing at that other man, that he had started to consider he didn't want Teresa anywhere else but in his arms. And now he realised just how much he had been hurting the woman he loved. Now he understood why it was called heartache, he had to grip the wall to stop himself falling.

"Come on man, lets get these beers in." Cho sighed, the agony on Jane's face betrayed him, Van Pelt had been right about what she saw on the plane.

X

Jane was still trying to decide what to do as he and Cho joined Van Pelt, Rigsby and Lisbon. The beach was fairly busy but still had the calm of midweek.

"Great, we've been waiting for those." Rigsby exclaimed, the hot weather had been present all week, this was just what he needed. He was even happier to be next to Van Pelt, they were being extremely careful this time, it wouldn't do for Wainwright to separate them, they each loved the team too much.

"Hey Lisbon" Jane tried to break the ice. He tried to sound calm, despite the turbulent nerves he felt. He still couldn't quite believe what Cho had said to him earlier.

"Oh hi Jane." She smiled, she still couldn't help it. Whenever Patrick Jane was around, she felt this pull, like all the clichés were true, no one else mattered. "Thanks for your help with the case, its good to have everything wrapped up quickly. Im sorry you've got to hang around here though, you must have a hot date or two to get back to?" She tried to make it sound like she wasn't bothered, wasn't hooked on his reply.

"No, I don't think I'll see Lucy again. Im holding out for someone special." He was thankful he could hide behind his sunglasses, she would of seen through him for sure if she had caught how adoringly he was looking at her. "What about you, you must be looking forward to seeing that guy again?" Surely Cho wasn't right?

"Yeah, he seems interesting, genuine. Still too early to be sure of anything of course." Teresa closed up, it felt strange talking to Jane about Nathan, or about anything other than work.

Now that Jane was paying attention, he could see it, the way she was hurting behind the façade, her mask was slipping. What could he do? How could he persuade her to give him a chance after he had obviously been hurting her for far too long.

The others were getting settled, the guys shirtless and Van Pelt was wearing a bikini, boss could you help me with the suncream? Jane smiled, at least this time Van Pelt and Rigsby thought they weren't being so obvious. His smile suddenly dropped as he realised Teresa Lisbon had also planned ahead. He couldn't believe her grace as she slipped off her shirt and shorts, her dark green bikini flattering her curves. He was stunned. He tried to focus, he really didn't want to be caught staring. He unbuttoned his shirt too as she finished helping Van Pelt. "Jane, do you want some?"

"Sure if you wouldn't mind doing my back?" He gulped, loving the feel of her hands caressing his skin. Trying to limit his reaction was a lot harder than he thought.

Teresa tried not to think she was touching Jane like this, she wasn't allowed to think that way. He didn't want her. She just had to focus, unfortunately her fall back of work had run out. But when he offered to return the favour, he seemed to linger much longer than she had, he was gentle. She smiled a thank you. He must have just been thorough. That's it. That must be it.

The rest of the afternoon was like heaven to the team. They rarely got chance to relax together, between sunbathing, dips in the sea, and light reading it was a great afternoon. As the sun was getting lower in the sky, they decided to head back. Jane was glad of some time to think. He had decided now, he had to risk it. He just had to hope Teresa hadn't moved on yet, what Cho had said had not only made him feel like the guiltiest man in California, but had heartened him, perhaps he could hope.

X

They all decided to try the Italian round the corner from the hotel for dinner. Jane had picked it for the live band. He knew Teresa couldn't turn down a dance request, and he felt much better having her in his arms. It gave him the courage to take a risk. "You look beautiful tonight Teresa."

She was shocked. Even more shocked when she realised he wasn't joking or trying to make anyone else jealous, he was just being honest. She blushed, thankful for him leading to cover her surprise. "Thank you" she whispered. Unable to break away from his gaze, she often got lost in his eyes. He twirled her away, both of them enjoying the dance, though hardly noticing the music. She was snapped back to reality when Jane stopped, of course the music, she tried to clap the band to cover up her response.

"Would you like a drink?" Jane offered, looking over at the rest of the team they seemed happy to joke amongst themselves. Relieved to see her smile.

As they were served he felt unable to put it off any longer. "Teresa, there's something I've been meaning to tell you, though I've only realised it recently." How could he make this sound any less cheesy.

Oh no, Teresa thought. He's leaving isn't he. I've finally driven him away. She hoped it wasn't to go back to the casino circuit, pretending to be a psychic again.

"You are amazing, you're my best friend, I trust you with my life, and Im sorry if this hurts you but I just had to say something, before I end up losing you." Patrick hoped the look of confusion on her face was a good sign. "I love you Teresa Lisbon. I think I have for much longer than I've realised. Im so sorry for all that Ive put you through. Please let me make it up to you, for as long as you'll have me." He meant every word. Searching her eyes for a hint of a response, she was still so difficult to read. "Teresa?"

She was shocked, "You don't mean that. Is this all some elaborate joke? Please don't be cruel Jane, I thought you were better than this."

His hand moved swiftly to catch her wrist before she could walk away, while his other hand cupped her face gently. Looking deep into her eyes, partly to make sure he wouldn't get punched again, Patrick Jane put all of his longing, his adoration and love into their first tender kiss. Teresa was mesmerised. He meant it? He really loved her? Jane stepped back, "I'll understand if you never want to see me again, just say the word." Looking at the floor he sighed, before seeing two feet in front of him. Looking up to see her eyes, he hadn't felt so alive in years. They melted into each other as Teresa returned the kiss, drinks forgotten as Patrick ran his hands through her hair, marvelling at the feel of her against his body. Still in disbelief, Teresa pulled back to look at him, her arms round his neck, and couldn't stop smiling.

Loud woops and claps were coming from across the room, both Patrick and Teresa blushed as they realised it was Van Pelt, Rigsby and Cho, with smiles as big as their own.