Jane spend the rest of the time they had before the show, showing off his abilities to Lisbon.

He would observe a random circus visitor and tell her everything about their lives and personality, Lisbon was skeptical most of the time, she just couldn't see how one could guess someone was having an affair because of their haircut, or that they had an alcoholic mother based on the way they walked.

And so they found another way to play the psychic's game, she would describe anyone she knew and Jane would do his tricks.

He described all of Lisbon's agents, everything she knew about them, and more.

She was impressed and even more curious to know what was his first impression of her. But there were some things she would rather keep it from him and if he already knew it was better to pretend he didn't, so she played it safe and kept her curiosity to herself.

"It's spook."

"Spook?" Jane laughed.

"And amazing! There's so much you could do with that gift."

"It's not a gift."

"I'm not saying it's a supernatural thing, Patrick, it's still incredible. We could use someone like you in the CBI."

He side glanced her.

"Fine but if you ever change your mind."

"Trust me, I won't."

Lisbon propped her elbows on her knees imitating Jane's position.

"You know what I think it's weird?"

"That you're still carrying that huge bear around?"

"No," she chuckled, "that you never tried to convince me that you were a real psychic."

He frowned, "wow if really think that than I did a terrible job!"

"But it's true!"

"You watched my show, remember?"

"Of course, but I'm talking about afterwards. You told me you were just good at observing people, you never tried to con me."

"I'm a little tired of the con act," he was sincere.

"Then why are still doing this?"

"I don't know. It's what I do best."

Before Lisbon could answer, he got up: "We should go, show's about to start."

It took her a second to comprehend the blunt change of subject."Oh, okay,"

"Get Annie I'll take this thing," he held her bear, "to my tend."

The show was marvelous. Annie loved Daisy the elephant and her presentation.

Jane reassured Lisbon telling her that Pete treated that animal better than he treated his wife, and guaranteed his wife couldn't ask for a better partner. Also that Daisy had her own schedule, she worked when she was in the mood, which drove the circus workers crazy but no one would go against Pete's favorite.

"Can we finally go to the roller coaster?" Annie asked her aunt in exasperation while they stood in the back of main tend watching the public leave.

"We do have one more thing before that."

"We do?" Lisbon questioned Jane.

"Well," they stopped to see Annie running towards Pete. "Last time we met," Jane continued, "didn't I tell you that there would be a party here today?

"Yes, I thought you were talking about how the circus would be agitated or something like that."

"It's my friend's birthday, actually. Pete's wife." Lisbon looked unsure of what he was implying. "You're coming, right?" He confirmed it.

"M-me? But I don't know her."

"You'll be my company. And you know Pete."

"Sorry, Patrick, I can't."

"Why not?" She wanted to tell him how ridiculous that sound and how it clearly sounded like a date. But she didn't. "Let's extend the night a little bit. What's the hurry?"

"I have to get Annie back. This doesn't make any sense, I don't know anyone, and you made it clear no one here likes cops."

"But they will," he paused before awkwardly adding, "I do." "I know Annie doesn't have school tomorrow, it wouldn't do her any harm to be a little late for bed."

Lisbon smiled watching her niece jumping up and down around Pete.

"Is… Is your fiancée waiting for you?" It sting a little to ask her that.

"No, he's working the whole night."

"So why not? You know you want to. Dance a little, eat some cake."

"Dance?"

"I'm an excellent dancer."

"Of course you are." She quipped crinkling her nose.

"You can see it for yourself." Jane provoked but Lisbon didn't answer. "Okay here's the one thing that will make up your mind."

"I doubt it."

"If we go to the party Annie will be so tired at the end, that she will want to skip the roller coaster."

"What if she doesn't?" Lisbon asked raising her eyebrow.

"I'll hypnotize her if you want, woman. Come on!"

"Argh, fine."

"Now that's the spirit!"

"But if anyone calls me law and order again I'll send them all to jail."

"Oh they will love that attitude."

It was a small place, where the public didn't have access and the circus workers parked their trailers.

Lisbon could see the lights and a large group of people dancing. The music was not so loud but animated.

Past the tents, she could see it more clearly.

An old canvas was being used as a roof to protect a few chairs and tables, little white bulbs strung around the wooden pillars holding the coarse material. People drank and laughed loudly while setting their tables together completing the warm familiar set with a holiday vibe.

The image brought a nostalgic smile to Lisbon's lips.

Couples and young groups of friends danced outside in the grass, underneath the starlight sky while the kids played running around them. She saw her niece among the children, she looked so carefree, different from the quiet girl she had been during the last week.

Lisbon stood quiet by Jane's side, studying the place.

In the porch, everyone around them greeted the psychic with big smiles. Mostly women. They were all touchy and didn't bother including Lisbon in the conversation when they leaned in Patrick's ear to whisper whatever cheap line they had to get his attention, maybe more than that. It didn't appear to take much. At least that's how it looked like to Lisbon.

She felt that was incredible rude, it's not like she had anything with Patrick but they didn't know that. The audacity. Jane didn't bother concealing the arrogant grin watching the look Lisbon was shooting the young ladies that came to him.

"She was just saying hi."

"Sure."

After complimenting everybody Lisbon chose a table and waited for Jane, he came back with beer and a plate with fruits.

He set everything in front of her and before he could sit, Pete was there looking nervously at the cop.

"Where's Sam?" Jane asked holding his friend shoulder.

"Getting read. You know her."

"Yes, I do."

"Patty," Pete looked at Lisbon and hesitated, "you sure this will be fine, right?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Okay, as long as she doesn't get mad at me."

"She won't, big man. Relax."

"What are you guys talking about?" Lisbon looked up at the two man whispering beside her chair.

"Nothing, don't worry. Sometimes Pete confuses his wife with a three headed dragon."

"And why would Pete's wife be made at him?"

"She won't'."

"Pete?"

"It's just, she doesn't really like... you know. Cops."

Jane rolled his eyes at Pete.

"It seems no one here does. But Patrick promised she would be okay with it." Lisbon was about to get very angry with the blond liar.

"She will," Jane sat down and proceeded to eat, not interested or worried about the conversation.

Pete left wishing a pleasant night for both.

"If you get me in trouble I swear-"

"Teresa, please, trust me. I would never bring you a place where you wouldn't be welcome."

"You sure?"

"Tonight you're not a cop you're a guest, we treat our guests as family."

The word family reminded her something "Is your godfather around?"

"He would never come to a thing like this."

She glanced at him inquisitively and proceeded to eat the grapes in the plate.

"Here she is!" A man yelled followed by cheering. Lisbon and Jane turned to see Pete accompanied by his wife.

Jane waited for small group of friends to greet them before approaching.

"Sam!" He gave her a long hug.

Lisbon watched them from afar; it surprised her how genuinely happy Jane was.

He whispered in Sam's ear while looking at Pete with his mocking smile.

"You don't want me angry on my birthday, Patty!"

Sam laughed and pushed him away.

"Oh, about that-" He turned around and beckoned to Lisbon to join them.

'About that?' What was he implying? Lisbon got up and approached them wishing she could kick Jane's perfect ass right there!

"Be nice, Sam!" Lisbon heard Jane saying on her way to meet them.

"When am I not?" The woman answered sarcastically.

"Sam, this is my friend Teresa. Teresa this is Sam."

"So it is true, your lady friend is a Stormtrooper." The little fierce woman had her arms folded in her chest. Not very friendly Lisbon noted.

"How does everybody know that?"

"Oh please, it's like a police station threw up on you!" "So, what are you? FBI?"

"CBI, actually."

"Never heard of."

"Sam, you promised."

"Calm down, Patty, I'm just getting to know your friend."

"Enjoy the party, Teresa. Be careful with this one, hum."

"I will."

"Annie is your niece, right?"

"You know her?"

"Pete took her to our trailer before bringing her here. Such a sweet girl."

"Yeah, she is."

"So, Patty," She turned her attention back to Jane, "about my dance? Do you mind, Teresa?"

Lisbon felt incredible uncomfortable having that question directed at her. It wasn't her business who Jane danced with. "Ah, no, all yours"

Pete stared Lisbon awkwardly. "I- hm, do you want to dance, Miss Lisbon?"

"Sure, Pete."

"Really? A cop?"

Jane laughed, but it was hard to pretend that wasn't weird for him too. "Don't start, Sam."

"OMG Patrick Jane are a little embarrassed?" Damn that woman really knew him. "I don't think I've ever seen you shy before! Well except that one time or better two times I caught you-"

He twirled Sam around to stop her from talking.

"Are you done?

Sam waited to recompose herself. "Okay, but what is she?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean, Patty. Is not like you to bring girls to one of our parties. You hardly ever know their names."

"It's not like that, she's a friend."

"Just friends?"

"Yes, Sam."

"And you don't see how that's weird?"

"A woman and man being friends?" He knew that wasn't what Sam meant.

"You and a woman being friends."

"That's not true, Sam! And it makes me sound so bad."

"Honestly at this point you becoming friends with anyone, man or woman it's quite surprising."

"Ouch!"

"You know what I mean. There's a reason I've been worried about you."

"Sam, don't start. I'm fine and I can take care of myself."

"Okay, just friends. I guess she won't be spending the night then?"

"She has a fiancee."

"Oh," Sam's face fell, "that's tragic."

"It's not tragic."

"I can't believe Pete left that part out!" She said it to herself.

Jane rolled his eyes.

He watched Lisbon dancing and followed her moves with a silly smile that wouldn't leave his lips anytime soon. Sam hadn't seem he look like that to anyone in a long time.

"You're right, you're just fine." Sam whispered in a trick smile Jane didn't really understood. "Thank you for the dance, Patrick."

"My pleasure, Sam." He kissed her cheek before offering her hand to Pete.

Lisbon walked back to her table with Jane's hand on her back.

"So? how's Sam?" He murmured right after leaving the dancing area.

"I'm a little scared of her."

Jane laughed, "don't worry she is just as scared of you as you are of her. Try giving her your hand for her to smell."

She elbowed him in stomach.

"Next time could you do that on the other side? This one is already sore."

"Hm." He took a sip of his beer looking incredulous at her. "But you love your job that's obviously enough. It certainly suits you."

"It suits me?" She smiled sadly looking down at empty cup in her hands.

Any other week that would have been a compliment but lately every time someone mentioned her profession it sounded like they were saying that's all she was. She was proud of being a cop, but she wanted to be so much more than that.

"I love my job, but some days are tougher than others. Most times it's… frustrating."

"I can imagine. I'm not a big fan of the system myself."

"No kidding." The little obvious remark made her laugh. "It has its flaws, but it's worth fighting for it."

"If you say so."

It took a moment for Jane to notice Lisbon had been sheepishly looking at him for some time.

"You want another beer?"

"I'm good." She continued to gaze. "Are you ever going to ask me for a dance?"

"Oh." He exclaimed surprised.

"You did say you were excellent dancer."

"I believe I did."

"So?"

He got up and extended his hand. "Shall we?"

The dance was fast and full of twirling around, sometimes they'd bump into another couple in the small space but it was beautiful how in sync they they were. Some couples even stopped dancing to watch, although Jane was glad Lisbon didn't noticed.

At some point, with an exchange of looks, they made a mutual agreement to ignore how they should dance and started to make their own steps, somehow it worked.

He was fascinated watching Lisbon genuinely happy. She was radiant! For the first time that night, even if just for a few minutes, he could see her laughing without her worries creating a shadow over her smile.

"What's going on there?" Sam asked her husband watching her friend dancing with the brunette.

"Don't look at me."

"Our boy is in enchanted by the lady cop, Pete! Of all the women in the world!" She crossed her arms and huffed. "I hope he doesn't screw it up!"

"What?"

Sam just side-glanced Pete, ignoring his confusion.

"You're really good!" Jane said close to Lisbon's ear.

"Why do you sound so surprised?"

A smile grew across his face, "is it possible to compliment you, woman?"

He let go of her hand and walked to the closest chair, she followed him.

"Tired already?" He was tired. Dead tired. But he would ignore that until his feet started to bleed.

He took off his suit jacket, put it over the chair and ran his fingers through his hair before rolling up the sleeves of his shirt.

Lisbon was about to thank him when she realized thanking someone for showing their arms was not a normal thing to do. But she couldn't help but stare at his body.

Contrary to the other day in which he was oozing the charlatan air with the cheap tailored suit, big golden watch, and all strands of hair in place, now he looked a lot more care free, the rolled up sleeves showing the muscles on his arms and the messy curls was a very pleasant view. Right now, she couldn't imagine a better looking man, more charming or sexy.

Jane gestured for them to walk back and Lisbon went ahead.

The current song ended and the first slow one of the night started.

Jane held Lisbon closer, his arm tight against her waist.

"I am sorry" He blew inside his shirt.

"For what?" she asked tucking her head in the space between his neck and shoulder.

"I'm all sweat!"

"Patrick the psych is human after all," she mumbled as if the song had taken all the energy of her body.

"Guess I am." under his breath

Jane couldn't see anyone else, it was just him and Teresa and that slow song.

Teresa was so soft and her smell was like water to a man on a desert. But what was killing him was how she trusted him, how safe she looked pressed against his body. Until she wasn't anymore.

She raised her head and took a step back. He knew what he was seeing in her expression. Guilt. The veil separating that night from her life was not that anymore.

If she wasn't going to say anything he had to, before things got weird between them.

Jane sighted and reluctantly took the courage to ask: "Do you want to take a break?"

"Yes," she agreed and dropped his hand looking relived she wasn't so close to him anymore.

On their way back to their table Lisbon's phone rang, she didn't need to say anything when she left.

Jane sat back feeling frustrated and rejected. He wondered what she would tell the man on the other side of the line. She wouldn't lie that he was certain about it, but what tone would she use? It was all about the tone.

Would her fiancee laugh when she told him she was dancing 80's songs with a fake psychic that worker on the circus?

Would he imagine Jane was a fat old man who could barely move?

She wouldn't tell her fiancee that their bodies were so closed to each other that they could feel each other's heart beating.

She wouldn't tell him that Jane's hand kept brushing her fingers or that hers, involuntarily, caressed his back the whole time.

Most importantly, she wouldn't tell the man that for a moment that night she for forgot all about him, and anyone else in the world, and in that instant the pretend psychic was all she wanted.

Except she didn't, why would she? He was just a moment of fun in her stressed life. Nothing else.

Lisbon came back with a much better expression. It was like a weight was lifted off her shoulders. It was obvious, she told the man about her night and he laughed it out, Lisbon convinced herself she was seeing too much into nothing. And she probably was.

"What happened to you?"

"What?"

"You don't look good."

Jane hadn't realized he was brooding, he was clenching his jaw and his body looked tense.

He hadn't the right to feel bad, and he wouldn't. He remembered Pete's words, he just wanted her because he couldn't have, it was nothing more than that, but this time he wouldn't do anything about it, he wouldn't ruin her life over his whims.

So he sat up straight and smiled "It's nothing."

Nearly two hours passed. All Jane and Lisbon did was talk, about literally everything except maybe their pasts and Lisbon's current relationship.

It was fascinating how Jane's mind worked. He was easily one of the smartest person Lisbon had met and in every subject she could think of. She was surprised though and even amused at his zero knowledge in computers and cell phones.

"These kids, were they all born here?" Lisbon asked after watching Annie and her new friends playing.

"Yes, why?"

"I never really thought about that. Must be an interesting childhood."

"It is."

"You were born in the circus too?"

"Ah, yes, I was."

"Were you home schooled?"

"Uhh, that's usually what happens but my father wasn't exactly someone who valued school education, he was more of a street smart kind of guy. After I learned how to read I put my hands on lots of books to keep up."

She was impressed but there was also pity in her look, he hated that.

"Did you have a show when you were a kid?"

"Yes. The "Boy Wonder" He answered serious.

Lisbon grined, "Boy Wonder?"

"I didn't chose it."

"So you're good with the cold reading thing since then?"

"Yes. Used to be better at picking pockets though, the little hands facilitate." He said over his beer, a smile grew watching Lisbon shocked expression.

"You what?"

"Haven't done in a long while, I'm sure the statute of limitations on my crimes have expired, agent Lisbon."

"I can't believe you used to pick pockets!"

"I never stole anything; I got their wallets for information, age, picture of their kids and anything I could use on the show."

"hm."

"Is that a little better?"

"Well, it's a little less bad, I guess. But not much."

She went back to watch the kids while processing what Jane just told her.

"Look at Annie, she's dead tired but she won't stop."

"Kids are like that."

"I wish that was all…"

"I know."

She turned to him, "you do know don't you? you even know she's changing schools. How?"

He ignored her question. "Teresa, she's going to be fine."

"I know," she held her head between her hands, "but she's just a kid, she shouldn't be trying to run away from her life."

"You had it a lot worse and you're here, right? She avoided his eyes. "Parents get divorce all the time, it's tough but if she's half as strong as her aunt, she'll be okay."

Lisbon forced a smile.

Jane gestured for Annie to come close to their table, she wasn't happy about it but she did.

"Annie we should go it's late." Lisbon tried convincing her niece when she approached their table.

"No, I don't want to go." The little girl looked at Jane for support; she sounded weepy and was clearly exhausted.

Lisbon sighted. She didn't want to be the responsible aunt, not that night. Annie was moving to a different state with her mother, who knew when they would see each other again?

"That's okay I didn't call you here for that." Jane gently pushed the girl by the arm, "come here for a second," she sat down on his knee and started to play with the empty cups over the table.

"I called you here because I wanted to make you a question." He grinned at Lisbon on the other side of the table, "what do you think of your auntie's boyfriend?"

"Don't start."

"Let the girl answer."

"He's not her boyfriend his her fiancée."

Lisbon raised her eyebrows at him with a smirk.

"Okay, but do you like him?"

"He is… nice" The girl was now interested and curious on the conversation.

"Like me?"

"No, stop that, don't do that her."

"Let your niece talk, woman."

Lisbon watched as Jane served Annie the fruits on a plate over the table and the little girl without even noticing started to eat them.

"You can say the truth, right?" He looked at Lisbon for confirmation.

"That's okay sweetie, what do you think of Vincent?" she was rather amused with that conversation.

"Vincent?" Jane echoed. "Really? You crossed me off your to do list for a Vincent?"

"Shush!" Lisbon threw a paper napkin at him.

"He's boring." Annie finally said.

"Ha!"

"Of course she's going to say he's boring compared to you! You brought her to a party and you work on a circus!" Lisbon tried not to laugh, "that's an unfair comparison!"

"Hey, it's not our fault" Jane gesture to him and Annie, "if Vincent it's so boring."

Lisbon rolled her eyes and Annabeth couldn't stop giggling.

Jane proceeded to ask Annie about the new school she was going to start next week and he even made her excited about moving to a new city. A few minutes later and she was out, her head resting on her little arms folded over the table. The music and people talking didn't seem to bother her.

"She's out." Jane mouthed to Lisbon.

She looked tenderly at the familiar picture in front of her.

"You're very good at this."

"I told you, kids love me." Jane joked.

"Or maybe you just tired her out with all your boredom."

He looked surprised with her witty comeback.

"Maybe you should get one of your own." Lisbon didn't know why she said that, especially that way, while looking at him like that…

Jane had his head down while looking up at her; it was both uncommonly sexy and captivating. "Someday." he answered softly, "First I need to find someone. Someone like you I hope."

Lisbon watched Annie drooling on Jane's shoulder as he carried the little girl back to her car.

"How's she dealing with the separation?" Jane asked when he noticed Lisbon was uncomfortable with the silence.

"My brother and her mother always had their issues, it wasn't news but it's hard. She's just a kid, she loves her father and she can't understand why she can hardly ever see him."

"At least she has a loving father."

"She does. Tommy has his problems but he's doing his best." "Thank you for the night by the way. Annie loved it and she really needed this. You really are great with kids."

He looked proud of himself. Not for being good with Annie, but for earning a compliment from Teresa.

The more he knew about this woman the more he wanted know. He was still learning the meaning behind every look she gave him and every smile that escaped from her lips. She was a fascinating object of study. A dangerous one.

He had to stop acting like he could win her over. Had to stop flirting with her and wishing he was touching her skin. She deserved better than him.

"What about you?"

"I had a great time." Lisbon beamed at him. "Sam even hugged me on the way out."

"Oh bet she only did that to whisper something about me on your ear.

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"I can find out." He grinned; the cold breeze fussing his hair.

They reached Lisbon car and Jane sat Annie on the back seat, fastened her seat belt and closed the door.

He stood by the side of the door gawking at Lisbon. It was hard to stop.

"What?"

"Nothing, just admiring."

She turned red, damn him. "Well, I have to go."

"Will I see you again?"

"Maybe next year when you come back?"

"I sincerely hope it won't take that long."

Lisbon didn't know what to answer, or rather she didn't want to put into words the first thought that crossed her mind. She hoped he hadn't see it in her eyes.

"Goodbye, Patrick." It felt strange to just leave, a hug or a kiss on the cheek seemed much worse, so she offered him her hand, which only made the moment more awkward than she thought it was possible.

Jane grinned incredulous but shook her hands. He held it when she tried to pull back, stepped closer and kissed her fingers.

Lisbon snorted and Jane seemed satisfied with her reaction.

"Really?" Lisbon pulled her hand back.

"Shake hands, really?" He used the same tone she did.

Lisbon smiled nervously and bit her lip.

"I need to go."

"Have a good life Teresa. I'm glad I had the chance to meet you."

Jane watched as her car left.

Lisbon would spend that night wide-awake.

Thank you for reading :DD