Disclaimer: I do not own The Mentalist, or the song.

Author's note:

Chapter 7. It's a Rigsby/Van Pelt fic! :D They're quite cute a couple, I feel. XD Hope you enjoy this one! Do leave a review! Thanks!

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Chapter 7 – No Air

No Air – Jordin Sparks featuring Chris Brown

But how do you expect me

To live alone with just me

'Cause my world revolves around you

It's so hard for me to breathe

The first time he set eyes on her, he couldn't think of anything else but 'She's gorgeous. Wait, what's more gorgeous than gorgeous?' She looked around confused until Lisbon stepped out of her office and greeted the redhead. After shaking her hand and a few words, Lisbon brought the new comer into her office.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, he turned to Cho and asked "What's more gorgeous than gorgeous, Cho?" If anyone would know, it would be Jane or Cho. But Jane was on suspension, so he looked hopefully at his teammate who stared blankly at him. Silently sighing, he went back to reading his report when Cho suddenly spoke up. "Enchanting."

She took his breath away. He wasn't the only one who noticed Van Pelt's beauty, but he was the one who was closest to her and he was proud of it. Sure, there were some awkward moments and all, but it was worth it. Cho and Jane tried to persuade him to make the first move, but he refused. There were rules and he was going to abide to them. He didn't want to risk his career or hers for a relationship.

Van Pelt liked Rigsby enough to tell herself to not like him. At least, not now. Not while she was still the rookie of the team. Not while they were still on the same team. And it was against the rules to have a relationship with a fellow teammate. She wanted to stay with the Serious Crimes Unit and on Lisbon's team. It was difficult after she found out that he was seriously in love with her. That memory would come surfacing out at the most random moments, not very appropriate moments.

He didn't like her only for her looks. She was intelligent, hard working and knew what she wanted. She was a beautiful woman with a good character, he liked that. She didn't see him as only the team's occasional joker with a black hole for a stomach. She saw him deeper than what he portrayed. He was a kind and caring man, a heart of gold with a protective streak. Perfect boyfriend material, her mother would be pleased. It was just too bad they couldn't get together anytime in near future, no matter how much they wanted to.

So they settled for secret glances across the bullpen. Occasionally getting each other treats of coffee or muffins. Sometimes, they would go out for dinner or drinks, maybe a nice long walk. It never occurred to them to ask anyone else along, it was comfortable with just two of them. Imagine if Jane or Lisbon were there, there was no way either of them would be able to relax. If they were ever questioned about their little meetings, they would say it wasn't a date. It was just two friends, with strong feelings for each other but couldn't be together, meeting up.