Hi everyone!

Ok, so I thought I would post this whilst I have the time spare because it's going to be a busy week and last night I had laptop trouble. This chapter isn't my favourite but hopefully the next one will be better. Anyway, thank you so much for reading my story and sticking through with it, you guys are great!

I just hope my story doesn't get boring!

Em-J

Disclaimer: see first chapter

Dedications: see first chapter

Chapter 7-Family

This was Rigsby's fault. Kind of. Well, his actions contributed to the situation.

Patrick obviously forgave him on the spot, but it didn't mean he hadn't kept apologising to him over and over again as I loaded Patrick into my car. 'I didn't get a cast' Patrick muses, thoughtfully admiring his wrist which is secured in a splint with a sling. His jacket has been thrown onto one of the back seats, I'll have to remember to bring it in with us. 'I've never broken any bones before' he adds. 'Sprains yes, I once sprained my ankle but I've never actually broken any bones'. I have, but this isn't the time to be discussing my childhood. Instead, I focus on driving back to our block of flats and carefully keeping an eye on Patrick. He starts humming happily, the pain killers must be kicking in…

During our time at the hospital, I learnt a couple of things about Patrick. The most important one being that I was listed as his emergency contact. 'Of course you are Teresa. Who else would it be?' he had said. It was heart warming to think that my name was in the space usually reserved for your spouse, or parent if you are under 18. Of course, Patrick is my emergency contact as well. For years it had been Tommy, but last year it seemed right that it would now be Patrick. He's my best friend, I see more of him than I do my brothers. Another thing I learnt was that Patrick has a severe peanut allergy. 'I thought I had told you?' he said, giving me a slightly adorable confused expression. 'Sorry Teresa'. As we waited to see a doctor I mentally toured the cupboards of my flat and the CBI kitchen, looking out for potentially fatal food products. As far as I can remember, there's nothing I there that could cause Patrick harm, but I'll make sure I start carrying an epi-pen. Just in case…

'You don't think Wayne feels guilty do you?' Patrick asks. I shake my head and he smiles. 'Good, because I wouldn't want him to feel guilty. It was just an accident. It was the suspect's fault right?' I sigh 'Yes but Rigsby shouldn't of left you to interrogate him on your own, he knew perfectly well that he was dangerous but did he listen?!'. Patrick chuckles. 'It sounds like you're telling off your kid! You're the mother of the team Teresa, always looking out for everyone and being the boss!'. I smile. 'So I'm the mum and Rigsby's the Son?' 'Exactly!' This could be a fun conversation' What role do Cho and Van Pelt play in this weird little CBI family?' I ask. He looks thoughtful for a moment 'Cho? Kimball is the moody teenage son who is witty and sarcastic…and Grace? Well Grace could be the girl you take in and look after. That way the whole Wayne/Grace thing wouldn't be too weird, because they aren't related.' he looks wistful 'They seemed happy. Do you think they'll be happy again?' I don't know what to say. Rigsby has Sarah and Ben, but seeing them together, it seems like they're not as close as when Rigsby and Van pelt were dating. However, with the rules…Sometimes I hate the rules. Maybe I am the mum of the team, wanting the best for my 'children'. Hold on…

'Patrick if I am the mum, Cho and Rigsby are the kids and Van Pelt is the kind of foster child, who are you on the team? . I pull into the parking area near the flats and we get out of the car, Patrick using his good arm to retrieve his jacket. He looks at me thoughtfully 'Well…I am the oldest on the team' 'Only by a year or so' I remind him. 'Yeah but I'm still the oldest, so that makes me the dad!'. That one word makes my heart jump. Me and Patrick as parents. I know it's just for fun, but to think of me and Patrick of parents…it feeds the little light in my heart that shines solely for Patrick. The part of my heart that sees him as more than a friend. The part of my heart that aches when he is in pain or upset, not with worry for a friend, but with something else. The part of my heart that told my brain to shoot the suspect when he slammed Patrick into the wall in the interrogation room. I almost listened to that part of my heart, Patrick has already been hurt enough and no low life criminal will ever leave a mark on him.

'Teresa?' My daydream has lasted to my door. 'Teresa thank you for driving me to the hospital, I really appreciate it. ' He gives me the 'gratitude' grin from the Patrick Jane smile range. My personal favourite being the one he greets me with every time we see each other.

'It's ok Patrick, just be careful' I tell him. He nods 'I will'. We stare at each other for a moment, Patrick quickly glancing over to the stairs with a mournful look. I understand how he feels, I don't want us to part just yet. 'Do you want to come inside for some tea?' I ask. 'yes' he says, blushing when he realises how quick he answered. 'That would be nice. 'he adds, smiling bashfully. I unlock the door and he follows me inside.

'it's true though' he says. 'What's true?' I ask. 'they act like kids sometimes. Wayne will grab loads of junk food, Grace will roll her eyes and Kimball will look up from his book and give some witty comment on the whole situation.' he explains. 'It's just like kids would do right?' I smile, thinking of a situation like this that only happened a few days ago. 'Then Mother Teresa enters and gets everyone in order!'. he adds, smiling. 'What? While father Patrick just observes the scene and drinks his weight in tea?' Patrick smiles at this' Exactly!' he says brightly. 'Father Patrick just looks on because he's happy.' he smiles and take a sip of his tea, the teacup balancing on his knee and his good arm being used to hold the cup. 'happy that they're arguing?' I joke. He shakes his head and smiles softly. 'Happy that he has a family, people to care about again'

That one sentence nearly bursts my heart. I want to cry. Cry with happiness that Patrick feels this way. Cry with sorrow that Red John kept him from this new happiness for so long. I want to hug him tight and not let go. I give him a smile and try not to show how close I am to crying. His eyes are full of love and joy as he carries on sipping his tea. 'Teresa?' 'Yes?' he puts his cup and saucer on the table. 'I can honestly say that these past few months have been…well they've been the toughest moments of my life. Tougher than the time I was with Sophie. Red John is gone and I'm still here. I know I've said this before but we won and it's just really strange to think of that. We're all still here. Me and Grace and Wayne and Kimball. Most importantly, you're still here.' he gives me the biggest smile I have ever seen, one of relief and happiness. 'The CBI are my new family Teresa and you're my reason for still being here. Thank you so much Teresa. Not just for the hospital today but for everything' He gently leans over and kisses me on the cheek. ' I'll see you in the morning, thank you for the tea'. He gives me once last smile as I watch him let himself out.

The little light in my heart is dancing for joy, whilst my memory is replaying the last few minutes over and over again.

So there we go! Thanks for reading and I hope to see you all next chapter!

Em-J