Author's notes: Thanks once more for you lovely reviewers and for the favs and follows, it's so good to know the story is being enjoyed. Lot's of conversation in this chapter, always a challenge, I hope you enjoy it and it comes across believable.

"Moving on doesn't mean leaving them behind, they'll always be with you, be a part of you."

"I understand that part. It's…its…."

Patrick lifts his eyes from staring at his hands and looks at Lisbon.

"I couldn't bear it again. What if it happened again? What if I lost someone again? What if it was my fault?"

"Patrick, what if you lost someone and you never told them how you felt? What if you had the chance to make some one very happy but they died alone. If Angela could go back in time and knowing how it would all work out, would she choose differently? Would she throw away everything you shared?"

Patrick's turning over his wedding band. He shakes his head.

"No, she was always a stubborn one."

"We never know what life has in store, everyone's life gets thrown in to chaos at some point. Everyone who opens themselves up to love risks loss. It's inevitable. But the alternative is worse. Loneliness is worse."

Patrick looks at her with concern.

"Are you lonely Teresa?"

"Sometimes…I want someone in my life. The job makes it difficult to meet someone and the odds are stacked against us if I do, but it won't stop me trying."

Teresa turns her body so she's looking him in the eye.

"I want to taste what you had, and I hope that it will be forever but I also know there are no guarantees, it's scary stuff without what you've experienced. I can see the love you and Angela shared, I need to confess something to you."

Patrick looks at her in surprise.

"Confess to me! Surely you know you're an open book to me?"

"Hush."

"I watched the video."

"The video?"

Patrick's puzzled at first, not knowing what she means but then he remembers as Teresa continues.

"The video you made for Eric Flynn. I know I shouldn't have but..."

Patrick's voice is soft.

"It's okay Teresa, there's nothing in there that I wouldn't share with you."

"The things you said were beautiful, what you had with Angela was special and I want that. I know that it will open me up to loss but it's worth it Patrick, to have that is a wonderful gift that's worth the risk. Deep down you know that because you've experienced it."

Patrick's making circles with his finger on the bed.

"It almost sent me crazy."

"Almost Patrick. You found a way to make it back, most people do. You found a way to survive because you wanted to. You didn't have anyone who needed you so you found a cause. You're a survivor Patrick, you're strong and you have a lot to give. You fulfilled your cause so now you have to find something else. Your cause if finished, but you still have a life to live."

"I know, I just don't know how."

Teresa studies her friend, his face testifies of the truthfulness of his words. As he runs his hand through his hair she can see how tired he is, the emotions taking their toll on his energy.

"I think you need to rest Patrick, you look exhausted, we can take this up tomorrow. Just know you're not alone, I will help you, anything you want. You're not alone."

"I know, thank you."

He grabs his pillow and starts climbing off the bed.

"You're not going back to that room."

"I'll be fine Teresa."

"There's plenty of room here."

Patrick shakes his head.

"There's no need I'll.."

"There is if I'm to get any sleep, I won't knowing your sleeping under that thing."

"Okay"

A quick smile crosses his face.

"Can't have you missing your beauty sleep."

Teresa smiles back.

"You better believe it."

Teresa moves her pillow down on to the bed and climbs under the covers. Patrick places his pillow on the bed and also lays down. He stays close to the edge not wanting to invade her space. He looks over to her.

"Good night Teresa."

"Good night."

She's not surprised when she wakes up to find he isn't there, she can't hear any movement in the bathroom, when she reaches across and lays her hand where he was sleeping the bed is cold. She checks the time and it's eight o'clock. She gets out of bed and puts on her dressing gown before going in search of him. She tries his bedroom first and is relieved to find the door still open as they left it last night and it's empty. She makes her way downstairs, finding the living room empty she goes into the kitchen, out in the deck she can see his blond curls above the back of a chair and he sat staring out to see. As she steps out on to the deck and before she speaks he greets her.

"Good morning Teresa."

"Did you sleep at all?"

"Yes thank you."

"How long?"

"Four or five hours."

"Really, I don't believe you."

"Okay more four than five."

Teresa raises a disbelieving eyebrow at him."

"Okay more three than four, but they were deep and refreshing hours. No nightmares whatsoever. But I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I could have laid there and listened to all your secrets but respected your privacy and came downstairs and watched the sunrise."

He looks up at her.

"You have some interesting conversations with yourself while your sleeping."

"Oh hush."

He smiles at her.

"There's coffee."

She goes in to the kitchen and pours herself a cup and sits down next to him.

"So what have you been doing out here?"

"Thinking."

"About what?"

"Our conversation."

"And?"

"It's just a start but I know how I have to start. Will you help me with the rest?"