AN: Written for Jello-Forever August Challenge.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, except for every mistake you can find here.

Past Tense: state of being in the past of the current moment.

He was stuck. Not literally of course, but still, he was stuck.
He didn't know whether to keep looking at a past with his wife and daughter or live in the present and building his future with Teresa.

The feeling of being stuck started when Red John was killed.

Two weeks prior

He ran to Lisbon's office with a paper in his right hand.
Not bothering to knock, he entered the office and startled the hell out of the Senior Agent.

"Jane, what the hell?"

After closing the blinds and locking the door, he turned to her, breathless.

"Jane are you ok?"

She noticed the paleness on his features and he had came to her office running like the world could end at any minute now.

"Lisbon, I need to show you something."

The Senior Agent rose from her chair and rounded the desk stepping closer to him.

"What is it Jane?"

He gave her the paper, his hands were shaking.
He looked at her face as she read it. The shock and horror were a part of her features now.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Lisbon. I just don't know how could I have missed it."

"Jane, you know that this is dangerous."

"I need to do it Lisbon."

The paper had the coordinates to a cabin in the woods, giving them the exact location of Red John.

"Lisbon, I know we have our problems, but I need you to cover for me while I'm gone. I need to find him."

"I know you trust me enough to show me this Jane, but I won't let you go on your own."

"No. I need to do this alone."

"No Jane, you don't. I'm going with you."

He was furious. Was she really going to argue with him about this?

"Can't you see that I'm only trying to protect you?"

"Damn it Jane, I've told you once that I don't need your protection. I am quite able of taking care of myself."

"You don't understand."

Hell, was it so hard for him to let her in his persecution of the serial killer?

"Then make me understand Jane."

On impulse, he grabbed her arms and almost screamed at her, filled with rage.

"I can't let you go because I won't lose another woman I care about to him."

Silence filled the office and her eyes were brimming with tears.
When she spoke, her voice was above a whisper.

"You are afraid to lose me?"

"Yes, I am."

"You don't have to be. No matter what happens Jane, you'll never going to lose me."

"Teresa..."

"And that's why I'll go with you."

"But I..."

"We'll do this together, and we'll solve our problems after that, together."

They were on the road in the next day. She left Cho in charge, since the case's were already close.

He was secretly glad she went with him.
That was why he cared for her.
Everytime he got stuck on something, she'd help him out.

To Be Continued...