A/N: I wrote a thing on Tumblr about Jane finding a stripper pole in one of Maura's bedrooms. Someone suggested writing an actual story about it. So here is what I think would happen if Jane did, in fact, find a stripper pole in Maura's house. Please note that this is un-beta-ed, so of course, every single mistake is my own (because I wrote the thing). Feel free to constructively criticize the work. (NB As I am Australian, some words and/or phrases may not be common in your country. I have tried hard to make all idioms as generic as I possibly can. If you find something that doesn't make sense, please let me know so I can rectify it)
It had been the coldest winter Boston had seen in several years. The combination of several feet of snow and ice as well as freezing, gusty winds, mixed in with a grisly, unsolved murder, made everyone's tempers extraordinarily short. None more so than one, Detective Jane Rizzoli. The ill-weather and murder combined with her often cantankerous demeanour left the dark-haired Detective's family and co-workers cowering whenever she walked into the room. Everyone was cold, tired and cranky. No such time was it more evident than at Maura Isles' Beacon Hill home one Sunday evening.
An unpredicted heavy snow drift had set in, blocking everyone's cars in until the morning, when they could be dug out. So, after the shittiest week known to mankind, Jane was stuck, for an entire night, in a house with her family, Korsak, Frost and Maura. Jane sighed and rolled her eyes. Fucking great. Just fucking great, she moaned to herself. The beer in Maura's refrigerator and her mother's famous lasagne had gone some measure into soothing Jane's raw mood. She didn't like the idea of being holed up in Maura's house with so many people. Thank god Maura has three bedrooms in this place, Jane thought to herself. Oh well, it's not so bad, she thought, at least there's still… "Hey, there's no beer left" lamented Frankie, calling out from the refrigerator, bent over with his butt up in the air. Out of nowhere, a loud metallic shuddering bang clanked out from the basement of Maura's house. "Oh no" said Maura sharply. Like lightening, she zipped through a door, down into her yoga studio-basement, with Jane, Angela, Frost, Korsak and Frankie trailing behind. After ten minutes of poking and prodding; banging; clanging and swearing at the furnace, it was decided that it had given up the ghost. According to Korsak and Frost the furnace was "Dead. Gone. Kaput" Jane didn't know whether she wanted to laugh or cry. Fantastic… Just fan-fucking-tastic, this night could not get ANY better.
As if the Gods were smiling upon the unobtrusive yet luxurious Beacon Hill house, the electricity was still on. The group trundled back upstairs into the living room, and the always prepared Maura set about assigning tasks for the night ahead. She explained that it was much better for everyone to sleep in the lounge room, rather than the bedrooms, so they could be close to the warmth of the fireplace. Jane cried internally, at the thought of having to be ensconced in a room with a snoring, grunting and groaning group along with perpetual fart-machine Korsak, as well as either laying on the hard, timber floor or bent like a pretzel on the sofa. Thank god Maura keeps a bottle of vodka in her freezer Jane thought. The men set about getting Maura's fireplace cleaned out, lit and stocked up on firewood, and rearranged some of the furniture. Maura and Angela headed to the kitchen to make a large pot of hot chocolate. Much to Jane's displeasure, she was tasked by Maura to search the bedrooms of her house for some more blankets. Jane whined and rolled her eyes. "Why meeeee?" She cried as she stamped her foot.
"Janie. Stop being a three year old and just do it" demanded Angela, quickly becoming annoyed at Jane's childish attitude. Just as she was about to shoot a sarcastic comment at her mother, Jane was stopped as Maura placed a gentle hand on her forearm. "Jane," she said softly, "Please go and look for some blankets. For me?" Maura raised her eyebrow and gave her best 'sad puppy' face. Jane tilted her head and bit the inside of her mouth as she attempted not to smile. Not matter how hard she tried, Jane could never ever resist Maura when she looked at her with those puppy dog eyes. Jane huffed "OK" through gritted teeth, still determined not to smile. As Maura gave her arm a gentle squeeze and rub in thanks, Jane felt a twinge in her stomach. As if being pulled by an invisible magnet, Jane began to lean in towards Maura. After a heartbeat, Jane caught herself. Woah! Stop! What was that? Was I about to kiss her? Goddamn Rizzoli… what the fuck are you doing? Maura smiled sweetly and winked at Jane as she dropped her hand. Without speaking, or even thinking… mostly because she could do neither … Jane turned and headed down the hallway to the bedrooms.
Before she made it to the entrance of the hallway, Grumpy Jane had returned. She trudged down the hallway towards the bedrooms. This wouldn't be happening if it wasn't for my goddamn mother she thought. Jane sighed as she remembered the conversation she had with her mother on Friday afternoon in the Boston PD Café. In spite of the predicted inclement weather, Angela Rizzoli, who still resided in Maura's guest house, insisted on commandeering Maura's well-equipped kitchen in order to cook a "Family Dinner" on Sunday night. Even with Jane's protests about it being too cold and miserable to leave the house, Angela decided her only course of action was to lay down a little Catholic Mother Guilt. "Oh Jane, you have to come for dinner. You never know how long I'll be around for. And you know, I gave birth to you, I got stretch marks for you. I raised you and took care of you when you were sick. I helped with your homework and school projects..." The list went on and on until Jane couldn't take it anymore. "Jesus Christ Ma! ALRIGHT! I'll come!" her voice echoed around the half-empty BPD café.
"Oh Janie, you've made your old mother so happy" squealed Angela, throwing her arms around her daughter who immediately began to squirm. You wouldn't say Jane was not a hugger, as such... It's just she thought there was always a time and place for intimacy and physical contact. And at 3pm on Friday afternoon, the Boston PD Café was a place for neither of those things. Jane cringed as she sought to free herself from her mother's grasp. "Fine... whatever..." she grunted free from her mother's grasp. "I gotta go Ma. I'll see you on Sunday" Jane said, turning to head out the café door. "OK honey! Oh… and don't forget to invite Detective Frost and Detective Korsak".
Jane shook her head as she silently cursed her mother. I could be at home right now… On my ass… On the sofa… Drinking beer… Snuggled under a blanket, watching a movie with Maura, she bemoaned to herself, before stopping in front of Maura's bedroom door... Maura, she thought as she grasped the door knob. Fuck! I almost kissed her! I'm such a dumbass. She's probably not into me like that. Jane stopped. Wait… what? Shit. She leaned forward to rest her forehead on the cool door of Maura's bedroom. Jesus Christ Jane… Just admit it. You like Maura… You LIKE Maura… You REALLY LIKE Maura… Like LIIIKKKEEE Maura... In THAT way… Jane took a deep breath… No… you LOVE Maura... You actually really love Maura… In THAT way. Jesus! You should stop being such an ass and say it… Out loud. A wave of nervous emotion flooded through her body, sending tingles of electricity right through to the nerve endings. She squeezed the door knob harder, closed her eyes, took a deep breath and whispered "I love you Maura". She released the pressure of her fist on the door knob, before bringing her other hand up to press it flat against the cool, white door. Her eyes popped open as she took another deep breath, "I'm in love with you Maura" she whispered, staring at a spot on the door. As the words floated out of her mouth, Jane felt very light. In fact, if she hadn't have been holding the door knob, she probably would have floated away. Tears prickled in her eyes as a smile drew across her face. Nothing would ever be the same for Jane from this moment on. She wasn't scared, in fact, she felt very brave… Invincible. She quietly laughed to herself, before snapping out of her reverie on hearing her mother yelling from the kitchen. "JANIE, QUIT SCREWING AROUND AND GET THE BLANKETS!" With a frustrated growl, Jane bellowed back "ALRIGHT MA! JESUS!" A satisfied grin settled on her face as she twisted the door knob, pushed the door open and entered Maura's bedroom.
With an easy familiarity, Jane reached to the wall beside Maura's door, and switched on the light. A soft reddish glow from strategically placed wall sconces filled the room. Maura had once explained to her that the best kind of lighting to induce sleep came from red LED bulbs, as red was the only colour in the spectrum that did not disrupt the production of melatonin, an essential hormone in the regulation of several body systems as well as the synchronization of circadian rhythms and sleep. Jane puffed her chest out; I guess Maura is rubbing off on me.
Jane had been in Maura's bedroom only a handful of times. But each time, it smelled the same. Chanel No 5 and cinnamon. Jane's brain began to melt as she was swept away by the aroma, her olfactory system kicking into overdrive. The scent was an intoxicating combination that worked in perfect harmony with Maura's body chemistry and personality. Sophisticated and sweet. Jane paused for a moment, completely wrapped up in thoughts of Maura. The way her golden brown hair cascaded in delicate waves over her shoulders and back; how it seemed to dance in the sunlight. The way she would shimmy her shoulders when she talked about anything daring or risqué. The way her legs looked when she wore those million-dollar, sky-high Jimmy Choos. Tight pencil skirts and silk blouses. The way her dimples shaped her face whenever she laughed or smiled. How her eyes twinkled whenever Jane caught her looking at her. The way her body seemed like it had been poured into the latest Alexander McQueen… How each curve filled her dress in all the right places, tempting Jane with her hourglass figure… Fuuuuck… Jane chided herself as she looked around the red-tinged room… Right… errr… cold… blankets. She shook her head slightly and reached to grab a fluffy blanket from the foot of Maura's bed.
With the blanket firmly tucked under her arm, Jane moved onto the next bedroom. The guest room. Her room. Jane gently pushed the door open, and felt for the light switch with her left hand. The soft yellow light blinked on and Jane adjusted her eyes to the brightness. She glanced around the room and quickly spotted a couple of lavender blankets folded perfectly across the foot of the double bed. Jane thought back to the first night she ever spent in this bed. It was during the time when Charles Hoyt had first escaped from prison, menacing the Detective, with promises of "finishing the job". Jane had never been more scared in her life. She sought out Maura, seeking comfort. The Medical Examiner showed how big her heart was that night by not only letting the Detective stay, but laying down with her to assuage her fears. Jane would never be thankful enough for what Maura did that night. She smiled at the memory. Looking back, it was probably the first time she felt any stirrings of desire for her best friend. Shit, she ruminated; I'm in love with my best friend. The smile on her face dropped, as a sense of dark foreboding washed over her. She suddenly felt scared again. Scared like she was the first time she was in this room. What if Maura doesn't feel the same way? I can't bear to lose her friendship like I almost did over Doyle. Jane shifted to sit down on the soft, feather-topped bed. She ran her long fingers through her hair and looked around. The room was soft, just like Maura. A perfect retreat from a crazy world, just like Maura. If I only knew how she felt about me, then this problem would be solved. She flopped back on the bed, her mind working overtime, trying to come up with different ways of sussing out the Medical Examiner's feelings.
Hearty laughter drifted up the hallway and into the guest bedroom. Jane quickly sat up. A smile made its way across her face. Despite having the crappiest week in the entire history of crappy weeks, Jane, in this moment felt very peaceful. All the people she loved most in the world were under one roof, laughing and chatting, despite the very shitty circumstances. As she let this thought settle into her mind, Grumpy Jane was gone. She sighed and let out a small giggle. Jesus fucking Christ. What a day, Jane mused. She leaned over and pulled the two blankets into her arms. She stood, her body weary, and made her way out of the room, flicking off the light before shutting the door.
She continued her journey up the hall to the third bedroom. Despite having been all over Maura's house over the years, Jane had never ventured inside the third bedroom. Well, she assumed it was a bedroom. Maura had told her once that her home had three bedrooms. Jane stood outside its door, wondering what this bedroom looked like. She sighed with contentment. No doubt it's perfectly decorated, just like the rest of the house. As she raised her hand to take hold of the door knob, Jane felt a sense of nervousness in the pit of her stomach. Curious, she thought. She was struck with an impossible notion. Oh God… this had better not be Maura's home autopsy room. Jane swallowed hard, before gingerly turning the knob. As she carefully inched the door open, she felt a gush of cool air on her face. Oh Jesus Christ… She has a morgue in here. With much trepidation, Jane opened the door enough to allow her arm to reach in and feel around the wall for the light switch. As the light filled the room, Jane pushed the door open further. She stepped into the brightly lit room and quickly scanned the unfamiliar space. Her eyes stopped in the center of the room. As her brain registered what she saw, a smile as wide as the horizon was plastered on her face. Blood rushed to her cheeks as a warm red blush burned across her face. Oh Maura….
Jane stood in silence, unable to breathe as she stared into the center of the room. Her blush deepened as all sorts of strange thoughts came into her mind. The muscles in her stomach tightened as her heart began to race. She was in a trance for several minutes before she heard her mother calling from the kitchen. "JANIE! BLANKETS! NOW!" Jane gulped hard as her mouth became bone dry. Still unable to form a response, she inched back out of the room. "JANE!" her mother screeched again.
"Err... yeah... umm... ok... ma... umm... be right there!" Jane called back, her voice cracking as it returned to its normal volume. Walking backwards, her arm clutched the blankets in a vice-like embrace; she bumped her shoulder into the door jamb. Fuck! She felt a sharp pain in her back as it scraped against the metal door catch. Jane turned to face the hallway, raising her hand to switch off the light. She took another quick glance around the room. A fire lit down low in her belly. Her body twitched again. Fuuuuuuck... she groaned. Jane's body become hot with the sudden lascivious images that danced around in her head. She inhaled crisp cool air deeply through her nose, before exhaling with a loud sigh. "Fuck" she croaked again before flicking off the light switch with her finger and stepping out into the hallway, noiselessly pulling the door closed behind her.
Jane felt like she was walking in slow motion as she tiptoed back down the hallway. If you had asked her why she felt the need to tiptoe back into the kitchen, she couldn't, in all honesty, tell you. As she was about to take the final step into the kitchen, Jane stopped and took a deep breath. OK Rizzoli. Cool, calm and collected. Don't look at Maura. Whatever you do, don't look at Maura. Don't look at Maura. She replayed the mantra over and over in her head. A Zen master would have been proud. "Oh Jane! Thank you for collecting the blankets" Maura said, turning away from the kitchen sink to face the tall Detective. Jane stopped. Everything stopped. Her brain, her heart, time. Everything. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. The only thing that happened was a rush of blood to her face, as an uncontrollable flood of blood filled her cheeks. Maura moved to stand in front of her, tilting her head to the side, concerned with Jane's flushed appearance. "Jane? Are you OK?" She asked, her eyes scanning Jane's face for a hint of why she might be blushing. Maura reached out to touch her arm, caressing it with light gentleness. Answer her you idiot! Jane chided to herself. So she did the only thing she could in that moment, she nodded. Maura smiled and ran her hand down Jane's forearm, taking her hand in her own. "Well then. Will you please pass the blankets out? The hot chocolate is almost done". Jane nodded again as she forced a smile. Maura let go of her hand, turned and went back into the kitchen. It was only then that Jane breathed. Fuuuuuuuck…..
Jane carried the blankets into the lounge room, passing them out to the very grateful men. She quickly raced into the kitchen, opening the freezer, pulling out Maura's ice cold bottle of Grey Goose vodka. Jane quickly uncapped the bottle and took a swig. The ice-cold liquid scorched her throat as it trickled down into her stomach. She hissed at the after-burn before taking another larger swig. Jesus Christ. This shit burns like the fires of hell. Her stomach felt like a nuclear furnace. One more should do it. Jane brought the bottle to her lips and chugged a couple of times. For a split second, she thought the fiery liquid, combined with her nervous stomach would see her vomit all over Maura's pristine kitchen. Jane took a couple of deep breaths as she recapped the bottle and placed it back in the freezer. "Jane? Is everything ok? Did you need something in the freezer?" Maura asked, concern written over her face.
"N…no… Maura… I'm all good" Jane replied. Well, I'm all good now. Jane retreated from the kitchen, the vodka taking hold in her blood stream. Feeling much more relaxed, she took a spot at the end of Maura's sofa, sitting in silence as the men around her bickered back and forth about baseball, basketball and sports in general. Despite the flavorless Russian spirit relaxing her body, Jane could not get Maura off her mind, and the harder she tried to stop, the more that images of Maura popped into her head. Jane was starting to get uncomfortably warm when she felt a slight tap on her knee. "You all right Janie?" asked Frankie, leaning over to speak quietly to her. "Hmmm?" replied Jane, taking a moment to focus on her brother speaking to her. "I asked if you were all right. You seem a bit… spacey. You OK?" he inquired again. Jane looked at her brother, seeing concern fill his face. His brow was wrinkled a little as he began to rub her knee. "Oh yeah," she replied, her voice so husky that it was almost inaudible, "I'm ok. Just tired. You know… long week" she forced a smile to her face to show her younger brother that she was indeed, OK. Frankie squinted, searching Jane's face for any hint that she was not feeling well. His eyes relaxed and he smiled, moving to sit back in the single armchair. "Well, if you're sure then Janie. If you have something to say, you know, you should just say it". Jane looked at her brother, this time with a genuine smile on her face. "Thanks little brother. I might just do that". Frankie beamed an incredible, white smile at Jane and gave her a quick wink. "OK! Hot chocolate everyone. Jane, get your feet off the coffee table" announced Angela, manoeuvring into the lounge room balancing a tray of hot drinks in her hands. Maura followed with a tray of sweet treats. She sat on the sofa next to Jane, whose face began to redden again. "Jane would you like a pastry?" asked Maura, reaching for a small pastry on the tray. As she turned back to face Jane, she asked "Are you OK? You're all red in the face again". Jane's eyes widened as her brain kicked into gear to try and come up with an appropriate response for the Medical Examiner. No Maura, I'm not fine. I've just discovered tonight that I am completely in love with you. "Err… No… Yeah… I'm fine Maura… Just… Just… uhhh… getting a bit hot," Jane hesitated, "You know, with the fire and blankets and stuff". Maura merely stared at Jane, as if trying to determine if the answer Jane gave was satisfactory. She smiled again, as she passed the small pastry to Jane. She nodded thanks, before taking a tasteless bite of the treat. Maura turned back to the group, and Jane was able to breathe again.
Light banter filled the warm room as the group consumed their hot chocolate and pastries. "Angela, this hot chocolate is so good. What's your secret?" asked Korsak, filling his mouth with flaky pastry.
"I always add a little rum and Kahlua… Just for a little kick" winked Angela. Jane sighed to herself. Oh Jesus Christ. Not Ma and Korsak. The group laughed again, and spirits were getting high with the warmth of the room and the alcohol in the hot chocolate. Maura stood, grabbed the empty tray and started back to the kitchen. "Jane, would you help me with the mugs please?" she asked the Detective. Jane held her breath again and nodded. She stood up and gathered the dirty mugs to take back to the kitchen.
Maura stood at the sink, rinsing off the used plates as Jane entered the kitchen. Fortified by the icy vodka and alcohol in the hot chocolate, Jane decided she had to act. I have to say something to her. I can't just keep nodding my god damn head whenever she asks me a question. Jane took a very deep breath, and slowly exhaled. It's now or never kid. Strap your balls on and stop being a fucking wimp. She placed the tray of mugs on the bench and without a sound, walked up behind Maura, placing her two hands on the Medical Examiners hips. She gently squeezed them as she angled her head to whisper in Maura's ear. The Medical Examiner stiffed as Jane husked into her ear, "Maura. I found something in one of your bedrooms…" Maura tilted her head a fraction before answering, "Oh! What… what… did you find?" Maura's cheeks began to turn pink, tingles of electricity ran down her spine as Jane breathed into her ear. Jane's fingers dug into Maura's hips as she pressed her body flush against the back of the Medical Examiner. In almost a whisper, Jane answered her. "Why didn't you tell me you had a stripper pole?"
Maura stiffened as her breath became shallow. Several seconds ticked by before she could reply. Jane kept her body pressed against the woman in front of her. Heat began to build between the two bodies. Maura turned her head, "I never had a reason to tell you" she whispered, "But if you like, I can give you a demonstration…" Jane's eyes widened as her mouth went dry. Maura winked and ever-so-slightly pushed her hips back into Jane's. Two can play at this game Missy, Jane scoffed. Jane's fingers released their grasp from Maura's hips and her hands began to snake around the front of the Medical Examiner's stomach. Jane pulled her closer, and held her for a while before whispering into the shell of Maura's ear, "I'd like that," Let's do this Rizzoli! Jane thought resolutely. She slid her hands up Maura's stomach to rest just below the Medical Examiner's breasts. "… To see you whirling and twirling around that pole wearing nothing but a smile and a black thong," Jane began to rub the underside of Maura's breasts with her thumbs as she continued to rasp huskily into her ear, "… Me watching you slide up and down that pole… Turning me on… making me…. wet," Jane drawled, "Would that turn you on Maura? Would you do that for me, Maura? Do you want to make me wet for you?" Maura shivered as Jane breathed into her ear. She could do nothing but grip onto the sink and nod slightly. Her breath was shallow as Jane gave one last squeeze, causing a soft moan to escape the Doctor's lips. Jane laughed quietly and released her hold on the trembling Medical Examiner before turning and heading back to the lounge room… with a very broad smile on her face.
Maura struggled to compose herself before she headed back into the lounge room. After a cool glass of water, her breathing returned to normal and she moved back into the lounge room, turned the lights down until the glow of the fire was the only light in the room. With bellies full of food and hot chocolate, it seemed that everyone was starting to get weary. The flickering of the fire lulled everyone into a drowsy trance. Light snoring emanated from Korsak, who had taken a position in one of Maura's single armchairs. Frost had decided to spread out over the floor, right in front of the fireplace. Jane smiled languidly at him. Jo Friday took up residence along-side of Frost. Frankie was slouched low in Maura's other armchair, blanket pulled over his head. Angela sat at one end of the sofa, legs tucked under her, fast asleep. Jane let out a whispered laugh. Her mother could never handle liquor; it always sent her straight to sleep. Jane was seated at the other end of the couch, leaning up against the arm rest, with her feet stretch out, resting on a pillow on the coffee table. The only part of her that was not covered by the soft woolen blanket were her socked feet. She had just started to drift into sleep when Maura plonked herself on the sofa beside Jane, bumping her awake. "Maura," Jane grizzled, "I'm trying to sleep. And there's a whole sofa, why are you sitting so close?" Maura lifted the blanket that covered Jane and scooted under it. "Because there are no blankets left, and this particular one is big enough for us to share… and besides," Maura lowered her voice, "… after what you just said to me, one would think you wouldn't mind it"
"Uhh… Errrr…. fine…. Maura…" Jane muttered. The Medical Examiner moved closer in to Jane as she pulled the blanket up to her chin. She sighed in contentment as she burrowed into the sofa.
Jane remained silent as Maura huddled in to her side. Any sliver of bravado that filled Jane earlier had now completely disappeared. She couldn't speak, even if she wanted to. If I open my mouth I'm gonna puke. I'm so nervous….. Why am I nervous? Fuuuuuuck…. "Good night Jane," murmured Maura, resting her head on the edge of Jane's shoulder. "Errr… yeah… Night Maura" Jane exhaled. Great. Just fucking great. GOD! Why did I have to say anything about that stripper pole? Jane sat very still as she pondered what her next move with Maura might be. Do I risk our friendship and tell her how I feel? Or should I keep it to myself… It'll go away eventually. But FUCK! You just said that you want her to get you WET! On a fucking stripper pole! JESUS FUCKING CHRIST RIZZOLI… You are the world's BIGGEST dumbass. Maura took a deep breath and nuzzled into Jane's shoulder. God… she's so soft, mused Jane, and she smells so fucking good. Oh Jesus Christ! I shouldn't have said anything about the damn stripper pole because now you're getting turned on with her sitting right next to you. Fuuuuuuck! Jane growled at herself internally. I gotta get some sleep. Things will be better in the morning. Jane yawned and allowed the warmth of the fireplace, and Maura, to lull her into sleep.
What the FUCK? Jane woke up with a start. I must have drifted off. Oh God! My arm! Jane felt pins and needles stabbing into her arm and hand. Maura laying on me must have sent my arm to sleep. Jane tried squeezing her hand into a ball several times to try and get the blood circulating again, her hand painfully started to regain its feeling. Ow! FUCK! Jane screamed internally. Jane's slight movements woke Maura. "Mmm… Jane," Maura whispered in a half-moan, "What are you doing?" Jane froze as Maura snuggled back into her shoulder.
"M… my arm…. It fell….. asleep" murmured Jane, "God dammit… I just need to…." Jane squirmed a bit more, finally pulling her arm from underneath Maura, "… get some blood flow happening". Jane started to shake her arm and squeeze her fingers into a ball. "Paresthesia ," Maura mumbled.
"What?" replied Jane
"Paresthesia… When your arm falls asleep. Also, it has nothing to do with blood flow. It's merely a nerve in your arm being impinged"
"Oh… OK… Well it hurts like a son-of-a-bitc…." Jane almost replied as she felt Maura lift her arm up and over her shoulders. "Is that better?" Maura yawned.
"Uh… uh…. Yeah" husked Jane.
"Good night Jane"
"Hmm? Oh… Night Maur"
Maura pulled Jane's tingling arm further around her shoulders and nestled in to Jane's side. Maura snuggled her face into Jane's neck. It was at this exact moment that Jane's heart stopped beating. She was held her breath. She felt Maura's hand creep across her stomach to grasp her waist. She let out a deep breath and smiled. God I love this woman. She tightened her grip on the Medical Examiner and rested her cheek on the top of Maura's head. As she slowly drifted off to sleep again, Jane whispered in a low voice, "I'm in love with you Maura," placing a soft kiss on the doctor's head. She felt Maura give a slight squeeze around her waist, before she heard the Medical Examiner whisper into her neck, "I love you too, Jane… and in response to your question in the kitchen earlier, my answer is yes…"