The wind blew outside the window of Maura's house. No one was home, except Jane and Maura. Angela gone to spend the night at Frankie's. The lights out, and the fire going, they sat in silence watching the Christmas tree sparkle and shine from the moon outside. Occasionally a crack or crisp could be heard coming from the fire. Hot cocoa in hand, Jane and Maura enjoyed the company of the other.

"Merry Christmas Maura," Jane smiled looking at her best friend, who sat next to her.

"Merry Christmas Jane."

Jane reached over and took Maura's hand in her own. Maura watched the exchange with curiosity. "I…I've been wracking my brain with what to get you for a Christmas present this year."

"Jane," Maura smiled, "you don't have to get me anything."

"People always say that Maura," Jane laughed, "but we both know they want a gift."

Maura laughed, "Okay you're right…"

"I know I am," Jane smiled.

"That…that right there is my gift Jane."

"What?" Jane asked smiling, assuming she had missed something in their conversation.

"Your smile."

"My smile?"

"Yes. Each time I get to see you, be near you and enjoy these quiet times…that is a gift to me. I've come to think of you as a gift…sent to me and only me." Maura lowered her head and considered her words, "and that came out far more possessive then I intended," she smiled looking down at her and Jane's hands still intertwined.

"Well…I appreciate the gesture, but I still wanted to get you a gift…something I know…or I hope you don't have yet."

Maura thought for a moment…what could it be? Music? Theatre tickets? Art? Makeup? Clothes?

"Are you giving it to me tonight?" Maura asked.

"I think," Jane looked around at the empty house, "given our situation, this would be the perfect time and place."

"Okay," Maura smile. "Hold on…let me go get yours. I'll be right back."

"Maura," Jane smiled, "you didn't have to get me anything."

Maura just looked at her friend, "Liar," she smile. Jane laughed as her friend retreated upstairs.

Maura retuned and took her seat next to Jane's. She considered it, and although she hesitated at first, she reached down and took Jane's hand back in her own. She pulled out a small box and handed it to Jane. Jane smiled. "You go first," Maura said. Jane opened the small box and inside was a small Christmas ornament. It was a gold angel that had a shining diamond star atop it.

"Maura," Jane breathed out. "This is beautiful."

"I…I wanted to get you your first Christmas ornament, well at least your first ornament to decorate my tree in my home…with me…I mean, with us all." Jane pulled it closer and saw the inscription. "To Jane: My Angel. My Star. Merry Christmas. Love, Maura."

"I love it," Jane said feeling tears well in her eyes. "Don't cry," Maura said smiling. Jane couldn't help it. She leaned forward and touched her forehead to Maura's. "Maura," Jane paused, "that's the best gift anyone could have give me…ever. I'll cherish it always."

Maura smiled and pulled back. "I'm glad you liked it."

"Now yours," Jane said. She took a deep breath. She pulled out an envelope and handed it to Maura. "This is first."

Maura opened the envelope and saw Jane had written her a poem. Maura smiled and began to read it out loud.

"When I look into your Heart…

When I look into your heart,

I see us holding each other.

I can finally see forever,

When I look into your heart.

See the moon dance over the rivers,

I've watched the morning sun slip through the trees,

But the sight of you is the vision,

That takes me to my knees.

When I look into your heart-

I see us holding each other.

I can finally see forever,

When I look into your heart.

I've never known such comfort-

And I've never known such comfort

And I've never felt such relief.

I've never felt so connected,

And I've never known such peace…

When I look into your heart-

I see us holding each other.

I can finally see forever,

When I look into your heart.

I can finally see forever…

When I look into your heart…"

Maura looked at Jane, wordless. "I…This is beautiful," Maura said. It was as if Jane had opened up Maura's soul and saw what she needed to hear. Her Jane, a hard knocking detective by day and a beautiful poet by night.

"And this goes with it," Jane said leaning forward handing Maura a small box. Maura opened the box and saw a small heart cute red stone. "This is my heart…and now it belongs to you."

Maura looked at the small stone and then up to Jane. She saw a small smile on Jane's face. "If you'll have my heart that is…"

And finally, it had come to this. This moment. The lines of their friendship crossed months ago, but still, one final line. One final statement to say "this is who we are now."

"Jane…I…I…it's beautiful," Maura finally got out. Jane leaned forward and softly kissed Maura's lips. "Merry Christmas Maura."

"Thank you," Maura said as she began to cry. "Can you help me put it on?"

Jane leaned forward and helped Maura put the necklace on. "It looks good on you," Jane said. "I wish I could have spent a little more, but you know the city of Boston isn't exactly handing out the over time…"

"I love you," Maura breathed as she kissed Jane again, cutting her off.

"I love you too."

"See what you get for being a good girl," Maura smiled touching Jane's cheek with a hint of amusement.

"Maura," Jane winked, "you ain't seen nothing yet."

TBC