Disclaimer: Not only do I not own Jane and Maura's characters as they belong to Tess Gerritsen, Janet Tamaro and TNT, but I also do not own the characters associated with "It's A Wonderful Life." Thanks to all for the chance to use them for a holiday get-together.

Is It Such A Wonderful Life?

"Gabriel, it's Nicholas. I've given all of the Christmas angels their assignments this year but I have one more. I need you."

"Okay. What do you need?"

"There's a young couple in Boston that need help."

"Kids?"

"No, they're not married, don't have any children. Yet. These two are perfect for each other but both are too stubborn to see it. We need to bring them together this Christmas."

"This year, Nicholas? It's almost Christmas Eve."

"Yes, this year. Their collective circumstances indicate that if Jane and Maura are not brought together this year tragic consequences could result for all involved, including their families."

"I'll see what I can do. Where in Boston will I find this Jane and Maura couple?"

"Detective Jane Rizzoli works as a homicide detective and Dr. Maura Isles is the Chief Medical Examiner for the City of Boston. Both work in the main precinct. Hurry, Gabriel."

Dr. Maura Isles settled on her sofa with a glass of wine and her favorite medical journal. She was hoping to relax for an hour or so before retiring for the night. Today had been a tough day; she hoped for something better tomorrow, although she didn't believe it would happen.

Across town Detective Jane Rizzoli was helped upstairs and into her apartment by her former partner, Vince Korsak. An impromptu invite to the Dirty Robber and a confession of what happened between her and Maura earlier that day prompted Jane to drink until she was ready to pass out. Vince loaded her into a cab and saw her home.

Vince half pulled, half carried Jane into her bedroom where he dropped her on her bed, swung her legs on the bed, pulled off her boots and threw a blanket over her. As a last minute thought before exiting the apartment Vince rolled Jane onto her side. A drunk Jane could be dangerous, Vince thought, and he didn't want Dr. Isles to see a dead Jane after she asphyxiated on her vomit.

Women, he thought. Thank God I'm not seeing anyone right now. Three divorces are more than enough for any man. Vince locked himself out of Jane's apartment and returned to the cab. He wondered how the two women planned on working together after today.

Frankie Rizzoli let himself into his apartment, ice bag firmly attached to his left eye. He removed it long enough to notice how much bruising he already had. Damn you Jane, if only you could learn to keep your mouth shut, Frankie thought disgustedly. He made his way into the kitchen and poured himself a scotch. He wondered how he was going to explain his black eye to his newest girlfriend Melanie without her believing he was a violent man. Frankie Rizzoli only defended close friends and family members. He shook his head once more before refilling the ice pack and heading for bed.

Across town Frost was already in bed and half asleep when his phone rang. He recognized Maura's ring tone and wondered why the m.e. was calling him this late at night. Although they'd become friends over the course of their employment together Maura rarely called late at night over a personal matter.

"Tell me something, Barry. Do you think I lost Jane today?"

"You get right to it, don't you Maura?" Frost stalled for time.

"I just, I don't have many friends or confidantes other than you and Jane, Barry, if I've lost her that leaves you. Oh God, I hope I didn't interrupt anything. Never mind, go to sleep Barry I'll see you at work tomorrow." Maura sounded flustered.

"Hey, Doc, it's okay. I was just resting my eyes. Listen, I'm sure Jane will come around in time. I think you just caught her off guard today. Don't worry about it. I'll bring in donuts tomorrow morning and this will give you a chance to bring coffee for Jane. Give you an icebreaker with her. Think of what you want to say. Jane's a good egg, she'll listen. She cares about you, Doc."

"Thanks, Barry. Good night."

Maura ended the call and stared off into space. For once she didn't know what to think. Part of her thought Jane might be in her normal mood tomorrow with Maura's actions forgotten; her mind chided her for being childish in thinking Jane would merely overlook Maura's egregious behavior today. Since Maura never had a best friend growing up or many friends at any time of her life, she could only hope and pray Jane didn't cast their friendship aside.

Stretching out on her bed Maura knew sleep would evade her for most of the night. She turned on her side and looked at the part of the bed Jane occupied during their sleepovers. Maura hoped those hadn't ended today, either. With tears coursing down her cheeks she did the only thing she could think of that might help.

"Dear God, help me. I don't want to lose Jane."

With that Nicholas summoned Gabriel. Gabriel began reviewing both women's backgrounds and saw what Maura did to make everyone question her behavior and Jane's possible reactions. He looked at the supporting cast of characters and began formulating plans. He hoped Dr. Maura Isles had the backbone she'd need to put her relationship with Jane back on track.

Her tears subsiding Maura silently berated herself for her actions. She worried once again that Jane's friendship would be gone. If it is I'll be alone for the rest of my life, Maura thought. I only have myself to blame.

If she could rewind the day and change her actions she would, she knew that with all her heart. The first part of the morning was fine. They met for coffee in the precinct café and had a chance to see Angela. It was a slow day with no new homicides but because of the approach of the holiday season the mood in the precinct was light. The homicide team Jane headed worked on old files and closing out paperwork. Several times during the day Jane visited Maura in the morgue, sometimes on business but other times Jane just wanted to see Maura, see how her day was going, take her to lunch. Maura watched Jane's actions very carefully and came to the same conclusion she'd made everyday for the past two weeks.

Today was the day for action. Maura thought it over once again, same as she had for several days running. Today she wanted to tell Jane she wanted more than friendship with the detective.

Maura knew her social awkwardness caused problems and she wanted to avoid sticky situations as much as possible. Maura planned to tell Jane at lunch. But lunch got cancelled when Angela slipped on some water in the kitchen of the café and Jane accompanied her to the emergency room.

Jane returned to the precinct after a few hours, to grab the rest of her stuff and update everyone on Angela's condition-just a sprained ankle. Angela would be back at work in a few days.

Maura went up to the bullpen to leave some files for Jane and was in time to hear the update on Angela. Maura went over to Jane's desk to leave her good wishes for Angela's speedy recovery when Jane unexpectedly stood up to leave. Maura stood in front of the detective she'd developed feelings for. A quick rush of feelings overtook Maura and she did something she never thought she'd ever do in the bullpen, in front of all of Jane's coworkers and several beat cops.

Maura kissed Jane, a full-on passionate kiss on the lips. Jane had pulled back, confused. "Maura, what the hell?" Jane managed to croak out as she grabbed her keys and fled the building.

Maura fled to the morgue, grabbing her coat and purse as she ran out of the building.

TBC