Rizzoli and Isles does not belong to me, neither does the song.
Music continues to stream through the room. Maura's asleep next to you, her breathing soothing you, lulling you steadily towards unconsciousness along with the notes that ricochet through the room.
"Jane," she whines. "Listening to music you enjoy releases dopamine and helps to de-stress."
"Yes, listening to music I enjoy would. I am not listening to your music, Maura." You turn after entering your apartment to face her.
"But it might help. The periorbital dark circles under your eyes indicate that you haven't been sleeping much."
Your turn and grab her lightly by the elbows.
"I'm fine, Maur. I'll just watch the game on TV and relax for a little while." She looks at you with a frown before relenting.
That was two days ago. You gave in, like you always do. Fatigue has worn you down and she even managed to convince you to let her stay.
The moonlight plays upon your skin.
You turn and face Maura, studying her features.
But nobody knows you like I do 'cause the world they don't understand.
You think about how fitting this song is. Only she really knows you, knows when to push you, when to leave you, when to love you – even if it's just platonically.
You may have given in but you convinced her to put a radio station on instead of Yo-Yo Ma. Compromise. It's clear, even to you, how deep your relationship with Maura runs.
You rub your scarred hands and re-live all the moments lacking control caused. You cannot give in. Even Maura – loyal, loveable Maura – cannot be trusted with that much power. Her smile is an anvil, weighing down the rope between your imagination and reality.
You sigh.
For weeks Dominic has been looming at the back of your mind, waiting until sleep kicks down the door between your conscious and subconscious so he can slip through. Now, now Maura's here, chasing him away with her own brand of pain for you. But for her, you're masochistic.
The air around you shifts, you can almost feel Maura rousing from sleep.
"You're not sleeping," she observes.
"And I wondered why they called you a genius." It' not her fault but you can't help yourself. You knew she shouldn't be here, that you'd take it out on her but she insisted.
"Jane, what's going on?"
"Nothing." She rolls over to face you. You lay on your back and look to the ceiling.
"Jane, look at me, talk to me. I'm here for you. You know he can't hurt you." You turn to face her.
"I know, Maur. Go back to sleep, I'm fine." Hurt flashes across her face before she can hide it.
"Why do you keep lying to me?" she whispers before sighing and turning away from you.
"Maur."
"I'm fine, Jane. Go to sleep." You understand how she is feeling now. The music continues playing some song you don't know. You turn it off and revel in silence. Shifting closer, you wrap you arms around with her, soothing her as much as yourself.
"Maur." You choke on a sob, your body beginning to shake as you quietly cry for the first time since it all happened. She turns, holds you, comforts you. Somewhere between breaking down and Maura's voice, you find a space to sleep. A space where he isn't there touching you, his breath isn't ghosting along your skin.
Maura's is.