Author's Note: First of all, thank you for taking the time and reading this. I'm not very experienced in writing but I'm trying. If you find any mistakes please let me know.

Secondly, the disclaimers. Briefly, Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles do not belong to me. I do not expect to gain any profit from this piece of work.

Finally, I hope you enjoy this story! Please leave a review to let me know what you think.

To love is to be vulnerable.

Vulnerable? That wasn't a word in Jane Rizzoli's dictionary. That was until she had met the new Medical Examiner of the Boston Police Department, Maura Isles.

Since the day they had met Jane knew that this woman was special. Although her often rude and grumpy self usually made it hard for Jane to make friends, she found herself drawn to the Medical Examiner the moment she saw her. Strangely, despite their many differences the two quickly became friends, their bond getting closer and closer each day.

In spite of her insecurities, those that had only grown worse since Hoyt, Jane was willing to let her guard down for Maura. She trusted her in everything, she knew Maura would do her no harm. The quirky Medical Examiner, whom Jane dearly adored was innocence at its finest. Sure Maura had her own demons, but they had beaten them. Being the daughter of an Irish mob boss while serving for justice was ironic enough, but growing up without the warmth of a family environment and spending a whole childhood without any friends only made the whole thing harder. Then there was Hoyt.

Jane stiffened at the thought. How on earth could she let Hoyt get to Maura? That was one thing Jane would never forgive herself for. That monster had not only terribly influenced Maura by lying to her about how they were the same, he had also almost, almost took her life. If it wasn't for that sudden adrenaline rush Jane had got -as Maura explained, in certain situations when one is excited or in major fear, humans can get a sudden extreme strength, sometimes even be able to lift cars- they would both... no. There's no ifs, it's over. Hoyt's gone, they were both safe.

Inner demons, Hoyt. That Dennis guy who nearly made a sculpture of Maura by actually using Maura. Family problems. Insecurities and wounds and scars from the past, physical or emotional, it didn't matter. They had both came over it together.

Together. Jane usually preferred to be alone. She didn't like the company of others. Family dinners and gatherings were one thing, but people? They only judged her for doing her job, being her own self. Even her own family had at one point of her life had judged her for many things. Being a cop. Risking her own dear life for people she didn't even know. Seeking justice when she could simply sit on her ass doing desk duty, completely safe from harm. Was that what she wanted, though? Definitely not. She loved her job, though she knew she was risking her life every day, she loved serving the people of Boston. Seeking justice for the unlucky ones who had lost their life because of some sick psycho with emotional, mental or financial problems. If people didn't like it, they could as well stay the hell away from her life.

Then there was Maura. Maura, who never judged Jane for who she was. The quirky yet adorable Maura Isles, that weird but wonderful woman who could spout out endless facts and information about anything, everything, yet couldn't understand most social cues. Who had a thing for clothing and probably had more pieces of clothing and shoes than ones sold in an entire shopping mall. Maura Isles, the socially awkward fashionista who owned a tortoise as a pet. Who cut up dead people for a living not only because she also loved dedicating her life for justice and had an interest for forensic science, but she also disliked the living. The list of her flaws went on and on, but honestly, they only made the already very attractive Medical Examiner only more desirable.

Those let alone made Jane madly in love with the Medical Examiner, though she had to give credit for her appearance. Maura was truly a goddess. With her lightly freckled pale skin, slightly curled silky golden hair, that beautiful pair of hazel eyes Jane often found herself lost in. Her feminine curves, and oh God those breasts. Yoga toned pair of legs which looked extremely appealing in heels. Maura was breathtaking indeed.

It was strange how Jane was feeling. Yes, she did love everything about Maura Isles. She loved Maura for her weird ways, how she often interrupted when they were watching documentaries only to babble out the facts that had yet to be told in the documentary, how she spent hours and hours shopping for clothes when Jane didn't even understand how Maura managed to practically sprint in five inch heels, how she always left a six pack of beer in her fridge only for Jane, even if she didn't like beer. Jane loved it all.

Best friend. Jane groaned in frustration. Best friends, that's what we are, and it's not going to change. Ever. Perhaps what Jane was feeling was normal, she wasn't really sure if other people also felt such strong feelings for their best friends. Though, if there was one thing that she knew, it was that it wasn't normal to get jealous when your best friend introduces you to their new date.

Jane sighed as she took another sip of her beer. It didn't take a detective to know that these feelings had nothing to do with friendship. She couldn't deny it anymore, she was head over heels in love with Maura.

''This sucks.'' Jane muttered. It was just another friday night and she had already finished all her paperwork due. Unless some freak would decide to murder someone in the next two days, the whole Boston Police Department Homicide Unit had the weekend off. It was indeed a perfect opportunity to relax, after a busy week of struggle to solve a triple homicide. Yet there Jane was, sitting on her couch alone with Jo Friday crawled next to her, watching a recent game of Red Sox.

Jane had spent her whole Friday evening in the same position, only moving from the couch to grab another bottle of beer. After finishing her sixth bottle, she realized how ridiculous her situation was. Normally she would be spending her friday evenings with Maura, cuddling on her couch watching movies or documentaries accompanied by beer and wine. What about now? Both women were busy. Maura is busy, Jane thought to herself. Her mind wandered to their dialogue from earlier that day.

After being stuck to her desk whole day finishing up paperwork, Jane was eager to see her best friend. Too eager, in fact, to wait for the elevator to arrive. She quickly ran down the stairs and walked towards the morgue. Calming herself down, she knocked at the door before she heard the reply,

''Come in,''

Jane walked inside to see her friend busy with the corpse. It took Maura only a few seconds to complete whatever she was doing. She then looked up at the detective and smiled.

''Hello Jane!'' She said cheerfully.

Jane found herself smiling back. She couldn't help but adore how Maura only smiled that way, only for Jane.

''I'm sorry I couldn't visit earlier. The work kept me busy as hell.'' Jane sighed as she sat down on a nearby stool and massaged her forehead with her hands.

''It's alright, you had a crime to solve. I'm really glad you came, I had something to tell you!''

Could it be what Jane was thinking? What Jane hoped it would be? Nah, she thought. Not even slightly possible.

''Yeah?'' Jane replied.

''Well, do you remember Jonathan, the new officer in the Drugs Unit? We were talking earlier today about the case, when he brought the drug test reports. Then we were just chatting and he asked me out!'' Maura sounded very happy, unlike Jane who felt like she was just punched in the stomach.

Jane froze. She had heard about Jonathan, even though she had never seen him before. She couldn't help but think, how could he simply have the balls to ask Maura out? Maura Isles, the Chief Medical Examiner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The beautiful, weird but wonderful Maura Isles. Had he not known who Maura was? She was definitely out of his league.

The detective was at loss for words. ''...And?'' was all she could get out of her mouth..

''And I said yes,'' Maura smiled. ''We're going out for dinner tonight''

God damn it. Jane suddenly felt terrible. It was their friday night, they were supposed to spend it together! Why on earth would Maura sacrifice it for a date with a guy who she had only recently met, Jane had no idea. Oh how she wanted to be at Jonathan's place for that night. How she wanted to ask Maura out, to hold her hand and just be with her. If only she had the courage.

Was that jealousy Jane was feeling? No way, Jane thought. You feel jealous for someone going on a date with another person only when you… love that someone? No. No, I love Maura, but not in that way. I'm her best friend and I should be happy for her.

''That's… great, Maura,'' Jane forced a smile. She just wanted to get out of there, immediately. ''I'm really happy for you.'' I'm not. Go out with me, not him.

''Thank you, Jane. I know we usually spent our Fridays together watching movies, but I couldn't decline his offer. It wouldn't be kind of me'' Maura said.

''Of course, I understand.'' Jane replied, but only she didn't understand it. They could always have fancy dinners together, what was so special about it that Maura would cancel their plans for it? That guy better not be handsome and charming. What if he asks Maura out again? What if Maura likes that guy? What if... no. Stop it, Rizzoli! Get a hold of yourself. I need to get out of here.

With that thought Jane turned to walk out of the room, throwing a rushed ''Goodbye, have fun.'' over her shoulder. She heard Maura call her name, but she didn't turn back. She just ran inside the elevator and pressed the up button.

She hadn't talked to Maura since the morgue talk. It wasn't very nice of her, to ignore Maura for accepting a date offer. Through their friendship they had both dated countless men, and Jane was always supportive. She sometimes even helped Maura pick her clothing for her date. Comforted and encouraged Maura when she was nervous. Now, why was she feeling like this all of a sudden? Because I fell for her, God damn it.

She knew that Maura was probably oblivious to Jane's actions and that she probably thought that she herself had done something wrong and felt bad. It wasn't fair for Maura. Just because Jane acted childish and stormed out of the morgue and not said a word to her, Maura was probably blaming herself for it.

In any other occasion Jane would call Maura and apologize for her behaviour. This time, however, Jane had no intention of doing so. As childish as it sounds, Jane would try to avoid for the rest of the week end.

On the other hand though, she couldn't really blame Maura. She never could. Even though Maura sometimes really annoyed the crap out of Jane, she could never simply be mad at Maura.

So what was she supposed to do? Since Maura had a date, she thought it would be best if she didn't call her.

Jane glanced at her watch. 11 p.m. already? Wow, I have been sitting here drowning myself in beer for what, 5 hours? I really must be desperate. Jane sighed. And well… since it's pretty late now, I bet Maura and Jonathan are done with their dinner, and if that guy's lucky enough, he's probably in Maura's bed and-

Jane stopped herself from thinking any further. She simply couldn't imagine her best friend, the one she had madly fallen in love with, banging some random guy while she sat alone with her feelings.

''I'm pathetic.'' Jane muttered. She reached for the TV remote to turn the volume up. The only thing that could keep her mind from her best friend was baseball. Thank God for baseball, Jane thought. She got up to collect the empty beer bottles from her coffee table and walked to the trash can and then threw the bottles away. She then threw herself on the couch, trying to focus only at the baseball game. She pat Jo Friday's head with her hand while taking a sip of her beer with the other and sighed. ''At least you're enjoying yourself.'' She smiled at the dog who had snuggled to Jane's side, now breathing soundly.

Jane woke up to a soft knock on her door. The TV was still turned on, the morning news airing. It was only eight a.m., who could it be?

I must have fallen asleep while watching the game, Jane thought. Her body ached terribly from spending the night on her not so comfortable couch. She stretched her arms and got up, slowly walking towards the door before opening it.

''Maura?'' Jane asked. She was surprised to find her friend on her door. She smiled to herself. Well, maybe she didn't spend the night with her date. That's a good sign. No, stop it Rizzoli. She's your friend. ''What are you doing here?''

Maura shrugged. ''May I come in?'' She sounded rather tired, perhaps she stayed up for long last night? Hopefully not screwing Jonathan.

''How was your date with uh, Jonathan?'' Jane asked as she moved aside from the door, leaving Maura space to walk inside. Though she wasn't eager to hear how amazing the date went, she couldn't help wondering.

''Not bad,'' Maura said. ''He didn't turn out as I expected him to be.'' She sat on the couch.

''Let me guess. Medical disorders? Too feminine? Chest and back hair?'' Jane joked. Part of her hoped that one of the things she listed were true. She walked toward the kitchen counter and began preparing coffee as she took out two mugs.

Maura sighed. ''No, no and I don't know.'' She smiled as Jane approached and handed her a cup of coffee.

''You didn't take him home?'' Jane found herself asking. Nice job, Rizzoli. She covered her face with her hands. ''Damn, I'm sorry, I shouldn't be asking this... God I'm turning into my mother.'' she sighed.

''No, I didn't.'' came the reply. Oh thank God. Jane smiled in relief. She knew she was being rather selfish for wishing that her best friend's date would not go well, but then again she should feel this way, right? She wasn't supposed to feel happy when the person she's in love with goes on dates. Perhaps I should ask Maura on a date... wait, what?

''I'm sorry,'' I'm not. Suck it Jonathan! ''Well, I need to take a shower now. I'll be out in fifteen, then we could go out for breakfast?'' Jane's stomach filled with butterflies at the thought of them going out for breakfast together, like how couples go out for breakfast dates. Okay, this is not exactly a date. We go out for breakfast all the time. Why am I suddenly nervous?

Maura smiled as she took a sip of her coffee. ''I would love that.''