Maura held Jane's hand between her own. She knew her friend, if she were conscious, would likely think her actions unbearably sappy. Maura had been at Jane's bedside from the moment she came out of surgery. She had been with her in the ambulance on the way to the hospital too; hoping, praying, pleading that she would survive her own selfless act.

Maura knew, too, that even though Jane would try to shrug off Maura's concern, she would have acted in the exact same way if their positions had been reversed. One thing that Maura knew was true; Jane would always be there to support her through any crisis. Assuming she recovered from the devastation of the self-inflicted gunshot. Assuming she woke up.

After an interminable four days, Maura was dozing lightly when she felt an almost imperceptible pressure on her fingers. She sat up immediately, but could see no change in Jane's condition. She wondered if she had imagined it, when she felt it again, firmer.

Jane's too-pale face creased under the oxygen mask, waves of pain assaulting her as she struggled back to consciousness. Maura just held her hand soothingly, and lightly stroked her forearm to reassure her she wasn't alone.

Jane turned and opened her eyes fully, the first thing in her field of view being her very best friend.

"Hey," Maura said softly.

The single word carried a depth of meaning only the two women could understand.

I'm glad you're alive.

I've missed you.

I love you.

I had to contemplate a life without you, and I couldn't bear it.

You're a hero.

I hate what you did.

I hate you for doing it. I love you for doing it.

I love you.

I'm here to take care of you.

I won't leave your side.

I need you in my life.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

"Hey," Jane replied, her voice hoarse and barely audible.

Thank you for being here.

I knew you would be.

I'm sorry.

Yet I'm not sorry.

I hate that I hurt you.

I love you.

I want you.

I hurt.

I love you.

I know you'll make everything right.

Forgive me. I had to do it.

When I thought I would die, all I could think of was you.

I want to be with you for ever. I love you.

Maura nodded, seeing all this and more in Jane's eyes. She reached out a shaking hand, and smoothed the hair away from Jane's forehead.

Weakly, Jane reached up and caught Maura's hand, bringing it to her dry lips.

"I love you," they both spoke simultaneously.

It had taken a near tragedy to get them to admit their feelings. Neither woman would waste this second chance.