All things Rizzoli and Isles belong to Tess Gerritsen, Janet Tamaro, and other entities. I'm altering their realities for fun, not profit, as I own nothing and have the credit report to prove it.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," Jane muttered for the 46th time.
"It's for a good cause," Maura reassured her again, and smiled when she looked at Jane. "Besides, you make a wonderful elf."
"I look like the freakin' Jolly Green Giant."
"Don't be ridiculous. You have no leaves on your costume."
Jane rolled her eyes as the elevator door opened.
"Smile, Jane," Maura reminded her. "No one likes a grumpy elf."
Jane kept her reply to herself and pasted on a smile.
The afternoon was a lot better than she thought it would be. Maura was wonderful with the children. She took a few minutes with each one, and somehow made each of them smile. In the first room, watching her friend charm an ill child, Jane's smile became genuine.
When they left, there were waves from every room as they walked down the hall. Jane's smile was still wide in the elevator down. "Thank you," she said to Maura.
"For what?"
"Making me do this."
"So you'll do it next year?"
"Absolutely."
"Thank you," Maura beamed, and quickly kissed Jane's cheek.
Jane blushed, but her smile got bigger, and she squeezed Maura's hand.
Maura continued to smile at Jane while she talked. "We'll go home and change, and then we can do anything you want."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Even play naughty elves?"
"Even that," Maura laughed as the elevator door opened.
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