A/N: So I'm probably the only one who noticed it since I pay waaay too much attention to each episode but Jane's nose was red at one point like she had a cold. Since I didn't find inspiration with anything else I ran with that.

And thanks to gillianfoster for putting the thought in my head about Jane getting sick. There may not have been a story for this week's episode without it!

XXXXX

"So, uh, great job on the case Rizzoli." Korsak said after he passed her the bread.

"Thanks, it was nothing. Just another day at the office."

"Seriously, though, you should insure that gut of yours, it hasn't failed you yet."

"What about when it was punctured when she shot herself? That's not exactly a sure sign of it being fail proof."

"That's not what he's talking about, Maura."

A look of realization dawned on her. "Oh. Right… the other gut thing." She looked over at Jane and her eyebrows lowered. "You know, you need to stop relying on your intestines. It's not really the best way to solve murders."

"Oh God, why are you so literal?" Jane groaned but then stopped and closed her eyes, wincing for a moment.

"Jane? Are you okay?" Maura asked, putting her fork down and placing a hand on the detective's shoulder.

Said woman looked over at her. "Yeah, I just have a bit of a headache."

"I have some Ibuprofen in the bathroom." She said, starting to get up to fetch it.

Jane pushed her back down and got up. "I'll get it, thanks." She headed into the bathroom.

Maura watched her leave. She had a pensive look on her face and, moments later, she got up to follow her.

"So… am I missing something?" Tommy asked, looking at his mother.

"What do you mean?"

"Janey and Maura… they – never mind." He shook his head. He had a feeling about them the moment he saw them together but figured they were just really close friends.

"Jane?" Maura knocked on the door to the guest bathroom. "Are you okay in there?"

"I… I don't know. I feel a little sick."

"Can I come in?"

The doorknob twisted and the door was pulled open, giving her an answer.

"Is it just a headache?" She inquired.

"No. I've been kinda itchy." She punctuated that statement by reaching up and scratching her face, taking some concealer off along the way.

"How long have you had that rash?" Maura asked, red skin now exposed. She took a nearby washcloth and ran it under the faucet before wiping the rest of Jane's face clear of makeup.

"I don't know." She spluttered when the fabric got in her mouth. "Since this morning. Why?"

Maura didn't answer. Instead she placed the backside of her hand to Jane's face. "You're hot."

The detective couldn't help but smile at that. "Well thank you. You don't look so bad yourself."

Maura shot her a that's-not-funny look and continued on seriously. "I mean I think you have a fever."

"What? That's insane. I don't get sick. I can't even remember the last time I got sick."

"Well these rashes indicate otherwise. I think we're going to have to send everyone home so you don't infect them as well."

"Send them home? Did you forget that two of the people in there are now living with you?"

"The guest house, Jane. That's different."

"Whatever. Can I at least finish my dinner?"

"Not until I find out what this is. Stay here, I'll go talk to them."

When Maura left, Jane sat on the counter and contemplated this new predicament. Then, a thought occurred to her. What if this was serious? What if she got Maura sick? She would never be able to forgive herself if something happened to her.

"Jane, I'm coming back in." Maura announced before turning the knob.

The taller woman jumped down and held the door shut. "No, don't come back in here! I don't want to get you sick!"

"Despite the fact that I've had every conceivable immunization shot since I was born, if I were to be infected it would already be too late."

"Really?" She asked, still putting pressure on the door.

"Really." She felt the door give way and walked back in. "Everyone's gone home, though it took awhile to convince your mother not to come in here and check on you."

"No surprise there." Jane laughed but then her look turned serious. "How bad is it though? It's not the chicken pox, is it? Cause I heard that can be really bad for adults to get. Though I did already have it as a kid so that's a definite no."

"Actually, that's a common misconception. While it is rare, it's still possible to get it twice."

"So that's what I have then?"

"No, definitely not. But I'll have to examine you further to know what." She said, giving her an expectant look.

"What? Here? Now? Can't I just go to the doctor's?" She said, knowing what the other woman wanted her to do.

"Jane, I am a doctor."

"For dead people!" She protested.

She ignored that comment. "It's pretty late so I'm probably the only one you're going to be able to see."

Jane rolled her eyes. "Fine, whatever." She said, pulling her shirt over her head.

Though very light in color, the spots were definitely noticeable. They dotted all of Jane's torso though they stopped at the shoulder, not having spread to the limbs yet. Maura spent the next minute or so carefully inspecting them and even running her fingers along Jane's stomach to check the texture – causing an occasional shiver from the other woman. She also brought her hands up to feel around Jane's neck before nodding with affirmation. "Rubella."

The detective snorted. "That sounds like something you spread on toast."

Maura looked at her oddly before cracking a smile. "I believe you're thinking of Nutella. Rubella is an illness more commonly known as the German measles. It's not serious and usually goes away within three days."

"German? But I'm Italian."

The M.E. laughed lightly at her best friend. "No, Jane. They're called the German measles because they were first described by German physicians in the mid-eighteenth century not because that's the only people they affect." She explained. "Though I should have caught it sooner; I saw some spots on your buttocks the other day when we traded clothes but I figured it was just acne."

"What did – were you checking me out or something?"

Not wanting to lie, she chose to change the subject. "You might have a fever. I should check your temperature." She took a thermometer out of a drawer and held it out to Jane. "Under your tongue until it beeps."

Jane opened her mouth and let Maura slip it where it belonged. During the silence, she looked over Maura suspiciously and wondered why she didn't answer the question. It certainly couldn't be what she was hoping, could it?

The small device beeped, prompting Maura to take it out of the other woman's mouth and check it. She frowned. "One-hundred point eight. That's rather high for just the beginning stages of this illness."

"High like my brain's gonna fry?" Jane asked with a worried expression.

"Don't be ridiculous, Jane. Though three point two degrees more and you'd be in the danger zone."

"Thank you, I feel so much better." She said with a sarcastic drawl. "Can I go home now?"

"Absolutely not! You are not leaving this house until you are better and no longer contagious!"

Jane sighed. "And how long is that going to take?"

"About one week after rash development. I'll be sure to call Cavanaugh tomorrow and tell him that you're under doctor's orders to stay home."

"I'm sure he's gonna love that."

"He can make do without his best detective for one week."

Jane opened her mouth for a retort but stopped and stared blankly at Maura. "B-best detective? You really think that?"

"Of course, Jane. I've worked with a lot of detective's in my line of work and you are by far the best."

A grin slowly appeared on her face as she took in the kind words. "Well thanks, Maura. And you're the best medical examiner I've ever worked with."

"Of course I am." She said as if Jane had told her the sky was blue. "But aren't I the only medical examiner you've worked with?"

"No. Remember that one guy that took over when you went on vacation? He was good but he's no you."

"Jonathan? Yes, I remember. He always did get lower scores than I did in school."

Jane shook her head but laughed.

"You should probably get some rest now." Maura advised.

Feeling tired, she easily agreed. They bid each other goodnight before heading into their own bedrooms and falling asleep quickly.

When morning came Jane stayed asleep far longer than Maura had. This was no surprise during regular circumstances so Maura figured she had a bit of time to herself.

After browsing the computer for jewelry to replace the ones that were stolen, she made breakfast for the two of them, figuring Jane should be up soon. However, the oatmeal was long cold by the time Jane made her appearance.

"Good morning, Jane." The M.E. greeted. "Did you sleep well?"

"Do I look like I slept well?"

"No, I suppose not." She frowned. "I made breakfast for you, though. It's cold but I could heat it up."

Jane scrunched up her nose at whatever healthy food she was sure was made and collapsed on the couch. "No thanks. I'm not really up for eating right now."

"Alright. Well I should leave for work soon. Remember not to let your mother in. We don't want you to infect her."

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna move. I'm just gonna sit here and break in your new TV."

Maura shook her head at that. "Can't you do something a bit more productive? I have a book of brain teasers if you would rather – "

"Nope. Marathon of Cops. My brain doesn't need any more teasing."

"More?"

Jane shook her head. "Never mind. Just don't be late to work."

"Alright. And if you need anything – "

"Yes, Mother. I know all the emergency numbers and I know not to answer the door for strangers." She said in a mocking tone. "Just go, I'll be fine."

The next several hours were boring to both parties. Maura had nothing but paperwork to occupy her time and Jane found most of the episodes to be ones she's seen about a hundred times. They were both thankful when the day was finally over.

When Maura arrived home she took one look at Jane and clucked her tongue. "Have you been scratching?"

"Of course. These damn things itch like crazy."

Maura sighed and then stood up. "You're not supposed to be doing that. They might get infected or scar."

"What am I supposed to do? Just sit here and ignore it?" She laughed. "I don't think so."

"Hold on, I have an idea." She went into the other room before heading into the kitchen. She went back into the living room and extended the latter items. "Here. Put these on."

"Oven mitts?" She asked incredulously but did as she was told.

"It's to prevent damage when you do decide to scratch. And this," She pulled out a small tube, "is to help lessen the itch. But you're going to have to get up. I don't want this on my couch."

Jane let out an over exaggerated sigh as she stood up. She let Maura apply it to her face and arms but protested when she insisted that it go on everywhere there were spots. Eventually, though, she convinced the M.E. that she was capable enough to do so alone in the bathroom.

When she reappeared she was met with a pensive look on Maura's face.

"How did catch this in the first place, Jane? It's supposed to be very rare in the U.S."

Jane shrugged. "I can't remember anyone who was all splotchy like me." Her nose crinkled as she spotted the redness on her arm.

"Well maybe they weren't showing any symptoms. Were you in contact with someone from a developing country about two weeks ago?"

She tried to think back. "Maybe. I took the T about two weeks ago when Ma wanted to borrow my car. Some idiot coughed on me but I didn't think anything of it."

"That would certainly explain it." She thought for a moment before going into another room, deciding something. She came back with the thermometer. "I should check to see if your temperature has changed at all since yesterday."

"Alright."

Maura slipped it under Jane's tongue and waited. When she pulled it back after it beeped she saw the same number as before. "No change."

"Is that bad?"

"Well… it's better than if it was higher. But I'd still like it to be lower."

Jane nodded in agreement. "Me too."

"Are you hungry?" The M.E. asked.

She grimaced at the thought of food. "Not really, no."

"Alright. I won't force you to eat. I don't want you to get nauseous."

"I am eternally grateful."

"Good to know your sense of humor hasn't been affected." She laughed.

Both women decided to just sit and chat until they were too tired to come up with anymore conversation. It didn't take too long for one of them to suggest sleep.

Hours after going to bed, Jane lied awake, unable to fall asleep with the uncomfortable state she was in. Long ago she had kicked the covers off of her but she was still sweltering. Despite this, though, she was shivering uncontrollably. About a half-hour of this passed before she could no longer take it. She got up and headed for the master bedroom.

"Maura… I don't feel so good." She groaned after knocking on the open doorway. She had to grab the frame when her legs started to buckle underneath her.

"Like how?" She asked, getting up and joining her best friend.

"I think my fever's getting worse."

Maura placed a hand to Jane's forehead and grimaced. "I think you're right. Come with me, we'll take your temperature." She grabbed Jane's hand and pulled her into the bathroom before pulling out the thermometer.

As she waited for the beep, Maura looked the other woman over. She was sweating and shivering, the spots had gotten worse, and she looked extremely pale. She was starting to question whether or not it was a good idea to keep Jane here when the device beeped. Her own skin paled to match Jane's when she saw the readout.

"Maura? Is it higher?"

"One-hundred and five. Jane, we need to cool you down. And fast." She spat out in a panic. Without even checking to see if it was okay with the other woman, Maura ripped Jane's clothes off and shoved her in the bathtub before turning on the water. "I'll be back in a minute, okay?"

Jane nodded, not fully sure what was going on.

Maura came back quickly but with the ice cube tray from her refrigerator. She dumped it in and then bent down to bring some of the cold water from the slowly filling tub up to Jane's face.

The detective looked at her, now realizing what was happening. "I'm scared, Maura. I – I don't want my brain to turn to mush and die. I don't want to have lived without ever being with you."

"What? No – Jane, that's just the fever talking. We just need to cool you down and you'll be back to normal."

"But I've felt this before the fever. Way before the fever. I love you, Maura."

Maura shook her head, not wanting to believe that something she's wished for for so long was happening. "No... just – just stop talking and cool down."

"But, Maura – "

"No, wait a few minutes for the fever to go down and – "

Jane brought her hand up out of the water and to Maura's neck before pulling her in. Their lips connected, effectively cutting off Maura's speech, and everything seemed to stop.

Maura pulled away first, eyes fluttering open in surprise. Even though it was only a short kiss it caused her heart rate to spike and her breathing to become labored. It took her a moment to remember why she was in the bathroom in the first place and another moment longer to shake off the tingling feel in her lips and give the woman in front of her the sternest look she could muster up. "We still need to get your temperature down. Which means you need to keep your lips to yourself at all times."

Jane was in no position to argue as the previous action zapped the last of the energy she had left. All she could do was let Maura wash her down with cold water and hope she would get the chance to do that again.

Minutes later and Maura could tell that it had worked. She helped Jane out of the tub and dried her off. Though she desperately wanted to talk about what had transpired shortly before, it looked as though Jane was in no state to converse. She helped her half-asleep friend to bed and then headed to her own. It didn't take her too long to fall asleep despite the nonstop thoughts running around in her head.

XXXXX

"Morning, Maura." The detective greeted when she saw her companion come into the living room.

Said woman stopped and looked at her. All of last night's events rushed back to her and she couldn't stop a blush from creeping up her face.

"Are you okay?" Jane asked, hopping off the couch to stand in front of her. "You're not sick too, are you?"

Maura turned around and shook her head. "No. I'm not sick."

"Then what is it?"

She shook her head again and changed the subject. "How are you feeling today? Any better?"

Jane nodded. "I think the fever's gone. Now all I have to do is wait for these stupid dots to go away."

The M.E. smiled. "That's good to hear." She paused as a thought bugged her. "Uh… do you – do you remember last night at all?"

"I remember being really hot and then really cold."

"That's it?"

"Yeah." Though she remembered the kiss – how couldn't she? – she didn't want to bring it up lest the other woman wasn't exactly thrilled about it. "Why?"

"I was – uh – well… you kind of…"

"Yeah?" Jane asked, praying she would say it.

"Your fever must have been really high last night because you – well, you kissed me."

"I'm sorry."

"No, don't be… it was – it was nice."

Jane grinned. "Really?"

"Yeah. And I know it was a mistake or – "

"No, Maura. It definitely wasn't a mistake."

"It wasn't?"

"Unless… you wanted it to be."

"Why would I want it to be a mistake? That was one of the best kisses I've ever had."

"One of?" Jane's eyebrow quirked up as she looked at her.

"Come on, we were both wet and it was freezing. Not to mention the fact that we were faced with a life threatening situation. It could have happened in better circumstances."

"Alright, you've got me there. But just so you know, I plan on winning that 'best kiss' award from you."

Maura smiled. "I look forward to it."