Chapter 3
The night went by quiet and peaceful, something Maura wasn't used to anymore. They slept on the couch, Maura on top of Jane, bodies intertwined with each other, Jane holding her tight.
The morning sun peaked through the barricaded windows. Maura opened her eyes and stretched, she had a good night sleep and felt energized. She had almost forgotten how that felt.
She noticed she was alone on the old couch, immediately missing Jane's warmth. "Jane?"
"I'm in the backyard!" she heard Jane call from outside.
She walked to the backyard and saw her girlfriend skinning a small deer. "Did you go hunting while I was asleep?"
Jane didn't look up from the deer. "Yeah. We need food, something more than just pecans."
"I don't like it when you go hunting alone Jane. It's not safe." Maura said, slowly approaching the still working detective. "You didn't have backup. You could have gotten attacked."
"Could've. But I didn't."
"It's not safe out there Jane." Maura said more firmly. She admired Jane's courage, she really did, but that courage got her into trouble more often than Maura liked.
"Nowhere is safe Maura."
"Yes it is Jane! It's safe here! You said it yourself, we can build up the fences, make them stronger. You barricaded the doors and windows, four times! We have food, water and fire… We just had one of the most peaceful nights since this all started!" Maura was getting annoyed at her girlfriend now. Jane just kept peeling the skin of that stupid deer, not even looking at Maura.
Maura calmed herself down and walked over to Jane. She placed a hand on her shoulder. "Jane, look at me."
Jane shook her head and kept working. Maura kneeled in front of the detective, trying to force Jane to look at her. She saw the dark circles under her eyes, cheekbones sticking out, sweat trickling down her brow. "Jane."
Dark, hollow eyes looked at her. "Hi there." Maura said softly, cupping Jane's cheek. "Did you sleep at all last night?" Maura asked.
Jane fell silent and averted her eyes. "Did you?" Maura asked again.
"No." Jane said softly. "I don't feel safe Maura, never." She let go of the deer, putting it aside. "I need to be awake to protect you. I went out early to go hunting, so you'd have something to eat. I hold you when you sleep to make sure nothing happens to you. I need to keep you safe. You're my world Maura, if something happens to you…" Jane stopped talking, her voice breaking. "I can't take that, Maur. I have to keep you safe."
"You have, Jane. You've kept us both safe, all this time." Maura motioned Jane to sit next to her on the porch. As Jane followed, Maura placed a soft kiss on her lips. "We're still here."
Jane smiled slightly as Maura stroked her cheek. "But Jane, you need to rest. You need to take care of yourself. You can't just take care of me. I admire your courage and care, but you have to know that I can take care of myself too. It's okay to let down your guard once in while."
"I know you can take care of yourself. I've seen you taken down walkers. You're a badass." Jane smiled through her tears. "I just want to protect you, that's all."
Maura laughed. "I am a badass. And so are you. But even a badass needs to rest. So I suggest you go lay down and try to get some sleep. I'll finish preparing the deer so we can have a proper meal."
Jane hesitated, not wanting to leave Maura outside. "I'm okay Jane, I'll be right here."
Jane wrapped her arms around the smaller woman, hugging her tight. "Thank you for putting up with me."
Maura smiled, nuzzling het face into Jane's neck. "What do you mean putting up with you? The world ended and the woman I love is in my arms. I'm endlessly thankful."