Title: Snapshots (31-40)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Rizzoli/Isles (friendship and a couple shipship)
Words: 1000 (10x100) + titles
Spoilers: general allusions all around but nothing specific
Note 1: Thank you thank you for the comments in the last set! I read every single one and appreciate every single one. They inspire me to keep writing! So thanks again.

Snapshots (31-40)

How Ya Feeling?

"How ya feeling?" Jane sat down on the edge of the sofa as she looked down at her friend sympathetically, placing a hand on her forehead.

"Like I've been infected with a particularly virulent strain of a virus from the Orthomyxoviridae family and which my immune system has not yet gained the upper hand on causing a constellation of symptoms including increased body temperature mixed with chills, coughing, nasal congestion, and head pain."

"I'm going to assume all that was Maura-speak for 'I feel like shit' and make you some chicken noodle soup, okay?"

Maura sniffled once and just nodded.

It's All In The Presentation

"Not only is the food fantastic here, but look at the presentation! It's amazing!"

"If you say so," Jane grumbled, starting to play with the food on her newly arrived plate.

But Maura was not deterred. "Eating isn't purely about taste. It also involves smell. And texture on your tongue. And it can also be a feast for the eyes. All senses are involved when food is done right, Jane."

"Like this?" Jane showed Maura her construction of a crude Mickey Mouse head made from her mashed potatoes and au jur.

Maura gave Jane an un-amused look.

Jane just grinned.

Would You Mind

"Hey."

Maura looked up. "Hey," she said back, "How are you doing?"

"Oh, fine," Jane shrugged dismissively, "Was just headed home but thought I'd stop by here, first, to see how *you* were doing."

Maura could tell it was a façade. Could tell Jane really wasn't fine. But she could also tell the detective wasn't ready to admit it. "Actually," she answered, "Now that you mention it, I guess I really don't feel like being alone right now. Would you mind, maybe, grabbing a drink with me instead?"

Jane smiled, relieved, "Of course, I'd be happy to."

Maura smiled back.

Weekend Plans

"Any plans for the weekend?" Jane asked Maura as she popped an M&M in her mouth.

"Well, Saturday I'm attending a lecture at Harvard Medical."

Jane's face became skeptical at the mention of 'lecture' but Maura pressed on.

"On identification of entrance and exit wounds from high powered weapons." Maura paused thoughtfully for a moment then asked, "Actually, would you like to come with me?"

Jane wanted to say there was no way in hell she would voluntarily sit in a lecture hall on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, but the subject matter, and, well, the inviter, had her saying otherwise.

Visible

"Jane, I'm here! So sorry I'm late!"

Jane turned towards the voice, "No probl... WHAT are you wearing?"

Maura held her arms out, "What? It's getting darker and darker during our jogs after work these days."

"And one or two or THREE reflectors aren't enough? You have to wear," Jane looked over Maura's body, "Twelve?"

"I want to make sure I'm visible from all angles."

"Maura, you're so visible Sarah Palin can probably see you from her house!"

"Jane," Maura said reasonably, "The curvature of the earth would make that impossible."

Jane just rolled her eyes and shook her head.

First

"Happy Biiiiiirthhhhday, dear Maauuuurraaaa! Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuu!" The song came to a rousing and very out of tune end amongst claps and smiles as Jane set the cake down in front of the slightly blushing doctor.

Maura looked down at the one candle on the full sized cake and looked up at Jane with a questioning smile, "One candle?"

Jane glanced in turn at her family, Korsak, and Frost whom she had also invited over, and then looked back down at Maura. She put her hand on the doctor's shoulder and smiled warmly, "It's your first birthday with us."

A Little Effort

Maura took in the whole Jane's apartment, a little amazed at it's transformation: the low, sultry lighting, the numerous candles set out and lit, the soft undercurrent of piano music, the bottle of unopened wine on the counter. She could see Jane had gone the extra mile for their dinner tonight. "Jane, it's lovely. But, you really didn't have to..."

Jane's gravely voice interrupted, "Are you really going to try to tell me that you don't like a little romancing? A little effort put in?"

Maura bit her lip but said nothing.

Jane just smiled knowingly, "That's what I thought."

Dressing For Court

"It's a big case and I'm leaving *nothing* to chance," the ADA continued, "I don't need the female jurors resenting her and the male jurors distracted by her. So, as I said, maybe you could just ask her to tone her looks and her clothes down a little when she testifies. You know, sorta like you do."

Jane crossed her arms but said nothing.

"So you'll do it?" the DA asked.

"Sure," Jane finally managed.

When the DA exited, Korsak chimed in, "Don't you usually dress *up* for court, Jane?"

"Shut up, Korsak," Jane muttered before heading to the morgue.

Good Dream

"Mmmm..."

The soft sound didn't penetrate Jane's sleep.

"Mmmm, yeah..."

With an increase in volume, consciousness slowly began to dawn on the detective.

"Absolutely perfect..."

Jane cracked an eye and lifted her head.

"Perfect... yes..."

With droopy eyes she started shaking the still sleeping woman next to her, "Maura..."

"Yes!"

Jane shook her a little harder, "Maura!"

Maura, a blissful smile on her face, finally woke up, "Hmm? What?" she groggily asked.

Jane laid her head back down and murmured her response, "You were dreaming about acing your gross anatomy class again."

"Oh," Maura's eyes also drifted shut again, "Sorry."

Don't Let Her

"It's going to be a long road to recovery, but she's going to be okay."

Maura exhaled softly, "I know."

Korsak continued hesitantly, "She's going to want... she's going to try to push you away. Trust me, I know."

Maura's eyes softened but Korsak pressed on. This wasn't about him. "The important thing is, you don't let her." He looked into Maura's eyes and said very definitively but also very gently, "Do you hear me? Don't let her, okay?"

Maura's eyes moistened. All she could do was nod.

"Okay," he repeated quietly, "Come here," and pulled her into a hug.