A/N: Thank you all for continuing to follow this story. I wanted to make a few statements based on recent reviews. I agree completely with what a couple people have mentioned regarding Angie Harmon not feeling comfortable playing a lesbian character. I agree that though she's gay friendly, she isn't exactly the type of person who'd be comfortable playing a lesbian character. On the flip side, Sasha Alexander seems natural in such a role. I believe this is why I find the connection between her and Kadin to be almost effortless; it's easy to write her in love with another woman. That being said, I adore both women. I've liked Angie Harmon since she did Video Voyeur on Lifetime several years ago. I actually didn't know about Sasha Alexander till I watched Rizzoli & Isles. A bit ironic how things turned out, but it speaks volumes about the women's personalities and acting styles.

I

"So, then she says to me, 'Sweetie, I've been thinking, wouldn't it be nice to start a little family of our own?'" Jaxon's voice heightened as he mimicked his wife.

Kadin's mouth gaped, "Cheyenne's thinking about children?"

"I know!" Jaxon exclaimed as he reached for his beer.

"I never knew she wanted kids," Kadin tilted her head to one side in puzzlement.

"Me either!" Jaxon chugged down several drinks. He cleared his throat and tapped his fingers on the tabletop, "Kadin, I don't know if I'm ready to be a father. I mean, we don't even have a dog and everyone knows you get a pet before you get a kid; it's like the practice round."

Kadin giggled at her older brother's grief, "I don't know, it would be kind of cute having a little Jaxon Jr. running around. Mom and Dad would be thrilled to have grandchildren."

"I don't know the first thing about kids," Jaxon shook his head.

"Well, you learn as you go."

Jaxon signaled the waitress for another drink, "We've always been happy, just the two of us. Now, she's looking online at parenting websites and she's researching 'water births', whatever the hell that is, and last night, I saw her picking out baby names," Jaxon's eyes bulged. "Suddenly, it's like she has baby fever."

"Maybe she's pregnant." Kadin casually suggested.

A look of terror streaked across Jaxon's face, "Oh, God…"

"Or, maybe not," Kadin quickly added. "Probably not."

"What if she is? What if her birth control failed? What if she stopped taking it?" Jaxon leaned in across the table, "You have to ask her, Kadin. You have to ask her if she's pregnant."

"What? No!" Kadin jumped back in her seat. "You ask her."

"I can't ask her," Jaxon defended. "If I ask her, she'll immediately accuse me of not wanting to have children."

"And what's she going to think if I ask?"

"That you're being nosy," Jaxon shrugged, "Or that you think she's put on weight."

"Or maybe she'll think you've put me up to it, because you're too chicken to ask," Kadin's eyes narrowed.

Jaxon sighed and placed his head in his hands, "I planned on buying a boat this summer. If we have a kid, we can't afford a boat."

"Jaxon."

"And we'll have to buy a bigger house." Jaxon continued.

"Jaxon," Kadin interrupted again.

"We'll have to start saving for college."

"Jaxon!" Kadin's voice sharpened, catching the man's attention. His eyes snapped into focus as he stared up at his younger sister. In a much calmer tone Kadin replied, "You'll be a wonderful father, just like you're a wonderful husband, and a wonderful big brother." Kadin smiled, "Talk to Cheyenne. Obviously, she's serious about this."

"You really think I'd make a good father?" Jaxon asked as he spun his beer in his hands nervously.

"I really do," Kadin admitted. "Spend some time thinking it over for yourself. It's not just about the sacrifices you'll have to make, there are a lot of rewards in being a parent as well."

Jaxon swallowed heavily, "Yeah, maybe you're right."

"Of course, I'm right," Kadin took a drink of her beer.

"Hey, I meant to tell you, I ran into Lacey a couple days ago," Jaxon winked. "She asked about you… again."

"Jaxon," Kadin groaned.

"What?" Jaxon shrugged, "She has a thing for you."

"No, she doesn't," Kadin corrected.

"She totally does," Jaxon argued. "Every time she mentions your name she rubs her arm, like she's nervous."

"You sound ridiculous."

"That, little sister, is called body language, and I speak it fluently. The chick's totally into you."

"First of all, she isn't a chick, she's your ex girlfriend from high school," Kadin lifted an eyebrow.

"That was decades ago," Jaxon threw up his hand as he dismissed the claim, "and it barely lasted a month. Whenever she came over to hang out, she was always way more interested in seeing you than me."

"That's not true," Kadin chuckled. "Besides, I'm not interested in your sloppy seconds." She teased.

"Come on, it's been fifteen years. It's not like you've had anything better going on." Kadin's playful disposition noticeably faded and the smile on her face disappeared. Realizing what a horrible thing he had said, Jaxon quickly apologized, "Kadin, I didn't mean it like that."

"No, it's okay," Kadin forced a new smile.

Jaxon reached his hand across the table, "No, that was a really shitty thing to say. I'm sorry. I just meant that you deserve someone amazing and…" he trailed off. "Wow, this is why I don't trust myself talking to Cheyenne about children."

Kadin inhaled deeply, "Jaxon, I know you mean well." She nodded, "I do deserve someone amazing. I think I've found someone amazing, actually."

Jaxon's eye lit up with intrigue, "Really? Who?"

Kadin suddenly felt shy and nervous; she hadn't told a soul about Maura, mainly because she knew Maura wished to remain inconspicuous, but as their relationship continued to deepen, it became harder and harder to keep Maura a secret. Jaxon, her brother and best friend, was someone she knew she could trust and it was eating her alive to not share the good news with someone.

"Come on, Kadin," Jaxon prodded, "Don't keep me guessing. It's that yoga instructor at your spa, isn't it? Her body language screams lesbian."

"It's Maura," Kadin announced subtlety.

"Maura?" Jaxon repeated curiously. "Who the…" His eyes widened, "Dr. Isles?" He asked shockingly.

"Yes," Kadin replied as she glanced around the bar cautiously to ensure no one in particular was listening in on their conversation.

"How do you know Dr. Isles?"

"She's a member at the spa," Kadin replied. "We've been seeing each other for a couple months now. Jaxon, listen, I need you to promise you won't tell anyone about this, we're keeping it very discreet."

"I'll say," Jaxon laughed, "I had no idea Dr. Isles was even gay."

"She's not."

"So, then she's bisexual."

"No," Kadin shook her head.

Jaxon blinked several times as he tried to make sense of the information, "Okay, but she, she does know that you're…"

"Yes, of course," Kadin smiled. "She's just not like the others. She's different... She's worth the extra effort, you know?"

Jaxon nodded, "Yeah, clearly, she's different." He stared down at his beer. "I mean, she's a very beautiful woman… successful…. brilliant."

"Are those insults in disguise as compliments?" Kadin asked, sensing her brother's apprehension.

"I'm sorry," Jaxon replied. "She just doesn't really seem like your type."

"Oh, I have a type?"

"Yeah, girls who like other girls," Jaxon explained. "At least we know Lacey goes both ways."

"The attraction is mutual, Jaxon," Kadin suddenly emphasized, "It's not like I'm stalking her."

"I didn't say that. I'm just saying she sounds like a bit of a wild card."

"Maura isn't a wild card," Kadin defended.

"Are you her first girlfriend?" Jaxon inquired seriously.

"Jaxon…"

"Oh, my God, Kadin," Jaxon exhaled loudly.

"You're twisting this into something it isn't."

"Hey, one of us has to look at this from a rational perspective."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means, what happens when the experiment is over and she goes back to men and you're left heartbroken?" Jaxon's tone hardened as he spoke. "You know, it's one thing to have a fling with a straight woman, but you sound like you're falling in love with her."

Kadin shut her mouth tightly. She wasn't anticipating such a harsh reaction from her bother, who was usually extremely supportive of her decisions. She pondered his words for several seconds then parted her lips to speak, "I trust her," she stated simply.

Jaxon's expression softened. He had always been protective of his younger sister, but he knew when not to overstep his boundaries. He eyed Kadin carefully, examining her face, seeing only confidence and self-assurance. He leaned back against his booth and then glanced off into the bar's atmosphere as he spoke, "I like Dr. Isles," he mumbled, "and Cheyenne really admires her work." He took another drink of his beer, then his eyes slowly drifted back towards Kadin, "I can't blame you for falling for a doctor; there's something irresistibly sexy about a woman wearing a stethoscope."

Kadin smiled, secretly breathing a sigh of relief, "Yes, there is."

Jaxon shrugged his shoulders, "So…"

"So?" Kadin inquired.

"Does Maura like football?" Jaxon reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out four NFL playoff tickets and laid them on the table.

Kadin's jaw nearly hit the table, "Are these real?" she exclaimed as she scooped the tickets up off the table.

"They better be," Jaxon replied, "I paid three hundred bucks a piece for them." He licked his lips quickly; "I wanted to do something special for your birthday, this year. I thought maybe you'd like to invite Lacey, but…"

"Jaxon," Kadin stood up from her booth and quickly jumped to her brother's side, embracing him in a hug, "You shouldn't have. Thank you." She kissed her brotherly tenderly on the cheek, "Now, promise."

"Promise what?" Jaxon asked confused.

"Promise you're not going to tell anyone about me and Maura."

"Excluding Cheyenne, right?" Jaxon glanced down at the tickets in his sister's hand.

"Yes, of course, but no one else can know, at least not for now. Got it?"

"I promise," Jaxon held up his pinky finger to seal the deal.

II

"I just don't understand why she's so touchy, lately," Angela frowned. "I don't want to throw around words like jealous or selfish, but she doesn't leave much choice. She's not very thoughtful about other people, sometimes. I didn't raise her that way, she rebelled during her teenage years and picked up a lot of bad habits."

Maura glanced at her kitchen clock. Angela had been sitting at her dining room table for the last two hours psychoanalyzing Jane and trying desperately to piece together some type of diagnosis. Maura had done her best to say as little as possible, unaware as to whether or not Angela had knowledge of the argument she and Jane had two nights prior. She poured herself another glass of wine as Angela continued to discuss Jane's personal life.

"You know, she's not had a relationship last longer than three months since she joined the police department," Angela shook her head, "I used to think she just had bad taste in men; now, I wonder if she scares them off intentionally. I worry about her, Maura, she's getting older and if she doesn't find someone soon…"

Suddenly, there was a knock at the front door. Thankful for the distraction, Maura eagerly stood from the table and excused herself. She hurried to the door and opened it briskly, revealing a visibly intoxicated Kadin.

"Maura…" Kadin smiled cheerfully. "You're home."

"Kadin, have you been drinking?" Maura asked. She glanced out into the driveway, but didn't see Kadin's car. "You didn't try to drive here, did you?"

"Of course not," Kadin replied as she leaned against the doorframe, "That would be very… very… irresponsible." Kadin lifted her finger and tapped Maura on the tip of the nose. "I dialed a driver..."

Maura laughed lightly at Kadin's behavior, "You mean, you called a cab?"

"Yeah," Kadin shrugged, "That's what I said. Hey, are you busy? I wanted to show you something. It'll just take a minute." Kadin slurred as she felt around in her pockets for the NFL tickets. Not one to control her curiosity, Angela soon appeared in the doorway behind Maura. Kadin glanced up and noticed the woman eying her steadily; "Ah, so, we meet again," Kadin smirked.

Angela opened her mouth to reply, but Maura quickly grabbed Kadin by the shoulders and pulled her inside, "Okay, someone's had a little too much to drink." Maura guided the woman towards her guest room, Angela followed close behind.

"Maura, wait a, wait a, wait a minute… h-hold on…" Kadin objected as she kept digging in her jacket pockets for the tickets.

Maura lowered the woman down on the bed in her guestroom. She placed her hands on Kadin's shoulders as she spoke, "Kadin, I'm very glad you're safe," Maura smiled sweetly. "Now, lay down. You can spend the night here."

"But…" Kadin lifted her finger.

"Lay down, Kadin." Maura gingerly pushed the woman back onto the pillows. Obeying Maura's command, Kadin relaxed her body and leaned back against the pillows. "I'll bring you some water." Maura turned and exited the guestroom, motioning for Angela to follow.

As soon as the women were in the kitchen, Angela immediately spoke up, "That's the delivery girl from Anderson's Pharmacy."

"No." Maura shook her head and smiled. "That's Kadin." Maura reached in her cupboard for a glass. "She's a friend of mine from the spa."

"Oh." Angela replied, her face blank of emotion. "I've never heard you mention her."

"We haven't known each other long." Maura explained as she poured a glass of water.

"You're making new friends…" Angela paused, "No wonder Jane's been giving you such a hard time." Angela shook her head, "Poor, Janie, she never adjusts well to change."

Maura exhaled deeply, "Angela, I really think Jane needs some time… and space. I think we both do, actually." Maura's eyes batted back and forth for a few moments, "You're right, Jane doesn't adjust well to change and there's been a lot of changes, lately."

Angela nodded, "Okay, well, if you really think that's for the best."

"I do." Maura stated sincerely.

"I know you two haven't been getting along, recently." Angela looked down at the floor, "Jane has a bad habit of pushing people away. She learned that from her father." Angela's tone turned bitter, but then she cleared her throat and looked back up at Maura, "The way I feel about you hasn't changed, Maura."

Maura smiled, "The way I feel about you hasn't changed, either." She placed her hand on Angela's shoulder, "I'll be right back. I'm going to take this to Kadin. Don't leave, I have something for you." Maura quietly sneaked into the guestroom, expecting Kadin to be passed out, she was somewhat surprised to see the woman stripped down to her t-shirt and underwear laying on top of the sheets as she stared blankly up at the ceiling. She glanced up at Maura when she appeared in the doorway. "Hey, there." Maura greeted as she handed Kadin the glass of water. "Drink this."

Kadin set up in the bed and crossed her legs. She took several gulps of water, then excitedly pulled out the two NFL play off tickets Jaxon had given her. She handed one to Maura.

"What is this?" Maura asked as she studied the ticket.

"My birthday gift." Kadin answered as she took another drink of water and then set the glass down on the nightstand, "Come here…" Kadin reached for Maura's arm and pulled her onto the bed beside her. "Jaxon gave them to me tonight," She began, "I can bring anyone I want." She smiled and tightened her grip on Maura's hand, "I want to bring you."

Maura hesitated to reply. Initially, her mind wondered to Jaxon and Cheyenne and their response to her and Kadin's relationship, but then her mind wandered to Angela, who was still waiting in the kitchen. Having trouble concentrating, Maura quickly stood from the bed, "I'll be right back." Kadin was poised to object, but Maura promptly silenced her with a tender kiss on the lips, "Just give me five minutes."

"Okay…" Kadin replied without further protest. "Five minutes."

Maura turned and rushed back towards the kitchen to Angela. She burrowed through a pile of papers till she found Anthony's card, she handed it to Angela and grinned optimistically.

"This is a locksmith," Angela noted as she read the card. "Why do I need a locksmith?" She glanced up at Maura. "I thought you already took care of the locks?"

"I did," Maura replied. "That's his private number on the back."

Angela flipped the card over and read it carefully, "Can't wait to hear from you, Anthony."

"He's rather fond of you, Angela." Maura explained. "And from what I can tell, he seems like a genuinely kindhearted man."

Angela's eyes bulged, "He's interested in me?"

"He is."

"The young, handsome, locksmith that was here a couple days ago? That guy?"

"That's the one," Maura clarified.

"Mary Mother of Jesus." Angela declared. "What would a young man like him want with an old woman like me?"

"Well, I think that's for you to figure out." Maura winked. "You should give him a call."

Angela paused for a moment then a smile slowly crept across her face, "All right, I'll think about it," She placed the card in her back pocket. "Well, I should get going. It's getting late." She gestured back towards the guestroom, "She seems fun."

"She's a lot of fun." Maura agreed.

"You need more fun." Angela nodded.

"So do you."

"Goodnight, doll." Angela placed her hand on Maura's arm, squeezed it gently, and smiled.

Maura closed and locked the door behind Angela. She grabbed her glass of wine and once again headed towards the guestroom. She opened the door gently and peaked inside. Kadin was stretched out on the pillows, but still awake. Maura placed her glass on the nightstand, turned off the lamp, and climbed into the bed next to Kadin. She rested her head on Kadin's chest and wrapped her arm around her waist.

"Did you tell Jaxon about us?" Maura asked as she settled in next to her lover.

Kadin lifted a hand to Maura's cheek, "Yes," She answered hoarsely. "I didn't want to lie to him, Maura, he's always been so good to me and I-"

"I know," Maura interjected. "It's okay. I don't expect you to lie; especially to your brother. You have nothing to hide." Maura closed her eyes and listened to Kadin's steady heartbeat; this had quickly become one of her favorite pastimes.

"He understands, you know," Kadin swallowed heavily, "He and Cheyenne won't tell anyone. You don't have anything to worry about, I promise."

"I'm not worried," Maura whispered. "I trust you." Their lips brushed lightly and Maura smiled. "How come I didn't know that you had a birthday coming up?

Kadin shrugged her shoulders, "I usually don't make a big deal about it, but this year, Jaxon scored tickets to a playoff game. He's always been lucky like that," She laughed, "I used to joke that he had a horse shoe shoved up his…" She censored herself, remembering Maura's distaste for foul language, "butt," She ended awkwardly. Maura laughed as well, appreciating Kadin's earnest effort and finding the drunken woman rather adorable. "You hate football, don't you?" Kadin asked dreadfully.

Maura leaned up on her elbow so that she could face Kadin as she spoke, "Yes, but I like you a lot; so, I'm willing to make a sacrifice, since it's your birthday." She lowered her lips onto Kadin's once more, this time with fervor.

"Mmmm…." Kadin moaned as alcohol and sleep slowly overtook her body. She snuggled closer towards Maura, burying herself under the covers and into Maura's arms. "The mighty Queen is so benevolent," She purred into Maura's ear.