Lady Isles and Miss Rizzoli are back in action! Watch out!

Maura was standing with her back to Jane, waiting for the brunette to untie and loosen up her corset. Jane's usually deft fingers were shaking as she untied the laces. She pulled it out of the hooks, and freed Maura from its confines. Still in her combination, Maura turned around and stretched her back. She reached for Jane's scarf and released the knot. She unbuttoned the shirt, and slid it off Jane's shoulders. With the white shirt in her hands, Maura waited.

Jane couldn't move. Maura tilted her head and smiled. She finally walked around and relieved Jane out of her corset. She brought all their clothes over to a fabric hamper inside her armoire, and sorted them out. Some were to be worn again, some were to be washed.

The obvious routine Maura was going through dissipated Jane's nervousness, and reminded her of the baths she'd share with her mom. She made herself pull off her chemise, and she dropped her drawers. She piled them up by the door, reminding herself to pick them up when she left.

She smiled at Maura, who was taking off the rest of her clothes as well, and they walked together into the bathroom.

Maura let Jane step into the large tub first, and went in after her. They faced each other, side by side, and leaned back against the large tub. Jane closed her eyes and let her body relax into the warm water.

"Isn't this just perfect?" Maura whispered, almost to herself.

Jane hummed back her approval and lifted a knee up above the water. Maura opened a lazy eye and suddenly sat up with much water splashing.

"Oh, Jane! You're hurt!"

She reached over and took Jane's knee in her hands, careful not to touch the huge bruise that had bloomed over it.

Jane sat up and looked at it, frowning to figure out how she had gotten it.

"Oh, I think I might have hit the curb when I tackled the guy. It's just a bruise..."

Maura checked for swelling but quickly decided it was indeed just a bruise, and she leaned back against the tub. She tilted her head at Jane.

"You're a very strong woman."

Jane smirked. "I've tackled my brothers a few times..."

"No, I don't mean the tackling. Even though that's impressive in itself. I meant your character. You're smart, assertive, strong-willed."

Jane laughed. "So are you!"

"But I hide it! You're just... you! You're not polite about it."

"Why should I?"

Maura shrugged, the water bobbing against her chest, licking at the swell of her breasts. Jane's eyes briefly darted down, then came back up. Luckily, Maura was staring into the water, pondering Jane's question.

"I don't know. I guess we've been raised to avoid challenging men."

It was Jane's turn to shrug. "I see what you mean."

Maura suddenly smiled and reached for the soap dish.

"May I wash your back?"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When they got out of the bath, Jane couldn't help but peek at Maura's back as she was drying herself with a towel. She admired the soft curves and feminine form of Maura's body. It contrasted sharply with her own lean, muscular frame. She felt awkward, catching herself repeatedly staring at Maura, but also found it strangely enjoyable.

Maura slipped on her night gown, and reached under the left bed pillow to pull out Jane's.

"Here's yours from last night."

After putting it on, Jane stood in the middle of the room, knowing she had been given her own room, but waiting for Maura to bid her goodnight before leaving.

Oblivious, Maura was sitting at the commode, brushing her hair. After a few seconds, she looked up, wondering what Jane was doing.

"I can help you with yours next..."

"I... I was going to do it in my room."

"Oh." Maura couldn't hide her disappointment. Again, Jane marveled at how open Maura was about her emotions, like a little kid. She thought about Maura's earlier comment, and wondered how Maura was able to hide her smarts, yet be so obvious with her feelings.

"I don't mind staying. I didn't want to assume you'd want me to."

Maura's lips stretched in a wide smile, and she nodded. "Please." She got up and guided Jane to the chair. "Here, your turn..."

As they both laid in the dark, side by side, they laughed about Jane ripping her dress, Tommy's incorrigible ways, and Detective's Frost sensitive nature. At some point, Maura ended up with her head tucked onto Jane's shoulder with her arm wrapped around her. Jane didn't remember it happening. They realized how that single day felt like it had lasted a whole week. Suddenly, Maura bolted up and gasped.

"What is it?"

"I want to go on a picnic tomorrow!" With that, she settled back down on Jane's shoulder.

"Do you ever not get what you want?" Jane chuckled, her heart still pounding at Maura's outburst

She felt Maura shift to look up at her before speaking softly.

"I've never had a real friend like you..."

And even though Jane had had friends before, she knew what Maura meant. She turned her head and placed a kiss on Maura's forehead, thinking how great it would be to go on a picnic with Maura. Then she thought about Tommy and sighed.