AN: Thank you for all the follows, alerts, favorites, comments and criticisms. Specially to all the other fanfiction writers. All your time is much appreciated. I didn't know writing can be this exhilarating and mind boggling at the same time.


"Hey Clementine, I didn't know we're having a party tonight." The other Italian greeted.

Oh shit! Totally forgot about Anna. Jane looked at Maura alarmed and worried at the same time. "Maur, I'm sorry. I really forgot about her."

The ME although equally surprised, just gave her best friend a smile and squeezed her hand. "It's perfectly understandable, Jane. I can only imagine what it must be like inside your head right now."

"Trust me, you're not going to enjoy it." Jane joked as she seized her best friend's other hand. "Listen, I can ask her to come over another time. I already promised you dinner."

"Don't be rude. She's already here. I think it's best that I leave you both for now." Maura already motioned for a cab.

"But, Maur.." Jane was about to protest.

"Jane, don't worry, I'll just order in. I'm sure you both have a lot to talk about." The cab stopped just in time and the honey blonde got in. "Just call or message me when you get the chance."

The detective was left watching her best friend's taxi disappear from her sight. She had no choice but to climb up the stairs and face her other friend.

"What happened? Why did she leave? I can always share, you know." Anna gibed.

Jane ignored her comment. "Let's just come up, okay?"

MAURA'S POV

I went to Jane's apartment as soon as I can. She's not been answering my phone calls or messages. I know how it may have appeared to Jane when she saw James leaving my place. I wanted to explain to her what happened. I wanted her to know and understand that I'm done with all the distraction. That I'm willing to just spend all my time with her if she'll let me.

I saw her on her couch with an almost empty bottle of whiskey, her phone forgotten on the counter. She doesn't really get this drunk unless something's bothering her. Maybe that's the reason she wanted to talk to me. "Jane, honey. Please wake up. Your body will not thank you in the morning." I grabbed her arm and had her sit-up and eventually had to carry half her weight to her room. I took her clothes off and had to resist running my hands unnecessarily all over her taut abs and long legs. I had her wear her usual sleep attire and tucked her in. I was just getting ready to leave when she stirred a bit awake.

"Maur? What...you doing here?" Was her first question. "You're not real, right?"

She's obviously too drunk to tell I'm right there with her. She was struggling with words and I couldn't decipher what she's trying to say. I could not resist the pull when I saw her reach for me. l removed my shoes and got in the sheets with her and faced her. It's been months since I was this close to her. Something inside me settled at that moment that I decided that I'd give anything to be this close to her all the time. I was about to tell her to continue to sleep when I heard her slurring words again.

"You should be at your place...with...that guy..."

My heart clenched at her words. I knew she didn't like that I was spending all those times with all those guys. I just didn't know it was affecting her that much.

"Beautiful...planet...heart" Was what I kept on hearing as she touched my cheek. "My family...space for me..."

I'm not sure what she was trying to tell me at that point. All I saw was Jane, crying and trying her best to tell me whatever it is that's going on with her. I wanted to punish myself at that moment. Was I so engrossed in trying to distract myself from her, that I forgot that she still needed her best friend? Have I been that selfish all this time? I was abut to close the distance between us when I heard her speak again. It's still mumbled and she's still slurring but I heard what she's been trying to tell me that night.

"Anna...content with us...she made me feel...right?...Maur?...I'm in love..."

Tears instantly filled my eyes. I felt like someone just seized my heart and clutched it so hard I'm going to die. I really am too late. Jane just confirmed what I've been speculating all this time. She's in love with Anna and that's why she's been struggling lately. She's been trying to deal with it alone since I've been unavailable. The pain was unbearable. I've never known that pain before. I wanted to run away and grab hold of her all at the same time and never let go. I just discovered how truthful it is that a drunk mind speaks the sober heart.

Then I heard her say, "I miss you...Maur."

I also started tracing Jane's face then. I tucked a stray curl behind her ear and placed my right hand on her cheek and told her that I also miss her. More than she'll ever know.

I wanted to ask her a million things that night but I know it's futile to get a sensible answer from her. I also knew that even if that's the case, I won't be deterred with my earlier decision to ensure Jane knows I'll be there for her. I'll be there for her at whatever capacity she'll allow me to be.

I left when her breathing evened out and I'm all cried out. There'll be another time for us to talk. She may be in love with Anna but I'm still her best friend and she needs to know I'm in love with her too.

~0~0~0~0~0~

The women were already settled at Jane's living room. Not really talking but just waiting on who'll be the first to budge in their imposed silence.

"Fine. I'll start, okay?" Anna started. "I'm sorry. This is not supposed to happen this way. I was just planning on making Maura jealous."

Jane stared at her friend surprised.

"What? I'm your friend too, remember? I just couldn't stand to think you're hurting because she doesn't see this wonderful human who's willing to do anything for her." Anna answered as she started pouring wine on their glasses. "But somehow, I messed up."

Jane glanced at Anna with questioning eyes but still not speaking.

Anna took a sip and said, "Somehow, somewhere, between all of this, I started to feel something for you. Believe me when I say that didn't plan on any of this. When I left for New York, I missed you and your company. I thought I was just worried about you but no, It's beyond all that. Then I started thinking, the things you shared about you and Maura? I want that too,Jane. I want it with you."

Jane could not believe what she's hearing. She doesn't know what to say at that moment. She kept on thinking if somehow, this was her fault too.

"Stop. This is not your fault." She heard Anna say as she placed her hand on her left knee. "You did not lead me on or anything. And I guess that's why I fell for you, y'know. You've always been there for me even when I couldn't. You do all these things for your family and friends unselfishly . You look past their shortcomings and don't expect anything in return. I can only imgine what you'll be willing to take on for someone you love."

"I'm sorry too." Jane heard herself say. "I can't..."

"I know. I just thought you deserve to know." Anna then bumped her shoulders with Jane. "I didn't say all those things to get a program out of you. I'm just saying I'm here and I'll be willing to be a stand-in for Maura or whatever you need me to be."

Jane nodded. "Can you just be Anna Banana again?" She asked. She really needs a friend now.

"Sure. If that's what you want. I'm all ears, Clementine" Anna replied grinning at her friend.

"I'm not sure how to start. My head's still perplexed with all these." She motioned her hands between them.

"Hey. I'm Anna Banana right now. I'm still and will always be your friend. Start from the time I left." Anna reassured her.

Jane bowed her head and started rubbing the scars on her hands. "I was so sure that night. I was so sure and hopeful that I forgot there's two of us in the story. I got so consumed with what I was feeling that I failed to remember, she had to feel the same way too. It all just dawned on me when I came face to face with yet another guy in her life. That's not how I pictured the night would end."

Anna wanted to hug her and keep her from hurting but she knows how the Detective feels about any type of physical affection. She nodded to indicate that she's still listening.

"I got so drunk. It hurt so bad I had to feel numb. I kept on thinking, if I could just go through the night, I'd be able to face her in the morning. I didn't report for work the next day because I still couldn't face her and not feel like someone's squeezing my heart." Jane shared as she finished her glass of wine.

"What changed?" Anna had to know.

"Nothing. I just decided. I'm her best friend first and foremost and if that's all there is to it then I'm ok...No, I'll be ok with it eventually."

"Don't you think she deserves to know how you feel?"

"I know. I will tell her. I just need to prepare a bit more. First time I decided, I almost lost my liver. I'm better than that" Jane chuckled as she wiped her tears with her hand. "I'm sorry, I know these things are the last things you want to hear now."

"See? That's one of the reasons why people around you can't help but be endeared by you. You're hurting and you still think about how they feel too. It's okay to feel, Jane. It's normal to think about yourself too."

There was silence since Jane chose not to respond with the comment.

"She asked me to the BPD Ball." Jane eventually uttered.

"Holy shit! For real?"

"Yeah. It was the same day you sent those roses. Thanks but no thanks by the way. The guys had a blast at my expense again." Jane lighty punched Anna's shoulder.

"Ow! I'm surprised Maura puts up with you!"

"I don't..."

"I know. You won't even think of hurting her." Anna said rolling her eyes. "So, did you say yes? Does this mean I have to ask Frankie to take me to the ball instead?"

"I haven't given her an answer yet."

"What?! Are you out of your mind? Are you sure we're talking about Maura?"

Jane sighed and rubbed her face with her hands. "I don't know. It was just so sudden. It was just the other night that she was going out with what's his face and next thing I know she's asking me to the ball. I just feel like something's off."

"Will you stop being a detective for once?"

"I can't help it. We were supposed to talk tonight but you showed up!" Jane accused.

"You said we could talk!" Anna replied. "And whatever the reason may be, you'd be foolish to turn her down. But hey, if turning her down means you'll go out with me instead..."

"No. Not gonna happen." Jane said shaking her head while smiling.

"A girl can dream, Clementine." Anna said and stood up. "Oh well, too much heartache for me for a night. I better go before I get too drunk and jump on you."

"Are you sure you want to be arrested for assaulting an officer?" Jane joked as she also stood up to walk her friend to the door.

"Listen, I meant what I said okay? I'm just here, until you're ready or whatever."

"Thank you. I'm really sorry too. I think I've given her my heart long before all these things happen." Jane admitted sadly.

Anna already walked a couple of steps when she turned to face Jane again. "So this is what it feels like."

"What?"

"To be turned down by your best friend." She said with a sad smile and eyes brimming with tears. "I won't let that happen to you, don't worry."

Jane had to walk over to give her a hug. "Thank you again. Drive safely. Send me a message as soon you get home." She whispered to her.

Anna nodded and walked to the elevators. She will be making sure Jane won't have to go through any of it alone. Maybe it's time to talk to a certain Doctor.

Jane took a shower and got ready for bed when she saw something glimmer in the dark. The thing was on her bed, caught between the pillows and sheets. She approached the bed to inspect closely and to pick it up. She held it close to the lamp and immediately identified it as one of the charms from Maura's bracelet. She's positive as it's one of the set of charms she gave Maura just because. She just could not remember the last time her best friend was in her bedroom. She's not slept over for months. She's been too busy...Wait, Maura was in her room and on her bed with her. She didn't see a phantom. It was her best friend she was talking to that night. The night she cried her heart out.

Maura knows how I feel. She knows I'm in love with her and that's why she asked me to the BPD Ball. Maura must've felt sorry for me. She asked me out of pity...


AN: Again, thank you to this fandom. You've all been very supportive. Please continue sharing your thoughts :)