I don't own these characters. TNT does, probably anyway. I do own Ariela and Alistair, though.

9: SWAK

Jane was curled up on the couch with Ariela. The guys had left the movie marathon less than a half-hour ago with various reasons muttered as they exited. The ladies pressed on at Ariela's request. Ariela did not want to go home because there was nothing at home. Jane did not mind her company and she did not want to be alone either, so it worked out. Jane moved the snacks closer and got a blanket for them. They were close enough to touch, but they were leaning in opposite directions. The detective tucked a throw pillow underneath her arm as she leaned.

"We've got to get you some new friends or a girlfriend," Jane commented with a teasing smile while starting a new movie.

"But, we're having so much fun together!" Ariela cooed and she blew kisses at the detective.

Jane could not help laughing and rolled her eyes. "The hell we are. I don't need another younger sibling."

"I have moved up in ranks! Younger sibling," the lawyer hooted. "Wait till I tell Frankie!"

"And this is why you need new friends or a girlfriend. I definitely don't need you hanging around and getting all buddy-buddy with Frankie." Despite her best efforts, Ariela and Frankie had a few moments during the night. Thankfully, the moments were not at her expense, but she knew it was coming eventually. "Now, shut up and let's watch this movie."

Ariela was about to say something, but thankfully a knock at the door made her close her big mouth. Jane hopped up, not really caring who was there since the person just saved her from hearing more crap from Ariela. Looking through the peephole, Jane fumbled to open the door in a hurry. Maura stood before her with a small, almost shy smile on her face.

"Hey, Maura," Jane stuttered, not to sure what to say beyond that. Not too long ago, she would not even have to think about it what to do with her best friend standing before her. She would have just let Maura in and move on with her life.

"May I come in?" Maura entreated. Not too long ago, she would never have asked that. It would have been a given.

"Of course." Jane stepped aside to allow the doctor in.

Maura entered the apartment, but halted one step in. Her eyes focused on Ariela, who was quite cozy under the blanket on the sofa. Maura gulped and felt her heart pounding in her chest as anxiety clawed at her stomach. She looked like she was about to flee the scene. She went as far as turning around, but Jane put an arm around her before she could do anything else. She actually looked at the gangly limb on her shoulder and realized how much she missed such simple contact. She almost burst into tears from that alone.

"Come sit down. The movie just started. I got a pizza with mushrooms on it. It's cold now, but you can heat it up," Jane informed the smaller woman. She gently guided Maura to the opposite end of the sofa.

Maura did not say anything as Jane pushed her down. Jane flung the blanket out of Maura's way, giving the cover to Ariela. The lawyer did not even glance at her and Jane acted like Ariela was not even there. She focused on Maura and nothing more.

"Do you need anything?" Jane asked her best friend. Her hands were sweating and her stomach was twisting, but she did her best to act natural. She did not want to give Ariela ammo against her or freak Maura out.

The doctor did not verbally respond. She held out her hand, which Jane took. Maura gently pulled Jane down to the couch next to her. Maura cuddled into Jane as she used to do, as if no time had passed since the last time they had done that. They were silent for a few minutes and the air felt heavy between them. Ariela stepped in, wanting to ease the tension in the room and hopefully spark something between the two friends.

"Explain this to me, why the fuck do they always inspect the strange noises? I have never in my life walked toward a weird noise, especially after a bunch of people I know have been killed," Ariela declared, earning strange looks from the pair. She nudged Jane with her foot. "You always investigate noises, don't you?"

"Yeah, but I have a gun," Jane remarked with a chuckle.

"Yeah, but you probably did it before the gun," Ariela said.

"Yeah, but I always did it with my bat nearby."

The ADA snickered. "Figures."

"Um … you do realize you said you never in your life walked toward a weird noise, especially after people you know have been killed. Have you ever experienced such a thing?" Maura had to ask because nothing in her nature could let pass.

"Happens every Thursday," Ariela joked. "I might be a killer."

"Or you might be annoying. Personally, I'd rather deal with a killer than you most of the time," Jane commented.

Ariela made a noise and looked quite offended. "You're so mean! That's why you'd die in the horror movie."

Jane scoffed. "So would you. After all, you're Mexican."

The lawyer burst out laughing. Maura shifted a bit, starting to feel uncomfortable because of the bond that Jane and Ariela clearly shared. But, then Jane put her arm around Maura again and everything seemed perfect.

From then on, they watched the movie in the same manner that they had watched the others – talking through it. Ariela looked surprised when Maura joined right in, which Jane thought was funny. She forgot that Ariela did not hang out with the doctor enough to know her quirks.

"Maura loves pointing out medical and scientific mistakes in these things. If you really want to see her go you need to watch a zombie movie with her," Jane said with a proud smile as she pulled the medical examiner even closer. Maura only smiled, enjoying the warmth radiating from her best friend, constantly reminding her of how close they were.

"Zombie movie marathon next week!" Ariela declared with a grin, throwing her hands up in the air.

Jane balked. "What? No."

"Too late! I called it!" Ariela grinned even wider. "It's like shotgun for a car. Once I say it, it's done."

Jane groaned and leaned down, hiding in Maura's hair. "Do you see what I have to put up with without you?"

"A zombie movie marathon sounds enjoyable," Maura chimed in, smiling slightly.

"Oh, Maura said it so now you have to do it! Those are the rules. Totally the rules," chortled Ariela.

Jane's brow furrowed and she knew that she would regret asking, but she had to. "What rule?"

The ADA snorted. "The pussy whipped rules, duh!"

Maura gasped. "Language," she actually scolded Ariela, who straightened up immediately. Jane's mouth practically hit the floor.

"What the hell? Maura, how did you do that? I've been trying to have that effect on her for months!" Jane proclaimed, pointing at the reprimanded Ariela.

Maura looked bemused, but she relaxed more. Something in Ariela's reaction to her reproach and seeming to include her in the movie marathon made her understand that Ariela was not a threat to her. In fact, it would seem that Ariela was trying to be her friend and she was not opposed to that idea, especially since Jane already spent so much time with the attorney and Maura wanted to spend more time with Jane.

Their attention went back to the movie. By the end of the movie, things were quiet. Ariela appeared half-asleep and Maura was dead to the world, resting fully against Jane. The lawyer yawned and stumbled as she climbed to her feet.

"You can sleep on the couch," Jane offered.

Ariela shook her head. "I'm fine. I'll make it home."

"At least take my car and just bring it back in the morning," the detective insisted, nodding toward her car keys. She would feel much better knowing her friend was not on public transportation while asleep on her feet.

"All right, thanks. Now, you do me a favor and talk to her." Ariela nodded toward the dozing doctor. "There's a reason she came here, Jane. And, there's a reason she's cuddled against you and not Alistair."

Ariela did not stick around for Jane's response, not that she had a proper one anyway. Jane had plenty of excuses to maintain the status quo. But, she was also scared to do that because it meant losing Maura to Alistair. Dammit, when the hell did life get this hard? Not having an answer to that, Jane eased Maura down onto the sofa and covered her with the blanket Ariela had used. She went to work cleaning up.

Once the apartment was decent, Jane returned to Maura. She considered carrying the doctor to bed, but she knew Maura would want to do her nightly rituals before going to sleep for the night. So, she gently shook Maura awake.

"Hey, Maura, sweetie," Jane whispered in her ear.

Maura groaned as her eyes flickered open and she smiled. "Jane …" she said the name in a dreamy haze that made the detective shudder.

"Come on, bedtime." Jane could only wonder how annoying Ariela would be if she knew Jane and Maura often shared a bed when they hung out at the apartment.

"Already?" Maura yawned, scratching her head. She sounded a little out of it, but she sat up. "I need to take a shower, wash my face, and brush my teeth."

Jane nodded and helped her up. Maura staggered to the bathroom with Jane by her side to keep her upright. Jane went through her nightly rituals while Maura showered.

Jane was in bed by the time Maura was done with everything. The doctor had her pajamas on; one of several sets that she kept at Jane's place. They settled into bed silently and fell asleep as if things were the way they always were.

-8-8-8-8-

Maura woke up and felt secure in ways she could barely fathom. It took a moment for her to realize that she was playing "little spoon" to Jane's "big spoon." A smile spread on her face. It was not the first tine that they had ended up spooning, but it was the first time that she did not try to rationalize or explain away how it made her feel. She just accepted the wonderful, light feeling that fluttered through her. She felt safe from any danger on Earth and as if everything would always be all right, just because Jane was holding her.

Alistair was right, I suppose. I've never felt this way in the arms of anyone. Not Garret, not Ian, only Jane. It's always been Jane. Emotionally, she's always been it and that's why since meeting her I've only needed men for sex. My relationship with her filled everything else. Amazing.

Maura reached down to toy with the long, slender fingers softly pressed against her abdomen. Jane quietly groaned and Maura sighed, resting her hands on top of Jane's. The detective pulled her closer in her sleep, making a happy groaning noise.

Maybe Jane is trying to tell me something subconsciously, has been trying to tell me something for a long time. I hope there's more here. Now that Alistair has opened my eyes, I want there to be so much more to us. But, could that ruin us?

The question played in Maura's head only briefly. She doubted that acknowledging the truth could destroy what they had. They would continue to do what they did, but without lying to themselves or omitting truths from each other. That had to be healthier than pretending to be something that they were not. She could have spent the whole day listing the pros and cons of realizing her feelings and hoping Jane was the same, but the aforementioned detective began making small noises, a sure sign that she was waking up.

Jane's arms tightened around her again and the brunette nuzzled her. Even that action was not completely foreign between them. They generally just laughed it off, pretending it was normal between friends, like it was normal for friends to share a bed. She dismissed the thought as she felt Jane sit up some, so she turned around to face the detective.

"Morning," Jane's voice was rougher than usual.

"Good morning to you, too," Maura replied, staring into partially opened chocolate eyes. Jane smiled and, not for the first time, Maura had to resist the urge to kiss her.

"I'm glad I've got the day off," the detective mumbled and she snuggled closer as if she was about to go back to sleep.

"I also have the day off. I was hoping we could talk. That was actually my intent last night, before we got wrapped up in the movies."

Jane eyes opened wide. "Is it something bad? Rarely, if ever, is that phrase a good thing."

Maura smiled and gently caressed Jane's arms to help keep her calm. "I hope this isn't something bad. I wish to talk about us and our relationship."

Jane's brow furrowed. "Okay …" she consented hesitantly. "Should I eat something before we continue this?" she asked in a worried tone. There was nothing worse than getting bad news on an empty stomach.

"No, please, don't move. Staying like this will push me to say what I have to say and act as a reminder of why it needs to be said," Maura informed her and Jane nodded. The doctor took a deep breath to steel herself and she clutched Jane's hands a little tighter. "As you know I was out with Alistair last night –"

Jane groaned. "Come on, Maura! I don't wanna talk about what you two did without breakfast!"

The doctor gave Jane a reproaching look. "Jane, you don't even know what I'm going to say. Please, be patient."

The detective let out a dramatic sigh. "All right, fine, but if this story ends with him being bad in bed and that's why you came over last night, I'm not gonna be happy."

Maura's brow furrowed cutely. "I have no idea how Alistair is in bed. I've never slept with him."

Jane's mouth dropped open. "You never slept with him? Not even for all of the health benefits?"

Maura had to laugh. "No, I never slept with him, not even for the health benefits. I never had the urge, which should've been a huge red flag that I shouldn't be dating him. Last night, he had his fill and was tired of waiting, I suppose, and broke up with me."

Jane's eyes went wide and her jaw tensed. "What! That bastard doesn't know what a gem he's thrown away!"

"Jane, calm down. You don't need to be upset over this. He broke up with me for my benefit and we've decided to stay friends, which is really all we were in the first place. Lately, I hadn't even kissed him beyond a friendly peck. It's a wonder he stayed with me for so long."

"I'll weep tears of blood into my pillow later for the guy and make a huge animal sacrifice in his honor," Jane remarked in a deadpan tone.

The doctor could not help smiling. "Do you want to know why he broke up with me?"

"Because he's an idiot."

"Your outrage on my behalf is sweet, but no. He broke up with me because he figured out something I'd been hiding from myself, practically lying to myself about. I'm already in a relationship with someone. Someone who gives me something no man has ever given me, someone I love so dearly and desperately that just thought of losing her scares me more than anything in the world, including Hoyt and Dennis." Maura was surprised that she looked Jane in the eye the whole time.

Jane did not say anything for a very long five seconds. Maura could not help wondering if she was wrong to put everything out there like that. It was entirely possible that Jane perceived their relationship in a completely different light.

"Maura," Jane's voice shook.

"You don't have to respond, Jane. I needed to tell you while I had the courage. I hope it doesn't change us."

"No, Maura, I do hope it changes us. Because … well, because I feel the same way. Ariela has been bugging the crap out of me over it. She wanted me to tell you, but I was scared that it'd drive you away faster. I was already losing you to Alistair. I didn't want to lose you any faster," Jane explained with quiet desperation in her voice.

Maura shook her head and reached up to caress Jane's cheek. "You'd never lose me, Jane. You'd been making it your business to take care of me after what happened with Dennis and I felt like I was being a burden to you, which is why I began dating Alistair. I wanted you to see that I was back to normal and you didn't have to worry about me anymore. But, I'm not back to normal. I am forever changed because Alistair has opened my eyes to my affections for you."

"Then we're both changed. I didn't like you dating Alistair, but you seemed happy, so I tried to tolerate it, but I didn't like it. I didn't like it." Jane was not sure why she repeated herself, but she felt like it was necessary, as if she was purging herself of something foul.

"All I did on dates was talk about you. Jane, you give me everything I need, want, and more. You always have, which is why I don't date anymore. My relationship with you has everything a healthy relationship, except a sexual component."

Jane visibly gulped. "You want us to have sex?"

"Well, if you're ever comfortable with the idea." The medical examiner was sure Jane would have many issues to work out before they could proceed, but things were going better than she hoped.

Jane chuckled. "I am comfortable with the idea, very comfortable. I just want to be sure how you feel and you actually surprised me there. This was something that only existed in my head until a couple of minutes ago. Maura, I've known for a long time that you were it for me. The very rare times I date, and you know how rare that is, I'm just reminded that you're the one I want. No man has ever made me feel the way you do. No one has ever let me feel so comfortable being me while also trying to make me better. You're special, Doctor Maura Isles."

A hot blush invaded Maura's creamy cheeks, which actually made the detective feel really good about herself. She doubted that any date that Maura had made her blush. Jane smiled and pulled Maura closer, inhaling sharply, contently. Maura cuddled closer, burying her head in Jane's neck. This felt right, as it always had, just wanting for them to acknowledge it.

"Jane, shall we …" Maura was not sure how to formally request what she wanted, what they wanted.

"Why, Maura Isles, are you trying to ask me out on a date?" the detective teased, grinning as she spoke.

The blush burned brighter. "I was."

"Well, stop. We long ago established I would be the guy, so it's up to me to ask you out. So, Doctor Isles, get dressed. I'm taking you out to breakfast," Jane proclaimed.

"That's not asking."

Jane laughed and shrugged. "I guess you don't want breakfast then."

"Jane."

"I'm gonna go have some Lucky Charms," the brunette said, sitting up, taking Maura with her.

The blond clutched Jane tightly. "Don't you dare. You are taking me out to breakfast."

"So bossy." Jane pretended to sigh as if she was exhausted. "Fine, I'll take you to breakfast."

Maura grinned. "Our first official date."

"Official?" Jane echoed. "I guess everything before now was like dating, but we were friends." she nodded, as if she just needed to make sense of it herself.

"But, we are official now, yes?"

Jane grinned and there was a devilish sparkle in her eyes. "Can we seal it with a kiss?"

Maura smiled and leaned up just enough to kiss Jane's cheek. "You'll get a proper one at the end of the date, provided you're on your best behavior. Now, let's go."

Jane laughed again. "You are so bossy. Don't think you can boss me around because you're my girlfriend now." He heart thumped as she realized that Maura Isles was actually her girlfriend. How freaking sweet is that?!

Maura smiled impishly. "Of course not. I've always bossed you around. Now, come on." She patted Jane on the thigh and rose from bed. She loathed leaving Jane's warm, strong embrace, but it was a necessary evil. They had to eat, after all. It just gave her something to look forward to at the end of the day.

Jane actually whined as Maura pulled away, pouting like a petulant child. Maura resisted the urge to kiss the expression away. She went to get ready as best she could in Jane's apartment and hoped that Jane took the idea of breakfast being a date seriously.

-8-8-8-8-

Maura was surprised by some of the clothing and shoes that she had left at the detective's apartment. She was able to look her absolute best for what she felt like was the most important date of her life. She thought it somewhat strange that she was not nervous, but she was very eager. I want Jane. And now I have her. I want to show her how wonderful we can be together.

Once Maura was certain that she looked fabulous, she went into the living room to see how Jane was doing. The lanky brunette had her back to Maura, pacing in the living room. Jane was wearing a pants suit, but Maura recognized it as one of her best ones. Jane was obviously trying, especially since she had put on shoes instead of her usual boots.

"Jane."

The taller woman turned around at the sound of her name. Brown eyes went wide and Jane gasped. "Maura … you look … beautiful. I mean, you always look beautiful, but now you look this way for me." She could not believe how nervous she felt, like a kid before the prom. She took a deep breath to help settle herself down, but it barely did anything.

Maura smiled. "Speak for yourself. You actually ironed your shirt for me."

Jane shrugged, chuckling slightly. "I had to pass the time somehow. But, the wait was worth it." She stepped closer to Maura, who put out her hand. Jane wiped her palms on her pants legs. "Sorry, I'm nervous."

"Don't be. We've done this at least a hundred times before. You have nothing to prove to me, Jane. I know you already and you know me. We're just going to breakfast."

"On an official date that I don't want to screw up," Jane pointed out.

"Well, just think of all of the extremely successful unofficial dates we've had. This is just another one of those."

Jane nodded, but she seemed to be in a daze. Maura took her by the hand pulled her away. Jane woke up from her stupor in time to declare that she was driving. The snap to normal brought a smile to Maura's face.

Breakfast itself was a normal affair, except when Jane showed a romantic side. The detective had spotted a flower shop across the street and excused herself after they ordered, claiming that she needed to go to the bathroom. Instead, she returned with a small bouquet of red, yellow, and white roses. Maura almost cried when Jane presented them to her.

"They're so beautiful. You didn't have to."

"I know I didn't, but a beautiful woman deserves beautiful flowers, especially on her first date," Jane explained with a small smile.

Maura blushed again and Jane knew that she had just gained quite a few points, not that she was keeping score or anything. "I think I'll have to get used to you having a romantic side," the doctor smiled and her eyes sparkled.

Jane chuckled. "That makes two of us. Dating guys doesn't usually let me show this side of myself and, while I've been attracted to women before, I've never dated one to find out that I could be romantic. So, forgive me if I mess up a few times."

"It's oddly flattering to be your first woman. And, Jane, I think our history has proven, I always forgive you." Jane only nodded.

-8-8-8-8-

The day ended as many of them often did – at Maura's house. Jane stepped inside, but did not proceed any farther than the door. Maura stepped out of her shoes and began moving about the place like normal, incorrectly assuming that Jane was going to sofa.

"Do you want a beer or something?" Maura asked.

"No, I think I'm going to head home. My feet are killing me," Jane replied with a light laugh. She was honest about her feet, which was one of the reasons she rarely wore her shoes. Besides, she wanted to do things right with Maura.

The distance of Jane's voice made Maura turn around. She saw Jane was still by the door and understood that Jane was trying to bring a proper end to their date, which had lasted well past breakfast and even dinner. She could not help but pout as she walked over to Jane.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay? You don't have to wear the heels in the house," Maura pointed out.

"I know, but it's our first official date. It's gotta end sometime. Besides, I do believe somebody here owes somebody else a kiss," Jane remarked with one of her smug smirks.

"Oh?" An amused smile played on Maura's lips.

"Plus, we're not official until the kiss."

"Well, I do want us to finally end the ambiguity between us and make things official."

"Then what are you waiting for, woman?" Jane demanded with a laugh.

Maura decided to stop teasing Jane because she wanted to kiss Jane as badly as Jane wanted to be kissed. She stood before Jane and it was as if the world fell away. They leaned in and their lips touched, shyly at first.

It was as if their lips floated across each other, gently, reassuringly caressing each other. The soft feel sent waves of pleasure through Maura, along with oddly tender emotions that Maura could not begin to identify. Her stomach fluttered and she felt like she was slowly melting. Her knees trembled and she had to grab onto Jane to stay on her feet.

Jane wrapped her arms around Maura, clinging to the doctor. She truly felt like Maura was anchoring her to the world. She could not believe a simple kiss made her feel like she was going to float away and she would not care as long as Maura kept kissing her. Her head buzzed and she was starting to think that she was crazy for not staying.

Maura was about to deepen the kiss, but Jane pulled back. A disappointed mew echoed off of the walls, but neither was sure who it escaped. Jane was practically panting and she had to shake her head slightly to clear her thoughts, remind herself that she was trying to do things the right way.

"Jane," Maura whimpered.

"Wow," Jane breathed. "It was … I dunno. Amazing doesn't do it justice. Incredible doesn't either. I've never had a kiss like that."

"That makes two of us. Why did you pull back?"

"Because if we kept going, I won't be able to leave and this might end up going too fast. I like slow, Maura, and I want to make sure we do this perfectly because I don't want anything to mess this up. You mean the world to me and I want you to know that in everything I do."

The doctor nodded and smiled. "I understand, Jane. You mean the world to me, too. I want to be comfortable and I want everything to go smoothly. We'll go as slowly as you need."

Jane smiled and they exchanged one more kiss before Jane staggered out of the house. Maura watched Jane go to her car, walking on cloud nine. Maura could relate. She felt like she had just gotten the best news of her life. They were official.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: the end.