I've woken up laying or sitting next to Jane a few times now. Each time I wake I apologize and blush since I don't know how long I've been in that position for and she just smiles and shrugs it off, saying I looked peaceful or restful and she wasn't about to disturb that. It has felt amazing, having her so close and being able to wake up next to her; she makes me feel safe, like I'm home when I'm with her, exactly where I belong…

It's been a month, and I've still got a while before the cast comes off. As it turns out, the cast on my leg may actually be coming off before the one on my hand does. I like that I will finally be able to walk around properly, though I'm not looking forward to continue with a cast on my hand. I really want to get back to work. From what I hear, Pike has turned my department into a living nightmare. Once the leg cast comes off I'll be returning to work; I can sign off paperwork with my left hand for now…

Jane is still staying with me, saying that I'm still not well enough to be self-dependent, and who am I to argue with that logic? Truth is, I'd rather her stay here with me than have her go back home; I love having her here and she can stay as long as she'd like. She is much better and has returned to desk duty at work. Her ribs seem to have healed, but Cavanaugh doesn't want her to return to active duty just yet so she states she's bored out of her mind just looking over reports and doing paperwork. Hopefully she'll be able to get out again soon.

I've grown accustomed to having her with me constantly, and I have gotten to the point where I can control myself around her a lot better, even though she still makes my heart race with a simple smile. I've never had a best friend before… I've never had a girlfriend before... guess this is just going to have to work itself out somehow. Maybe I can gather up enough courage and do something about that soon…

Since Maura was no longer taking large doses of medication, her sleeping cycles had somewhat returned to normal. She was at the point where she now woke at her usual time, long before Jane, even if she couldn't do her usual morning routine quite yet. She'd thanked Angela profusely for providing breakfast for so long, but she said she was well and dexterous enough to be able to cook for Jane and herself. She'd invited the Rizzoli matriarch over a few times for breakfast already as an additional thank you.

Jane came for lunch every day, wanting to check up on Maura to make sure she was alright. Maura would always have lunch prepared for the two of them and a smile and hug to welcome the detective home with. To Jane, it felt like home; the prospect of going back to her own apartment became more depressing with each passing day. If she were to be truly honest with herself, she'd admit that she didn't want to leave Maura's. Once Maura was well though, there'd be nothing to keep her there. She knew and understood that perhaps Maura wanted her privacy and her own life back. It would certainly make sense if she did.

Jane got back to Maura's after a long day at work. The paperwork was sky high and she had made it a point to make some progress because the prospect of seeing the stack piling more and more on her desk everyday just depressed her even more. She entered the house, put up her gun and badge, and called out for Maura.

"Maur? Where are you?"

"I'm in the living room, Jane."

Jane made her way over to the living room. The place was immaculate; she couldn't possibly understand how Maura had the energy to pull that off. The place was always spotless anyway, but Jane was sure that it has been cleaned again, she could eat off the floor it was so clean.

"You cleaned again?" she said in greeting.

"What else am I supposed to do? I get tired of just sitting and reading. I want to have some kind of activity back. It wasn't much anyway. How was your day?"

"Boring. I swear, Cavanaugh better clear me to go back on normal duty again soon or I'm going to die of boredom."

"Jane, it is impossible to die of boredom."

"Yeah, yeah… what's for dinner? It smells amazing!"

"I made some chicken alfredo; I know how you like it so."

"I love it! One of the simplest Italian dishes yet is SO GOOD!"

"It's ready; I just kept it in the oven to keep it warm. Shall we eat?"

"Let's!"

They talked about work, the open cases which Jane could only give her two cents in and bounce ideas off Korsak and Frost. She shared what they had because Maura usually proved to be quite helpful herself. After getting some ideas, and finishing dinner, they both grabbed their glasses and went into the living room.

"You're tired, aren't you? I can see it in your face." Jane stated.

"I am. Though I didn't do much, it seemed like a long day. I am definitely ready for some rest."

"Do you want to stay here for a while or do you want to go to bed already?"

"And fall asleep on you again?" Maura smiled. "No, I think I should head to bed."

"You know I don't mind that Maura. You seem to rest quite peacefully when you do."

"I do, actually. I rest quite well when I sleep next to you, even in a sitting position. You make me feel safe, Jane."

"I do?"

"You do. I've been meaning to ask you this, but I've been so embarrassed to do so…" Maura stated looking away.

"Hey," Jane said, turning Maura's face back around. "You can tell me anything, alright?" Sincerity laced her voice.

"It's just that, well, I do feel rested and comfortable when I wake up next to you. And I've been wondering if perhaps… do you think you could sleep with me in my bed tonight?"

Jane's heart raced. Had Maura really just asked that?

"Are you sure Maur? I don't mind the guest bed…"

"No, it's a silly idea, don't worry about it."

"No Maur, no. I like the idea, really. I just wanted you to be sure about it. I kick a lot in my sleep," Jane said as a chuckle escaped her lips.

"Like I said Jane, you make me feel safe."

"Ok then, it's settled. Let's go to bed, you look exhausted."

Maura went about her nightly routine while Jane went into the guest bedroom to change. Both met again in Maura's room, just as Maura was removing some pillow off the bed.

"Here, let me help you. It still amazes me how easily you can move around with that cast."

"It's just a matter of practice… and it's habit now."

"Which side do you sleep on?" Jane asked.

"The right."

"Good, I sleep on the left."

Both women climbed into bed, making sure to have a safe distance between the two.

"This ok, Maur?"

"It's great."

Maura fell asleep minutes after. Jane followed a while later with a smile on her lips. Maura, in her sleep, had managed to close the gap and wrap her arm around Jane's middle. Jane reciprocated, closed her eyes, and welcomed sleep.

What do you guys think?