Thanks for the continued support peeps! Mexico was awesome, but now I'm ready to continue writing! Here's another chapter=)

Jane walked into BPD with a slower step than usual one Monday morning. The past week had been grueling for the homicide trio; a serial killer was on the loose and they still had no concrete leads. They had barely managed to get any sleep, and the only thing on her mind at the moment was a strong cup of coffee to get her more alert in order to start her day.

"Hey ma," she said as she walked into the café and greeted Angela.

"Jane, you looked so tired. Did you not get any sleep again last night?" Angela asked, worried.

"I got some, but it didn't feel like enough. I'm just worried that we have no leads yet; it'd be great to be able to have something, you know? Can I get my usual please? Throw in a shot of espresso in there too."

"Sure sweetheart."

She left the café and made her way over to homicide shortly after. She walked over towards her desk and stopped a few steps short. A long, thin box lay across her desk. She looked around, trying to see if there was any indication as to what it was or who had left it. She lifted it only to find it was incredibly light. Her sense of smell was overtaken with the scent of roses as she opened the lid. She smiled immediately when she saw a single red rose carefully encased within. As she went to pick it up, she noticed the note with Maura's perfect penmanship below it.

I know you've had an incredibly rough few days. I can think of something that will get your mind away from work for an evening… I believe it's my turn to pick. Tutto il mio amore.

Jane's smile grew impossibly wider. She quickly went about getting some water to put the flower in before sitting at her desk and pulling out her phone.

Good morning beautiful. Thank you for my rose; it's gorgeous.

I'm glad you liked it. I saw it and instantly thought of you. You think you can get away one of these evenings?

I'm sure I can work something out. What did you have in mind?

Leave that to me. Just make sure to dress warmly.

Ok, I'll talk to Frost and see… how about Wednesday?

Wednesday sounds great. I'll plan for it then. Lunch as usual today?

I'll head down at my usual time.

See you then – xo

-xo

Wednesday evening came quickly for the homicide unit. They were now taking shifts working practically round the clock and had their hands full with the serial killer that had yet to be caught. Jane had spoken to Frost that Monday and had worked out their schedules so that she would get Wednesday night off and he would get the next day so it worked out well.

"I don't know Maur, as excited as I am doing something with you tonight, I still feel like I should be at the station… we still don't have any leads." Jane said as Maura drove them to their destination.

"I understand what you're saying Jane, but be reasonable. Frost and Korsak are working right now; you all need to take some time to relax and rest. If you keep going at the pace you are it could not only be more danger to your health, but also to the case since you won't be as alert. I hope that tonight will at least get your mind off the case for a while. We'll call it an early night so you can definitely get your rest as well."

"Thanks Maur, I appreciate that. Now can you please tell me where it is we're going?"

"You'll find out soon enough," came Maura's reply.

A few minutes later, they'd arrived at Boston Common. They got off the car and Maura directed them towards Frog Pond.

"That's why you told me to dress warmly…" Jane said.

"Yes, precisely. We're going to skate tonight," Maura said with a smile.

"That's great! I haven't skated in a long time! But Maura, I didn't bring any skates. We can just rent some I suppose."

"Don't worry about that Jane, I have us covered." Maura went over to the trunk of her car and produced two pairs of skates.

"Why am I not surprised?" Jane stated with a smirk.

"We'll just have to break them in," Maura replied.

The two quickly walked over to the benches and changed. Once they were ready, they made their way onto the ice.

"Man, I missed this… I miss my hockey league days," Jane stated with a hint of melancholy.

"It's a true shame you just don't have the time for that anymore… but you can always skate Jane. I know how liberating and relaxing this must be for you; I'm sure the indoor rinks can be used too."

"I'm going to have to make time for that because I truly do miss it," Jane replied.

The two skated hand in hand, making laps around the pond with ease. All of a sudden, Maura let go. Jane turned around and looked at her, puzzled.

"Go," Maura said. "Let it all out."

Jane smiled at her and took off full speed. She felt the stress of the last days melt away as the cold air hit her face and she breathed it all in. She skated past people left and right, careful not to run into anyone. She could see Maura off to the side of the rink, standing with a smile on her face and watching her skate. As Jane passed her, Maura blew her a kiss and she continued on. About fifteen minutes later she decided to call it a night and went over to where Maura stood.

"That was amazing! Thank you Maur, this was a great idea! I feel great!" she said as she pulled Maura to her and brought her in for a kiss.

"Come on," Maura stated once the kiss had ended. "Some hot chocolate with our name on it is back in the car."

After changing back into their shoes and getting the chocolate, they went to sit on a park bench to enjoy the ambiance and their drink.

"I've had a great time tonight Maur. I wish the rink was available year round so we could do this more often," Jane said.

"Well this one isn't, but I'm sure we can work something out," Maura replied.

"It's getting cold out," Jane observed.

"Finish your chocolate love, I'll keep you warm," Maura replied, as she kissed Jane and wrapped her arm around Jane's body. The two held one another as they sipped the hot beverage and watched the skaters on the rink for another while before heading home.

should be able to post at least another chapter today=)

Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you for those who have or are currently serving in our military. Though it isn't said enough, your dedication is greatly appreciated and makes a difference for our country.