With thoughts running miles per hour, and her body trembling from excitement and determination, Maura stood in front of her friend's apartment door. She gave it three firm, yet cautiously, knocks hoping not to sound too hostile. Rushing Jane would only make her nervous and defensive, which wouldn't do good for either. Also, the reason why the doctor didn't want to use the spare key.

For the last two hours, she moved frenetically in her office, trying to think of the best way to approach her but realized there wasn't one. The only thing she knew is that she had to be fast and bold. If she waited too long, Jane might take it as her being unsure about her. Plus, if she didn't do anything tonight, she wouldn't be able to sleep nor focus on the case they were working on. So, the fastest, the better. Maura heard steps approaching from the other side. She took a deep breath and shut her eyes for a few seconds. It was now or never.

C: "Maura."

The doctor, disappointed, stared at Casey, feeling as if someone had punched her. Of course, he was there. He lived there. What the hell was she thinking? She was so fixated on Jane that it didn't even cross her mind that he was still in the picture.

M: "I need to speak to Jane."

C: "She's taking a shower."

M: "I can wait."

C: "Is this about work?"

M: "No."

C: "What is it, then?"

M: "It's private."

C: "Look, Jane is exhausted. She needs to rest, and I'm guessing, so do you. Go home."

M: "I need to talk to her now."

C: "It's late. You shouldn't be here."

M: "Yes, I should. I need to talk to her privately. It's important."

C: "I'll tell her you passed by. Goodnight."

When the door got shut in her face, the doctor took all of her strength not to cause a scene.

Maura woke up enraged and more determined than ever. No more cries. Nothing. She knew what she had to do, and she was going to do it. With coffee and breakfast for Jane plus her favourite tight skirt, she quickly made her way at work. As usual, she laid the offerings on her friend's desk and sat on it, crossing her legs in front of her, barely touching her arms. The detective ignored her.

Maura studied her face waiting for a reaction, but when she got none, she knew she had to start.

M: "We need to talk...Do you want to go somewhere quieter?... Can you please, answer?... Jane, I'm trying to make things right, please look at me...Ok, I'll talk firs-"

J: "I want nothing from you. Leave."

Her friend didn't even bother looking at her. Suddenly, quivering and fearful, Maura stared at her hands and played with her watch. A poor attempt to calm herself down and gain the courage to continue. If everything was already lost, she had nothing else to lose.

F: "Jane! Hear her out."

Frankie gave an assuring glance from his desk, making her feel safer. However, she jumped from her place when she heard Jane shouting.

J: "You told my brother?!"

F: "Told what?"

J: "Shut up!"

M: "He doesn't know. Please, talk to me. You can't simply ignore m-"

J: "Watch me."

Not able to hold it any longer, the doctor started crying.

M: "Fine, don't talk to me, but...I went after you. I went after you, and you disregarded me. I wanted to talk...really talk but you didn't even call back."

J: "What the hell are you talking about?"

M: "Last night. I-I thought...I assumed wrong. I thought we could work us out, but you're not interested. I'm a fucking idiot. You're getting married! And I went after you, and that damn blockhead sent me home. I...y-you're getting married."

Sobbing and unable to stop hyperventilating, the doctor left fast-paced. Impulsively deciding to go home.

It was dark outside.

It was equally dark inside, apart from the television and the small lamps shade by the couch. Maura laid there, in her nightwear, underneath a cosy blanket with a pack of tissues by her side. She took a bath when she got home, drank valerian and chamomile tea to relieve some stress but barely ate anything the whole day. She still wasn't hungry... just a little. Considering what had happened in the morning, she was surprisingly calm, but maybe it was just exhaustion.

The bell rang a couple of times, but the doctor couldn't be bothered. Whoever it was would have to wait. She took today, and the next day off, so, she was a free woman with no obligations at the moment. If it was work, she couldn't care less. When the door opened, she turned her head to see who it was, Jane. Maura, quickly, returned her focus to the television, trying hard to stay calm. Her heart started to beat faster. She didn't want her there; she wanted to be alone in silence. The detective sat on the couch by her feet, taking a few seconds before starting.

J: "I spoke to Frankie..."

M: "Do you know which one of your favourite sauces used to be administered as a medicine for indigestion during the 1830's?"

J: "No."

M: "Ketchup."

J: "I had a long conversation with him."

M: "How's the case going?"

J: "Screw the case. I don't care."

M: "But you should. You're a great detective."

J: "Maura...If I had known I would've nev-"

M: "You couldn't have known."

J: "Y-yes. Yes, I could. I should have realized it. I-I was so terrified of what I was feeling, and thinking I could lose you that I actually lost you, because I was more worried about you finding out what I was hiding than making sure you were happy. It was so obvious! If I had allowed myself to be, in some moments we shared, instead of getting away from them because I was too afraid..."

For the first time, the doctor stared at her friend. Jane was looking at the floor, quietly sobbing.

M: "You didn't lose me."

J: "But I should because I've been treating you awfully."

M: "My actions weren't the greatest either."

Maura placed the blanket away and sat near the detective. One hand on her shoulder and the other rubbing her forearm. Jane stared at her and placed a hand on her leg.

M: "I'm gonna make us some tea."