Disclaimer: I own nothing, but like to borrow for the fun of it

Take a Hike Day

Jane woke with a start and held very still.

Where am I? Who am I with?

Things slowly came back into her memory.

Maura's heavenly soft bed. Falling asleep to a massage.

I'm SPOONING Maura! Should I really be doing this with my best friend? Her left arm is around Maura's waist and Maura's arm is holding it there.

Jane gently lifts her head to glance at the clock. 4:00 AM. Jane's brain translated that as too early o'clock in the morning!

Should I try to roll away? Her body tenses to pull her arm out, but Maura made a sighing sound and hugged her arm tighter.

Okaaaay. I'm warm, comfortable, tired and stuck. Oh, wtf! Jane put her head back on the pillow and drifted back to sleep.

Maura smiles. She woke up when she felt Jane wake up. She kept her breathing even to see what Jane would do. She was VERY pleased that Jane didn't try all that hard to move away. With the smile still on her lips, Maura went back to sleep also.

The next time Jane woke, she was alone in the bed, but could smell breakfast cooking. She grabs a sweatshirt and stumbles to the kitchen.

"Good morning Jane. How are you feeling this morning?" Maura slides a cup of coffee in front of Jane.

Jane takes a slow sip of coffee and experimentally rolls her shoulders.

"Wow, I actually feel not bad. Thanks Maur, you really know your stuff."

Maura smirks. "I have many skills, Jane."

Jane blinks.

Maura turns back to the stove to finish the omelets she has made for breakfast. She puts them in plates and brings them to the kitchen island.

The ladies eat their breakfast, but Maura looks thoughtfully at Jane. "You're still tired, aren't you Jane."

"Ya, I guess I am. This case really took a lot out of me." Jane shrugs.

"Hmmm, today is 'Take a Hike Day,' but I think I can adjust what I had planned to something more suitable."

Jane makes a face. "What? Is this one of your friend Angela's made up holidays?"

"Jane, I've told you, Angela does not make up the holidays, she finds them on the internet. And actually, I found this one. I thought it would be something nice for us to do." Maura puts on a hurt face.

Jane immediately feels guilty. "I'm sorry Maur. What do you want to do? I'll do it."

"Really, Jane?" Maura looks hopeful.

"Really, really Maur." Jane smiles.

"Thank you Jane. Go ahead and shower and dress warmly. I have to get some things packed in the car."

A short time later, Jane is walking back down the stairs, dressed in layers.

"Is this good enough?"

Maura looks her over from head to toe, slowly. "Perfect."

Jane shifts from foot to foot. "Mind telling me what we are doing."

"A picnic on the beach, Jane."

"Maura, don't you think it's going to be a little chilly for a picnic?"

"That's why I told you to dress warm, Jane. It's going to be sunny and in the upper 40's today. Think of it as an adventure. Now, I've packed blankets, drinks and snacks, we just have to stop at the deli on the way to the beach." Maura is smiling and tugging Jane's hand.

"Can I at least drive?"

"Yes, Jane, you may drive." Maura rolls her eyes.

Jane and Maura got in the car and headed to their favorite deli. Jane got a sandwich, chips and pickle, Maura chose a healthy, leafy, green salad. They packed their goods away and were back on the road.

"What's our destination, Dr. Isles?" Jane quirked an eyebrow at Maura.

"I have chosen Revere Beach for today, Jane. Did you know that Revere Beach was the first public beach in the United States?"

"No, Maura. I did not know that fact."

Maura patted Jane's leg. "Don't worry, Jane, very Bostonians do realize that."

Jane chuckles at Maura's seriousness.

A short while later, Jane pulls into a parking place. It wasn't overly crowded, but there were cars. It was a sunny Saturday, and New Englanders weren't ready to let go of 'beach weather'.

The ladies set out their lunch on a picnic table and begin to eat.

"So, tell me Maura, any special reason we are having a picnic on the beach?" Jane is curious.

"We have had a stressful case this past week, Jane, and I have read about the soothing qualities of the beach. I thought we could both benefit from it."

"Don't get me wrong Maura, but I think the beach is a little more relaxing when it's 90 degrees, beach chairs and drinks in coconuts and little unbrellas." Jane chuckles.

"I agree Jane, but I didn't know if your passport was valid if I suggested going to a warmer, island beach for the weekend."

Jane rolled her eyes. "This beach is fine."

"Would you ever go to a topless beach, Jane?" Maura innocently asks?

Jane almost drops her soda. "What? No! Eww, gross, Maura."

Maura sighs. "Jane, there is nothing gross about the female breasts or exposing them. These beaches just offer women the same exposure and men always have."

"Ok, Maura. I get it, but I wouldn't feel comfortable showing off my... you know... breasts."

"I don't see why not Jane. You have superb body, in fact, I can imagine you on a clothing optional beach I've been to." Maura smirks at Jane.

Jane blinks.

"Ready for a walk on the beach Jane? Jane?"

"Uh, ya, sure."

The ladies clean up and Maura grabs a blanket from the car.

They walk in silence for a while, lost in their own thoughts.

Maura finds a spot and spreads the blanket and they sit down to watch the waves.

"Now Jane, isn't this peaceful?"

"Hmmmm"

Maura's hand finds Jane's and interlocks their fingers together.

Jane doesn't pull her hand away.

A/N Hi all! How do you like it so far? I know, Maura is being gentle and subtle, a little TOO subtle, right? Don't worry, she's going to realize that soon and turn it up a notch! LOL, poor Jane. As for Jane, she truly values Maura's friendship, but is in a way just as socially awkward as Maura is in terms of "girlfriends". She knows that Maura has no boundaries, so doesn't know how to handle what Maura says at times. All Jane knows is that Maura is her friend and she is happy when she is around Maura!