The next morning, a blaring alarm interrupts Jane in the middle of her REM cycle. She groans, slamming the snooze button next to her as she turns forcefully in the bed.

"Jane, get up. There's coffee downstairs. They found another body." Maura's distinct voice fills the morning air as she shakes her head at the messy room. Jane's body shoots upright, subconsciously reaching for her gun in her nightstand drawer. As she begins to wake up, her body relaxes as her eyes register what is in front of her.

"Careful, Doctor. You're going to get yourself shot one of these days," Jane jokes as she scrambles for clean clothes. She is in the middle of putting on a new tank top when she suddenly pauses. "Wait, a new body? Why wasn't I dispatched?".

Maura doesn't get the chance to answer before Jane's detective skills kick in, as she stares outside her window at the commotion below. "Maura, why is there crime scene tape outside my apartment?" Jane inquires as she begins getting dressed in an even more rushed fashion.

"That's what I wanted to tell you, Jane. The body was found outside your apartment complex this morning."

Jane turns sharply, looking into Maura's hazel eyes. "What?"

Maura grabs Jane's arm as Jane leaves her room, waiting for the taller woman to turn around before she says, "Jane. There's a note."

Jane turns without a word and goes bounding down the stairs, taking two at a time. She walks out into the harsh sunlight, her eyes squinting as she adjusts to the chaos in front of her. Uniforms are scattered all over, with voices overlapping as commands are shouted left and right. The reporters are clustered as desperate attempts to catch Jane's attention are made.

Korsak appears in her line of sight and looks as if he did not manage a single second of sleep last night. He rubs his facial hair as Jane stares at him with bewildered eyes. "What the hell, Korsak? Can someone please tell me what's going on?" Jane commands.

"It's the killer again, Jane. Look at how the body is displayed." Korsak gestures in the direction of the body, which is blocked off from the public.

As Jane sees the body, she mutters expletives under her breath and follows them up with a silent prayer of thanks that the media had not been able to witness this.

The body was positioned in a praying position, with the victim's knees tucked uncomfortably under his body. His hands were clasped together in front of him, as blood trickled down his hand and forearm into a puddle on the ground. His eyes were wide open, with a trail of blood flowing down each eye. A wooden cross held him up, as the word "Raguel" were etched into the front of the wood.

"Raguel. The archangel of justice. Sometimes interpreted to be the archangel of vengeance." Maura offers as she walks into the crime scene. "He delivers judgment on those who are wicked and casts angels into the depths of Hell. Our killer isn't being discrete with his message anymore", Maura says as she snaps on gloves.

"No kidding. Where's the note?" Jane says as a frown takes over her face.

Korsak hands her a piece of paper placed in an evidence bag, avoiding eye contact as he does it. Jane looks down at the piece of paper.

When will they learn, Detective Rizzoli? Damnatio ad bestias.

"Didn't you take Latin in high school, Jane?" Frost says as he ducks under the crime scene tape.

Jane scoffs. "Yeah, but we never made it to the serial killer's vocabulary section. In fact, Doctor Google, how do you say fuck in Latin?"

Maura rolls her eyes, taking the evidence bag from Jane as she translates the phrase. "I'm not going to dignify that with a response. The phrase, however, means condemnation to beasts."

Jane ponders this new information and Maura can already see the wheels turning inside of Jane's head. "Do me a favor and run prints on that paper, will you? I'll be there for the autopsy" Jane says before stomping away. Maura sighs, knowing that Jane was likely triggered by her past experience with Hoyt. She gazes after Jane, watching Jane's slender body leave as Korsak shrugs.

Maura assigns her team their duties and returns back to the precinct, changing into her trusty black scrubs. Her hair is placed skillfully into a tight ponytail and a face shield covers her entire face. As she places the scalpel down on the victim's skin for the Y incision, the double doors behind her swing open. She recognizes Jane from her steps and hears Jane settle behind her in her usual spot. "Is that this fall's latest fashion trend, Doctor?" Jane teases. Maura sighs a breath of relief as she hears Jane's tone, thankful that Jane was in better spirits now.

"You came just in time, Jane. I am just about to start," Maura says in return as she begins focusing on the task at hand. It had become increasingly difficult to focus with Jane around and Maura was unsure how to feel about that. She could feel the heat radiating off of Jane as she stood there with her arms crossed. Maura shakes the thoughts from her head, instead steadying her breath to make the incision.

"What's the deal lately, Maur? You're all business. Did I do something wrong?".

The anxiety in Jane's voice makes Maura stop what she's doing and look up.

"I'm sorry. I know how preoccupied you have been about catching this killer, Jane. I just wanted to do my part and focus on the case so we can catch whoever it is." Maura says. What she didn't say, was how Maura was hoping that these feelings for the detective would dissipate if she ignored them and remained professional. They had been best friends for years and it was simply not worth it to jeopardize that.

"Okay," Jane says as she draws out the "o" sound. She bends down to Maura's face, tilting her chin up to meet Jane's gaze. "You know you can tell me anything, right?"

Maura nods, feeling the creep of hives up her neck as she swallows forcefully. She hopes that Jane will drop the subject before her skin exposes herself. She hopes a change in subject will do the trick. "How are you feeling about everything?"

Jane shoots Maura a wary look as if she sees right through Maura's act. Nevertheless, she drops the interrogation. She knows that Maura is concerned for her safety and her mental health. They all were, especially since this killer had shown up right as everyone was healing from the Hoyt trauma. "I'm okay, I guess. I just really want to catch this guy", Jane says.

"Or woman. You know how I feel about assumptions." Maura says without looking up from her work.

"Right. Or woman. But statistically, it's probably a guy, right?" Jane says as she fidgets with the badge on her right hip.

"Statistically, perhaps so. We don't know much about this killer though other than the fact that he or she has killed all over the country. This is the 8th confirmed body that we have found with the killer's signature "prayer pose", Maura states.

"I just can't wrap my head around how this killer manages to not leave a trace of DNA or a single clue around the scene. He's meticulous, I'll give you that," Jane says.

Maura begins noting the contents of the victim's body, picking up a clipboard, and writing down several notes. "Are we having dinner tonight?", she asks. Jane's body stiffens slightly, which Maura would have easily missed had she not possessed such a deep understanding of the detective. It allowed her to read Jane's body language, tone, and feelings, even despite Jane's best efforts to hide them. This ability gave her hope, as she wondered whether it was possible that Jane returned her feelings. She had seen the stolen looks from Jane, the way Jane smiled at her with adoration, and the way Jane was fiercely loyal, even protective, over her. Maura was not the best with social cues though, so she wasn't sure if she was reading into things or projecting her own feelings. She decided a few weeks ago to just ignore them, to simply enjoy a friendship with the brunette.

"Yeah, sure. Pizza?" Jane offers.

Maura is so relieved at Jane's answer that she ignores the urge to counter Jane's statement with a healthier option. "Pizza it is."

"Don't worry, Maur. I know how you like it. I'll get a side of salad too." Jane smirks as she pushes off the counter, walking out the door. "I'm heading to talk to Korsak. Maybe he has some new theories. I'll see you tonight at 8."

Maura smiles in appreciation and before she knows it, Jane is gone. She tries to ignore the ache that reminded her about how Jane's presence was missed and proceeds with the autopsy, excited to finish and head to Jane's.

The ride over to Jane's feels as if it takes longer than usual. The honey blonde can't help but admit that she is feeling nervous. However, she knows better than to call the anxiety forming in her stomach "butterflies". She glides through the streets of Boston in her Mercedes, the luxury ride doing its best to soften the potholes scattered throughout the asphalt. She walks up to Jane's, hovering her hand to knock before she decides against it and uses Jane's keys. She liked the intimacy of their friendship, how they had keys to each other's places and felt welcomed to use them at all times. Maura knows that Jane wouldn't mind. As her key turns, she jumps at the sudden sound behind her.

"Are you new?" says a gorgeous, red-headed woman. She's taller than Maura and looks like a seasoned athlete. The defined shoulders peeking from her tank top make Maura blush as Maura's eyes take in the woman before her. Just as she is finding the ability to speak after being surprised, the woman reaches out her hand. "Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Olivia, I'm in 17 and I just moved here."

"That's alright, I'm just a bit wound up, I'm afraid. It's nice to meet you." Maura says as she extends her own hand in exchange. She feels a rush of excitement as their hands connect. "I don't actually live here."

Olivia beams, saying "What a shame. I was looking forward to seeing you around more".

Maura's blush turns a shade darker as she stutters "T-Thank you. That's very kind of you."

Olivia's gaze captivates her and Maura finds herself intrigued again by the woman's beautiful smile. "Could I take you out to dinner sometime?" Olivia asks. Maura hesitates, thinking about the brunette waiting for her inside. What's the worst that could happen, she asks herself before returning a smile of equal caliber. "I would love to, Olivia. Let me give you my number."

As she enters her contact information into Olivia's phone, the door opens and sends a bit of cold air into the hallway. Jane's smile quickly drops as she interrupts the two women in the midst of a tension-filled conversation. "Maur, pizza's gonna be late. Hope you're not too hungry."

Olivia eyes the brunette with interest as she says "Oh. Is this your girlfriend?".

As Jane opens her mouth, Maura replies, "No. She's just my best friend."

Jane's eyes narrow and Maura can see Jane mumble something before Jane steps between the two women. Olivia senses the hostility, backing away before sending another blinding smile in Maura's direction. "See you around", she says as she disappears around the corner.

"What was that?" Jane asks as she pulls Maura into the apartment. As she reaches behind Maura to chain the door, she ends up inches from the shorter woman. Maura meets her gaze, almost surprised to see the hints of jealousy that were coming from Jane. "Oh, Olivia just wanted to take me to dinner. I gave her my number," Maura says as she steps around the detective and removes her heels.

"Olivia, huh? Didn't know you liked women." Jane says with sarcasm dripping from her words.

"You've always known that I am very fluid with my identity. Plus, did you see how gorgeous she was?" Maura says, emboldened to push the detective to the edge.

Jane rolls her eyes, walks forcefully to the kitchen, and sets out two plates for dinner. As Jane pulls out two wine glasses, some cutlery, and more plates for the salad, she is silent. She doesn't even make eye contact with Maura once.

"Jane, does it bother you that I am attracted to women?", Maura questions. Jane finally stops what she is doing, glancing quickly at Maura before answering, "What? No. Maur, you know I have always loved you for who you are. I don't care about that stuff."

"That stuff? You mean the beauty of human sexuality?" Maura says with a half-serious tone.

"Yeah, sure. All of that stuff. Although I don't understand the need to label everything." Jane says as she waves her hand in dismissal.

"Neither do I. That's why I am comfortable in my attraction to people of all identities," Maura states as the doorbell interrupts her mid-sentence. Jane seems relieved by the interruption, hustling to the door and grabbing the doorknob to reveal a teenager decked out in his work uniform.

"Thanks, man," Jane says before shoving a 20-dollar bill into his hands and shutting the door.

They both walk over to their usual spots, although Maura notices that Jane sits a bit further away than usual. "What, no begging for dinner in front of the television while a Sox game plays?", Maura asks with an eyebrow raised. Jane seems distracted, staring off into space as she chews on her lip. "Jane? Is everything alright?" Maura's voice begins to sound more concerned, as the usually attentive detective is lost in thought tonight.

Jane places her pizza down on the plate, having only taken a single bite. 'Maur, we need to talk. I need to tell you something." Maura realizes the severity of the impending conversation, as Jane never chose anything over the pizza and beer sitting in front of her. Maura sets her food down in solidarity, wanting to give Jane her full attention. She tries to ignore the sudden racing of her heart and quiets all of the thoughts inside her brain.

"I don't know how to say this. I don't want you to feel forced and I don't want to lose what we have. We both know what we have is special and everyone around me, my ma, Frost, and my brothers, wouldn't be surprised. I don't know, maybe we should think about it. You know, but if not, no worries. I love you regardless," Jane says without catching a breath. She fidgets with the stitching on the placemat, afraid to meet Maura's eyes.

"Jane, I have no idea what you're talking about." Maura's eyebrows are knitted in concentration as she searches Jane's face for an answer.

"Fuck it, I just have to show you, Maur", Jane says as she leans forward, suddenly very aware of her entrance into Maura's personal space. She brushes Maura's hair behind her ear, finally making eye contact with those beautiful green eyes speckled with gold. Her eyes flicker down to Maura's lips as she wonders what it would feel like to have those soft lips brush against her own. She licks her lips in anticipation, her husky voice heavy with desire. "Am I crazy? Do you feel this?", Jane whispers. Maura's breath hitches and she moves her head closer as her hand comes up to frame Jane's cheek. She closes her eyes, waiting for that moment of sweet release as their lips finally meet.

However, it never happens. Instead, Jane moves last second, choosing Maura's forehead as the destination instead of her mouth. They both stay there for a minute as Maura feels tears forming on the edges of her eyes. Jane stares at the space behind her, saying "I'm sorry, I can't do this," before rushing out the door. Maura's hand drops, feeling the emptiness that was once warmed by Jane's face. She calls after the brunette but her efforts are fruitless as Jane has walked out of the front door. Walking to the kitchen, Maura stares at the untouched salad, not sure if she should clean up. Her appetite had left, gone along with Jane. She starts washing the plates, figuring that some busy work would keep her mind off what had just taken place. Hours pass, with no response from Jane. Maura decides against calling her, instead sending a short text.

I'm headed to bed. I hope you're okay. Please don't shut me out, let's talk about this.