Chapter 2: Making Plans

A/N: I should be grading…

Trigger warning: Mentions of Hoyt's crimes

Twenty-four days until Christmas
Saturday, December 1
Jane

Jane usually hated the idea of meeting up with friends for lunch. She felt like it was such a cliché female friends thing to do. Therefore, she had really expected to regret agreeing to have lunch with Maura and Alexis when she woke up the next morning. Yet, for some reason, she didn't regret it. She was actually looking forward to seeing them again.

Neither Maura nor Alexis had mentioned anyone else in the family – a partner or another parent – but Jane was still a little nervous about there being someone else there. She was really hoping that it would just be the three of them.

About an hour before she needed to leave to get to their house on time, Jane realized that she should probably bring something. Of course, when she text Maura to ask her what she could bring, Maura said she didn't need to bring anything, but Jane still felt like she should bring something.

Jane decided to leave now and stop at Target on her way there. She figured she could at least find something to bring. Unfortunately, she didn't know Maura or Alexis well enough to know what either of them liked. She immediately found a LEGO Friends Advent Calendar that she thought Alexis was likely to enjoy, but Maura was a bit harder to shop for. In the end, she settled for a bag of coffee beans that she found on a display of local Boston items. It didn't feel like much, but at least it was Boston-specific.

After having circled Target multiple times in search of gifts, Jane was now close to running late. As long as she didn't hit any unexpected traffic, she should be okay, though.

When Jane pulled up to a beautiful townhouse in Beacon Hill, she was impressed. She grabbed her things and walked up the front steps, ringing the doorbell when she got there.

She could hear the pitter-patter of little feet running to the door. It sounded like Alexis was now jumping up and down on the other side of the door.

"Mommy! Hurry up!" Alexis's muffled voice was loud enough that Jane could hear her through the closed door. "Jane's here!" This was followed by the click-clack of approaching heels.

The door opened to reveal a smiling Maura and an overexcited Alexis.

"Jane!" Alexis squealed as she darted out the door to hug Jane's legs.

"Hi, Lexi," Jane replied, shifting the items in her arms so that she could at least give Alexis a half hug in return.

Alexis grabbed Jane's hand and dragged her into the house. "Jane, look. I helped mommy set the table for lunch," she said proudly, stopping them in the middle of the area between the kitchen, dining area, and living room. Jane could hear Maura laughing lightly behind them as she closed the front door and followed them into the house.

"Well, thank you," Jane said.

"She's been very excited for you to arrive all morning," Maura explained with a smile.

"I've been looking forward to it, too," Jane said, looking down at the smiling child beside her.

"Can I take your coat?" Maura asked, stepping up to Jane and holding out her hands to take Jane's coat.

"Thanks," Jane replied. She set her bags on the counter and handed Maura her coat.

When Maura returned to the kitchen, she asked Jane, "Can I get you something to drink? We have coffee, tea, water…"

"Juice," Alexis interjected.

Maura chuckled. "Yes, we have juice and milk, too."

"Either coffee or tea, whichever you're having," Jane said.

"I was going to have tea, but I don't mind making coffee if that's what you'd prefer."

"Tea is great," Jane said quickly.

Maura smiled and moved to make the tea.

"What did you bring?" Alexis asked as she climbed into one of the chairs at the island to try to look into Jane's bags.

"Alexis," Maura scolded lightly. "That's not polite."

Jane chuckled. She reached into the bag and pulled out the coffee, handing it to Maura as she told Alexis, "Well, I brought a gift for your mom…"

"Thank you," Maura replied as she took the coffee beans.

"…and you," Jane added, reaching back into the bag and pulling out the advent calendar. She handed it to Alexis, whose face lit up.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Alexis said as she took the box from Jane. "Can I open it?"

"After lunch," Maura interjected.

"Uuooo," Alexis whined, and Jane tried not to laugh at the very 'mom' look that Maura gave the little girl.

Jane took the box from Alexis and placed it out of her reach. "Let's listen to your mom," Jane suggested. "Also, you don't get to open the whole thing today. It's an advent calendar, which means you get to open a little bit each day until Christmas, but I'll show you after lunch, 'kay?"

"Okay," Alexis replied begrudgingly. As she climbed down from her chair, Maura and Jane shared a smile behind her back. But Alexis perked back up almost instantly as she led Jane to the table. "Mommy said I get to sit on the end today," Alexis told Jane. "Cus I wanted to sit by both of you."

"I think that sounds perfect," Jane replied. "Where am I supposed to sit?"

Alexis pointed to the chair that faced the wall, leaving the chair facing into the open-concept house for Maura. "That's usually my seat, but you get to sit there today," she explained.

"Thank you for sharing," Jane teased, ruffling the little girl's hair as she took her seat. Alexis giggled in response.

"Alexis chose lunch," Maura said as she carried the plates to the table. Maura's face fell as she paused just before reaching the table. "I should have asked if there's anything you don't eat."

"I'll eat pretty much anything," Jane said. "And I don't have any food allergies."

Maura smiled again as she set a plate in front of Jane and Alexis. "Alexis, why don't you tell Jane what we're having for lunch," she suggested before returning to the kitchen and making a few more trips with her own plate and drinks for everyone.

"Brushy samwiches and tomato soup," Alexis said proudly.

"I have no idea what brushy sandwiches are, but it smells amazing," Jane told Alexis, but she said it loud enough for Maura to hear as she walked back to the table.

Maura chuckled as she sat down across from Jane. "She means bruschetta sandwiches…well, actually, bruschetta paninis," she clarified. "Grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil on whole wheat bread. Luckily, the panini press was one of the first kitchen appliances that we unpacked."

"Oh my god, this is amazing," Jane moaned as she took a big bite, causing Alexis to laugh again and Maura to smile.

Jane was surprised at how easily the three of them got along as they talked their way through lunch. She was having a great time.

As soon as Jane swallowed her last bite, Alexis asked, "Can I open my present now?"

Jane laughed and turned to look at Maura, not wanting to overstep.

"Help me carry the dishes to the sink, and then, you and Jane can open it while I do the dishes," Maura said.

"You made lunch," Jane said. "I can…"

"Do not finish that sentence," Maura teased playfully. "You're our guest. You are not helping with the dishes."

Jane laughed. "Alright, well, I'll fight you on that next time," she said before standing and at least carrying her plate and mug to the sink.

Maura

Maura paused briefly when she stood from the table as Jane's words sunk in. Her statement implied that she was expecting – or maybe hoping – that there would be a 'next time,' and that made Maura inexplicably happy. Usually, Maura found these types of things stressful, but Jane somehow made her feel much more relaxed. Maura was having a wonderful time – and she knew Alexis was as well. She didn't want this time to end yet, but she wasn't sure how long Jane was planning on staying nor how long it was appropriate to invite Jane to stay.

Jane didn't seem to think anything of her statement, though, so Maura shook her head to clear it before starting the dishes. She smiled to herself as she listened to Jane explain to Alexis how she got to open a flap each day. She would get a small piece of a larger Christmas scene every day through Christmas Eve.

"Mommy, can I show Jane my room?" Alexis broke through Maura's thoughts. "Can we set this up on my desk?"

"Sure, sweetie."

"Come on, Jane," Alexis said.

"Say please," Maura called after them, but Jane and Alexis had already disappeared up the stairs. Maura shook her head in amusement as finished the dishes.

Jane and Alexis were still upstairs, so Maura went to find them. She paused for a moment outside the door to listen to the two of them. Listening to them, you would never know that Alexis and Jane had only met yesterday. Maura already suspected that Jane was going to be good for Alexis. Because they were so similar, the two of them could relate in a way that Maura never could with Alexis.

Maura stepped into the doorway, knocking on the door. Jane and Alexis, who was sitting at her desk with Jane standing behind her, both looked up.

"Mommy, look!" Alexis said, pointing to the box that was set up in front of her, showing a Christmas scene that Maura expected would be filled in by pieces throughout the month.

"That's very cool," Maura said, smiling at her daughter. "Did you thank Jane?"

"Thank you, Jane!" Alexis said, jumping out of her chair to give Jane a big hug.

"You're welcome, sweetie," Jane said, kneeling down to return Alexis's hug.

Maura was expecting Alexis's disappointment and protests when she said, "Unfortunately, it's your naptime." She was not, however, expecting the look of disappointment on Jane's face before the other woman quickly schooled her features.

"Noooooo!" Alexis whined dramatically. "I thought Jane was going to help us decorate for Christmas. I can't take a nap now."

Maura tried not to laugh as Jane tried to stifle her own laughter behind her hand at Alexis's dramatics.

"Yes, it's naptime," she said firmly. "But…" When Alexis opened her mouth to protest again, Maura raised an eyebrow sternly. Alexis stayed silent, but her whole-body pout was epic. "But, if you are good and take your nap without complaining, we can invite Jane to either stay or if she can't stay, to come back another day."

Maura's stomach fluttered as a broad, genuine smile took over Jane's face.

Alexis quickly turned around to face Jane. "Can you stay?" she asked excitedly.

"If you're good and listen to your mom, I'd love to stay," Jane said, smiling down at Alexis before glancing at Maura and flashing her what was quickly becoming Maura's favorite smile.

"Yes!" Alexis said excitedly before launching herself into bed, causing both Maura and Jane to laugh.

Maura walked across the room to tuck in Alexis and give her a kiss.

"Jane, hug, please," Alexis requested, holding her arms out as she laid in her bed.

Jane smiled and gave her a hug. As Alexis hugged back, she whispered, "You'll be here when I wake up, right?"

"Yeah, I'll be here," Jane replied.

Jane followed Maura out of Alexis's bedroom.

"Would you like more tea? Or Coffee? Or something else to drink?" Maura asked when they were back downstairs.

"Sure," Jane said. "Tea is good, if that's okay."

Maura nodded and started making a fresh pot of hot water.

"Are you sure it's okay if I stay?" Jane asked.

Maura turned to look at Jane, trying to figure out if Jane was trying to prompt Maura to say that she'd prefer Jane to go so that Jane didn't have to disappoint Alexis or if she was really nervous that Maura might not be okay with it. Maura couldn't tell, so she just settled for telling the truth. "Yes, I'm sure," she said. "I was actually going to ask you the same question, though. I know it can be hard to say something that you think might disappoint Alexis, but if you have things to do, I'll explain it to her when she wakes up." In other words, I'll deal with the fallout.

"No, I don't have anything today," Jane said. "I don't want to overstep, which is why I asked, but if it's up to me, I don't really want to break my word. When I tell someone that I'm going to do something, I follow through. Especially when it's someone I care about."

Warmth spread through Maura at Jane's words. Something about Jane made Maura believe her, even if others had disappointed both Maura and Alexis in the past. She smiled at Jane. "Well, I'm glad you're staying, too," she admitted quietly, trying to ignore the blush she knew was coloring her cheeks. She busied herself making tea in the hopes that Jane wouldn't notice.

"Would you like to move to the couch?" Maura asked, and Jane readily agreed.

"So, you guys moved from San Francisco, right?" Jane asked when they were seated.

"Yes," Maura replied. "I was an assistant medical examiner for the city. It's always been my dream to run a medical examiner's office."

"Have you been to Boston before? I mean, like, other than to interview and move and stuff?"

"I was actually born in Boston, but my family moved to Europe when I was young. I returned to the city to attend BCU for my undergraduate education and medical school. I did my residency and fellowship in New York City. I did a year with Médecins Sans Frontières between my residency and fellowship. After my fellowship, I found a position in the San Francisco medical examiner's office."

"Where was Alexis born?" Jane asked, her scrunched face indicating that she was trying to do the math to figure out where Maura might have been in her training when Alexis was born.

Maura tried not to laugh at the look on Jane's face as she answered, "She was born in New York during my fellowship."

"That must've been tough," Jane said, looking at Maura sympathetically. Maura heard the unasked question about Alexis's father, though.

"Yes, but she's worth it," Maura said, smiling softly. "I always knew I wanted children, but I didn't plan to have them so early in my career."

"Do you want more?" Jane asked before catching herself. "Wait, sorry, that was way too personal of a question. Just ignore me."

"It's okay," Maura said honestly. It had been a long time since someone had shown any interest in her. It made her feel…seen. "I do, but not yet. And honestly, I'm really hoping I find a partner before having more children. However, if I still haven't found someone and I'm feeling settled in my career in a few years, I would like to have another child. I'd really like for Alexis to have a sibling.

"Alexis's father isn't involved in her life. I got pregnant while I was with MSF, which is why I decided to return to the US. He met her a couple of times, but at this point, it was so long ago that I doubt she has any memories of him."

"I'm sorry," Jane said.

Maura shrugged. "She deserves better, but at the same time, we have a wonderful life together. I feel sad for her, but I don't feel sad that we're happy as we are," she admitted quietly.

"I mean, I realize that this may sound stupid since I've only known you guys for 24 hours…although, it honestly feels like longer – in a good way…anyway, you seem like a good mom, and she seems like a really happy kid," Jane said genuinely.

"Thank you," Maura replied, blushing again as her fingers toyed with the string of her teabag. "What about you, have you always lived in Boston?"

"Yeah, I've only ever lived here. My parents still live in the house that I grew up in," Jane added, chuckling. "I have two little brothers. You met Frankie last night, and I have another little brother, Tommy. I'm sure you'll meet them all at some point. They're basically always around."

Maura lifted her mug to her lips to hide her smile. She loved how often Jane mentioned doing things together in the future. Maura was absolutely loving spending time with Jane, and she really hoped to get to know her better in the future.

"Really, my life is pretty boring otherwise," Jane said. Maura noticed that Jane's hands twitched as she spoke, but Maura didn't mention it.

"Nobody special?" Maura prodded in an attempt not to be too obvious. Jane's smirk told Maura that she had failed in that attempt.

"No," Jane said. Jane paused before adding. "Honestly, I haven't dated in over a year."

"Really?" Maura said surprised. "You seem highly dateable. You're beautiful, kind, intelligent, and…" Maura stopped talking at the look on Jane's face, and this time, there was no hiding the deep blush that overtook Maura's face and chest. "I mean…um, I'm, uh…I'm just surprised…I mean…"

"You can stop," Jane said good-naturedly, chuckling. "It's fine."

Maura let out a puff of air as her shoulders fell in defeat. "I'm sorry. I can be so awkward sometimes. I just meant it as an objective assessment…"

"Really, Maura," Jane said. "You're fine. I appreciate it, actually. I, uh, well, since you'll be working with BPD, you'll find out soon enough. I guess I should just tell you…" Jane trailed off, and Maura could hear the nervousness in her voice.

"You don't have to tell me anything that you're not ready to," Maura said quietly.

Jane held up her hand, showing Maura her scars. "Last night was the first time someone other than my doctors or physical therapist touched my hands since this happened."

"I'm so sorry, Jane," Maura said sadly as memories of the previous evening flashed through her mind – the sight of Alexis grabbing Jane's hand to pull her onto the dance floor, images of Alexis holding onto Jane's hands as they danced, the shot of electricity that shot through her body when she shook Jane's hand.

Jane

Jane shook her head. "I made it such a big thing in my head," she admitted. "I still don't think I'm ready to anyone and everyone to touch my hands, but it feels like a huge weight off of my shoulders to have that first touch behind me. I'm sure I sound absolutely ridiculous."

Jane wasn't sure what it was about Maura that was making her open up. These were the kinds of things that she would usually never talk about, and yet, here she was talking about them with someone she just met yesterday. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Alexis and then Maura had been the first people to touch her hands. Or maybe it was just something about Maura.

"But Alexis didn't even seem to notice when she grabbed my hands."

"She probably didn't," Maura said quietly.

"I didn't realize how much I needed that until it happened. Anyway, I'll tell you the full story another time. I'm not sure I'm up for it today. You can probably google it all anyway."

"I wouldn't do that."

Jane smiled sadly, but she believed Maura. "His name is Charles Hoyt – my own personal bogeyman. The surgeon – he targeted couples; made the husband watch while he raped the wife. Then, he'd kill the husband and take the wife hostage to continue raping her for a few days before killing her too. Korsak and I were assigned the case. With the last couple, we still hadn't found the wife…until we did. I arrived on the scene before Korsak. The woman was still alive, and I could see her tied up on a dirty mattress in the basement. I couldn't leave her there while I waited for back-up, so I went in alone. Hoyt…well, he must have heard me come in or something – smacked me across the head with a 2x4. He pinned me to the floor, drove scalpels through both hands. Korsak got there before he could do anything else, but I know…we'd seen enough bodies…I know what he was planning…"

"Oh, Jane," Maura said thickly. "I'm so sorry."

Jane shrugged. "It is what it is, and to be honest, I don't really want to talk about it now. Today's been so much fun…a lot more fun than I've had since this happened. I don't want to…I don't want that to end. I just thought you should know," she admitted softly.

Maura reached over and squeezed Jane's arm. "We don't have to talk about it, but thank you for telling me. I'm always here if you need someone to talk to though."

"Thanks," Jane said, smiling at Maura as she placed her hand over Maura's on her forearm. Changing the subject, she asked, "Should we maybe get the Christmas decorations out before Alexis wakes up?"

"That's a great idea," Maura said. "Unfortunately, we don't have much. When Alexis was younger, she didn't need much to make her happy, and I figured we could get more as she got older."

"I'm sure whatever you have will be great," Jane said genuinely as they both stood from the couch.

It turned out that Maura and Alexis really did only have two medium-sized boxes of Christmas decorations, so it didn't take long for them to bring them into the main living area, and not long after that Alexis woke from her nap.

Alexis was literally bouncing on her toes as they started to empty the boxes. "Let's hang the stockings first!" she said – unsurprising, given that the stockings were on top.

"Ya know, I really think my little brother Tommy shoulda got coal in his stocking a few times when we were kids," Jane said as she lifted Alexis to set the stocking holder on the mantel and hang her stocking.

"Huh?" Alexis asked.

"He was always getting into trouble, and naughty kids get coal," Jane said. "But he always got presents, so I guess Santa's pretty forgiving. D'you think you're going to get coal this year?" Jane teased, but the joke seemed to go right over Alexis's head.

"It's a myth," Maura said from behind them. "It started in ancient Sicily. The story was that La Befana would deliver presents to good boys and girls, but she would leave coal for naughty children. The myth persisted over the centuries, eventually becoming part of the Santa…"

Maura stopped talking as Jane made a face. "What?" she asked.

"N-nothing," Jane said. Turning back to Alexis, she said, "Well, from what I've seen so far, you're a good kid, so I doubt you'll get coal."

It didn't take long before they finished putting up the decorations that they did have.

"I'm hoping it's not too late in the season to buy an artificial Christmas tree," Maura said. "I'm worried that all of the well-made trees will be sold out."

"You should get a real tree!" Jane suggested excitedly. "Go cut it down, bring it home, decorate it!"

Maura's eyes widened, clearly afraid of the idea. "Oh, I don't think…"

"Please, mommy?" Alexis pleaded.

"Sorry," Jane said to Maura sheepishly.

Maura glanced between Jane and Alexis. "It's okay. To be honest, it's always something I've wanted to do. We always had artificial trees when I was a child – professionally decorated. I just don't have the necessary skills to do…well, any of it. I can't imagine cutting down a tree and setting it up."

"I'll help! I know how to do it!" Jane said, and Maura's face lit up, mirroring both Jane and Alexis's excitement.

"Yeah, can we go now?" Alexis said.

Jane chuckled. "No, it's too late in the day, but um, when are you guys next available?" Jane asked. "We could do it relatively soon." She hoped that she wasn't overstepping by suggesting this, but she loved the idea of getting to do this with Maura and Alexis. Plus, she really wanted to know when she'd get to see them again – and hopefully, sooner rather than later.

Maura smiled. "Okay, if you're willing, we would love that!" she said. "And we just moved here. I don't start work until after the new year. We have minimal obligations over the next few weeks."

"Well, I'm going to my parents for dinner tomorrow, but what about Monday? We could go in the morning. Then, I can help put the lights on while Alexis naps, and it'll be ready for the three of us to put on the ornaments after she wakes up," Jane suggested.

"You don't have to work?" Maura asked.

"I don't go back until January either," Jane said simply, holding up her hands briefly.

"Well, then, Monday is perfect," Maura said.

"Yay!" Alexis squealed, causing both Maura and Jane to laugh.

"And maybe you and I can go out and buy lights and ornaments tomorrow," Maura told Alexis.

"Can we get lots?" Alexis asked.

"We'll make sure to get plenty," Maura said. Then, looking at Jane, she added, "Maybe you could give me an idea of what I should buy?"

"For sure," Jane said.

Jane left later that evening, already looking forward to seeing Maura and Alexis again on Monday. She couldn't wipe the smile from her face for the rest of the evening or all-day Sunday. Even her family noticed her significantly improved mood. She knew they weren't convinced by her claim that it was just the Christmas season making her happy, but they were so relieved that they didn't question her too much.

A/N: Alexis's father isn't important to this story. It may or may not be Ian (aka, I didn't make a decision because it really doesn't matter for this story), but timeline-wise for this story, Maura pretty much had to get pregnant while with MSF.

Also, for this story, Jane's dad (Frank) is going to be a good dad and husband, and Tommy didn't go to jail (but he still gets into a little more trouble than his older siblings…just nothing too serious).