Ft. Detrick, US Army Base, 3 Days Later

Fort Detrick, MD

Dr. Maura Isles was currently changing out of a level A Hazmat suit in the women's barracks, when a familiar form moved next to her. Maura finished unzipping her suit and turned to face the woman standing next to her,

"Jordan? Jordan Cavanaugh?"

"Hey Maura, I thought that was you. Long time. How are you?"

Maura looked at Jordan, surprised and a bit embarrassed to see that she was bra-less, tits hanging out for all to see. Maura quickly averted her eyes, but not before Jordan caught her.

"Relax Maura, I'm not trying to hit on you. I'm happily married to Woody and we have a seven year old son, T.W." She quickly zipped back up before adding, "And I am medicated. Happy pills and healthy living. And I owe you an apology for my past behavior. So, I am sorry for trying to get you into bed."

Maura was surprised at her revelation. "Ah, uh, thank you. It's all good." Even as she was saying this, she could feel the redness creeping up her neck. She tried to turn away from Jordan before she could see her reaction, but again, she was too late.

Jordan Cavanaugh had caught Maura's blush and realized it was the blush of those who had recognized the truth of a situation. Jordan, sitting on the bench putting her booties on, studied Maura. There was something different about her. She seemed happier, and more confident, or something.

"You're...in love. With a woman."

Maura jerked her head. "What?"

Jordan stood up and moved in closer to Maura, realizing Maura was unlikely to be out. In a low voice she whispered, "Maura, it's ok. Is it serious?"

Maura couldn't stop the tears and soon was sobbing and spilling her guts about Jane and coming to terms with her sexuality and Hoyt and the ring in Jane's sock drawer and her decision to break-up with Jane. Jordan gathered the blonde into her arms and allowed the woman to cry for as long as she needed.

"Maura...it's ok. You are taking care of you. As for Jane Rizzoli,..."

Alarmed, Maura interrupted, "I never said it was Jane Rizzoli!"

Jordan chuckled, "You didn't have to. The only Jane I know at BPD is Jane Rizzoli, who I also tried to get into bed, is pretty tightly wound. Or she was. She's also honorable and fiercely loyal and protective. And a damn fine cop." She grabbed some tissues and handed them to Maura. "Maura, if Jane is this scared, worried, whatever, it means two things." She held up her index finger. "One, it's a legitimate threat and she's scared shit less and two, she is madly in love with you."

Maura sniffled. "You really think so?"

Jordan chuckled. "Yes, Maura. For a woman raised as a strict Catholic to finally accept her queerness, have a relationship with a woman, and buy a ring for that woman? That means something. You mean something." She kissed Maura on the head in an act of comfort, not arousal. "And because you mean something, don't wait forever. I kept Woody at bay for six years. All that wasted time." She shrugged. "A few of us are going to the Officers Club. Why don't you join us?"

Maura, thrilled at being asked to join a group of colleagues, eagerly accepted. Her mood improved greatly as she hurried to her room to change into casual clothing.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Ft. Detrick Officer's Club

Maura slowly walked into the officer's club, feeling self-conscious, looking for Jordan. She squinted, looking around before her eyes landed on Jordan and a table of her colleagues. Jordan saw Maura and waved her over, making room for the blonde at the table.

Jordan made the introductions as Maura sat down. She shook hands with everyone and they ordered drinks. They were all talking about their jobs when a tall, slender woman with dark brown hair approached the table.

Jordan stood and hugged the woman before introducing her to Maura. "Harley, this is Dr. Maura Isles." Maura and the woman's eyes met, and both stared at each other.

"Major Harley Jolene McCoy. Nice to meet you." The first thing Maura noticed, after her stunning looks, was her southern accent.

"Major McCoy, nice to meet you as well."

"So, Dr. Isles, what type of doctor are you?" She sat down as she said this, squeezing a chair between Jordan and Maura.

"I am the chief medical examiner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And are you also a doctor?"

Harley smiled and Maura noticed she had dimples. "I am a virologist, stationed right here at Ft. Detrick." She looked more intently at Maura. "You're awfully young to be the chief ME."

Maura blushed. "I...graduated early. You look young as well."

Harley looked around the club, settling on the dart board. "Do you play darts?"

Maura tilted her head and considered what she'd just been asked. "I've never played darts, but it's really just physics, so how hard can it be?"

XXXXXXXXXXX

Jane Rizzoli was still at the station, working, and looking at her phone. Maura had only been gone a few days, but Jane had hoped she would hear from the blonde. At 11pm she decided to call it a day, and headed for her apartment.

As she let herself into the darkened apartment, a feeling of sadness hit her when she realized just how alone she was and how she didn't have to be alone. How she could have a fiance right now, planning a wedding right now, and be happy right now.

She wondered where Maura was, if she was as lost and lonely as she was. Then her mind wandered to who she might be with, if she was horizontal with Jordan or anybody. She hated herself for feeling like this. She turned the lamp off and stretched out on the couch, determined to sleep in peace.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Maura and Harley had played three games of darts, drinking the entire time. Maura found that the more she drank, the worse she played, while Harley was just the opposite. Soon, Maura found herself in Harley's embrace, trying to help her throwing form.

Maura's head tilted back as she laughed at her latest attempt, which struck the wall beyond the dart board. Harley wanted to kiss Maura, but refrained, unsure of Maura's orientation. Instead, she released Maura and offered her her elbow. "Let's get you back to your room."

As they left the club, Jordan watched and shook her as she mumbled under breath, "This is going to be interesting."

Officer's Quarters

Maura fumbled with her key, dropping it. As she bent to pick it up, Harley bent as well and their heads bumped. Both women let out an "Ouch" followed by laughter. As they got the key, their faces were close and Harley captured Maura's lips. They kissed until Maura broke away and stared at Harley.

"Can I come in, Maura?"