AN: Thank you all for the warm feedback, favorites, and alerts. I appreciate them all. Alone time for the two ladies? Maybe this chapter has it. Happy Reading :)

Disclaimer: I don't own R&I and the song.

Chapter 5

" You keep me up with your silence

Take me down with your quiet

Of all the weapons you fight with

Your silence is the most violent."

~ Tell me how by Paramore

Maura didn't get a response. She waited for Jane's reply until she left the office at six, but no response came. She didn't even see her after lunch when she visited the bullpen that afternoon. Even Korsak didn't know where Jane went. Frustrated and mad, Maura didn't stay too long in her office as she left immediately. She locked herself in her room once she got home. She didn't eat. She didn't do some reading. She just stayed in her room, curled up in a fetal position hugging her knees as she cried and cried. Yes, it was childish. It was childish to cry over an unreturned message. Maura Isles is very collected. She doesn't let emotions get the best of her. But what could she do? As soon as she locked herself in her room, all her emotions resurfaced and she burst into tears. Why is Jane doing this? Did she do something wrong? Didn't she do something that she should've done? Doesn't Jane want to be friends with her anymore? Are they gonna be like this for the rest of their lives? Aren't they going back to their normal selves anymore? Those are the questions that ran through her mind that night as she just laid on her bed until she finally slept.

The following morning, Maura didn't feel light. Her heart is as heavy as yesterday. She thought, sleeping it all will make her feel better once she wakes up. But no. It's still heavy as it was yesterday and the night before. She didn't bother checking up her phone. She's hurt. And she knows there's no message for her waiting for her to be read. She got up from her bed and went downstairs to make herself coffee. She began fixing her espresso machine. She stared at it, not really wanting to move again. Adjusting the coffee holder, she suddenly dropped it causing the coffee grains spill on the countertop. Still emotional, Maura began to tears again. Yes, she began to cry over a spilled coffee grains. Stupid coffee grains. Stupid coffee machine. Stupid Jane.

Jane.

Maura didn't realize that the person who was responsible for her crying last night already entered her house using the key she gave her years before. Jane strode towards the kitchen to look for Maura and apologize for not responding to her message last night.

"Maura..." She stopped dead noticing Maura was crying. She immediately walked to her best friend's side and placed her both hands on the doctor's shoulders. "Why are you crying? What happened?"

"This stupid coffee machine won't work," Maura replied frustratingly as she shrugged Jane's hands on her shoulder. Clearly, she's still mad at Jane and Jane noticed it. It breaks her heart seeing Maura this way. Jane knew it was a lie.

"Let's just buy coffee later," Jane replied softly.

"No! I want it now." Maura sobbed. She buried her face in her hands.

Jane moved forward and held Maura against her body and clutched to her tightly. Maura didn't fight it. She just let herself be held by Jane. She sobbed against the detective's chest wondering where all these tears are coming from. She should be mad at Jane right now. But her heart didn't have the heart to be mad at her for a long time. She just couldn't. Because this is Jane. Her best friend. No matter what Jane do to her. No matter how much pain she caused her, Maura will never be able to be mad at Jane. She will always love Jane no matter what.

Jane wrapped her left arm around Maura's waist while her other hand began rubbing circles on Maura's back as she rested her chin on the blonde's top of the head. She closed her eyes as she felt the warmth coming from Maura's body. It soothed her. It calmed her. What surprised Jane is their bodies fit perfectly together. Maura fits in her. Well, who is she kidding? Maura will always fit in her. In her life. Because Maura has a special place in her heart. And she will always will.

"Ssh... it's okay." Jane whispered softly.

Maura balled Jane's shirt with both her hands tightly. Jane didn't mind. "I was waiting for you last night." She admitted.

Jane felt a pang of guilt from Maura's confession. She held her best friend tightly. "I'm sorry." Was Jane could only say. "Did something happen last night?"

Maura shook her head as her sobbing finally subsided. "No. I just simply wanted to spend time with you. I'm such a childish. I'm sorry."

Jane squeezed Maura's waist. "No. You're not. I'm sorry I didn't respond. I'm sorry I wasn't there."

They stayed like that for a while and let silence filled them. They are both contented holding and being held by each other. It just feels so perfect. And they were lost in their little bubble.

"I feel ridiculous, Jane," Maura muttered after a long silence.

Eyes still closed, Jane let Maura's scent get through her nerves. "Hmm? Why is that?"

"I was crying over a coffee machine because it won't work."

Jane chuckled softly. A smile crept across her face. Maura smiled too, and Jane could feel it on her chest. "I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me. I promise."

"And you're still holding me and I already crumpled your shirt."

"I don't mind."

Truth is, Maura liked being hugged like this by Jane. Their height difference made it perfect. Being the smaller one, Maura could mold herself against Jane. She's the little spoon and Jane is the big spoon. Somehow, Maura finally at ease. She felt safe and secured. Some feelings she never felt with Jack. Wait, what? Why in the hell wouldn't she feel that? Jack is her boyfriend. After having several sexual encounters with him, she should at least feel at ease with him. This startled Maura. Something is going on in her mind. And in her heart.

Unknown to them, Angela entered the main house and found them in that position. The matriarch witnessed the whole scene. She was just gonna get a cup of coffee but was stopped when she spotted the two hugging. She left the house instead with a smile on her face. This will be a long journey. But hopefully worth it.

"Hey, Rizzoli. Where were you yesterday after lunch?" Korsak asked when Jane entered the bullpen.

Jane quirked an eyebrow. "Why? Am I under arrest?" She joked.

Korsak chuckled. "Maura was looking for you yesterday."

"Yeah. I know she texted me." Jane sat on her seat and sipped on her coffee. "I talked to her this morning."

"Where were you, Jane?" Korsak's question was suddenly filled with concern. Even his facial expression turned serious.

"I just needed to do some business. Why? Did you finally see some light in our new case?"

"No. I would've called you immediately if we do have one." Korsak replied.

Jane nodded as she began flipping her folder again regarding the Lily Sullivan case. "Okay."

"Are you okay Jane?"

Jane looked up at Korsak then frowned. "Of course, I'm fine. Why would you ask that?"

"I'm just concerned. You seemed different these past few days." Korsak admitted.

Jane let out a sigh. "I'm fine Korsak. I just had some stuff to do yesterday."

"Okay," Korsak replied and went back to his desk.

Truth is, Jane stayed at the cemetery until late noon. She didn't bother to go back to the precinct since there's no lead in her latest investigation. And even if there was, Korsak would tell her immediately like what he told her just now. So she stayed at the cemetery, sometimes talking to Frost's tombstone and sometimes just staring at it like a lost kid. She let out all her frustrations and fears. All her anger and loneliness. Good thing, no one's there to witness her crumble except of course her late partner. But he won't judge her. Not because he's dead but because Barry Frost never judged people. He always understood. She suddenly felt lighter when she let her frustrations out in the open.

After she stayed at the cemetery, Jane went back to her place instead. She slouched on her couch and drank the remaining four bottle of beers she bought the other night. She didn't inform anyone about her whereabouts. She just stayed in her apartment with Jo Friday and her beers as her companion. She saw Maura's text. She really did. But she chose to ignore it than respond to it. Maura will understand. She always will. That's what Jane thought.

"Jane? I got something." Nina said, interrupting her thoughts. Jane looked up and saw Nina smiling down at her. This is a good news.

Jane showed up at Maura's house that night bringing Chinese takeout. On the way to Maura's house, she was praying that Maura doesn't have plans that night. Or, all her efforts will go to waste. She was also praying Jack isn't around. She didn't call Maura that she's coming over. She wanted to surprise her to make it up to her for not showing up last night. Let alone, responding to her texts last night.

Jane pulled up in front of Maura's house and saw that the doctor's kitchen lights are still on. She smiled. Reaching up to the door, Jane tried twisting the doorknob and found it locked. She sighed in relief. Maura finally listened to her. She reached into her pocket and got the spare key Maura gave her before.

She found her in the kitchen preparing dinner. What caught Jane off guard was the sight. Maura looked so elegant just wearing gray sweatpants and a loose t-shirt. She looked so beautiful. The weird thing is, Jane, used to see Maura like this but tonight it felt different. Everything felt different. She could feel her heart beats faster. Her face blushing. Jane Rizzoli never blushes over Maura Isles. Never. Until now.

"Jane?" Maura called out when she noticed Jane was just standing in the doorway. Cheeks flushed.

"What?"

"What are you doing there? Why don't you come in?" Maura walked towards her best friend. And she's standing now in front of Jane.

Jane looked down at her and their eyes met. Maura felt something in her heart. Something shifted. There was something different with the way Jane is looking down at her. Something she never saw before in those big brown eyes. It's terrifying, yet she felt safe and home somehow. Those chocolate brown eyes staring down at her made her heart race faster. She felt that kind of feeling before several times. The first time was when they both woke up in Jane's bed after they discussed Jane's undercover as a lesbian in Merch the night before. The second instance was when both of them pretended to be lovers just to send Giovanni away. The third was when she came back from prison after being framed for murder. There were other several occasions that Maura felt this way towards Jane but she tried very hard to ignore it because entertaining such feeling might lead their friendship into ruins. And then now, she's feeling this way again. Why is that?

Maura reached Jane's forehead to check her body temperature. "Are you alright?" Maura asked. Her voice almost a whisper and husky, it sent shivers down Jane's spine.

Jane caught Maura's lips with her eyes as she bit her own. She reached for Maura's hands and dropped it to their sides and held it. "I'm fine." Her voice is equally husky as Maura's.

They stared at each other for a while, holding each other's hands. Fingers intertwined. Maura smiled. "You came."

"Yeah. I was hoping you don't have plans. I brought Chinese."

Maura started walking leading Jane to the kitchen. "Good thing I haven't eaten anything, yet."

"But I think you're cooking or something?" Jane quirked an eyebrow as she placed the bag of food on the countertop releasing Maura's hand. She immediately felt the loss of contact.

Maura got her wine and started pouring two glasses. "I was just gonna reheat Angela cooked last night."

"Oh. Good thing I brought food."

Maura just smiled as she handed Jane a glass of wine.

The two ate in silence. A comfortable silence. And after for about some minutes, they moved to the couch with a beer in Jane's hand and wine in Maura's. They're watching a cooking show they both agreed on.

"Thank you for dropping by." Maura suddenly spoke though her eyes are fixed on the TV screen.

Jane didn't know what to feel by what Maura said. Did they reach this point where Maura really has to say 'thank you' to her for dropping by? Normally, the sentences exchanged between them were 'How was your day?' 'Are you staying over?' or 'Do you wanna watch a movie?' Not like this.

"I just wanted to make it up to you for not coming by last night," Jane replied.

Maura smiled a little. "Where were you yesterday, Jane?"

Jane looked up at Maura and their eyes met. Hazel brown eyes against dark brown eyes. Neither was backing down. Jane thought of making things up but thought better of it. There's no point in lying to Maura. But she can tweak some information, right? Right. "I visited Frost's grave."

The confession took Maura by surprise. She tried to say something but no words came out of her mouth. Opening then closing. She just gaped at Jane. Jane didn't know whether to laugh or just keep a straight face just by looking at her best friend. Clearly, Maura is lost for words. Jane reached out to her, putting her forefinger under Maura's chin and slowly pushed it upward so Maura's mouth will close. She found herself staring at the doctor's lips again. Then there was an urge of wanting to kiss those very same lips. Wait, what? She looked up then met Maura's eyes. She regretted it immediately. Seeing those intense hazel orbs made her knees weak. What the hell is happening to her?

Maura grabbed Jane's hand under chin and covered it with hers. "You didn't invite me?" The question was soft. Jane tried to get back her hand but Maura was gripping it tightly.

Jane smiled weakly then looked away. "I just wanted to have an alone time with him. As a partner."

One hand holding Jane's. She cupped the detective's cheek with the other one and made Jane looked back at her. "Are you okay, Jane?"

Jane closed her eyes and leaned on the touch. When she opened her eyes, she found Maura's eyes fixated on her. "I'm okay."

Silence.

Long silence.

"I'm sorry about last night," Jane broke the silence.

Maura slowly shook her head. "It's okay. I just missed my best friend." She smiled.

Jane smiled back and straightened her body. Maura's hand dropped to the side of Jane's cheek. But the other one is still holding the other hand of Jane. They were never this intimate.

"What's happening, Jane?" Maura didn't hesitate to ask.

Pause.

"I don't know," Jane replied and went on like the conversation did not happen.

Maura had fun watching Allie play soccer. She could tell that the young girl really loves to play that certain sport with her enthusiasm. An enthusiasm she never had before when she was at that age. All throughout the game, there were cheers from both Jack and Maura like they were doing it their whole lives. Like they were married and supporting their kids for doing what they love. A smile was plastered on Maura's face. She never felt this light. It's a good thing she agreed on going with Jack because this is what just she needs. A break. A time off from everything. From work. From her own self. And from Jane.

When Maura thought everything wouldn't get weirder, everything did. That night when Jane came to visit her in her house, everything shifted. The way Jane looked at her. The way Jane talked to her. The way Jane treated her. The way Jane reacted to her touches. The way Jane held her hand. They were so un-Jane like. They were all confusing. Maura didn't understand any of it. And every damn free time, Maura will just sit on her couch and try not analyze what happened. But she didn't come up with any result. She just didn't. One time, Jane is grumpy as she had always been. Then one time, she'll just be vulnerable and sweet. A Jane she rarely sees, even before.

Jane is attractive. Yes, Maura will admit. From her slender body, toned legs and stomach, to her sharp high cheekbones, Jane could be a goddess. And if Maura will bat for her team, she will definitely date Jane. And that's what confused her even more, she never thought of this thing until now. Sure, before when they just started their friendship, Jane appeared to be interesting to her, but she never entertained the feeling and idea. Never. She knows it will pass. But now? She doesn't know.

After the game, they went to the mall to buy some things for Allie. Clothes. Shoes. Bags. Those were Jack's ways of treating his daughter after a success. He always makes sure to give Allie everything she wants. And Maura? She's happy to help Allie pick clothes and other kinds of stuff for her since she loves fashion. She and Allie tried many clothes and shoes to fit and Jack waited patiently for them. For one day, Maura managed to relax. For one day, Maura managed to have some fun away from everything. For one day, Jane finally left Maura's mind.

But she's now lying naked on her bed with her bare back pressed against Jack's front wide awake, staring at nothing, mind thinking. Yes, they retreated to Maura's house after Jack's ex-wife picked Allie up. They shared dinner. Watched movie together. Then kisses were exchanged. From foreheads to nose, earlobe, neck, down to lips. Tongues battled for dominance. Designated body parts were touched that made their arousal grew even more. Clothes were discarded and thrown on the floor. Moans and groans filled the silent room. Sweet words left their lips. An undying profession of love from Jack was heard. Release after release and they were finally spent. Jack fell asleep immediately while Maura stayed awake until the middle of the night, thinking. Then everything felt wrong again.

Maura was snapped from her thoughts when she heard her phone rang. She thought it was murder, but when she heard the familiar ringtone of her best friend, her heart skipped a beat. She didn't hear from the detective all day, not even a text. And now, she's calling her. And why now? Why now that Jack is here?

Maura shifted her position and grabbed her phone. Jack woke up by the sudden movement but wrapped Maura tightly in his arms. "Jane?"

"Hey, look. I know this is not a good time but I need down you here in Boston Common. Someone's hurt," Jane explained.

This alarmed the doctor, so she sat up straight. Jack mirrored her position but an arm is still wrapped around her bare waist. "Jane? Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"No, no, no. I'm not hurt. But my friend is. Please, she doesn't want to go to the hospital and you're the only doctor I know."

"Okay okay. I'll be there in twenty," Maura hung up.

Maura stood up and started gathering up her clothes from the floor. "Was that Jane?" Jack asked.

"Yeah, she said she needs my help. She said someone's hurt."

Jack frowned. "Why didn't she just bring the person to the hospital?"

"She said the person doesn't want to go the hospital and I'm the only doctor she knows," Maura said as she pulled up her pants.

"Do you really have to go?"

"Of course. It's an emergency."

"Yeah, yeah right."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Maura turned to Jack.

"Nothing."

"Your tone. It was like you're mocking me," Maura replied irritatedly.

Jack sighed. "I'm sorry. It's just whenever we get together, you always hurried off when she needs you."

"Well, she's my best friend. I just won't let her down when she needs me. She's my family."

"I'm sorry."

Silence.

"Do you want me to drive you there?" Jack finally asked.

Maura shook her head. "No. I'll be fine. Just wait for me here."

This time, Jack smiled widely. "Come back home soon?"

Maura smiled back. "Yes, I will."

And when Maura left the house, she's confused again from what Jack had said.

Maura found them in an alleyway near Boston Common. An old woman was sitting on the ground, head leaning on the wall while Jane is holding the woman's wrist with a blood-covered towel like she was putting pressure on it. Jane is wearing dark gray sweatpants and her BPD shirt.

"Jane," Maura muttered as she approached the two women.

Jane whipped her head at the mention of her name. "Maura. I'm glad you came."

"What happened?"

"Someone stabbed her near her wrist. She's dazed, Maur. I don't know what to do." Jane said panicked.

"You didn't call 911?" Maura asked as she crouched in front of the woman and started examining the wrist.

"She doesn't want me to. She doesn't want to go to the hospital either."

"I hate doctors," Dinah said lowly, eyes drooping.

"Well, I'm a doctor and I need to look at your wrist. Will that be okay?" Maura asked as she looked for something in her bad. She handed it to Jane when she found it.

"What is this?" Jane frowned.

it's a small bottle with a clear liquid in it. "It's a liniment oil. Put it under her nose. She's slowly losing consciousness. It will wake her."

Jane obliged and Maura started cleaning the wound. The wound wasn't that deep but the blood was flowing heavily. Dinah, powerless just watched Maura attend to her wound with all the gentleness in the world. She was in awe.

The three of them were silent. Jane watched Maura doing her thing on the wound. Maura focused on her job. And Dinah was constantly observing the two. She suddenly felt awkward, feeling the tension between the two younger women. And after Maura finished putting gauze in the new stitched up wound, Jane handed her back the small bottle.

"Maura, can you stay here for awhile? I need to buy something." Jane said and when Maura nodded, Jane hurried off.

"I hate doctors," Dinah repeated when both she and Maura were alone. Maura is now sitting beside Dinah not caring about the dirt that her pants might get.

"You already told me that," Maura replied, slightly offended.

"Those hospitals, doctors are all narrow-minded. They don't care for someone like us. They all just care about their titles. They don't have the heart."

Maura was now crushed from the admission. She wanted to yell at the woman but found herself unable to think of any bad words to say. "Then why did you let me look at your wound? Let alone clean it?"

Dinah faced Maura fully with all the warmth in her eyes. Maura expected hatred and disgust. "You are an exception."

Silence.

"Oh." Was all Maura could say. Her heart suddenly melted.

"Detective Rizzoli trusted you. So I think you're a good one, too. She said you'll take care of me. She said you have the gentlest hand in the world." Dinah smiled and she smiled even more when Maura blushed.

"She said that?" The question was almost a whisper.

Dinah nodded. "And she's right. Tell me, what is your name, doctor?"

"Maura. Maura Isles." Maura replied.

"It's a nice name. Like Jane." Then Maura felt her heart skipped a beat. It was just one sentence but it meant more.

Jane came back with a plastic bag with her. She handed Dinah the plastic bag with full of food and drinks. And when she turned to look at Maura, their eyes met. They stared at each other longer than necessary. And they were like sucked in their own vortex forgetting the situation they were in.

Dinah left them after Maura gave her instruction on how to deal with her wound for the next days. She refused to go to the hospital because the woman hated being there. She also refused to be brought to a shelter for old aged people because she doesn't like the feeling of being stuck in a closed room doing nothing. And they didn't argue.

Maura and Jane are now walking back to the doctor's car where it's parked. "She reminds me of you," Maura said, breaking the awkward silence between them.

Jane stopped walking with a narrowed eyes on her best friend. Maura stopped walking, too and faced Jane with a smile on her face. "What?"

"Really? An old woman reminds you of me? Should I be insulted, Maur?"

Maura chuckled then shook her head. "She reminds me of who you are having the same sentiments about hating hospitals and doctors."

They started walking again. "Hey, I hate hospitals because of its smell. Not the hospital itself. And I don't hate doctors. But some of them I hate." Maura chuckled again. "And she doesn't hate you by the way."

"Because you said something good about me to her."

"Is that what she said?"

Maura nodded. They finally reached her car. "How did you meet her, Jane?"

"I met her a couple of days ago when I went to Boston Common for lunch. I found her looking for food in the garbage. I gave her my food then we chatted. She's good to talk to, though sometimes cryptic."

Maura nodded. "I see."

"Hey, do you want to grab something? At least let me treat you for bothering you in the middle of the night." Jane said.

Maura stiffened. There was something hopefulness in Jane's eyes she couldn't refuse. But she has to. Because someone's waiting for her in her house. In her bed. Jack.

"I can't. Jack is there."

Silence.

Dead silence.

More dead silence.

Jane stiffened, eyes darkened. Because of what? Hurt? Anger? Jealousy? Maura couldn't be sure. Jane doesn't know either. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay Jane. You did the right thing by calling me." Maura replied. All she wanted to do that moment is be free from Jane's cold stare she didn't know where it's coming from. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

Jane frowned. "Tomorrow?"

"Sunday dinner?"

"Oh. Sure. Tomorrow."

She left her best friend with a heavy heart.

She was left with a conflicting feelings.