AN: Thank you all for the warm feedback, favorites, and alerts. J/M action starts here. Sorry it took me long enough. Happy Reading :)

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

Chapter 9

" It's the things that you do

It's so physical

It's the things that you say

It's so flammable"

~ It's The Way You Make Me Feel by Steps

It's already past lunch when Maura called Jane after she got the DNA result of Peter James. She doesn't know if the result is good or bad for Jane. But she knows one thing is for sure, this could be a break for the case since they haven't found Michael Hanson, yet. Minutes later, Jane is in her office offering her coffee.

"I went to the cafe. Thought you want some coffee," Jane said and handed Maura the coffee.

"Thanks," Maura put it down on the table and gave Jane the result. "It's his blood, Jane. His sample DNA matches the blood from Lily's shoe sole."

"Okay. I wonder what happened in their talk?"

"There's a possibility it went physical. But that's not the only thing I'm going to tell you," Maura smiled widely at Jane.

Jane's head perked up and raised an eyebrow at Maura as she smiled. "O...kay? What surprise do you have, Dr. Isles?"

Maura, still smiling, moved forward towards Jane. She just entered Jane's personal space. "Might as well you read the result, Detective?"

Jane just stared at her for awhile with a smile on her lips then gave up and began reading the result. Any minute now, Maura is sure that Jane will be surprised and will start asking her tons of questions. And she's right, throughout Jane's reading, her head snapped back at Maura with wide eyes.

"I listened to my gut this time," Maura said proudly.

"This is huge, Maur. Are you sure about this? Really really sure?"

Maura chuckled. "Yes, Jane. I am one hundred percent sure."

"So Lily Sullivan is Peter James' daughter?"

"That's what the result says."

Jane excitedly cupped Maura's cheeks. "I told you, you should listen to your gut sometimes."

"Jane. I only did it because I had this nagging feeling that I should run that test. So I did. But you know, normally I don't listen to my intestines," Maura said, eyes shining brightly.

Jane chuckled. "You are brilliant, Maura Isles. I could kiss you right now, you know."

And she stopped.

They both stopped.

They stopped moving.

They stopped breathing.

And they just stared at each other. Long.

Jane dropped her hands to the side and held the folder tighter. "I need to tell this to Korsak," Jane said as if trying to shake the tension between them.

"Right. You might get something from that," Maura agreed.

"Okay. I'll see you around. Oh. And by the way, don't forget about the dinner tonight," Jane said and hurriedly went outside the office.

"Right, dinner."

Once Jane left the office, both women let out a frustrated sigh.

What Maura did was a great help. Jane and Korsak found out the truth about Peter James and Lily Sullivan's relationship. Hadn't it been for Maura's brilliantness and keen observation, they wouldn't fish this kind of information. They wouldn't know the in-between information that took place before the Sullivans left the factory. Lily is indeed Peter James child to Mrs. Sullivan. And Mr. Sullivan only found that out that same day Lily died. The affair that has been going on with Peter and Mrs. Sullivan has been going on for several years that led them to bear a child. When Mrs. Sullivan found out that she was pregnant with Peter's baby, she took action of telling the poor man that it was her and Mr. Sullivan's own baby. Peter only found out that it was his daughter when Lily turned five. From then on, he became her father without the kid and Mr. Sullivan's knowledge.

Peter convinced Dana Sullivan, Lily's mother to tell her husband the truth. He promised he will take responsibility for all his actions even if he will lose his best friend out of this. Even if he will lose his job. Patrick Sullivan deserves to know the truth. Peter persuaded Dana over and over again but she refused. Until one day, she finally admitted the truth to her husband. And that was the time, the tragic accident of the young life of Lily happened. Peter admitted they had a fight. It became physical. Peter punched him in the face drawing some blood from his mouth. Maybe that was the blood Lily stepped on that stuck on her shoe sole. Then they left. Peter didn't dare follow them out of fear. He thought of cooling down for the time being before talking to Patrick again. And it happened. Lily died. The Sullivan couple is nowhere to be seen. But Peter made sure that Patrick isn't capable of killing someone let alone a child. But who knows? Maybe his anger made him do it and pulled the trigger on Lily's head.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Patrick Sullivan will kill Peter James," Jane said as she sat on her desk.

"So am I. He was played by his wife for almost eight years. I wouldn't be surprised if he hurt her, not that I'm wishing for it," Korsak agreed.

"Do you think Patrick Sullivan killed Lily?"

"I don't know, Jane. All I know is that he's loaded with a gun collection," Korsak replied and showed Jane his monitor.

Jane walked towards Korsak and narrowed her eyes at what she's seeing. Surely, Patrick Sullivan is loaded with kind of rifles down to 38 caliber revolver. All of them are registered under his name.

"We should really find this couple. Now that we know that he was betrayed by his wife and best friend, there's a possibility that he can commit murder."

"I know. Hey, do you have information about the kid who witnessed the incident?"

Jane shook her head. "No. Dinah hasn't any information about Michael Hanson yet."

"We really need that boy."

"Did Peter James own a gun?"

Korsak shook his head. "No. He doesn't have one."

"How much would you bet that Patrick killed his daughter?"

"I'd bet all the things I have," Korsak replied.

Jane sighed resignedly. "So am I, Korsak. We really need to find them, Korsak. We don't have any idea if Dana Sullivan is still alive up to this day."

"We put on a BOLO on their car. But there's still no info."

"Alright," Jane glanced at the clock and noticed it's already five thirty in the afternoon. "Shoot, I need to go."

"Got somewhere else to be?"

"Yeah, Maura and I arranged a dinner so she and Jack could meet Drew."

"Oh. She's still with that Jack?" Korsak asked, a little surprised.

"Yeah, why is that so surprising?"

Korsak shrugged. "The guy is nice."

Jane studied Korsak and waited for him to continue but he didn't. "And I can sense a but there."

"But she can do better." He replied. Jane just frowned at him. "So your friend Drew?" Korsak asked, changing the topic, glad that Jane did not push the previous topic. Jane just nodded. "So, you have a double date?"

"It's not a double date. It's just dinner."

"Sounds like a double date for me," Korsak chuckled.

"Whatever. You got this?"

"Go. We have nothing else to do here anyway."

"Thanks," And she headed off.

Jack and Maura were already at the restaurant the doctor and the detective agreed on, waiting for their two companions. It's been twenty minutes since Maura and Jack arrived at the restaurant so they opted to have wine while they waited. They sat side by side and Jack was having one of the best times of his life as Maura beside him was finding it difficult to feel at ease.

Jack took one of Maura's hands and kissed its knuckles. "You look beautiful tonight. I mean you always look beautiful but you look so radiant tonight."

Maura smiled at him. "Thank you."

Of course, Maura looked beautiful tonight. She always does. Actually, she felt she overdressed. She left the morgue earlier than normal to prepare herself for the said dinner. She had a hard time choosing the best outfit for tonight. Until she settled into the tight black dress that reaches inches below her knees, with a vee plunging neckline, showing an ample amount of her cleavage. Her curves showed perfectly through her fitted dress. And she decided to wear her hair in a bun. She really did look gorgeous and some men and women inside the room were ogling her. And Jack was proud of having the gorgeous date inside the room.

"They were staring at you because you're too beautiful," Jack whispered in her ear.

Truth is, Maura didn't know why she prepared so much for this dinner. There was this desire to impress Jane's friend. And Jack also. And lastly, Jane. So throughout her routine, she meticulously chose everything to wear.

Five minutes later, Jane and Drew finally arrived. Jane immediately spotted Maura and led Drew to their table. Once she got a clearer view of the couple sitting together, she stopped walking in front of Maura.

The time ceased to tick.

Their eyes met.

Mouth slightly hanging open.

Breath hitched.

Maura had never seen Jane looked this perfect.

Jane had never seen Maura this more beautiful throughout their friendship and through formal gatherings they shared.

Tonight, both women were seeing each other in a different way.

Jane chose the little black dress she and her mother bought years ago when her mother set her up for a date with Joey Grant. It passed above her knees and it hit perfectly all the curves of Jane's body. She looked breathtaking. She looked captivating. Her black dress contrasted her tan skin. And if Maura's hair is tied in a bun, Jane's wild mane hang loosely. They stared at each other in awe like they were seeing each other for the first time, appreciating each other's appearance, forgetting their men companion.

The time did really seem to stop for both of them.

Jane cleared her throat as she averted her gaze from Maura. "So, did we really agree on having dinner together or are we going to someone's funeral?" She joked because all of them are wearing black. Black dress for both her and Maura and black suits for men.

Jack and Drew chuckled at her remark while Maura just smiled. "By the way, this is Drew, my childhood friend, Drew this is Jack and of course you already met Maura."

"Hi," Drew greeted and shook Jack's offered hand. He focused on Maura afterwards. "It's nice to see you again, Dr. Isles," He smiled at her.

"Just call me Maura," Maura smiled back and shook Drew's hands.

"Okay, introductions are over. Shall we start?" Jane asked and sat across Maura while Drew sat beside her.

"I also want to apologize for us being late. Jane took a long time picking what to wear," Drew said and grinned Jane who suddenly felt her cheeks burned and a blush was plastered on her face.

"Traitor," Jane said through gritted teeth.

"Well, your choice is elegant," Maura smiled at Jane.

"Ah, thanks. Can we order now?"

They were having fun during dinner. Talks and waves of laughter flowed around them. They talked about sports, arts, current events, their jobs, and childhood. Jane was having a good time she didn't notice Maura was looking at her constantly. She looked so at ease and it seemed that days, weeks had passed since the last time she saw Jane so carefree. Maybe he was having a good effect on her.

When they started talking about arts, Maura's eyes lit up. She led the talk followed by Jack and Drew. And since Jane isn't much interested in arts, she listened to every word Maura was saying with a smile on her face. Maura looked so gorgeous, and drop dead sexy especially when she does the google talk and couldn't help herself sharing her knowledge. She really looked so hot in her element.

"So you were saying that you were a shy type of a boy?" Jack directed his question at Drew when their topic shifted about their childhood.

"Yeah, I actually was. But since I met the Rizzoli kids, I started playing outside. I was seven at that time." He replied.

"Were you best friends with Tommy and Frankie?" Maura asked.

"Oh no," Drew shook his head firmly. "It was actually Jane who was my best friend." Both Drew and Jane grinned at each other. Maura studied them and couldn't help but feel slightly jealous of their shared childhood. Pity, but she really felt that way.

"So did Jane also teach you how to play baseball?" Maura asked again. "I heard she was pretty good in that sport." Jane looked at her with a smile.

"Oh yes, she did. She was better than any other boys playing it in our neighborhood."

"Did she beat your ass up to?" Jack asked.

"Hell yeah. Many times before. She moves athletically than me."

"Shut up Drew. You beat me many times, too," Jane chimed in.

"Hey, I'm leaving after tomorrow. Why don't we play baseball before I leave Boston?" Drew suggested.

"We won't make two teams. Even if I invite Korsak, Nina, Kent, Frankie, and Tommy." Jane said.

"Why don't we use the batting cage? Then see who gets the most hit?" Jack suggested.

"That's a great idea. You up for it Jane?" Drew turned to Jane.

"Hell, yeah," Jane replied.

"Let's see if you're still good as before." Drew grinned at her.

"Never underestimate the power of Jane Rizzoli," Jane smirked.

"I never did."

"You up for it, Maura?" Jack asked his girlfriend.

Maura looked at him then smiled. "Sure. Tomorrow after work."

"By the way, I hope you don't mind me asking, how long have you two been together?" Drew shifted his gaze to Maura and Jack as Jane stiffened and her face fell beside him.

Jack instinctively grabbed Maura's hand on the table and held it gently. "We've been dating for six months."

"Any plans on getting married?"

Maura's world stopped at the question. Like it was spinning and everyone is blurring. It was just a question but it fell heavy on her heart. Jane's gaze was fixed in the joined hands of Maura and Jack. She never paid attention to Drew's question. As soon as Jack clutched Maura's hands, Jane's gaze went to it.

"We haven't actually talked about it, but soon, right babe?" Jack's smile broadened while Maura frowned at the term of endearment used.

"R-right," Maura replied.

"What about you Jane? Any plans on getting married?" Jack was the one who asked this time. Both Drew and Maura looked at her.

Jane's head snapped at the question. She smiled dismissively which Maura and Drew noticed. "No one wanted to marry a cop."

It was already ten when they decided to leave the restaurant and headed their own way. Jack and Maura hopped on to Maura's car while Jane and Drew took a cab. At the backseat, Jane and Drew were sitting in silence.

"Your friend is pretty," Drew commented.

"Yeah. She is. Gorgeous to say the least," Jane agreed. "Jack is a hell lucky guy."

"Why is she with him by the way?" That was the question that was running in Drew's mind throughout their dinner.

"Why not?" Jane frowned.

Drew burst out laughing at that while Jane just stared at him in confusion. When Drew composed himself, he looked at Jane seriously. "You're really asking me that?"

"Well, you gotta explain me that weird remark of yours."

"Have you seen how you two look at each other? Have you seen the way she glares at me? Or are you aware how you looked dangerously at Jack?" Jane's frown deepened. Drew sighed. "If looks could kill, bot Jack and I will probably be dead by now." He chuckled. "I don't know what's going on between you two or if you're even aware of what's going on between you. Because clearly, I think you aren't."

Jane focused her full attention on Drew. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I can't say much because this is the first time I met your best friend. But I do know you. And I can say that you had that feral look towards Jack. It's as if he's trying to claim what is rightfully yours. And Maura? She's very territorial. I got scared of her actually."

"I don't know what you're talking about. Maura and I are best friends. There's no way that we're like territorial towards each other," Jane's frown got deeper if it was even possible.

Drew looked at her intently with a smile on his face. A smile that isn't judging. Not that concerned but understanding. Clearly, Jane isn't aware of the air between her and to the person she claimed to be her best friend. Or both of them are just in denial.

"Okay. It's your say." He said, letting the topic go.

True, Jane was a little protective of Maura. Maybe overprotective over Maura but as a cop and as the doctor's best friend, it is her job to protect her and keep her safe from time to time. Especially after the incidents that almost took Maura away from her. Yes, there were rumors going on about her relationship with the medical examiner and the people involved in that rumors are their colleagues. And it didn't bother her because none of them were true. They are just best friends and nothing more. But hearing those things from Drew who witnessed their friendship in just a small span of time made her question everything. Then her mind started analyzing everything that's going on in her mind. The uneasiness whenever she's around Maura and Jack in one room. The hurt she felt when Maura isn't available to spend time with her because she's with Jack. The nagging feeling whenever they talk about him. Could it be true that there's more to her friendship with the doctor? She's aware that their friendship was somewhat unconventional. Their friendship went deeper beyond the years especially after they made up after Jane shot Paddy. They became closer. They depended on each other all the time. But could there be really something beyond their friendship other than itself that she's not yet seeing? Did she forget to look at the different angle in the bond she shared with Maura? Was that the reason why she always feels like she wanted to strangle Jack whenever he's around despite that he's not doing anything wrong? Could it be jealousy she's feeling towards him because she wants to be in Jack's position in Maura's life? Could it be it? No, it couldn't be because she and Maura don't swing that way, right? They are just best friends and nothing more but somehow Jane didn't believe what her mind was telling her now. What her heart is telling her is winning. And her heart tells her that yes, there's more to their friendship.

She glanced at Drew who is looking outside, appreciating the view. She sighed heavily and leaned her head on the window as she closed her eyes. Her mind couldn't stop processing everything. Especially about the things Drew revealed to her and how Maura looked tonight. Gorgeous and elegant. This will be a long night for her and she needed a couple of beers to knock herself to sleep.

The ride back home to Beacon Hill was spent in silence. Maura was leaning on the window as she observed the quiet night of Boston passed by her eyes but not really seeing everything. Her mind was wandering with thoughts of Jane and Drew. The moment Jane approached them, there is no denying the detective was breathtaking. She saw her wore that dress once but tonight, Jane looked different. She saw her as not her best friend. She saw her in a different way. And if she likes to admit it, she saw Jane in a romantic side. And it's frustrating her because she shouldn't. And it feels like she's cheating on Jack though not with actions but with feelings. And they are best friends. Jane is the best friend she ever had and she won't do anything to compromise it like she promised years ago. But she couldn't help but feel more for her. Yes, Jane is a very attractive woman and if Maura's being honest, she was once attracted to Jane's physical beauty and maybe until now, she still is. But she's with Jack and she and Jane are both women. She was never attracted to any woman before. Though she wasn't against to the idea. But why now that she has someone? Then there is Drew Lanter who was once Jane's best friend. Whenever he shares his memories with Jane, Maura couldn't help but feel her insides twisting and picture Drew being punched by her senselessly. Yes, she wanted to punch him right there and then. But he's a good man, Maura couldn't deny it. He was just sharing memories of him and Jane to them. And she could see that he isn't like Casey nor Dean that's why Maura felt guilty for thinking that way. It's just she felt jealous whenever he talks about something she doesn't know because she wasn't in it. And why the Hell she would be in it when he talks about their childhood? But she and Jane have memories of their own, right? She shouldn't be jealous because Drew Lanter isn't in one of those memories either. But she has this feeling that she should be the only one to have memories with Jane. And it's selfish. Yes, it is.

Maura felt a hand on her shoulder and realized that they had stopped. She turned to her companion and saw the concern in Jack's eyes. The man that she should love.

"We're here," Jack said softly. "Are you okay?"

Maura forced a smile, hoping that it's convincing enough for Jack to buy. "I am fine. Would you like to go inside?"

"Oh no. It's a school night. I should probably go back home because if I stay, we won't be sleeping since you're wearing that perfect dress," He said glancing up and down on Maura's body. Maura nodded but didn't make a move. She just stared at Jack's eyes, searching for something she doesn't know. "Maura?" Jack frowned.

"Kiss me," She whispered. And Jack obliged.

The kiss was still the same. It was the same kiss he used to give her before. But the feeling isn't the same anymore. Before, she finds it thrilling, exhilarating, passionate, and electrifying. But now, it feels like she's betting on something she knows she'll lose in the end. The feeling wasn't there anymore. And she feels disgusted by herself as when she closed her eyes, the only thing she could picture is Jane approaching her in that restaurant.

When they parted, Jack smiled at her widely but Maura didn't smile as much. She bid farewell and let herself out of the car. She didn't glance back at him when she started walking towards the door as she finally let her tears fall down her cheeks, finally knowing the reason why she's been feeling confused these past few days.

PS: If you don't know the song indicated above and if you have time, listen to it. That song summarizes their feelings to each other. That's what I thought when I was writing this chap.