Chapter 3

The next morning, Maura woke up feeling well rested and surprisingly relaxed. She glanced to her side and saw Jane lying there, her arm still wrapped around Maura's waist. The M.E. felt slightly embarrassed for asking Jane to stay with her. Rationally, Maura had not been in any danger, she only felt afraid because of her nightmare. Asking Jane to stay was purely for comfort. It wasn't as if she was truly in harm's way and needed protection. Maura slowly worked her way out of the detective's embrace, taking extra care not to wake her. She gingerly slid off of the bed and walked quietly to the guest bathroom, so she could take a shower without waking Jane.

Jane woke up an hour or so later, propping herself up on her elbow and seeing that Maura was no longer there. She was surprised that she hadn't woken up when the M.E. left the bed. Apparently, she had slept more soundly than she normally did. The detective got up and plodded out of the bedroom and down the hallway, rubbing her eyes and stretching her back. She reached the kitchen and saw Maura leaning back against the counter, staring into her cup of coffee. Jane was caught off guard by the M.E.'s appearance. She was used to seeing Maura in her expensive, somewhat overly-formal attire, and although she looked lovely when she was dressed up, it was nice seeing the M.E. stripped down to her natural self. Maura was in a velvety bathrobe, which Jane figured probably costed more than her own best dress outfit. She had on no makeup, and her hair was still damp from the shower, stray waves hanging loosely around her face. Her freckles were much more noticeable without any makeup on, and Jane couldn't help but smile as she admired the M.E.'s natural beauty.

"Morning." Jane said, walking over to her.

Maura flinched at Jane's voice.

"Oh dear, I had planned to complete my morning routine before you woke up but apparently I became distracted. Forgive me for not looking my best."

"Maura, you look-" Jane swallowed the word as it came up. Perfect. She patted the M.E.'s arm softly. "You look fine."

"You look quite well yourself, Jane. Those pajamas suit you nicely."

The detective rubbed the back of her neck, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Uh, thanks…How did you sleep?"

"I slept quite well. Thank you, Jane, for…you know, staying with me. It was silly of me to ask but-"

"Don't mention it. And it wasn't silly." She said quietly. "I actually-" Jane stopped as she realized she was about to say she enjoyed it.

Tell Maura that you enjoyed sleeping in her bed, while she was lying there, scared to death? Tell her that you enjoyed comforting her and holding her all night? Tell her that you slept better in her bed than you have in at least a year? That wouldn't be awkward at ALL.

The detective cleared her throat and walked to the coffee pot. "I actually…want some coffee, if you don't mind."

"Sure, help yourself." Maura said, walking to the living room and settling onto the couch. She was very thankful that it was a Sunday, and she could be somewhat relaxed.

Jane fixed her coffee and joined Maura on the couch, scooting close to her and resting a hand on her leg.

"So, you feel like going to get a bite to eat for brunch?" Jane offered. "We could go to the diner, or I could just go get something for us, if you want."

Maura jumped slightly at the skin to skin contact, and realized that she wished Jane's arms were wrapped around her once again.

Seeing Maura flinch, Jane realized she might have over-stayed her welcome.

"Uh, sorry… After last night you probably just want to have some relaxation time. You should do some yoga or paint your nails or whatever it is you do to relax."

The M.E. forced a small smile and nodded. She didn't want Jane to leave. She was longing for that close intimate place in Jane's arms, but she was fairly certain that asking for it would be inappropriate. Instead she curled her legs up underneath her and wrapped her arms lightly around herself.

"Yes, I agree. A day of relaxation is certainly in order. I feel unbalanced. I think I should meditate for a while. You're welcome to stay, of course. I suppose you could join me in meditation, if you'd like."

Jane smirked at Maura, but stood up shaking her head.

"That's okay. I've really got to get home and feed Jo and take her for a walk. You have fun with your Tai Chi stuff."

"Jane, Tai Chi is a form of Chinese martial arts that specializes in self defense and also is known for its health benefits. I'm just doing a simple meditation practice that-"

"Okay, enough Maur. I get it." Jane said, a small smirk playing on her lips. "I'll talk to you later, okay?"

Maura nodded, not satisfied that she was unable to finish explaining the technique of meditation, which she was sure could benefit Jane in her times of stress and irritability.

She watched the detective walk out of her door and sighed quietly, tightening her arms around herself and trying to remember exactly what it felt like lying in bed with Jane the previous night.