A/N: I apologize in advance for any sloppy errors. It's late and I'm running on no sleep. As always, I'll keep proofing for typos and update the chapter over the next few days.

I

Kadin arrived at Maura's house at a quarter till noon dressed head to toe in Patriots gear. Her bright red hoodie contrasted well with her olive colored skin and light brown hair. She had spoken briefly to Jaxon earlier that morning to map out tailgate plans once they were at the stadium. Though Maura had seemed genuinely interested in attending the game, Kadin had found herself concerned that she had only agreed to go out of kindness and courtesy. However, Kadin had made it a goal to not only show Maura a good time, but to also show her what it was like to be open about their sexuality around others.

Maura came to the door dressed in a stunning dark blue dress with a low cut neckline, and a sharp blazer style over jacket. She looked appropriately dressed for a high profile business meeting, but not for a Patriots football game.

"Mmhm," Kadin replied as she stepped inside the house. "I was afraid this might happen."

"What?" Maura asked; her brow furrowed.

"You can't wear Karen Millen to a football game," Kadin replied. "Well, you can, you just shouldn't."

Maura gazed down at her wardrobe then noticed Kadin's sporty attire. She frowned, then stated, "I didn't know what to wear. All my football hoodies are at the cleaners."

"Here," Kadin smirked as she handed the woman a shopping bag, "Put this on."

Maura opened the bag and pulled out a small, blue, New England Patriots jersey. She smiled, "You bought this for me?"

"I did." Kadin replied. "My suggestion: wear it overtop of a long sleeve shirt, mix it with a pair of blue jeans and a casual jacket, then tie it all together with matching accessories. Kadin reached into the bag and pulled out a scarf and pair of gloves. "Consider it the sports fashion tip of the week."

Maura's face lit up with intrigue. She'd never purchase this style of clothing for herself, which made it somewhat exciting to try out a completely different look. She hurried off to her bedroom to change. Maura glanced at herself in the mirror; she looked relaxed, comfortable, athletic. It was a stark contrast to her usual fashion, but it felt fairly natural. Moments later Kadin appeared behind her in the mirror and wrapped her arms around the woman's waist, "Well, what do you think?"

Maura turned so that she was facing the other woman, "I like it. Hopefully, no one will notice I'm a rookie," she teased. She leaned up slightly, so that she could reach Kadin's lips, "Thank you."

"Thank you," Kadin quickly repeated, "For coming."

"You don't have to thank me, I want to come," Maura turned and faced the mirror again, "We match," she noted.

Kadin whispered into Maura's ear, "Mmm…. we're a perfect match." Her grip on the woman tightened. "We should get going. Jaxon and Cheyenne are expecting us at their tailgating site by one o'clock."

II

As Kadin and Maura maneuvered through the crowds of people, Kadin made sure she stayed close to Maura's side, frequently placing her hand on the small of Maura's back to guide her through the congested parking lot. In many ways, the contact felt familiar, Maura was used to the men she dated often touching her in a similar manner, but there was something more to Kadin's touch. It wasn't just a technique used to lead Maura through the crowd, or a gesture made to indicate some type of possession; it was a genuine act of protection and assurance. Maura easily took comfort in Kadin's strong presence, knowing that Kadin's attentive nature would cater to any uprising concerns.

Spotting Jaxon and Cheyenne at the far end of the parking lot, Kadin threw up her hand and waved. "I see them," She spoke to Maura as she pointed, "There over by the fence."

Maura glanced through the crowd and spotted the couple grilling underneath a tent. She felt her heartbeat quicken, as the thought of confronting Dr. Hallowell became an imminent reality. She inhaled several deep breaths, hoping to mask her anxiety.

"Kadin!" Jaxon exclaimed as he outstretched his arms and embraced his sister, "Happy Birthday!" Jaxon's attention turned quickly to Maura, "Hey, Maura," he greeted cheerfully. He eyed the woman's outfit, "Awesome jersey. Did they have that in an Large?"

"Like you need another Patriot's jersey," Cheyenne scoffed playfully as she stepped up behind her husband. She leaned over and embraced Maura gently, "I'm so glad you came," she smiled. "Are you hungry? We've been grilling all morning. There's tons of food and drinks."

"Oh, yeah, Maura, you've got to try Cheyenne's pigs in a blanket," Jaxon insisted, "They're out of this world."

"They are pretty good and this is coming from someone who never eats pork," Kadin chimed in.

"Hey, Kadin, you want a beer?" Jaxon asked as he opened the cooler and reached inside. He pulled out an icy can of Bud Light and tossed it Kadin's way. "Oh, I almost forgot," Jaxon dug deeper into the cooler, "Wine for the ladies," he winked, and then handed Maura a bottle of merlot.

"I also brought a martini mixer," Cheyenne elbowed Maura lightly in the ribs.

Maura laughed lightly, "So, this is the primary purpose of tailgating."

"Yep," Jaxon nodded as he took a sip of his beer, "Food, alcohol, and cornhole. The holy trinity of any pregame tailgate party."

"Cornhole?" Maura asked, unfamiliar with the term.

"It's a lawn game," Kadin explained as she popped the tab on her beer, "You throw beanbags onto wooden platforms that have holes cut out in the middle. Obviously, the point would be to throw a bag inside the hole."

"Kadin, you understate the entire notion of the game. There's a fine art to cornhole, Maura. Take it from the champ," Jaxon boasted, "One must posses finally tuned hand eye coordination and keen depth perception."

"Or, in Jaxon's case, about six beers," Kadin grinned as she patted her brother on the back.

"You want to play a game right now?" Jaxon asked; his competitive nature flared.

"Fine, set it up." Kadin taunted, "Loser has to buy concessions during halftime."

"Ouch, high stakes."

"Come on, Jaxon, put your money where your mouth is," Kadin remarked. "And may the best man, or woman, win."

Jaxon shook his head in an exaggerated manner and sighed, "Kadin, you're such an idiom."

Surprised by Jaxon's clever wisecrack, Maura quickly burst out into laughter. Kadin's eyes cut over to Maura, "Hey, whose side are you on here?"

"Yours," Maura admitted. "That was just really funny," she laughed again.

"Yeah, well, after I beat Jaxon, how about you and I play a round?" Kadin suggested; she bit her bottom lip and narrowed her eyes.

Maura shrugged, "All right."

"You can have first throw. Make it count," Jaxon handed two red beanbags to Kadin and stepped aside.

Cheyenne came up behind Maura and handed her a glass of wine and a pig in a blanket, "Those two act like this every time they're together. If it wasn't so adorable, it would be annoying."

Maura sipped the wine, "Sibling rivalry at its finest."

"Definitely." Cheyenne agreed. "I was only a child; sometimes I feel like I missed out. I watch them together and I think how nice it must feel to have that kind of a bond with someone, you know?"

"I do," Maura nodded, "I was only child as well." Cheyenne invited Maura to have a seat with her, while they watched Jaxon and Kadin play. Maura took a bite of the pig in the blanket and her eyes widened with amazement, "Oh, my God, Cheyenne, this is delicious."

Cheyenne giggled, "It's Jaxon's favorite snack, so I've gotten really good at making it over the years. I learned the recipe from his mom. Cooking is one of the few domestic traits that I have, but I'm no Paula Deen." She reached over and placed her hand on Maura's arm, "I really am glad you're here, Maura. I've looked forward to seeing you ever since Jaxon mentioned you were coming."

Maura blushed at the kind remark, "I'm glad I came as well. I don't know anything about football. I must look like a fish out of water."

"Not at all," Cheyenne replied, "The jersey and scarf are a nice touch. Very convincing."

"Kadin's idea," Maura confessed.

Cheyenne nodded, "Well, it was a good one."

There was silence between the women for several moments while Maura finished her snack and took another drink of wine. She watched Kadin carefully, admiring her athleticism and confidence. Each time Kadin scored, she would celebrate, either by throwing a hand up in the air, or teasing Jaxon. It was Kadin's lighthearted nature that had attracted Maura, initially. Kadin was never heavy, never deeply troubled, and her mood always seemed balanced and healthy.

"You know," Cheyenne began, keeping her eyes on the woman as well; "I've known Kadin since she was sixteen. She's the closest thing I've ever had to a sister. I love her dearly." Cheyenne glanced over to Maura, "She's very admirable. Whenever she decided to go to Business College, her parents tried to discourage her; they were worried that she was too soft hearted for the corporate world, but Kadin wasn't interested in corporate. She wanted to work somewhere where peace and tranquility weren't just options, but the entire point. Right after she graduated, she took her inheritance, opened the spa, and within a year she had over three hundred regular members. Two years later, that number had tripled; the members needed more space and more amenities. She and Jaxon worked together on blue prints for weeks; she expanded, constructed, reconstructed, hired, fired, and borrowed from the banks during one of the worst economical crises in our nation's history, and managed to pay it all back within three years time. She's finically brilliant."

"I never knew any of that," Maura stated with surprise. "I knew the spa did well, but Kadin's never mentioned any details about the business."

"She's tight lipped about money, as is Jaxon. William taught them both to never speak publically about politics or capital." Cheyenne noted. "She made her first million at twenty-eight, and if Jaxon hadn't told me, I don't know if she ever would have."

"I-I'm sorry, did you say million?" Maura now gave her complete attention to Cheyenne.

"Hard to believe, right?" Cheyenne chuckled, "But you're a member of the spa, aren't you? How much do you spend per visit?" Maura pondered the question thoroughly, realizing along the way that Cheyenne wasn't exaggerating. Cheyenne eyed Maura carefully, "Does she look different to you now?" she asked.

Maura turned her head and stared at Kadin. Kadin happened to glance over and catch Maura's gaze, she smiled and winked at the medical examiner, before tossing a beanbag back to Jaxon. Maura shook her head, "No… she just looks like Kadin," Maura smiled.

"I knew you'd feel that way," Cheyenne poured more wine into Maura's glass, "I don't know what brought you two together, but I thank God that it happened."

"Cheyenne…."

"Maura," Cheyenne emphasized. "I've admired your work since 2008 when you helped crack the Charlotte Danville case. The media said it would never be solved, that there were just too many unanswered questions, but you never lost hope. You rose to the challenge and worked even harder to find out what happened to that little girl and without your astounding autopsy examination, the police never would have been able to identify her murderer. I've watched you closely ever since, and your dedication and contribution to the medical field is irreplaceable. You're one of the best, Dr. Isles. Women all across this city view you as a role model." Cheyenne paused. "I don't usually get involved in Kadin's personal life, it's always been best to keep distant, but this time, I have to speak up; a person like you doesn't come around every day and you'll never find another Kadin. I couldn't be happier or more exited for either of you."

"Maura!" Kadin exclaimed, causing the medical examiner's head to twist. "You're up! I'm the new reigning champ!" She grabbed Jaxon's Patriot's hat from his head and put it on her own, "Looks like this crown now belongs to me."

Maura turned back to Cheyenne, "Can we talk more later?"

"We can talk anytime you want, Maura," Cheyenne replied kindly, "Go. Play." Cheyenne motioned her head towards Kadin.

Jaxon came over and took a seat on the opposite side of Cheyenne. He reached into the cooler and pulled out another beer, "She's gotten a lot better. I think she's been practicing," he huffed. He glanced up at Maura, "Good luck, doc. It's brutal over there."

Maura stood from her chair and headed over to Kadin who was waiting patiently for her next opponent. After briefly explaining the rules of the game to Maura, Kadin handed her two beanbags and insisted she throw first. Maura eyed the platform carefully, measuring the distance in her mind's eye. She tossed the beanbag up and down in her hand several times, adjusting to it's weight and feel. Kadin glanced back at Cheyenne and Jaxon and smiled, she was just about to mock the woman for her embellished preparation when Maura tossed the bag onto the middle of the platform and it glided effortlessly into the hole. Pleased with herself, Maura smirked, but remained focus. Kadin watched the woman carefully, eager to label the first throw beginner's luck, but Maura tossed the second beanbag in the same manner and it too slid into the hole for another score.

"Your turn," Maura stated casually as she stepped to the side of her platform.

Kadin coughed and readjusted her crown as she stepped up and tossed the first bag. It landed on the platform, but didn't slide into the hole. She stretched her neck and shoulders, focused in on the platform, and threw the second bag. It fell just centimeters short of the platform and stayed there.

"Okay, so, that's four to one," Maura commented as she bent down to pick up the beanbags, "Right?"

Kadin smirked, "Right."

Maura stood to her feet and repeated her ritual; again, the beanbag glided effortlessly into the hole.

"Are you serious?" Kadin finally exclaimed. "Have you played this before?"

"No…" Maura answered honestly. "But I very much like it," she grinned. "I'll think I'll buy my own set."

Kadin removed Jaxon's hat from atop her head and placed it on Maura's, then bowed and said, "I'm unworthy." Kadin turned and motioned for Cheyenne and Jaxon to join in, "Come on, let's play!" Kadin shouted. "Maura's on my team."

"This ought to be entertaining," Cheyenne replied a she set down her drink.

"Whatever you do, don't make any bets with them," Jaxon stated seriously, "I'm already buying concessions at half time."

"Well, we can at least try to win back your crown," Cheyenne placed a kiss on her husband's cheek, and then took him by the hand.

III

Inside the stadium, the fans were riled up and wild. Maura clung closely to Kadin, hoping to keep physical contact among other fans to a bare minimum. Jaxon and Cheyenne cheered loudly on nearly every play, but Maura found herself unable to entirely keep up with what was happening. Deciding to play it safe, she stayed mostly quiet and only cheered and clapped when Kadin did. By halftime, the Patriots had managed a slim lead over the Baltimore Ravens at seventeen to fourteen. Cheyenne and Jaxon left to buy concessions, while Maura and Kadin remained in the seats. The temperature had dropped considerably; Maura was thankful for the scarf and gloves, but even more thankful she hadn't worn her dress.

Kadin pulled out a small Patriots throw blanket from her backpack and wrapped it around a shivering Maura, "Are you having a good time?" Kadin asked.

"I am," Maura replied as she pulled the blanket tighter and leaned into Kadin and rested her head on Kadin's shoulder. "Are you having a good birthday?"

"The best ever," Kadin replied. "I'm with my three favorite people in the world."

Maura smiled, "You're sweet." There was a brief pause between them before Maura spoke up again, "Cheyenne told me about the spa."

"What about it?" Kadin asked as she reached for her beer.

"About how successful it is. How you built it from the ground up straight out of college."

Kadin cleared her throat, "Cheyenne likes to brag."

"Who can blame her?" Maura inquired. "You're something worth bragging about. The day I met you, you were covered head to toe in mud, and I don't think you've ever looked more beautiful. Not just anyone can pull that off."

Kadin smiled, feeling her cheeks brighten, "I thought I was the charming one in this relationship?"

"You are," Maura agreed. "I'm merely being honest." She glanced out into the field as she watched the halftime show. "I'm glad you told Jaxon and Cheyenne about us. It scared me at first, but I didn't realize how much I needed someone to know." Kadin turned her head and watched Maura closely as she spoke. "I'm so proud of you, Kadin. You're fearless. You're like an unstoppable force. Yet, you're modest, kind, thoughtful and generous…" Maura glanced down at her lap, as her courage slowly continued to build. Her eyes lifted and locked with Kadin's, "I've been waiting for someone like you all of my life. I never expected to fall for another woman, that part surprised me," Maura swallowed heavily, "but the more I'm around you, the more I want to be around you. I used to worry that no one would understand this, and that I'd never be able to explain you, but I realize now that I shouldn't worry so much about explaining what we have," Maura shrugged, "I should just appreciate that we have it. And I do, Kadin. I appreciate you, so much."

Kadin took hold of Maura's hand and squeezed it tightly. The marching band, the cheerleaders, the sports announcers, and the tens of thousands of fans packed tightly inside the stadium suddenly faded away and the women shared a beautiful moment of seclusion. Their own severed piece of time cut directly from the world around them and framed in a memory that they'd both cherish for the rest of their lives.

"Maura, I-"

"Hey, little sister, think fast!" Jaxon shouted as he suddenly appeared on the bleachers, only a few steps above the couple. Kadin glanced up to see a toy football soaring towards her head. Instinctually, she raised her hands and caught the ball. Jaxon laughed ecstatically at his sister's quick reaction, "Woo! What a catch! Let's put Kadin in a Pat's jersey and send her to the field!"

Kadin glanced down at Maura apologetically, "I'm really sorry. He's had a lot to drink."

Jaxon made his way down the bleachers, Cheyenne following close behind. He handed Maura a hot chocolate and passed another beer to Kadin. "Hey, Cheyenne and I were just talking about having a super bowl party. You guys have to promise to come," Jaxon's eyes widened as he spoke. He bent down to one knee next to Maura, "Please, tell me you'll come, Maura."

"Jaxon, get up, you look like you're about to propose," Kadin jeered.

"Well, someone should," Jaxon remarked as he stood to her feet. "Maura's a hell of a catch."

Cheyenne grabbed Jaxon by the shoulders and shoved him down into his seat, "Cool it, Romeo. You're already married."

"To the most wonderful woman in the world," Jaxon smiled as he gazed up at his wife. He held up his hand to cover his mouth from Maura and Kadin's eyesight, "I just really want them to come to the party."

"We'll be there," Maura announced.

"Of course we'll be there; we wouldn't miss it for anything," Kadin agreed as she placed an arm around Maura's shoulder and rubbed it gently.

III

The Patriots went on to claim the playoff victory over the Ravens and by the end of the game the streets of Boston were a madhouse of celebrations. It was still early and the party was just getting started for many fans, Jaxon convinced the girls to have a round of drinks at Patty's Pub before they headed home, a final call for alcohol and a chance to toast the birthday girl. Patty's was packed, but Jaxon spotted an empty booth by the back bar and hurried towards it to stake his claim.

"Drink up, Maura!" Jaxon exclaimed as they piled into the booth. "I've got a buddy in the cab business. He'll send someone out to pick us up whenever we're ready."

"You have a buddy for everything," Maura laughed.

"You can never have too many friends," Jaxon replied.

A pair of brown eyes from across the bar honed in on the back table. For a moment, Jane thought she had had one drink too many, but undoubtedly, that was Maura Isles in the back of Patty's wearing a patriots jersey and drinking with a group of diehard Pats fans.

"What's the matter with you?" Frost asked noticing Jane's sudden change in demeanor. "You look like you've seen a ghost." Jane downed her shot and nodded towards the back of the bar. Frost turned and did a double take when he saw Dr. Isles sitting at the back table. "Is she wearing a jersey?"

"A designer jersey, I'm sure," Jane muttered. "Who's she with?"

"That's Dr. Hallowell and her husband," Frost answered. "I've seen them on the news a couple times. Dr. Hallowell is on the physician's board."

"What about the other woman?" Jane inquired.

"No idea." Frost sipped his beer, "She looks good, though."

"Frost, she's wearing a hoodie and jeans," Jane scoffed.

"And she looks damn fine doing it," Frost smirked.

Jane smacked the detective on the shoulder, "Knock it off." Jane focused back to the table, "Maura hates football, what the hell is she doing here dressed like that?"

"Maybe her new boyfriend is a Pats fan."

"Yeah? Well, where is he? I'd love to meet the mystery man," Jane glanced around the bar.

"Come on, Jane, don't let this ruin your night."

"I'm not," Jane snapped; she ordered another shot, "I just didn't expect to see her here, that's all."

Frost shrugged, "Patty's is a popular place among sports fans."

"She's not a sports fan."

"She is tonight," Frost countered. "Let it go, Jane. Come on, next round is on me." Frost placed his arm around Jane and pulled her back towards the bar.

About an hour went by and Jane had been unable to take her eyes off Maura. As the drinks kept pouring, Jane's anger kept rising. She began preparing a list of things she'd like to say to the medical examiner and when she saw Maura and Cheyenne excuse themselves and walk back towards the restroom, Jane jumped up from her stool and took advantage of the prime opportunity.

"Jane, where are you going?" Frost asked as he started to follow after the woman, "Jane!"

Jane shoved open the ladies' room door. There were only two stalls and Maura and Cheyenne had each taken one. Unaware that anyone else had entered the restroom, the two women laughed and spoke freely amongst each other.

"Do you have anything special planned for Kadin's birthday?" Cheyenne asked through the stall door.

"I managed to score tickets to Chicago for tomorrow night at the Gladiator Theater." Maura replied proudly.

"Chicago?" Cheyenne repeated enthusiastically, "That's one of Kadin's favorite musicals!"

"I know. It's been so hard to keep it a surprise. Promise you won't say anything."

Cheyenne giggled, "I swear you two are so adorable together."

"Cheyenne…"

"Of course, I promise, Maura. Scouts honor."

"Were you even in scouts?"

"No, but I still hold their value system and traditions with high regard," Cheyenne laughed and swung open her stall door; she suddenly felt embarrassed when she spotted Jane standing by the sink. "Oh! I'm so sorry. I didn't realize anyone was waiting. Cheyenne quickly washed her hands and then called over her shoulder, "Maura, I'll catch you back at the table."

"Okay." Maura replied as she flushed her toilet and opened her stall door as well. She froze in place when she realized Jane was waiting by the door. "Jane…" her face turned pale.

"Nice jersey," Jane replied as she folded her arms across her chest.

Maura glanced down at her wardrobe, "It was a gift."

"From Kadin?" Jane inquired. "He sounds like a really sensitive guy, he likes football and Broadway musicals? No wonder you're keeping him a secret."

"Jane, I-"

"You know, Maura, it's bad enough that you fall head over heels for these flavors of the month, but do you have to bring my mother down with you?"

"Excuse me?" Maura asked, not following Jane's random skip in conversation.

"I went over to your guesthouse, yesterday. Not only does my mother refuse to move out, she also tells me that she's seeing a man named Anthony. A man who you suggested she should go out with. A man half her age, Maura." Jane's tone sharpened. "Where the hell do you get off hooking my mother up with a man young enough to be her son?"

"They're attracted to each other," Maura defended. "What does it matter? He's a good person."

"He's a forty year old Italian locksmith named Anthony!" Jane yelped, "And she's my mother!"

"She's a beautiful woman who deserves to be happy, Jane. You never give her enough credit."

"You better stop filling her head with this nonsense, Maura." Jane pointed her finger in Maura's face, "I'm the one who has to clean up her messes when shit hits the fan, and right now she has some half brained idea that she can start her own coffee company. Are you responsible for that too? Stop meddling in my mother's personal life."

"Oh, that's rich coming from you," Maura spat.

"I mean it, Maura. Back off." Jane warned.

"You back off," Maura shot back angrily. "You're the one loitering outside of a bathroom stall like some high school bully." Maura leaned over the sink and washed her hands. She reached for a towel and glared at Jane before leaving. Maura immediately walked up to Kadin and pulled her away from the table.

"Maura, what's the matter?" Kadin asked, sensing Maura was upset.

"I want to leave. I'm ready to go home."

Kadin placed her hands on Maura's shoulders, "Are you okay? What happened?"

"I'll explain later, I just want to leave. Please, call a cab."

Kadin's eyes softened, "Okay. Okay." Kadin nodded. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. As she was searching through her contact's list, she caught a glimpse of Jane out of the corner of her eye. She glanced up to see the detective approaching them. Kadin immediately stepped in front of Maura, concealing her from Jane's view, "May I help you?"

"I'm here to speak to Maura, excuse me," Jane attempted to push past the woman.

"Not happening, Curly. Keep walking."

"What the hell did you just say to me?" Jane asked, surprised by the strange woman's aggressive stance.

"You heard me."

"Who the-"

Suddenly, Frost appeared by Jane's side, and instantly, Jaxon was standing by Kadin's. Maura grabbed Kadin by the arm and pulled her away from the confrontation, "Kadin, please, let's just go."

"Look, I'm sorry for my friend here, we don't want any trouble," Frost explained to Jaxon. "She's had a few too many.

"Yeah? That's no excuse to come barging over here towards me and my wife and sister," Jaxon replied.

"You're absolutely correct. I'm very sorry," Frost took Jane by the arm.

"Get off me, Frost." Jane jerked away from Frost's grasp. "Look, I just want to talk to Maura."

Jaxon glanced over his shoulder then back to Jane, "I don't think she wants to talk to you."

"Jaxon, we should leave," Cheyenne stepped up beside her husband and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come on."

"Why should we leave? We're having a good time. The Pats won the playoff game and it's my little sister's birthday. Who the hell is this bra to come in here and ruin our good mood?"

"That's it, we're leaving." Frost grabbed Jane again.

Jane shoved Frost several feet back, causing him to bump into another man and spill his drink, "Don't touch me," she snarled.

"Jane! What the hell's the matter with you?" Frost glanced down at his soaked dress shirt. He immediately apologized to the other patron, "I'm sorry, man. I'm trying to get her out of here."

"You need security?" The man asked.

"No." Frost objected. "Here, buy yourself another drink." He handed the man a five-dollar bill.

Kadin stepped between Jaxon and Jane, "Let's go," Kadin instructed as she pointed towards the door, "Maura's ready to leave."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, Jaxon, I'm serious." Kadin replied irritably. "Bobby sent a cab; he'll be here in a few minutes. Grab your jacket, we can wait outside."

Jaxon glanced back at Jane and then breathed a sigh of frustration before grabbing his jacket out of the booth and following the women outside the club.

"We're leaving too," Frost remarked. "You've shamed us both enough for one night."

Jane rolled her eyes and shrugged away from Frost, "Fuck off, Frost. I'm ordering another drink."

Outside the bar, Maura hid her face in humiliation while they waited for the cab to arrive. Jaxon paced back and forth, and Kadin stayed near Maura's side and kept an eye on the front door of the bar. Cheyenne scavenged her mind for something comforting to say, but could think of nothing. The awkward silence seemed to the make the wait longer and minutes dragged on for what felt like hours.

Suddenly, the bar doors swung open and Jane and Frost came stumbling out. A large, bald headed bouncer warned them to not come back inside and then slammed the door behind him. Jaxon let out a sneer as he saw Frost lose his balance and land ass first on the sidewalk.

"You okay there, cowboy?" Jaxon snickered.

"He's fine," Jane barked. She glanced down at Frost, "Get up."

Jaxon turned back to face Maura, "Maura, how do you know this broad?" He asked pointing his thumb back in Jane's direction.

Kadin interjected, "Drop it, Jaxon."

"I'm just saying; she's a real bit-"

"Jaxon, hush," Cheyenne slapped her husband on the back of the head.

"What the hell did you just call me?" Jane bum rushed Jaxon and suddenly had him pinned up against the brick wall of the bar.

"Jane!" Maura exclaimed in horror and disbelief.

Kadin immediately came to her brother's aid. She grabbed Jane by the shoulders and pried her off Jaxon. Jane began wrestling with Kadin, trying her best to knock Kadin to the ground.

"Jane, stop!" Kadin shouted as she struggled tenaciously to gain the upper hand over the other woman, "I don't want to fight you."

"Jane, let her go!" Maura pulled on Jane fiercely but couldn't get her to release her grip on Kadin.

Chaos ensued on the side of the street as Maura and Frost tried to break apart Kadin and Jane and Cheyenne did her best to keep an overly intoxicated Jaxon out of the fight, which was proving to be a difficult task.

Finally, realizing Jane had no intentions of letting go, Kadin slung the woman over her shoulder, tossing her to the ground. Kadin twisted Jane's arm behind her back; suddenly, Jane was face down on the sidewalk.

"Holy shit," Frost gasped, shocked at the other woman's physical strength. "That's a veteran move, right there. Which force are you on?"

"I'm not on any force," Kadin replied. She continued to hold Jane down while the woman continued to thrash about.

"That's ten years of taekwondo finally proving useful," Jaxon blurted out.

When the cab pulled up beside the bar, Kadin released Jane's arm and let her go. She stood to her feet and was about to walk away when Jane jumped up and shoved her violently into the hood of the car. Jane managed to get in one good punch, before Frost grabbed her from behind by the arms, locking her against his chest.

"Hey, what the hell is going on here!?" The cab driver screeched as he jumped out of the car.

Maura rushed to Kadin's side, immediately attending to her bloody nose. She glanced up at Frost, who was struggling to keep an incredibly drunk and belligerent Jane under control. "Frost, take the cab," Maura ordered.

"Are you sure?" Frost asked, retightening his grip on the woman. "I can call another cab after you leave."

"No, take her home, now. We'll wait."

Frost tossed Jane into the back of the cab and closed the door. The cab driver was hesitant to respond at first, but quickly realizing he had no other choice, he got back into his car and took off.

Maura removed her scarf and used it to apply pressure and stop the bleeding from Kadin's nose. They sat together on the corner of the sidewalk. Maura ran her hand through Kadin's hair, "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Kadin replied coolly. "I'm fine."

"You should have decked that psychopath," Jaxon growled. "She's lucky I don't hit women."

"Jaxon, that's enough," Cheyenne's tone was sharp and precise. "You did nothing but egg this entire thing on. You're a grown man, in case you've forgotten."

"Why are you yelling at me? She came after Kadin and Maura. What was I supposed to do?"

"You're supposed to stay out of it!" Cheyenne squealed as she pushed him back against the building's wall. "What if someone had called the police? How's that going to look on the news tomorrow? Who's going to call your mother and explain that her son and daughter have both been arrested after a bar fight?"

"Cheyenne…"

"Don't," Cheyenne interrupted. "Don't even try to defend yourself. There's nothing you can say right now that excuses your behavior."

Kadin glanced over her shoulder, "Wow, she's pissed." She mumbled as she continued to hold the scarf to her nose.

"I'm so, so sorry," Maura apologized again. "I had no idea Jane would be here and I never imagined she'd do anything like this. She has a temper, but it's unlike her to be so violent."

"She's really hung up on you," Kadin replied. "Like an ex-girlfriend."

A look of confusion crossed Maura's face, "What? No. Jane and I never dated. We were only friends."

Kadin shrugged, "Seems like more than that to her."

"It's not," Maura lowered the scarf so she could check if Kadin's nose was broken. She was relieved to see no obvious signs of broken bones, or displacement, but it was too dark to examine for a possible fracture and swelling. She sighed heavily, "Jane and I had a close friendship. That's all. Jane isn't gay and I'm…" Maura hesitated for a moment, "I'm not attracted to her in that way."

"I'm just wondering if she knows that."

"Of course she knows that," Maura insisted. "I know it may appear otherwise, but you have to believe me, we were never involved in more than a friendship."

"I believe you," Kadin replied casually, her voice remarkably clean of any undertone. She lifted a hand to her nose, but Maura smacked it away.

"Don't touch it," Maura scolded. "We need to get you home so I can clean you up and get a better look at the damage.

"It's not broken."

"I know that, but it could be fractured."

"It's not fractured."

"Well, we'll know for sure after I take a look at it."

Kadin laughed lightly, "Okay."

Maura rubbed Kadin's back gently as they sat on the sidewalk, waiting for their cab to return, "I've ruined your birthday."

"No, you haven't."

"You're sitting on the corner of the street, outside a bar, in below freezing weather, with a bloody nose."

"But I'm sitting next to you," Kadin bumped into Maura's shoulder playfully and smiled.

"I feel awful."

Kadin shrugged, "Don't. You have nothing to feel awful about. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you, Maura."

"Jane would never hurt me," Maura replied. "Not physically, anyway." She glanced over at Kadin, "I still can't believe she punched you."

"She got lucky," Kadin replied distantly as she stared off into the chilly night air.

Maura spotted the cab as it rounded the block and pulled up to the street corner; she immediately stood to her feet, helping Kadin up as well. "Let's get you home," Maura whispered as she opened the cab door, "We'll need to put some ice on your nose to reduce the swelling."