Disclaimer: All recognizable Rizzoli & Isles characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners including, but not limited to Tess Gerritsen, Janet Tamaro and TNT. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this fan fiction story. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No financial gain is associated with the publishing of this story. No copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note: 2 words: Makeup sex. -DKC

Slow and Steady – Chapter 18

Jane was not surprised by the soft knock on her door. She hadn't spoken to Maura since she stormed out of her office. And Maura knew her well enough to give her some space. If Maura had run after Jane, Jane would have only reacted with more anger.

"Hi," Maura said with some trepidation as Jane opened the door.

Jane didn't say anything as she walked toward her kitchen, expecting Maura to follow. She pulled down two wine glasses from the cupboard and grabbed a bottle of wine off her back counter.

"Wine?" Maura was surprised Jane actually had wine in her apartment.

"I picked it up for the next time you came over. We might as well drink it," Jane's voice was raw

"Are you okay?" Maura knew what caused that raw quality in Jane's voice—excessive crying.

The detective poured them each a glass of wine and took a hearty gulp of hers before answering the doctor's question. She couldn't bring herself to look into the concerned eyes that she felt on her.

"We need to talk about this and I'm sorry that I couldn't be a grown up about it earlier today."

"Jane…I…" Maura's voice wasn't raw, but her emotions were. "I could have handled that phone call better. I should have turned him down immediately. I was caught off guard by his call and your presence made me panic."

"We hadn't talked and you didn't know what this was. I don't blame you for not knowing what to say. I shouldn't have asked if you had slept with him and I shouldn't have said the things I said."

Jane still hadn't made eye contact with Maura. She was swirling the wine around in her glass as she leaned forward against the counter with Maura sitting across from her on a stool.

"Please look at me," Maura quietly begged.

As Jane looked up and into Maura's eyes, she felt her own eyes filling with tears. She hated when her emotions got the better of her and she hated showing this emotional side of her. The only person she ever felt comfortable showing this side of herself to was Maura and yet in this moment Maura was the cause. When Maura saw the tears in Jane's eyes she reached over and held one of Jane's hands that was holding the wine glass.

"I never would have gone out with him. Not now," Maura whispered.

"You can do whatever you want, Maura," Jane didn't know what to say, but she knew she couldn't demand anything of her friend.

"What I want is this," she said as she rubbed her thumb against the back of Jane's hand. "I want whatever it is you're willing to give me."

Jane put down her wine glass, wiped a few stray tears from her face and then took Maura's hand in both of hers. She gathered her courage and attempted to pull herself together before responding. Her heart was on her sleeve and she knew it.

"I want you. I…" her voice cracked with emotion. "I love you."

"Oh, Jane," Maura said, her own eyes filling with tears.

Maura stood from her stool and walked around the counter where she pulled Jane into her arms. They stood that way, Maura's head against Jane's chest, with tears streaming down their faces for over a minute. The silence was soothing.

"I don't want you seeing anyone, but I know that isn't my decision to make," Jane muttered against Maura's hair.

"I think that is a joint decision at this point, don't you?" Maura answered, tilting her head up to look at Jane.

"I don't know," Jane answered honestly.

"I do, Jane. Do you trust me?" Maura's sincerity could not be denied.

"Of course I trust you. There's no one I trust more," Jane answered.

"Then trust me when I say it isn't a decision I make alone. I don't want to see anyone else. I certainly don't want to sleep with anyone else. For me, it's only you."

With that, Jane brushed her lips against Maura's. She pulled Maura close and shed a few more tears. This conversation was long overdue and though it took a great deal of angst and heartache today to get here, she was glad they were talking about it.

"Maur?" Jane whispered as their lips parted.

"Yes?" Maura's heart began beating erratically and she had what Jane would describe as butterflies in her stomach.

"Stay?" Jane's raw voice became husky.

"Make love to me, Jane."