Maura's surgery went exactly as planned. True to his word, Dr. Shepherd had her in and out of the OR in less than 2 hours. She was expected to stay at the hospital for another few days for the recovery and to prevent any kind of infection before being allowed to go home.

Jane had been released the same night they'd gone in, but she had yet to set foot outside the hospital doors. Much to Angela's dismay, she argued that she wouldn't leave until Maura was allowed to do so, even if she had to sleep in one of those small cots provided to family whilst in the hospital. Jane kept arguing with Maura, stating that the cot was actually more comfortable than her bed at home.

Ten days after the accident, Maura was released from the hospital under strict orders to not return to work for at least another four weeks. There hadn't been room to argue; she couldn't properly perform an autopsy in the casts she was currently in. Once the cast for her hand came off, she would have to go to physical therapy to exercise and rebuild the muscles that had been damaged during the accident so there wasn't really a clear timeframe as to when she would be able to go back to her full duties at the morgue. Dr. Pike had been called in to serve as the chief medical examiner in her absence, yet when the time came she would return and sign off on all autopsies and reports… she wanted to at least be able to do that.

The Rizzoli family was at the hospital the day she was released, welcoming and ready to take her home. Maura had been overwhelmed by it all; she'd never felt so close to a family before, not even her own. Angela promised to drop off breakfast on her way to work every day and would help with dinner if she was needed.

Jane on her part, had decided that she was going to stay with Maura for a while, to make sure that she was able to attend to the blonde's needs until she could move around better on her own. She was still fully aware of her own injuries, but they were truly nothing in comparison to what Maura had gone through. Her ribs were feeling better with each passing day and she was able to walk perfectly with the help of a cane. She had set up camp in Maura's guest bedroom and was just a door away for whenever Maura needed her. It didn't take them long at all to get acclimated to the situation; Maura continuously told Jane to make herself at home and treated her as such.

I can't believe the turn my life has taken in such a short period of time. After a near-death experience Jane is here, living under my roof! How am I supposed to act controlled all the time? Usually my time away from her is for me to get myself together and regroup, now she's around me constantly and it is unnerving at the very least. I can't say that I haven't enjoyed her company, because I have. She's been taking such great care of me… I'm sure I wouldn't be here writing this if it hadn't been for her saving me that day. Frost told me what happened, after the crash… he mentioned how Jane had cut me out of the car and pulled me away to safety before the car blew, risking her own life in the process. I don't think she is aware that I know what happened, and I'll do my best to keep it that way. I don't want her to feel uncomfortable, but the words I said to her, the thank you I gave at the hospital, are not anywhere near enough to what I feel for her saving my life. When I woke and I saw her there, I was relieved to see that she was alright, yet sad that she seemed to be in pain because of the position she was in. She stayed at the hospital for the duration of my stay, even with her injuries, and made sure I was ok. I've never felt anything like this before… but the moment I saw her laying there, holding my hand, I knew I was in love with her… she just couldn't possibly feel the same way for me…

*knock knock* "Maura? May I come in?"

"Yes of course, Jane, come in."

"Good morning. How are you feeling today?"

"I'm feeling a bit sore, but much better than yesterday. How about you? How do your ribs feel? Any better?"

"I definitely feel an improvement, thanks. Hey listen, I just wanted to let you know that Ma dropped off breakfast a few minutes ago. Would you like to join me?"

"Sure, I'd love to."

"Here, let me help you up." Jane walked over to where Maura sat at her desk and helped her up. She extended her right arm and Maura grabbed a hold of it before they both slowly made their way out of the room and down the stairs towards the kitchen. "She made croissants this time," Jane said as they made their way into the kitchen.

"It smells wonderful in here. I'm sure they're delicious."

The two sat and had a pleasant breakfast, after which Jane decided she was going to watch a game on Maura's TV. Since Maura didn't have anything else planned for her day, she decided to join her in the living room, book in hand.

"I've been looking forward to this," Maura said. "I haven't had the chance to read it yet." She settled on the sofa with Jane's help and began reading while Jane sat opposite her and started the game. Less than a half hour later, once the meds had kicked in, Jane didn't bother to wake Maura when the blonde had fallen asleep, book in lap, her head leaning against Jane's shoulder. She smiled, and made sure not to move so as to not wake her sleeping friend.


Looks like we're getting somewhere... just how long will it take them both to realize how the other truly feels?