Okay. So I'm really sorry about the delay in posts again but I kind of reached a dilemma… Shocker… the chapter stretched too long. I have more written on the morning after… rain, breakfast, cuddling but I think that it is just fluff and thought it might be time to just end the story here. My goal was to take them beyond the Hoyt situation, and we maybe we have closure?

MOST OF ALL…. Thank all of you sweet readers! You keep me inspired to write. I've valued each and every one of you who have left a review… your feedback has been amazing and I appreciate you taking the time. I love you all and thank you so much for your kind words and inspiration.

"MMMmmm." Someone was massaging her scalp and Jane found it extremely difficult to fully waken. That was until the burning sting against her forehead. "Oww SHIT!" Eyes flashed open as flailing arms sluggishly batted gloved hands away. "What the hell?" Lids protested against the bright fluorescent lighting before she realized that she was flat on her back and lying on the floor of the infirmary, faces darting in and out of periphery vision. A very flustered med tech's was most prominent.

"Jane." Maura leaned forward into view from where the detective's head was cushioned against her thighs. Gaze finding dark eyes, she smiled slightly at the immediate softening of warm brown; deft fingers renewing their assault on a sensitive scalp. "You need to let this young man clean the wound on your forehead and get at least some butterfly sutures to close. Okay? How are you feeling?"

"I feel like…" I have a mouth full of cotton. "Why am I on the floor again?" Brow scrunched in concentration, it took a moment for disjointed memories to fall into place. Rearing up violently from a reclined position, an oxygen cannula was yanked out and thrown aside as wild eyes searched the room, left hand reaching hopelessly for an absent Glock. "Hoyt! H-he…" A firm grip pulled straining shoulders back down into the doctor's lap before those magic fingers scraped through unruly curls again. Fear tickling its way up the detective's spine; she found a steady gaze above and reached a trembling hand upward to tangle in silky strands at the nape. "Are you okay? God, Maura…" It was then that she noticed the thick white bandage taped securely across pristine skin. Tears threatened as a long finger brushed lightly against the gauze. "I'm so sorry, Mrr."

A firm shake of the medical examiner's head silenced the imminent apology. Hazel green darting to the EMT and back, she smiled down at her love, voice barely a whisper. "Let's get you taken care of so I can take you home. We'll talk later." Not caring who was watching, the doctor left a lingering kiss on Jane's wrist before pulling back and out of the way, keeping their fingers twined together.

Jane could hear Korsak and Frost among the chatter of everyone in the room. I will never live this one down. Vitals okayed by the paramedics and the split on her forehead sufficiently closed, the detective was helped to her feet. Teetering slightly, she felt a strong arm encircle her waist and draped her own heavily over Maura's shoulders with a slight wince. It was unavoidable. Truly it was. Trained eyes scanned the room before landing on the corpse of Charles Hoyt. Waiting on an assistant ME to arrive and sign off on the remains, numerous scene techs took photos and measurements, swarming around the body like paparazzi. The bright white flashes illuminated a permanent sneer and dead grey eyes; the face of evil immortalized when life had seeped away. Even in death the bastard seemed intent on taunting his favorite prey.

Shaking her head, the myriad of emotions were difficult to process for Jane; dark brow furrowing as teeth worried a bottom lip. It didn't seem real that the man who had played such a prominent role in a multitude of nightmares lay prone on the floor with a scalpel lodged in his chest, a gruesome, almost black stain congealing around the murder weapon. Murder. Was it? No, of course not. It was clearly self-defense. Right? Sure... She had Hoyt on his back and beaten… But still. Lids slid closed on a heavy sigh and she felt the small hand at her waist squeeze reassuringly. The need to protect Maura had been so staggering and intense… the feeling still lingered as the last remnants of adrenaline evacuated and resolve settled. Fuck you, Hoyt, you son of a bitch. You got what you finally deserved. Opening her eyes to find exhausted hazel green, Jane smiled wanly and pulled the doctor closer, dropping a brief kiss to loose curls before nuzzling in, raspy voice low. "Can we please get out of her now?"

Korsak had run interference and made sure all inquiries were postponed to the following afternoon, citing fatigue and emotional distress. No shit. Frankie had shown up and offered to drive the two women home in his cruiser, thankfully holding his questions after one desperate hug that threatened to crush his lanky older sister. Seated together in the back, Jane studied the medical examiner's profile. Even though their fingers remained linked, Maura had been uncharacteristically quiet and withdrawn, staring solemnly out the rain spattered window as familiar streets passed in a blur. Frowning, the detective had a pretty good idea what was bothering the other woman but didn't want to address it until they were locked away in the privacy of her apartment. The squeak of breaks and inertia signaled that they had arrived at their destination. Catching Frankie's eye, Jane shook her head subtly. Reaching over, her voice low, she ran the knuckles of her free hand down the doctor's cheek. "We're here, Maur. Come on, sweetie. Let's get inside."

Locking the apartment door behind them, Jane pulled against twined fingers until Maura was in her arms, tucked safely underneath her chin. Inhaling a familiar scent combined with musk and rubbing alcohol, her voice came out a gravely husk. "Are you ready to tell me what's going on in that big brain of yours?" Combing long fingers through silky strands, the detective felt the negative nod and took it in stride. Tilting the medical examiner's chin up so that she could find troubled hazel green, she smiled tightly hoping to cover the worry and guilt. "That's alright." Placing a gentle kiss to soft lips, the detective lingered, murmuring her words as they traded breaths. "Let's shower and go to bed, okay? You can tell me when you're ready."

Guiding Maura into the small bathroom, their gaze locked. Blindly twisting the spigots in the shower to get the temperature right, they would know soon enough. Slowly, Jane reached for the ruined jacket, hands gliding up to skim underneath and lightly massage firm shoulders before guiding it off and down the doctor's arms.

"Throw it in the trash. I'll never wear any of these clothes again." Words were barely above a whisper but the detective understood the sentiment all the same.

Squatting down, eyes never leaving those of her lover's, a rough hand traveled up smooth skin from ankle to calf as the other removed ridiculously expensive footwear. Mimicking the motion, both shoes were neatly tucked out of the way. Discarding clothing was one thing; shoes were another altogether. Slowly standing, dark eyes studied well-known features intently. "Lift your arms." The command was coarse but tender. Long fingers curled under the hem of white cashmere before pulling it up and over the medical examiner's head, sun kissed locks swishing before falling back into place. Leaning down, Jane's lips placed a reverent kiss just above a pounding heart as a skilled hand lowered the zipper on a designer skirt. "MMMmmm. I love you, Maura Isles." Uncensored words were breathed softly against flushed skin. Skimming skirt and panties to the floor in one fluid motion, Jane returned to full height, unhooking the bra's clasp and removing the last remaining scrap. Her gaze never left unblinking hazel green as nimble fingers worked quickly on the buttons of her own shirt, nodding toward the shower as the ruined fabric floated down to rest on the growing pile. "Go ahead and get in and I'll join you."

Stepping under the warm spray, Maura closed her eyes and tilted her head back to wet her hair, weariness settling bone deep. Lids closed, the doctor replayed the events in the prison infirmary with a deepening sense of shame. I promised we would get through it together. Together. She had watched Charles Hoyt's scalpel spill the blood of the woman she loved unconditionally and yet… she couldn't even move to try and stop the madman from inflicting any more damage. The medical examiner had sat frozen with fear and utterly… useless. The last word forced a strangled sob through quivering lips, a fast hand coming up to stifle the sounds. Feeling Jane step in behind, Maura acquiesced when a familiar touch snaked around, determined fingers splaying across her abdomen and pulling their bodies flush, the detective's chin nuzzling hair out of the way before coming to rest. Finally giving in, she melted into the comforting embrace supporting most of her weight and let the tears flow freely.

Jane absolutely hated it when Maura cried. Nothing made her feel more helpless or vulnerable. Typically, a joke or flippant remark was the go-to for diversion but after all they had been through in the last twelve hours, she thought best to go with the heart. Warm lips dropped soft kisses along the doctor's shoulder and neck in between cooing words of reassurance, thumbs swiping soothingly back and forth across smooth skin. "Shhhh, baby. It's okay… we're okay now. Just let it out… I've got you… let it go."

Maura felt hollowed out and spent as tears slowly subsided, so grateful for Jane's sturdy presence and love. Swallowing against the heavy truth of words to come, her voice was barely audible above the steady patter of water; nimble fingers dancing idly along the tanned forearms holding her close. "I…" Clearing her throat again, "I promised you…" Shaking her head, Maura felt that same sense of failure and fought against the bile churning in her stomach, determined to get this out into the open. Choking on a sob, it was all a whisper now, "I promised you that we would get through things together…" She heard the gasp and felt arms tightening around her in protest before barging forward, desperate to push the despicable truth into the light. "I couldn't move, Jane… I couldn't help you… even when he... he cut you." Folding in upon herself… bending forward a little within their embrace; slender arms clutched around her middle in a feeble attempt to find stability. "I wanted to but I couldn't… and… you could've died. Oh, god."

A new set of tears flowed freely again as the detective gently turned Maura in her arms and strengthened her hold, sighing at the gentle nuzzling against her chest. Minutes seemed to pass before the trembling subsided and unsteady arms wrapped possessively around a narrow waist, pulling their bodies closer.

Suspicions confirmed Jane wanted to kill Hoyt all over again… for making them… well, for everything… but especially for making this miraculous woman doubt herself. He had taken so much from so many already, there had to be an end. Fingers explored the slick expanse of the doctor's back as a quick mind searched frantically for the right words. Lips caressed every available patch of skin that their hold would allow before lightning struck in the form of mind numbing deja vu. Oh my god… Holding Maura in such a way brought back every visceral emotion she had felt during THE dream… an overwhelming sense of belonging… unequivocal rightness and finally being home. Trailing close behind was the immense fear of devastating, bone crushing loss that stole the detective's breath as an all too familiar pain settled low in her gut.

Lifting Maura's chin so that reluctant hazel green eyes finally held their gaze, Jane's voice echoed a conviction she felt in her soul. "Maura," Left hand coming up to rest at the doctor's nape, fingers skated across fine hair and soft skin, "You weren't trained for that type of situation and I know that if you Google it," the fleeting smile couldn't be helped. "I'm sure you would find that most people would react exactly the same way… or, at least kind of the same given the circumstances…" Eyes closing and jaw clenching at just how close they had come to losing it all, the detective's words were tight and emotional. Impatient scarred hands cupped the medical examiner's face, demanding attention, brown eyes blazing. "You know what? Forget all that. YOU needto understand this and know that I'm telling you the truth." Closing the distance, forehead to forehead, Jane's words were achingly sincere. "I would've NEVER made it out of that room if it weren't for you." The intensity of the moment scorched them both, breaths ragged.

Watching shock fill wide eyes, Jane leaned forward for a kiss that immediately turned fiery, tongues furiously sliding into familiar territory, cataloguing the slightest change in taste as needy hands grabbed and kneaded pliant flesh until the frenzy eventually wound down with the need for oxygen. Soft lips lingered as slow fingers trailed idly up and down across the slight indentation of ribs.

Heart hammering wildly Maura couldn't help the obvious observation, fingers clenched into narrow hips. Pulling away, hands ghosted up over slippery olive skin before the medical examiner's arms draped loosely around strong shoulders with a small hum and a slight smile. "You taste minty."

"Frankie's gum." Fingers playing with loose strands, Jane searched hazel green, the conflict of revealing the contents of The Dream weighing in the balance. By all accounts, they had practically been 'dating' for the last year or so but was it too soon to bring up such… commitment heavy thoughts? Noticing Maura's eyes dart away and a look of sadness settle; the decision was easy. Dropping a lingering kiss to a furrowed brow, Jane reached for the doctor's shampoo and squirted some into her hands before working it into honey tinted tresses. "Hey." Her voice was low and affectionate. "Let's finish up in here and get into bed. I…" She locked their gaze with a shy smile. "I want to tell you about that dream I had in the car."

Bodies dried and teeth brushed, Jane ushered Maura into the bedroom and crossed to her dresser in search of something that would pass for pajamas. Sifting through various shades of tank tops, t-shirts and boxers, she turned to ask which her friend would prefer only to find that the doctor had already slid into bed. "Oh." The one word passed through lips before an addled brain could catch up.

Maura smiled slightly at the surprised look on Jane's face and the slow blush that crept across tanned skin, feeling warmth suffuse her own cheeks. Extending a hand, a perfect brow rose in invitation. "I just want… I need to feel you next to me."

Raising the covers without the slightest hint of reservation, Jane crawled in and took the medical examiner in her arms, sighing at the sensation of bare skin pressed against the length of her body. She couldn't contain the smile as Maura snuggled closer, twining legs together with an arm slung low across the detective's stomach, nose nuzzling against that one seemingly preferred 'spot.' "MMMmmmm. You feel so good." The utter contentment was overwhelming and not unlike those experienced in the first moments of her vision. Fingers traced idle patters over porcelain skin as Jane tried to find the words.

Maura's warm lips pressed softly against a skittering pulse. "Just tell me, honey."

The pet name caused a grin and a light roll of brown eyes. The medical examiner seemed determined to find one that fit. Dropping a kiss onto damp curls, Jane's voice was low and raspy as a scarred hand continued to skim over faint freckles. "I… we were married." Unsure eyes darted down to test the waters only to feel Maura move in closer, the hand at the detective's waist giving a slight squeeze. Oookay. Swallowing thickly, "We had kids too; well… we had a two and half year old son… Ryan." Smiling at the memory of their first, the detective's voice became slightly animated and wistful. "He… he was beautiful, Maur… looked just like you. He had your eyes and your hair… but he was kind of bad like me… into everything you know? We even had to alarm the house just to make sure he didn't get away." Maura's chuckle shook them both. "Anyway, you were cooking breakfast… including turkey bacon." An exaggerated shudder demonstrated an acute displeasure for such an unholy substitute. "They shouldn't even let it be called bacon. Gross." The swift pinch at her side encouraged Jane to continue.

Now for the hard part… Lids sliding closed, the detective inhaled deeply the scent of designer shampoo to try and dispel growing anxiety. Coarse fingertips resumed their journey as Jane's voice grew quieter. "You were pregnant… I mean big pregnant… and… my god, Maura, you looked SO amazing." Remembering a forgotten detail with a smile, "We didn't know if it was gonna be a boy or a girl… I wanted to be surprised and you… naturally wanted to know." Squeezing the smaller woman, "You thought you could coerce me into finding out by using your 'sexy' voice."

A flawless brow arched in amusement, "My sexy voice?" Maura definitely needed more information on this irresistible tone. Leaning up, she propped her chin on the detective's chest so that she could study facial cues. "And this sexy voice as you call it… you are powerless when I use it?" A sly grin bloomed at the knowledge as the doctor captured pursed lips in a quick kiss. Finally, settling back, "I'm going to need a more thorough description of the voice in question, Detective." Maura's smile faded at the look of dread darkening sculpted features and the tears pooling uncharacteristically. Gently tracing the plains of her love's face, it came back to her in a flash. Voice low, she placed another kiss to the detective's chin. "You woke up in the car screaming my name." Gaze locking with tortured brown, the medical examiner tried for a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Jane. I'm fine and I'm right here with you. Tell me about the rest. Please."

Agonizing fear gnawing at the edges, Jane could only nod as she tried to control her emotions, blinking at the tears blurring and falling. Her left hand came up to sift through loose strands, somehow providing a needed grounding as the familiar scent floated and settled around, eyes never straying from hazel green. "Whe…" Coughing around the lump, "We were kind of… fooling around in the kitchen. You were pregnant but that didn't seem to stop us." Face growing hot, the detective pushed on. "And Ryan… interrupted us." She couldn't contain the smirk as long fingers softly traced around the shell of the doctor's ear causing an unmasked shiver. "He had somehow managed to get his hands on the snow globe your grandmother Isles gave you."

"Oh! That one is my favorite." Maura couldn't help the enthusiastic interjection, thankful to see a small smile pull at Jane's lips. "Sorry," she mouthed and moved to lie more fully atop the lanky detective in an urgent need to provide a blanket of comfort and protection.

Slender fingers scraped down and linked in the small of Maura's back, voice a bit lighter. "Yes, I am aware, Doctor Isles." The resulting smile was blinding. Arms tightened as Jane leaned up to place soft kisses to the medical examiner's forehead, taking sweet time with each cheek and eyelid, ending at the tip of a narrow nose before settling back into the pillows with a sigh. "Anyway, I… managed to distract him. God… I can still hear his giggles. Is that weird?" Not waiting for an answer, the detective barreled forward in an attempt to rip the band-aid off of the worst; feeling the swell of dread looming at the borders, ready to crash down and consume her at any moment. Focusing on intent hazel green, Jane had to swallow again, grip curling into supple skin as brows contorted into an ugly twist. "I turned around… and you…" Another swallow against the thickness of words, "And you were…" A tear slipped free but she shook her head 'no' needing to finish. "Something was wrong with you and the baby, Maur." Shaking her head again as if it would knock coherent words of wisdom loose, "I've never felt so lost… or so completely scared out of my mind. Ever. I… Before that dream, I never really thought that was a life that was even possible for me, you know?" Feeling hope resurface, the detective's voice grew stronger. "Hell, I don't think I ever really wanted it… until you." A shaky hand raked through soft curls, "And now, I do… with you." Taking a needed breath, Jane searched teary hazel eyes as she cupped Maura's face, coarse thumbs brushing away falling drops. Gaze becoming intense, she closed the distance to millimeters. "That is how you saved me today. You gave me something to fight for… I… I really don't know that I could've faced him again… for the third time." Injecting a little bit of stand-by humor in the subsequent void, "I know they say the third time is the charm but…" The words fell flat in the open spaces.

They both seemed to freeze in the moment, lost in thought, eyes still locked. Uncomfortable with the silence, Jane was the first to break, brown eyes focusing on a small water stain on the ceiling as embarrassment weaved its way into raspy words. "I know it's too soon to even think about that kind of thing… I really don't mean to freak you out or be that person where you're like, 'Oh my god, stage five clinger' but I just wanted you to know that… you… you had a huge part in saving us today." Serious brown eyes reluctantly made their way back.

Maura was thrown for a moment, caught up in the idea that this incredibly strong and passionate woman had actually envisioned a life together. Drifting, her mind whirred as a multitude of emotions crowded and muddied clear thought. Of course, there had been times late at night, alone in her bed when the doctor contemplated how things might be different if only she could find enough courage to make a move on her amazing best friend. The fear of losing the status quo… not to mention the now unfounded certainty that the desire for more was not a mutual one kept glossed lips sealed; she would not endanger the most fulfilling relationship she had to date by declaring an unrequited heartfelt sentiment. The fear of rejection and loss was a powerful deterrent it seemed. But now that they had finally taken the step toward intimacy and a relationship, Maura hadn't allowed herself to hope for more. She didn't want to set herself up… willing to take all that Jane was willing to offer… whatever that might be. Now though…hope crept into a well-defined defense mechanism and the thought of spending a future together was intoxicating. The smile that split the medical examiner's face was unrivaled. Leaving a lingering, wet kiss to tanned skin, she snuggled closer, lost in the euphoria. Skilled fingers traced lazily along the raised entry wound scar marring a taut abdomen with a contented hum while a genius mind worked things out. Feeling muscles tense underneath her touch, Maura suddenly realized that her silence had been misconstrued and that she had spent far too much time wrapped up in her own thoughts.

"No! Oh, god no, Jane! I… I really want what you want." Allowing most of her weight to settle into the cradle of the detective's hips, the medical examiner pushed back onto subtly toned arms, looking into deep chocolate as determined fingers fisted in an unruly mane. The love she felt for this woman… god… closing her eyes, she needed a minute. Finally locking their gaze she smiled and fought against the sting of tears, blinking rapidly. "No one…" A watery smile tugged at the corner of trembling lips. "And I mean no one has ever wanted a real future with me, Jane." Answering her love's greatest insecurity, resolute hazel green met focused brown, jaw set leaving no room for doubt. "That includes Ian." Unblemished honesty revealed a damaged soul. "I don't think anyone has ever been able to endure me long enough to even contemplate any type of life… much less make it happen." Maura yelped at the detective's prowess, suddenly finding their positions reversed as long limbs pinned her in place, gaze only inches apart.

Dark eyes predatory and jaw clenched, the warm puffs of breath against already heated skin reminded Jane of her purpose. Capturing waiting lips in a passionate tangle, the detective was determined to eradicate any insecurity left behind by all the assholes too stupid to recognize such an extraordinary woman. Reluctantly breaking apart and propped on a right elbow, her left hand claimed every inch of flesh within reach as she stared down into darkened hazel.

Fire igniting with Jane's touch, Maura enjoyed this new position, fingertips ghosting over soft skin as her voice came out a sultry whisper. "I don't know what a 'stage five clinger' is but I do know that I want everything you described in your dream. With you… and only you." Emotions roiled and choked words that needed to be said as the doctor resisted impending tears and squirmed to find the right position, pushing her knee up between long legs. With a sly smile, she leaned forward and crushed their mouths together in a deep and searing kiss, tongues dueling and exploring every corner as strong hands slid down to knead the firm flesh of the detective's ass, prompting delicious movement. Withdrawing with a wet plop, dark hazel looked into liquid onyx… a sudden shyness present. "I… I need to have you, Jane."

Given the current circumstance and state of undress, not to mention the previous evening's activities, Jane found Maura's uncharacteristic meekness strangely endearing. Long fingers brushed golden curls away as warm lips left a sweet kiss on the doctor's forehead. Finding deep hazel again, her voice was low and raspy but achingly sincere. "You've had me for as long as I can remember." Making to roll them over, strong arms and legs held the detective in place with a throaty growl.

"Mmmm, no. Like this." Maura loosened her hold but kept their bodies flush as she joined their lips again, one hand snaking between them as the other arm curled around straining shoulders for leverage. If asked to define in rational terms, the doctor would be unable. She couldn't explain the immediate and overwhelming desire to be surrounded completely by Jane… her slight weight pressing down, to touch and taste every inch of olive skin, be inside of her and reaffirm their visceral connection… to chase away the demons of the day until the only thing remaining was the two of them, wrapped up in each other… spent and safe. Tongues sliding in a languid dance, deft fingers brushed through short curls and into plentiful slick warmth. With a small gasp, the doctor ended their kiss to find clear dark eyes, voice holding the slightest hint of wonder. "Already?"

Jane couldn't hold herself up any longer, burying her face against a welcoming shoulder. Unruly curls shaking, smiling lips left a worshiping kiss before answering, voice muffled against the damp skin of an elegant neck. "Maura. We are both naked. In my bed. And you are… well… you." Chuckling slightly, teeth scraped and sunk gently into inviting alabaster. "Have you even seen you?" Nipping and sucking a salty sweet path up to play along the doctor's jaw, nearly black eyes finally met their match with a smirk. "You could be wearing that jumpsuit thing you wear at crime scenes and I would still be turned on. But this…" A scarred hand trailed down across the ridges of ribs and settled low, curling into the flesh above a slender hip. Falling into another kiss, the detective took her time before pulling away with a slow smile, eyes still closed as her voice registered several octaves lower. "This, Maur. Being here with you like this? This I can't get enough of… I don't think I ever want to… not in a million years."

Such raw, sincere words that hinted at a future were all the medical examiner needed to hear. Hungry lips swallowed Jane's moan as skilled fingers slipped inside… pushing in deep… holding for a moment before curling out. As with everything the woman did in earnest, Maura shouldn't have been surprised at how quickly her detective adapted to the set rhythm, using the doctor's raised thigh to grind down and move in counter point; creating the perfect balance of give and take. But isn't that what they had always done? Complemented each other…built a solid, loving relationship around trust and respect while embracing their differences to the point of a greater strength?

The swell of emotion was all encompassing as mouths separated again and breaths came in shortened pants. A slender hand cupped a strong jaw as smoky hazel studied the familiar face hovering so closely above. "I… love you… Jane." Grunting with effort, four words became a cleansing mantra as their bodies moved together, sloppy lips finding skin as diction blurred with increased tempo and fingers wound into knotted curls.

Jane felt completely dismantled and vulnerable; willing to give this woman everything she had… at the complete mercy of Maura's expert touch and it felt amazingly true. Eyes closed she concentrated on the repeated words and the building pressure threatening to break her apart into a million pieces. "MMmmmssoclose." Doubling down, a singular need to see her love surfaced through the growing haze and wet sounds echoing in the air of the bedroom. Pressing back on shaky limbs, heavy lids struggled to open against the tide of pleasure sweeping into every crevice, spreading fire all over. "Mmmmgod, Mauraaa." One hand fisted in the sheets while the other combed through damp locks before tangling at the base of the doctor's skull. "Oh fuuuck… Loo… look…atme… pleeease." She wouldn't last much longer; a slight quiver had already begun to radiate outward from her center. Jane needed those lust-filled hazel eyes… wanted that last connection.

Forearm and bicep burning from the position and effort, Maura hadn't realized that at some point she had shut the rest of the world out; so intent on feeling and hearing… smelling, experiencing everything. Lids fluttering open, her gaze landed on the most breath taking sight, sweeping across a beautiful face before locking onto intense dark eyes with a knowing smile and slight nod.

There it was… all Jane needed to fall headlong into excruciating bliss; folding into and collapsing onto the body that propelled her into such a state of bliss without much finesse. Truth was she couldn't move… the tremors of her orgasm rendering the strong detective helpless and incoherent. A light sheen of sweat covered every inch of tanned skin and her heart thumped erratically, breaths coming in quick puffs that rebounded against the damp skin of the medical examiner's neck. Lost in oblivion, full weight pressed heavily against the smaller woman underneath until she was finally able to marshal a slight remnant of speech. Lips slurred against salty flesh, "MmmmmI crushin' you?" It was a valid question but Jane wasn't honestly sure she could move if the answer were 'yes.'

Maura smiled against tangled tresses as her right index finger dragged random shapes through the sweat gathered in the small of her detective's back. "No." Lips lingered against olive skin for a moment, relishing the feel of their joined bodies. "You feel exceptional. I like you in this position." Sifting her left through matted hair, manicured nails scraped along Jane's scalp in a soothing motion.

Exhaustion and intense pleasure had pushed Jane into that foggy place one lingers before falling into a deep, satisfying sleep. The feel of delicate hands in her hair and along her back reminded the detective of the reason she felt SO incredibly good. "I can… you." Fragments of words… that was all she was capable of producing, hoping that Maura would understand.

Smiling again, the doctor shifted slightly to tuck the half asleep detective into her side before pressing her lips to a flushed forehead. "Mmmmm. No, sweetie. You sleep now. I've got you… only sweet dreams tonight." Sudden emotion clogging her throat, Maura's last words before slumber were whispered as arms tightened protectively around Jane. "I love you so much."

Eyes remaining closed, Jane stirred enough to tighten her grip and place a lingering kiss to flushed skin. "MMMmmm love you too." Head tucked under the doctor's chin, the detective enjoyed a peaceful night's slumber filled with dreams of the future.

Thanks so much for reading! Hope you enjoyed.