Thanks for all the great feedback and encouragement to continue this story! And a special thank you to nicolaruth27!

Please forgive any typos, I really need a Beta. Anyone interested in the job? I have a few projects I'm working on, including an AU.

Maura brushed her hands down the soft material of her dress, smoothing imperceptible wrinkles as she regarded herself in the mirror critically. The second Boston Police Foundation Gala was starting in less than an hour and Jane still wasn't home. Last year, the inaugural Gala was a resounding success, and Maura had the privilege of attending as Jane's best friend and work colleague. This year, it would be the first public appearance they made as a couple and to say the fair doctor was excited was an understatement. Maura had been planning her outfit Gfor weeks; determined to find the perfect gown that would complement the deep blue of Jane's dress uniform.

Fixing her hair for the umpteenth time, she adjusted a few honey blonde curls; pinning them back expertly before touching up her lipstick. Sighing forlornly, she snapped a picture of herself in the mirror and texted it to Jane.

About to leave for the Gala and I wish you were with me. XO

She pulled on her light dress coat and stepped out into the chilly March evening alone. She spent the majority of the short drive to the event thinking about her lover; wishing the tall detective was sitting next to her, fidgeting with the collar of her uniform and humming along to the radio.

Realistically, Maura knew that Jane would prefer to be where she was, knowing how much she hated formal events. The case she was stuck working on had been plaguing her for weeks and this afternoon they had finally tracked down the prime suspect and had hauled him in for questioning. Jane was breathless with anticipation to start the interrogation and warned Maura she may be late. Realistically, the blonde knew how important it was for a potential murderer to be off of the street and held responsible for his crime, but she was still disappointed to attend the Gala alone.

Handing her keys to the valet, she checked her phone one last time before turning the sounds off. Still no word from Jane and the blonde M.E. tried to hide her disappointment. Forcing a bright smile onto her face she stepped through the majestic doorway and into the well-dressed crowd. She quickly said hello to a few acquaintances she recognized and joined in on a few conversations as she made her way around the room, ever the natural socialite. Still, she discreetly checked her phone every few minutes between scanning every uniformed officer in hopes of recognizing a lithe brunette silhouette.

The lights dimmed twice and Maura set out to find her designated seat. Pleased to see she was seated near several people she knew, she settled in and immediately was included in their interesting discussion regarding proper crime scene training for rookie officers. Drink orders were placed and the crowd was lively and spirited. If Jane were here, it would have been perfect.

She didn't miss the sympathetic glances as they noticed to Jane's vacant seat, the stark white placard with bold black calligraphy making out the tall detective's name left Maura with a hollow feeling inside.

Finally, one uniformed officer said what the rest of the guests seated at the table wanted to ask.

"Did Rizzoli ditch us or did she catch a case?" His voice was kind, almost apologetic. His wife, an attractive young blonde, gazed compassionately at Maura.

"He always gets called out at the worst time," the blonde piped up, "I know how you feel."

"She's interrogating a murder suspect," Maura answered with a small smile, "I'm hoping she will arrive soon; although I'm sure she will do her best to miss the event entirely to avoid wearing her uniform."

"Uh, yeah, she's always been reluctant to wear it," he chuckled fondly. "She was the most miserable beat cop I've ever seen. I used to joke with her she only wanted to be promoted to detective because of the clothes."

Maura smiled fondly, knowing he was probably right.

"It's nice to see her, uh, happy," the officer continued. Maura noticed he ignored a pointed look from his wife as he continued, "I knew you guys were gonna eventually be an item, we all did. We're really glad it finally happened. She's been a hell of a lot easier to deal with these past few months."

"My husband, the hopeless romantic," his wife rolled her eyes as the guests at the table laughed, including Maura.

The table was full, save for Jane and Vince's empty seats and the rest of the couples seated offered condolences for Jane's nonappearance. There was one other female officer at the table, her husband's arm casually draped across her shoulders. Sighing quietly, Maura tried to focus on anything other than her disappointment at Jane's continued absence. It was not surprising everyone had assumed they were here 'together', although they had only officially been dating since December, most of their work colleagues had assumed they were a couple for much longer than these past few months. Even Jane's family was apathetic when she had announced the change in their relationship status; in fact, Frankie had requested the bread to be passed while Jane was nervously trying to tell them Maura was now her girlfriend. Tommy mentioned he thought they had made it official a year ago, Angela said to let her know when she could start wedding planning, and TJ had thrown his plate of mashed peas onto Maura's white carpeting. All in all, it was a pretty normal Rizzoli family dinner night.

The present conversation quickly shifted to another subject, one Maura didn't have a strong opinion about, so she allowed herself to relax and sip the delightful white wine that had been placed in front of her.

Thinking back to this same Gala last year, Maura remembered exactly how Jane looked in her dress uniform; her hair in a flattering French braid and small stud earrings in her petite ears. Her makeup was tasteful and not overdone; and the only other jewelry she wore was the handsome watch Maura had given her for Christmas a few months earlier. Jane had spent most of the evening leaning back in her seat, arm slung across the back of Maura's chair as she easily fielded questions about Casey's absence with a dismissive shake of her head. She and Vince lobbed thinly-veiled insults at each other as they half-heartedly listened to the speeches from the politicians garnering support for the next election.

Maura allowed her thoughts to wander further, remembering more details about last year's Gala.

Jane's hand frequently brushed the back of her shoulder, igniting a surprising tickle in Maura's chest. Glancing at the tall detective, she found her engaged in the table's conversation. A quick glance her way and a sly wink from dark eyes made the tickle turn into a slow burn that ignited Maura's insides.

Once the Gala was finished, they spent the rest of the evening on Maura's sofa, Jane looking delectable in her half-unbuttoned uniform and tousled hair. She snapped the now-empty rubber band that had been holding back her full mane of hair around her wrist as she laughed about the terrible dancing and copious amounts of alcohol their co-workers had consumed.

Maura's mouth practically watered as she watched the detective's strong and nimble fingers snap the band over and over, a sensual rhythm that she could still recall. Head thrown back with wild black ringlets cascading over the cushion, she was practically feline; utterly supine and relaxed. Maura's fingers itched to feel the rough fabric of her uniform before sliding over polished buttons that would effortlessly come undone with just the slightest pressure.

What she would give to slowly reveal the olive skin of the tall detective inch by delicious inch as she peeled the uniform down over toned shoulders and arms. Jane would have on a simple and practical brassiere; most likely black, or perhaps one of those dreadful white cotton ones she purchased at Walmart. Regardless, she would look divine; a beautiful contrast of feminine curves and stoic masculinity that just begged to be worshipped.

The event began and Maura reluctantly turned her attention away from admiration of her now-lover to the stage. A roar from the crowd signaled the mayor taking the stage and they all rose, applauding Boston's newest elected official.

"You look beautiful," a husky voice husked in her ear and the blonde M.E. startled in surprise. Turning, she regarded the most beautiful pair of warm obsidian eyes she had ever seen.

"You're here!" Her exclamation of joy was easily heard above the applauding crowd, but she didn't care. Jane was here, clutching her arm and smiling at her.

It was clear the tall detective had rushed here; dress uniform askew, hair loose and tousled, but Maura still thought she looked beautiful. All rational thought was lost as the uniformed woman leaned down to greet her properly, gracing her with a gentle kiss.

"Hi," Jane whispered into her mouth before nipping her bottom lip. Maura felt herself swoon, gratefully leaning into the detective's strong embrace. She was shocked at Jane's public display of affection, but it was not unwelcome. The friendly faces at the table were free of hostility, and Maura felt the detective relax at her side in apparent relief.

"Hi yourself; I'm so glad you made it," Maura murmured as they all took their seats.

"Jane! You got the guy?" The friendly detective and his wife greeted Jane jovially as did the rest of the table.

"I did," she responded easily, looking immediately comfortable. Her arm slung around the back of Maura's chair, eerily similar to her position last year, the detective smiled fondly at her date. "I made sure he squeaked out his confession in a timely manner knowing Maura was here alone with you bums."

"Surely the insurmountable evidence you had indicating he was more than likely the one who had committed the murder combined with your superior interrogation skills encouraged him to confess, Jane," the M.E. stated with a smile.

"That too," the detective agreed with a smile.

Her spirits lifted considerably, Maura relaxed back against Jane's arm as the brunette chatted easily with their colleagues. She couldn't help but notice how often Jane checked in with her; meeting her gaze during a conversation, offering her a wink or a soft smile, touching her shoulder, and resting her free hand casually on the M.E's thigh. It made her feel so secure; so wanted. It was a truly addictive feeling.

The wine flowed, dinner served, and spirits high. Maura and Jane were in perfect sync, as the tall detective tugged on the buttoned up collar of her uniform in aggravation, her petite date took possession of the fidgeting hands, toying with the long fingers. As Jane pushed her wine away, finding it too fruity for her taste, Maura pushed her glass of water toward the detective as a trade. They finished each other's sentences, elaborated on each other's stories, traded gentle touches and lingering looks.

"You ladies make such a great couple," one of the wives said dreamily. Elbowing her husband, he tore his eyes away from the shapely young waitress refilling water glasses and cleared his throat self-consciously. "Sometimes I think it would be easier to be a lesbian, double the clothes and half the aggravation of having your other half think with what's in his pants" she sighed, causing the rest of the table to erupt in laughter.

"Is it easier, Maur?" The low voice rumbled in the petite woman's ear, causing goose pimples to form on her exposed forearms.

"I'm not sure exactly what you are referencing," she responded primly. The detective didn't miss the hitch of her date's breath or the quick purse of ruby lips. Grinning merrily, the brunette tried again.

"Easier to be with a woman?" She leaned in closer to continue the next part of their conversation in private. "Sharing clothes and not being consumed by sex all the time?"

"I do not know how to appropriately answer your question, detective, as I cannot speak for all lesbians," the honey blonde responded with a smile. "However, if you're asking me personally, I find it easy to be with you. Although I am regularly distracted by your physical presence at times," she turned to murmur into her lover's ear.

"Well, I can't help but think with what's in my pants when I'm around you," Jane continued, her breath tickling Maura's neck delightfully. "Especially when you look this amazing. As soon as I got your text and I saw you in this dress, I could only think of one thing."

"I doubt the validity of that statement." Ruby lips parted to reveal perfect white teeth. "You would never jeopardize the integrity of an interrogation by allowing yourself to be distracted."

"Distracted? No," Jane chuckled as her hand crept dangerously up Maura's thigh, "encouraged to do my job as quickly as possible, yes."

"Jane," the honey blonde's voice chided her lover as she covered the wandering hand with her own, "please behave."

A pout graced the detective's lips briefly as her fingers twitched over the soft material of the M.E's dress. Regretfully pulling away from the smaller woman, she straightened in her seat and rejoined one of the many conversations at the table.

Maura wasn't able to tear her focus away as easily; her attentive eyes watched Jane's hands twist her napkin, twirl her fork, and pull at the buttons near her throat. The honey blonde felt her face flush as she pictured those same restless hands twisting in her hair, twirling through her wetness, and pulling at her clothes eagerly.

Their eyes met, and Maura realized her detective knew exactly what she was thinking about. A languid smile and quick quirk of dark eyebrows were almost her undoing. Lazily, Jane returned her hand to Maura's thigh, giving it a teasing squeeze.

Maura often felt she would never become tired of admiring Jane, much like her favorite works at the MFA, she could always find some small detail to appreciate at any given time. Watching the other people seated at the table, Maura quickly realized she wasn't the only one to obviously ogle the tall brunette. To say the tall detective was beautiful was a drastic understatement; her feminine masculinity resonated to all those around her, making her universally attractive.

Suddenly possessive of the beautiful woman seated next to her, Maura scooted closer to her before leaning in and kissed her on the cheek. Leaving the conversation, Jane turned, her dark eyes dancing merrily.

"What was that for?"

"I love you," Maura responded truthfully, her eyes searching those of the taller woman. She found exactly what she was looking for in the dark depths and couldn't help but grin hopelessly.

"Disgustingly sweet," one of the women commented as she jabbed at her husband's sleeve with her fork, "remember when we were that sweet?"

"No," he deadpanned; taking an aggressive bite of his roll. The table erupted in laughter.

The rest of the evening passed quickly, despite Jane's aggravation at her uniform. As they said goodbyes to their tablemates and a few other acquaintances, Jane helped Maura into her coat before escorting her to the valet station.

"Meet you at home?" Her voice was low; the timbre unmistakable.

"Yes," the blonde's voice replied, barely above a whisper. Jane leaned in for a quick kiss before jogging across the street. Maura sighed; knowing the detective wouldn't have wanted to pay for parking and had chosen to leave her car on some terribly-lit side street instead.

Still, the tall brunette's superior knowledge of the city streets and all possible shortcuts allowed her to arrive home several minutes before the diminutive blonde. Maura arrived to Jane's car parked neatly in the driveway. Smiling, she parked carefully in the empty space and let herself into the house, saying hello to an excited Jo Friday before locking the door behind her and turning off the porch light. She stepped easily out of her heels, picking them up and wiping them down with the cloth that hung on the inside of the closet specifically for that purpose before stowing them away with her coat. Her clutch still on her arm, she turned off all of the other lights downstairs before making her way to the bedroom. The little terrier danced ahead of her happily, eager to return to her taller mistress.

The scene she was greeted warmed her heart and she smiled in reflex. Jane, still clad in her dress uniform, lit by candlelight as she removed her watch and earrings with Jo Friday circling her heels.

"Hi," the blonde breathed in the sight, wanting nothing in her life to ever change. It was amazing what a difference a year could make. She only could dream of this scene greeting her after last year's Gala.

"Hey," the low voice caused her to shiver delightfully. "That wasn't that bad, right?"

"Not at all," the blonde responded easily, "I'm so happy you were able to attend."

Jane rolled her eyes, "Maur, you have no idea. I always dread those things, but all I wanted to do was show up tonight with you on my arm. I'm just so damn proud someone like you would be with me." She moved in closer to take the blonde in her arms, allowing the smaller woman to bury her face against the stiff uniform. Grateful for the needed moment to gather her composure, the blonde tightened the embrace.

Finally they broke apart, the smaller woman's eyes glittering with tears. She fingered the two loose buttons on the smaller woman's unbuttoned collar, knowing it had taken a great deal of restraint for the detective not to change the minute she had arrived home.

"I'm so lucky," she breathed as she met the darkened eyes of the detective. "Everyone tonight there wanted you; I could see it so clearly. You're incredible. You have this amazing aura; both feminine and masculine and it appeals to a wide array of people."

"Ha, I told you I looked like a man in this thing," the detective chuckled. "Besides, you're the good looking one in this relationship."

Maura pushed herself back from the detective's arms, her palms flat on the brunette's collarbone. "Jane, you are the most attractive person I have ever seen. Your uniform doesn't make you look anything like a man; it heightens your feminine qualities beautifully yet gives you a powerful and commanding appearance which, in turn…" she was quickly interrupted by a lingering kiss.

"Shhh, stop talking," the brunette murmured against her. "I can think of far better things for your lips to do." She pulled her back in for an ardent kiss, sighing happily when their tongues met at once. After a few minutes, Jane couldn't wait any longer. Turning the smaller woman around gently, Jane clumsily unzipped the dark purple gown and held it steady for the blonde to step out of. Courteously, she laid it carefully over the back of the sitting chair, earning her a winning smile from the blonde.

The blonde shivered in the cool room, left only in her black camisole. Jane's eyes roamed over the smaller woman's exposed body eagerly, her hands reaching out to stroke and caress every inch. Her passion igniting, the brunette pulled the blonde into her arms once more, one hand reaching up to tug a loose curl of hair as their mouths crashed together.

Smiling against her mouth, the smaller woman deepened the kiss as she deftly unbuttoned the detective's jacket and peeled it down the brunette's muscular shoulders. Taking a second to appreciate the image of the tall detective, she loved how her tight white t-shirt tucked into the thick belt of the uniform pants, accentuating the brunette's trim abdominals. As Maura returned her lips to the particularly sensitive skin under the detective's jaw she trailed her hands down to unfasten her belt. The blonde M.E's eyes widened almost comically as she trailed her hand across the zipper of the detective's uniform pants, feeling an unfamiliar bulge where there was normally none. "Jane?" She pulled back to meet her lover's eyes, finding them a deadly dark shade of black.

The brunette leaned down, nipping her full lips roughly. "I figured if I was already in my manly uniform I might as well play the part. I figured you wouldn't mind," she returned her mouth to bite the blonde's neck gently.

"Of course not," the smaller woman murmured. "But Jane, I need to explain something to you first," she struggled to free herself from the detective's embrace, not missing the rolling eyes and dramatic sigh.

"No single human being is completely feminine or masculine. It's not possible. In fact, the Yale Law Journal just had a fascinating feature on this very topic. The lines of gender and sexuality are blurred; made increasingly more complicated by our preconceived notions of what are considered feminine behaviors, actions, and preferences versus those deliberated as masculine. Wearing a dildo doesn't make you masculine; no more than a man wearing a pink shirt would be considered feminine. Myself, I don't feel like I'm having sex with a man or am being penetrated by a penis when you have a dildo, I feel as if I'm being penetrated by you; my beautiful girlfriend."

Taking a breath, the blonde continued, "Now, I will be honest that when you wear your uniform, it is a huge turn on for me. I also become sexually aroused when thinking of you wearing a dildo; but it has nothing to do with perceiving you as masculine. It turns me on because you are confident and powerful, and I am aroused at the thought of submitting completely to you and knowing how good the penetration will feel."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it," the detective had reached her limit and her patience was up, "Maur, thank you for the very informative explanation. I appreciate it, I really do. But believe me, I'm a simple woman. I like to make you feel good. I really like to fuck you. I really really like to fuck you while wearing this fake dick because it makes you feel really really good. That's the only reason I need to wear it. Okay?"

Speechless, the blonde nodded. Scooting back on the bed, her eyes traced hungrily over the brunette's muscular form. Jane's dark hair hung in waves over her tanned arms and her eyes burned obsidian as they eagerly canvased the blonde's candlelit flesh.

The susurrus sound of the brunette's zipper being lowered caused the smaller woman to shudder involuntarily. She watched in fascination as the brunette deftly pulled the dildo through the opened zipper and advanced on her, crawling toward her on the bed like an overzealous panther.

"Oh my," she murmured; completely overcome with arousal as Jane finally reached for her, pulling at her hips until she was fully underneath the brunette as their lips met once more.

It felt like an eternity, but she knew it was only a few languid seconds before she felt the brunette's fingers deftly push her silk thong to the side and slide through her wetness. Sighing in approval, Maura placed her palm against the detective's strong jaw as their eyes met. It was as if time stopped as they gazed at once another, no words needed.

Maura felt as if her heart would burst as she canted her hips to meet the brunette's, feeling the tip of the dildo hovering tantalizing at her entrance. Bracing herself on her forearm, Jane gripped the dildo confidently with her free hand and slid it easily into the smaller woman with one smooth thrust.

The blonde's head flung back, her golden hair across the pillow like a sunburst. Jane only paused briefly to appreciate the beauty of her candlelit lover before retreating from her velvety depths. She chuckled at the smaller woman's pout, leaning down to kiss it away before gliding back into her. The strangled groan as she repeated this push pull motion once more told her the blonde was enjoying herself immensely.

"It's worth it for me to pull out from you, right?" The brunette's voice was breathless from her ministrations as she receded slowly, earning a frustrated protest from her lover. "Because coming back feels so damn good," she grunted as she thrust back into the smaller woman, harder this time.

"Ye…yes," Maura groaned and Jane swore she could feel the muscles clenched around the dildo, "you feel so good, please..." the blonde quivered underneath her delightfully.

"Please what?" Jane asked as she pulled out quickly, making sure the tip of the dildo stroked the blonde's clit and lingered there.

"Oh God, please just keep going," Maura cried as she tore at Jane's thin shirt, desperate to feel her skin.

Narrow hips jumped and Jane moved both hands to the blonde's waist, holding her firmly in place as she entered her fully. Maura hummed in approval as she felt the full weight of her lover anchoring her securely. Lips met and tongues dueled as the brunette pulled out once again, hovering at her entrance.

Maura almost screamed in frustration, her eyes snapping open to meet her lover's. "Jane, please don't tease me." Her hips wriggled frantically, searching for the brunette's appendage. Keeping herself tilted away from the blonde, the taller woman grinned evilly. Leaning down, she pushed the thin silk out of her way in order to find a taut nipple. Taking it in her mouth, she rolled it between her teeth before flicking the tip with her tongue.

The blonde tugged at her hair, politely at first and then more demanding. Chuckling, she released the smaller woman's nipple with an audible pop before thrusting aggressively back into her.

"Jane," her name was said like a mantra and the brunette knew she couldn't deny her lover any longer. Gathering the smaller woman into her arms, she latched onto her neck as her thrusts picked up speed and force.

"Oh God, when you take me like this it's the most incredible thing I've ever felt." The blonde worked her hands under Jane's shirt, clawing at her bare back. Jane nipped and bit at the smaller woman's neck, knowing how crazy it drove her. Not surprisingly, Maura was a talker, and Jane fully enjoyed hearing whatever spewed from the blonde's mouth while in the throes of passion.

The smaller end of the dildo fit perfectly inside the brunette and rubbed her in all of the right places. She bit the inside of her cheek as she felt her climax build, determined to push her lover over the edge first.

The blonde liked to be taken fast and hard; with no hesitation. The more confident and aggressive Jane was, the more she liked it. Once her legs wrapped around Jane's narrow hips, the brunette knew it was her cue to drive into the smaller woman as violently as possible; nothing held back.

She pushed in and out, hitting the blonde's clit each time on the up and downstroke. Trembling underneath her, Jane hummed in approval as she felt the blonde adjust her position, binding her legs around the brunette's back and opening herself up for the brunette to thrust into her even deeper.

"Jane," she breathed, "please."

Taking her cue, the detective roared as she sunk into her fully. Biting down savagely onto the blonde's neck, the brunette's hips drove relentlessly into those of her lover, thrusting into her with all she had. Over and over she pushed, feeling the blonde come beautifully undone underneath her.

"Jane, I love you. Jane, I fucking love you. Don't stop, please don't ever stop fucking me," the blonde chants grew louder and were joined by groans, moans, and screams of delight as the brunette's ministrations intensified.

"Fuck," the detective ground out as her climax came forcefully, causing her to shudder into her lover. The blonde screamed once more before collapsing back into the soft mattress, pulling the brunette fully down onto her, taking all of her weight.

Jane felt her muscles contracting around the dildo as she struggled to catch her breath. Pushing into Maura gently she felt the blonde tighten around her as she slowly started a new rhythm.

"Wha, Jane, what are you doing?" Maura was beautifully breathless, her hair stuck to her face.

"Shhhh," the brunette softly nipped at her kiss-bruised lips, "I don't wanna be done."

This time, it was soft and steady as the two women worked together, hips pushing and pulling, panting declarations of love, tender kisses, and indulgent caresses. The soft light from the candles highlighted the sheen of perspiration that covered their bodies as they rocked together in unison.

"Maur, oh baby you feel good," Jane rocked her hips shallowly, searching for the spot inside the blonde that always coaxed the greatest climax from the smaller woman. Finding it, she could practically feel the blonde constrict against the dildo, her muscles contracting violently.

Needing to see her eyes, Jane pulled back enough to meet Maura's gaze; finding the smaller woman's eyes voluminous and wet with unshed tears.

"I love you," the blonde said so sweetly it was as if the detective's heart would burst. Completely connected, they continued to keep their gaze locked as the lazy rhythm of the detective's hips soon took them both over the edge once more. Although completely different than the first, their mutual second orgasm was no less powerful.

The continued to stay joined, trading kisses, talking, laughing, and whispering promises, until their exhaustion and the lateness of the evening made itself known.

Candles were blown out, clothes discarded, and the house fell silent as the two lovers settled into bed, wrapped securely in each other's embrace.

Holding the smaller woman from behind, Jane planted a soft kiss to her fragrant hair.

"It's terrifying how much I love you," her low voice admitted. "Promise me we will stay like this forever. I can't stand the thought of life without you."

It was a well-documented fact that Maura was unable to lie. She was not able to foresee the future, and could not make any promise of forever, it just wasn't realistic. Still, an overwhelming feeling of contentment and conviction about their relationship had settled in her chest, burning her pleasantly.

"I can't imagine my life without you," she murmured to the brunette, placing a gentle kiss to the palm draped across her. "I can tell you with absolute certainty that I will never feel about anyone else what I feel for you. If I could make it so, I would stay like this with you forever."

"Wow, absolute certainty," the brunette responded drowsily, "that's pretty good considering you still won't call what is clearly a bloodstain anything other than a reddish brown stain with absolute certainty."

The blonde chuckled, safe in the arms of her love. "Get some rest, I love you."

"Love you Maur," the detective mumbled as sleep overtook her.

Closing her eyes, the blonde cherished the gentle sounds of the detective's breathing. It was here, in the quiet moments between sleep and awake, that anything seemed possible; even a concept as absurd as eternity.