I posted two chapters! Make sure to read chapter 11 before this one!

Have you read chapter 11? Read on!

DAY 24 BOMWI TRIBE

Bomwi were walking into the next reward challenge after a sleepless night for Maura. She'd spent the night by the fire worrying if Jane's sacrifice for her and been the end of her own game. Bomwi was a small tribe, with only four members and Maura and grown to know them well. She didn't like Emily. She couldn't see one redeemable quality in her that Jane could have liked. Ian was Ian. She found that she actually liked Riley. Riley was very similar to Jane but with a more defensive and sarcastic coating, if that was possible. Maura thought that if the two had started on the same tribe together they may have become good friends.

Riley slowed her pace and fell in beside Maura, keeping her voice low so that Ian and Emily couldn't hear her.

"I think we're walking into the merger now," she commented.

Maura shrugged. "I try not to make assumptions, especially about Survivor."

"If this is a merge," Riley continued, "Your situation is going to change."

"How do you mean?"

"It's no secret that you're the next off this tribe but if we merge suddenly you're in the alliance that's controlling this game."

Maura frowned. "Only if Jane is still here."

"Are you watching a different game than me? Doc you have Robin and Chang wrapped around your fingers. Frost totally fanboys over you-he wouldn't stop hero worshipping you during our picnic-and Jane is your whatever she is. You're in charge, trust me."

Maura's frown deepened. "I think your perception of the situation is incorrect."

Riley chuckled. "I think yours is. For a smart person you can be dumb. Do you really not see yourself the way other people see you?"

"How do people see me?"

"As fucking amazing. You're honest, you're generous, you're forgiving, and you're hot. I'd do you if I swung that way."

"Thank you," Maura responded sincerely, which only made Riley laugh harder.

"I'm just saying: I'd be nice if you kept me around a bit if we merged. At least longer than Ian and Emily."

Maura smiled lightly, finally understanding what this conversation had been about. "I really appreciated your honesty the entire time I was a member of Bomwi. You made me feel welcome, you helped me stay in the game, and you were forthright when I was going to be voted out."

Riley raised a brow. "Is that Maura for 'sure, I'll keep you in the game'?"

Maura laughed but didn't answer, not wanting to make a promise she couldn't keep.

"Welcome Bomwi, come on in," Jeff greeted warmly as they stepped onto their mat on the beach.

Otokai weren't here yet; they were always the first tribe in.

Riley saw Maura's confusion. "I think they want to get your reaction to her entry just like they did for her the other day."

Maura nodded in understanding. "So do you think that means she's still here?"

"I try not to make assumptions, especially about the game of Survivor," Riley parroted Maura's words back to her.

"Otokai, come on in. Bomwi getting your first look at the new Otokai, Casey voted out at last night's tribal council."

Maura didn't think before she reacted, running straight into Jane's arms just as they had days before.

"Thank you," Maura said sincerely against Jane's neck.

"Anything for you." Jane replied into Maura's hair.

"Let's get straight to it," Jeff cut in, as usual. "Today's challenge is going to work a little differently. Although you are two tribes you will be competing in this challenge independently for an individual reward. This is called 'Rock Bottom'. This has only been played in Survivor Thailand and with Casey's departure last night that means none of you have ever played this game. There will be four rounds. In the first round there will be 7 clay jugs at the bottom of the ocean. The people with jugs will move on to the next round, eliminating two. The next round will have five jugs and the third round will have three. For the fourth and final round the three remaining Survivors will dive into the water, find a weighted box and swim back to the shore with it. It will be heavy, it will be hard. The first person back at the shore with their box will win the reward. Clear? What to hear what you're playing for? The winner will have a night away from the island, being taken by helicopter to a five star resort on Tarawa Island, the capital of Kiribati. There will be food, massages, showers, clean clothes and a chance to experience some of the Kiribati culture. Sound good? I bet it would sound better if you could take someone with you. The winner can select one person from either tribe to take on the reward with them. Worth playing for?"

The final ten Survivors swam out deep into the ocean towards the floating platform that the first few rounds would be started from. Jeff took a speedboat. Soon they were all lined along the edge of the platform, ready to dive in for the first round.

"Survivors ready? Go!"

Splash.

"Riley is the first with a jug!" Jeff yelled as Riley reached the surface, jug clutched in her hand.

"Jane is second."

Jane began to swim back to the platform, her loose curls flowing in the water behind her.

"Frost is third."

Frost headed back to the platform.

"Robin is fourth. Still three more jugs to be found. Maura is fifth, only two left."

Jane smiled warmly at Maura and reached a hand down to help pull her up and out of the water.

"Good job babe."

"And Ian and Korsak and sixth and seventh. Emily and Susie, you two didn't find a jug. You can head back to the shore."

They began to slowly swim back to the sand as the remaining seven prepared for the second round.

"Survivors ready? Go!"

Splash.

"Riley is first again. Jane is second, again. Robin looks like she is struggling to find anything. Ian is third. Maura has the fourth jug. One left and Robin, Korsak and Frost are having a hard time finding it. Robin has the last jug! Korsak and Frost, you two can head back in."

Jane again pulled Maura from the water, loving the extra reason for physical contact. The remaining five readied themselves for the third round.

"This time there are only three jugs. Two more people will be eliminated. Survivors ready? Go!"

Splash.

"And this was quick!" Jeff commentates in surprise as Riley, Jane and Robin surface quickly with the three jugs. "Riley, Jane and Robin moving on to the final round. Maura and Ian, you can start heading back in."

Jane waved and jokily pouted at Maura as she swam back to the beach to watch the final round.

"There are three equally weighted boxes on the seabed. You will dive down, get your box and swim with it back to the shore. The first person across the line with their box wins the reward. It will be heavy so be careful. Watch for my raised hand on the shore."

Jeff took a speedboat back to the beach.

"Survivors ready?" He yelled. "Go!" He raised his hand.

Jane, Riley and Robin dived deep into the water together.

Everyone watched nervously from the shore as no one surfaced for a large stretch of time.

Robin was first. She was struggling and had barely moved her box.

Riley was next. She'd made a good distance but was obviously wearing herself out.

Jane still didn't surface.

Maura stepped closer to the water, worrying.

Robin surfaced again, treading water and struggling to get her breath, dropping right out of this challenge.

Riley surface again, much closer and almost close enough to walk in the sand.

Finally Jane surfaced, barely a metre in front of Riley, panting heavily and tall enough to reach the bottom.

Riley could see the pure focus Jane was exerting on this challenge, obviously wanting to enjoy this challenge with her girlfriend.

"I hope Maura thanks me nicely when I take her on the reward with me," Riley grunts, loud enough for Jane to hear but so no one on the shore can hear.

Her words were effective. Jane stumbled and Riley made up the distance. Both were at thigh deep water, arms sagging with the effort of carrying the boxes.

"I'd at least get a tight hug from that warm bod."

Riley worried that she'd gone to far when she saw the devouring rage burning in Jane's face. She was sure that any second Jane would drop the box and try to drown Riley in the ocean. But she hadn't considered something.

"You can do it Jane!" Maura's voice rang from the beach.

The rage left Jane's body, replaced entirely by desperate commitment. Jane pushed her legs, jogging even with the heavy box weighing her down. She reached the finish line first and was the one rewarded with Maura's tight hug.

Other members of Otokai moved to hug and congratulate Jane but the detective made sure to keep contact with her doctor at all times. Absence made the heart grow fonder and they had enough absence in the last week to last them a lifetime. She'd be more than happy if they decided to never spend another day apart.

Jeff spoke when the celebration calmed down. "I know the answer but I need to ask anyway. Jane, who do you want to take on the trip with you?"

Jane rubbed her chin, pretending to consider her options. Maura raised hopeful eyes towards her, making Jane laugh at the fact that Maura actually believed she'd pick someone other than the doctor.

"What do you say babe? Come away with me?"

A smile split Maura's face and she pressed a light, chaste kiss on Jane's cracked lips. It wasn't nearly enough, especially after the week apart but they'd have time alone later so Jane ignored her instincts and didn't pull them together again.

A helicopter soared loudly overhead, heading towards a landing that had been set up on the beach. Wind whipped the sand around them, stinging eyes and knotting hair even more than it already was.

"There's your ride guys, have fun," Jeff instructed, pointing for them to head to the helicopter once it landed completely, blades still spinning dangerously.

"Bye guys!" Jane yelled over the noise and she headed towards her transport, her hand safely in Maura's.

She pulled the door open and ushered Maura into the helicopter first, making sure she was in safely before sliding in herself.

Maura eyed everything from the window of the helicopter with a wide-eyed innocence that only made Jane fall harder.

The ride went quickly with Maura pointing out seemingly random landmarks and giving a freakishly detailed explanation and history for each leaving Jane to marvel once again at her intelligence.

The resort was a dream. The Survivor producers had spared no expense and they had exclusive private access with dedicated service. They had their own luxurious bungalow right along the beach. A large in-ground pool surrounded one side of the bungalow, offering a peaceful cool swim in waveless fresh water. A hatch-covered, open-walled building stood near the bungalow, on the opposite side of the pool, sheltering a white cloth covered table for two. White, thin curtains billowed from the floor length open windows of the bungalow. A fabric sling hung near the doorway of the bungalow, swaying slightly in the light breeze and two loungers were placed on the beach. It was a romantic dream.

Walking casually and hand in hand Jane and Maura entered the bungalow, spinning together to take in everything in front of them. There were two plush double beds, covered with white linen. Clean robes and a small bite of chocolate sat at the ends of both beds. The ensuite was large containing a hot water shower, modern toilet, his and her sink area with a large walled mirror and especially, a filled, stemming, petal-covered, perfumed, spa.

Jane shivered with desire, her brain immediately concocting images of swirling jet powered water and a naked Maura.

Forcing the widely inappropriate images from her head she turned to the real-life woman of her musings. "Where do you want to start Maur? Food or shower?"

Maura crinkled her nose as she considered both options. "How about: one of us quickly snacks while the other quickly showers, then reverse."

"Why such a rush?"

Maura looked up at Jane with deep hazel eyes. "There are some questions and topics that I'd really appreciate being able to ask you while we're here."

Jane sighed and dropped her chin to her neck. "Can't we forget that and have a good time?" she grumbled.

"Jane," Maura responded sternly, hands on her hips.

Jane cracked a smirk, giving in easily. Besides, she agreed that they needed to talk about some things, namely the members of Bomwi.

"Alright. You eat first, I'll shower."

Maura smiled, happy to have gotten her way and exited the bathroom, leaving Jane by herself.

Soon a clean Maura and Jane were seated at the white-cloth covered table under the thatch shelter, a buffet of fruits and cold cuts sitting in front of them.

"Jane," Maura started, wanting to get straight into the conversation.

"Wait," Jane interrupted. "Before you start, we are both clean, we both have our teeth brushed, we haven't had any time together privately in a week…" Jane trailed off, slightly embarrassed about asking for this.

Luckily Maura had understood where train of thought. With a coy smile Maura stood and stepped towards Jane. Jane slid her chair out from the table but remained sitting. Maura sat carefully on Jane's lap, leaning forward slowly and pressing their mouths together.

Jane sighed contentedly into the kiss, losing herself in the burning sensations that Maura always created within her. "God I missed this," Jane said into Maura's mouth.

Too soon Maura was pulling away and back into her own seat, leaving a pouting Jane behind.

"Can you focus now?" Maura asked with a smile.

"No."

Maura laughed. "We'll have copious time later. I just really want to understand where we stand in each other lives, in the game and out of it."

Jane nodded, sobering immediately.

"Which topics would you like to discuss first? Emily?"

Jane frowned. "Yeah, OK. We were friends in Africa. She stabbed me in the back. End of story."

Maura closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "You're lying."

"How about you tell me what she told you then," Jane asked, harsher than she intended.

"There was more than friendship between the two of you and it continued after the game. Emily's breast augmentation was for your benefit."

Jane coughed in surprise. "Excuse me? That fucker said that?"

"It's not the truth?" There was a desperation in Maura's voice that made Jane want to open her soul and show Maura every single moment she'd had with Emily, convince her that it was nothing. But all she could offer was her side of the story.

FLASHBACK SURVIVOR AFRICA

Jane was proud to be part of the final five in Survivor's second season. The first season had set a high standard of what it meant to be a survivor, Dr Isles especially, and she hoped that when she watched the show for herself in a few weeks that she would have lived up to those that came before her. She had formed a tight four-person alliance on day one and had suck to it right until this point of the game. Unfortunately Korsak, her closest friend and member of the alliance, had been airlifted out of the game three days ago for medical reasons. That still left her in a solid three-person alliance with only two people on the other side of them. They had a clear path to the finish.

On one side she had Joey Grant. They had bonded over overbearing Italian upbringings and disappointed Catholic parents. He didn't excel at challenges, he didn't excel at strategy, he didn't excel in social situations. He was average all around. Jane didn't trust him 100% and didn't intend to keep an alliance with him outside of the game. She had promised him the final two with her and felt no guilt about the fact that she planned for him to actually come third.

The person she was taking to the final two was Emily Sanner. Emily was blonde and beautiful, in an obvious way. Jane hadn't actually liked Emily at all for the entirety of the first two weeks. She seemed shallow and fake. Actually Jane still thought that about her, which was part of why she'd made a fantastic person to be sitting with in the final two-no one would vote for her. Jane could pinpoint the exact moment their relationship had changed. During a puzzle-solving challenge Jeff had accidentally called Emily 'Doc', joking that they looked similar when hunched over a puzzle. Jane agreed.

The year before Jane had realised that she was attracted to a woman. It was Doctor Maura Isles the second runner up of Survivor the Australian Outback. She was blonde, big-breasted, womanly, intelligent, honest, innocent and beautiful. Everything that Jane suddenly wanted in a woman. She couldn't think of any hidden moments during her child, teen, or early adult years that had ever led her to believe she was a lesbian. In fact she'd had a string of heterosexual relationships.

So when she realised that Emily shared a slight resemblance to Maura she acted on it. A late night kiss off camera. Emily had responded with fervour, saying she had always wanted a lesbian tryst. It hadn't been like kissing men. It had been better. From that point Emily became an exploration and a realisation. Jane was definitely gay. But it wasn't Emily she credited, as she was simply a warm female body for experimentation, it was Maura who deserved the thanks.

Even so Jane felt she owed Emily and fully intended to go to the final two with her, until they walked into the tribal council. Darren Crowe had been chosen by the alliance to go that night and Jane had casted that vote easily. He was a sexist pig who never should have made it this far. The shook was hers though when Jeff read the votes. One for Crowe. Four for Jane. A blindside. A backstab. A betrayal.

Jane felt just as stupid for not seeing it coming as she had felt hurt. Grant apologised, Emily apologised, and on the surface she forgave them. It wasn't difficult. Their relationship had been fabricated from the beginning. She continued the pained act for the cameras and media though as the show aired, painting Jane as the hero betrayed by her girlfriend-although Jane had been careful and there were no kisses or touches to completely support that perspective.

Jane came out to her family. They took it better than she expected but her mother, Angela, took every opportunity to criticise and bad-mouth Emily. So just to irritate her further Jane resumed their casual relationship right until the blonde booked a swimsuit ad.

NOW SURVIVOR SECOND CHANCE

"So I ended things because she wanted attention and I didn't want her. She got a boob job, thinking it'd change my mind. It didn't. I didn't have any deep feelings towards her, I promise."

Maura was frowning, deeply. "How could you use her like that?"

Jane shrugged. "It was mutual. We were both very honest about the fact that there was nothing more."

"How are we different than that?"

Jane covered Maura's hand with her own and looked deep into the hazel eyes. "We are different in every way Maur. I want you in a way that I have never wanted anyone. I feel for you in a way I didn't think was possible. Think about it. Nothing was ever shown about us on TV because I wanted it hidden." Jane looked at the camera filming her every word. "But you," she leaned across the table and pressed her lips to Maura's, "I will kiss openly any time you let me."

Maura's eyes swam with tears at Jane's sincerity. "I'll let you kiss me anytime you want to."

Jane pressed another kiss to soft lips before sitting back down. "Will you be my official girlfriend Doctor Isles?"

"Only if you'll be mine."

A comfortable silence lapsed as they nibbled on some fruit and cold cuts. Jane was the one to break the silence.

"Next topic. Ian."

Maura tilted her head, swallowed the piece of pineapple she'd been chewing. "What would you like to know?"

"Was what we saw on TV the whole story?"

"It was an accurate representation, yes. Ian and I did enter into a mutual sexual relationship that I believe we both intended to pursue after the conclusion of our series."

Maura. Never a yes or no person. "And was that it? Nothing happened after you were voted out?"

"Not quite. There was an incident-a sexual encounter-that occurred once we had returned home and after the season had aired."

Jane's brows rose. She had assumed as much after she had seen Ian and Maura interact recently. She had expected hesitance, animosity, but had instead seen familiarity that sparked jealously. "Explain," she said shortly.

"Have you ever been so in love you felt like you'd taken some kind of substance?"

Jane shook her head.

"That's what he made me feel. I struggling with feeling safe, wanted, loved, throughout my teenage and adult life. He provided me with what I had been missing."

"But he fucking ruined you Maur. I saw what happened; I saw your face. You were crushed. How could you forgive him after that?"

"I find that you can forgive anyone anything if you desire it enough. And god did I desire him. I couldn't stop thinking about him, no matter how desperate I was to have him gone. I visited him, at his home in Chicago. He was surprised. I… We had sexual intercourse just inside of his door and I left without saying a word."

"You wanted to screw him out of your system," Jane guessed.

"Yes. It didn't work. He started calling after that and didn't stop. Every time I considered answering but I couldn't decide what I wanted to say. If I asked him to stop calling he would and the feeling of being desired would disappear. If I told him I wanted to be with him without being able to trust him ever again I would be hurt even more."

"Was he still calling when you came here."

"Yes."

Finally, a simple response.

"Am I just a rebound to you?" It needed to be asked but Jane wasn't sure that she couldn't handle the response.

"No. At first it may have crossed my mind but our every interaction has been…" Maura couldn't find the words for one of the first times in her life. "Somehow a simple touch with you is more than I ever felt for him. I didn't think it would be possible to ever feel part of what I felt for him for someone else but somehow I feel MORE for you. Just knowing you erased any lingering or unresolved feelings I had towards Ian. There is still a closeness that comes from knowing someone as intimately as we did but he is my past and you are my future."

Jane's chest puffed out at Maura's words. But then a thought crossed her mind, one that she'd buried deep after its first appearance but one she needed to ask now if her and Maura really were going to clear the air completely. "You know I feel the same way, right Maur?"

"I do Jane."

"But there's something else I gotta ask you."

"What is it."

Jane chuckled sardonically, unsure of how to say this.

Maura covered Jane's hand. "Ask me Jane. I won't be upset, I promise. I understand struggling to find complete trust in this game; it's something I battle with myself. Luckily for me every time I question it you seem to know to do something that solidifies my faith in you. This is my chance to return that feeling. Ask me."

Jane smiles. Maura can read her better than anyone else she'd ever met. "You can't lie, I believe that. But I need to know it. It could be the best lie ever told if it's not true."

Maura's face fell for a moment and Jane immediately wanted to take back her words and doubt. How dare she accuse Maura of that?

"I understand Jane. It's true. As I have stated I suffer from urticaria and occasional syncope if I lie."

"Hives and fainting, yeah."

Maura opened the collar of her robe, revelling a freckled, soft neck that made Jane lick her lips. "I am not falling in love with Jane Rizzoli."

Jane watched with fascination as Maura's skin swelled and an almost rash-like spread of red bumps appeared instantly. Maura grunted uncomfortably and began to itch the skin irritation. Jane's eyes met Maura's, filled with sympathy, regret and apology.

"I'm so sorry Maur."

"It's fine."

Maura may have said the words but Jane could tell by the way the itching increased that it wasn't meant. In that moment Jane hated herself. She stood quickly from her seat and pulled Maura into her arms, not even realising that her tears of remorse were causing the wetness on the shoulder of Maura's robe.

"I'm so sorry," she muttered over and over again, her voice barely loud enough to reach Maura's ear.

Maura kept quiet, smoothing her hands slowly and softly up and down Jane's back, soothing her pain with her touch.

Eventually Jane's guilt subsided and she pulled back, only to be faced with an understanding and softly smiling Maura.

"I understand Jane. I would have needed evidence as well. I predict that we will become much closer now. Is there anything else to discuss?"

Jane shook her head and placed her mouth firmly over Maura's. Two heads tilted in perfect harmony, as if from years of experience. Four eyes slid closed, needing to focus on the feel of this. It wasn't the first time they had shared a kiss, in fact light pecks had been frequent between the two, but everything about this felt different. Two noses pressed into each other, rubbing with each movement and indenting the opposing cheeks slightly.

Maura's hands gripped at the rope around Jane's waste, using it to bring their bodies flush together and keep and steady grip as she grew lightheaded.

Jane had her hands cupping Maura's face, keeping it close to hers and stroking her thumbs absently along the soft skin behind and under her ears.

Maura sighed and Jane took the opportunity to move her tongue into the doctor's mouth. She explored, her tastebuds being flooded by the sweet taste that was Maura.

Hot air stuck between them, the same breath going from one to the other.

Coloured dots filtered into the darkness behind Jane's eyelids and her body suffered from lack of oxygen. In the light-headed moment that she considered dying from asphyxiation just so that this kiss could last she found a reason for why this kiss was different. She was no longer falling for Doctor Maura Isles, she had fallen, hard. Jane loved Maura.

Jane pulled back, taking a deep breath and looking into the fluttering eyes of the woman she loved. How did she get so lucky?

"So Doctor Isles, what would you like to do next?"

"Well Detective Rizzoli, I am craving a spa treatment."

Jane shivered. Never had her official title sounded so arousing. "I've never had a 'spa treatment'."

"Oh Jane!" Maura clapped her hands together, her excitement changing the previously romantic mood immediately. "You will love this!"

Jane blushed as Maura said 'love'. If only she knew.

Maura was wrong. The massage, the facial and the mani/ pedi that Maura had forced onto Jane had been uncomfortable and the opposite of relaxing. The only hands Jane wanted on her body were Maura's and her head was hurting from fighting down her jealousy as someone else touched her doctor. Jane had been rewarded with a large sirloin steak and two of her favourite beers during an early candlelight dinner, which made it almost worthwhile.

An exhausted Maura and Jane entered their bungalow, almost ready to just collapse onto the double beds until Maura had an idea.

"Oh Jane! Grab your swimsuit, we haven't tried the spa yet!"

Jane's eyes widened. Maura in the spa. How had she forgotten her fantasy so quickly? Granted Maura had mentioned swimmers but Jane could use her imagination. Jane wasted no time in grabbing her recently cleaned swimmers from the foot of her bed, ducking behind a partition to change while Maura took the bathroom.

"You can come in when you're ready Jane," Maura called from behind the closed door.

Jane's heart thumped in her throat, as she took unsteady, excited steps towards the bathroom. She twisted the knob and pushed open the door, swallowing at the sight. Somehow Maura, in those few minutes it took Jane to change, had lit a sea of candles that flickered around the room. The spa was only on and the rising steam was adding to the atmosphere of the room. The water was clear and through gaps in the petals Jane could see the soft, fair, freckled skin of her doctor. She licked her lips as her eyes travelled up the body parts she could see before finally landing on a pair of twinkling hazel eyes.

"Like what you see detective?" Maura husked with an unexpected timbre in her voice.

Jane swallowed again, unable to form any coherent or incoherent words.

"Are you going to join me or are you just going to stare?"

Jane didn't move.

"You know you can see me better over here. You can probably feel me better too."

Four large strides and Jane was slipping into the heated water, across from Maura, their eyes still locked.

"You are the most beautiful person I've ever seen," Jane found her voice.

Maura's eyes misted at the sincerity. She closed the gap between them and settled her warm body into Jane's lap, one knee on either side of Jane's thighs as she straddled her. "I never knew that I could feel this so completely, and so quickly."

"Feel what?"

Maura gave a coy smile and closed the gap between them, taking her time to rake her eyes over Jane's sharp and pointed features, memorising every angled detail. Her eyes closed as they finally connected.

They moved slowly taking their time, just letting the same intense passion from their earlier kiss consume them. The breathing spaces between each kiss was almost non-existent, as if parting for a quick pant of a breath was more than they could take. Hands roamed in the water, stroking and gripping, but never taking it further as if that was an invisible line they had drawn between them. Jane didn't care. As much as she wanted Maura in every way, she was also more than happy for this moment to continue in its perfection forever.

Their skin was permanently wrinkled by the time they finally agreed to move to the beds. Without words they crawled into the same bed, choosing the share the space instead of sleeping apart. The warm cotton of the resort provided pyjamas mixed with the linens and comfort of a real mattress lead to a realisation that this is what every night could be outside of the game. Falling asleep in bed together at the end of every day.

DAY 25 REWARD RESORT

Jane woke late the next morning, feeling relaxed and well rested. The feeling of pleasure only increased when she opened her eyes to find blonde hair splayed across the pillows and tickling her nose. Maura's back was to hers and she had both arms wrapped tightly around the doctor, holding them close together. She could feel Maura's back moving against her chest with each breath they took. One of her knees was pressed between Maura's legs, riding ridiculously close to the promise land.

She withdrew a hand from where it was pressed against Maura's stomach to brush the blonde hair back from the fair neck. She dropped her head and pressed light kisses against the newly exposed skin.

She felt Maura tremble slightly as she began to wake, stirring in her arms. Jane smirked and deepened her kisses, adding sucking and light nipping.

Maura moaned. It was deep and sleep-filled and Jane's new favourite sound.

She sucked harder, not caring that she was marring perfect skin with a reddish bruise.

Maura did care though. "Mmm, Jane, don't leave a mark," she murmured.

Jane removed her lips and peaked at her handiwork. "Too late Maur. Sorry."

She didn't sound sorry.

Maura rolled in her arms and sent her a sceptical look. "You did that intentionally, didn't you?"

"It suits you babe."

"Jane, I'm already yours, you don't need to mark me."

Jane groaned and hid her head in Maura's neck, licking the skin she found there. "God Maura, don't say that."

"Why not?"

"'Cause it makes me want to do things that I can't."

"Why can't you?"

Jane leaned back so that she could look into Maura's eyes. "I want to wait."

"Until?"

"There are no cameras."

Just as she said it a cameraman walked through the door, knocking lightly as he did. He didn't say anything. He just smiled at the pair and started recording.

Jane rolled her eyes and stood from the bed, the moment officially ruined.

Jane and Maura were soon showered, dressed, and sitting down at a final breakfast before returning to the island.

"Jane," Maura asked, curiosity in her tone. "How many days did you spend at Ponderosa in Africa?"

Jane frowned, trying to remember. "I was voted out on day 36 so it would have been about 5 nights, why?"

"I never got to experience Ponderosa. I'm almost looking forward to it this time."

Jane chuckled. Ponderosa is the name of the place where you stay after you are eliminated. After being voted out, especially those that are post-merge jury members are under very strict limitations. Ponderosa is almost a limbo; it's a place where you are no longer playing Survivor but you can't return home or communicate with any family members yet. Instead, one by one, eliminated Survivors move to Ponderosa until day 40, when they can return to their lives as normal human beings, unable to speak of the final days of Survivor until it airs months later. There was a weigh-in, a debriefing, psychological examinations, medical examinations, normal food, a bed, a shower, everything that you had been craving while on the island.

"It's not a big party. Everyone at Ponderosa are losers, usually with grudges and stories about how they were tricked and cheated. Where did you go?"

"They kept me separate from everyone else. Garrett was there. Ian would be there the next day. They weren't positive of what my reaction would be so I was removed."

"That's not fair."

Maura just shrugged. "I hear they have rock band this year."

Jane laughed at the wide-eyed excitement on Maura's face. Even after how horrible Survivor had been to her, how terrible her life had been to her, she could still find joy in potentially playing a game for teenagers if she was voted off.

"I know I haven't actually said it out loud Maur but I want you in the final two with me."

A ghost crossed Maura's face and her expression faltered for a second. She looked away from Jane and towards the ocean. "Thanks Jane," she said quietly.

Jane reached a hand forward and covered Maura's. She knew that she'd touched on the soft spot of Australia at the mention of Maura being promised the final two by someone she was in a relationship with. Hopefully they'd make it there and Jane would be able to show herself as completely trustworthy when it happened.

The helicopter ride back wasn't as exciting. They had enjoyed time together and a reprieve from the game. It was painful to realise that when the helicopter landed they'd be returning to different tribes, once again fighting separately to survive until the merge.

They had their first surprise when they landed on the old Kaua beach that had been abandoned when Otokai and Bomwi had absorbed Maura's first tribe. Their second surprise was when they found the members of Bomwi and Otokai waiting for them. With a final embrace Maura and Jane returned to their tribes, both being greeted warmly with hugs and kind words. Maura's last hug was from Riley who kept am arm around her shoulder as Jeff began to speak, sending a smirk behind Maura's back to an angry Jane.

"You may recognise this as Kaua beach."

There were murmurs of agreement from Robin, Maura and Korsak, the only three to have seen the beach, and realisation from everyone else.

"Well this is now your new beach. Drop your buffs."

Cheers of celebration filled the tribes as they dropped their buffs to the sand. Jane moved to Maura and pulled the doctor to her side, dislodging Riley's arm in the process.

"Here are your new buffs." Jeff threw a bag to Ian who had been at the end of the group.

He pulled out a black buff.

"It is will be your first tribal decision to create a new name for your tribe. Luckily for you guys the original Kaua tribe built such a solid shelter that the rough weather and crew haven't been able to remove it. But any rewards that have been won up until this point are gone. No fishing gear, no cleaning products. You have two pots, some rice, a machete and materials to create your new tribe flag. If you look carefully you may also find a welcome to your new home meal. I will see you at tomorrow's first individual immunity challenge."

Jeff left to the exuberant sounds of cheering from the newly merged tribe.

What? Two chapters? Well I'm rested, I'm on holidays, and I'm running on enthusiasm from your reviews and my new Wicked snow globe that plays 'What is this feeling?' That's how I spent my Easter, watching the world's best musical. I've seen it 3 times in Australia and twice in England. Just need to get it on Broadway for the trifecta. Maybe one day I will experience the land of dreams which is America. Peace.