“But why??”  JJ cried,
“She barely knew me”

“It’s not about how long you’ve known her it’s about
quality.  It’s not often that Jane opens
herself up to friendship; she did that with you and Emily.  I could tell when we were at the Dirty Robber
that she was comfortable with you both.” Maura paused as she considered the
younger woman, “I was mad at her for flirting with you,” she admitted.

“Flirting with me?” JJ’s voice squeaked a bit, she was
embarrassed to admit she had flirted right back but it was in fun.

“I know she doesn’t mean it…most times she does it
unconsciously, I can tell, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t a little angry with
her and jealous of you.” Maura couldn’t believe she had just admitted that.

“Jealous? Of me? But you’re…”

“Beautiful…” the breathless raspy voice surprised them both.

“Jane!” Maura rushed over to her and brought her hand up for
a kiss, “how long have you been awake?”

“Long enough,” she said softly. “Hey JJ…”

Her voice thick with emotion, “Hey yourself…how do you
feel?”

“Like *****…you?” Jane smiled wanly as her attempt to laugh
was stifled by the pain.

“About the same…” chuckling JJ held her hand against her
ribs at the time, “*****! That hurts!” Head back she smiled at how ridiculous
they must look neither of them able to laugh with pain.

“Both of you stop it! You’re going to hurt yourselves.”
Maura’s stern voice only provoked another fit in JJ and Jane just kept smiling,
her one attempt at laughing a second ago was more than enough.

“Hey can I come back in n…hey you’re awake!” Looking at JJ’s
half laugh half grimace, “what’s going on?” she said suspiciously.

“These two,” Maura said “think its funny to make each other
laugh when neither one can take a decent breath without doubling over.” Maura’s
indignant tone was enough to get JJ going again and the curses in between
breaths was comical.

Jane watched as her lover lightened the mood.  She knew Maura wasn’t really upset and was
glad that she able to relax even a little.
Closing her eyes she admitted to herself that she hadn’t expected to wake
up.  It was Maura’s voice that brought
her back.  It was always Maura.

“Jane?” the worry in Maura’s voice made her open her eyes.

“I’m okay Maur, I’m here.”