±500 Miles Afar

"I love you"

Kent went stiff and gave her sad eyes. She almost felt guilty.

K: "I... you've been oddly happy this week. I thought mayb-"

M: "I'm sorry, but you thought wrong. You knew this was only a matter of time."

K: "Is...is this anything to do with Rizzoli?"

M: "I did, indeed, enjoy your company, but Jane has nothing to do with why I can't see you as anything else but a friend."

Maura watched his face go pale. Now, she felt slightly guilty. He might talk too much and try to push her into being in a serious relationship, but he was, nevertheless, a good friend. He had been next to her many times before. When she found out she had Chiari malformation, he was the first to know-he guessed it even before her and any doctor. If it weren't for him being so pushy and inconvenient, she wouldn't have gotten help so soon.

K: "I meant Tommy..."

This time, the ME was the one getting pale. Not ready to have this conversation with anyone at all, she nervously tidied her paperwork. If she focused on Tommy, maybe he would forget what he just realized reading between the lines.

M: "How do you know about Tommy?"

K: "I'm not an idiot, Maura."

M: "Why didn't you say anything?"

K: "I thought you were unsure about us and hoped you would eventually choose me."

M: "I'm sorry Kent, but I told you many times this wasn't serious. If it brings you any comfort, I had a similar talk with Tommy."

K: "So...Jane..."

Waiting for him to leave, the ME, ignoring him, opened her computer to pretend she was busy. She was furious. Who did he think he was to assume he could talk about her and Jane?

______________________________

Stepping inside the 'The Dirty Robber', Jane ordered food and drinks while Maura chose the table. Frequently glancing at the blonde, she noticed she looked stressed.

This morning they almost arrived late for work because she had surprised her with a big nutritious, yet, delicious breakfast. Jane loved these gestures but wondered how much these were to compensate for feelings of guilt over her mood swings and fatigue from the new medication. She didn't want her to think she had to constantly pamper her to convince her she cared, especially when she was so tired.

As Jane walked towards the table and sat down, Maura stared at the menu- fidgeting it between her fingers. She was definitely upset and trying to calm herself down.

J: "What happened?"

M: "Nothing."

J: "You barely said a word since we left...Is this anything to do with your doctor's missed call?"

Maura turned her attention away from Jane, and her eyes started travelling all over the bar. Everywhere, except what/who was in front of her.

J: "What did he say?"

The dark-haired woman reached for her hand in hopes of giving her some comfort. Maura, quickly, tried to pull away but Jane got a hold on her wrist. Light enough for her to still be able to pull away but firm enough to make her stop acting so defensive. The ME stared at her.

M: "He needs to do another evaluation. He wants to run a few possibilities he didn't in the first place, so... it's just possibilities, it doesn't mean anything. It might be nothing. It's probably nothing."

J: "That's good. If he finds out, he missed something that can explain why the treatments weren't working...Maur?... That's good, isn't it?"

For the second time that night, the blonde started looking around the room. Eventually, focusing on their holding hands.

J: "Maur? What did he say?"

M: "I...one of the possibilities is that I might suffer from bipolar disorder. I-I'm not bipolar, that's ridiculous. Why would he even consider it? It doesn't make any sense if you ask me."

J: "What if he's right?"

Suddenly, the blonde looked at her. She seemed anxious and almost angry. This was the first time Jane saw her completely dismissing a doctor's opinion. Knowing her as she knew, she quickly realized Maura was likely just afraid that he was right. It was also likely that there weren't any other possibilities. Distressed as she already was, she didn't want to pressure her even more.

M: "He's not rig-"

J: "Even if he is. It doesn't matter."

M: "What do you mean it doesn't matter?!"

J: "What I mean is, it doesn't matter what he calls it. The only thing that matters is that you get better. Whatever it is, we're already dealing with it right now."

M: "You don't have to."

J: "No, I don't, but I chose to because I love you."

Maura pouted her lips and shed a few tears quietly. Sighing deeply she reached for Jane's free hand and held it tightly. Then, grabbed both of her hands between hers-massaging them.

J: "You need to stop focusing on definitions and the perceptions and prejudices on them. All you need to do is focus on getting better."

M: "... you're right."

Jane felt cold when her hands stopped being held but immediately felt warm when the ME got up to sit by her side. Her big, Bambi eyes staring at hers while giving her a sad smile. When she felt her lips on her cheek, the detective couldn't help but put her arm over her shoulders. Maura reciprocated by resting her head against her chest and massaging her stomach gently. Then, gave her another kiss on the cheek. Neither of them caring if someone they knew saw it.