Confidence
A/N I have returned with a new tale. Sorry for the delay but life has been just a bit crazy for me lately and it took a bit to find a window where I can keep up with my normal daily postings. (You know how I like to spoil you all)
To be honest- I am still trying to process how I feel about the new season- especially S4E4- and I'm not sorted out as of yet. Given that, I'm returning to my Rizzles AU world where I don't need to have all of that figured out and I can just play with the story that is now in my head.
This is definitely a Rizzles tale. We start off with the dynamic duo already together and they have been for awhile. This tale can best be described as a personal journey for both Maura and Jane- each separately but as a couple as well. (You'll understand as we progress.) I know it doesn't explain a lot but I can't really say much more without giving too much plot away.
So, instead, just sit back and enjoy as the tale unfolds.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. I have no rights to anything. I just like to play.
Chapter One
con * fi * dence - noun
1 a: a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances
b: faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper or effective way
2: the quality or state of being certain
con * fi * dence- adjective
1: of, relating to, or adept at swindling by false promises
R&I
It had been a long day. Slow. Boring. The kind of day Jane absolutely hated because slow in the world of Homicide meant Jane had no choice but to work on the stack of folders that perpetually sat in her 'In' box on her desk. Paperwork. Jane absolutely hated paperwork. Sometimes she felt betrayed that no one ever talked to her about paperwork when she was in the academy. All her instructors seemed to gloss right over the sheer amount of reports and files she was committing to completing when she signed up to be a cop.
She knew of no cop who liked doing paperwork. Most everyone did what she would do. Let folders and case files stack up on their desk until they were forced to deal with them. And once that happened everyone simply spent more time complaining and goofing off than actually working to reduce the pile in their 'In' box.
Jane, Frost and Korsak were no different. All three hated paperwork. All three were doing everything they could to avoid any actual work. They had been pretty successful on this day. Jane spent an hour 'reorganizing' her desk drawers. She saw Frost spent most of his morning creating and folder-tizing all the loose, random documents he had saved on his hard drive. And Korsak, well Korsak spent his time that day surfing the Internet watching YouTube clips of various animal tricks and funny creature features. He got to Internet surf because he outranked Jane and Frost. He had earned the right to have some fun as he avoided his pile of administrative duties.
There was also a rousing hour and a half game of hangman between the three of them that Jane won with relative ease. She needed to remember to thank Maura for expanding her vocabulary. One unexpected benefit of having a genius girlfriend had been her seemingly invincibility in the weekly Hangman challenges the partners would partake to pass some time. Jane might not always understand the words she would use against the guys but they were long and complicated and she was at a distinct advantage.
As the clock approached 5 pm, Korsak looked over at Jane. "Are you and Maura up for a drink?" he asked. It was pretty typical for the four to stop at the Dirty Robber at the end of an early day to have a drink.
Jane shook her head, "Sorry Vince but not tonight," she answered. She had plans for Maura that didn't involve other people. A smile crept across her face as she let her mind wander on just what she had in mind for the evening.
Korsak noticed the smile which produced one of his own, "Clearly you have something planned," he said.
"Just a little something," Jane evaded. As close as she was both her partners she never shared too many personal details about her life with Maura. As accepting and happy as everyone was for the two, considering how closely they all worked together both Jane and Maura had found it best to try to keep business business and personal personal. "Rain check though?" she asked.
Korsak nodded, "Of course. You two have fun tonight. We can grab a drink tomorrow or another night," he said as he returned his attention to his computer and a video of a kitten climbing up curtains.
Jane pulled out her phone and typed out a text message for Maura.
I've started my 'end of the day' countdown. Please tell me you will be done on time. -J
As Jane waited for Maura's reply she couldn't help letting the concern she felt for her girlfriend surface again. Maura had been having a rather tough time of it lately and Jane was worried about her. Patrick Doyle's RICO trial was set to start in two weeks and much to Maura's dismay the Assistant US Attorney trying the case seemed intent on calling Maura as one of the chief witnesses.
On top of that, Maura had been struggling with her relationships with Hope, Cailin and Constance. All for different reasons and about different issues but for the last three months Jane couldn't help but think Maura seemed to be facing grief and issues from all directions in her family life. With the notable exception of Jane.
The relationship between Jane and Maura was the most stable force in each of their lives. They had been together as a couple for just over a year. They had been living together for six months now. Jane had moved in with Maura and had let Tommy take over her apartment lease. The two were extremely happy together. There had even been recent conversations about marriage.
Neither was in a rush to get married or even get engaged. Both felt they would eventually take that step but it wasn't necessarily something that either felt needed to happen in the immediate future. Both agreeing that it would best to have some of the drama still in their lives settled before they added a wedding to the mix. Jane knew Maura wanted Doyle's trial to be over and that chapter of her life settled before she dealt with marriage. She was also pretty sure Maura needed to be on more solid ground with Hope and Constance.
Jane had no issues with waiting. She loved Maura and knew Maura loved her. She didn't need a marriage certificate to prove that. She was confident that they would one day get married but that would happen when it was right for them both. For now, she was more concerned with the stress Maura was experiencing because of her side of the family.
This concern was part of the reason Jane had made the plans for that night that she had made. She was hoping to treat Maura to a quiet, peaceful night and to try to take her mind off of things. Maura was aware that they were having a 'date night' but Jane wouldn't share any of the details with her. Jane's goal was to see Maura find an escape from everything if only for a few hours.
The vibration of her phone pulled Jane from her thoughts.
Thankfully it has been a slow day. I will definitely be done on time for...where are we going again? -M
Jane snickered as she read the text. Part of her enjoyment when it came to surprises for Maura was teasing her about not knowing what the surprise was. She typed a reply.
No cheating. You'll find out soon enough. Meet you at home by 7? -J
It was worth a shot. Yes, I will see you at home. XOX -M
:D XOX -J
Jane put the phone down and looked over at Frost and Korsak. She couldn't help but laugh. Both her partners were now battling it out over a game of chess on Frost's iPad. Clearly, no one was getting any paperwork done today.
"I need to run down to the cafe. Either of you need anything?" she asked.
Both men greeted her with a smile and delivered simultaneous 'No's as they returned their attention back to their game in progress.
Jane watched the game for a moment and spotted quickly that Korsak would have Frost in five more moves. Poor Frost. No matter how hard he practiced he was never able to beat Korsak. Or Jane. Or Maura. He could beat Frankie and Tommy. But that was about it. She snickered about his pending doom all the way to the elevators.
R&I
"Hey Ma," Jane said as she rounded the corner into the cafe.
"Hey Janie," her mother answered back. "Coffee this late in the day?" she asked.
"No," Jane answered as she approached her mother. "My shift is over soon and I'll be heading home. I actually just need to ask a favor."
"Sure, what do you need?" Angela asked.
"I was hoping I could talk you into spending the night anywhere but at the guesthouse," Jane said with a smile. This wasn't the first time Jane had asked Angela to make herself scarce when Jane wanted absolute alone time with Maura. Angela was good about disappearing when it was important to Jane. Tonight was one of those nights.
"I'm sure Sean wouldn't mind if I spent the night over at his place," Angela offered.
Jane smiled. It had taken her a little while to get used to her mother dating her boss but she liked and respected Cavanaugh and from everything she saw he seemed to make her mother happy. Once Jane got used to the idea she settled into being just happy for the two of them.
"I'm sorry it's short notice but I do appreciate it," she said with sincerity.
"I'm done here in five minutes. I'll run home and get a few things. I can be sure not to return until tomorrow afternoon," she offered. After a moment she added, "whatever you have planned, I think Maura really needs it." Angela, too, was growing concerned about Maura's stress level.
"I know Ma. I just want to give her a break for a little while," Jane answered. Jane knew Maura frequently confided in Angela about her issues with Hope and Constance. She was pretty sure Maura didn't share too many thoughts about Doyle with Angela but Angela knew enough to know Maura had concerns about testifying against the man but had been subpoenaed and had no choice.
"I'll be gone before you get home," Angela confirmed. "You both have a good night tonight," she added with a wink.
"That is the plan," Jane answered back as she headed back upstairs.
R&I
Maura was happy to see the day come to an end. It hadn't really been a bad day. In fact, things had been relatively slow for the last week or so which was fine with Maura. What she couldn't wait for was to see whatever it was that Jane had planned for their date night. She found herself at several moments throughout the day letting her mind wander off trying to figure out what Jane might be planning.
As it turned out, Jane was actually quite the romantic. A trait that somewhat surprised Maura in the beginning of their relationship. She know Jane had a big heart and that she cared deeply for the people she let get close to her. But what she was never really prepared for was the romantic side of Jane Rizzoli. That seemed to show up at the most unexpected but perfect times. Jane had a habit of sensing when Maura needed a distraction or something just entirely the two of them. She would sense it and then she would deliver. And oh how that woman could deliver.
The effort, planning and thought that Jane would put into some of the things they had done over the last year still made Maura's heart just beat little stronger. A little faster. Jane never ceased to amaze Maura and each new surprise seemed to outdo the previous one. So it was no wonder that Maura had been marginally distracted all day in part due to anticipation for Jane's latest surprise.
So when Maura got into her car at the end of her shift she had to remind herself to obey the speed limits all the way home. She knew Jane had a thirty minute head start on her and she really wanted to see what the night had in store for them both. Her normal commute didn't take any more time than usual but Maura felt as if she would never get home. But finally, she car found its way into the garage and she was heading into the house.
"Jane?" she called out when she entered the house. She looked around but didn't see anything that gave a hint as to what tonight was going to be like. Within seconds of shouting out for Jane she heard the quick but tiny footsteps of Jo coming to greet her. That put a smile on her face.
Jo came flying into the kitchen and was jumping up on Maura's legs in a flash. Maura bent down and greeted the frisky dog for a few moments before standing back up again trying to find Jane. "Jo, where's your mom?" she asked not really expecting an actual answer. She wouldn't be disappointed. Jo's attention seemed to drift towards a new chew toy and she was gone before Maura could even react.
"Jane?" Maura tried again this time with a bit more success.
"Upstairs," Maura heard Jane's voice call out from above.
She smiled and headed to find and say hello to Bass before making her way up to their bedroom. After spending a few moments with her favorite tortoise, she headed up the stairs to find Jane. As she entered the bedroom she fully expected to find Jane once she stepped inside the room. But as she entered the room she found it empty. "Jane?" she called out again.
"Bathroom," she heard Jane's answer and she made her way into their bathroom stopping in her tracks as soon as she cleared the doorway.
"Jane..." she let escape in an almost whisper.
The bathroom was full of lit candles. The tub was filled with water and enough bubbles to cover the entire bathroom floor if she had wanted to. There was Maura's favorite classical music playing softly in the background. The scene took Maura's breath away. Jane couldn't have made the room more inviting if she tried. Or actually, Maura suddenly thought as she realized Jane was fully clothed, there was one thing she could have done differently.
As if recognizing the thought Maura had the moment she had it Jane supplied an answer. "Not this time," she answered softly. "This bath is just for you." Jane reached out her hand and pulled Maura in close kissing her gently on the forehead.
She then slowly turned Maura around and unzipped her dress letting it slowly fall off her body as gravity worked its natural magic. Once completely down Maura stepped out of the pooled fabric at her feet and tried to turn into Jane but Jane wouldn't have it. She returned Maura to a position standing in front of her but she let both her hands slowly glide up Maura's sides causing a shiver to run through the ME.
Jane's hands stopped at Maura's shoulders temporarily only to have one gently push her hair away from her neck. Jane leaned in and placed several lingering, tender kisses along Maura's now exposed neck and just under her earlobe. The effect melted Maura instantly. Jane took her time before letting both hands make quick work of Maura's bra all the while still kissing her neck. As the bra was removed and allowed to drop to the floor Jane's lips finally parted from Maura's skin.
Again Jane allowed her hands to glide back down Maura's skin only to have them settle on the edge of the fabric of her panties. She let her hand roam a bit over a mix of skin and silk caressing just enough to drive Maura slightly crazy.
"Jane," Maura whispered again only this time the want to her tone was obvious.
Jane didn't answer with words. Instead, she merely let one of her thumbs hook the elastic on Maura's panties as she slowly worked them off of the woman she stood behind. Maura had to concentrate to get her body to cooperate enough for her to again step out of the clothes the dangled around her feet. She now stood naked and in complete anticipation for Jane's next moves.
Jane straightened up and one last time let her hands run the entire length of Maura's body. "My God you are beautiful," she whispered into Maura's ear as she took a half step closer to Maura. Maura, wanting any contact with Jane she could get, leaned back into Jane and again tried to turn to face her.
"Nope," Jane said softly. "Or should I say, not yet," she teased. She did let Maura lean into her for a few more moments but then she guided Maura towards the tub and helped her get in and situated. Once Maura was settled her waited for Jane to start to undress. It took her a few moments to realize Jane really wasn't going to join her.
"There's room in here for two," she tried. It didn't work.
"Yes there is. But, no." Jane smiled at the pout that crossed Maura's face. Jane leaned over and picked up a glass of wine handing it to Maura. "This is for you. All of this. Relax. Soak. Enjoy. I'll be back in a few," and with that she leaned in capturing Maura's lips for a passionate kiss. Once they broke free of each other Jane stood up and walked out of the bathroom leaving Maura alone.
R&I
Jane left Maura alone to enjoy her bath for about a half an hour while she finished the final preparations for the night. Once things downstairs were set Jane headed back up to retrieve the woman she loved. As she re-entered the bathroom she found Maura stretched out in the tub with a washcloth draped across her eyes. It was clear that the woman was relaxed which was everything Jane wanted.
"Alright, time to get out. We can't have you turning into a prune," she said with a smile.
Maura removed the washcloth from her face and smiled up at Jane. "This was really nice, thank you."
"You're welcome. Now come on, out you come," she said as she held open an oversized towel which she used to wrap all the way around Maura as she stepped out of the tub. Once Maura was encased in the towel, Jane snuck another tender kiss before stepping back again.
"Jane, you really shouldn't tease a girl," Maura responded in a playful voice.
"Patience is a virtual my dear," was Jane's only response. Clearly she wasn't going to given into the desire they both knew existed. "This way," she whispered and began to lead Maura into the bedroom and towards the bed.
Maura smiled as they left the bathroom and moved towards the bed. This was definitely a step in the right direction as far as she was concerned.
"Lay down on your stomach," Jane requested softly. Maura immediately started to comply but was interrupted by another direction from Jane. "Lose the towel."
She didn't have to be told twice. Within a second the towel was unceremoniously abandoned onto the floor in front of their bed. Maura stood in front of Jane for a moment letting the lingering gaze she felt exist uninterrupted. She was going to do everything she could to test her girlfriend's apparent resolve not to make a move up until this point.
"Uh, Maura..." Jane stammered. "This really will work better if you actually were laying down on the bed." Jane pointed out but couldn't take her eyes off of the gorgeous woman in front of her. She had to fight herself not to give in to her own want and take Maura right then and there.
Maura snickered but finally complied by lying down on her stomach on their bed. She was a little surprised when she felt Jane straddle her but finally realized what she was in for when she felt a small amount of body oil drip onto her shoulders followed closely by Jane's hands starting to slowly knead themselves over her shoulders.
The feel of Jane's hands, even if just for a massage, sent shivers all through her. But the feel of Jane's strong hands working over her relaxed but still stiff muscles felt like heaven. She couldn't even help the contented sighs that escaped from her as Jane continued to work out all the remaining tension her body held onto. Jane's touch was pure magic.
Twenty minutes of pure heaven elapsed and Maura was now completely relaxed. She wasn't sure how Jane had managed to do it but the woman had worked out every ounce of tension Maura had let build. Her body felt loose and at peace for the first time in weeks.
And for the first time in those twenty minutes, Jane spoke. "Now, I laid out some clothes for you. Get dressed and come downstairs," she said as she finally was done with the massage. Her stole one more series of lingering kisses across the back of Maura's exposed neck before rolling off of Maura's back.
Getting dressed was not exactly what Maura wanted in that moment. She rolled over to protest and had plans of trying to convince Jane to stay in bed with her only less clothed than she seemed to insist on staying. However, by the time she rolled over to present her case for just staying in bed Jane was already heading out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. Maura heard the faucet turn on and knew Jane was washing off the massage oil.
She waited for Jane to walk back into the bedroom before trying to speak but Jane beat her to it. "Seriously M, you need to get dressed. I laid out some clothes so get going."
Maura followed Jane's eyes and finally spotted the clothes she had picked out. The clothes on the dresser were not what she expected. "Really?" she asked looking up at Jane both surprised and confused.
"Really," Jane answered trying not to laugh at the look on Maura's face.
"So, we are not going out?" Maura asked again looking down over a pair of yoga pants and one of Jane's BPD T-shirts.
"Not exactly," was all Jane would offer up. "Get dressed," she said again as she disappeared into her own closet to change into similar attire. Comfy clothes as she called them.
Maura reluctantly agreed not quite sure how being home and comfy clothes now constituted a 'date night' but she decided to reserve judgement until more evidence had been presented. The bath and massage were great but truthfully she had expected a little more from the night. By the time she finished getting dressed Jane was no longer upstairs.
As Maura made her way down the stairs she couldn't contain herself anymore. "How exactly does this qualify as a date night experience?" she asked.
She heard Jane's laugh coming from the kitchen and followed it. "Dinner and a movie has long been a traditional date night experience," Jane answered back.
While Maura appreciated the concept of dinner and a movie, she had spent all day anticipating something very different than just a night in with take out and a video. "I suppose there is truth to that statement," she answered and didn't quite hide the disappointment in her tone.
Jane smiled knowing what was bothering Maura. But, she wasn't too concerned. Tonight wasn't just a normal movie night for the two. She knew that but Maura was yet to find out. "So, ready for a movie?" she asked with a smile.
"We aren't going to eat first?" she asked. Their normal routine was first to eat and then settle in on the couch for a movie.
"Tonight's a little different. It's sort of a dine and watch kind of night," Jane answered. "Ready?"
Maura looked around and saw no evidence of food or beverages but nodded her head that she was ready. She went to turn towards the family room but was stopped when Jane took her hand and lead her towards the patio doors. "Jane?" Maura asked confused.
"Trust me," Jane whispered and pulled Maura along with her towards the patio. It wasn't until they got all the way outside that Maura took in her surroundings and for the second time that night Jane had managed to take her breath away. "Oh my Jane. What did you do?"
The deck had hundreds of white lights strung all along the rails. But what really got to Maura was what was set up in the backyard. In the middle of the yard Jane had laid out several blankets along with food and beverages. At a quick glance Maura could spot all her favorite fruits and cheeses as well as a second set up of wine for the two. Besides the blankets there were also several pillows scattered about. The yard and the set up was beautiful. The only thing missing was the movie.
"I thought you said we were dining and watching a movie," Maura asked looking around somewhat confused.
"We are," Jane answered and didn't explain further. Instead, she lead Maura out to the blanketed picnic area and got her settled. Before sitting down herself she walked a ways behind them and turned on something which for a moment Maura couldn't tell what it was. But suddenly the presence of both light and sound filled in the final blank for Maura.
"Oh Jane, how did you ever manage this?" Maura asked as she found herself looking up at a film being projected onto the side of the guesthouse.
"The equipment was easy," Jane explained. "What was difficult was finding the movie still on a reel. Modern technology nowadays has made that scarce. But, sometimes it helps to know people who know people," she chuckled.
Jane rejoined Maura on the blankets and the two quickly got comfortable with Maura snuggling into Jane just as the movie started. Maura had never in her life watched a movie outdoors let alone against the side of a building. She hadn't even been to a drive in movie theater.
Jane sensed Maura's mood change to excitement once she realized there wasn't going to be the usual video on the couch night. As they both cuddled into each other and started to nibble on the cheeses and fruits, Jane leaned in and gave a chaste kiss to Maura's cheek. "I love you," she whispered.
Maura smiled. "I love you too," she whispered back. "More and more with every passing day." And with that, the two settled in and watched 'Casablanca' as it was projected into the night and onto the guesthouse.
It turned out to be a perfect date night.