A/N: Plausible R&I fic following the cliff-hanger S5 Summer Finale. Shorter version orginially posted in a Rizzles group on FB. This is the full version of the chapter and there will be more to come!
She came to slowly, everything feeling sore and her mind foggy. Nothing was making clear sense until her hazel eyes focused on the raven-haired, olive-toned skin woman sitting in a chair, hands clasped as if in prayer. "Jane?" Maura's voice was raspy and softer than normal.
Hearing the sound, Jane almost shot up out of her chair with joy but knew she had to refrain. "Maura! Oh thank god," she reached her hand out, taking Maura's and squeezing it. 'Look! That neurologist was wrong! She does know who I am. Who she is. She doesn't have amnesia.'
"Why am I in the hospital? What happened?" Maura looked to the woman.
"Do you remember the bridge?" Jane asked.
Maura looked confused for a moment. "There are 7 bridges within the tri county area alone, Jane."
'Same Maura,' Jane mused to herself. "I mean Thursday night. The B Street bridge?"
The confusion deepened as Maura shook her head. "I-I don't recall that."
'Uh oh.' "Uh, what do you remember? What's the last thing?" Jane looked gently to her friend.
Maura thought for a moment and let her eyes fall on to her hand in Jane's. "I remember brushing my hair Friday morning. I looked in the mirror and told myself I was finally going to tell you that I love you. And given how attentive and demonstrative you're being, I must have done so successfully," she smiled.
Suddenly Jane was stunned. She had no idea how to respond as her own mind was reeling with the fact not only was her best friend admitting she had feelings for women, she admitted having them for her.
"I see our patient is awake," Dr. Bowen said as she walked in. "Hello, Dr. Isles. I'm Dr. Amanda Bowen. I'm your neurologist. You had quite a trauma to your brain but it's healed. Are you having any issues with memory?"
"It's nice to meet you, Dr. Bowen," Maura smiled, not taking her hand from Jane's. "I don't believe so. Perhaps Jane is a better judge. The pain medication is making me foggy."
Jane blushed hard and nodded. "Uh, we can...can we talk? Over there?" She pointed the doctor to right outside the room.
"Of course, we should leave Maura to rest."
As Jane let Maura's hand go, she gave a goofy little smile and waved. "Come back soon, snookiebear."
"I didn't realize you and Dr. Isles were a-"
"We're not," Jane cut the doctor off. "I mean, not that there's anything wrong with people who are. Just we in particular are not. Or, maybe Maura is? I don't know. You asked about her memory. She has no idea about jumping from the bridge after me. She can remember up to last Friday morning and I guess she was going to finally confess feelings to me but she never did. Only she thinks she did and that we're now together."
Dr. Bowen nodded and thought over the situation. "Well, we knew amnesia was possible. The medications she's on for pain really aren't going to help clear that up anytime soon. I don't want to make you uncomfortable Jane. But if it's at all possible, could you play along?"
Again Jane was stunned. "I-I'm sorry?"
"Right now Dr. Isles is still in a fragile state. You can gently try to bring her around to the reality of things but to simply go, 'no, that isn't how things are,' could prove to be more detrimental to her psyche." Dr. Bowen pointed out.
"I...I get what you're saying, doctor. I certainly don't want to make things worse. I'll have to talk to my ma and such though so everyone understands. I better get back to Maura for now."
With that the doctor nodded and went about the rest of her rounds. Finding Maura asleep again, Jane took out her phone and texted her mother.
Ma, don't freak out. Maura woke up and she does have some amnesia. But it seems she kind of has things confused and thinks she and I are a couple. Dr. Bowen said it's best for Maura's sake if I play along and gradually show her that's not the case so when you come by, just act like we're a couple, okay? And yes, tell everyone else.
Even though Jane was terrified sending what she did, Angela was elated when she'd gotten the message. She'd seen for years how the two women were with one another. They'd never really lasted with any men and the tension between the two was palpable at times. Yes, Angela was going to do everything in her power to get the two together if it was the last thing she did. Don't worry, sweetheart. You know I love you both. Just think of it like being undercover. I'll be by shortly with some fresh clothes for you both.
As she gathered things from Maura's room, Angela hummed happily, mentally rearranging things. 'Jane's things can go there. There's space in the garage for her tackling dummy. Oh! We can do another garage sale,' she thought to herself.
She grabbed the bag of Maura's things and headed back downstairs where the bag for Jane was already waiting. Since Maura had been out for a few days Angela knew Jane would sit vigil beside her until she woke. She'd taken that time to get fresh clothes for the next week just in case, taking her a clean outfit and under things daily.
Before Angela got to the hospital she stopped by Boston Joe's for herself and Jane. "Hey, honey," she whispered as she went in, holding out the beverage. Maura still lay sleeping in the bed.
"Hey, Ma. Thanks," she took the drink. "It's okay. You don't need to whisper. She's supposed to be up soon anyway."
Angela nodded, setting the bags down. "So, are you going to be okay being-" Before Angela could finish, Maura started to stir.
"Mmm Angela? Hello," Maura said as she yawned.
Angela went over, taking Maura's hand. "Hello, sweetie. You gave us all a scare. Especially Janie. She hasn't left your side."
Maura's brow furrowed slightly and then she smiled. "Well, I'm sorry I worried you all. And I knew Jane would be right here," she reached with her free hand for Jane's.
"Janie, don't be embarrassed. You know I love you both and just want you to be happy," Angela encouraged, noticing how uncomfortable Jane seemed in front of her.
Again Maura smiled, this time to Angela. "I knew you'd be supportive. I wish I knew if I'd told my mother yet or not."
"Um, I don't think you have, no." Jane replied, trying to relax. "We just need to focus on getting you home and such. Your mom should be on her way. I called her when the accident happened but I've kept her up to date on your status so she's not frantic."
"Thank you, Jane. Very considerate. Just another reason why I love you," Maura said as she squeezed Jane's hand.
After a few hours of visiting, Dr. Bowen made her rounds back to Maura. After looking over scans and labs, she relayed that Dr. Isles was free to go home so long as she had supervision.
"I live in the guest house and I'm sure Jane will be around as she's been here," Angela pointed out.
"Good. So she would have round the clock support for at least the next week, until her follow up appointment?" Dr. Bowen double checked.
Angela and Jane both nodded. No matter what, Maura was still Jane's best friend and she'd do anything she had to for her. "Absolutely, doctor."
"I'll have her release orders, discharge instructions and prescriptions within the hour."
Maura nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Dr. Bowen."
A few hours later Jane and Angela were helping Maura back into her house. "I'm not an invalid, you two," Maura noted with a teasing smile.
"Shhh. You two go relax, I'll start making some dinner. Frankie, Tommy and the gang wanted to drop by but I told them not tonight if that's alright?"
"I don't feel up to entertaining tonight so that's perfect. Thank you, Angela. I think I need to really clean up though. Jane, would you mind helping me?" Maura asked as they got to the stairs.
Jane blushed deeply. "Uh, well someone's gotta make sure you don't slip. Let's go, Maur," she nodded as Maura began ascending the steps.
When they got to Maura's bedroom, the amber blonde turned and looked at Jane. "Have we not made love yet?" Sensing Jane's nervousness.
Jane shook her head. "Not yet, no. Uh, it's okay. I'm sorry." Deep down Jane felt a telling lurch at the thought she was going to be seeing Maura very naked very soon. Granted, they'd seen each other nude from time to time but she hadn't lingered on those moments. They were just best friends. Now Jane had the knowledge Maura felt much more for her than that. In truth, as much as it scared her, Jane felt the same. "Need a hand getting things off?"
"Well, someone's working quickly to get me undressed," Maura teased. "I'm fine. Have a seat?" She pointed to the bed. "With the door open, you can still see me. Or you can sit on the bench at my vanity?"
Jane moved to the bench and pulled it out. "The closer the better, just in case you start to fall," she pointed out. Even though her friend had been injured, Jane couldn't stop herself from letting her eyes rove over Maura's body when the woman was reaching into the shower stall and starting the water. When the medical examiner seemed to 'catch' her, Jane looked away and blushed.
"Sweetheart, you'll see me like this often and hopefully we'll be doing a lot more than just seeing," Maura added with a wink.
Jane nodded, feeling her throat go dry. "R-right. Water feel okay?" She asked to change the subject as Maura got in.
"It feels heavenly, thank you." Maura took her time washing herself and her hair. She turned the water off and wrung excess water out of her hair when she was done.
Jane hopped up holding a fluffy towel open and wrapping Maura up in it.
Maura blushed lightly and kissed Jane's cheek. "Thank you. Would you mind going to my closet and getting me my yoga pants and a t shirt?"
"Sure thing," Jane went and got the outfit.
Later that evening they were sitting on the couch comfortably. Angela was pretending to read a magazine while keeping an eye on her daughters.
Maura was cuddled up with Jane, a happy little smile on her lips as she looked at her iPad. Jane looked incredibly relaxed. "Need anything, Maur?"
Maura looked to Jane. "I'm well. I took my medications. I'm thinking I'll be ready for bed soon. Do you have anything to wear?"
"She does," Angela beamed and nodded. "I stopped by your apartment and took care of Jo Friday while getting you some things. Also, I brought her back to my place."
Jane shot a look to her mother Maura couldn't see. "Do you a have hall already booked for a wedding, Ma?"
"I wouldn't overstep, Jane. I'm sure Maura has wedding ideas anyway," Angela smiled innocently.
Maura nodded. "We both do. But I don't think we'd look good in Red Sox gear on top of a volcano," she noted.
Suddenly the memory came back to Jane of her and Maura laying on the mattress in her livingroom Tommy and Frost hadn't gotten into her bedroom as they stared at the ceiling. "I think you're right about that, Maura," Jane nodded. Really she knew she should feel awkward cuddled up with Maura as she was but honestly, it felt so natural. Actually, doing it so openly, Angela seeming to approve was...liberating.
"I mean it is early to be talking about a wedding, I'm sure," Maura smiled. "But, it's fun to think of."
Angela waved her hand. "Shh. It is never too early. You two have been dancing around this thing for years. I'm just so happy one of you finally pulled your head out of your-"
"Ma! We get it," Jane cut her off. "Constance's flight should be in at 11 in the morning. Do you think you'll feel up to going with me to pick her up?" Jane turned her attention back to Maura.
"That should be fine. We can all go to lunch and I'll tell her about us," she smiled, lacing her fingers with Jane's. "Angela, you're welcome to come. My mother adores you," she added.
Angela looked a little surprised. "I know she's always nice to me but I didn't know she felt that deeply. Constance is a lovely woman and it doesn't seem like long before we'll all be family," she made sure to drop.
Jane rolled her eyes. "Subtle, ma. Really subtle." She looked back to Maura, noticing the woman's eyes were drooping. "Hey sweetie? Ready for bed?"
Maura yawned and nodded. "I think so," she turned off her iPad and set it on the table beside her. She stood and smiled. "Goodnight, Angela. Sleep well." She bid the woman before she and Jane headed toward her room.
"Night, ma," Jane added politely.
Angela smiled, watching her girls go up the stairs. "Goodnight, girls. I'll see you in the morning." With that, she double checked the front door and headed over to her guest house, locking the door behind herself leading.
When they got to Maura's room, again Jane was nervous. "I should uh get a shower but I can wait until you brush your teeth and such."
"There isn't any need to be nervous, Jane," Maura smiled, her dimples popping as she took Jane's hand in her own. "You have nothing, and I mean nothing, to be ashamed of. But, if we haven't gotten to that stage yet, I understand. I really wish I remembered better," Maura's brow furrowed with disappointment.
"No, no. It's okay. It's silly. I should just get my shower so we can get to bed," Jane nodded. She didn't want to name it but something in her sparked an emboldened desire. 'It's really tit for tat. I saw Maura naked...' she told herself before reaching for the hem of her tee.
WIthout a word, Maura nodded and grabbed her tooth brush. Even though her back was turned she could easily watch Jane disrobe in the mirror, which she did. She felt her heart catch in her throat watching Jane's strong back come into view. Long arms reached back around unhooking her bra. Even though her breasts were noticeably smaller, they were absolutely perfect to Maura.
"I know you're watching," Jane's voice said playfully. As odd as it all should feel, or wrong, it didn't. Feeling the woman watching, knowing she did so with lust only for Jane, was damned intoxicating, really.
Maura spit the toothpaste she had in her mouth out before reaching for the mouthwash. "I don't see you making an attempt to cover yourself or be modest so I must make an educated guess you're not upset."
The grin on her face danced all the way through Jane's eyes. "You're not one to guess, Dr. Isles."
"It's educated," she reiterated. "I'm not randomly throwing something out. And, I don't hear you disagreeing with me," she added.
Jane reached in and turned the water on. "I wouldn't disagree." Jane got into the stall and began washing.
Maura knew the polite thing to do was leave yet she lingered. She let her eyes rake over the lanky, sinewy knew if they hadn't made love yet they would soon. Every motion Jane made as she bathed was meant to say 'watch me, see me, want me.' Of that Maura wasn't guessing. Maura Isles was a woman who was very comfortable with herself and her own sexuality to know how to flirt and utilize her assets. She could also easily assess when someone was doing the same and one Jane Rizzoli was indeed doing that in her shower.
"If you're gonna stand there, mind having a towel ready, Maura?" Jane asked over her shoulder.
Maura smiled and did as requested, having a fresh, fluffy towel open and at the ready when Jane got out.
She turned off the water and wrung the excess from her hair as Maura had done earlier before stepping onto the surprisingly dry mat. "Thanks," she smiled lightly as the medical examiner wrapped it around her.
"I'd say the pleasure was all mine but I do believe we're both enjoying it," Maura said softly.
"What makes you so sure? Guessing again, Dr. Isles?" Jane pretended to look shocked.
Maura easily shook her head. "No. I know my own scent, Jane. The fragrance in the air is mine, but also...yours," she countered.
The look of feigned surprise became real and quickly became another deep blush. Jane's own uncontrollable reaction had indeed given her up. Nervously she shot a glance, her eyes landing on the bag of clothes Angela had brought over. "I should get something on."
"If you insist," Maura wandered over to the bag, bringing it back to Jane. "I'm going to get in bed. Take your time," she smiled and turned toward her room.
"Thanks," Jane took the bag. She watched as Maura got into bed and resumed getting ready herself. She brushed out her hair and then her teeth. 'Gee Ma, why'd you think to pack a toothbrush?' Jane mused to herself though she knew the answer. She tidied up behind herself, dried her face and headed into Maura's room. "Uh, I should probably take the guest room?"
Maura looked up, surprised. "That seems a bit silly, Jane. Just medically speaking, I've only been released from the hospital today and that was on the condition I'd have supervision just in case. Please, come get in bed? I can tell you're not ready to be physically intimate and again, I'm more than likely not either given my condition."
They were all the words Jane needed to convince her. She nodded and moved over to the bed. "Need anything before I get in?"
"I'm fine," Maura smiled. "Feel free to bring up a bottle of water if you need it."
"I'll go make sure the alarm is set. Be right back," she added before heading to check. While she was downstairs Jane headed to the kitchen and grabbed a bottled water. Before heading back upstairs she looked at the alarm pad which was showing the house as 'Secure' and it's status as 'On.' When she got back, Maura was lightly dozing. She tried to creep quietly to the bed.
"I'm not asleep," Maura assured. "Everything secure downstairs?"
Jane nodded as she got into bed, setting the bottle on a coaster on the nightstand beside her. "Seems someone must have set it from her iPad while she was still lucid," a smile playing in her voice.
"Mmhmm," Maura replied. "I'm glad you're sleeping with me, Jane. I always feel so at peace when you do. May I...could we…" Maura stumbled for words for a moment. "May I kiss you?"
Jane bit her lower lip for a moment. 'It's what girlfriends do, Rizzoli,' she told herself before answering. "No." She paused, letting it hit Maura for a moment.
The woman was stunned and a little hurt. Before she could respond, Jane's lips made contact with her own. The sensation made her heart catch in her throat and other areas stir with desire.
Before it became too heated, Jane gently broke the kiss. "But I can kiss you. You're on the mend, Maur," she smiled. "Get some good sleep, okay?"
Maura blushed and nodded. "You too. Goodnight, Jane."
"Goodnight, Maura."