These will be a series of unrelated one-shots, all existing in the same universe. They'll skip around in time and Jane and Maura's lives.
I do not own Rizzoli and Isles or its characters.
Jane entered her dark home, shutting the door behind her gently. Noting the soft light spilling from the kitchen, she set out to extinguish it. It was late enough, apparently, that even Jo would not come to greet her, to follow her loyally around the house.
She knew she was in trouble. She also knew the growing bruises under her eye and (though she hadn't checked) covering her rib cage would not help her case.
Taking a deep breath and wincing at the pressure on her chest, Jane headed for the bedroom, its door left open, waiting for her return. Immediately, she began to strip, glad to be rid of her dirty clothing. She clambered into bed, sighing graciously as she finally hit the pillow, allowing herself to fully relax for the first time all day.
And then Maura cleared her throat. So much for relaxation.
"Where have you been? It's 11:30, Jane."
Her voice, one usually so full of innocence and certainty, quivered under the weight of anger, worry, and debilitating mental anguish.
Jane sighed. She had hoped Maura would have fallen asleep long ago, knowing how much distress she contained any time work kept her too late.
"I'm sorry, Maur. We got a lead on the case and followed the guy down to the docks."
Maura rolled over in bed, turning to face her and gasped at once, seeing the damage of the team's late-night venture to Boston's shore.
"God, Jane, what happened to you?" Maura's hand ghosted up to her fiancée's cheek, brushing her fingers lightly over the darkening area. Purple flesh stretched across fragile bone- that was Jane's only defense. There had been so many close calls, so many injuries needing medical attention that Jane had adamantly refused. Maura wondered when her body would finally fail her, and at once regretted the thought. Losing Jane was a severe possibility in her line of work, but not an option she was willing to accept.
"We caught him, but he put up a fight in the end. I'm just lucky Frost got his gun away from him before he could pull the trigger." Jane sighed again, deeply this time, hiding her face with her hands. "This is so fucked up, Maura. "
"Jane…"
"No, Maura. I have no excuses. You are my priority. It's my job to come home to you every night, and I'm sorry for every night you've ever had to wonder if I was. This isn't what I wanted for us."
Maura felt tears spring to her eyes. They fell lightly as she moved up to place a gentle kiss over Jane's injury.
"I love you, Jane. I love you."
Jane felt her throat closing up but tried to ignore it. She'd already been so weak. She had to be strong for Maura. She reached out to wipe her tears away, marveling at the consuming emotion she possessed for this woman.
"I love you too. So much it takes my breath away. After the wedding, I'm gonna ask for less hours. I love my job, but you are what I need in my life."
Jane had no idea when she had become such a sappy romantic, but she supposed Maura brought that out in her like no one ever had. Maura had changed a lot about her, all for the better. They lay in silence for a moment while they both took in the significance of Jane's sacrifice. Suddenly, Maura sat up.
"We need to get some ice on that bruise, I'll be right back."
Maura slipped out of the bed. Apprehensively, Jane called out her name. She lifted the covers to reveal to Maura the bruises now solidifying across her ribs. Maura's hand flew to cover her mouth, a barely audible gasp escaping.
"Oh, Jane."
And she left. Jane could hear her moving around the house, stopping in the kitchen. She took the moment of solitude to allow her eyes to drift shut. She moaned softly at the heavenly sensation.
Maura returned moments later, carrying two ice packs, a glass of water, and two pills.
"Take these first, they'll help with the pain." She handed Jane the medicine and water, rubbing a hand over her tired face. Maura then proceeded to wrap the ice pack around Jane's torso, issuing a hiss as the cold touched her warm, sensitive skin. Ignoring the string of cuss words emitting from Jane's mouth, she tied the pack around her chest and handed the smaller ice pack to her detective.
"I know you're exhausted, but you need to keep those on for at least 15 minutes to prevent severe swelling."
Jane groaned but motioned for Maura to rejoin her in the bed. Wrapping her free arm around Maura, Jane sighed, pressing a kiss to her fiancée's temple.
"You're amazing, you know that?"
"You won't let anyone else take care of you. Someone has to do it."
Jane laughs for what feels like the first time in ages and kisses Maura again.
"You love it."
And she does