A/N: I don't own Rizzoli and Isles.
"Detective Jane Rizzoli, Victor 825."
Maura's stomach tightened as she heard the detective check in at the crime scene. She remained kneeling next to the dead body in front of her with her back towards the sound of Jane's clunky boots. She drew in a sharp breath when she felt Jane's presence next to her.
"Dr. Isles." Jane greeted the medical examiner in a clipped tone. They always addressed each other professionally. Neither of them particularly like the other since they met that day in the coffee shop. Maura was convinced the brunette really did not have a 'heart of gold.'
"Detective Rizzoli." She mimicked Jane's tone.
Jane turned her attention to Korsak and caught up on the case. Maura noticed the scars on the other woman's hands as she ran them through her hair. She caught a glimpse of Jane's face as she turned her head back to the body.
"You got anything for us, Doc, or are you just gonna keep staring at me?"
"Hairline fracture of the nasal cartilage."
"I think a broken nose is the least of this guy's problems."
"Not him. You. It's quite a simple fix. I could set it if you like." Despite their distaste for each other, Maura occasionally tried to extend an olive branch to Jane to ease the tension between them.
"No thanks, I'm good."
"Oh come on, Jane." Koreas tried refereeing the situation. He never understood why Jane was such an ass to Maura of all people. "If you don't let her fix it, you know Crowe's gonna be riding your ass about your face being black and blue tomorrow." Jane rolled her eyes and puffed air through her nose, but didn't immediately object.
After a moment of contemplating the smartass comments she was certain the guys would throw her way, she sighed. "Fine, but make it quick."
Maura stood and placed her hand on Jane's chin, turning her face side to side to get a better look at the injury. Jane just glared at her, angry that she had given up some of her pride to be healed by Maura.
With no warning to her patient, Maura set the fracture with a pop. "Dammit! You could've told me when!" Jane's hand flew up to her nose and she jerked herself away from Maura. The blonde was not phased by Jane's dramatic behavior and expected no less from her. "Put some ice on it for the next 24 hours. Otherwise you'll look like you just went 10 rounds with Mike Tyson," she stated matter-of-factly.
"It's 12 rounds, not 10." Jane mumbled under her breath.
After analyzing the crime scene, it was determined that the Surgeon, and Jane's worst nightmare, apparently had a copy-cat - or worse, an accomplice. As much as Jane wanted to hide her anxiety, she failed. It was evident to Korsak and Maura that the thought of going through this again worried her. Maura watched Jane as she began to pace the room, fidgeting with her hands. She couldn't help but feel sorry for what Jane was going through. Maura had never been in a life or death situation, and although she didn't really know all of the details about Jane's experience with Hoyt. Although they had their differences, Maura genuinely admired Jane for experiencing such trauma and continuing to put her life on the line for others as a detective.
xxx
The next day, Jane walked with determination into the morgue. Her meeting with Hoyt had left her feeling anxious, and she needed to know if she was dealing with just another copy-cat psycho or someone actually connected to the Surgeon.
"Detective, can I help you?" Maura asked without looking up from the body.
"Yeah, you can help me by doing your job."
"And what, besides my job, might it look like I'm doing now?" Maura's tone reflected the anger she felt at Jane's insinuation that she was incompetent.
Jane was aware of the fact that her words offended Maura, but she ignored it. "Well do you have anything?" Maura explained every minute detail of her findings to annoy Jane and prove her thoroughness as a pathologist. Once Jane figured out there were details of the murder that weren't released to the press, her fears were confirmed. She left the morgue without so much as a 'thank you' or 'fuck off.'
xxx
Later in the week, Jane found herself feeling smothered by Angela, Frankie, and Frost. She knew they were just trying to protect her, but she needed to get away. She needed to go somewhere that she didn't have to think about Hoyt. Leaving Angela in the kitchen, she disappeared to her bedroom to change. She threw her sweatpants and tank top into the laundry basket and put on a pair of black skinny jeans, booties, and a red shirt. She went to her bedroom and put on a little makeup, but not too much. She didn't want Angela getting suspicious. The last thing she needed tonight was an interrogation about whether she had finally found a man. Following one last look in the mirror, Jane grabbed her gun and keys. She exited her bedroom and tried to gather the rest of her essentials before Angela could ask too many questions.
"And where do you think you're going?" Angela was shocked that Jane would try to leave with an escaped murderer on the loose.
"Somewhere you're not." And she was out the door.
It didn't take a lot of effort to evade Frankie and Frost, but she was sure Angela had already called to tell them she had left. She drove to the one place she knew she would be able to unwind - if only a little. When she arrived at the Merch, she was greeted as a regular by Katie, the blonde bartender. Katie knew she could find Jane at her usual spot at the corner of the bar. Like clockwork, she could look towards the corner and see black curls every Friday and Saturday. She quickly learned that even if Jane arrived alone, it didn't mean she would be going home by herself.
She finished serving drinks to two college girls and began walking towards the detective. "The usual, Jane?" Katie started to pull a beer from the cooler when Jane held up a hand, causing her to pause.
"I'll pass on the beer tonight. How about a whiskey, neat?"
"Whiskey, huh? Tough day at the office?"
"You could say that."
Jane turned up the glass like it was a shot and finished it in one long swig. Four whiskeys later, she was finally beginning to unwind. Katie poured another and slid it towards Jane. "From the little blonde in the middle of the bar." She motioned towards a shorter young woman who Jane guessed was in her mid twenties. Not that it mattered. She needed company tonight, and this was her opportunity. Jane stood up from her usual seat and swaggered over to her admirer to thank her. Jane had a magnetism about her. It was rare that she had to initiate flirtation. Women were naturally drawn to her strong personality that was evident just from watching her. Of course, her equally strong physical features didn't hurt either.
The younger woman introduced herself as Ellie, and the two talked as Jane continued to toss back whiskey. She wasn't worried about being too hammered. There were always sloppy college girls who could take the focus off of her. Once her head began to swim, she knew it was time to lay off the hard liquor. Ellie laughed at one of Jane's jokes and as she placed her hand on top of Jane's. Brown eyes became even darker as she stared through a perfectly manicured hand as if she could see her own scar burning through. He's out there. He's coming for me. She motioned for Katie to hand her a beer. Ellie watched Jane's expression fall, and thought she might have said something to offend the detective. But Ellie was also drunk by that point, and her focus shifted quickly as she began to pull her hand away from Jane's. "Whoa, cool scar!"
Jane tried to contain her emotions despite the fact that she wanted nothing more than to shove Ellie off her barstool. Katie heard the remark, and intervened before Jane did something she would regret. "Ellie! Time to close your tab, hun. I think your ride is leaving."
"Aw, dammit! It was nice to meet you Jane! I'll see ya around." Ellie was a very happy drunk.
As Ellie left the bar, Jane chugged the last of her beer. Once she was sure Ellie had left, she looked up to meet Katie's eyes. "Thank you," she said softly.
"Don't worry about it, Jane. This one's on the house." She popped the top off another beer and handed it to Jane.
As the night progressed, the bar became much more crowded. A DJ was performing and the dance floor was full. Jane was fully feeling the effects of all the alcohol she had consumed, and made her way to the bathroom. As she entered the stall and started to sit down, she dropped her phone on the floor. Damn, I haven't even had it a week and I'm gonna break this one too. She started to pick it up when she saw a hand outside the stall beat her to it.
"Hey, mother f-fucker!" she yelled as she quickly pulled her pants up and jerked the door open.
"Oh, I was simply-"
"Dr. Isles."
"Hello... Detective. I, um... here you go. I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to steal it. Also, your fly is open."
"God dammit.." Jane looked down and zipped her pants. The slight blush she had already developed from drinking grew rapidly. "Well I was kind of interrrrrupted by somebody stealing my phone!"
"Well I wasn't stealing it." Again, she held out the phone for Jane.
"W-wait a minute. Can you just-just hang on to that for a second? I didn't even get to pee!" She didn't give Maura time to respond before she was back in the stall.
Maura had never imagined seeing Jane this way. I wonder if she's here with anyone. Wait, why isn't she at home? I thought Frankie and Frost were keeping an eye on her. I seriously doubt they would approve of her being this drunk in a public place while a murderer is tracking her down. What if she's here with a girlfriend? I'm certainly not surprised to find her in a lesbian bar. Not that it really means anything, I'm here but I'm not gay.
The door jerked open again. Jane stepped out of the stall and closer to Maura. Only one of them was really aware of how close they were. Jane held her left hand between them, palm up. "Phone."
"You really should wash your hands first. The infectious bacteria in bar restrooms-"
"I don't need sssscience lesson, doc!" She grabbed the phone from Maura's hand. The doctor did not expect to find Jane still standing in the bathroom when she exited the stall.
"So...doctor. I didn't peg you for a lesbian." Jane was slumped against the sink and didn't move when Maura began to wash her hands.
"Not that you'll remember any of this conversation tomorrow, but I'm actually not a lesbian. I came here to dance. The case has been rather stressful, and I find dancing is an effective release."
Jane grinned and let out a small chuckle. "Hmmm I could've had a good release tonight, but she turned out to be a bitch." Maura couldn't help but laugh at the detective, seeing her in such a different light than she was used to. "Well, that's unfortunate. I know you've been under more pressure than anyone else this week."
Jane didn't respond and began rubbing her palms. Three women entered the restroom, and Maura saw that as her opportunity for an exit. She felt guilty for leaving Jane alone in there. But she didn't know how to carry on the conversation. After all, that was the longest exchange they had ever had, and it happened in a bar bathroom while Jane was piss drunk.
Maura danced for another hour, thinking of her interaction with Jane the whole time. She decided another drink would help her take the edge off, and went to the bar for her second glass of wine. As she was about to get Katie's attention, she glanced to the left and saw Jane sitting at the bar, eyes closed, with her head in her hands. Maybe I should go see if she's alright. Well, clearly she isn't alright. She's all but passed out at the bar. Deciding against another drink, Maura mustered the courage to approach Jane once more.
Placing her hand gently on Jane's shoulder, Maura gave her a small nudge. "D-detective Rizzoli?" Jane's head shot up as she tried to pass as an alert and sober bar patron. "Huh? Yeah. What's up? Oh, hey Doc! W-what are youuuu doing here?"
"We've already met here tonight. I think it's time I take you home. The bar is closing soon anyway."
"Is this your way of telling me y-you're attra- att..." she paused to let her nausea die down. "- attracted to me?"
Maura laughed, "No, detective." She led the taller woman out the door and into the passenger seat of her Prius. She had every intention of taking Jane back to her own apartment, but each time she asked Jane where she lived, Jane responded by saying she couldn't remember or that she didn't know. Maura couldn't remember the last time she had interacted with a person that intoxicated. Tomorrow is going to be a bad day for Jane Rizzoli.
When they arrived at Maura's house, she called Frost to assure him Jane was safe and taken care of. She poured a glass of water for Jane and demanded she drink it before going to sleep. Jane refused at first, but gave in when Maura began reciting facts about dehydration and hangovers. The doctor was amused at how childish the detective acted when she didn't get her way. As she made sure Jane followed her instructions to prevent an even worse hangover, Maura decided to ask Jane why she ended up at the Merch in the first place.
"Same reason I always do. Needed a drink, needed a fuck." Jane's brash response was not that surprising, but Maura really wasn't expecting her to be so honest.
"Well at least you fulfilled one of those wishes."
"Guess so." Jane finished the last sip of water, and it was very evident that she was tired. Maura offered her the guest bedroom which was across from her own. Maura started to apologize for not having any clothes that would fit Jane comfortably. "Don't worry about it, I can just sleep in my underwear. Unless that's not classy enough for ya." It became clear that Jane was sobering up a little by the tinge of bitterness in her last statement. Maura decided not to fight fire with fire this time. Instead, she decided to toy with Jane. "Sleeping in your underwear is acceptable. In fact, I find that I'm often most comfortable when I sleep in the nude. Studies show it helps regulate body temperature for a more restful sleep." Jane had no response. She stood with her long arms dangling at her sides, her eyes wide, and her jaw slack. "Goodnight detective. Should you need anything, I'm right across the hall." With that Maura turned to walk to her own room, a smug grin on her face.
Thirty minutes later, sleep had not come easily for either woman. Maura laid in her bed, unable to turn her mind off. She wondered who Jane almost went home with. She was curious if Jane had a type. Trying to imagine her as a lesbian was easy. In fact, Maura always thought Jane was gay. But trying to imagine Jane being with someone else was difficult because Maura, and everyone else, had only seen the independent side of Jane Rizzoli. Before tonight, Maura thought that might have been the only side of Jane. In the guest room, Jane's thoughts remained on her greatest fear. She fought her body's need for rest, but ultimately she was unsuccessful.
Maura was pulled out of her curiosities by what she thought was a sob. She sat up in the bed, listening intently, waiting to hear the noise again. A raspy voice suddenly screamed. "No! Please!" Before she was aware of it, Maura's feet began to make their way towards the guest room. She didn't bother to knock, but she paused in the doorway at the sight of the invincible detective. Jane's long arms were spread across the width of the bed, and her eyes were shut tightly. Maura's hazel eyes trailed the length of Jane's left arm. When her gazed reached boney, tanned fingers, she found the brunette's hands were also stretched open, palms facing up. Suddenly, the hands turned to fists as Jane squirmed and whimpered. A single tear fell down her cheek. Maura felt nauseous the realization hit her that this is exactly the position Jane was in when she acquired her scars. She rushed to sit beside of Jane.
Her left hand gently grazed Jane's cheek, and Jane quickly recoiled from the touch. In a swift motion, Jane inhaled sharply as her eyes burst open and she sat up in the bed. She was panting and sweat had started to gather at her hairline and as the base of her neck. Maura watched as her guest took in the unfamiliar surrounds. Jane sighed and leaned back into the headboard as she finally realized where she was. She could feel the trail left by a hot tear on her cheek and wiped it in a quick motion as if Maura wouldn't notice if she was fast enough.
A long pause fell between the two of them as Jane tried to regulate her breathing. Finally, Maura spoke first. "Are you okay-"
"What's it look like?" Jane snapped. Maura was afraid to say anything else. Afraid Jane would run. But it didn't matter. Jane planned to run anyway. She exited the bed opposite from where Maura sat. She began to pick up her clothes and get dressed. Maura didn't realize what was actually happening. She found herself fixated on the lean physical specimen that stood across the room. Black lace panties and matching bra was all that covered the taller woman. Her eyes lingered on Jane's abs until the tank covered them, forcing her gaze to the strong arms whose indentations were accentuated by the dim lighting of the lamp. "Thanks for the ride tonight, but I'm outta here."
Jane now stood fully dressed. Maura came back to reality. "Dammit... did I leave my card at the bar?"
"You must have. I wasn't aware you had a tab open. I'm sorry. If I realized I would've-"
"It's fine." Jane waved her hand in dismissal, and sat back down on the bed. "Guess I can't take a cab if I don't have any way to pay the cabbie."
"Jane, I really don't mind if you stay. It's no trouble at all." The detective's head swirled around to face Maura. She didn't respond immediately, causing Maura to wonder what she was thinking.
"What?"
"It's.. nothing. It's dumb. Don't worry about it."
"No, Jane. What is it?"
"It's just... you've never called me by my name before. I'm always Detective Rizzoli." Maura was unsure of how to respond. She had never been gifted when it came to social interaction. Jane mistook her silence for ridicule, and she hung her head. "See. Told you it was stupid."
"No! It's not stupid at all! I would be surprised to hear you call me 'Maura.' But in one night, I've managed to escort you home from a gay bar, I've taken care of you in your drunken state of being, and I just saw you in your underwear. I think we're on a first name basis now." Maura gave Jane a friendly smile and laughed softly. After a moment, Jane smiled and laughed as well. "Yeah.. I guess you're right. Maura." Her smile grew wider as she realized the effect she had on the blonde simply by saying her name.
"You really should try to get some rest, Jane."
"I've been trying for months. Guess I'm just not trying hard enough. Especially this week." Jane's voice became softer the longer she spoke. She repositioned herself so that she was leaning against the headboard again. She brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, resting her chin on her knee. Maura reached out to place her hand on Jane's forearm. "Jane, if you'd like, I could stay here until you fall asleep."
"Actually.. would you mind to just lay here with me tonight? You don't have to touch me or anything. Just sleep on that side. I'll sleep over here." Jane could still feel the effects of her drinking. She knew she was still tipsy to say the least. She also knew it was the alcohol giving her the courage to say - and let alone, think - what she had just asked Maura. It depressed her to know that she couldn't even drink the nightmares away anymore. She needed to feel another person's presence, even if it was the medical examiner that annoyed her so much when she was sober.
Maura was genuinely touched by Jane's suggestion. She immediately agreed, and turned down the sheets on the other side of the bed. Jane removed her shirt, tank, and pants again and Maura quickly turned off the lamp to hide her blush. After only a couple of minutes, exhaustion got the best of the detective. She snored softly while Maura studied her moonlit expression. Of course Jane snores. I knew she wouldn't ice her nose for as long as I recommended. This is where it gets you Jane Rizzoli. Snoring. Jane stirred and brought Maura out of her thoughts. The smaller woman waited patiently, ready to respond immediately and relieve Jane from her nightmare should it become necessary. To her surprise, a strong arm wrapped itself around her waist while a long leg landed across her own. Maura inhaled the scent of lavender as Jane nuzzled her head between her neck and shoulder. She whispered into raven locks, "I've got you. You're safe."