For the third night in a row Jane Rizzoli finds herself gasping for air, body slick with sweat and clinging uncomfortably to the sheets of her mattress. Not because of a skilled lover on top of her, but instead, a recurring nightmare.
Catching her breath, she glances at the clock on her bedside table; the bright red numbers flashing 1:17 AM. She sighs and rubs at her eyes before pulling back the covers. She won't be sleeping tonight.
Grudgingly, she slips out of bed and discards her damp clothing in her hamper and changes into a pair of running shorts and a white tank. She hopes the minimal clothing will help cool her off.
In a routine that was becoming all too familiar, Jane quietly walks down the hall of her shared apartment, mindful of her sleeping roommates. As she reaches the kitchen, she remembers that they are all out for the night, parties and whatnot. She doesn't think twice about the noise she makes as she opens cupboards and drawers until she's staring at a large bowl, filled to the rim with brightly colored cereal and milk. Satisfied, she picks up her late night snack and maneuvers her way to the living room, not bothering to turn on a light. She allows the glow from the kitchen to guide her.
Rounding the couch, she feels the ratty old material rub against her knees as she goes to recline.
If only she had turned on the light.
Just as her backside is supposed to come in contact with the plushness of the couch, she instead collapses against a lump… a very alive lump. Jane jumps to her feet and yells: "Fuck... shit… what the hell?!"
In her frantic reaction, the move causes her to drop the bowl of cereal and there was no question as to where the contents had ended up when Jane hears an, "Ow!" followed closely by a sharp intake of breath and an object clanging against the wood floor. Her spoon, she assumes.
Quickly, and a little clumsily, Jane reaches out to turn on the end table lamp, instantly illuminating the room. Looking down, Jane realizes the "lump" was in fact a person (obviously). A woman who is rubbing at her forehead and trying to pick Fruit Loops off of her dress.
"Aw shit," Jane says as she notices milk trickling down the woman's neck, disappearing between her cleavage and dampening her dress. Jane quickly runs to the kitchen and returns with a roll of paper towels. "Here," she says, sitting down on the couch, pushing layer upon layer of towel at the woman. It's then that the woman finally looks up at her, smiling weakly at Jane. Jane thinks she looks familiar, but doesn't mention it.
"Thanks," she says softly and takes the towels from Jane's hands and begins dabbing at her blue dress.
"I'm sorry," Jane admits and crouches down next to the couch, wiping up some milk that had spilt onto the floor.
"It's ok," the woman replies as she picks up the bowl that had hit her, "I'm more concerned about a possible concussion," she says and places the bowl on the coffee table. Jane looks up sharply.
"Concussion?" she exclaims in disbelief. "For christ's sakes, it was just a bowl!"
"Kidding," the woman says with breathy laugh and repositions herself, allowing Jane to sit down next to her. "This is why I normally don't make jokes. Perhaps it's the alcohol."
Jane can't help but smile at the woman. "Are you drunk?" she asks.
"I've only had two glasses of wine. So no, I am not drunk."
"Too bad," Jane replies, "it would be a good excuse to tell police when they ask you why you broke into someone's apartment and fell asleep on their couch."
The woman looks at her, eyes wide in a panic.
Jane grins at her. "I guess we're both bad at jokes." Jane reaches out to pick a green Fruit Loop out of the woman's hair.
The two share a laugh.
A few minutes pass in silence as they finish cleaning up, placing the dirty towels and soggy cereal bits onto the coffee table. Jane leans back against the couch and looks at the woman next to her.
"So," she begins, "do you have an explanation for sleeping on the couch or am I actually gonna have to call the cops?"
"Oh!" the woman exclaims, shocked by her lack of manners, "I'm so sorry. I was at a party with Riley, who I now believe is your roommate?"
Jane nods. "One of three."
"Oh wow," the woman says before continuing, "anyway, we were both at the party, just a couple floors down and she ended up meeting someone. A guy," she clarifies, "to spend the night with."
"Sounds like her," Jane says.
"Don't judge," the woman says, "sex is a natural, human desire. And it has many health benefits…"
Before she can continue, Jane interrupts her with a raise of her hand, "Hey, whoa. No judgement at all, I'm just saying that sounds like her. She likes her benefits," she says with a laugh.
"Right, sorry," the woman says, a little embarrassed at her rush to correct Jane. "To answer your question, Riley said I could spend the night here instead of taking a cab by myself at such a late, well I suppose technically it's early, hour. I didn't realize she had roommates, I can go if-"
"No, no. You can stay," Jane says quickly. "On one condition..."
The woman looks at her nervously, "What's the condition?"
"You tell me your name."
Relief washes over the woman's face. "Oh how rude of me! I'm Maura," she says and extends her hand in greeting, "Maura Isles."
"Nice to meet you, Maura" Jane replies and shakes Maura's hand. "I'm Jane Rizzoli."
"Nice to meet you, too."
They smile at each other before they both look down, realizing they're still holding hands. Jane abruptly pulls away and stands up. "Want something to eat?" she asks, running a hand through her messy hair and walks back to the kitchen.
"Sure," Maura answers and follows Jane. She stands on one side of the island, watching the brunette pull a carton of milk out the fridge before she turns to stand across the island from Maura.
"I figure since I just spilt all this on ya, I should at least offer you some of it to eat," Jane says with a grin and tips the box of Fruit Loops over one of the bowls. "Shit," she mutters under her breath as nothing but sugary crumbs fill the plasticware. "Really?!"
"What is it?" Maura asks. She had been too distracted with watching Jane's arm muscles contract to notice what the problem was.
"Out of cereal," Jane answers with a sigh and a shake of the box. She glances around the kitchen, hoping for a full box to appear… or anything that's actually edible. "Here let me just…" she spots her keys on the counter, "I'm gonna run over to that little corner market."
"Jane, really, it's no big deal. I'm not that hungry anyway."
"Well I am," Jane responds playfully and pulls a sweatshirt over her head. "I'll be back in like, five minutes. Seven, tops."
Maura looks at the clock on the microwave. "It's almost 2 AM, are they even open? And is it really a good idea for you to go by yourself?" she asks, concerned.
"You sound just like my mother," Jane teases. "I want to be a cop, Maura. I think I can handle a two minute walk to the market."
Maura gives her a small smile and shifts uncomfortably.
Jane notices this and quickly offers, "Do you want a change of clothes? That can't be comfortable," she says and gestures to Maura's milk stained dress. "Heck, that couldn't have been comfortable to sleep in without the milk! I can't believe Riley didn't offer you something to change into." She looks over at the couch. "Or why she didn't offer you her bed instead of that disgusting old thing."
"It's fine, really you don't-" is all Maura can get out before Jane exits the kitchen, coming back a minute later with sweatpants and t-shirt in hand.
"It's not exactly stylish, but I guarantee it's a lot more comfortable that."
Maura takes the items from Jane. "Thank you. I'm sure these will be just fine."
"You're welcome. Bathroom is down the hall, second door on the left. I'll be back in five," Jane says as she grabs her phone and heads out the door.
xxxx
True to her word Jane returns five minutes later, shopping bag in hand. "Hope you like-" she begins to say, but her words get caught in her throat when she catches sight of Maura in her clothes. Pants a little too big, shirt a little too tight. "-Cocoa Puffs," she finishes with a blush and averts her gaze from Maura's chest.
Maura notices her reaction, but decides not to mention it. Instead, she smiles and pats the spot next to her on the couch. Jane glances at the coffee table and sees that Maura has already brought out two bowls, spoons and the carton of milk.
"Cocoa Puffs?" Maura asks as Jane sits down. "I can't say that I've heard of them."
"What?! You've been deprived" Jane replies and pours the cereal. "What the heck did you eat for breakfast when you were a kid?"
"Oatmeal or fruit, usually," Maura answers and grabs the box once Jane is done pouring. She eyes the ingredients. "Oh my god, this barely sounds edible. You actually put this in your body?" She sounds scandalized.
"Oh come on, live a little." Jane hands Maura a bowl.
"More like die a little," Maura replies honestly as she examines the sugary concoction.
Jane can't stop laughing.
"I think your jokes are funnier when you're not even trying to be funny. Come on," she says, nudging Maura's arm. "Just try it."
Maura makes a face before reluctantly bringing the spoonful to her mouth. Jane watches with anticipation as she chews.
"Soooo? How is it?" she asks.
"You know, it's not horrible." Maura takes another bite.
"Oh whatever, you totally love it."
A short while later after both women have finished not one, but two bowls of cereal, Maura breaks the silence.
"So, you want to be a police officer?"
"That's the plan," Jane says and sets her bowl on the coffee table. She notices Maura shiver and pulls the blanket off the back of the couch, draping it over their legs. "Eventually I'd like to be a homicide detective, but I'll need to work my way up first."
"Are you in the academy now?"
"Not yet, no. I'm still in school, working on getting my degree in criminal justice first."
"That's great," Maura says sincerely. "BCU?"
"Mhmm," Jane nods.
"Me too."
"Yeah? I knew you looked familiar. I just can't figure out if I've seen you in a class or just in passing."
"I'd say it's very unlikely that we have a class together."
"And why's that?" Jane says with a hint of annoyance.
Maura looks confused by Jane's sudden shift in attitude. "I didn't mean anything negative. "You're gorgeous," she says bluntly, "I don't think I'd forget a face like yours."
Jane's thankful she's already finished her cereal or she's certain she'd be choking on it.
"Your bone structure is exquisite," Maura adds and reaches out to touch Jane's cheek. Jane flinches out of her reach and blushes. "Sorry," Maura says quietly and retracts her hand.
"No, don't be. It's fine, really, you just took me by surprise. Uh, I guess I'm just not used to hearing that."
"Well you should be," Maura says and Jane's face blushes...again.
There's an awkward pause before Jane clears her throat. "So, um what's your major?"
"I'm double majoring in anthropology and biology," she pauses, "and I'm pre-med."
"Jesus," Jane says.
Maura shrugs. "I like learning."
"I'm impressed. So you want to be a doctor?"
"Pathologist… forensic pathologist. It might sound silly, but I want to speak for the dead. I want to help families get closure...I want to help." She looks at Jane nervously awaiting her reaction, expecting a look of disgust. The usual reaction.
"I think that's kinda cool," Jane says and smiles as she watches Maura's face light up. "I'm actually taking a forensics class right now. I've been thinking about maybe doing a forensics science minor, but I haven't decided yet. Hey wait a minute," she says as realization washes over her. "That's where I know you from! Forensic anthropology with professor Porter?"
"On Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:00 AM?"
"Yes!"
Maura looks up at her, reflecting the same excitement in her eyes. "How have I not seen you before?"
Jane shrugs, "It's a big a class… and I tend to stay in the back."
"But you noticed me?"
"It's kinda impossible not to." It's out of her mouth before she realizes what she's said. She chances a look at Maura, whose skin turns a light shade of pink.
"Well, if you ever feel like venturing to the front row, I'll save you a seat," Maura says sweetly.
The two continue on for another hour or so, chatting about their forensics class, swapping stories and simply learning more about one another. It isn't until Maura starts to yawn that they realize how late it is.
"Shit," Jane says, looking at the clock. "I guess we should probably get to bed… or back to bed."
"You never did say why you were up in the first place."
Jane stands and nervously rubs at her neck. "Um, well… you know that case we've been covering in class?"
"The Surgeon?"
"Yeah that one… I don't know why, but it's been giving me these scary as shit nightmares."
"Oh, Jane. I'm so sorry."
Jane shrugs, "Nah, don't be. Hopefully they'll stop once we move on to the next assignment… anyway, come on," she says and extends her hand to help Maura stand, "let's get you to bed."
Maura looks confused. "I'm sleeping on the couch, aren't I?"
"No way, you can sleep in Riley's bed."
Maura stands and follows her, "Are you sure she won't mind?"
"It's fine, seriously don't worry about it. I'll text her to let her know you're there."
"Well… If you're sure."
"My room is right next door," Jane says as they stop in front of Riley's room, "I doubt you'll need anything, but just in case. Night Maura," she says and walks into her room.
"Goodnight. Thank you, Jane."
xxxx
Maura had only been asleep for an hour when a panicked yell pulls her from sleep. She sits up and looks around the unfamiliar room before remembering where she is. Slowly, she slips out of Riley's bed and tiptoes a few steps down the hall until she's standing in front of Jane's door. She leans in, listening.
On the other side of the door, she can hear the quieting muttering of swearwords. Maura knocks gently, "Jane?"
"Yeah?" a shaky voice answers.
"Is it alright if I come in?"
"Um, yeah sure," Jane says and sits up a little as Maura enters the room, "did you need something?"
Maura shakes her head and steps further into the room before sitting on the edge of Jane's bed. "Are you alright? I heard you scream. Another nightmare?"
Jane rubs at her face, clearly shaken up. "Yeah, no… I'm fine, really."
In an uncharacteristic expression of comfort, Maura reaches out to move a sweaty strand of hair away from Jane's face. She then gently rubs her thumb against Jane's cheek. Jane leans in to the touch.
"Are you sure?"
Jane nods unconvincingly.
Reluctantly, Maura pulls away, "Ok." She stands to leave when a hand grabs gently at her wrist. She thinks she hears Jane whisper, "wait," but it was so quiet she isn't sure.
"Do you want me to stay in here with you?" Maura asks. Jane looks torn with how to answer. Something tells Maura that this woman isn't one to easily show her fear, so she tries a different approach.
"Can I stay here with you?" Maura asks and watches as Jane scoots closer to the wall to allow Maura enough room to climb in next to her.
The two settle in beneath the covers, the sides of the their arms touching. Just when Maura thinks Jane has fallen back to sleep, her raspy voice whispers, "Thank you."
Maura smiles and squeezes her hand.
"Goodnight, Jane."
xxxx
The next morning, er, afternoon, Jane wakes from the sun shining brightly in her room and the sound of her roommates moving around the apartment. She groans, rolls over and her hand bumps into something.
Opening her eyes, she laughs.
An empty box of Cocoa Puffs with a note:
I apologize for leaving without saying goodbye, but I didn't want to wake you. Next box is on me :)
Maura Isles - 617-132-5876