Disclaimer: I do not own Rizzoli and Isles in any way, shape, or form - much to my disappointment. I borrow the characters as I please and make them work at my will, or so the will of my muse.
Warning: Rizzles fluff'n'stuff towards the end. There might be a lack of Maura throughout the middle few chapters as we see things from Jane's point of view. There isn't going to be much (if any) angst or drama. I'm all for the fluff – heaven knows we need some! Also, yes, Frost is in the story, for many reasons. This story has been written since before we heard the unfortunate news, and to me, Frost will always be an integral part of the BPD family. I couldn't fathom not having him be a part of this.
Author's note: I haven't really dabbled much in the way of Rizzoli and Isles, but I do very much love them so I thought I'd try my hand at it. I would love to thank my amazing beta, Charlotte, (Rackofrighteousjustice), for helping me with this story!
Summary: Maura is in love with Jane, but for all of her smarts, she is convinced that it's only one-sided. How does Jane handle herself when Maura takes a week-long trip without her? And where does Mamma Rizzoli come in to the equation? After all, A Mother's Remedy is hard to beat.
-xo-
A six hour flight; that would definitely put some distance between them. Some much needed distance if you asked Maura. Being in love with your best friend and not having it reciprocated was exhausting. Yeah, a six hour flight accompanied by a week-long; all expenses paid conference was definitely needed.
-xo-
Maura had to smile. She watched Jane; watched as she walked as though she owned the place, watched as the public turned to look at her as she entered the pub, watched as she lifted her hand indicating to the barman that they would take the usual order.
All of these things Jane did in her own unique way, and to Maura they couldn't be any more endearing.
"So, what are we doing this weekend?" Jane enquired, easing in to their booth opposite Maura at The Dirty Robber.
Maura looked guilty, "Actually, Jane, I'm going to Pittsburgh for a work conference for a week. I leave in the morning."
A single eyebrow was raised in question. How am I only finding this out now?
"It's for a case." Maura answered quietly. "I've been asked to look over some findings, as well as give some lectures whilst I'm there. My presence would be very beneficial."
Jane was sceptical. Not only because she was only finding out now, but because it was on a case that she hadn't heard being mentioned.
"For a whole week?" she asked, her brown eyes going wide in sudden realization.
Maura was quiet for a few moments as their drinks were placed in front of them. She gave a nod of appreciation to the waitress before looking back to Jane.
"Monday through Friday of lectures and working, but I want to leave Saturday and return the following Saturday or Sunday... Just for some time away." the Medical Examiner explained.
She never wants time away from work, Jane thought. "Is everything alright, Maura?" she timidly enquired. The concern was evident in her voice, even as she kept it quiet.
"It will be" she shrugged. She knew she would have fainted had she tried to lie, so opted for something a little looser but still true.
Maura believed that some time away from the woman that invaded her every thought would do her some good. It would eliminate Jane from her system, and upon her return to Boston she would be more focused on anything except the Detective.
Jane gave a frown, not sure whether to push the issue or not. She dropped it regardless.
The pair fell in to a comfortable silence, observing the world around them whilst drinking their chosen beverages. This was a usual Friday night for the two women when they weren't being held hostage, on the verge of being killed, or stuck at work.
Neither woman knew how much time had passed before one of them spoke up, but they were both out of refreshments. With a wave of her hand, Jane summoned the waitress over with more drinks.
"Have you heard from Casey lately?" Maura asked absentmindedly.
Jane winced. The guy had bad timing, and although she thought she was in love with him, Jane had gotten over him surprisingly quickly.
"Actually, no." she shrugged, not fussed by this. "He's probably doing something secretive that I'm not allowed to know about."
Maura couldn't help but chuckle. She knew that Jane hated being 'out of the loop' more than anything.
"It's probably for the better." Maura smiled, "I mean, the less contact you have with him, the easier it will be to get over him."
The Detective shrugged.
"I'm over him, Maur." Jane assured. Seeing the sceptical look on her best friends face, she continued, "Trust me, I'm well over him. So over him."
Maura nodded. There was no point pushing the issue at the moment. She would try again at a later date.
"Alright, Jane, I believe you. Back on the camel, it is!"
"It's 'back in the saddle'"
"It is?"
"Yes, Maur."
"Huh... I don't see what being in the saddle has to do with trying again with relationships."
"It has about as much relevance as someone getting back on the camel!"
With the effects of the long week and the new round of alcohol that they had yet to touch, the women fell in to a fit of laughter, unable to contain themselves much longer. They were so at ease with each other that they didn't need to know what they were laughing about, if they were making a noise at all, to enjoy the other's company.
-xo-
"Don't worry, I won't forget to feed your turtle-"
"Tortoise."
"Tortoise, whatever, whilst you're gone."
"Thank you. I don't want to impose on your mother, and you already know what to do."
"It's all good."
Maura gave Jane a grateful smile. It was much easier having Jane look after Bass rather than having a specialised sitter do it like she used to. Jo Friday and Bass got along famously, and Maura knew that even with her scepticism, Jane did talk to Bass when she thought no one was listening. Jane shrugged, as if looking after a turtle was something she did all the time. She was about to say something more when she heard the announcement for Maura's flight.
"Please stay safe, Maur." Jane whispered as she moved closer and gave the Medical Examiner a tight hug.
"I'm going to Pittsburgh for a week, Jane. I'm not going over to Iraq or somewhere equally as dangerous for an extended period of time." Maura stated, hugging the detective back just as tightly.
"Still..."
"Yes, Jane, I'll be safe."
Maura had learned that sometimes it was just easier to agree with the strong-headed Detective rather than to argue or reason with her.
"Thank you. Now, give me a call when you know your flight home and I'll pick you up from the airport!" "Really, Jane; I can just catch a cab. I don't want to be a pain."
"Ring me! Now go, your plane is boarding. Let me know as soon as you land."
Maura gave Jane one last tight squeeze before letting her go. Although she pulled out of the embrace, she still stood close enough to feel Jane's breath lightly on her own lips.
"You stay safe too, Jane. Try not to get shot whilst I'm gone."
For her part, the Detective gave her best grin before jerking her head in the direction of where the other passengers were having their plane tickets scanned. Getting the message, Maura took the handle of her suitcase and wheeled it towards the line of people, taking in a deep breath on her way. Just don't look back, she warned herself.
Jane watched her best friend until she was out of sight. Even then, she waited. Waited until the plane that she knew Maura had boarded was in the air, waited until she could will her feet to move. She didn't know why, but there was a feeling nestled in the pit of her stomach that she couldn't identify.
-xo-
"Would you like anything to eat or drink, Miss?" A voice asked, pulling Maura from her reverie. She was thinking of the detective that she was leaving behind for a week; reasoning with herself that this trip was for the best. At the time of booking the ticket, Maura had thought herself selfish for leaving Jane whilst the woman was so obviously hurting over Casey; but in the end it was her selfishness that had won out.
"No, thank you." Maura replied curtly to the flight attendant, her previous thoughts becoming a hazy blur. "It's for the better, Maura, remember that." She whispered to herself, but not as quietly as she had hoped, as the flight attendant returned with a questioning look.
"Sorry... talking to myself." The Doctor quickly added sheepishly.
Maura waited until she was left alone again before sticking her iPod earphones in her ears, closing her eyes, and leaning her seat back in preparation for the remainder of her long and comfortable flight.
-xo-
Author's Note: I know that there wasn't much in this chapter, but I needed to set things up before we really went anywhere. Remember, it's going to be a Jane central story for the next few chapters (provided you want me to continue), so stick with it!