Bonjour Ville De l' Amour: Chapter 1

To say it had been a long day is a complete understatement. Jane gazed outside of the plane window for the millionth time that afternoon studying the clouds. She couldn't believe that she was crashing Maura's getaway. Even though Maura seemed more than delighted that Jane was accompanying her, Jane still felt that she was being a bit selfish. The bottom pit of her stomach already knew why she felt this way. She didn't want to say goodbye to Maura at the Bon Voyage party. She didn't want to say goodbye to Maura at the airport, or any other place. Although Jane didn't want to have to say goodbye to Maura she knew that it was only a matter of time before they started their new lives away from each other.

The plane ride started off pretty well. Jane and Maura were laughing and hitting each other before the plane had even too off. Maura was not a light packer. She had brought plenty of luggage full of shoes, books, clothes, and empty luggage for the crap she intended to bring back to the states in a few months. After helping her best friend hull of that stuff around, Jane was happy to beat Maura to the window seat of the plane. Jane tried to pin point the clouds Maura had been describing during the early portion of the flight. Poor thing had practically talked herself to sleep while telling Jane about a dozen cloud formations.

Jane looked over at Maura who was now using Janes' shoulder as her own personal pillow. The soft inhales and exhales from Maura's breathing was the only thing keeping Jane calm. She didn't think sitting on an 8-hour flight would be this difficult. Honestly she couldn't even sit at her desk for more than 30 minutes without getting antsy so she should've known better. The soft breezes to her neck from Maura was still really calming but sadly came to an end when Maura woke up.

"Sorry" Maura said as she slowly looked around, gathering up the few articles that had nearly fallen out of her lap. "How long was I out?"

"You were out for a while Maura. Glad you're finally awake. I thought the loud snoring would never stop." Jane joked as the doctor promptly nudged her left arm in retaliation. Jane winced because here arm and should were still a bit stiff from when Maura had been sleeping on it. "Oops, Jane I am so sorry… Jane interrupted Maura's apology. "I'm fine Maura, and by the way we should be landing within the hour." Jane smiled at Maura while massaging her shoulder. It was kind of weird for her to admit that Maura felt great in that position on her arm. Almost as if she was meant to be there.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXO

They landed without any issues. This was Jane's first time in Paris but of course the beauty of the city was nothing new to Maura. As they gathered their items from baggage claim, Maura asked Jane where she was staying. Jane hadn't thought that far ahead and had given Maura a questionable look. "Come on Jane, my family has a vacation condo in the city. You are welcome to stay with me the entire time. It's only about 15 minutes from the airport if I remember correctly." Maura said as she walked toward the exit of the airport. Jane smiled while noticing her glamourous friend. Here Jane stood with a pair of tennis shoes and gym pants with her hair in a baseball cap while Maura had on a nice black fitting jacket and black pencil skirt paired with a pair of red bottomed fuck me pumps. Jane didn't even realize she was staring until her friend turned back to remind her to get going. "Wait aren't we going to eat?" Jane replied as she quickly jogged up to Maura.

The ride to Isles residence wasn't so bad. Her stomach was growling quite loudly, but Maura insisted on dropping all of their bags off at their new home before exploring the city. The city was absolutely breath taking. Maura seemed to know the architect of every building they drove by. Jane temporarily tuned her out, simply looking at people as they walked the city. The little cafes on every corner. The extremely small cars. Jane felt like she was on an entire different planet. Which was not a bad thing since she had her best friend at her side. She didn't know how she was going to survive at Quantico.

Maura's family home was also amazing. They had their own door person who assisted with her and Maura's luggage. It was an old building; Maura was quick to remind her. Giving her the entire run down on when it was built and what materials were used to build it. The apartment was small and chic. All three rooms had French doors with small terraces. The small green plants on the balcony were neatly trimmed. There was no dust in site.

"This place is beautiful Maura, I thought this was a vacation home, how is it so clean?" Jane said as she wiped her finger on a piece of expensive furniture to collect what she thought would be dust. "Alright, detective, we have a cleaning person who cleans weekly." Maura teased as she escorted Jane to the guest room. There was a beautiful chandelier in every room, so it wasn't a surprise to Jane that she found an equally beautiful one in her room. "Thanks again for letting me stay Maura, Jane smiled as they headed back toward the door. "No problem Jane, now let's change." Maura said "I am dying to get out of these clothes."

After what seemed like an eternity, Maura emerged from her room. She was wearing a very tight black dress with a missing back. Jane felt like her bifocal, braces wearing teen self while standing in Maura's presence. Wow Maura, where are we going? Jane asked while taking in her friend's choice of wardrobe. "We have reservations at L'Epicure. It's one of the best places to dine in the city Jane. You are going to love it." Maura promised as they walked toward the elevator. "As long as it's edible and they have pictures in the menu I'll be happy. Jane smiled as she stepped to the side to allow her friend to enter the elevator first.

The restaurant was very elegant and romantic. "Do you think it is safe to have this many candles burning?" Jane asked. "Jane relax; we are in the city of love remember. Besides, I could sure use a handsome French lover." Maura laughed while twirling her wine before drinking it. A few bottles of wine later they were both walking down the street admiring the city. Jane felt so much better. Even though she was tired, the weather was perfect, the lights were beautiful and they were about 150 feet from l' Eiffel Tower. Before she knew it they were glancing at the stars and back at the tower. "I don't know why we didn't do this sooner." Maura said as she wrapped her arm around her best friend. Jane agreed as she looked around at all the couples who were walking hand in hand. This really was the city of love, Jane thought as she started to feel that uneasiness at the pit of her stomach again. Was it butterflies? She abruptly pulled away from Maura. "Are you okay Jane?" Maura asked looking curiously into Janes chocolate eyes. "I, I, I'm just not feeling well. I think the wine and is getting to me you know." Jane replied.

Maura, was so concerned she began to check Janes temperature forehead and temples with the palm of her hands. While both of her hands were up to Janes face, they both locked eyes. Jane felt like she was suddenly in a trance. She was so close to Maura that she could feel her body heat and that soft scented perfume she always wearing. Jane thought she was going to forget how to breath. All she could think about was Maura's eyes, until her eyes fell to Maura's lips. Her heart was indeed fluttering as she did the unthinkable and attempted to capture Maura's lips with her own. She didn't think Maura would turn her face sideways. Janes lips crashed into Maura's cheek. "Jane, what are you doing?" Maura once again asked looking more confused than ever.