So…strange thing. For now I've been bitten by the writing bug. Enjoy it now kittens because you know how I can be…growls softly at muse. This one will only be 2 or 3 chapters at the most. Again, just wanted to shake things up a bit. I hope you enjoy. Thanks to my fabulous beta with very quick hands *winks* for cleaning this up for me. Also, this idea was not my own I just took it and ran. I can't find the email where the idea was suggested but whoever did it thank you! My muse liked it now take a bow! There are some spoilers for the actual latest episode from Rizzoli and Isles with the introduction of Cailin but hell I just ran with Maura being so uncomfortable in the beginning because it was writing gold.
Maura sipped on a glass of Merlot as she watched Cailin put the last dish away. Her kitchen was clean once more. She breathed easier and the Merlot was so much smoother than it had been a few minutes ago. It was not spotless, but the granite countertops on the island and about the kitchen almost gleamed as did the oven, microwave, and… She ignored the smudge on the matching stainless steel refrigerator. Baby steps and Cailin would learn. Maura was sure of it.
Cailin threw a towel in the sink and peered at Maura with practiced nonchalance. "You don't have to hover. You know?"
"I'm not hovering." Maura enunciated the word carefully not liking at all the way it sounded coming from her mouth. "I'm simply enjoying a glass of wine." She smiled to reinforce her words and wondered if it appeared as awkward as it felt.
Cailin's crossed her arms over her chest. "Uh huh," she muttered unconvincingly.
Well, that question was answered.
Angela Rizzoli entered. "God, my dogs are killing me."
It was nice having her here to referee or even provide a welcome distraction. Maura nearly sighed in relief.
"Dinner for you in the microwave, Mrs. Rizzoli, and I even cleaned." Cailin glared daggers in Maura's direction.
"So sweet this one." Angela grinned and squeezed the teen's shoulder as she walked by.
"Yes, it was delicious." Maura added, ignoring everything else. Children, she knew, were a blessing but teenagers were from the hottest level of hell.
"Did you save Jane anything?" Angela asked.
Flushing, Cailin peered from one woman to the other. "She is over an awful lot isn't she? I guess I should have. I'm sorry."
Angela waved a hand in dismissal. "S'okay she can share mine like she has been or Maura can make her a sandwich."
The embarrassment in Cailin's expression seemed to clear, followed by a look that Maura could not identify.
Maura glanced away returning her attention to the elder Rizzoli. "I told her to pick up beer. She drank the last—"
Cailin chuckled.
Manners. Did children of any age have them? Maura turned. "Is there a problem?"
"Mau-ra…" Angela said in warning.
It was said in admonishment, she knew, but there was something about this girl. Maura was sure it had nothing to do with the unconditional love and acceptance freely given from their birth mother. Nothing at all. She was too old for pettiness.
"I just realized something."
"Yes?" Maura's tone was crisp, impatient.
"Do you talk to anyone else besides the Rizzoli's?"
Tightening her grip around the wine glass, Maura blinked. Apprehension stirred within her, but she had no idea why. "I'm not following."
"And you talk about Jane or talk to her…what? Every five minutes or so?"
"Just what are you implying?" Maura glanced at Angela Rizzoli who shrugged. She had no choice but to return her glance to Cailin.
"Not to mention the fact that Mrs. Rizzoli lives here." Cailin paused. "Nothing against you Mrs. Rizzoli."
"Don't worry about it. Go on." Angela encouraged.
Maura bristled. There were often times when she wasn't aware of what was going on. During those times Jane usually helped… Her thoughts trailed off as the person in question entered her head. "Yes, please do go on."
"Well, I'm not implying anything. I'm inferring that you and Jane are a couple."
Maura's mouth dropped open at virtually the same time her glass slipped from her fingers. It shattered impressively on the hardwood floor. They all looked down at the red puddle. Then, back at each other.
"Well." Angela murmured.
Cailin looked unsure. Her enthusiasm went down a notch. "Are you guys a couple?"
"I would like to know the answer to that one myself." Angela leaned against the counter.
Maura turned sharply in her direction. Dark eyebrows were high on Angela's forehead, disappearing behind her bangs. Lips were pursed and amusement twinkled in her eyes.
Their combined scrutiny made Maura nervous. All innuendos aside, they had seen too much…said too much. Her only recourse besides confession was subterfuge. Needing to move, she walked briskly toward the sink to procure the towel previously discarded. Going back to the scene of the accident, Maura got down on all fours and wiped at the spilled wine violently. "Where on earth did you get such an asinine idea? Two women can be close friends without society labeling them as lesbians. They can stand close to each other without hidden subtext." She chose subterfuge.
"Hey, where is everybody?" A more than familiar voice rang out.
"Kitchen!" Angela Rizzoli answered.
Jane Rizzoli entered.
Turning slightly, Maura swiped at the last of the wine. Her eyes started at customary boots and followed up the long line of tapered legs in well-fitted grey slacks. The gun belt hung low over slim hips. The blue shirt and matching dark jacket accented the ensemble and clung to Jane's torso. Distracted, Maura's fingertips grazed over broken glass. She hissed in surprised pain.
"What the hell, Maura? You two graduate to throwing things at each other?" Jane glanced in Cailin's direction before her eyes settled on Maura.
"No, it's my doing. I dropped a glass of Merlot." Maura held up her bleeding finger.
"Good thing it wasn't on the area rug. You'd be in tears." Jane's words were teasing and her eyes sparkled as she reached out a hand to help.
Maura took it. The touch generated a sudden warmth just as it always did, but the added frisson of electricity that crackled was a new and welcome occurrence. She swallowed the gasp that threatened because of it. "Red wine stains. It wouldn't be difficult to replace-
Jane cleared her throat. Dark eyes were alight with affection.
"You were being facetious." Maura's stomach fluttered.
"Mmm. Was I?" Her words were followed by the patented Jane Rizzoli smirk.
It was contagious so Maura couldn't help but return it with a smile of her own.
"Now, let's look at you." Jane ordered.
"It's just a scratch."
Jane shushed her; held up her finger; and brushed over the wound with her own appendage. "Feel like something's in there?"
The gasp escaped Maura this time, and the fluttering continued. "No, it's fine. I'm sure."
"I can get my mom to kiss it for you?" A dark brow rose.
Suddenly, Maura remembered that they weren't the only ones present. She looked up to see Cailin and Angela Rizzoli standing next to each other with their own individual versions of a smirk. Maura swallowed. Heat suffused her face. It was a peculiar sensation, and it was one she did not enjoy. It was embarrassing to lose track in that fashion.
"No, be my guest. Taught you how to do that a long time ago." Angela interjected.
Jane rolled her eyes. "For God's sake, fine." She brought Maura's finger to her lips, but in the process, Maura ended the contact by stepping away.
"It would only introduce more germs. The human mouth is among the filthiest."
"Gee, thanks." Jane countered.
"There was no offense meant." Maura's eyes fell to Jane's lips and for a moment wondered about filthy things.
"Well, speaking of the human mouth, Cailin made a wonderful dinner. You can share mine." Angela interrupted.
Maura was thankful for the disruption in more ways than one. She was flustered on the inside, at least, and it was only a matter of time before the outside world became privy to it.
"Or Maura can make you a sandwich." Cailin added with a wide smile.
Jane stared at her mother then at the others in the room. "Okay. What's with the weirdness? I can almost smell it in the air."
Maura froze and her eyes widen as she gazed in Angela and Cailin's direction.
"I was just trying to help Maura, you know, setting up boundaries." Angela's smile was big and innocent.
Cailin shrugged. "Sure, what she said."
"I should dispose of the broken stemware before anyone else gets injured." Maura walked away from them all. She needed a moment to regain her composure. She entered the pantry where the cleaning supplies were kept only to realize that the items she was searching for were readily available since Cailin had used them not too long ago. Maura sighed and willed herself to settle. It was all playful conjecture. None of it meant a thing, and Jane remained oblivious. "No harm done." She whispered recognizing that the colloquialism was apropos.
There was a knock on the door. "Yes?" Maura peered toward the open doorway.
"You can come out of the closet." Jane answered as she entered. "I got the glass. We're clear." Dark eyes smiled before their owner did.
"Thank you."
Jane's gaze narrowed. "You sure you're okay?"
Maura had completely forgotten about the cut. She peered down at her hand. "Yes, the bleeding stopped."
"That's not what I meant but okay."
They gazed at each other for few seconds more.
Maura saw warmth, caring and protectiveness all directed towards her. The flutter, which had been in her stomach for some time now, transformed into something deeper. "I'm fine," she murmured. It was not a lie. At the moment, she felt nothing but burgeoning awareness, and it was enjoyable even if she was the only one feeling it.
Jane nodded, but there was something in her eyes that said she wasn't convinced. Maura knew this wouldn't be the last of it.
"How about that sandwich? I'll be right back. I left the beer in the car."
They left the closet together. Then, Maura was alone again with curious onlookers. She peered at Cailin, who seemed poised to speak. "Not a word." She paused and added, "Please."
Angela Rizzoli remained blissfully quiet for all of ten seconds. She snorted, "I don't offer to kiss any of my girlfriends' fingers."
Covering her mouth with her hand, Maura yawned as she entered the kitchen. She cinched the belt tighter around the flowered silk robe and smiled in Angela's direction.
"Morning. Coffee?" Angela asked while she reached into the cupboard, pulling out another mug.
"Yes, please." Sleep had been somewhat illusive the previous night. She was unsure of the reasoning behind it, hoping it had nothing to do with others being aware of her emotions. Maura made a sound of pleasure as the first sip eased down her throat.
"So…"
Maura turned in Angela's direction. "Yes?"
She looked contrite, apologetic. "I'm sorry about ganging up on you, but I saw an opportunity so I took it."
"I'm not sure that I understand."
"It was a lot easier to ask you than bring it up to Jane. She gets so defensive at times about …well everything."
Realization settled. Maura was not sure if she was ready for this conversation. Sweat prickled the back of her neck. "In regards to our relationship status?"
"Yes, in regards to that."
"We're friends, Angela."
"But you want more?"
Maura took another sip of her coffee, hoping that this whole conversation would get lost in the creamy swirl.
"Maura?" Angela came closer, reaching out to touch.
"What—"
"Please. When it was brought up you looked like you were about to faint. Is that evidence enough for you? Not to mention what I see every day between you two." Angela interrupted.
"There has been no indication that Jane sexuality is anything other than hetero normative."
Angela squeezed her arm and brown eyes shone with affection and understanding. "Is that your way of saying yes you have feelings?"
Maura smiled despite the strangeness of the situation. "I suppose."
"But you think Jane doesn't?"
"Yes, exactly."
"She cares about you that much I know, and she's probably let you in more than she does most people."
It was true. Jane was indeed different with her. Gentle and concerned like she was breakable at times. The habitual flutter moved from her stomach to her chest. "I am aware."
"Take a chance, Maura. You won't know unless you ask."
Maura took a moment to contemplate rejection and the possible destruction of their friendship. Emotions had stayed hidden this long without issue or upheaval. "Our friendship-"
Angela groaned. "Don't be so cliché. You're friendship is strong…years strong."
"She's not exactly single, Angela."
"What you mean Casey?" Angela shook her head. "I'll never understand her. He disappears after the surgery not even a word, and soon as he pops up again-"
Maura looked away. She was there. She remembered the look on Jane's face. It still burned, but she had learned to handle it.
"Sorry. Regardless, he's gone. Has she talked about him?"
"No except for saying it was probably for the best."
"Then there you have it."
Cailin shuffled in. "Morning," she grumbled.
Angela opened the cupboard to get another cup. "All right you two. Play nice. I've got to get to work." She gave Maura a pointed look and a lot to consider.
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