A/N – Just a little story that wouldn't get out of my head so here it is … hope you all enjoy it and if you can take a minute or two to review, that would be awesome! Thanks.
Disclaimer: Rizzoli & Isles characters don't belong to me. I don't own them – that honor goes to TNT, Tess Gerritsen & Janet Tamaro – not me. However any character that does appear in this story but isn't on the show - does belong to me.
Why Do You Wear These Things?
Chapter 1
Jane pulled into the driveway, relieved to see the bedroom light on. Maura was home. Even after their terrible argument, she had come home.
Take the keys from the ignition; she sat there a minute, collecting her thoughts. She was still so angry about the day's events but if Maura had softened, she decided she would meet the olive branch halfway.
Jane removed her boots and alarmed the house, making her way up the stairs. She turned the corner to their bedroom to see Maura in bed, reading a medical journal. She stood in the doorway for a minute.
"Hi," Jane said, a bit hesitantly.
"Hello," came Maura's response, without looking over the top of her magazine.
'I should have turned up the heat. Apparently it's gonna be very chilly in here,' Jane thought to herself as she took off her coat and stepped through the doorway, putting her blazer over the chair.
"That's not where that goes," Maura said, coldly.
"Honey, I'm taking it to the dry cleaners tomorrow."
"It's Maura, Jane."
Jane spun and looked at her.
"Really?!"
"Yes."
"Well, there's no question you're still pissed, is there … MAURA?"
"Wow, it's no wonder you got your detective's shield."
Jane knew this would not end well and she turned to finish changing.
Maura cringed – she knew that was a low blow but was too angry to even think about apologizing. Still, she was shocked when Jane grabbed her pillows and headed for the door.
"I'll be in the guest room."
And with that, Jane shut the door and settled in the room down the hall.
Since they had moved in together over a year ago, they had never slept apart while both were in the house. Maura put her magazine down and folded her arms over her chest.
Today had been so ridiculous. And it was clearly obvious neither of them would be apologizing tonight. Sadly, she looked over at Jane's side of the bed. Even though she was mad, she still wished her detective was there. She flipped off the bedside lamp and settled in for an uneasy sleep.
Down the hall, Jane lied in bed, looking up at the ceiling. Next her gaze hit the door, followed by the window. An hour of tossing and turning was making her wish she was in her own bed - their bed.
"Screw it," she said aloud as she got up, grabbed her pillows and headed back to the bedroom. When she opened the door, she saw Maura lying on her back, eyes open.
"I couldn't sleep," Jane said, settling in on her side.
"I didn't make you go sleep in there."
"Look, I'm tired, Maura. I just want to sleep."
"Fine, Jane. Goodnight," Maura said, rolling onto her side so they were back to back and about as far away as they could be from one another.
"Goodnight."
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When Maura woke up, she felt Jane's arm wrapped protectively around her waist, the usual position they ended up sleeping. Even though she was still aggravated, she felt comforted by the touch. She wondered just when exactly they had gravitated to each other after starting at opposite ends of the bed. She carefully moved Jane's arm, but the detective only pulled her closer in her sleep, murmuring into her shoulder. Maura smiled faintly and successfully extracted herself from Jane's hold.
When Jane awoke, she could smell the brewing coffee and heard Maura milling about in the bathroom. She was more than ready for this to be over. She opened the ajar bathroom door.
"Morning."
"Good morning, Jane," Maura said, finishing applying her makeup.
"Can we talk about yesterday?"
Maura put down her compact and sighed. "I suppose we should, soon. But right now I don't really want to and I need to get to work."
"I need a few to shower and get ready."
"Oh, take your time. I'm taking my own car in Jane."
Jane thought back to yesterday when Maura asked Frost to take her home and Frost was torn. Jane had told him to of course take her.
Maura went to leave the room but Jane blocked the doorway.
"Maur, I don't want to keep this up. Come on," Jane said, reaching out to touch Maura's cheek.
Maura closed her eyes at the touch for a fleeting second. "Just give me some time. I'm still angry. I'm taking my car because I'm leaving late morning for the cabin for the weekend."
"What?! This is our first weekend in a month that one or both of us aren't on call. And you're going up there alone?"
"Yes, I need some time to myself Jane. I will be back on Sunday."
"That's just great. Happy fucking weekend. Okay. Be safe," Jane said, slamming the door shut.
Maura sighed as she heard the detective stomping around through the house.
"This isn't helping your case Jane!"
More stomping as the bathroom door shot opened and Maura was faced with the detective's blazing eyes. As mad as Maura was, she couldn't ignore how hot Jane was when she got fired up.
"My case?! Really?! You know what? I wasn't the only one in the wrong. Just forget it. Go to your cabin. I'll see you Sunday … Maybe."
"What is THAT supposed to mean?"
"It means I may or may not be here when you get back."
"Fine."
"Don't 'fine' me. YOU'RE the one who needs to run away for the weekend."
Maura stopped talking, quietly finished up and brushed past Jane and her stare.
"Well, fuck me," Jane muttered to herself.
Maura spun on her heel as she picked up her luggage. "Oh, that's something that I definitely won't be doing for a while."
Jane gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. "Ditto."
And with that, the raven-haired detective slammed the bathroom door shut to shower.
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Jane was at her desk when she heard Maura's heels click as she came up behind her.
"Dr. Pike has arrived and will be the M.E. to handle anything this afternoon and weekend."
Jane turned in her chair and glanced at her. "Okay."
Frost and Korsak looked at each other before quickly burying their heads back in their paperwork.
"Jane, I ..." Maura started but stopped. Jane's eyes almost pleaded with her to continue.
"Walk me out?"
Jane got up and followed the M.E. out.
"What?"
"I just need some time, Jane."
"I know, Maura. You already told me. Just let me know when you make it up there safely."
"You're angry about this."
"Yeah, I'm not thrilled, that's for fucking sure. I need time too. Just let me know when you're safe," and with that, Jane turned and headed back inside.
