I had a lot of requests to add a third chapter, so here it is. It's unashamedly romantic, and I don't care! I've loved this story all along, and it's my favourite so far. This will be the conclusion to the story though, I have to concentrate on In Vitro we Trust from now on, if you've not read it, give it a go...it could, at a stretch be a sort of sequel to this I suppose. I did make some changes to the first two chapters of this story, and it's been a while since it was published, so maybe re-read those first to remind you...anyway, as usual I own nothing to do with Rizzoli and Isles but the words and this story...
"So, what should we do now Maur?" Jane looked across at a very smiley looking Medical Examiner. "Have you eaten? 'Cause we could get you something to eat...or a drink maybe, there's a decent bar at the hotel...or we could go see a movie...no, wait what time is it?" She checked her watch - it was twenty past one in the morning, and for all her swaggering bravado at the airport, now that they were alone in the car, nerves were beginning to take hold of Detective Rizzoli.
She chewed the inside of her cheek and looked across at Maura again.
"Oh crap, sorry Maur, I guess I didn't realise what time it was...um, should we go straight to the hotel and make sure they have a room, you did say they had rooms didn't you?"
At this point she just wished she could stop talking, but her mouth seemed to be jammed on auto pilot. The thought of any possible 'awkward silence' was filling her with mild panic, and she gamely tried to pre-empt the silence instead - much to Maura's rather sadistic amusement.
If she was honest, it was comforting to know that Jane wasn't always as cool as she liked people to think. Tonight's events had obviously been a revelation, of course they had - it wasn't every day you told your best friend you'd fallen in love with them, and as Jane flapped and floundered like a fish out of water, Maura decided to put her best friend out of her misery.
"It's alright Jane...I booked a room while I was queuing at the airport, and I think it's a little late for a movie now." She laughed quietly as Jane nervously glanced her way again, and she took Jane's hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze of encouragement. "Let's go to the hotel and get settled in, maybe have a nightcap...and just talk." The unusually anxious detective seemed to relax a little at this suggestion, and she smiled and squeezed Maura's hand in acknowledgement. " Okay, that sounds like a plan, and I could do with a drink if I'm honest...a large one."
She let out an almost unnoticeable sigh of relief as she spotted the approach to the hotel. " Nearly there Maur."
Maura could understand Jane's anxiety, she herself had a small wobble when they talked on the phone earlier. But having just flown all the way from Boston, she wasn't going to let the detective's apparent cold feet, or stage fright or whatever it was get the better of her. When they'd pulled into the car park of the hotel, Maura unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Jane - she didn't want her friend to think she had to start babbling on again - that would more arduous than silence - all she needed was some gentle reassurance.
"If I said you were a wonderful kisser, would it help you relax at all?" she asked, still clutching Jane's hand in hers. She sensed a slight shift in Jane's demeanour - ah, the Italians and their pride.
" A little...maybe." she said, with a sheepish smile and she unbuckled her seatbelt. "I'm sorry Maur, I guess it's my turn to freak out, I just...I don't know what to say...I just had the best kiss in the world, and it was with my best friend...it's gonna take a while to get my head around it that's all." They sat and looked at each other, neither woman quite sure how to proceed, until Maura blinked first.
" Best kiss in the world huh?" she asked, with more than a hint of pride. Jane nodded and her dark eyes were as wide as saucers. "Uh huh, in the world...ever...oh it was some kiss Maur... wait, were you not the other... kissee? Or did I just imagine it?" Maura let out a laugh so loud it made Jane jump. "Kissee? Jane there is no such word as kissee... I was the other participant yes, and I concur...it really was a great kiss." Maura almost shivered at the memory - as kisses went it fell somewhere between Scarlett and Rhett and Bogart and Bacall - she could still feel her lips tingling even now.
"And great as it was, there's no pressure to repeat it straight away." She felt that they both needed some time to adjust to the new dynamic tonight's events had brought to their relationship. "I don't expect to jump straight into bed with you and for us to make mad passionate love...we need to take it slowly and let it all sink in... kissing your best friend does have a tendency to change things." They both laughed as Maura's composure brought some much needed calmness to the proceedings. "so please don't worry, tonight we can just talk...and try to get some sleep!"
She tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn, but she was obviously tired, so they headed to the hotel - Jane's natural chivalry meaning she carried Maura's overnight bag; a bag that Jane would find big enough for a whole week.
"You know we're only staying for a couple of days don't you? What have you got in here?" Jane pretended to struggle to lift the bag a few times for effect.
"Have you been bringing more work home again? 'Cause if there's a body in here I really don't want the hassle of arresting you." Maura laughed at the faces Jane was pulling, glad that their friendship was as strong as ever, but very much aware that they were heading into 'girlfriend' territory.
" Well I didn't know what we might do while we're here, so I thought I'd bring a few..." Jane interrupted her with raised eyebrows and an exasperated tone. "A few?!.. Maur, you brought more clothes for two days than I have in my wardrobe... a few?...honestly!..." She smirked at Maura and took her arm in hers. "It's a good job I love you Doctor, or we may have to have to words..." As they reached the hotel lobby, Maura held them back and looked earnestly at Jane.
" You know I like to be prepared for anything Jane, but I have to admit I wasn't prepared for this...I may have got a little carried away in all the excitement." Jane's eyebrows headed north again- "You think?" but she let Maura continue.
"I just want you to know, I have no regrets about this...I love you, and I just want to be with you, but we'll take it slowly, one day at a time...okay?" Jane nodded and closed the gap between them, bringing her arms around the doctor, holding her close enough to feel the heartbeat that betrayed her apparent calmness. She breathed in the exquisite scent that was Maura; that rare and indefinable 'something' that could easily become addictive if it was used carelessly... and Jane was no stranger to carelessness.
" One day at a time sounds perfect Maur...come on, let's get you settled in."
~ 0 ~
One month later...
"Okay Jo, where have you hidden it?" Jo Friday was asleep on the couch when she heard her name and looked up at Jane. "C'mon dog where's your lead? I know I put it down somewhere..." Jo jumped off the couch as if to help look for the errant lead, only to reveal that she'd been sleeping on it. "You know, if you don't want to go out you only have to say...c'mon, I'm running late, and you know how Maura is about being late..."
~ 0 ~
In the month that had passed since that November night when Maura had flown out to see Jane in Washington, their new relationship had progressed steadily. From the very first day they'd met, the special connection that bonded them had slowly been built upon; layer upon layer had been added, and it was that intense closeness that now fuelled their romantic attachment.
Maura almost had to drag a reluctant Jane to Quantico- it was after all the reason the ME had given for having to leave Boston so suddenly. The FBI Headquarters would usually have held more appeal to the detective, but there was something, or rather someone with far more allure mooching in their Forensic Pathology Dept. Jane spent the entire time she was supposed to be learning about new ways of checking for DNA daydreaming and wondering what Maura was doing...it was a wonder she wasn't told off by the tutor for staring out of the window.
The first few days had been understandably awkward- neither of them were quite sure how to cross those unseen lines that would take them to more than 'just good friends' - do we hold hands in public? What do we call each other - partner or girlfriend? When we kiss should I still feel like a clumsy teenager embarking on my first great romance?
And most awkward of all were those embarrassing moments when hands would unconsciously begin to wander - both women wanted to explore each other, their feelings for each other had long passed the purely platonic - they just had to get over the fact it was their female best friend they were aroused by. In some ways it was no different to kissing a man, just softer, with no facial hair - but in others it was a minefield of unknown boundaries and how far was deemed acceptable.
All these small dilemmas were flying around in a tornado of emotion and curiosity, but once the winds of change had died down, slowly it all began to fit into place. When they sat Angela down around two weeks later to nervously tell her that they were now dating, Angela gave an award winning performance of shock and surprise...and then roared with laughter as she informed them they'd actually been dating for the last three years- all telling her was doing was making it official.
"Maura, you could do a lot worse than my Janie, I know she thinks the world of you, just as I do, and she'll never let you down...and Jane, she's a Doctor, listen to her when she say's you need to slow down...do all that and you'll be set for life...now c'mere you two, give me a group hug."
And that was how Jane and Maura came out ...no dramas, no yelling, just acceptance of something that everyone had wished for anyway. It was the same at work, with Korsak and Frost cleaning up nicely in the department sweepstake.
Even Maura's mother Constance wasn't altogether surprised - her daughter's main topic of conversation (when they occasionally spoke to each other) was the gallant Detective, who always seemed to be at Maura's side. She had a soft spot for Jane, knowing that the kind of loyalty and protection she showed her daughter was a rare commodity that should be held on to, and treasured.
Now that they were officially a couple, they went on proper dates, where they could enjoy the feeling of openly flirting with each other over dinner or at a movie. Before Washington, when they were just 'friends', they'd flirted outrageously with each other without realising that's what it was - in fact unbeknownst to either of them they'd been enjoying full on eye-sex for the past three years. Now, with the barriers down they'd been given the go ahead and suddenly it was okay to touch, it was okay to feel...and it was more than okay to want.
~ 0 ~
It was now Christmas Eve and the snow that had been steadily falling for the last two weeks had all but disappeared - a white Christmas was looking more and more unlikely. Jane was trying to speed Jo Friday up on their walk, but the little dog had other ideas, stopping at every tree and lamp post to do her business. "C'mon Jo, I know it's cold but do you need to pee this much?" she pleaded, mindful of the time. She was supposed to be calling for Maura at 7.15 and she still needed to shower and change.
"Right, that's it, if there's anything left in you Ma can take you out later, come on, it's time to go." and Jo was unceremoniously yanked away from her new favourite tree in mid flow.
Jane had it all planned - their first Christmas as a couple was underway, and it would also be their one-month anniversary. She wanted tonight to be special for Maura, who had said that past Christmas's had often been less than memorable - apart from the one's spent with the Rizzoli's.
This time it would be just the two of them, and then a family dinner at Maura's house tomorrow night, that everyone would be helping with. Until then, Jane would have her girlfriend all to herself, and she planned to make tonight, as well as Christmas, memorable in every way possible.
~ 0 ~
Meanwhile, at Beacon Hill, Maura was trying to decide what to wear- Jane had told her to dress for the weather - which currently was hovering around freezing - and that food and drinks had all been taken care of. Deciding to play it safe she pulled on jeans and a cashmere sweater with a warm vest underneath, and thick socks in furry lined boots. Looking in the mirror she wasn't happy with the finished ensemble and changed into something else. Finally, several changes later she went back to the first outfit she'd picked and went with that. Dressing for Jane had become something of a mission for Maura. She knew fashion, and she knew how to dress well, but now she was also dressing for Jane, and she liked to look the best she possibly could when they went out together. She applied the finishing touches to her make up, walked into the spray of Jane's favourite perfume, and gave Bass some food.
" There you go boy, I'm going out with Jane tonight and we may be home late, but you'll have Jo for company...I know she's excitable but she's a Rizzoli... they're all excitable." Bass popped his head out to grab some greens. " How do I look?" Maura asked, as the tortoise popped his head back in. "Mmm, that good hey?"
~ 0 ~
With some driving skills that would have had Maura clinging on to her seat, Jane arrived at 7.10, and after a pit stop at her Mothers she rang the bell at Maura's at exactly 7.15.
"Wow!" Jane was almost speechless. "Maura, you look...beautiful. How do you make jeans and a sweater look so damned good?" she asked her smiling girlfriend, who just patted down her sweater and said innocently, " What, this old thing? Oh, I just threw it all on and hoped for the best...come in Jane, it's freezing out there." Jane kissed Maura on the cheek and walked in. Jo Friday scurried inside and headed straight to Bass, yapping playfully at his head end. Bass resolutely stayed in his shell until the noise had died down, then popped out long enough for Jo to Eskimo kiss him, and went back in. Jo eventually flopped onto the couch, unlikely to move for the rest of the night.
"You look lovely Jane, are those jeans new?" she asked as she put her coat on. " They look fabulous, you really do have amazing legs you know." Jane smiled at the compliment, glad that Maura had noticed the new jeans. " What, these old things?...nah, just threw 'em on and hoped for the best!" she replied, mimicking Maura's tone and laughing. "Are you ready to go, I've left the engine running to keep the car warm, it's a cold one tonight. Do you have a hat? I think you'll need it" Maura rummaged in her bag and pulled out a designer cashmere beanie.
" I do, and I'm ready...but I still don't know where we're going." she said with some frustration. Jane took her arm and led her out, her hand at the small of Maura's back as always.
" All in good time Maur, all in good time...but I think you'll like it."
~ 0 ~
As they approached the enormous park and Maura finally realised where they were, she let out a small squeal of delight. Driving further in, they found a parking spot close to the centre and Jane shut off the engine. She just watched as Maura's face was illuminated by the moonlight, her eyes sparkling as they caught the tree lights.
"Oh Jane, it's so beautiful, what made you think of here?" Jane was lost in Maura's eyes and it took a few seconds to register that she'd spoken.
"Huh?...oh,...I remember you once said you'd love to go ice skating, and I figured what better night than Christmas Eve? I'm sorry I couldn't lay on any snow, but we do have hot food and coffee...courtesy of Ma." She leaned across to put her long arm around her girlfriend. " So you like it then?" Maura turned and kissed Jane- a long, languid kiss that said everything and left Jane glad she was sitting down, her knees might well have given way.
"I love it Jane...and I love you...thank you for this, it's going to be wonderful."
The Back Bay area was home to Boston Common and The Commonwealth Mall, as well as the public gardens...and the famous Frog Pond. In winter the pond was completely frozen over and used for ice skating, something Maura had never done in all her time in Boston.
As they strolled around the gardens, watching other couples and families enjoying their Christmas Eve, they talked and laughed, completely lost in each other. This was how they'd imagined love should be, strolling hand in hand, talking or not talking - it didn't matter, they were just happy to be together. They stood and watched the old carousel, lit up like a Christmas tree, they took in the Mall with it's tree lined avenue, each tree covered in white lights and it felt like walking through a dream of Christmas's gone by.
As if to complete the chocolate box image, it suddenly started to snow, lightly at first but it gradually became heavier - and it looked like it would be a white Christmas after all.
They stopped at the pond, with Jane telling Maura to stay there as she ran back to the car...
~ 0 ~
A few minutes passed, and while she waited impatiently, very glad she wore the hat, Maura wondered what Jane might be up to, though with Jane as a girlfriend she was constantly surprised...
Suddenly she could hear the clippetty clop of horses hooves and she turned to see Jane in the back of a horse drawn carriage.
" Need a ride Ma'am?" she asked, and if it was possible to have a swagger in her voice, she did. She had recreated the scene at the airport when Jane had broken every driving code to meet Maura in Washington... Maura thought this was the second most romantic thing Jane had ever done.
"Jane Rizzoli, you are the most amazing...most breathtaking woman I know...I'd be delighted to ride with you." and Jane held out her hand as the driver helped her into the cab.
"Good" Jane said once Maura was safely in. "Because if you'd seen the way I almost fell into this damn contraption, the last thing you'd have called me would be breathtaking..."
The carriage took them back around the park and down the tree lined Mall, and as they rode they hungrily tucked in to Angela's food. The flask of coffee was an added bonus on such a chilly night, but as they snuggled under a blanket they felt anything but cold.
Eventually the ride brought them to the Frog Pond and Maura alighted first, followed by Jane, who, again, showed her spectacular lack of elegance, this time in stepping out of a carriage. She caught her heel on the step and lurched forward, but Maura managed to catch her before she fell head first onto the edge of the ice. They stayed in each others arms, the closeness they craved warming them through.
"I believe the idea is to put skates on before you head onto the ice Jane...are you okay?" she joked as Jane adjusted her jacket.
"I'm fine Maur... just remind me not to try and get in one of those for a while would you? Damn things a death trap...anyway, do you wanna round the evening off with some skating?" she asked excitedly. "We can hire the skates as I didn't have any to bring." Maura considered the question - she'd had such a wonderful evening so far.
"Do you mind if we don't?" she asked, and Jane couldn't hide her disappointment. " No, we don't have to...but why? Aren't you having a good time?" She'd been so sure Maura would like the idea of ice skating.
"I'm having a wonderful time Jane, it's been the most romantic evening I think I've ever had...you even managed to bring the snow, but it's Christmas tomorrow...and I think I'd like us to go home so I can give you one of your presents...a little earlier than planned." She whispered something into Jane's ear, and it was enough to make the detective blush slightly.
"Ah, I see...well... when you put it like that, who am I to refuse a doctor? Let's go home Maur...Happy Anniversary...and Merry Christmas."
~ 0 ~
They stood by the ice and kissed, not caring who saw them, not even aware of anyone else existing. It was just them - Jane and Maura. They would soon cross that unseen line, the last barrier would be broken through and the ultimate expression of their love would be more beautiful than they had ever imagined.
They had come full circle, and although they would see testing times, and face a few bumps in the road, they would do it together. But as for just loving each other, well...that would be the easy part.
End
~ 0 ~
I really hoped you liked it, as I wrote it I imagined I was there...I'd love to know your thoughts.