AN: Feedback and reviews are always welcome and always very much appreciated. Thanks.
You know when you're walking down the stairs and you take a wrong step and you can feel yourself falling and you're sure you've already hit the ground…but your butt hasn't quite connected yet… But (no pun intended) you know it's coming.
Kind of like when you're a kid and you're riding your bike and you try to jump over piece of plywood you and your buddies threw down, seeing who can get the most air, but as you take the jump and your handle bars are going…going…gone…and you know you're about to land head first in the drive way of cement. Jane was sure she had just said the wrong thing to Maura. She knew something was coming…she could feel it deep down inside…but she wasn't sure what?
"Jane, answer me. What do you mean?"
"Nothing Maura," Jane said laughing. 'If you laugh she'll laugh…be lighthearted Jane, think on your feet. You can do this. Pull up. Pull up. Mayday…Mayday. We've got a foot in mouth here people!' At that exact moment Jane wished she could shut off her brain from all logical thought. But it wasn't going to happen. Besides, on some level Jane knew she'd needed logic to get herself out of this. It was Maura of all people. She needed as much logic as she could get.
"What makes you assume people think we're dating?"
"Well I mean look at us Maura," Jane smiled. "We're total babes," Jane smiled, "and there just isn't any guy action happening…at least not for me…and I mean, they know how open and expressive you are sexually so maybe they just assume I am too?"
"They assumed. See! I wish people would just not assume," Maura huffed and walked away. "Maura," Jane followed her friend, "why are you getting so upset about this. It doesn't bother me that people might assume we're together. In fact, I know I sometimes encourage it a little."
"Why…why would you do that?"
"I don't know," Jane answered, "I mean…well usually the only time I do it is when I think someone's interested in you. And I know it's wrong to do. You should be happy with someone, in a relationship, doing relationship type things. But I get scared that if you meet someone," Jane paused, "well I don't know where that would leave me. And it's hard too. I mean I can't even put into words what you mean to me."
"I know what I mean to you," Maura said softly.
"How can you Maura, I don't even know myself. I mean I have all these questions and feelings running around in my head you know? It's crazy up here…I think my thoughts are actually starting to take numbers for service," Jane smiled.
"What kind of questions and feelings?" Maura asked looking at Jane.
"Stuff… I just…just let's forget it huh? Let's just try and have fun. I was going to shower, how about you?"
"Yeah a shower does sound good."
"Maybe a nap too?" Jane smiled.
"I'm not tired."
"But you're going to need your strength," Jane winked, "for tonight." Maura burst out laughing. Jane watched her friend. "Oh and what do I get for blushes after five?"
"A kick in the ass is what you get," Maura walked off to her room.
"Aww, you're no fun…kinky… but no fun."
Maura turned around. "Oh that's seven" Jane laughed and turned around heading to her own room.
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Jane made her way out of her room and walked towards Maura's door. It was half open. Or one could assume it was half closed. Or closed as Maura would have assumed. Closed which is why she was walking around with just a pair of shorts on. No top. Her hair not wrapped in a towel any longer, but now hanging down by the side of her face. Jane took the semi-open door as invitation, so she made her way in, smiles and all. She noticed Maura standing sideways by the window. She was watching something outside, most likely the falls. There, in her nakedness, Maura stood, and Jane watched, mouth slightly open, palms sweaty, heart beat double timing. It was the first time Jane had ever seen Maura naked…or mostly naked. She felt guilty…almost like a peeping tom. But…she couldn't bring herself to say anything or make any noise. A small part of her hoped if she remains quiet for just a moment longer, Maura might turn around completely. And sure enough…small hope was granted.
"Jane!" Maura shouted slightly shocked.
"Sorry!" Jane shouted back, blushing and turning around quickly closing the door behind her. "Oh my god," Jane whispered with a big smile on her face. "No way," she laughed and walked across the hall. She couldn't get the picture of Maura out of her mind. Maura came out of the room and found Jane standing in the hall.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't hear you come in. I didn't mean to flash you," she laughed.
"Hey no worries…I mean, you got what I got." 'Not quite…' Jane thought smiling inwardly. She had never taken quite that much interest in her own "got" as she did Maura's.
"Okay, just wanted to make sure I didn't freak you out," Maura said turning around and heading back into the room.
"You have no idea," Jane whispered to the closed door.
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Jane it's about time for us to get out of here if we're going to make our reservations at the restaurant," Maura shouted.
"I'm coming, I just don't know…I feel kind of…well out of place," Jane said walking out.
"Wow," Maura said checking Jane out. "You look great!"
"You're just saying that to butter me up so you don't have to give me a backrub tonight," Jane smiled.
"No really Jane, I mean it. You look wonderful."
"Thanks. Look who's calling the kettle black though," Jane smiled to Maura. "You look pretty darn amazing yourself there sweet-heart."
"Aww- this old thing?" Maura said in a fake southern accent.
"Maura, how many times do I have to tell you? No 'Golden Girls' before we go out. You'll have that Blanch accent the rest of the night." Jane winked and Maura laughed.
"Well Detective are you ready for a night neither one of us is soon to forget?" Maura said extending her arm to Jane.
"Yes Dr. Isles, I most certainly am," Jane said putting her arm in Maura's. "Here is to a night on the town with the classiest and most certainly beautiful woman I know."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
"Ahh yes, we have your table waiting for you Dr Isles, Detective Rizzoli. Please follow me this way," the hostesses said motioning for the two ladies to follow her. They walked through the corridor.
"Whoa this please is definitely not a burger and fry joint," Jane whispered in Maura's ear. Maura smiled and agreed. They made their way to the back of the restaurant up on the balcony area, encased in with glass with a view that stretched miles.
"Your waitress will be with you Momentarily."
"Thank you," Jane and Maura both said.
"Can you believe this place?" Maura said. "I mean Mother said it was nice, but I thought it was in typical Constance fashion…you know…exaggerate a bit for the art. It's amazing!"
"You can say that again," Jane not taking her eyes off the view.
"Amazing," Maura repeated. Jane broke her gaze out the window and turned to look at Maura.
"Ha-ha."
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Dinners almost gone, Maura just watched Jane and smiled. Jane caught Maura glancing her way, and held her gaze, smiling back. "You look happy," Jane smiled.
"I am. I mean, this has just been so therapeutic for me Jane."
"Totally," Jane answered. "Ohhh…I love this song!"
"You can hear that huh?" Maura asked.
"Yeah, she sounds just like Billie Holiday doesn't she?"
"Absolutely," Maura answered. "My father loves Billie Holiday."
"Well there is one more thing your father and I have in common," Jane said sipping her wine.
"What's the other?"
"Our love for you," Jane smiled. "Dance with me."
Maura looked around. "Dance with you?" She felt her heartbeat double beat as her pulse raced.
"Yeah come on…like Billie says, 'It had to be you,'" Jane smiled. She stood up and held her hand out. "No one else is up here…we've got this whole private room to ourselves. Lets' enjoy it."
"Sure, why not?" Maura smile and stood, taking Jane's hand.
"Okay, so do you usually lead or follow?" Jane asked stepping in close to Maura.
"I…I don't know. This is really my first slow dance," Maura said, "at least with a woman."
"Okay so…well I'm taller so I'll lead," Jane stated thinking her idea was a good one at that. She put one hand on Maura's waste and another in Maura's hand. Maura did likewise. They began dancing to the slow sax, and soft beat of the drum and sultry voice of the singer down in the lounge.
'It had to be you. I wondered around and finally found the somebody who could make me be true, could make me be blue and even be glad just to be sad thinking of you. Some other I've seen might never be mean, might never be cross of try to be boss but they wouldn't do. For nobody else gave me a thrill…with all your faults I love you still. It had to be you, wonderful you…it had to be you.'
"you're a good dancer Maura," Jane whispered in Maura's ear. Maura smiled and looked up at Jane slowly.
"I've got a good partner," she answered. "You always bring out the best in me."
"Thanks Maura," Jane smiled. The song ended. The women pulled apart, although almost hesitantly. It was the first time Jane had wished for the long long long version of any song.
"I thought the song was longer than that," Jane smiled and sat back down at the table.
"Me too," Maura laughed. "Thanks for the dance Jane."
"My pleasure." Jane glanced out the window again. "The fireworks show is going to be starting in a few hours. I was thinking we should go back and change into something more comfortable…and definitely more denim like," she said laughing.
Maura smiled and nodded her head in understanding. "You just not a dress girl huh?"
"Does it show?" Jane smiled.
"Nah- not bad," Maura winked.
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Dinner over, the girls made their way back to their rooms and changed for the fireworks. "I want to get out of here soon, so we can get a good spot," Maura shouted to Jane's room.
"Yeah okay, I'm all set to go." She came out of her room. She looked at Maura. "are you going to be warm enough with that?" she asked pointing to Maura's outfit. Maura was wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. "That's not your normal attire at all. Have you been shopping at Jane-R-Us again?"
"Nah- I'm fine. Besides, it's not supposed to get that cold out tonight."
"Oh, okay. Well I'm still dressing warm." Jane said grabbing her Boston PD hoody. "I had room service bring us up this," Jane said lifting up the cloth and showing a thermos. "It's hot chocolate. Perfect for any good fireworks show I say."
"Jane that's great! Thank you," Maura smiled hugging her friend. "I'm all about the hot chocolate right now," she said reaching to get herself some. Jane playfully slapped her hand.
"No you don't missy. That's for the show tonight."
"Pleassssssssssseeeee," Maura whined.
"Nice try. But…nooooooooo" Jane imitated Maura's whine.
"Fine, " Maura smiled and walked away.
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Jane and Maura lay on the blanket they stole from their room. Side by side they watched the stars above. They weren't as clear as they could be since the city was well lit, but it was close enough.
"What a great day," Maura sighed rolling on her side and looking at Jane. Jane, who had been paying attention to the stars didn't notice her friend turn and face her. When she finally realized Maura was watching her, she looked at her.
"What?" she asked noticing the dreamy look in Maura's eyes.
"I just…being here with you it's wonderful," Maura said feeling at a lack for words. "I wish I could come up with a better word, but for lack of one at this moment, I say…wonderful."
Jane watched Maura's smile and felt herself smile too. Once again it happened, both women seemed to get lost in the other's eyes. Before Jane knew what she was doing, she slowly reached her hand up and cupped Maura's cheek, and then tucked the stray hairs that graced the side of Maura's face behind her ear.
It's one of those moments that you always remember. The few times in your life when everything slows. It's the times you can actually hear your own hear beat, and the blood rushing in your ears down through your toes. It's like your spidey sense go off, and suddenly every sound, smell, taste, and sight is crisp and fresh and ironed smooth into your memory. And it was one of those moments for Maura and Jane.
Maura felt it. She knew she shouldn't do it, but all reason and logic behind the idea of just being friends with Jane and pushing aside her own personal feelings flew out the window. Before she knew what she was doing, she felt herself lowering to Jane's lips. Closing her eyes, she slowly and softly brought her lips to Jane's own. With a hint of chocolate from their drink still lingering on her lips, Maura could have sworn she felt Jane kissing her back. Maybe that was what broke her train of thought, and made her close the "window" again.
Slowly, and hesitantly she pulled back from Jane. Her eyes still closed, she was afraid to open them. Would she see shock and anger on Jane's face? Would there be understanding? Would there be love? So many options. Slowly, Maura opened her eyes only to see Jane's were still closed. She lay there, with a smile on her face and looking totally continent.
Eyes still closed, "You kissed me?" Jane asked smiling.
"Yeah…I'm sorry. I think I got caught up in the moment," Maura said sheepishly.
"Don't be sorry," Jane smiled opening her eyes. "It was…wow- well…you're quite the dancer and now quite the kisser."
"You're not mad?"
"Why would I be mad?" Jane asked stumped. "Maura, I…I'd be lying to you if I told you I hadn't thought about kissing you."
"Really?" Maura asked kind of shocked.
"Really," Jane smiled at her.
BOOM
BANG
ZZZZZZZZZZZZ-WAPPPPPP
BANG
"It's starting," Maura said sitting up. Jane sat up as well. She reached over and took Maura's hand in her own.
"Yeah…it is." Jane said locking eyes with Maura. Maura didn't lose the double meaning of Jane's statement. She nodded her head and smiled back to Jane who was now watching the fireworks.
BOOM
BANG
"Whoa!" Jane started laughing.
"Yeah that one was gorgeous," Maura exclaimed.
"Oh I love these kind," Jane said excited. A large streak flew up to the sky and then exploded into a huge ball and then again exploded into another ball.
BOOM
BOOM
BOOM
BANG
ZZZZZZZZZZZ-BOOM- BANG
BANG BANG BANG
BOOM
Jane caught Maura shiver slightly from the corner of her eyes. "Are you cold?"
"Just a bit," Maura said. "I know I should have listened to you," Maura laughed.
"Here," Jane took off her sweater and put it on Maura. "What about you though?" Maura asked.
"I'm warm…believe me," Jane said softly. Maura blushed and put on the rest of the sweatshirt. She took Jane's hand back in her own.
The ladies made their way back to their room. "That was breathtaking!" Maura said excited still about the evening that had just taken place.
"Yeah those were great. You know the best fireworks display I've ever seen was at this park we had down from our house. One year the whole town started collecting money for this big fireworks show they wanted to have. Frankie and I sat up on the roof of our house and watched it. What a view."
"Your parents didn't take you?" Maura asked sitting down next to Jane on the couch.
"No, Pop was working a double and Tommy was really sick."
"I'm sorry Jane."
"Don't be, we had a great view you know?" Jane smiled. "We promised each other that night we wouldn't let anything ruin our view."
"You and Frankie?"
"Yeah…I think we just always connection you know?" Jane paused, clearly lost in thought. "Where was the best firework show you've ever seen?"
"Oh that one's easy," Maura smiled, "EPCOT in Florida."
"Really?" Jane asked glad for the topic changed. After the wonderful night they had just spent, the last thing she wanted to do was talk about her brothers.
"Yeah it's called Illuminations. It's so amazing Jane. They do their light show, along with fireworks and music and it's all like synchronized with water. It's done on the center of this lake, that's sort of at the center of EPCOT. It's quite the sight to see."
"Sounds cool. Maybe that will be our next trip?" Jane asked smiling.
"You won't hear any arguments from me," Maura said crossing her heart. Jane smiled. "What a day, I'm beat."
"Oh no you don't Maura Isles," Jane said evenly. "You're not getting out of this bet. You still owe me a backrub and I'm going to collect," she laughed pointing her finger at the girl.
Maura started laughing. "Yeah yeah yeah…I won't welsh on the bet. Even though you cheated, I'll still give it to you," she laughed. "Come on…you can collect before I fall asleep on you." Jane just raised an eye and Maura didn't even bother trying to get out of it. "I know! I know! Kinky, right?" Jane just laughed at Maura.
"Something like that," Jane said raising from the couch and heading to Maura's room. "I'll even let you do it in here so if you fall asleep on me, I can sneak out on you and you're already in bed." Jane took off her shoes and got plopped hard to the bed extending her arms above her head and laying on her stomach. "God to tell you the truth, I'm pretty beat myself.
Maura walked to the bed. Her courage had improved since the start of the day. The response she got from Jane when she kissed her had been a positive one. It gave Maura the drive she needed…and the metaphorical balls to do what she wanted.
She climbed in bed next to Jane, "take off your shirt Detective Rizzoli."
"Ahh…Dominating Maura, hum…I like it. Where are the whips and chains? No leather?" Jane laughed into the mattress and flipped her shirt off. She was about to reach back and unhook her bra when a hand was placed softly on hers.
"Let me," she said leaning down and whispering into Jane's ears. 'Paybacks a bitch,' Maura thought smiling evilly. She climbed on top of Jane, straddling her butt area. "Am I to heavy for you?" she asked softly. Jane, who must have lost her voice, just shook her head no. Maura in attempt to make herself comfortable shifted slightly. With every single movement Maura made, Jane felt it. She could feel herself becoming aroused with each passing agonizingly long second.
'What was I thinking? God is this what Maura went through the other night? I am evil!' Jane thought to herself. Maura finally settled and slowly reached her hands down to Jane's black bra. She unhooked it slowly, and brought the material to each of Jane's side. She accidentally on purpose let her hands graze the sides of Jane's breasts. She saw Jane shake slightly.
"Cold?" she asked smiling, knowing the affect she was having on her friend below her.
"Just a chill," Jane said tilting her head to the side. "You can start anytime mistress," Jane said laughing making reference to the dominating Maura.
Maura slowly brought her hands to Jane's back, touching her skin.
"Your skin is so soft Jane," Maura said leaning down near Jane's ear. Maura started with Jane's shoulders and made her way down to her lower back and then back up to her arms again. She could feel Jane relax more and more with each touch. "Does it feel good?" she asked. "I want to make sure I'm doing this right," Maura said again. "It's been ages since I took any classes on techniques."
"It's…fine…you're doing a great job…feels wonderful," Jane said. She could feel Maura occasionally graze her side, near her breast. "A full back rub huh?"
"Yup- just what you wanted," Maura smiled. And what had started off as paybacks for Jane suddenly felt like it was turning into a game of seduction for both women. Maura was thinking about what she should do next when she heard Jane moan.
'Did she just moan?' and 'Did I just moan?'
"Sorry- felt good," Jane laughed.
"Glad I hit the spot," Maura said repeating what she had just done. Again Jane moaned softly. "Do you always react like this when someone hits your spot?"
Jane burst out laughing, "Maura!" She felt her face blush. "I can't believe you just said that!"
Maura shrugged and smiled, "I guess I'm learning a lot from you huh?" She paused, "My Jane, a very nice blush you got there," Maura said pointing to Jane's shocked expression. Maura couldn't hold her laughing any longer. She burst out laughing. She fell down to the side of Jane, who still lay on her back.
"I can't believe how I've corrupted you," Jane laughed. "I'll let you go to sleep now."
"No…don't leave."
"But you're tired…"
"Stay with me tonight," Maura said softly.
"What?"
Maura panicked… "I don't mean…I didn't mean stay with me tonight so we can do something…I was just…never mind. Forget I said anything," Maura began mumbling.
"Maura, back the bus up. Hold on. I wasn't upset you asked me to stay. I know what you meant when you asked me. It's okay," she smiled. "I'll go get my shorts and shirt on and be right back," Jane said getting out of bed. Maura put her head on her hands.
"Cursed babble mode," she smiled. She stood and got into her own pajamas. Jane returned a few moments later.
"Sorry that took so long, I just wanted to brush my teeth and freshen up a bit."
"Me too," Maura smiled. She was already in bed. Jane came to the other side of the bed and got in under the covers. She moved close to Maura.
"Maura?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I put my arm around you?" Jane asked.
Maura didn't answer, she just reached over and softly took Jane's hand in her own pulled her best friend closer to her. "How's that?"
"Almost perfect," Jane said. She adjusted herself and placed her head in Maura's shoulder area. "Now…perfect."
"Goodnight, Jane."
"Night Maur," Jane said. "Love you."
"Love you too."
AN: Thank you everyone for the feedback, the reviews and all the new followers to the story. Means a lot as always. I hope you enjoyed this update.
