Hi everyone! Sorry for the unintended delay in posting the next chapters. I moved across the country (from east coast to west coast) and that's taken up a lot of my time. But things are settling down, so hopefully I can refocus and crank out more chapters with less of a delay. To make it up (in a small part), I'm posting two chapters at the same time.
BTW – this story won a Rizzles award for best runner-up for AU. Thank you to everyone that voted!
Without further adieu, enjoy the update!
Chapter 9: The Mistake
Jane dragged herself out of bed the next morning. She wasn't exactly cursing her shortened sleep schedule, but she was certainly not all about the sunshine and loud children she'd be with all day. A cranky Jane was no one's friend, so she vowed to work her best to snap out of it. After dressing, she and Bobbi headed to the mess hall together. While they were standing in line for breakfast, Bobbi saw Maura a couple of people ahead of them in line. Jane was in a daze and didn't see her, so Bobbi ducked behind the line and playfully tugged on Maura's scrub top to get her attention.
In a bit of a daze herself, Maura looked back in line to see Bobbi grinning and giving her a small wave. She smiled. "Good morning," she replied, pulling her tray out of the queue and allowing the couple other counselors to go ahead. "How are you?"
"Good, how are you this morning?" Bobbi replied cordially. Jane finally snapped out of her fog hearing Bobbi interact with someone. She stared dumbly as Bobbi and Maura exchanged pleasantries. Realizing Jane was watching them, Bobbi leaned over her tray a little more so she could see Jane. "Good morning Jane," Maura offered. Jane could feel that she was slow catching up to everything else going on in the waking world. She was also a little confused that the world seemed to be pulling a joke on her. She'd just left Maura a few hours ago. How was she up, alert, and looking gorgeous as usual? Life wasn't fair.
"Uh, yeah, good morning," she replied grabbing a mug and filling it with coffee. Bobbi noticed the unusual grab for the mug.
"Since when do you drink coffee Rizzoli?" she asked surprised.
"Um, since now. Seemed like as good a time to start as any," she flummoxed, while still grabbing a bowl of cereal, a container of fruit, and a large glass of water. Bobbi shot her friend a look, but decided not to push on the subject.
"Fine, just be sure to drink all the water. Coffee can make you dehydrated and today is going to be another scorcher."
"Thanks Mom," Jane mocked quietly.
Deciding to lay of Jane and her cranky-pants ways, Bobbi returned her attention back to Maura. "You wanna sit with us? We probably won't be too long since we've got to get out to the diamond." Maura nodded, happily accepting the invitation.
They sat down at a nearby table, Jane still keeping to herself. She decided to focus on how she was supposed to drink coffee since she'd never had it before. She'd loaded her tray with creams and sugars and figured she could make it work. Her brain was only working on about one cylinder anyway, so she needed a simple task to draw her attention. She wasn't really sure how she should act around Maura now in front of other people, so she welcomed the coffee distraction. Before tackling it, she decided to down her cereal.
"So, M, what's with the scarf?" Bobbi asked. Jane dropped her spoon, making a loud clanging noise against her glass bowl. Bobbi shot her another sideways glance, in a 'what the hell' look. The dark-eyed teen quickly recovered her spoon and concentrated on the cornflakes in her bowl. Bobbi looked back at Maura.
"Hmmm?" Maura asked, pretending she didn't understand the question.
"Why are you wearing a scarf around your neck. Today's supposed to be a hot one, and I didn't think that any of the cabins were air-conditioned, even first aid. Won't you be hot?"
Jane quickly pieced together exactly why Maura was wearing a scarf, flashing back to their make-out session in the woods.
Maura self-consciously began to play with the ends of her scarf. "Oh, I thought it was pretty. Scrubs are incredibly comfortable, but they don't allow one to experiment much with fashion."
"So fashion over function then, eh?" Bobbi jabbed playfully. Maura simply smiled, unable to admit that the scarf had a heavy 'function' purpose too.
Jane, having refused to make eye contact with her table companions, had now switched to experimenting on the coffee. She had missed Maura's demure smile, which seemed to have been a sufficient explanation for Bobbi. "Why don't you lay off what Maura wants to wear? Hell knows she has way more fashion sense then the two of us combined."
Boy her friend was really fun this morning. "Okay, Jane, I didn't mean anything by it. Geesh! Maura, the scarf is very pretty and goes nicely with your scrubs. I just hope you won't be too hot."
Maura warmly accepted Bobbi's compliment. "Well, if it gets to hot, I can always take it off." Again, Jane dropped the butter knife she was using as a stir, making it clang loudly against the mug, and sending a few drop of doctored coffee flying.
"Jeez Jane, did your hands not wake up with the rest of you today?" Bobbi teased her friend, who was staring at Maura. Maura would take off the scarf? Really? Shit!, Jane internally innocently returned her gaze.
"Jane, Jane," Bobbi nudged Jane's shoulder with her own. "Hey, are you okay?" The nudge broke Jane's spell.
"Huh? What? Oh, sorry. Yeah, I guess. Sorry I'm such a clutz today." C'mon Rizzoli, pull out of this! "Uh, in other news, I think I managed to get this coffee to something I can drink," she smirked, bringing the steaming mug to her lips with both hands.
"Well, that is an accomplishment. The morning isn't lost then," Bobbi replied enthusiastically. Though it was already warming up to be a hot day, Jane found herself enjoying the steamy mug in her hands and the bitter-sweet liquid on her tongue. She could see why people went in for this stuff.
Maura knew she had flustered the other teen when she mentioned taking off the scarf, and she was enjoying the sensation of throwing Jane off-kilter, but she schooled her facial features so that Jane wouldn't be able to tell. She just watched her innocently, nibbling on her fruit. Jane returned her gaze.
"What are you doing here now anyway? I thought you were on early morning shift at the clinic," Jane asked, sipping from her mug.
Maura's face fell slightly. Jane wasn't happy to see her. She cast her eyes down, concentrating on her food as she replied, "I was changed after my camping trip. Now I'm on the 8:30 – 4:30 shift."
"Oh," she replied, noticing that she had dampened Maura's mood. Why are you such a shithead, Rizzoli? Way to make her think she's only good enough in the dark of the night. Very nice. She also noticed that Bobbi was giving her a skeptical look too, but was gracious enough to keep her mouth shut, but probably only until Maura was gone. Then she'd get an earful from Bobbi about her behavior.
"Well, I should probably get to the cabin. I hope you have a nice day," and Maura quickly picked up her half-eaten tray of food and went to the conveyor belt to discard it.
Jane cursed under her breath, watching Maura's retreating backside. Without taking her eyes off of her, she told Bobbi she'd be right back.
She caught up with Maura just outside the mess hall. "Maura, wait," she tugged at her elbow to get her to turn around. Maura quickly brushed her face, discarding the tears that had sprung to her eyes, and not wanting Jane to see them.
"Um, hi," she replied simply.
"Shit, Maura, I'm sorry. I'm just tired and I was surprised to see you then. I didn't mean anything by it, really." She was still cradling Maura's elbow
"Yeah, okay. Well, I better go. I don't want to be late." Jane felt her try to pull away from her grip.
"No, Maura. I don't think you believe me. I am really sorry. Please forgive me. I'm not brilliantly tactful as a rule, but I'm usually not a complete ass like I was in there. I'm not great with surprises and I didn't expect to see you so soon." She could see that she wasn't making much headway. "Maura, please?" she pleaded, slowly running circles over her forearm.
Jane could almost see the warring thoughts playing through Maura's mind, and she wasn't sure which side would win.
Maura liked to think she was no fool. Maybe everything from last night was just an aberration. People say things at night that they would never say during the day, and they certainly behave differently. After all, why were nightclubs and raves never held during the day? There's a certain allure about being surrounded by a world of pitch black. You can behave differently, inhibitions lowered. Maybe that's all Jane thought of Maura, someone nice to pass an evening with. She wasn't entirely sure that was the case. After all, they had been together many other times besides last night, and she'd always been kind and sweet. But she didn't want to be the person Jane called on only when night fell, and for only one reason, and maybe that's all that Jane thought of her.
"Look, its fine. You don't have to explain your behavior. Jane, I really have to go or I'll be late," she replied curtly. Jane released her hold, heavy-hearted.
"Yeah, okay. I'll see you later," she replied morosely. Maura only nodded once, and left quickly. Jane trudged back into the mess hall to finish her breakfast and find Bobbi.
"Hey," Bobbi replied, seeing her buddy return with a long face. "What's up? I covered your coffee so it'd be warm when you got back." Jane smirked, but appreciated Bobbi's kindness. Jane plopped back down next to her. "Soooo….everything okay?"
"I'm such a fuck-up." Jane took the saucer off the top of her coffee and tried it again. It seemed more bitter now and she added more sugar to make it better. Bobbi remained silent for a moment, hoping her friend would continue. When she didn't, she prodded her.
"Care to explain that to the rest of the class. Maybe I can help?" Jane glanced at Bobbi. Always steady, always good-natured and kind. She was relieved she had someone who knew her for so long and always had her back.
"Yeah, let me get a to-go cup for this and we can head out to the field. It's too noisy in here and honestly I could use the air."
As they headed out to the diamond, Jane relayed the highlights of last night. At one point, Bobbi clapped Jane on the back, excited that her friend was finally seeing a little action from the girl she'd been pining over for weeks. "Look at you, Cassanova! Way to go."
Jane smirked again. "Yeah, I'm such a smooth operator. Hence how in less than twelve hours I have the same girl running away from me because I say shitty things the next day."
Bobbi released a breath. "Well, yes, you were pretty cranky this morning. I knew something was up with you two, but I had no idea that you guys had actually gotten together. Though I had my suspicions."
"Really?"
Bobbi rolled her eyes. "Uh, yeah. You're usually super-psyched to see her and today you were just in a daze. I mean, I know you don't always get enough sleep, but usually with her, you at least work to push down your non-morning self." She shrugged. "Today you made no effort. Plus, of course, the scarf."
Jane groaned. "I just didn't expect to see her yet. And I didn't know how I was supposed to act with her in front of other people. I mean, you're cool, but I really don't know how open-minded everyone else is. And I don't want to give people any excuse to talk, ya know? Oh, and let's not talk about the scarf."
The softball coach chuckled, but nodded her understanding. "I get you, but that's really not what came across this morning."
"What came across?" she asked curiously.
"That you didn't want her there. That you didn't want to see her, like, at all." Jane frowned. No wonder Maura was upset. "I mean, Jane, you're into her right? Still?" She nodded. "Then why did you treat her like she's only a booty call?"
She grunted. Yep, Jane could see why the hazel-eyed girl had wanted to get away from her as quickly as possible. "I didn't mean to." Silence descended on the pair as Jane thought over her situation. Finally, she turned back to Bobbi. "What should I do?"
Bobbi smirked, a trait she was sure she had picked up from Jane. "That's easy. Ask her out on a date. Let her know she's good enough to take out in daylight and not just make out with in the lake or in the woods."
Light bulb moment for Jane: Yes! Of course! How obvious. She grinned widely.
"I'll even loan you my car. How's that for friendship?" Jane was floored.
"Really? Aww, thanks Bobbi. That's so great of you. Thank you, thank you!"
"Oh, one rule. My car is not a love shack. Do not think of deflowering that girl in my vehicle. You got it?" Jane laughed, but could see the serious look in Bobbi's eyes.
"I got it, I got it. No deflowering. How about light making out?" Jane wheedled. Bobbi rolled her eyes.
"Fine, but all clothes stay on and hands have to stay above the belt." The tall athlete laughed again.
"So specific Bobbi. But fine, we'll abide by your car rules. I really, really appreciate this. I'll bring it back in great shape, without bodily fluids." Bobbi wrinkled her nose.
"You so much as say 'bodily fluids' again with my car implied in the same sentence, and I'm taking the car away. You can hoof it to the movies or continue to convince her to keep making out with you in the woods," Bobbi groused.
"No, no, mum's the word. You're the boss. I'll behave." Jane chuckled again, and then turned wistful. "I hope this works." Bobbi smiled kindly and patted her friend on the shoulder.
"Well, you won't know unless you try. But I think it's a good plan. Talk to her tonight." Jane nodded her agreement, and they began hauling equipment out of the Death Trap for the day's workout.
That evening, Jane found Maura reading by the lake after dinner. She unceremoniously sat down beside her. Maura looked up wordlessly.
"I have a way of finding you here." She watched Maura closely, seeing the coldness in the medic's eyes. "How'd the scarf work out today?" seeing her still wearing it.
"Fine," she replied shortly, trying to return to reading her book.
"What are you reading?" Jane asked, trying desperately to draw Maura out of the shell she seemed tucked into. Maura flipped the cover over so that Jane could read it.
"War and Peace. Fun," she replied sarcastically. Maura huffed and stood up. She didn't have to take this.
"No, wait. Please? I'm sorry."
"Did you find me just to you can make fun of me? I get enough of that in other facets of my life. I certainly don't need it from my friends." However few of them I happen to have, she thought.
"Maura! Ugh! I'm sorry. I'm doing this all wrong again." Jane released the breath that had built up in her lungs. "Would you go out with me?" she blurted out. Maura looked at her, confused. Jane pressed on. "On a date? This Friday?" Maura stared at her, stunned. Jane hated silence. "Or Saturday? Please?" She felt her hands fidgeting nervously at her sides, playing with the hems of the pockets on her shorts. She waited for an answer.
"You want to take me out?" Maura asked bewildered.
"Yes! Of course! Do you want to go?" Jane felt her hands continue to assault her pockets. Realizing she was fidgeting, she tried to still her restless digits by plunging them into her pockets. "I thought we could get dinner and catch a movie. I do still owe you, what, a thousand movies, right?" Maura smiled.
"It was one hundred movies, not one thousand." The honey-blond remained hesitant. "I get to pick?"
Jane smiled. "Of course. What ever you want. You can pick the restaurant too, if you want." She shrugged. Hell, she can pick out what I wear if it means she'll go out with me.
"Oh, no, you pick the restaurant. That's only fair. I'll see what's playing and what the show times are." Maura hugged her book to her chest and stepped closer to Jane. "What time will you pick me up?" She looked up at the other girl, with her sweetest, most innocent look. Jane felt herself melting inside. She ran her hand through her hair nervously.
"Um, six o'clock okay? I'll come to your cabin."
"Okay. I would like that." Then Maura slowly crept up onto her tippy toes and placed a light kiss on Jane's lips. She turned and walked away, leaving Jane rooted to the ground and unable to speak.
The week seemed to drag by, but Jane was excited that Maura agreed to go out with her on Friday. She wondered if maybe she could see Maura during the week and build upon what they had started in the lake and in the woods. She asked Bobbi, in a vague, round-about way about this idea until Bobbi nearly smacked her to understand what she was trying to get at. Once she understood what Jane was thinking, Bobbi shut it down quickly.
"Easy there Jane. You just got back on the girl's good side. You'll need to do a little recon before trying to go there again. I mean, you're the one who's been telling me what a lady she is and all. You really want to immediately treat her like a booty call when you just got a yellow light? And by the way, it is definitely a yellow light and not a green light. You're pretty lucky that she's giving you another chance. Don't blow it by midnight knocking on her door. You'll look like a dick," Bobbi finished reading her the riot act. "I thought you were way more of a romantic then this. Shouldn't you be trying to sweep this girl off her feet?"
Jane nodded, taking what Bobbi said to heart. Why was she being such a douche anyway? She could be patient and sweet, and she'd certainly rather Maura see that side of her than this hormonal mess that seemed to have invaded her body recently. "You're right Bobbi. Thank you. It's just so hard to not want to-"
Bobbi cut her off. "La, la, la," she shouted covering her ears. Jane raised her eyebrows. "C'mon Jane. I know I'm open-minded, but I totally don't need to hear all the details, yeah?" Jane laughed.
"Got it. I'll vague it up in the future. Thanks again B."
"Anytime."
