A/N: Thank you for reviewing- I hope you like how it's progressing…something's changing…Sorry it is so long, but I didn't feel splitting it in half would be good. As always: Rizzoli & Isles belongs to TNT and Tess Gerritson...I own nothing, just love them!
Day 5, 09:05 GMT+1, Paris, Quatier Latin, 22, Rue Guynemer
"Isn't there the Mona Lisa?" Jane asked the friend while they were walking down the stairs. "Exactly. The Louvre houses da Vinci's 'La Joconde', but there are a lot more treasures to admire besides the rather small painting. Don't get me wrong, it is a masterpiece, but I never quite understood why people were standing in line to see this one, while neglecting other magnificent works of art. Take 'Le Serment des Horaces' for example. An impressing demonstration of David's talent. You will like it I think. The idea was to take Livius' classical theme, the oath of the Horatii, who promise to defend their city, as a message, if you will. It was painted prior to the French Revolution to underline the importance of loyalty to the state. But I'll tell you all about it, as soon as we're standing in front of it. Are you excited?"
Jane smiled. She was really a little enthusiastic to dive into Maura's world again. Why she didn't know, art was not really her thing, but her friend always found the right words, to draw interest. She opened her eyes to things, which she would have discounted as boring. Certainly admitting this was not an option. It was their thing and Jane had to play it down in order to let it seem like a mere obligation, so she mouthed.
"Well as excited as one can be who is about to be drawn into a museum."
They exited Maura's building and Jane spotted a man across the street who was taking pictures of them.
The blonde didn't seem to notice and stressed: "I'm sure once we're there you will like it Jane, because..:"
She didn't finish her sentence because Jane started running across the street towards a man with a camera. He took off and the detective chased him shouting back at Maura : "Go inside. Lock yourself in. Now!"
The puzzled doctor did as she was told and paced up and down in her apartment nervously. What was that about? Why did Jane run after him? What was going on? Oh my god. Jane left her gun here. They had talked about the security measures in the museum and decided not to bring it along. How stupid. They weren't on holiday after all. There was a real threat. Maura was beside herself. She knew how impulsive Jane was and never as careful as she wanted her to be. If something happened to her, she would never forgive herself. This was insane. Jane, please, for once in your life don't put yourself in danger. I need you. I need you more than you know my friend…
There was a knock on the door and Maura cringed.
"It's me Maur, open up!" she heard Jane's voice through the door and heaved a sigh of relief. She's back, thank you!
Upon opening the door the doctor wanted to wrap her arms around the detective, but the brunette was furious.
"Shit, I am a disgrace of a detective. Shit, shit" the tall women cursed and waved her arms in anger. She had a scratch on her forehead and her shirt was torn at the shoulder.
"What happened? What was this all about…are you hurt?" Maura asked her puzzled, but was only answered with another round of swearing. She raised her voice: "Jane, look at me. Calm down."
Surprised by the sudden severity in Maura's voice, the tall women composed herself and looked at her friend. She realized that the blonde's face showed fear and concern.
"Sorry. It's just…" she tried to explain and fumbled in her long curly hair, something she always did when she was uncomfortable.
"Come on, sit down and talk." Maura commanded and led her to the living room.
Jane had recognized the man from the day before. Then she thought he was a tourist, simply taking pictures. When she saw him again that day, she realized that he was following them around, documenting what the women were doing. She chased after him, trying to get him to talk, but failed. He ran into the Jardin du Luxembourg and knowing his way around better, Jane lost him.
"Let me take a look at those scratches, please. How did you get them anyway?" Maura asked with a concerned look on her face.
"It's nothing. Leave it alone. I jumped over that fence after that guy and landed in rose bushes. Stupid thorns." Jane played it down.
"No Jane, I insist. I'll get disinfecting agent and you'll let me take care of you." The doctor said in a manner, that didn't allow any talking back and went to the bathroom.
Upon her return, Maura bended down over the seated Jane and attended to her forehead. The concentration that was shown on the doctor's face amused the injured until the applied liquid caused the cut to burn. "Aww. Is this really necessary Dr. Isles?" she complained.
"Yes it is. You never know which kind of germs make their way inside. Even if it is only a superficial dermal laceration, there is always a risk of it becoming inflamed. Now, let me have a look at your shoulder, please." The blonde stated and stared into Jane's eyes. Real anxiousness was reflected in the beautiful shades of green and the detective had never been cut out to withstand any of Maura's demands when she looked at her like that. Actually she always had a hard time to say no to what this woman wanted.
With an unnerved eye roll the detective took of her t-shirt. Suddenly she felt uncomfortable and exposed, which was really strange considering that Maura had seen her in her bra countless times before. When the blonde's fingers touched her shoulder she twitched. It was not because of the pain, there was close to none, it was due to the contact.
"Sorry, does it hurt?" Maura asked. For lacking any better explanation Jane nodded.
"You poor thing. Let me see if there are still thorns inside." The doctor said and took a forceps. She moved closer to the scratches, a strand of her golden hair brushing over Jane's face. The scent went up her nose and she saw Maura's neckline in front of her. Dangerously close. She couldn't help but think how it would feel to kiss her there. Bury her face there and smell Maura and her wonderful hair.
She snapped back to the here and now when she felt a sudden pain in her shoulder. "Got you!" Maura triumphantly exclaimed upon pulling out a thorn.
"Are we done here? I really need to talk to you." Jane asked impatiently.
"Just let me apply some more of this." The asked replied and put the disinfection liquid on.
"Ok now, you're good as new." She smiled and continued as Jane reached for her shirt.
"No, you can't put that back on, that's dirty. You need to wait a little and leave the wounds to dry. Rest back and we'll get a new one after."
Certainly this was a little too over careful for just some scratches, but Maura was a little selfish. She wanted to enjoy the sight of her nearly completely topless friend for a little longer. "So shoot?"
"Maura, we need to leave. We can't stay in Paris. This is serious. Someone's after you and knows you're here." Jane emphasised.
Her advice was met with disapproval: "No, Jane we can't. I have a lecture tomorrow at the Sorbonne."
The brunette had a very serious expression on her face. "This is not a suggestion. We are leaving, right now. It is too dangerous. I have to ensure your safety and this means we are not staying in Paris. The next guy will aim a sniper rifle at you, not a camera."
"You're exaggerating. This was unfortunate, but is this really necessary? We'll be gone in two days anyhow." Maura tried to convince her friend.
Jane took the blonde's hands in hers and looked her deep in the eye. "Women, this is not a negotiation. My job is to keep you safe and I am not taking any risks. You might be a genius, but you're not a detective- I am a trained professional, and I smell if something's wrong. Rest assured there is. We will leave - not further discussion. Pack your bags."
"And where are we going Detective Rizzoli?" the aggravated blonde snapped back.
"Good question. Somewhere safe. I'll go and call Interpol to report on what happened, meanwhile please get your stuff. We're leaving in half an hour."
When Maura went to her room it dawned on her what had really happened. Someone was after her. It was not an unnecessary precaution her mother was taking in putting Jane at her side. She was really in danger. She was a target. A shiver ran down her spine and fear took over.
Day 5, 15:45 GMT+1, traincompartment somewhere in the middle of Europe
Maura was really tired. All that excitement had exhausted her. Upon her realisation that this was not a fabulous holiday her happiness had shifted to insecurity. As much as she hated to abandon Paris and her lecture, she knew that Jane was absolutely right. Her safety was more important than anything else. At first she had forgotten about her fear because she had been too aggravated that Jane was sent as her chaperon. Then anger was replaced by enthusiasm. She loved how the detective enjoyed what she showed her. Certainly there was the delight of her friend's company. And - she had to admit it -Maura was thrilled by how her little experiment was progressing. But now all seemed washed away and she barely knew how to hold up. She was terrified. As if Jane had read her mind, the brunette wrapped her arm around the doctor and pulled her in so she could rest her head on the strong shoulder: "Come here. Rest. It will all be ok. I'm here to protect you."
Without hesitation Maura lay down and exhaled. The feeling of closeness to her friend made her relax.
"Jane?" she whispered.
"Yes."
"You still owe me an explanation. It would really help to distract me, if you told me about that Asciugamano method."
Jane smiled. "Got you hooked on that one didn't I?"
Maura giggled and nodded. To herself she couldn't help but note that the women holding her had no idea how hooked she really was.
"Well Maura Andrea Silvia Caroline Isles. The answer is simple." the asked smirked.
The assumedly named slapped Jane's knee and pouted: "Don't try to deflect. I think I really deserve an elaboration. You made me wait too long as it is."
"Ok, you know I'm not all that sophisticated. So it is simple, as I said. I went to your bathroom and grabbed myself a towel bearing those letters. You know me, being a detective and all, I figured that might be a hint in the right direction." The tall women admitted grinning down at her scientist.
"You never seize to amaze me, Jane. It was kind of sneaky, but nonetheless a refined move I have to say. And coming up with that name. Chapeau my dear. By the way, you got them wrong again." The blonde triumphantly stated.
"Thank you, I guess. Uhm, ya know I didn't forget that you owe me a story yourself."
"Indeed I do. I intend on telling you, but not now if that's ok? I am too exhausted. We will have plenty of time to do that in a more appropriate surrounding." Maura suggested.
"It better be good then. Don't get me wrong, but I'm not sure if you're just teasing me and there's nothing to tell after all."
Maura snuggled closer to Jane and secretively conveyed "Oh my dear, you'd be surprised. Promise you it's worth the wait. And if you haven't noticed by now: I can't lie."
"Mhmm I hope so, Maura Amanda Sharon Cecila Isles." Jane quipped.
"Will you ever stop?" was the annoyed response.
"No, not until you tell me. I am persistent, ya know. Any luck?"
Maura shook her head: "No, sorry. You know it is kind of a pain, so I have an offer."
"Listening"
"I'll not tell you, but I will provide you with clues." the blonde proposed.
An amused Jane rubbed the women's shoulder and agreed: "Sounds intriguing. I am ready for the first one, so shoot."
"Mhmm, well, traditionally a child receives a name that was already given to one of the ancestors. That is quite an easy one, detective; amaze me with your skills."
"Ok. Well then, you rest for now and I have something to keep my mind busy with."
After a while Maura shifted a little and broke the silence. "Jane?"
"Yes Maur?"
"Thank you." she whispered and then slowly allowed herself to doze off.
Jane really hoped that she could keep her unharmed. The women in her arms meant so much to her. The aftermath of the Doyle's shooting had shown Jane how much she really cared. In fact, nobody had ever mattered that much to her except for her family. Being friends again was such a relief. An incredible weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She couldn't, wouldn't loose her again. Whatever it took, she would protect this woman from any harm. Maura's breathing went shallow. She had fallen asleep. Good. Her friend needed to repose.
Jane slightly tilted her head to see the doctor's face. Her expression was peaceful and relieved. What more could Jane have hoped for. The women she wanted so desperately to be secure felt that way in her embrace. A feeling of pride settled in due to the fact that she, Jane Rizzoli, could provide Maura with what she needed at this very moment. In a terrifying time, the ever so strong, confident and brilliant Dr. Isles relied on her to feel protected and safe and that filled her with joy.
A stray of hair had fallen on the delicate face of the protected. Jane moved her free hand very carefully not to awake her friend and brushed it back. Once again she closely looked at the gorgeous features. Oh, she was so ravishing, so fascinating. Jane Rizzoli, watch your mind. This is too appreciative of a friend. But what if your friend was the most beautiful creature you had ever laid eyes upon? This was her answer, really? No. One does not have thoughts like that. If she came to think of it, there were countless situations when the doctor had taken her breath away. As a matter of fact, she nearly did this to her almost every time she saw her. Jane to Jane's mind: Stop!
Ok, let's think of something else. The middle names. The hint Maura had given made it easy. Jane was quite sure that she her assumption was right. She'll ask her when she will awake. Oh, she'll look so cute when she'll be drowsy. Maura in the morning was so sweet. Unfortunately she didn't get to see her in that state quite often, for the doctor was always rising earlier when they had a sleepover. How she loved waking up and knowing the blonde was with her…No Jane, stop right there. Focus. New topic…
What would I want for dinner today?
I'll let Maura choose, she's quite the gourmet. She loved the way her friend got excited when she let her do that. How those wonderful eyes looked at her filled with anticipation when she took the first bite. Jane could get lost in those eyes. No, no, no. This is not helping.
Jane tried to pursue a few other chains of thought, but they all eventually ended up with the women she was currently holding in her arms. Considering Maura was always on her mind. She wondered how she was doing first thing when she got up in the morning. If they didn't call each other before the met at work, her first goal upon arriving was to see her. Oh oh, no. This was impossible.
Suddenly she had a flashback on the advice they all had given Frost a few days ago. He wanted to know how to determine who he was in love with. When she came to think of it, those things were never true for Dean or Casey. Was she ever in love with them? She recalled the list to check… Hmmm, hoping the incoming call was from whom? Maura. First and last thought of the day? Probably Maura again, but only because they shared their work, their lives, their everything. Who does she call if something significant happens? Maura, certainly. Drifting off to the person while you should focus on something else? That was a hard one. Mhmm, taken the recent events and the last days into account, or even only the last minutes – Maura sure as anything.
Well, Jane, if you answer those questions honestly it would always be her. She asked herself again…check…check… check …No, this was nonsense. This whole questionnaire was absurd. Obviously one would name one's best friend. Obviously.
The other explanation would be that she, Jane Rizzoli, was in love with Maura. No, certainly not. Not Dr. Maura Isles, the Medical Examiner who was a women. Yes, she did love her - no doubt - she was her best friend, but she was not in love with her. Never ever.
The detective looked out the window. She couldn't make out much and she felt tired. It had been a tough day so far. And she really had enough of those strange thoughts all the time. As much she enjoyed being in Europe, she was bewildered by the effect this change of location had on her mind.
She listened to her friend's steady breathing. Feeling the warmth of her body made Jane feel comfortable and at ease. Finally she allowed herself to give in to her fatigue. In a few hours they would reach the Serenissima.
A/N: Have you picked up on the name? Hope you like the new destination I chose ;) Let me know!