Just a quick, family-focussed chapter to keep you all going!
Maura opened the front door and breathed a sigh of relief at the silence. She had just completed a long shift, had managed to sneak in a quick drink with Susie after it, and was finally home. She was exhausted.
The doctor placed her handbag and keys on the dining room table and clicked her way to the kitchen, untucking her shirt on the way. She smiled at the sight of Kate hunched over her laptop, reading.
"Hi Kate." Maura greeted softly. It still startled the older woman.
"Oh hey, Maura. How was work?" The inquisitive blue eyes searched the younger woman's face and could clearly see she was tired.
"It was wonderful but very long. I need a glass of wine. Do you want one?" Maura reached up and retrieved two glasses as Kate's affirmative answer.
The older woman couldn't help her wandering eyes as the doctor stretched up and her untucked shirt revealed skin at her side. Kate's eyes averted when Maura turned around and placed the glasses on the bench.
"Now for the difficult decision: Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir?"
"Ha well, I'm not fussy so, whatever you want." Gosh, why did the woman have to be so darn attractive? Kate wasn't an innocent in the world of dating and she certainly wasn't inexperienced but it had been a while. That's what she chalked it up to, too long of a dry spell.
Maura pushed a glass toward her. Kate had no idea what the doctor had chosen but she took a sip and moaned at the taste. "Oh wow… That's incredible."
"Mmhmm." Maura gulped half of her glass down and topped it back up. "Are you alright?" Maura noticed that the older woman was more quiet than usual.
"Oh yeah, you're fine- I mean, I'm fine- good." Kate's cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
"Kate! You need more wine." Maura joked and topped the nanny's glass up again despite her protests.
"No, I— ok." She laughed. "Listen, Maura… I'd rather be upfront with you than allow this to get weird. I mean it probably wont come as a surprise but I wanted you to know that I- ah-" This felt harder than when she came out to her parents. "I'm a lesbian."
The shocked look on the blonde's face was comical. "What?! Seriously?"
"Uh yeah. You couldn't tell?" Kate couldn't believe it.
"Well, no, I couldn't… I don't like labels much and I'm not very proficient at reading particular social aspects that would indicate that you are a lesbian."
Kate raised her eyebrows at that. Coming from anyone else she would call them a liar but there was an innocence about Maura that proved she wasn't making any of this up. "Is it going to be a problem?" Kate asked sincerely.
"Goodness, no! Of course not. That would be a bit hypocritical of me, don't you think?"
"I guess so. I just wanted you to know because, to be honest, I find you extremely attractive but I would never act on it. I just needed you to know that. Plus I also really just need to go on a date! It's been a while." She confessed. Her chest felt much lighter.
"I'm flattered by your attraction, Kate, and am glad to hear you have integrity. I trust you and I'm sure we can find you someone cute for a date!" Maura excitedly clapped her hands together at the prospect of finding a match for the lovely older woman. "Oh! I know this pretty redhead at work I could introduce you to!"
"Oh god, I've created a monster." Kate shook her head at Maura's enthusiasm.
"Ummm, well duh." Jane rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe Maura hadn't realised that her new nanny was a lesbian.
"How did you know?!" The doctor asked, surprised.
"Babe, she practically has a mohawk."
"No she doesn't!"
"Ok, well, she's covered in tattoos and is very muscular." Jane argued.
"Honey, she lifts weights!" The doctor argued back.
"Exactly!" Jane exclaimed as if Maura's point had just proven hers.
"Did you know she finds me attractive?" Maura teased.
"What the fuck?!" That pissed Jane off. "Did she hit on you?" The special agent stood up and paced. She really wished she lived there. She wouldn't have to deal with this bullshit if she did.
"Oh Jay, no! I don't think she would ever try anything and she said she just needed to go on a date so, I set her up with this gorgeous midwife that I work with. Her name is Andy and they're going out tomorrow night!" Maura had really enjoyed playing matchmaker.
"Ok Cupid, I'll calm down for now but I swear Maura, if she flirts with you, I'm gonna knock her out."
"You're sexy when you're jealous." Maura purred. "Tell me what you're going to do to me when you see me next?"
Jane sat back down and smiled. This was what she had called for; to connect with her girlfriend. She needed release. She needed Maura.
Once school had been back for a couple of weeks, Kate got a better feel for the kids' regular routine, and lowered her days to just Friday to Monday. It didn't really allow for a weekend social life but she had found dating a nurse, it didn't really matter. Andy's 'weekends' were often mid-week and that suited them both. This weekend, however, the rest of the Isles clan would be meeting Andy for the first time and Kate was slightly nervous. She really liked Andy but she had to get along with the Isles children for it to work.
The tattooed woman had taken charge of organising Elizabeth's ninth birthday party and the usual crew would be joining them as well as three more nine year old girls and their parents.
To make it more nerve-wracking, Jane was going to be there and Kate hadn't seen her since she had told Maura about her sexual orientation and subsequent attraction to her boss. She knew that the honey blonde would've spoken to her girlfriend about their chat. Having Andy there would help though. Jane had nothing to worry about. Maura was head-over-heels about her anyway.
Kate's thoughts were interrupted when the couple came into the house, arguing.
"I'm not sayin' that they shouldn't be here, babe. I'm just sayin' it's a lot of people— Uh, hey Kate." Kate waved and gave Jane a sympathetic look.
Maura ignored Kate and continued to address her younger girlfriend. "They're family, Jane! You can't just not invite them!"
"Ok Maur. Sorry." Jane resigned to basically saying 'yes dear' even if she disagreed. Maura was right though. Her brothers, Frost, Korsak. They were all family. Jane was just overwhelmed at being at a nine year old's party right now with everyone when all she wanted was movie and snuggle time with her family. Arguing with Maura was not how she wanted to spend her weekend.
Maura huffed as she practically threw her bag on the table and stomped upstairs.
"Damn Jane. You're on the couch tonight!" Kate teased and Jane grinned.
"Nah, Maura's feisty but it doesn't last long at all." Jane walked to the fridge to retrieve a beer. "Want one?"
"Sure." Kate sat at the bench and chatted with the FBI agent for a few minutes before Jane was proven right when Maura came back downstairs. Having calmed down, the doctor wandered into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around the brunette's waist, kissing her on the jaw.
Jane held her around the shoulders when the smaller woman went to pull away and captured her lips. Maura's arms enclosed tightly around Jane's back, her hands gripped the grey sweatshirt as the kiss deepened.
The doorbell rang. The couple kept kissing.
Kate decided she should answer it and stop being a creeper. She was happy she did as Andy stood on the doorstep. "Hey." Kate greeted the petite redhead with a peck to the lips.
"Hi Kate." Andy responded and stared in wonder as she entered the large home. "This place is huge." She whispered, not knowing who might be listening. They got closer to the kitchen and Kate rolled her eyes at the show that Jane and Maura were giving.
"Uh, sorry. They haven't seen each other in a while. Come outside. Do you want to help me decorate?"
"Uh sure, I'd love to." Andy tried to ignore the show that was on display in the kitchen but it was kind of hard to not stare. Jane had Maura pinned against the counter, hands under her shirt, making out like teenagers. "I can't believe that's Maura!" Andy commented, chuckling. Kate chuckled along with her, knowing that Maura was the consummate professional at work and didn't talk about her private life at all.
"Mmm baby, what time does the party start?" Jane asked between kisses. She slid her hands lower on Maura's body and ran her hands underneath the hem of the doctor's skirt.
"3pm"
Jane lifted her hand to check her watch. 2:17pm. They had time.
"Upstairs. Now." Jane walked the smaller woman backwards but didn't even get to the first step when the front door opened and Angela arrived with the three girls.
"Mama!" They screeched when they saw Jane. Angela beamed at this. Her daughter was a natural with those kids and loved them as her own.
"My girls!" Jane bent down and hugged them all at once. "Happy birthday my sweet Eli belly." Jane gave Elizabeth another big hug and kiss. "Where's Alex?" She asked, upset to not be seeing her favourite boy.
"He's wiv uncle Frankie and Nina." Lucille informed her.
"Yep! He didn't wanna be at a girl's party." Maddie confirmed.
"Nina?" Jane questioned and looked up at Maura. The blonde made a kissy face to indicate that Frankie and Nina were dating and Jane laughed at the doctor's cute puckered lips and shook her head. This was the first she had heard about her brother seeing anyone. "When's Alex gonna be home?"
"He'll be here for the party. Probably in about an hour or so." Maura informed her.
"Ok. Hey Ma." Jane straightened up and kissed her mother on the cheek.
"Hi baby. Are you eating enough?" Angela tried to turn her and looked at Maura. "Maura, she's lost weight!"
"Ma, leave it!" Jane swatted her away which made the girls all giggle.
Maura wrapped her arms around Jane's middle and looked up at her in adoration. "I think she's looking amazing."
Kate and Andy came inside holding hands and Jane raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"Hi Kate!" The three girls called and Jane had a deep sense of satisfaction that they didn't all throw themselves at her like they did with Jane.
"Hello girls! This is my friend, Andy."
"Hi Andy." Eli greeted politely and held out her hand, just like her mother would. "I'm Eli."
Andy met all three girls and then Kate introduced her to Jane and Angela. Maura and her embraced. They both found that they enjoyed each other's company a lot and had started to hang out occasionally at work during meal times over the past few weeks.
The doorbell sounded and two of Eli's friends were at the door. "Rachel! Trinity!" Eli squealed. The girls all ran outside and Jane welcomed Rachel's mother that had arrived with both girls.
"Hi ladies." Angela greeted, familiar with the woman from school drop off and pick up.
"Angela, so great to see you." Trudy, Rachel's mother greeted warmly.
"You too Trudy." Angela introduced Jane and Maura. "This is my daughter, Jane, and this is Maura."
Jane felt awkward right now. This wasn't her house and they hadn't officially discussed her change of status to give her any right to introduce herself as anyone other than Maura's girlfriend. Yet, she was so much more significant than that.
Maura sensed the awkwardness and made an executive decision. She stepped forward and extended her hand. "We're Eli's parents. It's lovely to meet you." The tiny bit inside of Jane that still felt rejected and doubted Maura's commitment to her, dissipated hearing the declaration.
Trudy didn't hide the surprise on her face but didn't seem bothered by the revelation. "Yes, likewise." She gave a warm smile to both women and they all moved further into the house. "You have a beautiful home."
"Thank you." Maura accepted the compliment and led everyone outside to where the party was happening.
Eli's best friend, Peyton, turned up next. Maura answered the door to a surly looking man and his chubby bleached blonde wife. The doctor had met them before and while their little girl was a delight to have, she wasn't overly fond of her parents.
"Hi Mrs Matthews, Mr Matthews. Please come in."
"Ah, nah. We're just gonnah drop Peyton off. We'll come back for her tomorrah." Molly Matthews declared in her heavy Bostonian accent.
"Uh, I- ok then." Maura placed her hand on the dark haired girl's shoulder and manoeuvred her into the house. She was worried when Peyton didn't even say goodbye to her mother and father. "Goodbye." Maura closed the door and shook her head. She really didn't understand some parents.
Eli was so excited to see her best friend. They were gorgeous, holding hands for almost the entire time throughout the party.
"Oh my god, babe. I'm sooo tired. Why are kids so full of energy?" Jane groaned and flopped her recently washed, naked body on the bed.
Elizabeth had an incredible time at her party with her friends. Alex had turned up about an hour before it ended and had made Jane play hard.
The eldest Rizzoli met her brother's new girlfriend who worked with him at BPD. She really hoped he didn't mess this one up. Nina was great.
Maura walked out of the bathroom in her silk robe, wearing a smile. It broadened when she took in Jane's pose. She climbed onto the bed with a seductive gleam in her eye.
Jane watched through half-lidded eyes as the smaller woman straddled her. She ran her hands along smooth thighs and over the silk robe, untying it and letting it fall open. Maura leaned down and pressed their naked upper halves together.
"Guess what?" Jane whispered against full lips that were about to devour hers.
"What?" Maura breathed out, waiting on Jane before going further.
"I got the job in Boston." Jane had been dying to tell Maura all day but this moment was perfect. Her face almost split in half delivering the happy news.
Hazel eyes widened and Maura almost squealed. She grabbed Jane's face and kissed her hard. "Oh my god." She kissed her again. "Congratulations sweetheart." She kissed her longer and more deeply but her mind wouldn't quiet until she asked the important questions. The doctor sat up and ran her hands from Jane's collarbone down to her belly. "When do you start?"
"Not for about six months but that's pretty quick. It usually takes at least a year or two. Dean's not impressed with me and we're under a strict agreement I stay on the Hoyt case if we don't catch him before then."
"Six months?! So, around March next year? I can't wait!" Maura leaned over again and claimed Jane's lips. They could discuss the details later but right now, they had to celebrate.
"Rizzoli." Jane answered her phone.
"Hi Jane!" Kate's friendly voice greeted.
"Oh hey Kate, what's up?" The FBI agent was concerned. It was unlike the new nanny to call her for any reason. "Is Maura ok?" Jane asked in a sudden panic.
"What? Uh yeah. I think so. She's at work. I got a call from the school saying that they couldn't get a hold of her."
Jane frowned. "She only checks her phone in her break. Hang on a second." Jane looked at her call history. She hadn't missed any calls recently. "They didn't try me… What's wrong?"
"They said that Elizabeth isn't feeling well. Should I go get her?"
"Yeah, for sure. If Eli says she's not well, it's the truth." Jane chuckled. The kid was just like her mother. She was studious, a rule-abider (for the most part), and couldn't lie to save herself.
"Ok, thanks Jane. I'll go and pick her up then."
"Yeah, no worries. Hey Kate?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you get her to FaceTime me when you guys get home? Maura's iPad is in the top right drawer in her office."
"Of course. We'll call in about thirty minutes."
"Cool, thanks."
"Hi Mama." Elizabeth beamed at Jane.
They had been finally given permission to call the brunette by their preferred name after Eli's birthday party. Maura's concession had factored in many reasons: Firstly, the FBI agent was getting transferred to Boston in six months and would be moving in with them; secondly, the blonde had been worn down by Alex's persistence; and thirdly, she figured that if she introduced Jane as her children's other parent, then they should be allowed to call her 'mama'. Jane was over the moon about it. It also meant that the doctor needed to seriously look into the legalities to make it all official. Marriage was starting to sound more appealing to her anyway.
"Hey Eli belly. You don't look sick!" Jane joked. The young girl really didn't look unwell but Jane knew she wouldn't lie about it.
"Umm… Mama?"
"Yeah sweetie?"
"I'm not really sick." Eli confessed.
Jane frowned at that. It was very unlike Elizabeth to be dishonest. Something else was obviously wrong. "Why did you say you were then, sweetie?"
The nine year old was near tears at having deceived anyone. "I- I didn't mean to lie."
"I believe you honey but I need you to tell me what's going on." Jane probed gently.
Elizabeth let a few tears fall and swiped at them clumsily with one hand. Her other still holding her mother's iPad. "I had a fight."
"A fight?!" Jane's eyebrows almost disappeared into her hairline. "Are you hurt?" She asked, looking more carefully at the young girl's face.
"Not a punching fight, Mama!" Eli responded slightly annoyed. "Rachel and Trinity were really mean and I felt sad."
"Oh baby, I'm sorry. What happened?"
"I don't wanna talk about it." Eli started weeping softly.
"Eli, I care about you so much and I don't want you to be sad. C'mon, tell me what happened? What did they say to you?" Jane enquired softly.
"They- they c-called me a weirdo." She uttered through her sniffling.
"A weirdo? Why'd they say that?"
"They said- coz I have t- two mommies that I'm a weirdo. Is th- that true? Jasmin in Alex's class has two mommies a- and she isn't a weirdo." The sincerity of Elizabeth's question broke Jane's heart.
Trying hard to not let her upset show to this precious little girl that didn't deserve to be teased because of her parent's relationship, Jane did her best to say the right thing.
"Eli, you are most definitely not a weirdo. Having two mommies doesn't make you that. Me and Mommy loving each other, doesn't make us weirdos, and people that say those things are usually trying to hide their own problems by hurting others because they feel small about themselves."
"Really?" Eli's small voice made Jane want to jump on the next plane and just cuddle her worries away.
"Yeah kiddo! Some people are just nasty and so they bully others. Stay away from them for now, ok? How's Peyton? Is she still being nice to you?"
"Yes! She's my best friend. She would never be mean to me and she really likes you and Mommy."
"Well, sounds like she's the one to stick with honey. You don't need that kind of drama in your life, do ya?"
"No." Eli wiped her eyes again, finally feeling better. "Can't you just arrest them?" She giggled and Jane fell in love a little bit more.
"Oh, I wish!" Jane joked and got serious again for a moment. "Hey Eli… I miss you."
"I miss you too, Mama. When are you coming home again?"
"Hopefully soon, kiddo. Thanksgiving for sure."
"That's a whole month away!"
"You sound like Mommy… I'll try for sooner, ok?"
"Ok." Elizabeth almost dropped the iPad when her mother entered her office.
"Hi darling. Are you alright?" Maura asked from the doorway to her office.
Kate had informed Maura of Eli's early pickup from school as soon as the doctor walked in the door. She also let Maura know that Eli was on a call to Jane.
The honey blonde had smiled sweetly at that. Jane was her children's hero. She hoped it would always be that way.
"Hi beautiful." Jane grinned at her gorgeous girlfriend as her face filled half of the screen.
"Hi love, can I join this little chat?" Maura aimed her question at her daughter who nodded happily.
"Uh huh. Mama and I were just talking about when she is coming home next." Eli informed her mother.
"Ah, my favourite topic." Maura kept the conversation lighthearted. "When is that going to be, JJ?"
"Soon babe."
"Mama said Thanksgiving!"
"That's a whole month away!" Maura exclaimed unhappily, sounding exactly like her daughter.
"I told ya!" Jane directed at Eli and the young girl giggled. Riley called out to Jane from across the office and Jane nodded to indicate that she had been heard. "Ok, my beautiful girls. I have to go now but I will call tomorrow morning for Saturday breakfast and game time."
"By Mama. Love you." Elizabeth called as she was already almost out the door.
"Love you, Eli." Jane called back and then softened her voice. "I love you, Maura."
"I love you too, Jane."
"I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Bye."
The call ended and Jane let it sink in that she wasn't there to comfort her… daughter. It might not be official but it didn't make any difference to her. Seeing Maura for only a few minutes was also bitter sweet. Tomorrow's call couldn't come soon enough.
I admit, I am building up to some drama... I don't really want to enter the realm of angst but it might touch it briefly. Keep the ideas coming! I'm loving your thoughts :)