Author: eponinesghost (EppieG)
Title: I Want You To Want Me Part 25/?
Pairing: Rizzoli/Isles
Rating: Let's see where it goes …
Disclaimer: Characters belong to the creators of Rizzoli & Isles. No infringement intended.
Notes/Summary: Is she bright … so well read … are there novels by her bed?
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Jane was amazed by how much better she felt Friday morning.
A good night's sleep, the possibilities of the day …
She had taken Maura's advice and used a butterfly bandage on her eyebrow cut. It was far less bulky and obvious, but the small white adhesive would still draw plenty of attention with its stark contrast to the dark bruises surrounding it and to her killer base tan.
Even her wrist seemed to sting less when she applied the ointment after her shower.
Work-related injuries were old hat. It was her personal challenges that gave her fits.
Miguel was nearly giddy about her "hot date" with Julie.
She had rolled her eyes and smirked as she read his lengthy reply to her message. He absolutely did not think it was too soon. Nor did he think that the "straight-laced Catholic girl" he knew still hovered around Jane's consciousness should balk at whatever happened once the dinner was over.
"Baby, you are a devastatingly sexy consenting adult who should be enjoying her newfound swagger and swerve. And, hey, it's not like you can get pregnant."
Jane wouldn't let herself think that far. It was a "thank you" dinner. And yes, it was at her apartment where the two of them would be alone, in private … and yes, there had been lots of flirting which made her blush … and she was sure that Julie was interested …
But she could not allow her brain continue down that road.
Not yet.
The first part of Miguel's email had been dedicated to his reaction to the picture she had sent of her face.
He was equal parts distressed and impressed. He also reminded her that her job might cut into her value as a model if she didn't protect the goods. She almost got emotional when he wished he could be there to kiss it and make it better.
As an alternative, he suggested that she get Julie or Maura to do it instead, and Jane couldn't help zeroing in on the feel of Maura's fingers as they grazed her cheek. She had tried closing her eyes to block out the fantasy of that same caress accompanied by a soft kiss just above her eyebrow.
It didn't work.
The last thing Miguel said about the aftermath of her scuffle with Wojtek was for her to remember its saving grace and turn it to her advantage: "Chicks dig scars."
Thank God.
She had plenty. Visible and otherwise.
As he signed off, Miguel had pushed his luck a little further.
"If I hear from you before ten o'clock Saturday morning, you are dead to me. Sleep in (wink, wink) and fix the woman a good breakfast."
Jane snorted and jotted off a quick, succinct reply.
"You're worse than my mother. And why are we only talking about MY sex life?"
As she pressed "send" she couldn't keep the wide smile off of her face.
How could it be possible that three weeks ago she hadn't even known him, and now she was sharing intimate secrets with the man?
Maybe Miguel was a little bit magic too.
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Maura made a point to arrive at the Pittsfield medical examiner's laboratory facility before 8 a.m.
She needed to make sure that she got an early start in case the circumstances of this particular assignment required a full day of scrutinizing and negotiating.
In addition, she wanted her early morning presence to signal how much she appreciated the seriousness and sensitivity of the situation.
Despite her initial misgivings regarding the trip, she had thoroughly enjoyed the ride from Albany the previous evening with Dr. Charles. He had insisted that she call him "Emmitt," but she could only bring herself to refer to him the same way she had when he had been her professor.
The time had flown by as they discussed the events of the years since they'd been in touch. It was obvious that Dr. Charles was quite proud of and impressed by the path she'd taken and the accomplishments she'd recorded.
On her part, it was refreshing to speak with someone who she had admired and respected as a mentor on a peer level. So much so that when he had suggested that they continue their conversation over dinner, she'd readily accepted. It wasn't often that she got the chance to be completely herself away from her core group of friends.
As usual, any thought about her limited circle of confidants and those she allowed close to her brought Jane to mind.
She just needed to get this obligation settled and then she could fully concentrate on what was really important to her.
Starting a new phase of her life with Jane by her side.
And in her arms.
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Jane Rizzoli rarely had company over.
She defined "company" as anyone other than her family, Maura, Frost or Korsak.
Since she didn't know exactly how much time she'd have between leaving work and Julie's arrival, she made a frenzied "sweep" of the place. Hiding laundry, wiping down the kitchen, tossing spoiled food from the fridge. Anything else would have to wait or be ignored.
Besides Miguel, Frost was the only other person she'd told about her pending date.
If she was being completely honest with herself, she knew it was a date. With all the accompanying implications.
He could tell that she was antsy the moment she arrived at headquarters. Thankfully, he didn't acknowledge it or prod for any updates. After a morning of tapping her pen repeatedly on her desk and an inordinate number of trips to get coffee or visit the ladies' room, he finally pulled her aside.
"Want to talk about it?"
"Not really. Not sure there's anything to talk about."
"Well, for starters … how nervous you are."
Jane slumped. "I know. It's really obvious, isn't it?"
"Only to me. To everyone else, you're always jumpy and moody."
He was rewarded with a threatening frown.
"Thanks."
Jane rubbed her face. "Frost … I'm gonna be a basket case the rest of the day if something doesn't distract me."
"You could tell your mom. That would keep you busy for a while."
After a hard glare, Jane murmured. "I feel like I'm back in high school again."
Frost was sympathetic, but also determined to be supportive.
"Look, she's into you, and you said yourself that she was what I would call a straight up fox … so don't get all worked up like it's some scary blind date."
He placed his hand warmly on her forearm.
"It's not like high school. This time, the cool, good looking athlete asked YOU out. You don't have to do anything but show up and be yourself."
Just as Jane was going to genuinely thank him, maybe even give him a quick hug, he added.
"And brush your hair. Maybe put on something a little more … appealing. And chew with your mouth closed …"
He ducked away in time to avoid her punch.
Shaking her head on the way back to her desk, she tried to focus on the constructive part of what he'd said.
There was no need to agonize over whether or not Julie was going to like her. That part she was sure of. She didn't need to dress to impress … the woman had seen her mid-jog and was still interested. She would be on her home turf, comfortable and maybe even confident in her own surroundings. It was going to be fine. Even if things were to get interesting …
Shit.
Leaning down, she ran her hand up her shin. She hadn't shaved her legs. That would be priority one when she got home.
As she was straightening back up her phone announced an incoming text.
"TGIF. Erin's about to take me on a shopping run. Do you prefer red or white?"
Smirking, Jane hurriedly answered. "Blue."
She could almost picture Julie turning her head slightly sideways as she puzzled over Jane's answer.
"?"
Gotcha.
"Blue Moon. Beer. I don't mind wine but I'd prefer beer. And I have plenty, so no need to buy more."
It took only a few seconds longer for Julie to respond.
"Sounds like a plan. Beer goes with everything. Calla Lily?"
That one made Jane actually snort. Geez, what if?
"No, thank God."
"So, see ya at 7."
"Sounds like a plan."
She had just placed her phone back down on her desk when she heard her partner slyly comment.
"I see you over there … smilin' …"
"Shut up, Frost."
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Maura was surprised to see that the Pittsfield M.E. was so young.
As she introduced herself and Dr. Charles and they all shook hands, he had a hard time making eye contact when he spoke.
"Dr. Lerner. It's an honor to meet both of you." He used the index finger on his free hand to push his glasses up on his nose. "Please, call me Sheldon."
Maura retrieved her hand from his grasp and got right down to business.
"We're here for a consult on your quarantined cadaver."
Bobbing his head up and down, Dr. Lerner motioned for them to follow as he turned and entered the lab.
"I tried to tell them that all of this was totally unnecessary, that it was completely safe to keep the body in a regular storage unit, but … they … anyway, we've isolated him in here … this way."
As they made their way to the sealed off room, Dr. Lerner apologized.
"I'm sorry for the added inconvenience, but you will be required to wear protective gear when entering."
Maura almost felt sorry for the young doctor. She could hear Dr. Charles grunt his irritation.
"It's not a problem, Dr. Lerner. We'll be glad to meet you back in your office when we've finished."
Carefully donning the hazmat suit another staffer provided, she was surprised to hear Dr. Lerner clear his throat. Turning back toward him, she paused. "Yes?"
"It's just that, I had assumed … I would … I would be happy to accompany you both inside."
In her most professional manner, Maura cut off any further discussion.
"It would be best for Dr. Charles and me to examine the body independently. We'll present our findings to you when we've completed our investigation."
Dr. Lerner looked chastened. Backing up slowly, he nearly whispered, "I'll leave you to it, then."
Just before she sealed her headgear, Maura heard Dr. Charles mutter with slight disgust.
"Kids today."
Checking all of her safety equipment, she smiled and clicked on her microphone.
"Let's help get this kid out of the hot water he's found himself in, shall we?"
"After you, Dr. Isles."
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Jane left work well after she'd intended to, but in plenty of time to shower again … and thoroughly shave her legs.
Her injuries were healing fast, but she had to apply another butterfly band aid. The best news was that her wrist bandage was much smaller now as well.
After much deliberation - and a few changes of clothes - she had decided that jeans and a henley were the safest bet. If she looked too dressed up, she might seem desperate. Or at least like she was trying too hard. And there was no point in being uncomfortable.
Pacing, she made one last lap around the apartment.
Jo Friday's toys were put away. There was a sufficient supply of cold beer in the refrigerator. She had brushed her hair. It was nearly seven, so whatever else she had to do, she had to do it quickly.
Shrugging, she reached for her phone as it beeped.
"Meet me outside?"
Exhaling deeply, Jane headed for the door.
Her first real date with a woman started now.
God she hoped she was ready.
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Maura couldn't believe how little it had taken to appease the Pittsfield obstructionists who had so rigidly insisted, just the day before, that she dispel any suspicion of a looming viral threat.
She and Dr. Charles had thoroughly and patiently gone over practically every inch of the victim … subsequent to the several minutes they spent reassuring the lab techs that the toxin-proof suits were completely unnecessary.
It had been somewhat of a lark to banter back and forth with her former professor about rudimentary autopsy procedures and findings. All of the grumpiness Dr. Charles had displayed after their arrival had disappeared as soon as his grinning face had popped out of the hazmat helmet.
They had turned on the recorder and he began a subtly sarcastic and highly pedestrian question and answer session with his "favorite student."
"Dr. Isles, why is it that we have been called in to re-examine the deceased?"
"In order to rule out any manifestation or suggestion of the Marburg virus, Dr. Charles."
"Then let's proceed to do just that, shall we?"
"Of course."
In a fairly theatrical manner, he steered her through a routine checklist protocol, followed by a firm dismissal of each and every known presentation of viral hemorrhagic fever.
Maura tried to keep the seriousness of their perusal in mind as she was responding, but she was openly enjoying participating in this 'game' with her mentor, and had no doubt that the lilt in her voice would be obvious on playback.
When they had systematically cross checked and excluded all possible indicators of any form of hemorrhagic virus, Dr. Charles kept going.
"Do you notice anything else about the late Mr. Dreyfus that might deserve our attention, Dr. Isles?"
For a moment, Maura hovered on the verge of the familiar bout of nerves that would surface whenever Professor Charles conducted a stringent oral exam. But then she relaxed. She was unquestionably capable of holding her own against anyone in her field. Even someone who had once seemed like a such an intimidating figure.
"Yes, I do, Dr. Charles. He has an acute subconjunctival hemorrhage or hyphema … or quite possibly both, which is uncommon. He also presents with severe dehydration … that, taken in tandem with the appearance of the esophagus and membranes inside the mouth, is the probable result of prolonged or persistent nausea."
"Go on."
"Of course. There are small to medium grade sores on the arms and lower legs, which upon closer examination, I've determined to be bites … either rodent or insect in origin. Considering his age, and the accompanying notes from the scene describing the near uninhabitable conditions of his surroundings, it's likely that he contracted a flu-like illness that went untreated."
"The copious vomiting and violent coughing would explain the subconjunctive hemorrhage. He was found in the middle of the floor, so a fall could account for the hyphema."
"Very interesting theories, Dr. Isles."
For a moment Maura was frozen. She'd been caught guessing in front of one of her strictest instructors. Working homicide cases with Jane had obviously affected her adherence to known factual information.
"And ones with which I concur. Let's go speak with young Dr. Lerner."
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They found him waiting nervously behind his desk, pushing his glasses up on his nose.
He flew up out of his seat like he'd been surprised by their entrance, nearly standing at attention as he searched their faces for clues to the content of the impending conversation.
"Dr. Lerner, we've categorically ruled out any danger of extreme viral contagion. Neither Marburg nor any other viral hemorrhagic fever killed this man."
"I knew it!"
The young medical examiner seemed embarrassed about his enthusiastic outburst as soon as his fist began to fall from where he'd pumped it above his shoulder.
Maura didn't attempt to hide her smile.
"Can you tell us how this spiraled into such a needlessly volatile situation?"
"Yes, of course … From what I understand, a trainee who was shadowing the paramedics became excited and rather outspoken about the deceased 'bleeding from the eyes.' He was practically shouting it, according to one of the officers on the scene."
"The hyphema and subconjunctal hemorrhaging would probably be enough to cause that reaction … in a layperson."
"Right." Dr. Lerner was once again bobbing his head up and down.
"And then, it spread like wildfire from the old man's apartment that he also had been the victim of some sort of flesh-eating virus."
Dr. Charles shook his head and looked at the ceiling. "Amateurs."
Immediately, Maura made sure that Dr. Lerner knew that he was not included in the general condemnation.
"Didn't you try to explain to them that the hype they were reacting to was the result of multiple insect or vermin bites?"
"Of course I did … but by the time the body arrived, there were already 'officials' here who had been spooked by the field reports. They got in my face and began questioning my credentials without even letting me approach the deceased."
His face flushed red as he remembered.
"They asked if I could absolutely rule out Ebola or Marburg from the information they gave me. I replied that I could not without first thoroughly examining Mr. Dreyfus's body."
Maura was nodding in agreement. "Of course you couldn't. Not under those circumstances."
"One of them even turned to the other and said, 'I knew it! I knew we shouldn't have hired this kid … he's still wet behind the ears.'"
Dr. Lerner was clearly still indignant about the comment.
"Even after I did get a chance to perform the initial autopsy, the wheels were already set in motion to have someone else confirm … or correct … my work."
It didn't escape Maura's notice that he was clenching his fists. She looked pointedly at Dr. Charles.
"I think I'll just go have a word … or a few … with these so-called medical experts. Check what credentials they have to start a citywide panic."
As Dr. Charles left the room with his jaw set, Maura moved closer to the young M.E.
"Sheldon … I'm calling you Sheldon now that I know you, but you should always insist that others refer to you as 'Dr. Lerner' until they are very familiar and trustworthy. Don't give away the power of your title so easily."
He appeared to relax and his eyes were filled with gratitude.
"Sheldon, your age and appearance are going to subject you to skepticism and disrespect. You have to overcome those hurdles with professionalism and science. Be confident in what you know and honest about what you do not. Never stop trying to find the right answers, even when pressured to produce an outcome. You're going to be a fine medical examiner."
She stuck out her hand.
"And don't hesitate to call me or my office if you need anything. Resources, consultations, or just a sounding board." She remembered a phrase that was full of support and validation. "I've got your back."
He shook her hand firmly and seemed to draw himself up straighter as he did so.
"Thank you, Dr. Isles. I will remember that."
"Call me Maura."
She winked at him and turned to leave.
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Over lunch, Maura and Dr. Charles shared their newfound affection for Sheldon.
She greatly enjoyed hearing about how 'the suits' … as Jane would have called them … reacted to his brutal evisceration of their tactics and opinions regarding their own medical examiner.
When it came time to head back toward Albany, Maura had a sudden epiphany.
It was early enough in the day that she didn't have to go all the way to Albany to catch a flight. It would only take her a few hours to drive back to Boston if she rented a car. That would save Dr. Charles a trip to the airport and she'd have much more time to think ...
She called Susie and asked her to arrange a rental. She could drop it off at Logan and have a car sent to pick her up there. She didn't want to call Angela … or Jane … because if things worked out the way she wanted them to, her arrival was going to be a surprise.
Once the preparations were all in place, she began to let her mind wander.
This evening could be a pivotal moment in her life.
She needed to make it memorable.
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By the time Jane hit the front steps, Julie and Erin were already out of the car.
She spotted Stuart behind the wheel and waved.
The women seemed to be having a disagreement over something that was still in the vehicle.
When Julie saw her host making her way toward them, she immediately stopped talking and smiled. Until she noticed the bandage and bruising.
"Hey you, what in the world happened?"
Jane moved quickly to take the two grocery bags from Erin, who also seemed slightly alarmed by the difference in the detective's appearance.
"Hey yourself. Hi, Erin … um, it was my turn to bait the K-9 unit?"
When Julie put both hands on her hips and stared at her without grinning, she hastily told part of the truth.
"Sometimes the bad guys resist arrest." She shrugged, clutching the groceries tighter. Looking down at Julie's new walking boot, she added. "Besides, it's not nearly as painful as what you're dealing with."
"Jane, would you please tell Wonder Woman here that she needs to use her cane? The doctor agreed that she could ditch the crutches IF she used the cane to help keep weight off the bad ankle."
Erin, her hands now free, reached inside the back door of the sedan and retrieved a silver cane with a small platform on the bottom supported by four short pegs. It appeared to be standard hospital issue. She thrust it toward Julie who was clearly irritated.
"Jane, tell her that I'm not stupid and will not compromise my recovery in any way. Also, tell her how ugly and unattractive that thing is."
Shifting the grocery bags to get a better grip, Jane winked at Erin.
"I don't know, put a few mini tennis balls on the bottom of the little legs and you'll be the sexiest shuffler at the nursing home."
For a moment, Julie looked like she might stomp her good foot. Jane stopped teasing and softened her voice.
"Tell you what … use it to get inside and into the apartment, and then I'll let you hide it behind my couch."
Rolling her eyes, Julie snatched it away from Erin, ignoring the smirk on her roommate's face. Jane heard her muttering as she took a heavy step forward.
"And here I thought that my mother was over 900 miles away in Indiana."
"Oh stop pouting and have a great evening. What time do you want us to pick you up?"
When Julie hesitated, Jane spoke instead.
"I'll bring her home. It's not a problem, really. You and Stuart enjoy YOUR evening."
Before Erin could say anything in response, Jane had turned toward the front steps. As she was bracing her hip against the door to grab the handle, she heard Julie stage-whisper to her friend.
"Don't wait up!"
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Jane kept a close eye on her guest as she maneuvered around the apartment.
As long as Julie was using the counter and furniture for balance, she actually moved pretty well. Sitting across from her on one of the stools, Jane was enjoying watching her lay out everything she had purchased to make dinner.
She was organized, but not in the same way as Maura. She couldn't quite put her finger on the difference, but it just seemed more natural. Like how her mother operated in the kitchen.
Julie had her hair pulled back in a ponytail as she worked. Occasionally sipping on the beer Jane had opened for her as she paused between tasks. In her simple blue sweater and jeans, she appeared relaxed and comfortable in Jane's space.
And very, very attractive.
Taking a swig of her own Blue Moon, Jane was amused by the way she talked to herself as she cooked. It was quiet and not very clear, but wholeheartedly adorable. Jane was almost certain that she had no idea that she was even doing it.
"Are you sure you don't want a stool on that side to sit on while you do that?"
Blue eyes swung in her direction and she momentarily forgot what she'd been saying.
"I'm sure. It's actually more awkward that way. I'll make sure I prop it up during breaks."
Nodding, Jane tipped her beer back again.
"Will you let me help?"
With a grin, Julie tilted her head. "I think there might be enough room over here for you to start the salad."
A few minor directions and adjustments later, and Jane was washing lettuce and chopping bell peppers. Careful not to get in the way or accidently cause Julie to trip, she filled in a few more of the blanks about her work week.
Julie, in turn, tried to describe what it had been like to go from being extremely active to practically housebound for a week.
"I'm actually kind of amazed that you're doing as well as you are, considering how awful everything looked Monday morning."
Swiveling her head around from where she was standing at the stove, Julie caught Jane's eye again.
"Not everything looked awful Monday morning."
Jane could feel the blush coming and was helpless to stop it. Instead she lowered her eyes and murmured, "Are you trying to make me cut my fingers off?"
She could still feel those intense blue eyes on her as she heard Julie reply.
"Are you kidding me? Your fingers are the last things I want you to lose …"
Jane swallowed hard and was surprised to hear Julie chuckle.
"I swear, I've never been able to make someone react way you do to my teasing. It's so freaking cute!"
The last comment earned her a deep scowl. A scowl on a flushed red face, but a scowl nonetheless. Somehow that made the professor laugh harder.
"Seriously, Jane. In past relationships, I was usually … um, the one being … God this is going to sound so egotistical …" She rolled her eyes before she blurted out, "the one being pursued."
Dumping the peppers into the bowl, Jane smiled. "I can totally see that."
"And you? This is new for you too?"
God. If you had any idea …
"Yeah."
"Are you enjoying it as much as I am?"
It was a purposefully light question, but Jane could sense the gravity behind it. She needed to be honest.
"Yes. Probably more."
"Not possible."
Moving on to the fresh tomatoes, Jane cut her eyes back toward the blonde. "Well, unless we're going to throw rock/paper/scissors, I don't think there's a way for us to settle that one."
"Oooooooo I can think of much better ways to figure it out."
Jane looked away, but not before her face flamed warm once more and she heard a soft giggle.
"Tell me this, since we're being so … open."
Julie was stirring something in the saucepan that smelled wonderful.
"Is it a "C" that sounds like an "S" … like in Caesar, Champagne, or Chenille? Or a "K" sound like in Coco, Chrysanthemum, or Caviar?"
Jane let her head drop back and she growled at the ceiling.
"Argggggggggggh. You are never going to drop this are you?"
"Nope. So just help things along by answering my question."
"It's not the "S" sound, as in 'Cease and desist.' It's more like 'Cut it out'."
"Yay! A clue."
"Don't get too excited there, Nancy Drew. You're still never going to even come close to guessing it."
"Wanna bet?"
"I hate to lose."
"So I've assumed."
"Under what terms?"
"How about 'to be named later'?"
"Sure. It's a bet … if you even want to call it that. It's more like, 'tell me what I win' … "
Adding the tomatoes, along with some dried cranberries and walnuts to the salad bowl, Jane cleaned up her area of the counter.
"Anything else I can do?"
Julie beckoned her over to the stove. "You can taste this and tell me if it needs anything."
She dipped some of the sauce onto the wooden spoon and blew on it as Jane moved closer. Cupping her other hand beneath it, she lifted it toward Jane's mouth.
"Careful, it's still pretty hot."
Jane helped steady the spoon by supporting Julie's wrist. Holding her hair back with her free, bandaged hand, she leaned in.
She felt like she was moving in slow motion as her lips reached their goal. Julie's eyes were so clear and so close …
Straightening up, she smacked a few times as she tried to speak.
"That's really, really good."
"Yeah? It's got enough salt?"
"It might need just a touch more, but we can add it at the table. It's delicious."
Seemingly satisfied, Julie twisted to place the spoon back in its cradle on the counter. As she did so, the walking boot slipped on the kitchen floor. Jane reached out to steady her just as she lost her balance, catching her with both arms.
"You okay?"
Julie slid her hands up to Jane's shoulders to steady herself. Exhaling twice with her eyes closed, she seemed a little bit shaky. Nodding, she whispered, "Had a flash of panic there for a moment."
Jane gripped her tighter at the hip to reassure her that she wasn't going to fall. When Julie opened her eyes, she surprised Jane by laughing again.
Puzzled, the taller woman peered back at her. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm sure. It's just that … you have … a little sauce on your cheek, near the corner of your mouth."
Self-conscious all of the sudden, Jane started to raise her hand to wipe it off.
All humor gone from her voice, Julie stopped her.
"No … let me get it."
Sliding one of her hands up the side of Jane's neck, she cupped her fingers behind her ear, under the dark curls ... but instead of using her thumb to clean the smear of sauce away, she drew Jane's face toward hers.
Jane nearly stopped breathing as she felt soft, warm lips brush her skin just to the left of her mouth. Her eyes slammed shut as the tip of Julie's tongue washed the last trace from her target.
Over the buzzing in her ears, Jane could just barely hear her murmur.
"Tastes pretty perfect to me."
Then Julie was kissing her. And it felt wonderful.
She hardly had time to enjoy it, however, because a crashing sound startled them both.
Somewhat disoriented, Jane made sure Julie was braced against the counter before she flew around it toward the door - which was standing wide open.
It took her a few seconds to find the source of the noise … her mind was still racing to connect the dots.
Crouching on the floor, hurriedly retrieving items that she had evidently just dropped, was a very flustered and very familiar figure.
"Maura?"
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the end part 25
thanks for reading!