21 years before
"I think we should fill this out."
Jane stopped her fuddling with the broken wrench her father had challenged her to fix and leaned over to look closer.
"What is it?"
"It's a marriage application form. People fill it out before their wedding so they're allowed to get married."
"Okay," Jane agreed with a soft shrug. Maura, giddy excitement, clumsily scooted her kitchen stool closer to Jane's. Her upper body lunging haphazardly to get the momentum necessary for it to scrape across the floor in short spurts. The pen twirled between her fingers. Both of their legs swung from their seats at the large kitchen island. She scanned over the document once more and gave an understanding nod as she identified all the information they needed to fill in.
"I'll be Spouse A," she stated, starting to scribble in her answers as she read the form aloud. "Name – Maura Dorothea Isles. Date of birth – August 7th…"
Jane followed along for a little while before turning back to the broken tool in her hands, but still listening as Maura continued to read the rest of the questions and her corresponding information.
"Okay, your turn. Spouse B. Name – "
Jane turned her head and gave her a look. Something toeing the line of a sarcastic deadpan, because they both knew that Maura could probably answer all of Jane's information better than Jane could. Maura shot back a look of her own. One she had come to master when it came to convincing Jane. A friendly challenge that almost always ended in her favor. And after a brief standoff, they both smiled widely as Jane gave in.
"Jane Rizzoli."
"No, your full name."
She leaned in closer, almost hovering over the sheet to read the small box herself, confused by Maura's clarification. "That's it. Jane Rizzoli."
"What about your middle name?" Maura tapped at the box labeled 'Middle'.
Jane flinched. As if the paper in front of them lunged at her, trying to pull the information from her. "I don't have one."
"Yes you do," Maura challenged. "I know you do."
"No, I don't."
"Why won't you tell me what it is?" she asked, her question completely ignoring Jane's previous statement.
"Because it's embarrassing, Maura." Jane dropped her forehead down to the backs of her hands, propped like a small pillow on the cold marble.
"It can't be that bad."
A small whine escaped from her chest. And she gave a muffled answer. "But it is."
Maura stayed quiet, watching as Jane finally looked up to meet her gaze. Her eyes had gone soft as they held an understanding within them. A clear sense of trust Jane recognized she didn't hold with anyone else. And quickly her reservations came crumbling down.
"Fine I'll tell you. But, you can't tell anyone."
"I promise."
"I mean it, Maura. If you repeat this to anyone, or even say this name out loud, I will never speak to you again."
Maura nodded, running her pinched fingers across her lips as if zipping them shut, something Jane had taught her.
"It's… it's Clementine," she whispered. As hard as she tried, Maura couldn't hide the amused grin that slowly spread across her face. It was teasing and light, the way many of their conversations were, and Jane countered with a soft, equally playful, pout. "Don't smile Maura. Don't. Just write it down."
Maura's eyes glinted with one final mischievously teasing spark. It's brightness enough to tint Jane's cheeks pink and force a wide grin to her face. An expression that remained as they continued to fill out the rest of the form with her information.
"There. All finished." She set the pen down in triumph and looked to Jane with a proud grin.
"Now what do we do with it?"
"Well, normally you mail it in for approval, but…" she started, recalling as she spoke how a few weeks prior she realized how true one of Jane's initial objections actually was. There was no way they would ever be allowed to officially be married given their ages. There was no loophole to be discovered. The only thing left that could possibly happen was through a clerical error, and though they happened more frequently than realized, it was still slim chances.
It only took a second after Maura had trailed off for Jane to follow Maura's wandering thoughts. To see just how much Maura wanted this to be as close to real as possible. To create that unbreakable bond and be family like they already considered themselves to be. She leaned over, giving her a soft shoulder bump with her own.
"Even if we don't mail it, we could still put it in an envelope if you want. Make it as official as possible," she suggested, earning a soft nod and grateful smile.
They both sprinted to her Father's study in a friendly race, Maura to grab an envelope, Jane to find a stamp. The small competition just another thing Maura had come to look forward to whenever she was with Jane or any of the Rizzoli clan. They both reached the counter at about the same time, agreeing that this time it was a tie. And just as Maura began writing the address across the front, they both froze. Constance's distinctly clicking heels carried down the hall, striking a small amount of fear in them both.
"Maura, your mother is coming," Jane said in a hurried and panicked whisper. Her head bounced back and forth, looking at how close Maura was to being done and over her shoulder to determine how close the Isles' matriarch was. Her concern growing with each passing second. "Maura, hurry."
Maura finished her scribbling and quickly licked the envelope, sealing it shut as they slipped off their stools and raced through the door into the backyard. The stamped and addressed envelope left as a potential casualty on the kitchen counter. Better it than either of them.
Constance walked into the room moments later, completely unaware of the girls' presence just seconds earlier, her thoughts in a thousand other places. Without paying mind, she tossed her own stack of letters atop the one left behind, creating a messy pile that was now someone else's problem besides her own. She gave a quick glance to the empty kitchen and let out a frustrated huff, clearly expecting her staff to already be anticipating her needs and annoyed they were not.
"Vincent!" she yelled louder than necessary.
Vince briskly walked into the kitchen a moment later. And not waiting another beat, she started giving orders before he could even say hello.
"I need these to go out today." She patted the stack of mail, before pulling out her phone, her attention already fading. "Priority. See to it now so there's no chance they get delayed until tomorrow's post."
"Yes ma'am."
She walked off without saying another word, more important matters pressing at her than 'thank you' or politeness. Vince waited until she was out of sight, better chance of not running into her again, and with one sweeping motion he scooped up the entire pile and headed for the post office.
They ran until they knew they were well out of her mother's sight, leaving them breathless and brimming with the kind of giggles that come from relief after you almost get caught. Giggles that bloomed into belly laughs, and left them hunched over, hands on knees, until they both fell to the grass. Neither of them certain how long it took for them to calm down, neither of them really caring. Finally they rolled to their backs, eyes looking up to the blue sky poking through the breaks in the tree leaves above them.
Everything was quiet. One of those simple moments they could share without saying a word. Until Jane broke it with three and their laughter took off again with no end in sight.
"Dorothea and Clementine."
Her finger had barely left the doorbell before Maura swung open her front door. In fact, she was certain she could still hear the chime echoing through the house. But her focus quickly shifted to Maura. Her eyes wide and panicked. Her hair tousled in a way Jane knew hadn't been intended. Her own eyes searched for more, but before she could observe anything else, Maura grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside. She didn't let go as they speedily walked through the house and it took a great deal of effort on Jane's part not to tangle their feet and trip.
"Woah, Maura, slow down. It's not like the place is going to flood…"
The words died on her lips as they turned the corner into the kitchen. A wave of understanding, of realization at why Maura was so frantic, washed over her. Mounds of soaked towels and growing puddles of water filled the kitchen floor. The island that sat in the middle of the room looked close to becoming an actual island. After a moment of shock, Jane turned to Maura.
"You didn't turn off the water?"
"Does it look like I know how to turn off the water? It's why I called you."
Her words were quick, but not sharp. Filled with fluster more than anything else. A shadow of a grin ghosted over Jane's face as she watched Maura shake her head in disbelief and defeat. Because while the situation was rather unfortunate, she couldn't deny she loved seeing the unpolished Maura. The guard-down, real version. The one Jane knew often hid deep inside. This Maura was her favorite.
With still panicked eyes upon her, Jane gently set her hands atop Maura's shoulders.
"It's okay – "
"But – "
Jane gave a soft squeeze that cut off any of Maura's further concerns. All of them dissolved as her shoulders relaxed and her jaw released its tension. Everything soothing under Jane's touch until she once again felt as though she could breathe.
"It's going to be fine," Jane reassured. "Promise."
Maura nodded as Jane flashed her charming grin. One that left both their insides fluttering. A fluttering they both tried to mask and yet each of them had a small inkling their feelings were mirrored by the other. But before it could grow into anything more, Jane moved to the sink and squatted in front of the cupboard below. It was only as she reached for the handles that Maura remembered exactly what was happening within the small space.
"Just be careful. It was…" Jane opened the doors before she could finish. A chaotic spray burst out, flying in every direction, but primarily aimed into Jane's unexpecting face. She slammed the doors shut once again and Maura sheepishly finished her initial warning. "… spraying."
"Thanks, Maura," Jane replied, wiping the water away from her eyes.
This time, more prepared than the previous try, Jane dove back under the sink and into the wet mess it held. Her fingers slipped against the metal knob, pausing her attempt to cease the wild spray and only causing her to become more soaked. Finally she got the water shut off, giving a quick glance around to see what the problem might be before crawling back out.
"Just looks like a few sockets got loose. I'll have it fixed in no time."
"Great," Maura said with a smile, but inside she couldn't help how her heart sank. She really wished it were a major problem. One that would cause Jane to spend hours in her home.
As Jane predicted, it only took a tool or two and a couple of minutes before she declared it good as new.
"That should do it." Her was voice slightly muffled from under the sink. "Once I turn the water back on you'll be good to go."
There was a brief pause as she did exactly that, followed half a second later by the hiss of spewing water and a sharp yelp Maura had never heard Jane make before.
"Jesus – " she exclaimed, scrambling to shut it off once more. "Or not."
As if like a sixth sense, Jane could feel the amusement fill Maura's eyes and a laugh begin to bubble in her chest. And though she too found the humor in it, she couldn't help but tease.
"You better not be laughing, Maura."
"I can't promise that."
Jane's grin grew from ear to ear as she fiddled a little more before trying again. Both of them held their breaths until they were certain there weren't going to be any more eruptions. As Jane crawled back out, Maura was glad she hadn't made the promise not to laugh because one escaped against her will. The sight of Jane doused from the stomach up, her hair more wild because of it, enough to spring free a giddiness she hadn't felt in a long while.
"I'm glad you find this amusing," she joked, pulling at the shirt that now tightly clung to her front. Her eyes wandered, looking for a dry towel, but instead they fell upon something much more mischievous. The removeable nozzle head for the faucet. The perfect tool to make things a little more even.
"This seems a little unfair," she continued. "How did I end up this drenched mess, when it was your sink?"
Maura noticed the jest in her voice, but before she could even begin to think of what Jane had up her sleeve, she found herself facing a well-aimed nozzle. Poised and ready to strike.
"Jane," Maura threatened in the best serious tone she could muster, holding her hand out as if it were any help at all. Jane's smile only grew wider and more wily. The gentle teasing reminiscent of their childhood. She let out a quick, nervous laugh. "Don't, Jane. I'm warning you."
Slowly Jane's hand found the faucet handle, her aim on Maura centering even further. Maura found herself backed up against the island with nowhere to go, and with one desperate last plea she yelled something she promised to never say again.
"Jane Clementine Rizzoli!"
Jane froze a moment before her eyes narrowed, jaw dropping. And instantly Maura realized that those words had backfired. That rather than the warning she meant them to be, they were instead an open invitation for Jane to even things out.
"You did not just middle name me."
"It just slipped out. Sorry. Really, I am."
"I don't think you can get off that easily, Maura Dorothea Isles."
Without further warning, a quick shot of water lunged for her. Maura gasped in shock. Partly in disbelief, partly in reaction to the cold water. Her mind scrambled to find the best route to run far away before she could be subjected to another round. But before she could act, Jane pulled her close, wrapping a strong arm around her waist. For half a breath they fell completely still. Their laughs settled and breaths shallow. Sharing the same air. Their eyes locked, no longer roaming over lips or lightly freckled cheeks. Just deep, exposing stares into depths only the other knew how to reach.
They each took a half step closer, drawing so near if either of them leaned forward they would be pressed together. And that mixed with everything else caused Jane's hand to slip. A shower of water erupted between them. Cold and sharp. A stark contrast to the soft warmth that had been building moments before.
Maura let out a shriek as the spray continued to rain down. Jane laughed loudly, pulling Maura completely close. Their joyful noise dancing through the first floor of the house, only dying down as Maura finally managed to wrestle the nozzle out of Jane's hand, leaving just their soft panting to be heard.
"So," Maura started, still firmly wrapped in Jane's grasp. Her breath a little shaky, intoxicated by her touch. A memory from their childhood the only thing keeping her from floating away completely. "Are you going to stop talking to me now?"
Jane's eyes softened as she too remembered the moment. When middle names were shared and threats of silence were declared. "I think we both know that was an empty threat."
"I had hoped as much."
With a gentle touch, Jane reached towards Maura, her light fingers struggling to push the strands of wet hair plastered against Maura's cheek to behind her ear. But once she finally had, a smile and laugh broke free.
"You're a mess."
"I can't believe you sprayed me."
"I think it was well deserved."
Maura shook her head, shooting Jane a playful look. Bright and radiating a heat neither could pull away from. Building so warm that if they remained just where they were, they'd soon be completely dry. But then the cold reality of their situation washed through Jane's veins like ice water. She cleared her throat and took a step back, dropping her hold around Maura and leaving them both with shivers from the loss.
"You know what else is a mess?" She motioned to the entire room. "This kitchen. Need help cleaning up?"
Maura kept her gaze on Jane a moment longer, trying to determine what had made Jane jump away as quickly as she had, but with lingering uncertainty, she turned away and gave the room a quick scan. It had been a mess before Jane arrived, but after Jane's couple of attempts to fix it, plus their playful mishap, her kitchen was looming on disaster. She gave a soft shake of her head.
"No, I couldn't ask you to do that. You've already helped so much and…"
"I want to, Maura," she assured.
Maura smiled, giving a single nod and that icy cold feeling Jane had coursing through her moments before vanished. Replaced by a blooming goodness that radiated outwards and left her skin tingling.
"I've got an extra shirt in my truck. Let me just change really quick so I'm not dripping everywhere. I'll be right back."
She watched as Jane walk back down the hall she had hastily pulled her through earlier. Her fingers toyed with the damp edge of her own shirt, partly mimicking Jane's much larger ones as Jane pulled the clinging cotton tee away from her skin in big motions. A feeling pooled deep in Maura's chest. One that lingered long after Jane had disappeared from sight. One she realized she hadn't felt in a long while. Desire and want and hope and possibilities. And all of them felt good.
A lazy grin, tired but wistful, tugged at the corner of her mouth as her eyes fell to the kitchen sink and the nozzle that had created all the magic within the mess. She stayed still, letting replays of the spray and their laughter flood her. Until a single thought halted it all. Put pause to the possibilities and shoved that pooling feeling deeper than ever before.
That as much as she may want it, this would not be her life once she married Garrett. There would be no water fights in the kitchen or sawdust mishaps in a workshop. Her life and their marriage would be prim and proper. Envied by all in their social circle. It would be what was expected of her. But now, in this moment, what she wouldn't give just to have the magic.
The front door slammed, startling her into a sharp breath. She shook her head a few times, trying to completely free her mind of the impossible she had lost herself in. Heavy footsteps in the hall moved closer, then fell back, shuffling around with seemingly no particular direction. The movement not what she anticipated and unlike Jane's soft and direct patter.
With growing confusion, she called out. "Jane?"
The name floated in the air only moments, wishful beyond measure, before Garrett walked around the corner. His eyes glued to his phone. Oblivious to her and the name she called out.
"Oh, Garrett, it's you."
He looked up, his brow furrowed and then it eased away, a half-grin taking over his face. The same half-grin she'd fallen for years before. And before she could stop it, she was reminded that was before Jane. Before her full smiles and impish smirks and welcoming beams that felt like nothing else.
"Expecting someone else?"
"No, I suppose not – " she managed before he cut her off.
"God, look at this place. Look at you." He looked her up and down quickly before skirting the edge of the room, careful to keep expensive shoes away from any puddles. "The woman outside from the repair service said it was a mess, but jeez."
She waited to see if he would elaborate further, and when he didn't she prodded a little. "Did she say anything else?"
He tilted his head slightly, the crinkle back between his eyes. "Like?"
Maura gave a little shrug. "Anything."
"Just that everything is fixed like new, but to call her if any problems do happen to pop up." He managed to find a path to the counter and grabbed an apple. "Oh, and that it was a pleasure working with you, or some customer service line like that."
She chose to ignore the second part of his sentence, knowing he only added it to be dismissive, instead focusing on Jane's words. Wishing she could have heard them herself. Could have seen the bashful smile, and possibly blushing cheeks, that would have accompanied them if she had.
Garrett took a loud bite, speaking between large chomps. "Want me to find the housekeeper to clean this up?"
She blinked at him a few times before finally registering that he had spoken, her mind so lost in a lovely elsewhere she had forgotten he was still in the room. Finally she shook her head.
"No, I'll do it."
"Don't be ridiculous, Maura. Just let me call for them and – "
"Garrett," she said firmly. "I'll clean up."
He held his hands up in a moment of surrender, before lowering them with a head shake and scoff. "I don't know why we have all this staff if you just insist on doing everything yourself."
"Why have someone else do what I'm perfectly capable of? Besides, it's partly my fault, so I'll take care of it."
She watched as he walked off in confusion. About as confused as she found herself, standing in the kitchen all alone with only her thoughts. Her once sure life, now about as solid as one of the many puddles pooled at her feet. And as she let out a soft sigh, two questions she didn't have answers to sat firmly in her mind.
What was she doing? And what came next?
You all are just the loveliest readers. I can't tell you how much your encouraging words mean to me. I really hope you enjoy.