The Fundraiser

Jane is silently cursing at herself on the drive over for giving in to Maura and going with her to the Fundraiser. Things have been especially hard for the detective ever since the night she gave the ME a massage.

She grips the wheel tightly and lets her head fall back as she parked in front of Maura's Beacon hill home. Be neutral Jane, no flirting, minimal touching. Fuck, she's gonna wear that lavender dress tonight- focus! Jane coaches herself before stepping out of her cruiser.

Jane stiffens a noise threatening to escape her throat as Maura opens the door wearing nothing but a towel. "You're on time!" Maura exclaims in surprise. Usually, she has to drag the tardy detective to her events. "Wait till you see the dress you'll be wearing!"

Jane closed the door absentmindedly as she watched the towel-clad doctor retreat upstairs. Perfect timing as usual Jane thinks to herself as she drags her fingers through her curls.

"I did dress for the occasion this time, cant I just go like this?" Jane yells after Maura.

A faint voice makes its way from the master bedroom. "Are you coming?" Jane rolls her eyes, she grabs a beer to calm her nerves and takes the stairs one at a time- slow. Like a sheep on its way to the slaughterhouse.

She finds Maura curling her hair in front of her vanity. Still only wearing a towel. "I wanna see what you look like in it, it's in your size this time I promise" Maura says motioning to the dress laid out on her bed.

A dark purple dress with a belt at the waist and a matching clutch purse is displayed for the detective "Look at that, we match" Jane says under her breath, looking at Maura's lavender dress suspended on a hanger.

"I'm waiting"- "Ok ok. Sheesh '' Jane reluctantly starts stripping off her Blaser. She's down to her underwear and suddenly very aware that they are both practically naked, occupying the same space.

She thinks back to when they had a code red in the morgue and had to take decontamination showers. That was the first time she saw Maura's naked breasts. Jane's mind wanders to their massage a few nights ago and she vividly shakes her head, ridding it of the protruding thoughts.

Jane is too busy inside her own head to notice the ME sneaking glances in the mirror. Maura always loved seeing more of Jane's gorgeous body on the rare occasions she was rid of her frumpy detective wear.

A loud thud sends the brunette jumping in the air, pulling the dress up. "Sorry I dropped my curling iron," Maura says, her cheeks red and her heart beating profusely now.

"I don't hate it" Jane says looking at herself in the mirror. Maura stands and walks over. "You look gorgeous. I knew I made a good choice." Maura says feeling the fabric. Jane could smell the shampoo Maura uses and she quickly moves to the bedside table to retrieve her beer.

Maura drops her towel to the floor elegantly and reaches for the lacy garment next to her dress. Jane is just glad she did not take a sip of beer prior to that or Maura would definitely know she was looking. "Any more news of Tommy?"

As hard as she tries to look away, Jane can't help but steal quick glances as the doctor steps into her light, lacy underwear. Her side to Jane, showing off the swell of her bare breasts and curve of her ass.

"Hhm?" is all Jane could manage not even pretending that she heard a word the doctor said. "I said did you hear anything new regarding Tommy's hearing?" Maura is now facing Jane, her bra in hand.

Jane tries to think of any information she can remember regarding the little shit- nothing. Even though she just spoke to his arresting officer that morning. Maura notices Jane staring at her breasts. A smug smile forms at the corner of her mouth.

"Jane?" Jane snaps out of her haze and meets Maura's eyes. Fuck was I staring? Did she see me stare? Jane's mind goes a million miles a minute. She clears her throat "Uh-hm? Yeah, he has a hearing in two days. lenient judge fingers crossed" Maura ceases to fiddle with the clasp of the bra in her hand shifts her weight.

"Would you like to touch them, Jane?" comes a husky voice that Jane barely recognizes. "Pardon?" is all the detective could manage, she doesn't trust her hearing or her own voice too much at this point.

"You were staring. It's ok, you can if you want?" Jane shifts uneasily, downing her beer now before answering "Was I? I'm sorry" Maura continues "It's only natural, our biological wiring inhibits us to pursue things we are curious about."

"Right." is all Jane could manage, nodding and looking at the walls in Maura's bedroom.

"Jane." comes a slightly less patient voice. "Yeah?" Jane is now fidgeting with the curls on her shoulder, trying her best to seem calmer than she is inside.

"I asked if you would like to touch my breasts? The way you were staring the other night also, tells me you are curious to see what they feel like. I'm offering" Maura says tracing her finger lightly over her own nipple.

Jane swallows deeply, wishing she had opted for something a little stronger than a beer earlier. "I'm not- I-I mean I don't. What are you doing Maur?" Jane manages to say as she stands up and paces inside the bedroom.

"I'm simply offering a simple solution. Don't try and deny it Jane, I have eyes and medical background. I'm telling you it's ok. Have I ever judged you at a vulnerable point in your life?"

Can she just put some clothes on? I can't think straight. So to speak. Dammit woman, what are you doing? "No. I don't need to touch your boobs Maura, can we just finish and go?"

"But you want to. Tell me I'm wrong and we can go and I promise we'll never speak of this again. Go on" Maura says, walking slowly towards Jane.

"Why are you so hellbound on me touching you?" Maura stops in front of Jane. Jane's heart is beating so hard she is sure Maura could hear it.

"Because you were taught that it's wrong and I can see it eating at you. You cant even talk about sex. I am giving you a safe and free space to do what you want, Jane. No judgment. No consequence. Why are you so stubborn?"

"I-I... don't know" Jane says just above a whisper. Her head dropped slightly, staring at the floor. Maura reaches out and lifts Jane's chin to meet her gaze again. "Here". Maura says as she takes Jane's trembling hand towards her chest.

Looking at Jane one last time for her to change her mind if that's what she wants before she places Jane's hand on her bare breast. Jane gasps slightly. She remains completely frozen. Maura's hand still over her own, cupping the doctor's full breast.

"See?" Maura whispers innocently. "Maura I shouldn't-" ."Shhh, Jane. don't go overthinking again. Just feel me." Maura says as she motions over Jane's hand to massage her breast. Her other hand reached for Jane's right hand to place over her other mound.

Jane's hands start moving on their own accord, spreading over Maura's firm breasts. Squeezing now and then. Jane's mind is blank of any objections and thoughts of consequence. Her mouth opening slightly. Her pupils black with arousal.

Maura is watching her expressions closely. Jane's eyes are wide and glued to her chest. She bites her lip and takes a breath when Jane's scarred palms brush over her now erect nipples.

Jane meets Maura's gaze, no horror, worry or judgment greets her back. Only calm, loving hazel eyes.

Maura sees the time on Jane's watch. "Shoot, we have to get going." Maura says as she quickly puts on her bra. Jane is standing there mesmerized, her hands still slightly suspended where they left the ME's breasts.

Maura steps in her dress and grabs her heels. "Could you zip me up, please...Jane?" Jane blinks profusely, not knowing how to process the last few minutes. She zips up her dress then waits to meet Maura's eyes.

"Come on" Maura says cheerfully as she puts on her heels, grabs her purse, and takes Janes hand to lead her out of the bedroom. Janes thoughts come rushing back as she follows Maura to the car.

What the actual F just happened? Does this change things? Did she want me to do that? Don't be ridiculous Jane! Just because Maura is not as painfully shy as you are and just offered to let you touch her breasts does not mean she feels the same way. She said it herself: Don't overthink it, Jane.

Jane says to herself as she closes Maura's door. They make their way to the Museum where the Isles Foundation is having their biggest fundraiser of the year. "Ok, how do I look?" Maura asks nervously.

This is a big deal for her parents. They have always expected a lot of Maura, a lot of the stress that comes from that can be attributed to her perfectionism and ultimately to her success as a doctor. Though Jane hardly saw it that way.

She felt like Maura was always expected to dance when they pulled the strings and be the perfect everything but when she needed them most, they were always at opposite ends of the world.

"Beautiful. Always." Jane says taking in the sight of Maura once more in that silky lavender dress. The slit in the dress up the doctor's thigh gives her a view of exposed alabaster skin."Thank you, you too." Maura says with a shy smile, getting out of the car.

"Ok, point me towards the hors d'oeuvres {horderves} and I will be fine for the night" Jane says as Maura hooks her arm in with Janes. They enter the large room and heads turn as usual when the doctor makes an entrance.

Jane has grown used to it, except tonight she feels on display alongside Maura, wearing the dress she picked out for her. They make their way to the open bar. "Hhm ok now I will be fine, you go mingle with the other fair ladies of the court and I'll be right here- ooh can I have one of those" Jane says with a mocking fake English accent as she motions to a waiter passing by with a tray.

"Ok, I'll come find you from time to time. You know my mother wants to talk with you as well? She said she finds you refreshing at these things"

Maura says, raising her eyebrows. "Does she now? Well Constance can join me for some sliders anytime, we can people watch together" Jane says as she takes a big bite of her bacon-wrapped shrimp.

Maura shakes her head. She has grown used to Jane behaving slightly more annoying than usual when out at Maura's classy gatherings. She wishes Jane would work the room with her. Everyone always finds the detective charming eventually and it would be much less draining for the doctor if she had her best friend by her side as she talks to her mothers' guests.

Jane watches Maura gracefully make her way, greeting the guests. Talking about god knows what? She thinks. In her defense, she has tried to mingle with these crowds once or twice and was met with one too many snobby, close-minded characters.

It simply isn't the detective's scene. Though she tries to be by Maura's side towards the end of the nights as she has had enough vodka tonics to make the people much less annoying. And by that time everyone is a little more thawed and lubricated by the open bar anyway.

"Enjoying the view?" Comes a slightly pretentious-British sounding familiar voice "Constance. Hello. Yes, the raised bar does give me a good scope of the grounds I must say. Have a seat."

Jane hopes she didn't catch her staring at Maura.

"That's right you like to watch people from afar at these things" Jane sips the last of her drink and signals the bartender for another "You make that sound creepy"."Quite the contrary. One can tell a lot by a person by the way they behave at such things. I myself like to pay attention, detective" Constance says as she sips her martini.

"Cheers" Jane clanks her glass with Constance's and internally says 'I touched your daughters' boobs earlier'. Jane always felt like she didn't think Jane was good enough to even be Maura's friend. She can't help but wonder how her mother would react if she were to ever tell Maura how she feels.

The two women order a last round and Constance is called to the stage for her speech. "Showtime" Jane says as she gives Constance a nod. The older woman responds with a graceful smile as she makes her way to the stage.

Jane's eyes meet Maura's and she motions for Jane to join her at their table. Jane gets a refill for the road and walks over. Luckily for her, she could always handle her liquor. "Miss me?" Jane says as she takes a seat next to Maura.

"Yes actually. Will you maybe spend the rest of the night with me?" Maura's sincere and almost puppy-like plea rips at Jane's heart. "Of Course Maur. I'm sorry I'm not more present at these things sometimes."

Maura places her hand on Jane's leg "You help me a lot just by being nearby. So don't go spending all night with my mother. You are my plus one after all" the doctor says with a playful grin.

Jane's nerves are well soothed by the alcohol, she lets herself just enjoy the effect Maura has on her. No trying to hide it, or push it deep down, at least for tonight.

Constance gives a well-rounded speech, she is a terrific public speaker, even Jane was paying attention. "And now I pass the baton to my daughter and your host for the night. Dr. Maura Isles, Chief medical examiner of the CommonWealth."

Applause fills the room, Maura squeezes Janes leg that she didn't realize she was still touching and makes her way to the podium. "Thank you so much to everyone that made it here tonight. I see a lot of new faces…"

Maura continues to almost expertly charm the room full of multi-millionaires and even a few Billionaires. Jane can't help but watch her in awe. The grace, elegance and finesse she speaks with. Granted she has been doing this for years but her poise never ceases to put the detective in almost a trans-like state.

"Isn't she wonderful?" comes an unfamiliar voice to Jane left. An older guy maybe early fifties. He's annoyingly handsome, like between Richard Gear and George Cloony hot. "Yeah she's incredible, do you know Maura?"

He unhooks a button on his tuxedo and smiles "I hope so. We were married after all". Jane's mouth drops open. She looks around to see if anyone is paying attention to the conversation. "Jane Rizzoli and you are?" he shakes Janes hand firmly "Tony Bolten, pleasure to meet you. How do you know our lovely doctor?"

Jane's running through every name and conversation she ever had with Maura, she never mentioned being married before. "Bolten as in the Boltens? She's my best friend and we work together" "Yes as in Bolten's incorporated. Wow so you get to see her work at BPD? What's that like?" he says sipping his scotch, he seems genuinely fascinated and interested like he's been waiting for a conversation worthwhile all night.

"Back up. You Tony Bolten, I mean even I know who you are. Your family's company has been steadily bringing more affordable self-sustaining power generators to Boston for years. How did-" "-Maura and a rich old fart like me get hitched?" he says laughing hysterically.

"Well yeah. You look great though, truth be told." "Thank you. Well, I'm not surprised she didn't tell you. I-" ."-Hey I see you met Mr. Bolten" Maura says hovering over Jane. "Yeah, your ex-husband is a riot" Jane says looking at Maura with wide eyes. Maura pulls Jane up by the hand "Excuse us Tony" "Oh now it's Tony, what happened to Mr. Bolten?" Jane mocks.

"Not here Jane," Maura says as she leads the brunette to the African exhibit that has a big restricted area on it. Maura paces on the marble floor.

Silence. Jane stares at Maura waiting for some answers. She gets upset when Jane doesn't tell her how she's feeling but she failed to mention her marriage. Maura was the one throwing the word 'best friends' around in the first place.

Jane quiets her mind. She's not upset, she's completely neutral. She walks up to the ME and places her hand on her arm. "Jane it was so long ago. He wasn't supposed to tell anyone, he can get pretty talkative a few Scotches in"

"You don't have to tell me about it if it makes you sad to talk about. But you know you can tell me anything right?" Maura smiles at Jane and places her hand on hers.

"I was very young, he was younger. His family was just starting to do big things and we started dating, this was after boarding school, I was 19 and he was 34. I know it seems odd but, we were really happy, I was anyway."

Jane doesn't know whether she wants to hear anymore. The age gap is pretty shocking. "The funny thing is we never, slept together. Not in the dating phase and we didn't even consummate the marriage. He was born in Canada, his mother was an escort and the Bolten family wanted to keep everything from the public"

Jane nods intently. "His visa was soon to expire and they were still awaiting approval for citizenship. He asked me. I was young. He is impulsive and fun, he could make anything sound like an adventure. And I actually enjoyed spending time with him"

"Yeah, he seems like the one person I would seek out at a place like this. He doesn't fit into this crowd for sure" Jane says looking around to see if anyone is around. "Yes. he's the least judgemental and most down to earth person I've met besides you"

"We got married in vegas… things changed a week after that. It was like his family didn't trust me with their secrete. He went on to run his father's Industry, helping people. And I got pushed to the background. I felt used." Jane squeezes Maura's hand lovingly

"He sent me the divorce papers a year after I moved to New York when I started working as an ME. Jane my mother doesn't know-" a look of fear spreads across Maura's face. "Well, I'm not telling anyone Maura. You know that" Maura looks at Jane adoringly "I know. It's part of the reason I love you so much. I can trust you with anything"

"Just not your past marriage to a billionaire-" ."Jane, it was so long ago and I buried it down so deep. I had no idea he even came to this particular event. He donates to the Fundraiser every year but he only attends one every few years, and then we catch up. I tell you everything Jane, this was just something in my past I didn't like about myself and tried to keep hidden after it happened because I grew close to Tony. I may have loved him at some point and then he went on like I meant nothing but a signature on a paper to him" Maura says, sorrow in her eyes

"I'm sorry you felt like that. You off all people should never feel anything but cherished and adored. You're honestly the best person I know." Jane says shifting her weight. Seriously where is this even coming from? Jane asks herself, trying to get control of her thoughts back.

Maura wraps Jane in a hug. Jane wraps her arms around Maura's waist. Neither woman wanting to let go. "I should get back" Maura says against Jane's neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Hm" Jane says, still hugging the doctor. Maura hears the band playing and she starts swaying to the music. Their fundraisers always had good music and food in abundance. Jane leads Maura in a subtle dance.

The world fades away as the two women dance in the restricted corner of the museum, away from the crowd. "There you are. Oh, Hi Jane" Constance says, giving Jane a reassuring smile. Maura stops swaying but doesn't let go of Jane just yet.

"Darling the Hiltons are asking for you, Jane, why don't you join us?". The two women separate but Maura takes Jane's hand in hers and follows Constance to the potential investors. This is new. Jane thinks as she holds Maura's hand.

They've held hands briefly before but never at Maura's Fundraisers. Surprisingly Jane falls into easy conversation with George Hilton. They both think the Red Socks are having a lousy season.

The night dies down and Maura greets the last guest as they walk to the car. Jane opens Maura's door then gets in. She's honestly had enough excitement this week to last a lifetime. She just wants a drama-free, excitement-free evening before they go back to work the next morning.

Things are surprisingly not as awkward as Jane anticipated, having touched Maura's bare breasts earlier like she was in 10 th grade behind the bleachers again. "I'm really glad you came tonight. I enjoy having you with me for these things"

"Yeah it was eventful wasn't it?" Jane is burning to make a 'Mrs. Bolten' joke but she doesn't want Maura to think about it again. "Just promise me there are no more huge secrets in your closet? I can't handle finding out you are a cyborg from an old friend at your next Gala or Foundation picnic." Jane mocks.

Maura giggles at the dramatic detective. "No, we are sworn to secrecy unless there's at least a company retreat, then its fair game to anyone who will listen" Jane laughs. Maura can be hysterical on rare occasions.

Jane pulls up to Maura's home. "Come inside? I'm not ready to say goodnight yet." Jane smiles "We'll see each other at work tomorrow." Maura pouts slightly while opening the door. "But still"

"Fine" Jane sighs. She was hoping to get away before she loses all control. It's like a pheromone thing when she's around the doctor. The longer she stays the more her resolve weakens.

Maura pours Jane a glass of wine from a bottle she's been saving. She remembers Jane said she liked the wine a while ago and that she would like wine if all wine would taste like that one.

Maura smiles as she recalls the memory. Maura hands the brunette her wine then kicks off her heels and lowers herself onto the coach gracefully. She places her feet in Jane's lap and the detective starts rubbing her feet as she has done for the doctor many times after a long day in her high heels.

"Hmm" Maura hums in delight. "You never seas to amaze me when you talk up there you know." Jane says applying pressure to a particular tender spot under Maura's foot. "Oh yeah?" Maura asks smiling widely "I used to hate it. I don't know. I guess I grew confident in myself and now I prefer being up there rather than talking to some of my mother's guests"

"I get that. Well, I would rather be trampled to death by a stan peed than do any form of public speaking but talking to some of those people there tonight- ugh" Maura giggles at the dramatic detective.

Jane lets her head fall back to the coach as she rubs Mauras feet. "Let's go to bed? We carpool anyway. You look sleepy, Jane" Maura stands and holds out her hand for Jane to take. Jane is too tired to protest.

The two women put on their pj's and get into their respective sides of Maura's bed. They remain still for a brief moment before Maura pulls Jane in to hold her. Jane puts her face in the crook of Maura's neck, her arm around the doctor's waist.

Her intoxicating perfume is still subtly present. Maura starts tracing lazy circles on the detective's back and with that she doses off. Maura is still a little too worked up to sleep. She holds Jane close and lets her thoughts run wild.

She was aroused, to say the least when she was touching my breasts. Is this why she's been acting so strange? No Jane doesn't like, like me, right? It felt so good when she touched me. But how much more signals can I give her?

Will she run if I make an advance? I can't lose her. Uhg. Just go to sleep Maura.

Sorry, it's been so long since the last update. I have been focussing on my other story 'Fake it till you make it'. I want to write so much more but it is time-consuming to write something I am happy with posting. Reviews are welcome as are suggestions! =)