Disclaimer: We do not own Rizzoli & Isles or its characters. They belong to the author, Tess Gerritsen, and its producers at TNT. No money has been made from this endeavor.
A/N: Hey y'all, how's it going out there in reader land? As a reviewer pointed out, it's been 8 years since we started this journey! So appreciative that you all have stuck around, those who are writers will get it - life happened. Those who aren't writers - bless your patience! Since it's been so very long, not only in the writing of the story but also in the airing of the episodes it's written around, we thought we'd take the time to touch base on the timeline. This chapter takes place between season 4 episode 4 and season 4 episode 5, eventually working in actual scenes from episode 5. I am notoriously adamant that the episode content is precise, which makes for a very time consuming process.
For the sake of the story timeline, we are still in rewind on answering the question posed by Jane in chapter 3 of How the hell did we get here? This chapter is also NSFW and may be the last really, really sexy chapter for a while, as we are hitting the "wtf happened?" part of the series that switched up the chemistry between our favorite couple. Our only promise is that it's going to get interesting. We will interpret what we saw as the reasons behind the weird shift in their dynamic, and we may even slip in unexpected surprises as they muddle through the wtf final seasons.
Again, Rizzles is endgame.
~R&I~
Hopping down the hallway as she pulled her pants on, a furiously cursing Jane managed to zip up her jeans and swing the door open just as her little brother lunged forward to break it down. Leading with his shoulder per Frost's advice, Frankie barely missed connecting with his sister who instinctively sidestepped the blur barreling toward her as she rolled her eyes and said "Won't you come in?" with a dramatic bow and sweep of her arm.
Clearly irritated and probably more than a little embarrassed as he picked himself up from the floor Frankie moaned, "Dammit Jane you could've caught me! That hurt!"
"Good!" his exasperated older sister replied, "Serves you right for waking us up and deciding to break down Maura's door."
"We thought you were in trouble," the younger Rizzoli explained, "we heard yelling and you didn't answer your phone." Concern was written all over Frankie's face which made Jane feel a tinge of sympathy momentarily before she let annoyance wash across her.
"Did you even consider the fact that neither of us has slept for days?" she asked. "Or that Maura just got out of prison and will most likely be having nightmares for the foreseeable future?" The detective's tone was just short of biting and she watched as her brother flinched at the question.
"I guess not," he admitted, "but -"
"But what?" Jane pressed, still fuming that the moment between her and Maura was utterly ruined with their intrusion.
"But you always answer your phone," he explained as he shrugged and gestured wildly with his hands. "The last time you didn't..." he trailed off, looking at the floor as he thought back on that terrible day.
"Frankie," she whispered, "hey bud, it's okay, we're okay. You got to me in time, remember?" she soothed suddenly feeling guilty as she shivered at the memory of being tied to a replica of her own bed by a maniacal killer who had been obsessed with her. That memory was one that still haunted her to this day, and she normally kept it locked in a very tight box that she never opened. That ordeal was still too fresh, too horrible to remember, yet she had never considered the damage that it had caused to her loved ones. Shaking off the sense of shame and terror that always resurfaced with that particular memory she returned her focus to her brother. "We're alright little brother, we're just tired."
"So if nobody was yelling for help," he asked, "then what did we hear?" Jane watched as his brows furrowed in thought and she fought back the memories trying to push forward to the surface, knowing a blush would be a dead giveaway she wasn't willing to concede.
You're a dead woman Doctor Isles.
"What did you hear?" she repeated, stalling as she searched her overtired, oversexed brain for something intelligent to say.
You heard Maura having an orgasm.
"You heard Maura having a nightmare," Jane lied, "I guess I left my phone on the couch when I ran to wake her up."
"Why were you sleeping in the living room?" he asked, "you always sleep in-"
"I'm so sorry to have alarmed you Frankie," a breathtakingly flawless Maura interrupted as she walked into the room, "I'm afraid I was responsible for the noises you heard. Jane was completely focused on my distress," she explained, "so much so that she never even heard her phone ring."
"I mean, I guess if you had a nightmare that would explain everything," Frankie conceded, eyeing his sister suspiciously as she blatantly ogled the honey blonde. Before he could ask the question that was forming on the tip of his tongue, Maura steered him to the door and thanked him for checking on their welfare.
Smooth Doctor Isles, I guess I'll let you live.
Closing the door behind him, a sheepishly smiling Maura turned and said, "Well," her hands briefly clasping together, just one sign of the good Doctor's unease showing. "That was sufficiently awkward. Are you hungry?"
"Distress?" Jane asked in response, "How are you not covered in hives?" The Detective's eyes roamed across uncovered skin greedily knowing time was short and noted flushed skin but no sign of her lies painted across alabaster skin.
"Oh, I was very distressed," Maura replied, "there was no lie in that statement. I was distressed and you were completely focused on me."
"I sure was," Jane agreed with a warm smile, her features softening knowing Frankie, Frost, or Ma weren't around to cast disapproving looks between the two women. For just a moment, Jane could relish in the absolute feeling of security she felt with the woman in front of her.
Smiling so big in response that it felt foolish, Maura turned away and asked, "Would you prefer eggs or waffles? Because I'm in the mood for waffles."
The fact that Maura was completely serious about cooking hit different for Jane, who couldn't help but compare this morning to the morning that Casey had cooked for her and she'd been nothing but annoyed. He dared to actually say that he "needed to take care of her" like she wasn't capable of handling it herself. The pieces finally clicked as Maura adorably stood there with the skillet in her hand, the unspoken words between them written across her face while she patiently waited for the detective's answer. Maura's actions felt like love, an extension of how much she cared. In contrast, Casey's had felt condescending and controlling, a heavy-handed chauvinistic display that made her feel like a little woman dependent on her man. But rather, here, in this moment with Maura, they were equal.
"You're amazing," Jane said in a husky whisper.
Caught off guard by the rare and open compliment that had been spoken in the light of day, Maura ducked her head to cover the responding blush that she could feel creeping across her face. Seeing the response tugged at Jane's heartstrings, so she crossed the kitchen and placed a loving finger under Maura's chin and tipped that beautiful face up so that she could place a sweet and lingering kiss on her lips. "Good morning," the raven-haired woman whispered into the kiss.
Closing her eyes and leaning into the contact, Maura returned the sweet caress. Sighing as her stomach growled, she pulled away as Jane asked, "Did you say something about breakfast?"
~R&I~
Neither woman had planned to work that morning, but as they finished breakfast and the sexual tension between them continued to build they were interrupted by Frost and Frankie once again at the door. Sighing, Jane got up and let them in. "Hey Janie, I know it's your day off, but I could really use your help with a case I'm working for Martinez. I really wanna make a good impression and since you know him..." he trailed off, the distaste at the know him clearly evident in his tone.
"Yeah, sure, I can help you out for a little while," his big sister responded. "Maura, why don't you get some rest and I'll see you in a few hours?"
"No!" Frankie and Frost said in unison. At the incredulous looks from both women, Frankie explained, "We don't think Maura should be alone. Frost will stay with her until we get back."
"I'm not a child," the honey blonde replied, "and if Jane is going in, I'm going with her. I have a few reports I need to finish anyhow and I really don't want to spend the morning alone thinking about all of the things I don't want to be thinking about. Keeping my mind busy with work will keep it from wandering to less desirable topics."
"Fine, but you're riding with us," Frankie replied, pointing between himself and Frost.
"If by "riding with" you mean us in my car and you two in yours," motioning between the pairs, "then we're in," Jane replied. It was evident that her tone brokered no other option to how this was going to be handled.
Opening his mouth to argue, Frost was quieted by his partner's earnestly whispered, "Just let us have something normal today, okay?"
"Okay," he nodded. Although he would feel a lot better if for just once his stubborn partner would listen to reason, he also realized that she wouldn't be who she was if she did. Irritated at his train of thought and his partner and her best friend he sighed loudly then repeated, "Okay, let's go."
~R&I~
As soon as they turned out of Maura's driveway their vehicles were surrounded by a swarm of reporters and cameras. Swearing under her breath, the detective fired off a few short blasts from her siren that effectively dispersed the crowd and allowed them to pass. "Dear Lord," she mumbled as she pulled onto the highway. "I wonder how long that is going to last?"
"I'm sorry," Maura whispered with a small hitch in her voice. "This is all my fault."
"Hey, hey," Jane soothed as she reached over and took her passenger's hand, "you didn't do this, any of it. Hope's bad choice in men and Paddy's choice to follow in his father's footsteps are at fault." Rubbing her thumb in a soothing caress across the trembling hand in hers she continued, "Nobody blames you Maura, nobody. Okay?"
"Okay," Maura conceded, but the lack of conviction in her response made Jane squeeze her hand just a little tighter. Seeing no reason to let go, Jane continued to rub her thumb across the hand in hers, smiling as she felt the tension slowly fade away.
As they neared the police station they were greeted by yet another mob of reporters, and Maura pulled her hand from Jane's grasp. "Can you please park in the garage?" The honey blonde asked, "I really don't want a repeat of yesterday."
"Sure," a slightly hurt Jane replied as she wondered at the loss of contact and why the other woman, who had previously given her so much grief about being afraid to be out, was suddenly the one who was hiding their relationship.
~R&I~
Work was blessedly routine. Jane went upstairs with the guys while Maura went to her office, the lingering looks and small smiles exchanged as they entered different elevators soothingly familiar to the two women. Once the elevator was on its way up, Frankie and Frost exchanged glances prompting the former to ask, "What's with all the staring?"
Thinking back on the evening and early morning before they were interrupted, Jane answered, "I'm just so happy that she's home, you know? I felt absolutely helpless when she was arrested."
"You mean when you arrested her?" he corrected, his deadpan deliverance as snarky as ever.
Eyes narrowing in response, she continued, "When I arrested her, it was the worst day of my life. I thought I had ruined everything and that she would never forgive me. But now that she's free and the worst is behind us and she still wants me around? I just can't stop appreciating the things I once took for granted. Do you know how many times we came in together, got our coffee and then stepped into different elevators? Do you know how hard it was for me to come in without her and not see her across the hall, me going up and her going down? Now that I've lived without her I can't stop appreciating every wonderful thing she brings into my life, even the weird stuff. I can't stop feeling like I have been given a gift that I don't deserve and that every normal thing is so much better simply because I experienced what it would be like to live without her." Jane finished with a rush, trying to control the blush she could feel creeping across her chest and up her neck. Any louder and those in the back will hear, detective. Fuck.
"Are you in love with her?"
Of course I am!
"Of course I'm not!" she lied, "I just missed my best friend." Jane did her best to look offended at the question but undeniably felt like she was on the other side of an interrogation. The detective didn't like it one bit.
"Okay," he replied, "but unless you want people to start talking, you need to stop looking at her like that."
"Like what?" she asked, eyes furrowed not understanding what Frankie was implying. I don't look at her any different than anyone else. Right? Right.
"Like you're the reason she was making so much noise this morning."
Before the dumbfounded woman could form a coherent response the elevator dinged and her intuitive brother was out the doors and she was left to stare at his retreating back while an uncomfortable looking Frost was staring at anything but her as she exited the lift. Frost was left blessedly alone to ride up to the homicide floor.
~R&I~
As annoying as it was to be on Martinez's floor, once they got into the details of the case Jane found herself forgetting her annoyance and embracing the joy of sharing her knowledge to help her brother become better at their craft. He was good and she was impressed with his instincts. She could tell that he loved his work and the challenge of deciphering the clues to unravel the mystery just as much as she did, and they worked together in a way that made it more fun than work. The morning passed quickly and soon both Rizzolis were starving.
"I think I have what I need now Jane," Frankie said with a glance at his watch. "Can I buy you lunch?"
"I'd love that," she replied. "I'll go grab Maura and we'll meet you in the lobby. Do you want to eat in the café or go to the Robber?"
"With Ma out of town?" Frankie laughed at the question and gave Jane an imploring look. "The Robber."
"Good call," she said with a shudder. "I totally forgot Ma left."
Smiling at the fact that she was so wrapped up in Maura that she had forgotten such a major detail he responded, "I'll see if Frost wants to join us. See you in five."
~R&I~
Making her way downstairs, Jane finally allowed her mind to wander back to this morning to try and decipher what had happened between them in the car. Jane had reflexively and protectively taken Maura's hand, and it had seemed so natural and felt so right that she couldn't imagine any reason in the world to let go. Then Maura, the sexually fluid and "oxytocin releasing rush of endorphins" recommending, free love embracing scientist had pulled away. To be honest, it hurt. It especially hurt this morning because for the first time the raven-haired detective had finally embraced that she was more than just experimenting with the woman who had stolen her heart.
When did "embracing" become "denying when asked?"
Sighing at the ridiculousness of her predicament, Jane picked up the pace and soon found herself rolling her eyes as she walked past "Pickled Papov" on her way into Maura's office. Stopping in the doorway, the detective was taken aback by the sight of the honey blonde deep in thought as she scribbled furiously across the report in front of her on the desk.
My god she's beautiful.
"Maura."
Looking up from her desk, Maura's breath caught in her throat as she saw the naked desire in the other woman's eyes. "Hi Jane," she responded, not daring to stand because she was certain her legs would not cooperate. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah," she husked, "Frankie's taking us to lunch. Then we'll head home unless you have more to do here? If you need to work I can just hang out until you're done."
"To be honest," Maura replied as her eyes blazed a sexy trail up the detective's body, "I only came in to be with you. There was nothing here that couldn't wait until next week, but throwing myself into the work kept me from following you upstairs."
"You're always welcome upstairs," the detective replied with a hint of concern in her voice, "you know that right?"
"I do," the M.E. said as she ducked her head to cover the blush creeping up her neck, "but I can't lie and I didn't know what anyone was going to ask me about last night."
"Oh," the raven-haired woman replied, "I hadn't thought about that. Do you want me to cancel lunch?"
"No, but thank you for thinking to ask. Do you think," she asked in a sultry whisper, "that after lunch I could have you all to myself?"
Fighting the urge to lock the office door and beg the honey blonde to ease the painful throbbing her sweet request had set off, Jane groaned, "This is going to be the longest meal of my life." The detective heard the honey blonde laugh at her apparent frustration and together they locked up and headed for the car.
~R&I~
The brief respite from the reporters was shattered as the foursome exited the parking garage, which upset Maura as much as it pissed off the three detectives in the two car caravan. "Dammit!" Jane snapped as she followed Frankie onto the street. "The Robber isn't far enough to lose them before we get there." Grabbing her phone, Jane called Frost.
They decided to split up and let the guys order takeout, which they would deliver to either Jane's apartment or Maura's house depending on the situation at either home. Driving down her street, Jane was stunned and annoyed to see the amount of cameras and microphones waiting at her doorstep. Cursing, she called Tommy and asked him to keep her dog for a few days while the honey blonde called Frankie to tell them where they would be. Heading for Beacon Hill, Jane wasn't surprised when Maura suggested that her house wasn't a good choice either. "My front steps are public property," Jane explained, "and I have to park on the street. At least at your house we have the option to arrest them for trespassing if they even step onto your driveway."
The playful mood had been broken and Maura's discomfort increased as they arrived at her house to see the same annoying mob still camped out on her street. "Really?" Jane snapped as she maneuvered through the teeming mass of vultures, nearly clipping a cameraman who'd been too distracted by her passenger to notice the vehicle turning into the driveway that he was dangerously close to stepping on. Firing off a warning of "One more step I'll arrest you for trespassing!" the detective glared as she eased the car into the welcome privacy of the garage. Waiting until the automatic door had closed, a visibly shaken Maura got out of the vehicle and practically ran into the house.
Cursing as she turned off the engine, Jane got out of the car and slammed the door shut before she followed the agitated woman inside.
~R&I~
"Looks like The Robber is out for a while," Frankie announced as he set their lunch on the dining room table, "you wouldn't believe the amount of bribes for interviews we were just offered."
"I could practically retire on the proceeds," Frost added, then quickly shut up at the warning glare from his partner.
"Well I'm starving!" Jane announced in an attempt to change the subject, "Let's eat."
The guys devoured their food while Maura mindlessly picked at hers and Jane ate without enthusiasm, which eventually prompted the two men to bid them farewell and head back to the precinct. "Are you coming in tomorrow?" Frost asked as Jane saw them to the door. With a worried glance at her distressed friend, the raven-haired woman replied, "Depends on how the rest of this day goes."
"Let us know if you need anything," her partner offered.
"Thanks," Jane said with a grateful smile as she watched the two men walk away and wondered how in the hell they were going to get through the next few days.
~R&I~
"You didn't eat much," Jane remarked as she cleared the table and Maura sat quietly on the couch. Her concern evident in just a few words. "Do you want me to save it for later?"
Maura shrugged, too wrapped up in her misery to care or reply.
Jane went ahead and busied herself and boxed up the leftovers, placed them in the refrigerator and cleaned up the little bit of dishes they had dirtied. "Wine?" she asked in an attempt to break the silence that had settled uncomfortably.
"No thanks," the honey blonde robotically replied, eyes unseeing as she stared straight forward in a daze.
"Girl Scout cookie?" Jane tempted, doing her best to snap Maura's attention back to her to lighten the mood.
"Where did you get Girl Scout cookies?" Maura questioned quickly.
"Frost said they were selling them outside the grocery store and he remembered how much you love them. I told him to get one of everything."
"Maybe later," the doctor shrugged despite her previous intrigue.
Wow.
Maura's lack of interest in the cookies was a definite tell, which prompted Jane to try, "Can I make you a cup of tea?"
"You'll make it wrong," Maura sighed.
"Probably," the detective admitted, "but I can try."
When that elicited no response Jane gave up and walked over and sat beside the beautiful mess on the couch. Sitting so close that their thighs were touching, Jane reached over and took her hand and implored, "Maura, tell me what I can do to make you feel better."
"Go back in time and shoot Paddy before he met Hope."
Ouch, it's worse than I thought.
"Okay. Maura? As much as I hate what I am about to say, I feel like it needs to be said. If your biological parents weren't exactly who they are, you wouldn't be who you are. And you, Maura Isles, are kinda perfect." Jane paused to let that sink in, gratified to see the surprised smile her words had caused to slowly creep across her beloved's face. "If you didn't have that unique blend of chromosomes that makes you so wonderfully you, we probably wouldn't even be friends. You'd probably be all stuffy and snobby and really, could you imagine being nothing more than a watered down version of Hope?" Jane shuddered in mock revulsion, eliciting a playful slap on the arm from the not at all offended honey blonde.
"Watered down version of Hope?" Maura repeated in the most perfect Jane Rizzoli impression she could muster, "are you serious with that?"
"Totally serious," Jane deadpanned with a smirk.
"Stuffy and snobby?"
"Yep."
"Not even friends?"
"You'd probably have the personality of Pike," Jane goaded, totally amused by the fact that she was eliciting a response from her sullen friend.
Laughing even as she tried to act offended, Maura raised her head and looked into those expressive eyes and said, "Thanks Jane, I needed that."
"You're welcome," the detective smiled, "now I just need to find a way to distract you for the rest of the day."
"Maybe a movie?" Maura suggested, even though her traitorous body had other ideas.
"A movie sounds great," Jane responded, "and I believe it's my turn to choose."'
Sighing in mock dissent Maura said, "No action or sports, please."
"Okay," Jane replied without a fight as she reached to grab the appropriate remotes to turn the TV and the audio on.
"Wait, really?" Maura asked in disbelief as Jane's response registered.
"Sure," Jane affirmed, "let's watch something we can both appreciate."
Settling back in and pulling up the search menu Jane began to scroll the comedy genre, intent on finding a light-hearted giggle fest they could lose themselves in for a few hours. From the corner of her eye she noticed that Maura had removed her blouse and was now wearing no more than a simple sheer camisole and skirt. "We're never going to get through this movie if you keep undressing and looking at me like that," the detective warned.
"Like what?" Maura responded in a sexy drawl as she kicked off her heels and shimmied out of her stockings.
"Like I'm the reason you were making so much noise this morning." Jane's eyes darkened as she knew exactly what the doctor was doing and the detective was a goner for it.
"Oh, but you were," the honey blonde husked as she pulled the cami over her head, "and now we're all alone with nobody around to respond to my cries of distress. Everyone except you," she sensually drawled, her tongue darting out teasingly, drawing her lower lip between her teeth as she waited for the raven-haired woman to make a move.
Jane's eyes were drawn to those kissable lips before becoming riveted on those perfect breasts, mouth watering as Maura took her hand and gently urged it to slide up under her skirt. Clearly the doctor was tired of waiting.
Gasping as she found no barrier between her fingertips and the honey blonde's dripping core, Jane wasted no time in burying her fingers in silken warmth. Maura cried out in pleasure as she felt the woman impale her with an eager, pumping hand. Jane heard a throaty groan escape as she clasped her lips around a puckered nipple, her tongue teasing and teeth gently biting. Jane felt desperate hands seek out her face before she found herself swearing into Maura's wanton mouth, all the while her fingers pumped into the object of her desire furiously until the shuddering climax washed over her lover and had the honey blonde crashing down into her arms.
"Wow," Maura breathed, her body shivering once more at the loss as the detective gently eased her fingers out and another wave of pleasure shot through her. Maura could feel her own heart hammering inside her chest as she placed a hand across Jane's to steady herself. The palm of her hand could feel the detective's own erratic heartbeat. It was both soothing and a complete turn on knowing the raven-haired woman was just as affected as she was in this moment.
"Wow," Jane repeated as she gently swirled a fingertip around the over sensitized clit. "God, you were so ready, that was hot." Jane was unable to hide the flush that colored her neck and face at her unabashed touching. She kept her fingers as light as a feather, touching and teasing swollen folds before pushing further and dipping back into Maura's dripping core.
"I need a minute Jane," she begged as she gently pushed the detective's hand away. "You're going to be the death of me," she teased, a smile playing at her lips with a quick shake of her head.
Satisfied with herself and so turned on that she could barely form a cohesive sentence, Jane countered, "Not if you kill me first." The detective's eyes were as dark with desire as Maura had ever seen as that look washed across her and sent a shiver down her spine.
Taking the bait Maura raised herself up over the sexy body beneath her and commanding, "Take off your clothes, Jane." There would be no argument.
The resounding jolt between her legs resulted in clothes being shed in record time and once she was naked Maura slid sensuously against her. Jane groaned as Maura's erect nipples dragged maddeningly across her skin and nearly screamed out as the clever woman spread her folds and pushed a hardened nipple through the slick heat to tease the exposed bundle of nerves within. Seeing the reaction, Maura made a few more torturous circles around the pulsing clit, then raised up to offer the glistening peak to her lover's eager mouth. Jane groaned as she drew the nipple in and tasted herself on the creamy mound, nearly climaxing as the sensations combined.
Feeling the tension build in the body beneath her, Maura pulled back and urged the aroused woman to roll over. Jane hesitated briefly, but was then rewarded when she complied and Maura gently slid two confident fingers inside her dripping heat and hit just right in the way her lover's body was now exposed. The raven-haired woman had never been penetrated from behind before, and the sensation completely blew her mind. "FUCK!" escaped her mouth as a guttural moan ripped through her throat at the feeling of Maura's naked body pressed against her from behind, her fingers sliding in and out with such ease that she briefly registered how turned on she was by the honey blonde's ministrations. "Oh my God," Jane let out, unable to keep a hold of the tenuous control she thought she'd had from the start. "Fuck, please don't stop. Oh fuck, yeah, fuck me," she growled, any semblance of control shattered as the pressure increased and the thrusts grew bolder and as Maura's other hand crept around to slide through the swollen folds and gently swirl around the aching clit until the detective was screaming and shuddering in her release.
Collapsing with the honey blonde still on top of her and her fingers still buried inside of her, Jane had never felt so loved and cherished in her life. When she started to squirm Maura gently extricated her fingers from the pulsing wet warmth and then pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and snuggled into the welcome embrace of the sleepy woman beneath her.
"I love you," Jane mumbled as she drifted off to sleep, a sated Maura whispering in response, "Me too, Jane. Me too."
~R&I~
Jane woke up a short time later to find herself face to face with a sleeping Maura, who looked very content and satisfied in her slumber. Her eyes were inevitably drawn to the shadow of a bruise that still remained on the side of her face, and she reached up to softly trace the ugly reminder of the one time she had failed to protect the woman she loved. "Shit, sorry," Jane mumbled as Maura's hand reached up to gently cover the hand on her face, "I didn't mean to wake you."
"You have to stop beating yourself up Jane," the honey blonde replied as she turned her head to place a sweet kiss in the scarred palm pressed against her cheek. "It's over and I'm okay, I promise."
"I can't." Maura could feel the tension ripple through Jane's body at the admission.
"Why can't you?" Maura asked quietly, letting her hand break free to gently caress the raven-haired woman's face, trying to smooth away the tension and defeat she saw there.
Tell her Jane. Tell her about the phone. Tell her that the only reason she got locked up was your bruised ego. Tell her how Paddy saying you weren't good enough for her led to his incarceration. Tell her how you shot him for trying to keep you apart. Tell her how you're no better than him.
"Because it's all my fault." Jane looked away briefly, feeling ashamed at her avoidance of the actual answer the honey blonde deserved to hear.
Coward.
"I was targeted and charmed by a handsome stranger who was paid ten grand to gain access to my lab," Maura argued, "and Tucker Franklin not only orchestrated the entire thing, but he also committed the murder and set me up to take the fall." Seeing no change in her friend's mood she continued. "In addition, I was the one who became involved with MILE and I dragged you to that benefit. Now tell me, how is any of that your fault?"
"I don't deserve you," Jane whispered reverently as she dropped a series of feather light kisses across the darkened skin, which elicited a sigh of contentment from the honey blonde.
"Maura?" Jane asked hesitantly.
"Yes, Jane?"
"Frankie said something this morning that I can't stop thinking about. I thought it was in the past and I was okay but his words, they hit me hard, and I feel the need to ask you something."
"I'm listening."
Maura's expression was concerned, the compassion evident in her eyes as she waited patiently for the other woman to form the words she needed to convey what she had been struggling to vocalize for a long time.
"When I was drugged," Jane nervously started as she sat up and mindlessly ran her fingertips across the scars on her hands, "what was the drug?"
Surprised, Maura responded, "Lorazepam, administered via injection."
"I can't remember anything from the time I was injected until I woke up with first Hoyt, then Dominic in my face. I can't let myself think about what happened between losing consciousness and waking up because it would probably kill me," Jane whispered. "But I need to know what that drug does to a person. What it did to me."
The honey blonde carefully considered her answer before giving the only explanation that didn't take her own mind to that dark, dark place.
"You would have dropped immediately," she explained as she placed a reassuring hand on top of Jane's fidgeting fists, "and the blackout state is so complete that you would have been dead weight. On the bright side," she continued when she saw the blood drain from the detective's face, "since you were awake in both events within hours of being drugged that is indicative of only one dose."
"So they could have done anything they wanted to degrade me and I would not only be incapable of defending myself, but also completely unaware that it ever happened?" Jane asked thickly, the words sticking to her mouth as she thought of the possibilities.
"The rape kits were negative," Maura gently reminded her agitated friend.
"Penetration isn't the only way to degrade someone," Jane countered, "and I know what the timeline looked like and I know what was in the reports but it's what I don't know that haunts me if I let it."
"I'm so sorry Jane," the honey blonde offered as she recalled in vivid detail the horror of seeing the detective handcuffed to that bed in those horrible clothes. The memory of watching that maniac paw at her helpless friend still infuriated her, as well as the thought of what had happened between the kidnapping and the moment Frost had hacked into the live feed of Jane's degradation. "Hoyt was a psychological predator, so I'm certain that he was too busy waiting for you to wake up so he could see your reaction."
"And Dominic?"
"He killed his therapist in order to maintain the fantasy life he had built around you," Maura cautiously explained. "That's probably where he got the drug he used to knock you out. As for what he did while you were unconscious, could it be any worse than what he did when you woke up?"
The detective quietly absorbed those words, the warmth of Maura's hand on hers having a calming effect that she hadn't expected. "We never talked about how those incidents affected you," Jane said. "I'm sorry if it made you feel even half of what I felt when you were the one in trouble."
Heart breaking at this very rare glimpse into the demons that Jane keep so deeply buried, Maura lovingly stroked her cheek. "Drugs like Lorazepam, in the right hands, can be a godsend," she explained, "but in the wrong hands?" She shuddered. "They are nothing but trouble." Jane looked so small in that moment, so lost in her own darkness that Maura gave in to the urge to pull her into her arms.
"Speaking of trouble," Maura, who was still unwilling to tell Jane the truth of what she'd witnessed that awful day deflected, "we're naked."
"We are!" Jane gasped, the sensation of warm skin and soft curves magically chasing the lingering demons away as she halfheartedly suggested, "I guess we need to get dressed."
"That's a terrible idea," Maura countered with an adorable pout. "Why would we want to do that?"
"Because if we don't I may never eat, sleep or work again."
"Is that a promise?" Maura saucily asked, leaning in and capturing her lips in a sweet and sensual kiss.
Jane responded hungrily, increasing the intensity of the kiss while her body reacted to the delicious nakedness pressed against her.
Then cursed, the name flashing across her display meant she had to take the call. With a sigh Jane answered, her eyes seeking out the honey blonde while she tried to convey as much as she could while speaking with Cavanaugh.
"Yes, sir. No, it won't be a problem at all. Of course, sir. I'll be ready," she finished with a nod of her head, not that her boss could see the action. But in those few short words the detective watched Maura deflate and she felt her heart squeeze in her chest.
"Time to get dressed and go back to the real world?" Maura guessed, disappointment lacing her tone as she reached for her haphazardly discarded clothes.
"Reality check," Jane explained. "Paddy Doyle's trial starts tomorrow. He was just checking in to make sure that, after the past few days, I am still okay to testify without bias."
Playful sexy time mood shattered by that one phone call, Maura rose and announced, "I'm starving and we both need to clean up. Why don't you go ahead first, you're always faster than me."
~R&I~
Freshly showered and lounging on the couch while she waited for Maura to finish freshening up, Jane was drinking a beer and looking at takeout menus when she heard the honey blonde yelling for her. Spurred into action by the distress in the other woman's tone, the detective jumped off the couch and bolted down the hallway to the bedroom. "What's wrong Maura?"
"There was somebody at the window Jane!" she cried as she clutched her robe tightly.
"Dammit!" the detective cursed as she ran to look outside, "I swear I'm arresting whoever it was as soon as I check the surveillance video!" Pausing as she looked at the frightened woman, Jane pulled the drapes shut then moved to take her in her arms. "Hey, are you okay?"
The softly whispered question broke the frozen horror of the moment, Maura relaxing into the familiar safety of Jane's embrace as she said, "I am now. I was more surprised than anything else." Pulling back, she looked into those deep brown eyes and said, ""Really, I'm fine."
"Can I ask you a question?" Jane asked.
"Sure."
"Why is your bedroom still down here? I mean, I know that the roof leak right after you bought this place forced you to live completely on the first floor, but the roof is fixed and the restoration is complete. You didn't hesitate to complete the guest room, but it's been a month? Two? Since you finished that project, so why is the bedroom still down here? Didn't you say that your goal was to move the master suite to the second floor and use this room as a study or a gym?"
"I haven't decided what I want to use this space for yet," Maura lied, then cursed as she began to itch.
"Hives!" the detective guffawed, "you're lying! Seriously Maura, what are you waiting for?"
Tell her Maura. Tell her how you had scheduled the crew to move the bedroom upstairs and that you had canceled the appointment the morning after you slept together for the first time. Tell her that the superior bedroom upstairs isn't where you made love to her, and that laying in bed with the memory of that perfect night was the only thing that got you through those dark days when she was avoiding you.
"I'll call the movers in the morning," Maura said with a shrug, wanting to drop it before she said something neither of them was ready to discuss.
Chicken.
Raising a skeptical eyebrow, Jane replied, "Really?"
"Yes Jane, it's time."
"Hey, are you going in tomorrow?" the detective asked switching gears, unwilling to press the bedroom subject any further.
"I haven't decided yet," Maura said, "I think I'll just sleep on it and see how I feel in the morning."
Jane nodded in understanding, thinking about how hard it would be to see her own disappointment of a father on trial. "Whatever you decide I'm here for you," Jane promised, "but I think I might go home tonight to get some clothes and a decent night of sleep."
"Why would you do that?" Maura asked. "You have plenty of clothes here, Jo Friday is with Tommy and I promise to be on my best behavior. Please Jane, don't go."
"I don't have any dress clothes here," the petulant woman whined, "and I am confident that if I stay I will not be capable of behaving."
"Then I'll behave for both of us," Maura promised as she disappeared into the closet to get dressed.
Why does she need dress clothes?
Aha.
"Are you testifying tomorrow?" Maura asked innocently as she emerged fully dressed having put two and two together.
"I am," Jane replied. "I have an early morning meeting with Cavanaugh and the AUSA to go over my testimony and then after lunch I'll take the stand. Lucky for me all I need to do is establish chain of custody for the ledger."
"So you have to dress for court," Maura said with a twinkle in her eye, prompting Jane to say, "Don't even think about it!"
"Aw, come on Jane," the honey blonde implored, "please let me pick out your clothes."
"Dammit Maura, I am not letting you go all Project Runway on me! I can dress myself."
"Jane?"
"Yes?"
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
With a dramatic roll of her eyes and an exasperated sigh, Jane said, "Fine! But keep it simple okay?"
~R&I~
Jane wasn't surprised when her mother didn't answer when she called her, but she was rewarded for the effort moments later when a text that stated "gnocchi in the freezer at my place, make sure Maura eats too. xoxo" came through. Returning from the guest house with their soon to be dinner in hand, the raven-haired woman wasn't at all surprised to see Korsak pulling into the driveway. "Have you eaten?" she asked as he got out of the car. "I could eat," he replied.
"What have you got there?" Jane asked as she noticed the bottle in his hand. "You two have had a helluva week," he explained, then corrected, "actually, we all have had a helluva week. I thought we could have some Irish coffee for dessert."
"Deal," she said as she led the way into the kitchen, "but first, can we arrest a trespasser?"
~R&I~
Maura's surveillance was of course the best that money could buy, and once Jane addressed the crowd with the iPad that clearly showed each of them trespassing it was easy to cut a deal - leave Maura alone at home and she wouldn't press charges. The precinct and the outside of Jane's townhouse were unfortunately public property, but at least the honey blonde could once again enjoy the peace and quiet of her own home.
Once the issue of the reporters was settled they sat down to a delicious meal, Angela's gnocchi disappearing quickly as the appreciative threesome tucked in. Wiping her mouth with a napkin, Jane sat back and said, "God, ma can cook. You know, I really do think I was too hard on her. She was only doing what she thought was right."
"You should tell her that Jane," Korsak suggested, "she was really hurt before she left."
"I agree," Maura chimed in. "I've never seen her so upset. Not even when she found out about Lydia."
"I tried to call her," Jane defended, "but she didn't answer."
"Try again," Vince said, "and don't stop trying until she does."
"This is really good scotch," Jane deflected, "thanks for bringing it."
"You're welcome," he replied. "Did you want to go over the testimony one more time?"
"No, I think I'm good. Jackie Donovan is the key witness. I'm just there to prove where I found the ledger and how it moved from discovery into evidence. Considering where I found it,' she said with a shiver and a telling glance at Maura, "I promise you my recall is as clear as the day it happened."
The senior detective's eyes went from Jane to Maura and back again, picking up the subtle clues that he was certain they didn't even know they were dropping. If his suspicions were right they were both in for a world of heartbreak that would make Angela's betrayal seem like a walk in the park. "Did you have anything you wanted to get off your chest before the trial starts?"
Refusing to look at Maura, Jane answered, "Not that I can think of." Clearly avoidance was the superior option for the evening.
"Alright then," he said. "If you're sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Okay," he said as he stood to take his leave. "I'll see you and your knees in the morning."
Locking the door behind her smiling friend, Jane turned with dread as Maura beamed and said, "Shall we go to the closet?"
And that's how Jane ended up in a borrowed white blouse for her court hearing. Luckily she had left a pair of heels in the other woman's closet, claiming when her mother gifted them to her that she'd only have a reason to wear them if she were forced to attend one of Maura's "froufrou" events.
~R&I~
True to her word, Maura had made sure that they behaved that night so that Jane was well rested by morning. While Jane had been trying on the outfits that she had selected, Maura had suggested that they have a cup of tea to help calm their nerves and she was surprised that the often stubborn detective readily agreed. Knowing the detective needed a good night's sleep, Maura weighed the options of helping a little more before she sighed and selected the chamomile.
"Thank you," Jane said as Maura walked into the closet and handed her the steaming mug.
"You're welcome," Maura replied, "did you decide?"
"Yeah, the skirt fits okay and I like the white shirt. It's dressy enough for court but still comfortable."
"I'll get them pressed," the honey blonde replied.
"Thank you," the detective smiled as she stifled a yawn. "Are you coming to bed?"
"You go ahead," Maura replied as she grabbed a stack of files and sat at her desk. "I have some work to do before I turn in."
~R&I~
Jane had fallen asleep almost immediately after crawling into that ridiculously comfortable bed and when she woke up the next morning she found a fresh cup of coffee on the nightstand and saw that her clothes were ironed and ready to wear.
I could get used to this.
Taking a sip of the heavenly brew, she took a moment to thank god or the fates or whatever deity it was that put this amazing woman into her life, even as she wondered at how she had been so deeply asleep that she hadn't even noticed when Maura had crawled in next to her.
"Jane are you awake? It's getting late!" Maura yelled from the kitchen, interrupting her train of thought and causing her to scramble to get dressed when she saw the time.
"You look hot," Maura said as Jane crossed into the living room and sat down to put her heels on.
"Thanks G," the detective grinned.
"Very funny," the honey blonde replied with a smile, then leaned in close and whispered. "But it isn't your face that I'm interested in licking."
Fuck.
"Stop it Maura, you'll make us late."
Maura smiled and offered her hands as Jane stood, pulling her up and speaking quietly. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah, it was weird," Jane mused. "I never fall asleep that fast or sleep that soundly. You didn't slip anything into my tea did you?" Jane haphazardly joked, a small chuckle leaving her lips.
Horrified at the accusation after their discussion about the times that Jane had been drugged in the past, Maura retorted "Of course not!" as the color drained from her face.
Realizing what she had inadvertently implied, Jane backpedaled and said, "I was kidding Maura, I know you wouldn't do that."
Silence was her only reply, so Jane continued, "Unless I needed sedated, in which case I would-"
Maura's disapproving nod cut off that particular train of thought, so Jane smiled brightly and asked, "So how did you sleep?"
I fell asleep on the couch because I was online picking out paint colors and furnishings.
"I could have used something in my tea," the honey blonde admitted. "I might just lay down after you leave."
"Wait, you're not coming in today?"
Maura responded by pointing to the tabloid laying on her counter.
"Mob Boss's Love Child Won't Testify," Jane read aloud. "Real classy."
Maura shrugged in response and flipped the damning paper over.
"I'm so sorry Maura. Do you want me to stay?" The detective's words were laced with concern, a small touch against the doctor's shoulder solidified that she wanted to be sure and would in a heartbeat if Maura asked.
"No Jane, I need you to go and testify for both of us. Tell the jury what you know and do your part to keep him from hurting anyone else."
"Okay," Jane said as she grabbed her coffee and her keys and headed for the door. Pausing with her hand on the knob she added, "You know I trust you with my life right?"
"I do," Maura nodded, a small smile gracing her lips at the implication.
"And you also know that if I needed to be sedated for my own safety or the safety of others that I would trust you to make that decision, right?"
Maura's silence in response prompted Jane to continue. "It wasn't a judgement or an insult Maura, I just didn't think before I spoke."
"I understand that you were just joking," Maura replied, "but after the serious conversation we had about how you were drugged I hope you can see how hurtful that suggestion was to me. Deciding to drug someone against their will, even someone that trusts me to make that decision for them and clearly needs it? That's not me. That decision should only be made by a certified psychiatrist."
"I'm sorry I brought it up. Call me if you need anything?"
"Of course," Maura replied. "Have a good day Jane." Maura watched as the raven haired woman nodded in her direction before silently closing the door behind her and the honey blonde was left alone with her own swirling thoughts and emotions.
~R&I~
The detective was barely out of the driveway before the moving truck and the contractor's van pulled in. Within an hour the furniture from the master bedroom had been relocated upstairs, the new "zen" doors to the former master suite had been installed, and the simple pieces that she had chosen for the yoga room were in place.
"We're just about finished in here Doctor Isles," the contractor stated as he tested the sliding doors to assure they moved smoothly, "are you sure you don't want me to hang a door to the closet?"
Smiling as she looked around the room, Maura replied, "No, it's perfect just the way it is. Thank you Glenn, as always your work is impeccable."
Wondering if Jane would notice or figure out why she'd made that decision, she signed the contract and tipped the men and showed them to the door.
~R&I~
Jane had been itching to call someone, anyone, to go and sit with Maura. She was being ridiculous and she knew it, but her irrational fear that Maura shouldn't be alone was just eating at her. Since everyone that she would have chosen was working she made the questionable decision to call upon the only person on the planet who not only could, but would drop everything to run right over and spend the day with her.
Punching the number on her phone, she wasn't surprised when it was answered on the first ring.
"Have you seen the papers today?" Jane asked, then continued. "Because if you have, then you know why Maura is home alone instead of safely at work with me. If you're serious about wanting to make amends then you'll find a reason to go and see her right now."
Not waiting for a reply Jane ended the call and felt the knot in her stomach ease slightly.
From that point on, Jane's morning moved quickly. After an enlightening meeting with Cavanaugh and the AUSA, she returned to the bullpen to share what she had just learned and to see if she finally knew something that Korsak didn't already know about their Lieutenant's past.
Of course he knew. Not only did he know, but he also had a copy of the last Christmas card the Cavanaugh family had ever sent still in his desk. As he showed the junior detectives the smiling vacation photo of Sean, Linda and their little boy he explained how the past had played out for their Lieutenant. Just as he was wrapping up the walk down memory lane Jane's phone vibrated. Frost, who had been hovering right behind her chair asked, "Are you heading to court?" as she checked the message, even though he had glanced at her phone and could clearly see that the text was from Maura. "Uhh no, it's Maura," she explained as she stood, "I'm gonna go check on her."
"Is she sick?" Korsak asked as he watched a seemingly disinterested Frost walk back to his desk. "Sick of being in the news," she answered as she headed for the door without a second glance back to the bullpen.
Once she was gone, Korsak put the picture of the Cavanaugh family back in his drawer and said, "You know if I'm noticing it, it's only a matter of time until she does too."
"What are you talking about?" Frost snapped.
"She's your partner Frost, you'd do well to remember that."
When Barry didn't respond Vince continued. "Maura's her best friend and for as long as I've known them, she's come first. When Maura is in need, Jane cannot focus until she's certain that she is okay and that goes both ways. Being jealous is ridiculous and beneath you, so either tell her how you feel or leave it be." Vince didn't mince words and made sure his meaning was clear.
"We heard a woman yelling yesterday morning from inside the house," the younger detective explained, "and neither of them answered when we called. Frankie was about to break down the door when Jane suddenly opened it. Ever since that morning I can't help but think that they, well, you know." He coughed in embarrassment, then asked. "Do you think they were?"
"You do know that Casey's surgery was successful and they're back together, right?" Korsak asked with a raised brow, challenging Frost to finish his statement.
Frost glared at that bit of information, completely disregarding the topic of Jane's supposed boyfriend as he asked. "What do you think we heard?"
"Ooh, I'm not touching that!" Korsak said as he waved the topic off with his hands. "And if you know what's good for you, you won't either."
Frost sat and absorbed the advice, brooding silently in his chair as he replayed the last few days in his head. He was convinced that Jane had broken the law more than once for Maura's sake, and the honey blonde's incarceration had wrecked his partner more than even Charles Hoyt ever could. His ex-fiancé had seemed convinced that Maura was into women and had asked his advice on if she would be interested in hooking up. Hoyt only went after couples, yet he'd made it clear that he wanted to rape Maura and make Jane watch. Hoyt had stalked Jane for years. What secrets did that bastard take to the grave?
"You're killing me over there with your silent overthinking," Korsak admitted. "I promise you that is a rabbit hole you don't want to go down."
"She testifies in an hour," Frost said, "what could Maura possibly need that can't wait until after?"
The elder detective simply shook his head and went back to work.
~R&I~
Noticing that there were not only no reporters camped out on Maura's block but also that there were no other cars in the driveway, Jane quickly exited her vehicle and opened the front door so that she could see for herself that the honey blonde was okay. "Maura?" she yelled out as she locked the door behind her. Walking past the kitchen she spotted two new bags of coffee that were probably way above her pay grade sitting on the counter.
Nice.
Hope had at least attempted to find a reason outside of "Jane ordered me to babysit you" to visit, but from the unopened bags to the impeccably clean counter the detective could see that the ruse hadn't lasted long. "In here," Maura answered from the direction of the bedroom, and the raven-haired woman smiled as she picked up her pace and wondered if they had enough time for a little fun before she had to be at the courthouse.
Approaching the bedroom, the first thing she noticed was the door. Doors, actually, and that they were very zen and rice papery with bamboo instead of oak and just very different from the door she had stumbled out of just this morning. Sliding open the door and staring at it like a perp she asked, "What are you doin'?" There was a gentleness to the softly spoken question, most likely because of the woman's position on the floor in a yoga pose that Jane knew to be an attempt to cleanse herself of hurtful karma. "Child's pose," Maura replied without looking up. "It's good for indigestion."
Oh boy.
Looking around in amazement, Jane remarked, "Only you would have a yoga room." Taking a step forward, the detective instantly jumped back as the honey blonde ordered "No shoes!" from her position face down on the floor. Jane apologized and bent to remove her shoes, asking "Do you want me to chant something to ward off the evil shoe spirits?" in that snarky whisper that only Jane Rizzoli could get away with.
The easy banter continued between the two women as Jane joined Maura face down on the yoga mat, eventually leading to the M.E. deciding that she wanted to go and watch the detective testify against her biological father.
"Are you sure?" Jane asked as she reached down to pull Maura up, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze of support. "You don't have to do that."
"Yes, I do," the honey blonde replied with a sigh as Jane steadied her movement. "That man is my father and I have to see this through." Her firm words signaled there would no way to sway her from this decision.
Jane shook her head in understanding, her eyes raking over her forlorn friend in a not just friends kind of way. "I know we have to leave," Jane said, "but just so you know for future reference, I think 'at home yoga clothes Maura' is just as irresistible as 'dressed to kill belle of the ball Maura'."
Backing into the closet as she pulled the sweater over her head Maura teased. "So what is your take on 'court clothes Maura'?"
Eyes so darkened with desire that they were almost black as she watched the honey blonde strip down to just her bra and panties the detective replied. "My take is that if you don't get those court clothes on right now we are going to be very late and held in contempt."
Unable to resist the urge to rattle the raven-haired woman just a little bit more Maura selected a familiar dress that zipped up the back. Jane averted her eyes as a defense mechanism, doing her best not to ogle that delicious body as it shimmied into the garment. "Jane?" Maura asked as she turned around, "could you please zip me up?"
Groaning at the exquisite torture, Jane moved forward to assist. The nearness, the naked expanse of skin and the very fact that she knew that she could if she wanted to just overwhelmed the detective, so she bent forward to blaze a trail across the exposed neck and shoulder with a hot and hungry mouth, sucking sweetly and insistently on that spot that she knew drove the other woman wild. Gasping in response to the gentle assault Maura asked, "Are you sure we can't be late?"
Stepping back as she finished pulling up the zipper Jane replied. "You know we can't. And wear this," she added as she pulled the black leather jacket from the hook, "or else the whole world will be able to see that I was definitely naughty."
~R&I~
Maura sat in the courtroom and glared at her father as her lover testified. Her emotions about the man who had fathered her as conflicted as always. Evil, scumbag, murderer, villain. But he was also protective, intelligent, loving, loyal. This man had robbed her of her right to know her mother, and her mother of her right to raise her child. Had he saved her life by hiding her away or had he ruined her life by placing her with parents who were incapable of loving and nurturing her the way that Hope would have?
Where would life have taken her if not for his lifestyle, his family and his irrational decision to protect her by making her disappear? Would she have even ended up in Boston or would she have been someone else, somewhere else? Did she owe her happiness here with Jane to his selfish choices? Her brain clicked and whirred through all of these scenarios as the woman she loved spoke at length about the damning evidence that would put him away for life. She felt unbalanced as she watched the proceedings, feeling as in a fog as she always felt when faced with the fact that her "father" was the absolute worst of the worst. He was also the man who had loved her enough to sacrifice his own happiness in order to give her the best possible chance at a normal life, with the resources to do anything she desired and the freedom to choose her own path. How could she hate him when he had made that impossible choice?
She sighed as she sat and struggled with the complicated feelings that her father evoked within her, glaring as he turned and made eye contact with her from his seat at the defense table. The honey blonde knew that her father caused that same unsettling war of emotions inside of every decent person she knew that had been deemed worthy of his respect, including her mother, her adoptive mother and even her best friend. Jane had shot him, arrested him and was now doing her part to keep him behind bars for life but still, the detective saw the good in him. For all of the grief that he had caused the two of them, the detective still managed to look at him as the father of the woman she loved and as such could see the heart of the man behind the gangster façade that he presented to the world. Jane finished testifying and the judge called a recess, during which Maura explained all of her emotions and declared that she had decided to visit her father in holding in order to make peace.
"That's really mature Maur, I'm proud of you," the raven-haired detective had replied, then said. "I want to touch base with the AUSA. You coming?"
"Right behind you," Maura replied, smiling as she anticipated the conversation she was planning to have with her father as soon as the day's hearing had ended.
The smile disappeared as they entered the hallway and were informed by a breathless Korsak that the prosecution's star witness had just been killed on his way to the courthouse. The news hit her like a physical blow and completely changed her outlook on Paddy Doyle. She was a healer like her mother, not a cold-blooded killer like her father. Her feelings were no longer in conflict, and the three new bodies she knew would be waiting for her in the morgue spurred her to jump head first into doing whatever she could to contribute to locking him up for life. Infuriated by the judge's decision to grant him release while the prosecution scrambled to rebuild their case, Maura went all in on doing whatever was needed to get a conviction.
Which was how she ended up riding with Frost when he decided to go and see the widow of the arson investigator that had been on her father's payroll.
~R&I~
"Can I ask you a question?" Frost asked as he eased the car out of the parking garage and onto the street, his hands nervously tapping on the steering wheel as he drove.
"Of course detective," the honey blonde smiled, "ask away."
He hesitated, unsure of exactly what he was going to ask now that he had the object of his recent frustrations alone and he could fire away without fear of being interrupted. Maura of course had no clue that she'd been causing him so much grief, and she eagerly awaited whatever question her best friend's partner had for her.
"How was Chile?"
"It was brief, informative and over very quickly," she answered honestly. Pausing to consider her next words carefully, she offered softly. "I had no idea about Farrell, but I think you are a remarkable man for being so supportive of her once she revealed her truth."
"Thanks," he replied, looking at her from the side of his eye but not daring to look directly at her or pursue the conversation any further.
"Was there anything else?" she asked as she noticed his obvious discomfort and sensed that there was something more on his mind.
Yeah, did you sleep with my ex?
"Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't warn you about Anna's interest in you. I put you in an awkward situation and Jane was pretty pissed at me."
I bet she was, Maura thought as she remembered the frosty reception she had received at the airport and the series of events that had resulted in Jane's reaction to that particular situation.
"Thank you for saying that," Maura replied, "but you're not responsible for your ex. I was flattered by her advances but I'm pretty firm about avoiding drama, which would have been inevitable given your history."
"Wow," an impressed Barry said. "I hadn't thought that my feelings should matter. Thank you Maura, it means a lot to hear you say that."
"Of course," she replied, "you're my best friend's partner and a part of my work family. I wouldn't want any awkwardness between us."
His tight smile and refusal to look at her prompted Maura to probe Frost further, still sensing the tension between them at something that was left unspoken. "Is there something else on your mind?"
Yeah, did you screw my partner on her lunch break?
"Did you and Jane have lunch?" he asked, "because I know she went to your house before she testified and I haven't seen either of you eat a thing since we left the courthouse."
Smooth Barry, smooth.
"We did not," she admitted as he parked the car and reached back to grab the donation cans for Mrs. Ghetts. "Can we stop somewhere on the way back?"
"Sure," he replied. "This shouldn't take very long, especially if she doesn't cooperate."
~R&I~
Surprised that the combination of his history with the family and Maura's empathy and grace in the situation actually earned them access to Cal's garage, Frost's gut was telling him that the evidence they needed to put Paddy back in prison where he belonged was somewhere in that "nest egg" of a junk car. Shooting a text to Korsak who he knew could quickly secure a warrant, Frost's attention was drawn to Maura as she received a text of her own. "It's Jane," she said. "She wants to know if we have anything."
Irritated that his partner was texting the M.E. instead of him and struggling not to outwardly show his annoyance Frost shrugged, "Not until we have this search warrant," as if she didn't already know that. Before she could respond he continued. "Go get some food, I'll stay here."
"You sure?" Maura looked at the brooding detective uncertainly. Just moments before he had appeared fine but the doctor easily sensed a shift in his clipped tone and narrowed her eyes at his back.
"Yeah, yeah, I already ate," Frost said dismissively. His hand waved off any further questioning Maura may have had.
"I am craving a tempeh bacon burger," she admitted as she walked away, deciding now wasn't the time to try and figure out Detective Frost's mood. Maura was not about to turn away the option for food now that she could feel how hungry she actually was having skipped lunch, and she knew Jane wouldn't stop for food unless somebody forced her.
Don't say it Barry, it's not your place.
"Make sure Jane eats something too," he said anyway, "you know she forgets sometimes." The words tumbled out before he could stop them, and he felt hot around the collar as he waited and hoped that Maura wouldn't scrutinize the comment.
Frost breathed a sigh of relief when Maura smiled and nodded in agreement, then turned quickly away so that he couldn't see how very insulted she was by his feeling the need to remind her to take care of Jane. Seriously, why would anyone feel the need to remind her, of all people, to look after Jane? Unless -
For his part Frost was silently berating himself for tipping his hand in front of the one person that he always felt inferior to, who through no fault of her own had become the roadblock that stood between him and the woman he wanted to spend his life with. Twice.
"Detective Frost?"
Dammit, what now?!
"Yes, Doctor Isles?"
Are you in love with Jane?
"You drove."
~R&I~
Upon their return to the precinct, Maura went straight upstairs to literally drag Jane out of the building. Protesting as she was coerced into the elevator, the detective grumbled the whole way to the ground floor. "Jane, did you notice anything outside?" the honey blonde asked, hoping to lighten the mood.
"It's dark out?" Jane snarked in reply, totally annoyed that she was being forced to go out when they could have just ordered a pizza.
"The reporters are gone," Maura evenly replied, unwilling to engage in the petty argument her counterpart was clearly looking for with her tone. "You were right, after a few days they lost interest. It's so nice not to feel so stifled," she continued, "so can you please just indulge me and join me for a burger at The Robber?"
"They haven't lost interest Maura," Jane explained. "They're gone because Paddy's out."
Taken aback by the statement that was obviously true, a stung Maura said, "I hadn't thought of that."
Instantly regretting the careless comment, Jane tried to lighten the mood by smiling and saying, "Don't forget to order your own fries this time."
"I've suddenly lost my appetite," the honey blonde replied, "but it's ok, you should still eat."
"I'm sorry Maura," Jane said as she looked at the woman that she always seemed to hurt with her thoughtlessness, "did you want to get something for later?"
"No thanks, I just want to get back to the morgue. I have some snacks there in case I get hungry later."
"But you wanted to sit and eat," Jane argued, "will you please try?"
"It won't do any good," Maura explained, "I'll just end up staring at it and throwing it away. But the burgers do reheat well so I will get one before we leave."
"I feel guilty."
"You have to eat, we can get it to go," Maura offered as she pushed through the door.
She stopped short as she saw her bastard of a father sitting in her bar, her hangout. He knew it was a cop bar, that's the only reason he would have chosen it. He was celebrating and desecrating a place that meant so much to her, a place where she had so many good memories of her life with Jane and the entire Rizzoli family. Overcome with rage as he called her name and approached her, Maura felt as if she were outside of her body watching things happen when she said "I wish Jane had killed you."
Maura marched out of the bar, totally oblivious to the look that passed between her father and her lover. Jane hated that she actually felt bad for the son of a bitch, and in truth she knew that Maura didn't mean a word of it. Vowing to make this right for Maura's sake, she cursed and followed the honey blonde outside.
"Maura!"
The clearly upset woman stopped to allow Jane to catch up, though she couldn't seem to raise her head to look the detective in the eyes.
"I'm going to take you home, okay?" The honey blonde didn't miss the concern lacing the detective's words. Maura took a breath and sighed.
"No, you need to eat and we have work to do. Let's just go back to headquarters."
"No," Jane replied, not letting it go, "there's nothing there that can't wait until tomorrow. So I am going to take you home and let you get a nice long bath while I behave like a good best friend and go get a pizza so that you and Yo-Yo Ma can relax."
~R&I~
The bath water was running and the pizza had been ordered when Maura shrugged off the leather jacket and Jane saw the mark she'd made earlier on the creamy skin. The detective had been tempted, beyond tempted really, by the intoxicating smell of Maura's bubble bath mixed with the painfully stimulating memory of sucking on that beautiful neck. Groaning as she leaned in only to have the sexy scientist gently push her away, Jane grumbled, "I swear I deserve a medal for this," as she walked out of the bathroom.
"You hate medals," Maura called out after her in response, eliciting a reply of "I don't hate the medals just the ceremonies!"
Maura's resounding laughter in response sounded so sweet to the worried detective's ears and she smiled as she locked up the house and headed for the car.
Once she heard the vehicle pull out of the driveway Maura quickly ran to the kitchen and grabbed the Thin Mints. Opening the box with the intent of eating just one, she somehow managed to empty it before she even got back to the bathroom. Then she emptied another box, and another. Then she was out of cookies and the water was cold and she wondered how she was going to explain what had happened when Jane returned.
~R&I~
Jane found Maura still fully dressed in the closet of the yoga room, and when she walked in she observed with curious eyes. "You left the door off on purpose so that you can see your shoes while you meditate, didn't you?"
"They bring me peace and joy," Maura admitted as she smiled at the thought of how well Jane really knew her. "Jane?"
"Yeah, Maura?"
"Did I really tell him I wished you had killed him?" The doctor's face was drawn into a grimace as the words spilled from her mouth again.
"Will you please eat something before I answer?" the raven-haired woman softly replied.
Two pieces of pizza and a glass of wine later, Maura asked again.
"Yes Maura, you told him you wished I had killed him."
Jane watched with growing concern as Maura stood up and walked back to the closet. Curious, she followed. Maura was standing there, her bare feet gripping the floor as her hands attacked a defenseless dress with a lint roller. "Maura?" Jane asked curiously, trying to figure out what was going through the other woman's head.
"I'm a doctor," she replied. "I've taken an oath. How could I ever say that I wished death on anyone?" The distress in her voice was evident and it suddenly made sense to Jane why Maura was so upset.
Despite piecing it together, Jane was still unsure of what to say in response and gently asked another question instead. "What can I do?"
Dropping the dress she had been attacking as she pulled another off of its hanger she responded, "Will you call Hope?"
"Really?" Of all the things she had expected Maura to ask for, calling her biological mother wasn't one of them.
"I was really awful to both of my parents today," Maura sighed as she picked at the dress in her hands, "and I haven't decided whether or not my father deserves an apology. Hope does, and I'd like to deliver it in person."
"Okay," the detective responded as she backed out of the room. Not ever did she think she would be calling that selfish excuse of a mother twice in one day for Maura's sake, but here she was dialing her number once again.
~R&I~
The pile of clothing had accumulated on the closet floor while they waited for Hope to arrive and Maura became more withdrawn with every minute that passed. "Maura, you might want to throw on a sweater before Hope gets here," Jane suggested, though technically her hair covered up the blemish as long as she didn't push it back from her shoulders.
Maura didn't really acknowledge the advice and just kept on attacking her clothes with the lint roller, and a worried Jane prayed that Hope would know how to help as she ran to answer the door. When Hope's first attempt to get through to Maura wasn't exactly successful, the two of them moved back to the kitchen to make some tea and give her some space. "She needs to feel in control," Hope advised as Jane put the kettle on the stove. "If we stay out here long enough she will come to us in her own time when she's ready."
When Maura finally appeared in the kitchen she had added a sweater, proof positive for Jane that she had absorbed their conversation, and she seemed more like herself than she had ever since the incident at The Robber. Hope's presence as a sounding board was exactly what her daughter needed, and soon she was yawning and apologizing that she was unable to stay awake any longer. "Would you like to stay in the guest house tonight?" Maura offered, too tired to stay awake any longer but also not wanting the tenuous connection she was feeling with her birth mother to end.
"I would love to," a surprised Hope responded, "but I will have to decline as I have a very early start tomorrow."
"I'll walk you out," Jane offered as she stood. When they reached the door Jane said, "Thank you for coming over tonight. I know we didn't start off on the right foot," she admitted, "but I promise you that if you continue being there for her I will do everything I can to encourage her to keep you in her life."
"I appreciate that Jane, and you owe me no apologies. You are fiercely protective of my daughter and for that I am forever in your debt."
Jane smiled as she said good night and locked the door behind her, then turned to deal with getting Maura to bed.
"Babe?" she said as she approached the sleepy woman on the couch.
"Mmhmm?" the honey blonde replied.
"You moved your bedroom upstairs."
Maura smiled and snuggled deeper into the couch, so Jane knelt on the floor beside her and placed a warm hand on her leg and whispered. "I can carry you down the hallway, but I worry about both of our safety if I try to carry you up the stairs."
"Fine, I'll get up and walk," Maura grumbled, "but once I get up there I'm going to need you to unzip me."
~R&I~
Jane dutifully followed Maura upstairs, where she unzipped the dress and offered to draw a bath and promised to be on her best behavior.
"I'm so tired," Maura yawned, "would it be the worst thing in the world if I just went to sleep like this?"
"Not at all," Jane whispered, "go ahead and get in bed. I'm going to go clean up and lock up before I turn in."
"Promise you'll come back?" the honey blonde asked, yawning again as she sat on the edge of the bed.
"Of course."
Jane pulled the door shut behind her and headed down the stairs, knowing she couldn't avoid the inevitable forever.
Sighing as her phone lit up again, she knew the insistent calls from the "unknown" number could only be one man.
"What do you want?" she snapped as she answered the phone.
"Why was Hope there?"
Double and triple checking every lock on every door and every window, Jane logged into the surveillance system and replied. "Maura needed her mother and Hope was happy to oblige."
When he cursed in response she added, "You claim to love them, but you destroyed them. How do you sleep at night?"
"How do you?" he taunted, leaving Jane to feel like he had just twisted a knife in her stomach at the statement.
She cursed as the line went dead, irritated that he was not only right but also that he would always have the upper hand. She finished tidying up the kitchen and made one more sweep of all the doors and windows before she was satisfied with the security parameters they had in place. She then went up the steps and silently shrugged out of her clothes, content to crawl into bed clad in only a tank top and underwear. Smiling as Maura rolled over in her sleep to nestle up against her, Jane sighed and whispered "I love you" into the honey blonde hair. Wrapping her arms protectively around the woman she loved, she smiled as she realized that Maura hadn't bothered with pajamas either.
~R&I~