I don't own Rizzoli and Isles, but I wish I did.
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews, follows, and all! Y'all have made this a lot of fun to write. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Sorry for any and all mistakes and credit to the Chicago Tribune for the sports facts.
Jane picked the doctor up for work on Monday morning. Once the two were sitting comfortably in the warm car, Maura had her chance to get a good look at her girlfriend. Maura couldn't help but snicker. Jane Rizzoli was wearing a scarf, and she was the reason why.
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"Hey, Rizzoli! What's with the scarf?" One of her junior girls shouted. Kids pay closer attention to teachers' wardrobes than most teachers realize.
Jane groaned and tried playing it off, "It's cold in my classroom. I figured this would help."
The girl narrowed her eyes wondering if Jane was being honest but ultimately shrugged it off.
"Oh, ok. See you at practice then!"
This is going to be a long day.
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During her planning period, Jane received an unexpected visit from Frost.
"I see that the two of you kissed and made up." Frost nodded at the scarf Jane was wearing.
"Shut it, Frost." Jane readjusted her new accessory.
"Mmmhmm." The man folded his arms across his chest. He was thrilled to see that the two women were happy with each other again.
Jane rolled her eyes and sighed. "What do you need, Frost?"
Frost leaned against Jane's podium before saying, "Honestly, I came to check on you."
Jane gave her best friend a warm smile. "Thanks, pal. I really appreciate it."
The two shared a tender moment before Frost ruined it.
"So, how was the make up sex?" He waggled his eyebrows at his best friend.
"Frost!" Jane chucked the pen she was holding at the cheeky man.
"Ow!" It ricocheted off his head to smack the wall behind him.
Jane gave him a self-satisfied grin, "Serves you right, jackass."
Rubbing his head, Frost flashed Jane a bright smile. "I'll see you at practice. Good luck hiding that under a t-shirt."
Jane could hear his laughter all the way down the hall.
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Later that day, Jane swung by the office to check her mailbox. Without thinking, she walked into the main room where her mother was working.
"Hey, Ma. How was your trip?"
Angela turned towards her daughter. "It was great, I," Angela stopped and gave Jane a funny look. "Why are you wearing a scarf?"
Jane blushed furiously. Luck was on her side because the room was empty save for Jane and her mother.
Angela walked over to her daughter and yanked the scarf down.
"Jane Clementine Rizzoli!" she gasped. "How old are you!? You're as bad as your students!" Angela reprimanded her daughter.
Jane smacked her mother's hand away and readjusted her scarf. "Geez, keep it down, Ma! Blame Maura, not me!"
At that, Angela burst out laughing. "She sure got you, didn't she?"
"Yeah," Jane grumbled. Her feet were suddenly very interesting.
Angela patted her daughter's cheek. "You're lucky to have her, Janie."
The older Rizzoli woman laughed at her hapless daughter and returned to her seat.
As if on cue, the phone rang and saved Jane from any further embarrassment.
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Stomping into the doctor's room, Jane called out, "Maura! You're in big…oh! Sorry!" Jane stopped mid-sentence.
Maura looked up from the small group of students she was tutoring part of her lunch break.
"Hello, Ms. Rizzoli. What seems to be the matter?" Maura smirked at the flustered brunette.
Jane stumbled over her words as she backed out of the room, "Uh, nothing. I can come back later."
Maura turned to her giggling students, "Excuse me a minute."
The doctor walked into the hallway to find a rather grumpy brunette.
"What's wrong, Jane?" Maura ran her hand down Jane's arm to grab ahold of her hand. To Jane's surprise, Maura intertwined her fingers with her own.
Pointing a finger at the offending scarf, Jane said, "This is what's wrong, Maura!"
Maura couldn't help but let a girlish giggle escape her lips.
"C'mon, Maura. This isn't funny!" Jane whined and stomped her foot for good measure.
"Alright, alright. I'm sorry," Maura stepped a little closer, so only Jane could hear. "But, really I'm not that sorry." Maura's twinkling eyes caught Jane's.
Jane let out an exasperated sigh, "Can you help me out here?"
Tugging at their already intertwined fingers, Maura pulled them back into her classroom.
The gaggle of giggling girls were busy talking amongst themselves, so they hadn't even noticed the two women re-enter the classroom.
The doctor grabbed her purse before addressing the students. "Girls, I'll be back in less than ten minutes."
"Ok, Dr. Isles." The teenagers all exchanged knowing looks.
"Thank you, girls. I'll be back shortly."
With that, Maura tugged Jane back into the hall and towards the faculty bathroom.
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"Jane sit still." The doctor was struggling to maintain her patience with her wriggling girlfriend. "Do you want my help or not?"
"Yes," Jane pouted and untied her scarf.
Maura cringed a little.
Wow, I really did do a job on her. It looks even worse today than yesterday.
The doctor rifled through her purse until she found what she was looking for. "Ah, here it is."
Maura pulled out a bottle of concealer and powder.
Jane looked skeptically at the doctor, "Maura, your skin tone is way lighter than mine. How's this going to work?"
"Well, I keep a backup of makeup for you."
"Wait, you keep makeup for me with you?" Jane knew her girlfriend was a tad eccentric but this was a new one.
Maura acted like this was the most normal thing in the world, "I like to be prepared for anything. Look at it this way. With me around, you'll always look stunning." Maura winked at the brunette.
"You're getting good at this whole sarcasm thing." Jane wasn't sure if she should be impressed or a little wary.
"Really? Thank you, Jane!" Maura raised herself on her tiptoes to give the brunette a quick kiss.
"You're welcome, Maura. Now can you fix this?" Jane pointed at the marks on her throat.
"Of course, hop up on the counter," Maura instructed and moved between the brunette's legs.
After a few minutes, Maura had nearly covered all the marks when the door swung open.
The universe decided to be an asshole that day.
Kellie Thomas had just entered the bathroom. Maura tried to step in Kellie's line of sight so she couldn't see the marks on Jane's neck, but she wasn't quick enough. The ignoble woman shot a nasty look their way before disappearing into a bathroom stall. The couple continued to work on Jane's marks regardless of Kellie's appearance.
When the toilet flushed, Kellie reemerged from the stall and threw one last glare at the couple before leaving the bathroom.
As soon as the door closed, Jane hopped off the counter and turned to Maura.
"Can you believe that?"
"I know! She didn't wash her hands!" Maura looked repulsed.
"Really, Maur'?"
Maura looked confused, "What?"
Jane couldn't help but shake her head and laugh.
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"Hey, Maura. Here's the stuff that was in your box." Jane handed the doctor a stack of papers.
"Oh, thank you, Jane. You saved me a trip." Maura kissed Jane on the cheek.
A small smile formed on the brunette's lips. "Don't mention it."
The two women thumbed through the stack of papers until Maura stopped at a gaudy green flyer.
Maura shook out the paper and peered closely at the jumble of pictures and words on the page.
"This looks like a list of holiday festivities, Jane." Maura looked at the brunette waiting for a further explanation."
"Yep, since midterms are on Thursday and Friday this year, the school's devoting Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for review and holiday activities.
Jane pointed to the words in big bold print, "Holiday Hoops Hoopla." That's pretty good alliteration there." Jane said with only a mild hint of sarcasm. "That one's my favorite. It's the faculty-student basketball tournament. We always raise a crapload of money for Angel Tree with that."
"What's the Angel Tree? I've never heard of it."
"It's for people in need during the holiday season. People anonymously list things they would like to get for Christmas like clothes, shoes, and toys. If possible, we buy them a little extra gift that's on their wish list. It's everyone's favorite fundraiser. A lot of the angels on the tree are our own students and their families."
"Oh, that's something that I'd really like to help with. Let me know when it starts, Jane."
Jane knew what was on Maura's mind. She had a feeling that the angels on the tree this year would be getting what they wanted and then some from her generous girlfriend.
That's another reason I love you, Maura.
Maura pointed to another event.
"Ugly Christmas sweater contest? Did I read that right?"
Jane laughed at the disgusted look on Maura's face.
"Yep. You did. We wear them at the Faculty Christmas Party. Don't worry. I've got the hook up for that one. Frost wins every year," Jane chuckled.
"Whatever you say, Jane." Maura still looked skeptical.
Both women glanced at the clock, it read 3:40.
"Gross, I've got to go get ready for practice. See you afterwards?"
"Of course." Maura leaned over and gave the brunette a quick peck.
"Ok, I love you. I'll see you afterwards." Jane flashed the blonde a bright smile before dashing out the door.
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Jane managed to make it through practice without anyone commenting on her neck, so she had to give Maura props for a makeup job done well.
Making good on a promise she made weeks ago, Jane and Maura were in the gym alone after the practice was over.
"Ok, Maura. Here are the basics of playing basketball. Take this ball," Jane held up a worn basketball, "and put it into that hoop." Jane casually tossed the ball over her shoulder and was rewarded with the soft swish as the ball made it through the hoop.
I'm a badass.
"Here, catch!" Jane gently tossed the ball to the doctor who caught it without fumbling too much.
Maura tried bouncing the ball a few times without much success. After the third bounce, the ball would roll out of reach, and Maura would have to chase after it. Jane giggled a little before she had mercy on the honey blonde.
"Umm, let's not focus on dribbling the ball today. Instead, let's try shooting."
Maura (being Maura) made sure to research the mechanics behind shooting a basketball. Jane groaned as she watched Maura line up her shot.
"Really? The granny shot?
"I would have you know that this technique has a higher accuracy rate than the traditional overhand throw. For example, in the 1961-1962 NBA season, Wilt Chamberlain made 61.3% of his free-throws using this technique. Whereas all other seasons he converted only 51.1% of his foul shots in his entire career. The numbers don't lie, Jane."
"But Maura, it looks so silly!" Jane whined.
"That's what he said, and that's why he quit doing it, but honestly one could argue that it would have been better for his career is he hadn't."
Maura paused before an idea struck her. "Want to make a wager?
Jane eyed the doctor suspiciously, "What do you have in mind?"
"If I make more shots than you using the granny technique, you have to use it in the faculty-student basketball tournament."
Jane considered it for a moment before agreeing. She was positive that Maura had no chance of making more shots than she could.
"Ok, if I win, then you have to wear flats to work for two weeks. Consecutively. "
Maura didn't expect that kind of wager from the brunette, so she fought back. "One week!"
"Eight days!" Jane threw back.
"Deal!" Maura held her hand out to seal the agreement.
After shaking the doctor's hand, Jane became all business. "Alright, Doctor. How are we going about this?
"How about each of us take a total of twenty shots each and alternate with each shot?" Maura stated.
"You first then." Jane smirked. Easiest bet she would ever win.
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"Oh, Jane. I just love wearing heels." Maura twisted her foot towards to the brunette to give her a good look at her new Jimmy Choos.
"Real cute, Maura."
Frost couldn't resist. "Those are very lovely, Doctor." The gregarious man then turned to his friend, "I'm so looking forward to the faculty-student basketball tournament. Aren't you, Jane?"
He heard about the lost bet and couldn't wait to see it in action (especially since part of the tournament includes a free throw shoot out).
"I hate you." Jane grumbled.
Frost just laughed and walked away.
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Following the tournament Jane, Maura, and some of the other teachers who played in the tournament went out for drinks.
"So, Jane. How long do you think it's going to take before they stop calling you Granny Jane?" a gleeful Frost asked.
The brunette groaned and rolled her eyes. "Hopefully, just until the end of the week. Maybe Christmas break will make them forget." Jane wasn't so sure that would be the case.
"Don't be too grumpy, Jane." Maura patted the brunette's arm. "You did set a new school record."
Jane took a large gulp of her beer. "You're right. At least, I get bragging rights for that," the brunette grumbled.
Maura reached into her purse and pulled out an envelope and slid it over to the brunette.
"What's this?" Jane eyed the doctor suspiciously.
Maura smiled softly, "Open it."
Jane cautiously opened the envelope and pulled out four tickets.
"You got tickets for game seven of the NBA finals?!" Jane was floored.
Maura took a sip of her beer (another example of Jane's influence on the doctor) and responded, "You were such a good (albeit grumpy) sport about our little bet, I thought you deserved a reward."
Jane wrapped her arm around Maura and pulled her close. "I love you."
Frost winked at Maura and asked Jane again, "How long do you think it'll take until everyone stops calling you Granny Jane?"
"However long they want." Jane kissed Maura and toasted her friends.
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Even though she was dressed in a sweater that featured two reindeer doing the tango, Maura was having a blast at the Christmas party.
Barry Frost had taken it upon himself to buy a sprig of mistletoe to wreak havoc on the Christmas party. He did everyone a favor and avoided sticking anyone under the mistletoe with Kellie Thomas and Mr. Pike. Why ruin everyone's holiday fun?
Jane and Maura were busy chatting with some teachers from the math department when Jane felt a presence behind her.
"Pucker up, snookums." Frost made lots of wet kissing sounds at the brunette.
"Frost, if you want to have children someday, I suggest you back away."
Frost lowered the mistletoe and pouted, "Jane, you're no fun." The beautiful doctor standing next to Jane caught his attention.
"Hello, Doctor. Fancy kissing me under the mistletoe?" Frost waggled his eyebrows at her.
"Of course," Maura stepped over and chastely kissed Frost on the cheek.
Grinning brightly, Frost thanked the doctor. "What about now, Jane?"
Frost dangled the mistletoe over the two women's heads. Maura caught everyone (especially Jane) off guard when she dip kissed Jane like the stars in old Hollywood films used to.
WOOOOoOOOoooOO!
When Maura and Jane stood up straight again, Jane was redder than Rudolph's nose.
Amidst all the laughter and applause, the brunette gave the crowd of her coworkers a little wave before she pulled Maura over to the punch bowl. Still blushing furiously, Jane remarked, "I'm impressed, Maura. I didn't see that coming."
"Neither did anyone else!" Maura laughed airily.
After getting themselves some punch, the couple sat down at one of the tables set up at the party.
"Maura, I know we haven't really talked about this much but would you like to spend Christmas with my family and me?"
The doctor has mentioned earlier in the week that her mother and father wouldn't be home in time to celebrate Christmas with the honey blonde. In fact, her father wouldn't be able to make it all.
"Really?" Maura's eyes lit up like they had when Jane invited her for Thanksgiving.
Jane smirked, "No, I was just kidding."
That earned Jane a smack on the arm.
"Ow!" The brunette rubbed her arm. "I think you enjoy that a little too much," Jane grumbled.
"I think you'd enjoy it if I did the smacking in other places, Jane."
The brunette blushed and looked around to make sure no one heard Maura.
"You're awful. You know that?" Jane put her hands on her hips.
Maura smugly retorted, "Funny, no one has ever said that to me before." The doctor gave the brunette a saucy wink.
All Jane could do was shake her head.
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Maura's first Christmas with the Rizzolis was the best one she could ever remember having. Everyone gathered in Angela's house to partake in a delicious feast. Laughter and smiles filled the day and everyone present was content.
One of Maura's favorite presents that year came from Jane. The doctor became the proud owner of a Boston East Bulldogs hooded sweatshirt.
"Here you go, Maura. Now you can look like the rest of us," Jane smiled. The brunette didn't expect the tears the gift elicited from her girlfriend, so she pulled Maura close. "Hey, what's wrong?"
Sniffling Maura looked up at the brunette, "Until I met you, I have never felt like I belonged to a group. Thank you."
Jane gently kissed the top of the blonde's head. "Well, you're stuck with us now."
Maura's smile had never been brighter.
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Really, Maura, I think it is wonderful career that you have chosen, but wouldn't you be better suited for teaching at an university or private school? As intelligent and talented as you are, don't you think you're wasting your abilities in public education. Your father could easily use his contacts to procure you a teaching position at BCU.
A few days after Christmas, Constance Isles had arrived in Boston. The two women were currently having lunch at their favorite French bistro.
"Mother, I don't understand you. For years, you have donated thousands of dollars to fine arts programs in public schools. What has happened to make you think that the public education is suddenly beneath us?"
"It isn't, my dear, but when Daniel called me earlier this week, he told me about the type of people and students you work with," Maura cut Constance off before she could even finish her sentence.
"Excuse me," Maura's eyes narrowed to slits. "Did you just say Daniel?" The doctor's felt her blood begin to boil.
"Yes, of course," the artist said unaware of the recent drama.
Constance took a sip of water.
"He contacted me a couple of weeks ago asking how you were and what you were doing now."
Constance shifted in her seat to cross her legs. "Daniel was always such a good man, and you made such a terrible mistake to leave him. I had no qualms in telling him what you were up to."
The older woman smiled at her daughter, "Did he contact you? It would be such a wonderful chance for you to remedy the mistake you made."
One could describe Maura's mood as pissed, but livid was more appropriate.
"You told him where I was?" Maura clenched her napkin in her hands.
"Of course, darling. I just said," Again, Maura interrupted her mother.
"What did he tell you, Mother?" Maura always maintained her temper with her mother, but her self control was at its limits.
With a healthy dose of disdain, Constance answered her agitated daughter's question.
"He told me that he visited your school to see where you work. According to him, the sort of people you work with in public education are the most deplorable professionals he had ever met and the children the rudest. He told me about one woman in particular. Her name is Jane Rizzoli, I believe."
The asshole struck again.
"Mother, Daniel was incredibly dishonest about what he told you."
"How so, darling?"
"Daniel never came to my work nor did he ever meet anyone except for Jane; he only dislikes her because she and I are involved."
Constance's eyebrows shot up, "You're involved with that woman?"
As an artist, Constance had met all sorts of people in her lifetime. Same sex relationships did not matter to her whatsoever, but being involved with someone other than Daniel was unacceptable.
"Yes, Mother. I've never been this happy before. In fact, I love her."
"Love her, Maura? Honestly, how long have you known her?" Constance mentally calculated. "It couldn't be more than four months." The artist said incredulously.
"I cannot explain it, Mother, but I do." The look on the doctor's face screamed sincerity.
Maura continued, "Jane has played a major role in my happiness. She values me and truly loves me in return. Although I am proud of the work I did as a medical examiner, teaching has given me an unquantifiable amount of happiness and purpose. I don't regret my decision for a single minute. Some days may be more challenging than others, but it's worth it, Mother. Jane has helped me see that. "
Constance was blown away by Maura's passionate declaration. "Well, darling, are you sure this isn't a result of loneliness? You never really dated anyone since Daniel."
Just because I was single doesn't mean I was lonely!
"Mother, I didn't date anyone because I hadn't met anyone worth committing to until Jane!" Maura's voice had raised a little in volume, but she caught herself before she continuing to speak.
"Besides, Mother, your precious Daniel isn't as upstanding as you may think."
"Whatever do you mean, darling?"
"First of all, he tried to force himself on me; second of all, he tried to punch Jane when she came to help me."
Constance wasn't sure she had heard correctly. "Did you say that he tried forcing himself on you and tried to strike Jane?"
"I did, Mother." The memory still infuriated the good doctor.
"I see," Constance took another sip from her water. The older woman was already calculating ways to punish the deplorable man whom only moments before she believed was a saint. "I will take care of it."
Maura wasn't sure what Constance meant by this, but she decided that she rather not know.
"I would like to meet this Jane woman and form my own opinion about her."
A little wary of her mother's change of heart Maura agreed, "Of course, Mother. We are out for winter break, so our schedules are free. Please let me know a time that is convenient for you."
Maura was still hurt that Constance hadn't come to town in time for Christmas, but she wasn't going to take this opportunity to spend more time with her mother for granted.
The two stood up from their table.
"Sounds wonderful, darling. I will be in touch."