AN:Ok so this is more fluff than anything, if you want to skip to the filth I won't be offended.
December 14th
Jane sat at her desk, it was getting late but the team had decided to keep pushing on their case. They had to catch a break sometime right? Frost was on a much needed coffee run for them all, and even promised to bring back 'something taystee' as he put it. Her heart dropped when she saw her phone light up with a text from Maura.
[Are you nearly finished? We can still make it to the lot to pick out a tree. Your mother and Frankie are very excited x]
[I'm so sorry Maur, we're all staying late. But take Ma and Frankie and go pick out the best tree you see. I know it'll be perfect x]
[It won't be the same without you x]
[Tell you what, when you've got the tree go to the store and pick up some chocolate chips, some half and half and some hazelnut baileys if you can find it. Then when I get home I'll make you the best hot chocolate you've ever had x]
[I'll send you a picture if I can. Don't stay too late x]
She put her phone down and leaned back with a loud sigh. Running her hands through her hair she looked up to see a tired smile on her partner's face. Arms laden with steaming coffee and paper bags. Her placed one down in front of her with a wink,
"I won't tell her if you don't,"
"You always were a sexy beast Frost."
"I try. Now what have we got?"
Putting on her coat and scarf Maura tried not to look so forlorn at the thought of Jane at work and not about to go tree hunting. Angela gave her a small knowing smile.
"I know Janie is just as bummed for not being able to come with us. But you know she would tell you that if we wait much longer, all that's left are Charlie Brown trees."
Although she didn't quite get the reference, she understood the sentiment.
"Besides Maura, me and Ma, we're like expert tree hunters. Jane is too, so the pressures on me to not screw up." The younger Rizzoli bumped her shoulder lightly trying to cheer her up.
They walked into the darkening afternoon light.
"Oh I almost forgot, can we go to the store after, Jane wants me to pick up a few things for her."
They reached the same lot the Rizzoli's had been using for years. Maura felt equal warmth at being a part of the tradition, and a twinge of sadness that Jane couldn't take part. She tried to be taken in by the huge smile on Frankie's face as he looped his arm around Angela's arm and hers in turn.
"If it makes you feel better Maura it's not picking out the tree, or even decorating it that's the best part. It's Nona Rizzoli's best hot chocolate after."
"I don't suppose you make it with a hazelnut liquor do you?"
"Yeah! Has Jane ever made it for you?"
"No but looking at the small shopping list, I think she is going to."
"Trust me, you're going to love it! Come on I think I see a good one over there."
He lead the way, unknowingly Maura smiled warmly in the dark.
Things were moving at a maddeningly slow, but promising pace back at the precinct. They had managed to surface a few leads that would be better chased in the light of day. The flashing of Jane's phone distracted her slightly. It was a picture message from her mother. Clicking it open she smiled warmly at the sight of Maura all bundled up and laughing on Santa's lap.
"Lucky bastard," she mumbled before getting back to work.
She sipped on her coffee when less than five minutes later another text came through from Maura,
[I think we've found it, what do you think?]
The picture wasn't the best in the dark, but the doctor wanted nothing less than perfection, and if that's what she found then so be it,
[Did you measure your doorframe before you left like I said?]
[Yes Jane, it will fit, just!]
[Then snap that baby up. I should be home in time to help you finish decorating x]
[I can't wait. x]
"What's got you all smiling over there Janie?"
"Maura has picked out her first Christmas tree with Frankie and Ma. She's so excited."
"How about we push on for another half an hour then call it a night. We can't follow up on these leads in the middle of the night, Besides, I don't know about you but my back is killing me sitting in this chair."
She nodded in agreement.
"I don't know why you don't just get a better chair."
"And get comfy on my ass? Not likely Rizzoli,"
Back at the house Frankie had insisted on carrying the tree in for Maura, she flirted around him doing her best to make sure nothing got knocked off a sideboard or dragged from the walls. But soon enough the tree was in, clamped into its stand and the netting removed. She smiled as she took in the sight of the beautiful green tree.
"Is this really the first tree you've picked?"
"Jane started picking them for me a few years ago. I just hope she likes it."
They were startled from their thoughts when the front door closed, "Jane loves it Maura."
The blonde looked a little abashed as the detective walked in and wrapped her up in her arms.
"I'm sorry I'm so late. Did you manage to go to the store?" The doctor nodded, "Great, you are in for a treat."
Frankie lifted a box of decorations from the floor with a flourish, "Well then let's get started."
Jane reached in and fished out the lights, her and Frankie fell into a well placed team as they strung them around the tree and over branches. They stood back with a nod at each other.
"Ok Maur, have at it. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect."
"Are you not going to help?"
She wrapped the blonde in a side hug and placed a kiss on her crown.
"I'm going to start on the hot chocolate, but don't plug it in without me ok,"
In the kitchen she turned on the hob as she grabbed a large saucepan. Placing in her ingredients she let it simmer on a low heat. Reaching into her blazer she pulled out a small amount of candy canes to go with the drinks. Every now and then she could hear Maura exclaiming how something did look right.
She left the pan simmering lightly as she walked back into the living room. Wrapping her arms around the blonde from behind she whispered into her ear,
"Persuade thyself that imperfection and inconvenience are the natural lot of mortals, and there will be no room for discontent neither for despair."
"Tokugawa?"
"See I'm not just a pretty face. Whatever you do will be amazing alright."
Soon enough Maura was happy with the tree she stood beaming in the middle of the room.
"Ok who wants some hot coco?"
Jane returned carrying a tray with four steaming mugs, and a plate of cookies with candy canes. Placing it on the coffee table she handed a mug to the blonde.
"Careful, it's still really hot. The tree looks amazing, are you ready to turn on the lights?"
She nodded before the detective went to the plug and flipped the switch. She heard Maura gasp across the room at the soft glow. Taking her own mug the four stood together admiring a job indeed well done.
"So you don't think it's a Charlie Brown tree?"
Jane looked at her incredulously, "Maura, do you know what a Charlie Brown tree is?" She shook her head. "Ok so that's another movie on the pile for us. No Maura, it's not a Charlie Brown tree. It is amazing, and so are you."
Not long after their mugs were emptied Angela and Frankie said their goodbyes. Jane locked up the house while Maura got ready for bed. She lifted weary legs up the stairs and into their bedroom. Haphazardly she dropped her dirty laundry to the floor promising to herself that she would put it in the basket in the morning. Right now it was late and all she wanted to do was snuggle in bed.
In a few minutes Maura returned from the bathroom, crawling into the bed her midsection was immediately dragged into a warm embrace. Raven hair falling about her belly as Jane snuggled into her. She smiled drawing her fingers through the locks.
"Thank you for your help today Jane."
"What are you talking about? I didn't do anything, just ran myself into the ground at work when I should have been having fun with you."
"It's not that, even when you can't be with me, you always know what to say. How do you do that."
"Witchcraft." Jane deadpanned, Maura swatted her arm.
"Well what ever it is, thank you. Can I assume that you're too tired to see what's in our advent box?"
The brunette lifted her head looking up to her with a small smile.
"The spirit is willing, but the flesh is spongy and weak. But we can take a look and always save it."
Maura passed her a small, very small in comparison box. With a quizzical look she tipped it out and took a look. The blonde was confused when she heard giggling on her stomach.
"What is it Jane?"
"Have you looked in this one?"
"No, why?"
A scarred hand passed her the contents.
"It's a nice thought, but I'm not about to put a hole in my tongue to use it!"
She turned the item over in her hands and shook her head. It was a vibrating tongue bar. Looking down at the smirking detective she shrugged,
"Perhaps this collection was designed for the um, younger generation?"
"Don't feel bad Maur, it made me smile, so it's got that going for it. I'm sure there is still plenty for us in there,"
"See, there you go again, knowing exactly what to say."