See Ch 1 for disclaimers…
FYI I owe snowinmysoul for being able to give this all to you as quickly as possible. Despite a busy schedule she managed to get this thing back to save me from baseball bats (hopefully) :).
Maura's world had morphed from quiet introspection to an epoch of chaos in a matter of minutes.
She barely had time to step back from Ian when her front door flew open again and Jane was standing there framed by the storm at her back. Wild brunette curls and clothing bearing testament to the tempest raging outside. She felt her heart rate increase as she stared between Jane's expression and Ian's confusion. Maura didn't have time to utter a word when a voice called her name from the kitchen and with a twist of her head she watched Angela appear through the back door. Her eyes darted around the disorder, not certain who or what to settle on first.
Jane shut the storm out and the noise faded slightly as all four of them stood there staring at each other.
Angela seemed to recover first, making her way through the living room. "I'm sorry I took so long Maura, I had a few last minute Christmas things to attend to. She stood shoulder to shoulder with Maura. "Dr. Faulkner, I didn't know we were expecting you for the holidays."
Maura winced slightly, the words were directed at Ian but the undertone of reproach was there. She wondered if she was the only one to hear Jane's muttered "We never do."
Ian offered his hand to Angela. "Mrs. Rizzoli, nice to see you again. Please it's Ian."
Blinking Maura watched Angela and Ian exchanging pleasantries. Shaking her head slightly, trying to reconcile herself with reality, she stepped away, moving to Jane. She looked her over carefully before cupping the side of her face with her palm. "Where did you come from? Your skin is almost frozen to the touch." She brought her other hand up to along the opposite side of Jane's face and brushed her thumbs along cold skin, feeling the noisy exhale Jane let loose at her touch.
"I didn't want to fight the hill with my car so I had Frost drop me off at the end of Chestnut." Maura's touch felt heavenly against the chill of her face and Jane could almost forget that Ian was standing feet away. She missed the warm contact the second Maura dropped her hands to brush along her shoulders and down her arms.
Angela cleared her throat, clearly not for the first time and it made both women step away from each other. "Ian was just telling me he was flying home for the holidays when the flight he was on was rerouted through Boston because of the storm's impact in Maine."
At Maura's curious look Ian spoke up. "My mum's been feeling poorly and I thought it best to take a short leave for the holiday. The storm meant they couldn't land us in Maine for my connection so Logan was the closest international airport. They've booked me through on a connecting flight to LA but it doesn't leave until late tomorrow evening." He offered Maura a small smile. "I was actually happy that it happened. I thought I would perhaps have a chance to catch up with you before the holiday."
Jane ran her hand through her wet hair, fingers catching in curls that were still bound together in places by ice. A quick glance at her mother she could see the compassion there and it gave her strength. "That is a shame about the flight situation but how lucky for you that they were able to rebook you so fast. Right Maura?"
Maura nodded, it seemed like the safest response. He had no way of knowing her circumstances had changed. She could feel the cold touch of Jane's hand at her back. Part of her wanted to reach back and kiss Jane just to clarify the situation for her. She knew Jane. Knew that she was sensitive right now and Maura imagined she'd feel the same way if the tables were turned. But her upbringing demanded a certain level of decorum and she chose her words carefully. "I am sorry to hear your mother isn't well." She stepped back to lean against Jane and when the hand on her back moved to her hip, she knew it wasn't entirely appropriate but she pulled Jane's hand against her abdomen. Some things were simply more important. "It's good to see you. Let me go help Jane change out of these clothes and I'll get the guest room ready for you." Maura could see her careful phrasing hit home with him. She turned to Angela. "Would you mind setting the kettle on for tea?"
Maura lead the way to her bedroom, fetching Jane's sweats and one of her own thermal shirts from her drawers. She turned to Jane and tugged at her snow crusted coat. "What are you still doing wearing this up here?"
"I'm too cold to take it off." Jane let Maura slip the coat off and disappear into the bathroom with it, appearing a moment later clutching a towel. "I didn't want it to drip over the rug. That Persian carpet under your feet is an antique." Maura gave Jane a ghost of a wink as she offered her the towel. "Do you want to take a quick shower to warm up?" When Jane nodded Maura stepped back. "I'll go then and help your mother entertain."
Maura was about to go down the stairs when she turned back and walked back into her bedroom and opened the door to the bathroom.
Jane was pulling off her shirt when she felt familiar hands at her waist give a playful squeeze. Startled she jumped at Maura's touch and spun around. There was a flash of hazel intensity before she fell against lips that searched for hers with a promise.
Pulling back Maura breathed a moment in tandem with Jane, stroking the skin under her fingertips. "See you downstairs."
Maura wasn't certain what scene she would be walking into but it certainly wasn't the sight of Ian filling out the addresses on Angela's envelopes while Angela puttered around pulling containers out of her freezer. Apparently late as it was they were having something to eat. "Jane is taking a shower to warm up." When Angela simply pointed her to an empty chair she sat down and pulled her cards towards her. "I can't believe I left these so long this year, they're all going to arrive late."
Angela set a pot of water to boil on the stove. "It's my fault and we both know it." She walked over to the sink to run the container of sauce under hot water. "I kept promising Maura we'd sit down and do these but something was always getting in the way. One of these days I'll just settle on sending New Years greetings."
Ian looked at Maura, staring while she fidgeted with arranging cards and envelopes, eyes trained downward. Mindful of the banging pots and pans he patiently waited until she glanced up before looking away again. "I'm sorry, I don't usually call." He glanced purposefully at Angela. "I hear that perhaps your circumstances have changed." He pulled a blank envelope off the stack and started writing another name and address. "I can try to find a hotel."
Finally she shook her head, again mindful of the words she picked. "No, please don't do that, we have plenty of space here. You didn't know. Both guest rooms are free, however perhaps you wouldn't mind staying with Angela in the guest house? That room I know is ready." Maura glanced over her shoulder watching Angela freeing the frozen sauce into a pot. She looked at Ian. "I'm sorry, in hindsight with our history I should have called." She picked up a holiday card. "To be honest it comes down to unfortunate timing. Jane and I are sending Christmas cards out together this year so you would have known shortly."
Ian was about to simply nod his agreement but he hesitated when she looked at him and his chest tightened, he couldn't be losing her. Suddenly desperate he looked at her hands, noting that the fingers were clear. There was a brief flash of hope. "You are exclusive?"
Maura watched him studying her hands. "Yes." It was one word but it was clear, definitive.
He nodded once. "Then this is different this time. Serious?"
Maura folded her arms across her chest and rubbed her upper arms. She knew the real question he was asking. "Yes. Very much so." Her mouth went dry and Maura swallowed. They'd always had their arrangement. Other relationships were understood and part of the package. Neither of them was willing to change their careers and personal objectives. Both of them knew if the other one found something permanent, something serious, that it was the end for them. It made this moment hard to get through, she had Jane but all he had was then end of an affair that lasted over a decade. He loved her, she loved him. She just wasn't in love with him, a cliché perhaps, but the truth. "My relationship with Jane is more than serious." As the words slipped past her lips, part of her was sad, part of her felt guilty for hunting him and a large part of her felt lighter, as if she was finally confirming something about her and Jane out loud. Her relationship with Jane was serious.
As bizarre as this situation was, Maura realized she didn't have a second of regret. She felt terrible that he found out like this but that wasn't anybody's fault. She would find a moment for them to talk before he left, but now was not the time. "I'm going to make some tea, would you like some?" When he nodded Maura stood up and went to grab the kettle off the stove, giving Angela a strained smile when the older Rizzoli squeezed her shoulder briefly. Looking at Angela she could see support and understanding mixed with a hint of approval twinkling in her eyes.
Angela checked the sauce, lowered the heat and added ravioli to the boiling water. From the depths of Maura's refrigerator she pulled out the makings for a simple salad. She wished that Jane could have heard that exchange. Maybe then her oldest would smarten up and see what everyone else, apparently including Maura, knew. Angela cut up cucumber and ripped up lettuce, determined now to get Jane alone for a little heart to heart. When she looked up from sliding everything into a bowl the child in question was walking across the living room, dark eyes intent on Ian as she walked by. Angela had to bite her lip to keep from smiling at the expression on Jane's face. Perhaps a little reminder of the fact there was competition out there was the perfect Christmas gift from above.
Maura wasn't surprised when Jane joined her by the stove, hip to hip. "Are you feeling any better?"
Eyes trained on Ian, Jane glanced at Maura briefly. "I feel warmer."
"Do you want some tea?" Maura ignored the look leveled at her. "Go get the cocoa then. A warm drink will help." For a moment she thought Jane was going to argue and she couldn't figure out why. Finally Jane walked away and stood on tiptoe until she could reach the tin container. When she returned Jane again aligned herself against her side and didn't move. The position they were in made it difficult to prepare the drinks, if she wasn't careful she would end up elbowing Jane in the side as she worked.
Carrying her cocoa Jane waited for Maura to sit back down before she pulled out a chair next to her. Maura handed her the blank envelopes and her address book.
Angela watched them all sitting there in silence and took charge of the situation. "Jane you should consider yourself lucky this year. I drafted Ian to help me address my cards so you're off the hook. You only have to work on the ones you're sending out with Maura." She fished a ravioli out of the water and cut it with fork, looking at the silent trio sitting at the kitchen island. She was going to have to give them something to do. "Dinner is ready. I'm going to leave everything here by the stove and you kids can help yourselves but we're going to work while we eat."
By the time they'd plated food and sat back down the tension had eased slightly. They worked in relative quiet as they ate.
"Anybody want seconds?" When Ian passed over his plate Angela beamed at him. "I like a man that knows how to eat. So Ian, it seems like a lot of flying to get where you were going, your mother will be so happy to spend some time with her son I'm sure."
He looked up sharply and he could see Maura's eyebrow raised. He should have realized she'd have figured it out already. A quick glance at Jane showed she hadn't picked up on the conversation or was refusing to pick up on the conversation. Good. "Flight was cheaper to run through the States. It takes me a bit longer but I'll get home all the same. I've missed Mum." Maura shook her head slightly and went back to eating and he let out a sigh of relief. It was better considering her connection to Jane that she didn't know anything detailed. He relaxed a little more when Angela seemed to take him at his word.
"That's nice. A mother should be with her children during the holidays." Angela reached to the middle of the island to pull the stamps to her, affixing them on her finished cards. "Jane honey, I don't suppose you could pick up an extension cord tomorrow? I want to see the house lit up."
Jane looked up from her cards she was signing as Maura finished and pushed them to her. "I promise tomorrow. I was going to do it tonight but we took longer talking to the neighbors on our latest canvas than I figured we would." She shifted, trying to get comfortable on the kitchen chair before standing up to tuck a leg under her and leaned on her right elbow feeling Maura's arm move as she filled out addresses from Jane's list.
As her arm brushed over and over against Jane's arm Maura shifted off to the side to give her more space. Within moments the touch was back. She glanced up from her writing but Jane seemed oblivious. She changed positions entirely, reaching over to pull the last of the cards to her. This time Jane started to fidget beside her until she stood up and sat back down on one of her legs. Now her foot rested against Maura's thigh before she settled. Irritated Maura was about to stand up and move, the passive possessiveness grating when she realized that Jane's foot couldn't be seen. Irritation bled into curiosity. Maura crossed her legs, removing contact again and within moments Jane started to shift and fidget. She uncrossed her legs and leaned towards Jane, bringing her thigh back in contact with her foot and their arms brushing. Jane let out a sigh against her and relaxed. It wasn't possessiveness. It was an entirely unconscious effort on Jane's part to connect while she was stressed. Maura felt her heart squeeze. This was how she knew there was no other answer she could have given Ian. This was them. This was serious.
When Maura's hand rubbed her thigh for a moment, Jane glanced over and became instantly concerned at the watery mist in the eyes staring at her. "Are you okay?" She was more surprised when Maura hastily stood up and kissed her cheek. "I'm perfect but I'm tired. I finished my cards so I'm going to go take a shower before bed. It's late." That wasn't like Maura to disappear, especially with a guest in the house.
Confused Jane nodded. "I'll be up in a minute. Just let me help Ma clean up." She watched Maura give her mother and Ian a small wave on her way out.
Jane was clearing plates off the island when her mother put a hand on her arm. "Honey, are you done with your cards?" She nodded and her mother squeezed her arm. "I'll take care of this." She was about to bolt upstairs when her manners got the better of her and she turned to Ian. "Can I get you anything?"
Chuckling wanly Ian waved her off. "Nothing that you're willing to give up, I'm fine thank you. I'll just head over with Angela and watch some stale holiday program you Americans seem so devoted to at Christmas."
The shower was running when Jane went into the bathroom. She sat on the foot of the bed and slumped, elbows on thighs thinking about the entire night. She bought an engagement ring. Ian had reappeared. Jane rolled her eyes to the ceiling and shook her head. Fate, God, whatever may exist continued their fucked up sense of humor because as hard as facing Ian had been for her, she knew part of Maura had to be hurting. She sat up and rubbed her hands along her thighs, pulling herself together and walked into the bathroom.
"Maura, are you okay?"
Maura finished rinsing the shampoo out of her hair hastily and tried to clear the emotion out of her voice. "Jane you didn't have to follow me. I'm okay."
Shaking her head slightly, Jane jumped up to sit on the vanity counter. "I know you are physically fine. That isn't what I'm asking."
Working the conditioner though the ends of her hair, Maura looked through the glass of the shower door seeing Jane's distorted form sitting on the counter, waiting. "I'm being honest, I'm not deflecting. I am okay. I feel horrible for hurting him, the situation is sad but it was always likely to come down to this. We both knew it. I believe we had been the way we were for so long that it was easy to forget that the choice to be together was one we both couldn't commit to." Maura started rinsing out the conditioner.
Slowly swinging her legs Jane debated if she wanted to know the answer to her next question but curiosity was getting the better of her. "Why would he have arranged his flight to come through the US if he was going home?"
Maura paused, her hand on the shower handle, leaving the running water between them for a moment while she answered this particular question. "I believe he intended to spend a few days with me, arrange some supplies before heading home." She didn't mention it wasn't the first time they'd celebrated the holiday season together before parting to go their separate ways for their families. That he knew her well enough to know how long she'd be at home before leaving to join her parents.
"So he wasn't routed through Maine?" Jane plucked at the material of her pants. In a way she could feel for him.
"Unlikely." Maura finally shut the water off and debated for a moment if she should continue but Jane was here waiting. "It could have been me instead of him facing the end of what we had alone. He walked in and was blindsided. That is what I feel badly about." She opened the shower door, smile growing when Jane was standing there with her towel held open. "Just look at this moment, I'm not alone, I have you." Maura leaned into Jane, not caring she was going to get Jane wet as she kissed the side of her neck. Arms circled around her and held her close. "I always thought I'd be the one alone. I was ready for that end. This ending was one I hadn't imagined and I wouldn't change it." Maura leaned back against the arms holding her and looked into Jane's eyes. "I want you."
The statement was simple but the look in Maura's eyes was not. Jane could see sincerity. She could see love and as Maura's breathing increased and eyes became lidded, desire.
Maura slipped her hands under Jane's shirt, caressing. "I want you." She ran her arms upwards taking Jane's shirt up with her. She ran her hands down Jane's back and unfastened her bra, murmuring against her neck. "You." She paused then and looked up, eyes stroking the dark ones waiting.
Jane sighed into the reassuring fit of Maura's lips against her own. They met, touching softly, until she leaned down and fingers traveled along her spine, pressing her closer as the kiss reached in for more. She helped the insistent hands at her pants, pulling away to step free.
Maura stepped back as Jane's hands roamed over her body and she let her pull at the edge of the towel until it dropped between them. Fingers mapped her body, stroked over her hips before sliding under the curve of her backside and nestling the heat of them together.
Skin met skin and Jane paused, Maura's temple resting in the curve of her cheek. Hands roamed restlessly over the bare skin of her backs as Maura's whispered words ripped down her spine. "I need you." She could only nod.
Taking a step back Maura moved her hands over waiting breasts, brushed nails over peaked flesh. Jane's eyes closed, her lip caught in her teeth when Maura slid hardened nipples between her fingers. "I'll be in bed in a minute."
Jane barely had time to climb onto the bed before Maura was standing in the bathroom doorway, hair slicked back, waiting. She stood there deliberately and let her look, encouraged it as she leaned against the wood frame. Jane felt her stomach clench hard at the possessive glow in the eyes roaming over her. In an instant she knew this was going to be Maura's show. Eyes drifting down she caught sight of Maura's clenched hand and when she looked up two eyebrows raised before Maura sauntered, unhurried towards the bed.
Jane's breathing was heavy, the movement in her chest becoming exaggerated as Maura paused, one knee on the mattress. "May I?" She unfurled her hand and she could see Jane draw in a hard breath in anticipation. The nod was slight but it made Maura smile as she carefully slinked her way up the mattress until they sat facing each other. She swept her hand along Jane's collarbones, over her shoulder and skipped the tips of her fingers down Jane's arm. Nipples tightened under her gaze and dark eyes were hooded. She brought her other hand up and let the smooth plastic surface press between Jane's breasts and pushed her down. Maura let their eyes connect as she slowly slid her leg over a toned abdomen and straddled shifting hips. Curling over Jane she cupped the side of her face letting her lips dance along the surface of a mouth that reached for hers. Breath intermingled. Noses brushed. Maura drew small circles with the bullet vibrator along Jane's abdomen and she traced the peak of Jane lip with the tip of her tongue and pulled back, waiting.
Jane answered, tangling her fingers into damp hair as she pulled Maura down and welcomed her in. She turned herself over to the press of Maura's body on hers, the restless shifting of skin along skin each time their mouths connected. She felt Maura's hand roll against her stomach and a gentle vibration started between their pressed abdomens. She broke the kiss, her body anticipating, knowing. Fingers danced along her temple until her eyes opened and she groaned. Maura was hovering over her, eyes bright and unwavering until she drowned in hazel. Jane gasped as lips closed around her ear, traveled down her neck, teeth pressing against the tendon until she couldn't stop the groan from breaking free.
Smiling against the noise reverberating against her lips, Maura drew the vibrator up, played it against straining nipples, letting sounds encourage her mouth down. The raw resonance grew between them and she became lost in the taste of Jane, lost in the texture of pebbled skin as she worshiped one nipple and then the other. When the body under her began to roll relentlessly with a silent request, when hands on her back were begging and pressing, Maura moved downward, each line of muscle, each curve savored against the flat of her tongue. Jane's thigh was smooth against her cheek, the muscle straining at each touch of her lips as she moved closer. For a moment Maura paused, savoring, until hips arched up and her name fell on a whisper from needy lips.
Jane felt each teasing, vibrating, touch of smooth plastic rolling down her skin, pressing until it was circling against her clit. Her voice surrounded them, words and sounds clashing until the buzzing rolled from her clit, to press teasingly in her and everything went still. Unable to catch her breath she pried her eyes open, Maura was waiting for her, looking at her. "I want you." The words hung between them as she felt her body part wetly as the vibration slipped inside. Her body hummed as lips closed around her clit and she was lost.
Maura felt the power of each swipe of her tongue. Muscles under her hands shook. Tension built in rocking hips and flexing thighs. Hands tangled and twisted rapidly in her hair, pulling her tighter and she pressed harder, pushing until Jane drew in a huge, gasping breath and pulsed sharply against her. Maura drew her in, held her in, feeling her climb higher until Jane surged forward, over and over, before crashing down, quaking and shuddering, against her. She left her lips touching until the quivering subsided and the gasps faded from the room.
When Jane felt the bullet ease out she wet her lips and opened her eyes. Reaching down she stroked Maura's shoulder, encouraging her upwards until she could close her arms tightly around her, shifting until they melded together. She turned her face and kissed Maura's forehead, freeing a hand to stroke Maura's cheek, guiding her up for a languid kiss. When Maura broke away with a soft sigh and settled back against her, Jane turned to look at the window. White flakes drifted steadily down but the frantic rush of had lessened. "The storm is winding down."
Maura shifted so she could watch the falling flakes. "It's pretty."
"It is." Jane pressed a thumb teasingly against Maura's hip, drawing a line down. "My turn."
Squirming slightly as her body responded, Maura stroked along Jane's arm until she captured the wandering hand and moved it up to her lower back. She craned her neck to look at Jane. "It is, but could we stay here like this?" She rubbed her cheek against the softness of Jane's breast. "I want to feel you hold me while we watch the snow fall."
Jane's arms tightened around her as she nodded and Maura settled back down, content, watching the swirling flakes dance by the window.
A/N – Writer hopes she has managed to START to wiggle her way out of the doghouse, because she loves her readers and OMG all the teasing right back. You kept me laughing all day. Even with the Christmas crowds and hearing the song this story was inspired by – TWICE – I kept laughing. I owe you guys.
I swear I will never escape that song this season. Never.
Holiday baking tonight, Christmas cookies for everyone!
