Out of Tune
Disclaimer: Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles do not belong to me. No infringement intended and no profit will be made from their use.
Note: Italics indicate flashbacks.
Jane was vague about how she managed to get the tickets to game 4 of the Celtics-Heat playoff series, mumbling something about someone owing her, and Maura decided not press the issue. Jane also apologized, knowing that the basketball game wasn't Maura's top choice for their first sort of official date. But Maura was a good sport about it. Jane made friends with all of the people sitting around them and Maura listened to them debate the merits of the various players and complain about the calls that went against the Celtics.
The Celtics lost the game, though, and Jane was nearly completely silent as they walked towards Maura's house after the game. "What are you thinking about?" Maura finally asked.
"How it went wrong. All the ways the Celtics could have won the game. There were a few shots that if only they had gone in, it all could have been different," Jane answered despondent.
"Jane, I understand that the game was important to you, but I'm still here, you know, happy to spend time with you, so you can pay attention to me."
Jane stopped and took hold of one of Maura's hands. "Oh, Doctor Isles, are you feeling neglected?" Maura made a pouting face and Jane laughed. "I'm sorry, really. I should definitely be paying more attention to you." Jane stepped closer and with a hand on Maura's hip pulled their bodies together. Jane whispered in Maura's ear, "I'll always give you whatever attention you want."
"Jane, someone might see us." Maura pushed against Jane and at the confused look on Jane's face, continued, "because, trial period, won't it be easier if we're not publicly affectionate yet?"
Jane released Maura but didn't say anything and they continued on their walk. At Maura's house, Maura unlocked the door and walked inside. She turned around when she realized Jane wasn't following her but was still standing at the open door. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just, um. It's kind of our first official date. I thought we should to acknowledge that. I'm sorry I dragged you to the game tonight. It probably wasn't the best idea. But I'll do whatever you want for our next date.""
Maura came back to the door and took Jane's hand. "Whatever I want? I would really like it right now if you came inside. I even have your favorite beer." Jane finally came inside and closed the front door behind her.
Maura had worked with the Boston Homicide Department for about six months when Jane started inviting her to join her, Frost, and Korsak for post-case solving drinks at the Robber. Maura generally didn't socialize outside of work with any of the homicide detectives, but Jane always treated her like a full part of the team, so she agreed to go once and then it quickly became a regular thing.
One night they all went to the bar during the baseball playoffs. The Red Sox were facing elimination against the Angels and everyone was crowed around the huge television at the back of the bar. When Maura first moved to Boston she was surprised by how the whole city seemed to revolve around the sports teams and she still hadn't fully adapted to it yet.
Jane was up at the front of the crowd yelling and cheering and during a commercial she turned around and spotted Maura sitting at a booth behind everyone else, so she pushed her way over to Maura and slid in the booth next to her. "Hey, I didn't realize you were still here."
"I've lived here long enough now that I should probably commit to becoming a Red Sox fan."
Jane poked against Maura with her elbow. "It's supposed to be fun, not a chore."
"Oh, I didn't mean to make it sound like a chore."
"Relax." Jane stood up and held out her hand. "If you want to be a fan you should come join the action. Come on."
Maura hesitated but took Jane's hand and Jane pulled her into the crowd. Fed by the enthusiasm of the people around her, Maura was soon yelling and cheering too. The game started well for the Red Sox and every time they scored Jane turned to Maura to celebrate with high fives and hugs. When the Red Sox went up 5-1 on a home run, Jane picked up Maura and spun her around. Registering the shock on Maura's face and realizing what she'd done, Jane sheepishly apologized and kept her hands to herself for the rest of the game.
Maura didn't know how to tell Jane that it was actually okay and that she liked Jane's touching, even though she'd be uncomfortable with it from anyone else. Then the game quickly went downhill for the Red Sox and soon everyone was filtering out of the bar in various states of shock and disbelief at the loss. Jane and Maura made their separate ways home.
At home, Maura couldn't sleep. She was thinking about Jane and what she could only describe as a growing attraction to her. At first Maura thought she was just grateful to Jane for including her in the team's social activities. But tonight, when Jane had hugged her...the feeling of Jane's body, firm but soft in all the right places, against her...Maura couldn't pretend to herself that she didn't like it and didn't want to feel it again.
Maura handed a beer to Jane. "I had a good time tonight. I enjoy spending time with you wherever we are, even if it's somewhere I wouldn't normally go on my own. Do you remember watching the Red Sox playoff game at the Robber?"
They both sat down on the couch in the living room. "Ugh, don't remind me of that trainwreck."
"Despite the obviously painful loss, I have largely good memories of that night. We hadn't known each other that long, and you pulled me into the crowd of people and really made me feel like I was part of it, and I had a great time with you. When I got home I spent a lot of time thinking about the night and you and that was the first time I really admitted to myself I was attracted to you."
"You were attracted to me that long ago?" Jane asked surprised.
"Yes I was. I should have done something about it a lot sooner."
Jane put her hand on Maura's thigh and said, "Hey, it's okay. I probably wouldn't have been ready for it then, so let's just focus on now."
They were both silent for a few moments, each quietly sipping at their drinks.
"Why does this feel so awkward?" Jane asked.
Maura laughed nervously. "I'm glad it's not just me. I don't know what we're supposed to do right now."
"This is our first date, right? So I'm going to say goodnight and go home. I have to get in early tomorrow anyway." Jane stood up and headed to the door, followed by Maura.
At the door, Jane turned around and Maura pressed against her. "Are you sure you won't stay?"
"I think it would be better if I left. It might be better if we cooled things off physically for a little while anyway. Hit the reset button."
Maura gave Jane a quick kiss on the cheek, and said, "Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then." Jane left and Maura leaned her forehead against the door, thinking -or hoping- maybe Jane would decide to come back. When it was clear Jane was really gone for the night, Maura let out a quiet but frustrated, "Shit!" before heading to bed.