Sorry for the length of time between updates. Let me know what you think of this chapter. Reviews are very very appreciated.
Jane took Maura in her arms and gently lifted her from the chair. Maura let out a small mewl of protest but her heavy eyelids caused her to twine her arms around Jane's neck and softly nuzzle close. Jane fleetingly wondered if Maura's car was near, but figuring she had not seen Maura when she probably followed her, chances were Maura had stowed it back at shooters. Internally debating whether or not to go get it, Jane's ribs answered for her and she gently took the sleeping Dr. Isles the few blocks to her house. Unlocking the door she gently took Maura to the bedroom kicking the front door closed and woke her up.
"Maur you need to change clothes honey."
Maura mewled softly and woke up just enough to take the clothes Jane handed her and stripped right then and there. Jane swore softly and turned the other way. Maura moved in a half asleep trance and as soon as she finished she walked into Jane's bathroom and grabbed Jane's toothbrush. All protest died on Jane's lips when Maura stuck it in her mouth before she could say anything. Instead she just leaned in the doorjam and watched a half asleep Maura in her pajamas, using her toothbrush. Leaning her head against it with her feet crossed and hip against the door she smiled again and fell in love with the normalcy that Maura brought to her life. Maura walked sleepily towards her and gently pecked her on the lips then happily smiled placed her fnger on Jane's lips and traced them for a moment, then in her half asleep state headed to bed. Jane's eyes widened in suprise but didn't pull away. Jane shook her head at the complete suprise that was Dr. Isles and she brushed her own teeth and then crawled into the bed next to Maura. Maura mewled soflty and backed her butt into Jane, with Jane spooning her from behind. Jane fell asleep an arm around Maura's waist holding her close , the sent of Maura filling her nostrils.
Maura woke up slowly the next morning a happy sigh escaping her lips and cuddled closer to the body behind her. Wait? The body behind her. Coming fully awake Maura tensed when she remembered all the events of last night. Oh my god she'd kissed Jane last night. How would that affect their relationship? God, how would that affect her fantasies. Deciding to play it cool Maura listened for a moment to find that Jane was still asleep. Rolling over as gently as possible Maura rested in the strong arms around her waist. Gently reaching up she ran her hands over Jane's facial features, enjoying the completely at rest Jane Rizzoli. Brushing her fingers over Jane's facial features Maura found herself completely entranced by the woman before her. She sighed gently as she heard Jane's breath come out shallower. Maura gently removed her hand and watched Jane wake up. Jane's eyes fluttered open to find deep green eyes searching hers. Sleepily smiling and smacking her lips she muttered a good morning. Maura's face lit up and she felt Jane pull her close. Maura fel herself find peace and rest in the arms of the woman sleeping half soundly next to her. Jane seemed perfectly content just to hold her. Resting her head against Jane's chest Maura let the heartbeat soothe her as Jane held her gently. Several minutes later Maura looked softly at her friend and Jane's eyes fluttered open. Maura watched her beautiful body stretch itself out and Jane smiled at her again. They lay there for a tense moment searching each other eyes. Jane smiled softly letting her hand run softly over Maura's features and smiled.
"What would you like for breakfast?"
"How about omelets?"
Jane nodded and gently standing up walked towards the kitchen calling after her.
"Today is my day off Maur, do you have any plans?"
Maura chuckled.
"No."
Jane smiled.
"Good."
Maura cocked her head to the side and smiled. Getting up she headed to the bathroom and after doing her buisness she flushed the toilet only to find that it was clogged. Sighing she washed her hands and headed out to the kitchen calling to Jane.
"Jane do you have a plunger?"
"Why?"
"Because your toilet is clogged."
Jane groaned.
"No but that'll be ou first stop. "
Maura raised an interested eyebrow.
"First stop?"
"Uh huh. Just you wait Dr. Isles I have a day planned for you."
Maura stomach fluttered in excitement.
"That sounds delightful Jane."
After breakfast the two women grabbed their various items and headed out. Jane had recently used her bonus and with Maura's stylistic assistance had bought a new car. She had bought a Subaru Forester in a beautiful mint green with a perfect sunroof and bike racks and such. She slipped on her aviator glasses and Maura glanced over to see a sight that took her breath away. Jane was wearing a comfortale pair of jeans a tighter shirt that showed off her abs, a black leather studded belt, her hair tied back and the sun hitting her just right through the sunroof. Maura swallowed at the sight. Fucking hell Jane was sexy. Jane smiled at her and drove to the mall with walmart in the basement. After parking she led Maura through the maze of the parking garage and throug hthe mall. Maura noted with great fascination that Jane would run ahead about three feet and slide across the mall floor.
"Jane what is the purpose of this?"
Jane laughed.
"Its not a matter of the purpose Dr. Isles, it a matter of the fun. It's like running down the hallway and sliding on the linoleum floor like a kid. Here you try."
Maura glanced softly at the woman and sighed, running she attempted to slid eon the floor only to find herself landing on her ass.
"What?"
Jane was leaning against the wall in stitches before walking over and helping Maura up.
"You ok?"
"Yes though it appears that my sandal bottoms aren't as compatible with this activity as yours are."
Jane chuckled.
"Compatible Dr. Isles?"
"Yes, compatible Detective Rizzoli."
Jane chuckled and walked into Walmart putting her sunglasses on her head. Leading Maura easily through walmart she grabbed a plunger off the shelf and grabbed a few other things smiling in Maura's direction several times. Leading Maura over to the wine she motioned Maura to pick out a bottle. Maura skimmed her choices and it was Jane's turn to observe the woman before her. Maura was wearing a pair of shorter shorts, had stolen one of Jane's jerseys and was wearing a girly pair of flip flops that made jane want to roll her eyes but she secretly loved that Maura loved them. Jane smiled soflty to herself, she could get used to this. Maura notied her scrutiny and raised an eyebrow motioning Jane over. Jane came up behind her and setting their basket down stepped up close behind Maura and read the label over her shoulder.
Maura felt her heart rate speed up with the proximity of one Jane Rizzoli. Jane spoke soflty over the wine choices but any and all of the caring Maura had went out the window as soon as she felt Jane's head rest on her shoulder and the warm breath caress her neck. She groaned soflty to herself and handed Jane the bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon in her hand. Jane smiled and plopped it in the basket and pulled away. They headed back into the main part of the mall when Maura's brain struck upon a very good idea. Glancing at the plunger Jane was carrying and her friends/ lovers antics at still slightly skimming her way through the mall Maura handed Jane the bags and pointed to her shoes.
"Take them off."
"Why?"
"Because I bet if I put them on I can plunge myself across the mall floor, and have way more fun and expend less energy than you do by running." Jane too amused to refute her took off her flip flops and pushed them towards Maura, she watched maura arrange herself on them without taking her own off and began to "plunge" her way across the mall floor. Jane chuckled at the gleeful look on her face and shaking her head walked through the mall shaking her head laughing. That is until she heard a squeak behind her. Turning she found Dr. Maura Isles on her ass once again staring at the handle of a plunger that stood in one place on the mall floor. She watched the distinguished Dr. Maura Isles get up and grabbing the handle of the plunger pull straight up attempting to get the plunger off the mall floor. She continued to pull straight up and Jane couldn't help herself she started walking away and glanced back at Maura. Maura turned and looked at her exasperated. The sight was just to much for Jane to handle. Setting the bags down on a nearby bench Jane just sat down and laughed at the comedy of errors as Maura attempted to get the plunger off the floor. Maura growled at her.
"Jane Rizzoli get over here and help me."
Jane laughed for a few more minutes and then getting up she walked over and pulled the plunger towards her, it immediately popping off the floor. Maura growled looking even more exapserated, grabbed the bags mumbling and stomped off in the opposite direction. Jane followed laughter filling her eyes as she slid her flip flops back on.
As soon as the car was loaded Jane joined Maura inside and with a smile pulled out of the parking garage.
"Where to now Jane?"
Jane smiled mischeviously.
"just trust me ok?"
Maura nodded and relaxed as they drove along the coastal roadway. Jane happened a glance out the sid eof her peripheral vision ands aw Mara leaning her head against her arm perched in the window, her hair blowing in the wind and Jane found her breath taken away by the sight. Maura was so incredibly beautiful. As she drove her Subaru handling like it always did, perfectly, Janre felcted over the past year. It had been almost a year since Casey had left her, she had beaten the shit out of her body, drank entirely to much and somhow in all the Mayhem that was those moments she had survived. She had survived past the heartbreak, the losing of herself all of it she ahd survived. Glancing over at Maura Jane realized that this was her normal. She had survived a heartbreak because if she hadn't she may have missed this. Taking a deep breath and pulling into the harbor she smiled when Maura came back from her musings and smiled at Jane.
"Jane, what are we doing here?"
Jane smiled.
"You always wonder where I dissapear to when I am on my own so now I am going to show you."
"Jane you come to the harbor?"
Jane laughed and parking the car grabbed the bags she had bought earlier and closed the back of her car. Maura stepped out and Jane gently stepped in front of her not allowing her to get past her. Their eyes met and they shared a moment, the world seemed to fade away as the only thing that existed in that moment was Jane and Maura. Jane reached up and Maura felt her heartrate pick up, her eyes flicked to Jane's lips and felt herself almost moan in anticipation of the lips she had longed for for so long. Jane leaned in and moved past her long enough to grab the blindfold she had left on the dash. Maura sighed in dissapointment. Jane noting it smiled gently, she reached up and moved some of the hair out of Maura's eyes gently and leaned in towards her ear.
Taking a deep breath Jane knew she was about ready to gamble her relationship with Maura, she could lose it all if she'd read the signs wrong. Leaning in she whispered gently.
"Be patient Dr. Isles, be patient you'll get that soon enough."
Maura immediately wrapped her arms around Jane's waist as she pulled away and leaned in, letting out a breath she hadn't known she was holding.
"Oh Jane you have no idea how much I've longed for that."
Pulling back she dared a look into the beautiful deep brown eyes. Jane's eyes were a mix of molten lava and a deep contentment. She smiled fleetingly and gently turned Maura and put the blindfold on allowing herself a moment of indulgence to stare at the beautiful woman before her. Taking a deep quiet breath with one hand she interlaced her fingers with Maura's and then with the other grabbed the bags. Leading Maura down the dock she took a deep shuddering breath. She had never shown anyone else this side of her life, but now it was time. When they reached their desitnation Jane let go momentarily.
"don't move ok?"
Maura nodded and a moment later she felt Jane come up behind her and squealed when she felt Jane lift her with little effort. She felt Jane step down onto something and felt the Earth move a little bit when Jane set her on her feet. A moment later she blinked into the sun before putting on her glasses and raised an eyebrow at Jane.
"Jane."
Jane was walking towards the other end of the object they were standing on and Maura heard the hum of an engine and a gleeful smile alight Jane's features as she shuffled past Maura grabbed the bags and dissapeared.
"Jane."
Jane stopped what she was doing when she heard a slight panic in maura's voice.
"Yeah?"
"What is this?"
Jane smirked and leaned up against the boat
"This is a Jeanneau sailboat. Its a 35 foot boat designed for a single sailor it has a engine and she loves the wind. It was an investment I made after Hoyt. It's why I told you to bring your swim suit, plus we are meeting Rica and Jess at the mall."She smirked at Maura. "Come on I'll give you the tour."
Reaching out she took Maura's hand and led her through the beautiful boat. Jane led her through the boat stopping to drop the bags at the galley and led Maura back to the bedroom.
" This is the head." maura peaked over Jane's shoulder and smiled, the bathroom it was the bathroom. Jane then turned and almost ran right into her and led her through a small hallway. "This is the bedroom and through here is the closet." Maura stopped almost dead in her tracks when the unique smell of Jane hit her and she clsoed her eyes savoring it, and the world faded away until she felt Jane's gentle touch.
"You ok?"
Reality slammed back and Maura's eyes flcikered open and fear filled them.
"Jane Rizzoli I can't swim."
"I know."
"You know and you brought me on a boat? Jane I love you but a boat, in the middle of a body of something I can't survive in?" Jane leaned against the wal and waited for Maura to finish her rant and realize what she had just said. When it seemed it wasn't going to end anytime soon Jane firmly reached out and gently grabbed her chin. Maura's words stopped in her throat when the brown eyes that sparkled with life met hers and a whispered "I love you too." slipped past Jane's lips and then time seemed to crawl as Jane pulled her closer brought her head down and gently captured her lips in a kiss. Maura was surprised at first but as jane kissed her, the world seemed to stop and a sigh escaped her lips, she pressed her body full length into Jane as she wrapped her arms around jane's neck and felt Jane's fingers flex before pulling her closer by her waist. After a moment they broke apart to breath and Maura pulled back slighty. Her green eyes had a smirk in them, much like the one on her lips and she breathed softly.
"Wow."
Jane smiled and opened her eyes to meet the smirk and slacked all her weight into the wall holding Maura against her.
"I'd agree with that. Maura if you think I'd ever let anything happen to you, you're wrong. When we actually sail, I will give you a lifevest at least until you become a stronger swimmer. Erica, Jess and I already talked about it and we are going to teach you ok?"
Maura nodded and leaned into kiss Jane again when she heard a voice call out jane's name. Jane squeezed her slightly and took her hand heading back up to the deck. Korsak stood there with Jo Friday sitting next to him. Jane smiled at the fact that Jo had a lifevest on and barked at seeing Jane. She loved to sail. She waited until Jane called her and Korsak dropped the leash. Jo ran and jumped onto the boat and went straight to Maura. Maura laughed and took off her leash. JO barked happily and licked her face then ran off to sniff out what she thought was her boat and make sure all was ready to go. Maura turned her attention back to Jane and Korsak. He was appreciatively running a hand down the boats main sail.
"Shit Janey, you told me about her but holy hell she's a beaut, maybe next time I can go out with you?"
"Maybe someday Korsak. For now thanks for dropping off Jo and for the other special items I asked for." Peeling a hundred off the roll Jane handed it to him and he smiled, saluted and headed back down the dock. Jane turned to Maura.
"Ready to go?"
Maura nodded.
"Can I have my lifevest first?"
Jane laughed and unlocking a bulkhead pulled out a lifevest for her. Maura slid into it and Jane began casting off lines and pointed to a place to sit. She was a tizzy of activity and Maura sat and watched. Finally Jane emerged from the cabin area and handed her a martini. Jane smiled as Maura accepted it also noting that Jane had changed into a pair of board shorts that framed her body perfectly. Jane revved the engine and drove them out of the harbour. Maura felt the wind pick up in her hair and felt it blow. Setting down her martini briefly she pulled her hair back in a ponytail and closed her eyes allowing the wind and the sun to bring her rest. She opened one eye taking a deep breath of the sea air and looked over at jane who was standing at one of the two wheels steering the boat. Her hair was also being blown by the wind. Jo friday was laying down at the entrance of the cabin and seemed content. Jane's face was free of worry and she seemed to enjoy this. Maura heard the large engine pick up as Jane revved it and released the throttle, they were almost all the way out to sea now. Jane expertly drove the boat and Maura studied her. Jane was stnading behind her driving the boat and Maura leaned back in the seat fiding it comfortable though intitially she thought it would be uncomfortable. She finished her martini and set it in one of the safe compartments glad it was a plastic cup and not glass and leaned back on the seat allowing the sun, the movement of the boat lull her into a deep sleep. She awoke about an hour later when she felt a kiss placed on her lips. Soflty coming out of sleep she pulled Jane closer and enjoyed the lips that captured hers. For the most part the kiss was innocent and Maura enjoyed that jane seemed to want to take whatever this was slow. When the kiss ended Maura's eyes fluttered open and she smiled up at Jane. Jane chuckled and rubbed her nose gently against Maura's before pushing away and getting up.
"I gotta drop the anchor."
maura nodded and got up and gently stretched. Jane lowered a small platform off the back of the boat and pushed a button allowing the anchor to drop and hold them steady. Maura looked around, they were in a small cove near an island. Jane smiled as she walked by and into the cabin area. Maura glanced curiously her way and watched as Jane dissapeared here and there gathering various items her arms becoming laden with them as she "set up camp" as it were. She came back up and handed Maura anotherr drink and busteld out to the front of the craft. She placed two towels down on the deck and several other things. Maura got up and joined her. Jane smiled and grinning mischeviously took off her sunglasses and stripped off her shirt to reveal a bikini top. Jo barked and Maura had to sit down. Jane then shimiied out of her shorts and winking at Maura she ran to the very front of the boat and dove off the rail letting out a banshee whoop as she did. Maura looked at her drink and the images of the beautiful body that had just run by in a bikini filled her mind. She looked at Jo Friday and back at her drink swallowing it in one gulp, god how was she going to keep her hands of Jane all weekend? She stood after a moment and went to the front of the boat and watched as jane swam back towards the boat. She swam to the back and using the platform pushed herself out of the water and once more Maura gulped this time bitign back a moan as she watched the water run off Jane's body. Jane once more dissapeard into the cabin area and came out with arms laden with a tupperwear and several bottles of alcohol. Setting it down on the deck she winked.
"Sorry had to cool off."
Maura nodded.
"No worries."
She watched curously as Jane set up a small table like object between the two towels and opened the tupperwear to reveal a plethora of cheese, crackers, olives, and all types of munchy foods. Maura stood and relaxed. Well they were here to relax she might as well tan herself. She pulled her shirt over head and shimmied out of her shorts and looked over at Jane who was staring completely slackjawed. Maura chuckled.
"It's not nice to stare Jane."
Jane nodded and got back to making the drink she had in her hand. The two women spent the next two hours sunning themselves and rotating between talking and sleeping.
Jane awoke to the sound of another boat. Getting up she glanced over to see Erica and Jess. They had an older style wooden boat, more fancy and larger than Janes. The boat was 50 feet long, manned by both women and had a larger cabin and deck. Taz their golden retriever stood on the front of the deck and barked when she saw Jane. She jumped off the slowly moving boat and swam towards Jane's boat getting up on the deck and running pell mell for Jane soaking wet. She wagged her tail and barked streaking past the still sleeping Maura and pounced on Jane almost knocking her over. Jane laughed as she cuaght the 65 lb golden retriever.
"Hey girl, I missed you too."
The dog barked and just then noticed a very confused Maura, and immediately abandoned Jane and ran for Maura knocking the woman over and preceeding to kiss her fast. Maura squealed and giggled as Jane attempted to pull the dog off of her. They ended up as aheap on the deck with Jo joining into the fray. Erica had brought her boat up alongside Janes and seeing the havoc called her dog.
"Taz come. Now."
The large dog recognizing her masters voice barked and gave Maura one lst big kiss and jumped off Jane's boat hitting the water with a splash Jo not far behind her as both dogs swam towards the other boat. Jane looked down at Maura smirking at the beautiful woman underneath her. The strawberry blond hair mussed and sucked in a breathe; Maura's normal green eyes were almost emerald. Maura finally found her voice.
"Jane honey, I love your leg there but you need to remove it, because now is not the time or place."
Glancing down Jane realized her knee was inbetween Maura's legs and she needed only apply a little pressure. Jane blushed and gently rolled off Maura to the side of her. Maura stopped her before she got up.
"Don't be embaressed, under different circumstances Jane Rizzoli I would have had my way with you but not right now, I want you there."
Jane nodded and kissing her quickly they got up and waved to the other two who were a short swim away. Erica smirked at her.
"You get em tiger."
Jane rolled her eyes.
"How was the sail up?"
" had perfect wind all the way up the coast, thanks for suggesting we drive down and get her Jane, Frost was more than helpful in being willing to drive the car back. Jane rolled her eyes Erica and Jess owned a revved up Turbo Beamer, a car from Jess's street racing days, and was gleeful about it when Jane had asked his assitance.
"It was no problem Rica. So whats the plan?"
"Set up camp, maybe grill a bit ahng out relax drink, teach Maura how to swim between the boats and go from there?"
Jane nodded. An hour later Erica and Jess swam over and joined them for drinks. Erica cornered Jane.
"You know you're going to just have to throw her in right?"
Jane nodded.
"Best way to learn, make sure you're nearby huh?"
Erica nodded and setting down her drink she motioned to Jess.
"Come on baby let's go for a swim."
Jess smirked.
"Aight."
The two dove off the bow of the boat and jane turned ot Maura.
"Promise not to hate me?"
Maura was about to ask why when Jane picked her up and tossed her off the back of the boat. Maura squeaked and panicked when she hit the water. She began flailing her arms and legs, employing all of her scientific knowledge about swimming and taking a deep internal breath began kicking her legs. She surfaced a moment later flailing about when she felt a strong pair of arms encircle her arms and a rough voice speak in her ears.
"Relax."
Maura sagged in Jane's arms as Jane treaded water holding her up.
"kick I a circular motion."
Maura did and slowly began to feel herself carry her own bouyancy. Jane pushed away keeping contact with her arms and watched her tread water. Her eyes flashed when she met Jane's.
"That was not the way to teach me to swim."
"Actually it was."
"Jane that was rude. "
" no it overrode your logic and I was with you the whole time close by to grab you if needed."
"It could have traumatized me."
Jane nodded.
"I was willing totake that risk because I wanted your instinct to override your logic. You'll learn faster that way."
Maura nodded knowing it was true.
"I still hate you."
Jane chuckled. All three of the girls teaching Maura how to swim. Maura still felt frusterated and knew she would be sore at the end of the day but after several hours she felt confident getting into the water and enjoying swimming. Jane first taught her how to float and swim on her back, effectively teaching her to relax in the water. Then Jane taught her how to doggy paddle meaning she could swim well on her back. Then Jane started teaching her how to use har arms and Maura started feelng confident about her swimming skills. Soon the sun was seting casting its fingers into the sky and setting a beautiful hue out over the water, it found the four women on the deck of Erica and Jess's boat enjoying a little barbecue and wine. They enjoyed their time together laughing as Erica and Jess shared memories of their fights and times with Jane.
"So why is this place called the mall?"
Jane laughed.
"Because it captures for us that happy feeling someone would get when getting something they want. Like shoes for you."
Maura smiled.
"I get that and I like that feeling, its a little bit different but not much."
The four girls talked pretty late into the night and Jane got up and stretched.
"Erica mind lending us a little light for our swim back?"
Erica nodded and instead of grabbing a flashlight told them to wait. She blew up a little blow up a 10 ft dingy and set it in the water. Jane smiled clearly impressed.
"We decided that cold swims home were both dangerous and well cold, so we bought a dink."
"Something I should invest in. Jo come on."
Jo Friday ran towards the blow up boat and jumped in Maura joining Jane. Jane grabbed the oars and began rowing the short disance back to the boat. When they reached the boat she turned on a few lights an dhelped Maura out of the dink. Waving to Erica she watched the larger boat's lights powered down and the two women go down into their boat. Jane smiled and led Maura down into the cabin handing her a pair of sweats and a shirt. Maura immediately changed Jane not far behind and then Jane gently motioned her to head up to the deck of the boat. Maura did as asked and when she stepped out taking a deep breath she gasped at the sight before her. The ocean was perfectly calm and the stars refelected off its surface. Jane joined her a moment later and handed her a cup of steaming herbal tea. Sitting down against the pit front she leaned back against it. Maura moved inbetween her legs and leaned back against Jane just enjoying the time, enjoying the night.
"Jane can I ask a question?"
"OF course Maur."
"What does this mean?"
"Well Maur, I guess thats kind of up to you. What do you want here? I would like to date you, explore the possibilities of a life together, learn to live in love and struggle. I've never been good at this relationship thing, so I'm not promising perfectiont, but I know that I want to give this a go." Maura nodded. "You?"
"I've always wanted you Jane, I've always wanted to love you and be in love with you. I guess I discovered it just before you and Casey started dating, and it was like I wanted you o be happy so I backed off, I just wanted you. It got worse, I was unhappy for a time because I was so jealous, then I realized I was in love with you."
"Why didn't you tell me Maur?"
"You were happy and I didn't know which way you swang, and it was just easier to feel like you wanted someone else. I figured I'd eventually meet someone else, who reminded me of you and settle down because thats whats expected, but it'd never be you, I'm sure in some way I would love them, but not like you. I was afraid to make a move because I Didn't want to lose you."
Jane squeezed her gently.
"I'm glad you didn't."
Maura nodded.
"me too."
"And what do you want tonight Maura?"
Maura sighed and cuddled closer.
"I'd like to go to bed."
Jane nodded and together the two headed down to the lower deck and got ready for bed. Jane felt Muara cuddle closer, one leg inbetween both of hers, her nose tucked up right underneath Jane's chin, and somehow, somehow it just felt.. right.