AN: Hallo you wonderful people. Before you delve into the newest chapter be aware that the rating has now changed. You'll have to read on to find out why...mwah ha ha...
She couldn't help but laugh, she had never seen her look so small before in the aftermath. But she truly was stronger than she looked, it would take a little time but Jane was awed by the resilience she saw.
"Well then m'lady your tub awaits." A dramatic bow and flourish of her hand towards the bathroom.
While Maura was predisposed in the bathroom Jane frantically tried to make her abode a little more what she called "Maura Friendly" more commonly known as tidy. Clothes strewn about the floor found a home in the bottom of her closet. Hot soapy water filled the kitchen sink to soak the dirty pots collected in it. Taking one last glance around she nodded to herself at a job almost well done. The knock at the door signalling their dinner was gratefully received.
Finding some clean plates she set them down on the island before grabbing some water for them both. She had heard Maura leave the bathroom, but she had yet to appear from her bedroom. Ordinarily she could put the delay down to the ruthless changing and choosing of outfits, but all she had to wear were some comfy pjs.
After setting the table she walked to the closed door of the bedroom, gently knocking,
"Dinner is here Maur, is everything ok?"
She heard a faint snuffle from behind the door, immediately she had her hand on the door knob. Carefully opening the door she peeked around to see her friend fully clothed, back facing the door, and clearly crying. Stepping into the room she engulfed the smaller woman from behind wrapping her arms around to find her hands.
"Hey, shhh now. What's wrong?"
Maura lifted her arms with Jane's hands cradling her own. Her wrists were heavily bruised, She sniffed loudly trying to clear her throat to speak.
"I couldn't wash it off, it won't go away."
She turned in her arms bawling into the detective's chest. Jane's hand stroking her hair while she used her cast arm to support the fragile woman.
"Oh sweetheart, it's ok. You're ok, you're safe here."
She swayed gently while holding her close, "I have an idea, come here and sit down."
Walking to the bed she carefully placed her down onto the mattress. Maura was still shaking and wiping furiously at fresh tears. Turning to the closet she rifled through the mass of clothes in the bottom before pulling out an oversized sweatshirt. She moved back to the bed, crouching in front she offered her the garment.
"Genuine 'Rizzoli and Sons' merchandise right there."
She was rewarded with a weak smile as the blonde drew the sweater over her head before feeding her arms through. Pulling at the front of the sweater she brought it to her nose.
"I'm sorry if its a little 'fresh'"
"It's nice, smells like home."
Jane took the smaller hands looking up to the tear stained face,
"You sure it doesn't smell like Cheetos and beer?"
She got a small smile this time. As she stood Maura joined her before wrapping her own arms around the taller woman's neck.
"How do you always know how to make me feel better?" Jane's own arms held her around the waist.
"Didn't you hear? There was a step by step guide in last months sports illustrated."
She could feel genuine laughter ripple through her chest as Maura shook in her arms.
"Come on you, your cheesy and horrifically bad for you dinner is getting cold."
Wiping her eyes on the soft sleeve she led the way to the kitchen with Jane half a step behind.
They ate in relative silence, all the while stealing glimpses of each other's masterful attempt at devouring slices one handed. Maura had offered to cut up Jane's food only to be met with abject defiance. Besides, cutlery was almost unheard of for most dining experiences in the Rizzoli apartment. It was only after gravity interfered with the food that Jane was fast resembling a petulant child.
"Jane, more of your food is down your shirt than in your mouth. Why won't you let me help you?"
Sauce coated fingers replaced the cheese and meats onto a now bare slice, gripping an edge she curled the slice into a form of pizza roll. A eureka moment for the temporarily impaired diner.
"Maura, I am not letting you feed me. But if you want to help you can wash the dishes, after all I can't get this bad boy wet." Her trademarked waggle of eyebrows succeeded in alleviating the tone.
Neither of them had mentioned the previous night's events, both too wrapped up in the following chaos. Words needed to be said but the universe seemed to have conspired against them, Maura was pushing remnants of food around the plate looking for a way to even ghost close to the subject. It was easier to resolve in her mind that she had to do something before some other event turned their lives upside down. But that was the only easy part. She breathed deep affirming to no one but herself, all or nothing right?
"Jane, I'm sorry-"
"Maur, we've been over this, I've been in worse scrapes. You don't have to keep saying sorry."
The doctor shook her head, reaching over the table she grasped her hand between her own. Their eyes met once more, confusion meeting something the detective couldn't place.
"Yes I do, I'm sorry I shouted at you. I'm sorry we fought. You didn't deserve any of it, but you just took it all anyway. And then you turn up at my house, and I just shouted at you again."
"You were supposed to shout at me Maur, I had just knocked your fiancée clean out. I hardly expected you to smile and wave it off."
"Then why did you follow me? Are you that much of a glutton for punishment?"
"I, I didn't know what to do. I even went home first, I was pissed and so confused. And then pissed off more because I was confused. The only person who would be able to help me see straight just happened to be the one yelling at me. I needed to try and set things right."
A heavy pause fell between them, Maura's thumb brushing over the knotted skin on the hand cradled in hers. Both were boring holes into the table with their eyes, looking anywhere but at each other. At least at the same time. A quiet and shaken voice broke the silence.
"Are you still confused?"
"Yes, are you still angry with me?"
She shook her head with an exaggerated sniff. Looking up through her lashes she could see Jane relax and even venture a small smile. The hand in hers squeezed.
"Well then as your friend I have a duty to help you find the answer to your confusing conundrum."
Jane stood with a lopsided grin, "That you do. But right now I'm going to figure out how I'm going to shower with one hand."
Before she realised what she had said the words had escaped, "I could help you with that,"
The red flush creeping up the detective's neck was not lost on her, nor was the audible gulp from her throat.
"You might find a bath more beneficial, I'm sure you must have some aching muscles." She had meant it innocently enough but the gawking look from her silent host spurred her on just a little.
"We can wrap your hand in plastic to be safe, and anything you can't reach, well then I can do that for you."
Jane could feel the red heat rising and more noticeably not in her neck. She wiped at her scrunched eyes with her hand, unsure if Maura was trying to be helpful, or trying to kill her. The air wasn't completely clear, what if she had read this wrong? That was what had got her into this situation in the first place. But the things Maura had said, they way they had sat in front of the fire, the way she had kissed her. Maybe this was the doctor's way of avoiding the kind of conversation she hated, what if? There it was again, what if.
"I, uh, that is,"
"Jane, you're rambling,"
"Um, you could help me with my hair, I think I can pretty much do the rest."
Maura had already crossed the room placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "You don't have to be embarrassed, I'm sure you would do it for me if I were somehow incapacitated."
The taller woman grumbled under her breath, "In a heartbeat, and that's the problem."