A/N: Glad so many of you liked the last chapter. It felt like the right form of sexy times at this point. This chapter get pretty sappy toward the end. I couldn't help it lol. It's also my longest chapter yet so enjoy!
Their time off together ended all too soon. Maura had to go back to Top Gun before Jane was cleared and it broke her heart a little to have to leave the woman who had become such a fixture in her life. She had become addicted to Jane and it hurt not to be with the other woman. The only saving grace was that Jane had practically moved in with her so she knew she would get to see her pilot every night when she got home.
Susie was also forced to return to Top Gun and Maura felt bad for the lovelorn woman for having to leave Barold to Jane's care but since they were not married, the Navy had forced her leave to end. Maura felt a little guilty being happy that she had her RIO back but she had not wanted to fly with a new RIO.
The duo managed to put their personal lives aside and returned quickly to the top spot with their impeccable flying and easy chemistry. Although Maura was ecstatic to reclaim her place at the top, she felt bad as she saw Jane's name inching toward the bottom. The couple did not talk about school when they were together and it was probably for the best.
Two weeks after the incident, Jane was finally cleared to return to Top Gun and Maura wasn't sure who was more apprehensive, her or Jane. Jane tried to have a tough exterior but Maura could see through the facade to the frightened woman who had caused her best friend to still be relegated to a hospital bed.
On the morning Jane was set to return, Maura decided she wanted to start the day on a positive note and had decided to make Jane breakfast in bed. She knew Jane loved her cooking and she hoped it would ease the woman into the big day.
However, all did not go as planned because as Maura's alarm went off well before Jane's normally would, Maura found a cold bed beside her. It was such a rare occasion now for Maura to wake up alone that she felt the absence deeply.
Straining her ears to see if she could hear her love, Maura became worried at the silence that permeated throughout her home, a silence that had long been banished after Jane had been installed in her heart and in her home.
Slipping on her robe that was lying nearby, Maura made her way out of her bedroom and began her search for the beloved aviator.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Jane hadn't been able to sleep. Maura had been very sweet and had tried to distract Jane the night before with some intense love making that had only momentarily tired Jane out. After a few hours of rest, Jane had woken up with a jolt and not wanting to bother Maura, had made her way out to Maura's deck.
They hadn't spent much time out here before but Jane loved sitting out here, listening to the sea below. It brought a sense of calm to her frazzled state of mind. She was to return to work today and would be expected to fly. Not only that, Jane would not have her best friend and RIO with her for the first time in years. She had no idea who would be joining her in the aircraft and that was only causing her more anxiety.
Jane was so entangled in her thoughts that she missed as the first rays of the sun started to peak over the roof of the house, illuminating the beautiful blue expanse that was laid out in front of her. It wasn't until she felt strong arms wrap around her from behind that she realized how long she must have been sitting out there, lost in her thoughts.
"You're cold," Maura said as she nuzzled her nose into Jane's neck. Jane let out a sigh. She always felt so safe in Maura's arms and she desperately needed that feeling right now.
"How long have you been out here?" Maura asked, placing a soft kiss to her cheek. Jane leaned into Maura's embrace as she responded, "Lost track of time. Before sunrise?"
Jane felt Maura's disapproving head shake and couldn't suppress her snigger. "Not that you noticed. Someone was very very tired...did something wear you out?" Jane teased.
Jane yelped at the sharp bite to her neck and moan as a tongue was used to sooth the spot. "Yes, Jane, I thought both our staminas had been exhausted, but I am seeing that I will have to 'step up my game' as it were," Maura said huskily into Jane's ear, all hot breath and honey tones. Jane let out a groan because she knew they didn't have time to ease some of the rising sexual tension which was always just beneath the surface of any of their interactions.
"Don't tease me right now. Oh, and good job on getting the saying right," Jane said, turning her head to be able to kiss the smiling lips of her love, clearly pleased with Jane's praise. She really was such an adorable human being.
Now that Jane was able to fully glimpse Maura in the fresh rays of light of a new day, she felt her heart sing and some of the anxiety that had been plaguing her slipped away. Jane was reminded how lucky she was to have found Maura and seeing the love reflected in the eyes of this stunning woman gave Jane hope that she would make it through this tough day.
"You really are gorgeous," Jane said, awe apparent in her voice. Maura blushed which only served to make her that much more beautiful. Jane eased forward to place a soft, tender kiss to Maura's awaiting lips. "If we don't get ready now, we aren't making it to school today."
Maura pulled back pouting. This made Jane giggle at this woman who had the ability to be so detached that she had earned the name Iceman yet with Jane was the epitome of warmth.
"I was going to make you breakfast in bed," Maura said continuing to pout. Jane pecked her on the cheek as she stood to get their day started.
"Thanks babe, that is so sweet but I will have to take a rain check. I need to get in early to meet with Viper to discuss who my new RIO is going to be." Jane choked on those last words, the thought of flying without Frost making her slightly nauseous.
Jane felt a hand slip into hers followed by a light squeeze. "It will be alright Jane. Barold understands and you are an amazing pilot. You will be able to succeed no matter who is your RIO." Maura's words helped bolster Jane's confidence and Jane felt that she could finally tackle the day.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Well that was shit, Jane thought as she made her way toward the locker rooms after her first flight out with her new RIO. She had been assigned a new guy, Lt. JG Darren 'Merlin' Crowe. The guy was of the Hollywood and Wolfman ilk and he had managed to get under her skin right away. She had put him in his place pretty quickly but he still managed to make all kinds of comments that Jane didn't have the patience to deal with as she navigated her anxiety about flying again.
Jane had flown cautiously, very unlike herself, and everyone had noticed. So much so that she was called into Viper's office the minute she had changed. Jane was dreading this conversation but knew she couldn't disobey an order. Maura had sent her a sympathetic look and though it was appreciated, it made Jane feel worse.
Upon entering Korsak's office, Jane was told to have a seat. He studied her for awhile, not saying anything. Jane wasn't one to usually squirm under such intense scrutiny but her usual confidence was nowhere to found at present.
"How do you think you flew today?" Korsak finally asked. Jane screwed up her face, causing Korsak to bark out a laugh. "Yeah, that about sums it up. Look, I know what happened a few weeks ago was intense, but Maverick, this is the job. You know the risks we take every time we go up there and it is our duty to keep doing it as long as we are in service to this great nation."
Korsak paused, causing Jane to finally look up, meeting his gaze. "You are one of the best aviators I have ever seen and we need you. Do what you need to do to get back whatever you feel has been lost because what you did today cannot happen again, understood?" Jane took a deep breath and held his gaze and with all the certainty she could muster she replied, "Understood."
x-x-x-x-x-x
Maura was on pins and needles all day. She had wanted so badly for Jane to succeed on her first day back and unfortunately for both of them, it wasn't in the cards. Jane had been so tentative and Maura knew there was nothing she could do in that moment to help her lover.
Maura waited for Jane out in the parking lot by Jane's motorcycle. She was hoping she hadn't gotten chewed out too badly by Korsak in their meeting. She knew the old man could be harsh but overall he was a good commander and hopefully had been able to give her love some of her mojo back.
Maura was leaning on Jane's bike as Jane walked up, clearly amused at the sight. "So suddenly you aren't so afraid of my 'death trap'?" Maura felt the wide grin spread across her face. She loved when Jane teased her like this. The cocky smirk and swagger that accompanied those words made Maura clench her thighs. This woman could make her so aroused within seconds.
"Well, I figured to celebrate your first day back, maybe I should let you take me for a ride," Maura said suggestively. She enjoyed the look of shock and lust that quickly overcame Jane's face. Good, Maura thought, her plan was working. Maura wanted to distract Jane and also try to help her get some control back. Maura was willing to relinquish just a bit if it meant Jane getting her confidence back.
"Hmm, that sounds very tempting, Ice, but you don't have any safety gear, so that seems like quite a reckless thing." Jane was moving into Maura's personal space as she said this, leaning into Maura's quickly heating up body.
"Well, I feel like being a little naughty, Mav," Maura croaked out, her arousal affecting her speech. Jane's proximity always scrambled her brain and she would be more upset if it didn't turn Jane on so much.
Jane groaned into her ear as she grasped Maura firmly by the hips. "Woman, you will be the death of me, but I really want you to be safe when you ride with me. We need to get you a helmet, a good jacket, and some sturdy boots," Jane said lovingly, finishing her statement with a tender kiss to Maura's neck.
Jane's tenderness and caring was a further aphrodisiac to Maura. The big bad Jane Rizzoli could also be the biggest teddy bear and Maura loved that she got both sides.
"It's a good thing I like to plan ahead. Meet me at home and I will get changed so we can go." With that, she kissed Jane chastely on the lips and pushed off the bike, making her way to her car. She giggled to herself at the stunned expression on Jane's face as she turned to wave at her.
"Come along Jane, we have some riding to do," she sent over her shoulder as she sashayed to her car. This was going to be so much fun.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Jane was like a kid in a candy store. The thought of her sexy girlfriend decked out in riding gear, snuggled up to her back as they cruised around town was making her absolutely giddy. She never thought Maura would give in and ride with her but it had been a secret fantasy. Maura, being the marvelous person she was, seemed intent on fulfilling Jane's fantasies even when she didn't know about them. Jane really was lucky.
Jane had taken her time getting back to Maura's, wanting to give her lover time to change. Jane was anxious to take her woman out. She was thinking of going over the bridge to Coronado and riding along the Silver Strand. It was a very scenic ride and would give them a chance to unwind after their day.
As Jane pulled into Maura's driveway, she finally processed Maura's words as she had left Jane, mouth agape, in the parking lot on base. Maura had told Jane to meet her at home and Jane knew immediately where that meant. It never even occurred to Jane that home was anywhere else besides Maura's. This was both a comforting and terrifying thought. She knew that Maura was it for her, that Jane would not want anyone else but it did seem kind of fast to be thinking of Maura's as home.
Jane once again was so lost in her thoughts that she missed the sound of the front door opening and it wasn't until Maura was practically right in front of her that Jane acknowledge the woman. And boy was she upset she hadn't seen her the minute she emerged. Maura was a walking wet dream, draped in skin tight black leather, her honey blonde curls fluttering in the light breeze. She was holding a black helmet under one arm and was wearing kneehigh black racing boots. Maura easily could have been a model for the latest motorcycle racing gear in the top magazines. The sight made Jane's mouth water.
"Judging by the look on your face and the flies you are catching with your mouth, you seem to like my chosen outfit," Maura said coyly, doing a quick turn so that Jane could see her amazing backside encased in the tight leather.
"Good god woman, how am I supposed to concentrate when you look like that!" Jane gushed. She really didn't want to go anywhere right now except back inside so she could ravish the delectable woman standing in front of her.
Maura must have read her thoughts because she tsked at Jane and said, "Uh uh, Mav, you promised me a ride and I'm all dressed and ready to go. We can get to other types of riding after." A slow wink was thrown in for good measure just in case Jane couldn't decipher her meaning. This was going to be the best and worst bike trip of Jane's life.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Maura was enjoying herself. She had expected to be much more nervous on the back of Jane's bike but the minute she had wrapped her arms around the familiar body, all her anxiety had evaporated. Jane was in such command of the vehicle that Maura was able to relax and enjoy the experience. It didn't hurt that the steady vibrations of the bike rubbed deliciously between her legs, acting as a sort of foreplay for what she knew was to come later.
Jane took them along the coast from her La Jolla home the scenic route and with the sun close to setting, the view was breathtaking. They eventually made it to the highway and Maura was a bit apprehensive but again Jane's mastery of the machine washed it all away and Maura let out a squeal of glee feeling the wind rushing over them as the flew down the road.
When Jane took them over the Coronado bridge, the sun was setting on the horizon, encasing all of the harbor in stunning light and the beauty brought tears to Maura's eyes. She was so happy to be sharing this with Jane. This had started out as an exercise to give Jane back her confidence but it was turning into a sort of spiritual experience for Maura and she was so thankful.
Jane decided to take them the historic Hotel Del Coronado for dinner. There were several nice casual restaurants that faced the ocean that served fantastic food that Maura enjoyed. It touched her heart that Jane knew her so well.
Their meal was delicious and Maura was on cloud nine. The ambience, the company, and the food just made this all seem so surreal. But Jane's solid grip of her hand throughout dinner let Maura know that all this was really happening.
Their conversation had been light over the course of their meal and as dessert was being served Maura could see the change come over Jane signaling that Jane had something serious to say.
"This has been so special Maura. I have never shared something like this with anyone before and I am so glad the first time was with you," Jane said tenderly with a large smile. Maura felt a reciprocating smile form following those words. Jane really could be so sweet.
"Earlier today," Jane continued, almost shyly, "you asked me to meet you at home. You called your house our home." Jane stopped and seemed hesitant to continue. Maura lightly squeezed the hand that was in hers, encouraging the woman to go on.
"Do you really see your house as our home?" Jane asked biting her lower lip adorably. Maura wanted to reach out and take that abused lip and kiss it better.
"Yes, Jane. I know things have moved at supersonic speed with us but I see my life now as our life. What is mine is yours." Maura had been watching Jane as she spoke and was relieved to see that the other woman wasn't frightened off by what she said. In fact, she looked to be radiating happiness. This filled Maura with joy and she pulled Jane's hand to her lips, placing small kisses all over the long fingers.
"Have you thought about our future?" Jane asked in an almost whisper. Maura was impressed with her pilot. Jane was not usually the one to bring up these types of things and now, twice in the span of a few minutes, she had taken the initiative.
"Yes, I have. Apparently, so have you?" Maura asked, knowing Jane wouldn't have begun this line of inquiry if she hadn't.
"Yeah, lately, I have been thinking about it alot." Jane looked down briefly, seeming to steel herself for her next words. "I want it all with your Maura. The house, the cars, the-" she stopped abruptly. Maura was hanging on her every word, her heart singing knowing Jane wanted her.
"The what Jane?" Maura urged. She needed to know. Were they on the same page? What did all mean for Jane?
Jane took a steadying breath and continued, "the kids, Maura. I want to have a family with you." Jane said these words so softly that Maura had to lean forward to hear her.
Kids. Family. Maura was at a loss for words. Never had she imagined that these things would be on offer for her. She had lived so much of her life alone, having family in name only. And now, her was this woman who was more than she could have ever wished for, offering just that. Maura couldn't hold the sob that escaped as she dissolved into tears.
x-x-x-x-x-x
Okay...that was not the reaction she had been hoping for. Maura was sitting across from her, crying fully. Jane had been uncertain if she should reveal what had been taking up all the space in her dreams lately but Maura had looked at her with so much love that Jane felt compelled to open her heart. Jane was now starting to regret that decision as the woman across from her was a sobbing mess.
To make matters worse, because Maura's meltdown was so loud, it was drawing the attention of their fellow patrons and Jane was getting a lot of evil glances as what people must have perceived as her causing the elegant woman to cry.
Jane got up and made her way around the table and knelt down to encompass Maura in her arms, offering soothing words to attempt to calm the upset woman.
"Babe, what's wrong? Did I say too much? I'm such an idiot, I'm so sorry, I should of never had said anything, really you should muzzle me so that I don't say stupid things-" Jane rambled in an attempt to quiet her love.
She was cut off from her rambling as soft fingers were placed over her lips and the glistening eyes she had fallen in love with at first sight pierced hers.
"Do not apologize for saying the best thing that anyone has ever said to me," Maura managed to get out around sobs and sniffles. Jane attempted to speak but Maura held her fingers firmly to Jane's lips, keeping her silent.
"I never thought I would get to have a loving partner, let alone a family Jane. You have made me the happiest I have ever been and I am just so overwhelmed." Maura finished her words by replacing her fingers with her soft lips and quickly deepened the kiss. Jane was too shocked to resist and wouldn't have anyway.
Jane came to her senses quickly and wrapped the smaller woman in her arms more securely and let herself get lost in the world of bliss that kissing Maura always created. She wasn't sure how long they were like that but suddenly there was a loud throat clearing behind her.
"If you have finished your dessert ladies, may I suggest you make your way to our hotel? They offer top of the line rooms where you could perhaps finish your evening?" their waiter said a bit haughtily. This caused both women to break out laughing, realizing that they had put on quite a show for the rest of the restaurant's patrons.
Jane recovered first and getting up off her knees, pulled Maura up with her. "Of course, thank you for your service tonight," Jane said while pulling her wallet out and slipping her credit card to the waiting server. She couldn't help giving Maura another quick kiss before she returned to her seat across the table and Maura returned to her seat as well.
Maura looked so embarrassed by the events of the last few minutes but Jane couldn't think of a time where she looked more beautiful.
"You know, you are beautiful when you blush," Jane said sassily. This had the desired effect, causing Maura to blush even more as she attempted to put herself together, dabbing at tear stained cheeks with her napkin.
"Shush you troublemaker. I do not think I have ever made such a scene before in my life!" Maura whisper yelled at Jane. This only amused Jane more and she couldn't help the goofy grin she was wearing.
"Sorry Ice, but you told me to continue. I can't help it if my charm and romantic side has that effect on you," Jane said, grin widening at the look of exasperation on Maura's face.
"You will pay for this Mav, believe me when I say that," Maura said with faux menace. Jane loved when they bantered like this. It was one of the things that made her fall so hard for this enigmatic woman. She gave as good as she got on so many levels.
That thought made Jane feel a rush of blood flow southward. Just then the waiter returned with their bill and Jane's credit card. "Thank you ladies, I hope you enjoy the rest of your night," they said with a wink at Jane.
Jane let out a snort, especially at the look of horror on Maura's face, and quickly signed the slip and put away her card.
"So, m'lady, I think it's time we took that ride we have been dancing around all night," Jane said as she extended her hand out to Maura in her best bow. Maura's giggles at her show of chivalry sent butterflies fluttering through Jane's stomach.
"Only you could be so gallant and a scoundrel in the same breath," Maura chastised her as she took Jane's hand, allowing Jane to pull her up from her chair. Jane settled Maura's hand into the crook of her arm and began to lead them back out to their mode of transportation. Jane didn't miss the looks from other diners as she escorted Maura out and felt her posture straighten, proud to be seen with her gorgeous girlfriend.
"That's why you love me," Jane said brazenly, looking down and giving Maura her best smile, dimples on full display.
Maura let out a deep sigh, "One of the many reasons, yes. But I mainly love you because you are so good in the package." Maura said this while giving Jane her own cocksure smile.
Jane let loose a peal of a laughter and kissed Maura sloppily on the cheek. "It's sack, Maur, good in the sack, but I will take the compliment. Now let's go to said package so that I can remind you why you love me so much."
Maura blushed at her mistake but her eyes instantly darkened at Jane's reminder of what the rest of their evening held. They arrived to where Jane had parked her bike and as they were putting on their protective equipment, Maura asked innocently as she bit her lip, "Jane, will you take me for that ride now?"
Jane just barely held it together enough to reply, "It would be my utmost pleasure, m'lady." She couldn't get them home fast enough. Yes, they were going to their home.
A/N: Only a couple of chapters left! Thanks again for all who have stuck with this story. It has been awesome having you all cheering on this crazy idea of mine. Don't forget to review to help finish this off in style! ;-)