Author's Note: Uhm... -creeps in- h-hello. so, wow...uhm, it's been longer than I would have liked but i haven't given up. I wont stop writing this until it's done, and it is coming to a close very soon. I've had a lot of personal issues come up and work and I'm just physically and mentally tired and it's been really hard to write. But, i managed to get this done, after sitting down and not stopping. I'm running on 5 hours sleep rn which i got yesterday... I'm going to try not to be so late in updating. Hopefully the long chapter makes up and this doesn't suck as badly as I fear it will. You have no idea how much I love you all for reviewing and nudging me. I hope you continue to do so despite such a long update. So, I shant keep you waiting much longer, please enjoy. OH! And I haven't proof-read this. I'm so tired, so i apologize for any mistakes.
Disclaimer: Not mine. YAY FOR THE NEW SEASON THOUGH.
Chapter Twenty-Three
It had been 3 days and one week since the O'Rourke brothers were put in jail, and 3 days since Jane had gone back to staying at her apartment. Maura hadn't been too upset with Jane after she had explained what had happened at the docks, inside the warehouse. She was too emotionally drained to really be mad at Jane, so she just accepted it and they went to bed early that night.
Both Jane and Maura had returned to work and the security in the morgue had been upped. There was a camera outside the bay doors so that Maura or any other person in the morgue could see whom was requesting to enter. You also had to be permitted in, lest you had a key card which only Maura and her assistant had one. It made everyone (Jane, Frost, and Korsak) feel a little more at ease.
Maura, on the other hand didn't feel so safe. What was once her sanctuary, her quiet place; was now a something that made her heart falter in her chest and her hand tremble as she paused to open the door. Illogical though it was, Maura just no longer felt safe alone in the morgue. Her feelings of being in her element, being calm and collected, were now replaced with feelings of trepidation and nagging fears.
That was why she had started to secretly bring Ladybug to work with her. Every morning she'd get to the morgue extra early, coming through the bay doors(even though it made her stomach clench) with Ladybug walking confidently ahead. The dog had since been spoiled by Maura and was now sporting a new collar and leash.
It was red with a white strip covering it, making it mostly white. On the white were little red Ladybugs and attached to the collar was a red bow with a Ladybug in the center. She had a new set of tags, a red heart with her name and Maura's address engraved on it, as well as a silver tag stating that she had been vaccinated. Also attached with the tags was a little Ladybug charm.
Ladybug had also since had a trip to the groomers and her coat was silky and smooth looking. The white that covered most of her fur could now be compared to that of fresh snow, making the light creamy colors and the black around her eyes more prominent. She was a very happy dog to say the least and it showed with the affection and love that she gave Maura.
As the ME checked to make sure the bay doors were locked, Ladybug stood patiently as she waited to be unhooked from her leash. Maura turned and took a deep breath before she leaned down and unhooked the leash, allowing her fingers to graze lightly over the dog's head as she did so. "Good girl, go lay down in your bed." She said softly. The dog turned but did not go right away, she scoped out the room first until she was satisfied that there were no intruders before she eventually moved into Maura's open office and under the ME's desk, where her comfy bed was located.
Maura moved to coat rack near the door and dawned on her white lab coat, turning on all the lights as she did so and ignoring the illogical fear that someone was in the dark shadows, waiting for her again. She glanced around the room, unconsciously holding her breath as the darkness disappeared before her eyes. When she was sure everything was as she had left it last night when she left for home, she let out a breath and moved to her office, flicking on the light and setting her purse on her desk.
As she moved to sit in her chair, a shrill ring made her jump, hand going to her chest. Her cell phone was going off in her purse. She willed her heart rate back down before she moved to pull out her cell phone and answer.
"This is Dr. Isles," She answered as calmly as she could.
"Maura, hey! You okay? You sound a little shaky? Oh, I guess I should tell you who this is," The voice on the other end laughed softly before it continued. "It's Abi. I would have texted, but I'm running super late and they say you shouldn't text and drive." Another little chuckle.
Maura smiled, completely forgetting about her previous scare. She and Abi had been texting each other regularly now since the ME had gotten out of the hospital. She had grown rather fond of the young doctor. "It is extremely dangerous. Texting while driving increases the risk of accidents by 23.2 times over unimpaired focused drivers. Did you know that an accident can happen in an average of 2 to 3 seconds while texting?"
Before Maura could continue stating more facts, Abi cleared her throat with a small laugh. "No, I didn't-and that's all really interesting and stuff, but I'm kinda in a hurry…"
"Oh, right, I'm sorry, what were you saying?" Maura asked.
"I've got the night off and I was wondering if you wanted to go out for drinks, invite Jane, too."
Maura smiled brightly at the thought and mentally thought over her schedule, when nothing significant came to mind she responded. "That sounds lovely! I'll talk to Jane and get back to you."
Meanwhile, up in homicide, Jane was sitting at her desk, chin resting on her fisted hand as she stared down at the case file before her. She had re-read it over and over but the words weren't registering because she was too busy thinking about the same thing that had been replaying over and over in her head since the words were uttered.
"Well, I've sort of just come to the realization that I might-sort of-maybe uhm..."
"Be in love with your best friend?"
She was in love with her best friend. In LOVE. How the hell did that happen? When did it happen?
Jane was so caught up in her thoughts, she didn't even realize her name was being called.
"Rizzoli…hey, Rizzoli," Detective Olivia Vega sighed and rolled her eyes. "Jane!" She slammed her hand down on Jane's desk, causing the brunette to jump up, hand automatically going for her gun. Vega didn't even flinch.
Once Jane realized it was only Olivia, her hand dropped and she glared at the other woman. "Jesus H Christmas, Vega! I coulda shot you."
Vega smirked and stood back up to her full height. "You wouldn't of shot me. Anyway, I've been trying to get your damn attention now for 5 minutes." She grinned wide and raised a suggestive eyebrow. "Got a certain doctor on your mind?" She asked teasingly.
Jane's eyes widened. "What! No!" She looked around nervously to see barely anyone in the room. She was, after all pretty early. Sighing, Jane wouldn't meet Olivia's eyes. "Yes, now would you kindly shut the fuck up." She said through a clenched fake smile, eyelashes fluttering.
Chuckling, Olivia leaned against Jane's desk. "I see, so you haven't done anything about it. I'm telling you, Rizzoli…Ya got nothing to lose." She watched as Jane plopped back into her chair and slumped into it.
"Except probably the most meaningful relationship I've ever had. If it all goes to hell, I can't-I can't lose her." Jane swallowed hard to get rid of the tremble in her voice. "She's my best friend. I'd rather have that than nothing at all."
The other detective dropped her sly smirk and instead offered a reassuring smile. "Look, Jane. I get it, I do. But, you're only looking at what could go wrong. Try looking at what could go right. But don't take too long, 'cause Dr. Isles is beautiful and intelligent woman, and she's not always going to be there. Don't decide when it's too late. Would you be able to handle it when she met someone that wasn't you? Think about all that, Jane. Don't listen to your gut… Listen to your heart."
Jane's jaw clenched as she processed all this and like always in an attempt to save herself from showing any sign of weakness, she deflected with humor. "I thought you were supposed to be a badass, not some sappy romantic." Her voice was shaky and lacked her usual sarcasm.
Olivia looked unfazed and completely serious. "She's not gonna be here forever, Jane. How long can you keep this up?" Standing up, Olivia made a move but turned her head at the last minute, smirking. "Oh, and I am a badass. I'm so badass that I don't have to hide my sappy romantic side." And with that, she continued on her way, just as Jane's phone went off.
"Dr. Reese has kindly invited us to go out for drinks tonight. Are you available?"
It was from Maura. Jane read the message over a few times before sighing and typing out a reply. Sure, The dirty Robber okay?
Hours later, after an uneventful day at work for both Jane and Maura, they arrived at the Dirty Robber, sitting in their usual booth.
Maura smiled as she scooted in next to Jane. "It feels so nice to get out." She said a little reverently. They hadn't been to the Robber since before…everything that happened. This sense of normalcy was comforting to Maura, and not only that but she was excited to see Abigail again.
Jane smiled too and gently placed her hand on Maura's which rested on the table top. "Yeah, it is." She said softly.
The ME turned her head to look at Jane and their eyes met, both communicating without words.
There was a throat clearing and a familiar, sweet voice broke their bubble. "Am I…interrupting something?" Dr. Abigail Reese grinned wide, actually looking as though she was hoping she had interrupted something.
Maura's head whipped around and her lips curved into a smile. "Abi!" She stood and gently pulled the younger woman in for a hug before releasing her. "No, of course not. Please have a seat." Maura said with a dainty flourish of her hand toward the opposite side of the booth.
Abi obliged, watching as Maura retook her seat. "Hello, detective." She nodded her greeting.
Jane smiled a small but friendly smile. "Jane. How've you been, Dr. Reese?" She asked politely.
"Oh if I'm going to call you Jane, then you have to call me Abi. And I've been alright. I appreciate you both coming out with me tonight. I needed it. Work has been hectic." As if to emphasize her statement, she sighed tiredly and leaned back. "So, how've you two been? I know how Maura's been, but how about you, Jane?" She smiled sweetly and folded her hands on the table.
Jane fidgeted a moment before answering. "Er good. How about we get some drinks?" It was an attempt to get the spotlight off her and perhaps a moment to herself, but Maura stood up and was speaking before Jane could even excuse herself to get them.
"Oh! I'll go get them. What do you want, Abi?" After getting Abi's drink order, Maura headed up to the bar, but not before nearly being run over by a slender body. Arms wrapped around her waist to keep her from falling but the unfamiliar contact made her whole body stiffen and for a moment she thought she was going to have a panic attack; but the familiar voice calmed her.
"Whoa, doc. I am so sorry. I wasn't paying attention." Vega said as she steadied the ME.
Maura let out a breath she hadn't been aware she was holding and smiled, her heart calming. "It's fine. Why don't you join Jane and our friend, Abigail?" Maura nodded in the direction of their booth.
Olivia's eyes followed Maura's nod and she smiled. "Sure. Loved to."
After ordering drinks, Maura and Olivia headed over to Maura's booth, both of them setting down drinks. Jane looked over at Olivia surprised who just grinned over at her.
"Look who I ran into!" Maura said, beaming. "Abi, this is Olivia, Olivia, Abi."
"Oh Goody!" Jane mumbled from her corner. The only two people in the world who knew how she secretly felt for Maura…Well, Abi only suspected, but by the end of the night, with Olivia sitting next to her, Jane knew she was in for it.
And in for it she was. Jane wasn't sure how, but at some point in the night, the two had devised a plan to either embarrass her or-she wasn't sure what, but they kept dropping these…not-so-subtle hints about her feelings and Maura-Maura was completely oblivious to it all. So here was Jane, sitting in her little corner of the booth, brooding and nursing her beer, occasionally throwing in snaky comments and death glares.
Things only got more awkward when Maura decided to be her usual blunt self and let her curiosity win out. "May I ask you a question that might seem offensive?" Maura asked, gazing at Olivia.
Looking thoughtful for a moment, detective Vega nodded. "Sure, go for it."
Maura nodded and took a dainty sip of her wine. "What is your sexual orientation?" Jane nearly snorted beer up her nose and turned her head so sharply to look at her best friend, she was sure she had whiplash.
Without missing a beat, Olivia asked, "May I answer your question in a way that probably sounds insensitive?" She smirked lightly behind her beer bottle, completely ignoring Jane's near choking.
"I suppose that's fair." Maura replied with a nod.
The detective's lips quirked into a smirk as she spoke. "You have got a rack of god." Her eyes traveled farther down to Maura's ample chest and took a moment to appreciate the sight before bringing her eyes back to Maura's face.
Not even blushing, Maura laughed softly. "Thank you, but that doesn't answer my question, detective."
"Oh for the love of-really? Christ." Jane grumbled from the corner of her booth, running her hand over her face. Jane was blushing. Not because she was embarrassed, but because Maura did have a rack of god, and now she was picturing her friend naked.
Maura smirked over at Jane, attributing her behavior to the subject matter… or at least the wrong part of the subject matter. "She doesn't like to talk about sex." She explained, nodding at Jane.
"Maura…" Jane warned through clenched teeth.
Olivia laughed, not totally believing that was the reason, but deciding not to comment on it… for now. "Right… No, I suppose I consider myself bi-sexual." she replied easily.
Maura nodded thoughtfully and Jane took a long sip of her beer until it was empty. Just then, Abigail returned to the table with their next round of drinks. Jane quickly took the beer, nodding to Abi her thanks before she took another drawn out swig.
Abi raised a brow and glanced around the table. "What'd I miss?" She asked as she took a sip of her own beer.
"Sexual orientation and Jane's tendency to shy away from conversations pertaining to sex… Oh, and my breasts apparently." Maura chuckled.
"I do NOT shy away." Jane grumbled, not making eye contact with anyone around the table.
Abi's brow's furrowed slightly, but she smirked. "Who's sexual orientation?" She asked, all the while staring intently at Jane.
"Mine." Olivia answered.
Maura watched Abi carefully. "Oh, are you questioning Jane's orientation?" She asked as she glanced over at Jane who was glaring at a grinning Abi.
Abi was silent for a beat, before tearing her gaze from Jane's and shaking her head. "No, of course not. That's none of my business." There was a mumbled "Damn straight." from Jane but no one seemed to have heard her.
Olivia looked to Abi and they shared knowing looks.
Maura seemed oblivious to the silent conversations going on around her. Jane yelling at the two woman across from them, and Olivia and Abi sharing their knowing of Jane liking Maura in a little more than a platonic way.
"So," Abi finally broke the stalemate. "Why were we talking about your breasts, Maura?" She asked, bringing her attention to the ME.
"Rack of god." Olivia supplied with a tip of her beer before taking a swig.
Jane's jaw clenched and unclenched before she took a not-so-dainty sip of beer.
Abi looked from Jane to Olivia who was smirking behind her beer bottle. "Rack of god?" Abi finally asked.
Maura was about to explain when Jane slammed her beer bottle down and huffed. "Can we PLEASE stop talking about how fantastic and perfect, Maura's breasts are?" She looked exasperated and flustered.
The whole table was silent for a moment, their eyes on Jane. Abi and Olivia shared a look before they burst out laughing.
"The hell are you two laughing at?" Jane growled, not at all realizing what she'd just said.
Maura's brow's were furrowed and her head was tilted to the side. "You think my breasts are fantastic and perfect?"
Olivia and Abi quickly sobered as they turned their gaze to Jane, waiting. "I wish we had some popcorn." Olivia whispered quietly into Abi's ear. The blonde doctor smacked Olivia on the shoulder but had to agree with a nod.
Jane visibly deflated. "I-what-? No!" She stammered, her mouth opening and closing like a goldfish out of water.
Maura looked hurt. "So you don't think they're nice at all?"
"Oh shit, she's digging herself a hole." Abigail whispered to Olivia, who nodded without taking her eyes away from the scene before her.
Jane sighed. "Geese, Maur…I mean, yeah…they're-they're great. I was just-I mean-"
Olivia turned her head slightly to whisper again to Abi. "She's so not getting out of this one." Abi nodded in agreement.
"Would you two shut the hell up! Jesus, you're worse than Frost and Korsak. I mean, I can hear everything you're saying." Jane glared at the two woman across from her.
Abi and Olivia just smiled back at her innocently.
"Jane…" Maura gave her a look.
Slumping into her chair, she shot one last glare at Abi and Olivia before bringing her gaze to Maura. She heaved a sigh. "I was just repeating what Olivia said." She grumbled.
"As I recall, Olivia said-"
"I know what Olivia said, Maur. I just wanted to change the subject. Simple as that." Jane shrugged noncommittally.
Olivia and Abi sighed. So close.
Maura narrowed her eyes in Jane's direction but then brought her gaze to Abi and Olivia who smiled at her.
Jane brought her gaze to the two woman as well. She held up two fingers and made the universal sign for "I'm watching you" before shaking her head at them.