Thank you everyone for the continued support!
To that guest reviewer who asked if I'd seen R&I and said that this story wasn't believable: I have seen every single episode of R&I. This story is slightly AU, and as such, I've taken liberties to play with characters' personalities as I see fit. The fact that Maura and Jane are in a serious relationship without having had sex yet may not be your cup of tea, but it is possible. We live in the 21st century, where that is practically unheard of, but there are still cases of people wanting to wait for things such as remaining celibate until their wedding. This is for a completely different reason, (because of Jane's injury), and I think that will make their first time that much more special. I think it shows just how committed Maura is to her. Their relationship is based on so much more than sex, and it is stronger for it. There are plenty of stories out there with a different storyline. Hopefully you find one more plausible for you.
"Ma…" Jane started as she made her way back inside the apartment. Angela was going around the table starting to pick up dishes and taking them to the sink. "Put that down. We have to talk."
"What is there to say Jane? Maura practically ran out of here…"
"She left because she's a surgeon and she got a '911'. The hospital pages an emergency and she has to go ma! Though on second thought, I wouldn't have blamed her if she had. You have to learn how to censor that mind of yours when you speak, ma! I really care about Maura. I love her. We're in a relationship; she's officially my girlfriend and I want to keep things that way. Your hovering and comments aren't exactly what I had in mind when I told her we were having you over for dinner tonight."
"She's your girlfriend?" Angela asked, wanting to make sure she heard her daughter correctly.
"Yeah ma, she is. I don't know what she sees in me, I really don't. But we're happy and she loves me. Can't you just leave it be? For once, can't you just be happy for me and not ruin it with 50 questions/comments?"
Angela finally sat down and folded her hands in her lap, releasing a sigh as she bowed her head. "Alright Janie. I'm sorry, I didn't realize my behavior had been so bad. I'll work on it, alright?"
"Ok ma. Thank you," Jane said as she went to hug her mother.
"Hopefully we can try this again, make things right."
"You heard what Maura said, we can have brunch or something next week. I'll let you know as soon as we figure out something that works for all of us, alright?"
"Alright Jane. Now how about some cannoli? Maybe you can save Maura some."
"Of course! That's what I had been looking forward to all night!" Jane exclaimed as she reached for the pastries.
Maura in her part had spent the next day and a half in the hospital, only grabbing a nap in the on call room in between long surgeries. It was all hands on deck, and the only reason why she had some breaks to begin with was because there were not enough ORs for the demand they had. One of the breaks had been substituted for a meal when Jane texted to let her know she was in the building and that she was going to make sure Maura ate something. Putting on her shoes, Maura quickly brushed her hair and teeth and washed her face before going to meet Jane in the cafeteria.
Jane laid eyes on her surgeon girlfriend the second Maura set foot in the cafeteria. She looked completely worn out, yet she managed a smile for Jane when their eyes met. Maura reached the table Jane had saved for them and reached down to kiss the brunette hello before taking her seat next to her and relaxing.
"You look exhausted Maur; have you not slept at all?!" Jane asked Maura, who was now beginning to look like she was going to fall asleep.
"I've had a couple of naps, but in essence not an actual full night of sleep, no. We have been so bogged down with surgeries, long ones at that, and they have kept us incredibly busy. I actually have another in," she looked down at her watch, "an hour and 48 minutes."
"How complicated is it? Are you going to be able to get through it with this little sleep?" Jane asked, worried.
"It's simple enough surgery; I'll be fine Jane. Don't worry."
Jane wasn't convinced, but decided not to push the issue. "Alright then, how about we get some food in your system so that you can go and nap for another little while before your surgery?"
"That sounds like a very good idea. What's for lunch?" Maura asked.
"Well I thought about getting you one of those health salad and blah blah blah you like to eat," Jane said as she grabbed a bag from the chair beside hers. "But then I remembered just how much you'd liked that burger from the Robber I had while I was here and decided to get you one," Jane said with a smile.
"That sounds delicious!" Maura cried. "I'm going to have to fit in another couple of jogs during my week to make up for it, but it'll be worth it."
Jane laughed at Maura's comment, not having thought of an extra jog herself. She didn't worry about her body nearly as much as Maura did, and felt somewhat guilty at being a bad influence on her girlfriend. Still, there were times when she ate things Maura fed her that she wasn't particularly fond of, so this was getting even in a way.
"How was therapy today?" Maura continued as she got ready to bite into her burger.
"It was great; it went really good," Jane commented.
"well," Maura corrected.
"It went really well," Jane repeated.
Maura smiled back at her. "What did you get to do with Darcy today?"
"We went over some new exercises. She has me on some new routines," Jane answered vaguely. "I did manage to speak to Dr. Muller afterwards," Jane continued.
"You did? What did he have to say?"
"He just wanted to talk to me about my progress…"
Maura looked at Jane and tried to make out some kind of facial expression that would give her more. She gestured for Jane to continue. "And?..."
Jane let a full blown smile take over her features. "And he says I'm ready to go back to work Maur! He's releasing me to go back on desk duty!"
"Jane! That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you baby!" Maura rose from her seat and went to hug and kiss Jane in congratulations. "When do you get to go back?"
"I'm getting the 'ok' to return on Monday. I still have to talk to Lt. Cavanaugh and make sure they can put me on desk duty and go from there. I think everything should be alright; at least that's what I'm praying for. I can't wait to go back to work Maur; I'm going crazy."
"I know how long you've waited for this," Maura nodded in agreement. "You've worked so hard Jane, you deserve it."
"The only reason I've been able to get myself through physical therapy is because you were able to get me there in the first place. Thank you Maura. I owe the rest of my career to you."
Maura shook her head. "No, you don't. You're the one that put in all the work; I just helped along the way."
"Regardless, thank you," Jane repeated. "Watch out BPD, here I come!" she cried as she lifted her soda in a toast.
Sorry for the short update everyone. I'm still short on time but don't want to keep you all waiting for who knows how long for an update. Short updates are better than none, no?