A/N: This chapter has some good best friend bonding time. It felt like it was about that time. I hope you enjoy!
Jane felt invigorated by her talk with Korsak. Her eyes had been opened to many things and she couldn't wait to speak to Maura about all that had transpired. Unfortunately for Jane, she would have to wait as Maura would be unreachable for several days, having been sent on a mission as soon as she had rejoined her carrier. Jane had to speak with someone so she went to her second best friend, although she made sure not to tell Frost that.
"Frosty, you and I need to go out for a brew tonight. I got lots to talk about and you my friend, have been chosen to listen," Jane stated excitedly, overflowing with joy all of the sudden.
Frost just looked at Jane like she was crazy but eventually shrugged his shoulders and said, "yeah sure, I'm in. I have some news for you too." This caught Jane off guard. Once again, Jane was reminded how sometimes she neglected her original best friend whenever Maura was around. Jane chastised herself for this and vowed to do better, especially with Maura returning to San Diego in the near future.
"I will be all ears, AFTER, I have a brew in my hand," Jane teased, bumping shoulders with her friend. Frost nudged her back and a calculating smile started to take over his face. Jane barely had time to react when he suddenly burst out running toward the parking lot, throwing a "last one to the bar has to buy the first round," over his shoulder as he sprinted to his truck. Jane took off after him, vaguely noting how great it was to see Frost running so well again. Despite how proud she was of him for his dedication to rehabbing his injury, Jane had no desire to lose the challenge that had been thrown down and rushed to her motorcycle determined to be victorious.
Jane won, of course, having a vehicle that could go in between traffic with ease, unlike Frost's behemoth of a truck, and was waiting on a barstool with a self-satisfied grin plastered on her face when Frost walked in, huffing down onto the stool next to her.
"I don't know why I bother trying to race you," Frost said grumpily as he waved at the bartender and ordered them a round. Jane slapped him on the back as she spun around to grasp her pint, releasing an 'ahhh' after the first sip. There was just something about a nice ice cold beer after a long day.
"Maybe if you ever decided to get rid of that manhood replacement, you might have a shot, Frosty," Jane mocked, knowing just how to get underneath Frost's skin. This wasn't the first time she had teased her friend about his ridiculously large truck. Frost had insisted over and over again that he didn't need to prove his manliness, that the truck was just a gift from his mom, but nobody was buying that excuse.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Jane?! My manhood is just fine. Just ask Susie," he practically growled out until he had said Susie's name, his whole face transforming from annoyed to dopey lovesick teenager in an instant. Jane shook her head at that, in no way wanting to discuss her RIO's junk with his girlfriend.
"Yeah, no, never happening. What you and Chang do is none of my business, as much as you try to make it that way." Jane took another sip of her beer, feeling herself relaxing exponentially with each sip.
This was going to have to be her only beer though since she was on her bike. Maura would kill her if she found out that Jane had even had one drink while riding. Her wife was always trying to convince Jane to get a 'sensible' mode of transportation. Jane had threatened to do just that, informing Maura that she would then have no reason to keep any of her leather jackets and pants if she did that. Maura had immediately recanted her statement and had gone so far as to force Jane to put on her riding gear right then and there, taking Maura for a different kind of ride for the rest of the evening. Jane smiled at the memory, but almost spit out her beer at Frost's next words.
"You may not want to know about my love life, Mav, but I know waaay too much about yours," Frost replied with a twinkle in his eye and a sly grin on his face. He patted Jane on the back as she choked on her beer, grinning like a fool the whole time.
"Jesus, Frost, you can't just say things like that," Jane scolded. "Besides, I've already had a talk with my blabbermouth wife and you shouldn't be getting any more information." At the look of amusement on Frost's face Jane growled, "and if you do hear anything from this point forward, please let me know so that I can strangle my wife." Frost let out a full bellied laugh at that and shook his head as he went to take a sip of his beer.
"So Frost, what's your news?" Jane asked, attempting to change the subject. She didn't think she could take any more embarrassment for the rest of the night. Frost grinned at her clumsy deflection but decided to humor his best friend.
"I've finally been cleared. Doc says I am good to go and that I can return to full active duty, no more restrictions," Frost beamed. Jane threw herself at her longtime best friend and wrapped her long arms around him, almost crushing the smaller man.
"Air, Mav," Frost gasped out, "I need air." Jane just laughed and gave him one last squeeze before finally letting go, Frost panting as he tried to reclaim his breath.
"I'm so proud of you, Frosty! You proved them all wrong, just like I knew you would," Jane replied shakily, tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. She had faith in Frost but a part of her that still felt guilty for having caused her friend's injury was slowly being soothed at the news of Frost's full recovery.
"Well, someone has to keep you in line, so I did what I had to do," Frost said sarcastically, giving Jane a nudge to her shoulder with his. Jane just laughed, her spirits soaring as the weight of the accident that had still been on her shoulders finally began to ease off.
"We both know that even at fighting weight, you are no match for me, Goose," Jane teased, full Rizzoli smirk in place. Frost laughed and raised his beer to Jane, who raised hers as well.
"To the dynamic duo! Back together at last!" Frost shouted, tapping his glass against Jane's.
"To us, Goose!" Jane tapped her glass and then threw back what was left. She really wanted another one but could hear Maura's voice echoing in her mind telling her she wouldn't be getting any love if she did. Jane just shook her head, amazed at how much Maura had influenced so much of her life in such a short time.
"So, Mav, what's your news? How did the meeting with Viper go?" Frost asked, returning his full attention to his partner.
Jane recounted everything and Frost nodded along, his smile getting bigger and bigger as Jane's own excitement rose. When she finished, this time it was Frost who threw himself at her and gave her a bone crushing hug.
"Yes! Finally, both of us will be off the bench and tearing it up! I can't wait, Mav!" Frost yelled, releasing Jane to do a little celebratory dance. Jane could do nothing but laugh at Frost's behavior, happy for them both that life was going their way.
"Come on Mav, we have to have another drink to celebrate! Please?!" Frost begged, already signalling the bartender for another round. "On me?" He gave her big puppy dog eyes, knowing Jane never could resist those, whether from him or Maura.
"Fine, but I'm going to have to leave my bike here because there is no way that I'm going to tell my wife that I rode home after two beers. Which means, you better be willing to drive me back here to get it tomorrow," Jane replied feigning sternness, but unable to hold the farce for long as she burst out laughing.
"Hey, I'll even pay for the Lyft if you promise to stay. Come on, Mav, we have to celebrate!" Frost was not to be deterred so Jane gave in, removing her motorcycle key from her key ring and handing it over to the bartender. He took it with a knowing look and put it in the register, keeping it safe until Jane returned for it.
"Alright Goose, stop your begging. Let's celebrate!" And with that Jane grabbed her new beer and took a big slug.
A/N: Good news all around! This story is winding down. A couple more chapters and an epilogue to go. Thank you all for supporting this sequel! Stay tuned for what's to come!