*29 months ago*
Thomas circles the car with a fluid grace, his movements as deliberate and smooth as those of a seasoned chauffeur. He reaches the passenger door and opens it with a gesture that blends respect and professionalism. Maura steps out into the cool night air, her smile warm as she thanks him. "Thank you, Thomas," she says, her voice carrying a genuine note of appreciation. It's just past 11:00 PM, and as she walks away, she mentally commits to giving Thomas a well-deserved raise and bonus for his consistently long hours.
As she strides across the forecourt, her high heels click against the concrete, their sound crisp and echoing in the deserted expanse that fronts the gated community where she resides. The porter, Daniel, awaits with a smile that spreads across his face as he spots her approaching. "Good evening, Dr. Isles," he greets, his tone imbued with the warmth reserved for familiar faces.
"Good evening, Daniel. How are the kids?" Maura asks, slowing her pace just enough to engage in a brief, sincere exchange. Daniel's expression brightens even more as he recounts a recent story about his seven-year-old son, who had spent a day with him at work for a school project. She listens, smiles, and with a final nod, continues on her way, her smile lingering as she absorbs the simple joys of their interaction.
Walking through the secure complex, Maura passes by the homes of her neighbors, each one familiar yet distinct. When she first considered moving here, the idea of a gated community seemed too isolating, almost a drawback. But now, surrounded by the expansive gardens and the occasional chats with neighbors like Alice from the sky-blue house who works in public transportation, or Veronica, the retiree always ready with new photos of her grandchildren, Maura has found a comforting rhythm to her days.
She opens the small wooden gate that leads from the sidewalk into her garden. The automatic lights flick on, illuminating the path to her porch with a warm glow that makes the space welcoming. As she steps into the light, her heart stops for a moment—nothing could have prepared her for the sight that greets her.
Jane is there, sitting with her back against the wall next to the house door, knees pulled up, her head resting on her arms. Maura's mind flashes back to a conversation they had weeks ago when Jane had laughed about the most important lesson the military teaches: how to sleep anywhere. Clearly, Jane has taken that lesson to heart.
Maura crouches in front of Jane, her movements gentle and cautious. She reaches out to touch Jane's elbow, her touch light but filled with emotion. This unexpected end to her day brings a deeper smile to her face, a smile of relief and happiness that, despite the day's demands, she hasn't lost her capacity to feel joy.
"Wake up, sleepyhead," Maura whispers, her voice a soft breeze in the quiet night. Her eyes linger on Jane's, where sleep still clings like morning mist, painting them a soft, beautiful brown. A fleeting glance falls upon Jane's full lips, a momentary distraction before Maura refocuses on those deep, expressive eyes.
Jane clears her throat, the silence stretching into a palpable entity between them, and she pushes herself upright, reaching for Maura's extended hand to steady herself.
"You could have called?"
"My phone broke, I lost your number. And I wanted to apologize in person for missing the zoo's night event." Jane's voice, husky with remnants of sleep, sends a subtle thrill through Maura, who finds herself leaning back against the door for support.
"No problem. I was..." Maura pauses, her mind racing as she tries to anchor herself away from the pull of those warm, chocolate-brown eyes, "...prepared this time," she manages to say.
Jane nods, a silent acknowledgment of the relief that unfurls between them.
"Do you want to try again tomorrow?" Jane asks, the words slipping out amidst a yawn. Only then does she realize she's still clasping Maura's hand, their fingers entwined in a casual yet intimate hold.
"How long have you been back?" Maura inquires, curiosity coloring her tone.
"Since…" Jane glances at her watch, "three hours, give or take a few minutes."
And she came straight to me. The thought surfaces in Maura's mind, swift and stirring, but she brushes it aside as quickly as it appeared. Jane's intentions are a maze, and deciphering them now would only add layers to their already complex dynamic.
"8:00 PM?" Jane blinks sleepily, her suggestion floating in the air.
Maura looks puzzled, momentarily lost in the conversation's thread.
"Tomorrow evening? Zoo night event?" Jane clarifies, her earlier question now refreshed in Maura's mind.
Maura nods, her heart lightening with the promise of another attempt.
Jane's smile once again fundamentally shakes Maura. So wide, so pure, almost... infectious.
"See you tomorrow," Jane whispers and hugs Maura. And then she's gone before Maura can even respond, disappearing into the night with the promise of tomorrow lingering between them.
xxx The following evening xxx
"Workaholic," Jane teases with a lightness that tugs a smile onto Maura's lips as she finally concludes her call with the lead pathologist from Paris. Her response is a sheepish grin—a simple, honest expression of acknowledgment. With Jane, there's no need for long-winded apologies or explanations; her understanding seems almost intuitive, embracing Maura exactly as she is. That she is Dr. Maura Isles, the distinguished Chief Medical Examiner of Massachusetts, and incidentally, the daughter of the infamous mob boss Paddy Doyle, seems immaterial in Jane's eyes. From the moment Jane had stepped into Maura's office, her knowledge of Maura's lineage apparent, she had chosen not to make it part of their dialogue.
Jane steps into the grand entrance hall of the zoo, her expression transforming into one of awe. From a discreet distance, Maura watches her, observing the way Jane's eyes expand, her lips parting in a silent "Oh." The butterfly conservatory, their initial destination within the zoo, is indeed a spectacle. Beneath the expansive glass dome, hundreds of butterflies dance in the air, their wings a fluttering kaleidoscope of colors. Sunlamps above bathe the scene in a soft, ethereal light, casting intricate, shimmering patterns upon the floor. The meticulously arranged flora around them replicates a wild, natural habitat, enhancing the magical vibrancy of the butterflies.
As they meander through the various exhibitions, Jane hangs on every detail Maura provides beyond the printed explanation panels. "Nerd," Jane teases again, her voice playful, punctuating her jest with a gentle poke to Maura's ribs as she delves into the fascinating migratory patterns of monarch butterflies. The easy banter between them, filled with warmth and mutual respect, underscores the depth of their connection, making the scientific discourse not just informative, but deeply personal.
Maura relishes every moment, treasuring the subtle gestures of intimacy that Jane offers throughout the evening. Each touch, whether it's a reassuring hand on her arm or a guiding pressure at the small of her back, sends a thrill coursing through her veins. At one point, Jane turns to her with a look of concern, her eyes slightly narrowed. "Everything okay?" she inquires, her voice laced with a gentle curiosity. Maura's heart skips a beat as she hastens to respond, "Everything's perfect," her smile perhaps a touch too eager. Jane nods and moves on, allowing Maura to release a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her eyes wander the vivid displays of the exhibit but invariably drift back to Jane, drawn inexorably as if by a magnetic force.
The centerpiece of the zoo's night event, the large aviary, looms ahead of them. The area is nearly deserted, enhancing the sense of privacy. Maura ascends the steps to the elevated viewing platform with careful grace, aware of Jane's gaze on her. Dressed more casually than usual in simple black jeans and a light blue sleeveless top, complemented by sleek black sneakers, Maura feels slightly out of her usual element. Without her customary heels, she stands noticeably shorter than Jane, a difference that seems to amuse Jane pleasantly.
Reaching the top, Maura leans against the railing, her posture relaxed as she points out the various exotic birds. Jane, observing Maura's animated expression, steps up beside her after a gesture of invitation. "That's a scarlet macaw," Maura explains, pointing to a brightly colored bird nearby, "known for its vibrant colors and impressive wingspan." Her voice carries her passion for the subject, resonating with genuine enthusiasm.
"It's... breathtaking," Jane whispers, her tone awestruck.
"Yes," Maura agrees, her eyes flicking briefly to her lips before settling back on Jane's face, a subtle acknowledgment of the deeper currents running between them. Not just the macaw is breathtaking, she thinks, her gaze locked onto Jane, capturing and holding every nuance of her expression.
As they emerge into the cool embrace of the night air, the silence between them feels almost sacred. They traverse the spacious plaza together, their steps synchronized in quiet harmony. Suddenly, Jane veers to the right, drawing closer to the waist-high railing that overlooks the sprawling cityscape. Maura joins her, resting her forearms on the chilled metal, the coolness seeping through her sleeves, as a comforting silence wraps around them.
Jane turns slightly, leaning her back against the rail, her profile etched against the backdrop of the city lights. "Thank you for your time," she murmurs, her voice a gentle whisper carried directly to Maura's ear by the light breeze.
Maura's gaze is drawn outward, over the city. The night is dark, lit only by the myriad lights of the city below—a tapestry of life and light under the new moon. She turns to mirror Jane's posture.
"That was…nice," she whispers back.
The moment seems suspended between them, perhaps heightened by the glass of wine they'd shared earlier, or maybe it's the way the city lights cast a soft glow on Jane's features, igniting sparks in her eyes. The cool breeze nudges them subtly closer, their bodies instinctively seeking warmth. Without a conscious thought, Maura steps nearer, her eyes drifting to Jane's lips. She leans in, eyes fluttering shut, the warmth of Jane's breath tantalizingly close.
Their quiet bubble bursts with the sudden, raucous laughter of children. The noise startles them apart as a group of energetic kids dashes by. Jane pivots away while Maura exchanges brief greetings with the parents she recognizes, chasing after their youthful exuberance. When Maura turns back, she catches Jane staring out over the city, her body tensed, her gaze deliberately averted.
"I…should go. It's late, and you probably have an early start tomorrow." Jane's voice is strained when she faces Maura again, her eyes troubled, unable to hold Maura's gaze, her hand white-knuckled against the railing.
I've messed up. I was too nerdy, too awkward* Maura berates herself internally. A coldness creeps into her, chilling her from within as her well-honed defenses begin to reconstruct themselves. Within seconds, her professional mask, always so meticulously maintained, slides back into place. "Yes, of course. Be careful," she says, her voice firm but hollow, the words feeling misplaced, misaligned with her true sentiments.
Jane holds her gaze for a lingering moment, her smile forced as she nods and turns to leave, each step seeming to take her further from what might have been.
xxx Two days later xxx
Maura is settled on her sofa, the cool leather a contrast to the warmth of the evening. Her laptop rests on her right thigh, its screen glowing dimly in the dim light of her living room. In her left hand, she absently swirls a glass of red wine, its rich color catching the sparse light. The window is open, and though she lives on a hill overlooking the city, the distant hum of the city's traffic still reaches her, a subdued reminder that the world continues its relentless pace even as her personal world feels paused. Below, the city spreads out like a carpet of jewels, the scattered lights of downtown skyscrapers twinkling against the night sky, resembling a distant, bustling universe from her elevated sanctuary.
Maura tries to work, or rather, she attempts to immerse herself in the familiar refuge of her professional duties. Yet, her progress on the autopsy report for the eighth victim of a still-at-large serial killer is painfully slow. Her concentration is like a sieve, leaking focus as her thoughts incessantly drift back to the zoo, to Jane, and to the evening that has since haunted her with its silence. How foolish she had been to let herself believe that there could be something more than friendship in Jane's eyes. With a sharp movement, she brushes away a tear that dares to escape, and forces her eyes back to the blur of numbers and words.
After the media frenzy that once exposed her true identity as the daughter of Paddy Doyle had subsided, her life had returned to a semblance of normalcy, her private affairs no longer the fodder for public consumption. This calm had allowed her to dive deep into her work, her true sanctuary from the storms of life. Yet now, it feels as if another storm is brewing, not just at the institute but within the confines of her personal life as well—emotions and professional pressures swirling around her like the prelude to a tempest. Maura, resilient as ever, tries again to anchor herself in her work, the one constant that has steadied her throughout her life. It had been her refuge during childhood upheavals, from her mother's fits to the tempests of her parents' arguments, and the cruel taunts of classmates.
A knock at her door pulls her abruptly from her reverie. She glances at the clock, her brow furrowing in surprise—it's late. Hesitation flickers within her as the knocking persists, more insistent now.
"Maura, it's me." That voice, unmistakably Jane's, cuts through the fog of her thoughts. A surge of mixed emotions propels her to her feet, her heart thumping with a cocktail of anticipation and dread. She crosses the room swiftly, her steps gaining certainty with each stride. As she reaches for the door, her hand trembles slightly—an involuntary acknowledgment of the impact Jane always has on her. She pulls the door open, stepping into whatever might come next.
Jane stands before Maura in the dimly lit entryway, dressed in camouflage pants and an olive-green T-shirt that hugs her athletic frame, highlighting her muscular stomach and defined form. She carries a matching bag and jacket, the ensemble completed by the military precision of her attire. Maura catches a glimpse of the name tag on Jane's chest, "Commander Rizzoli," etched in bold letters.
"Maura…" Jane's voice hesitates as she steps closer, her expression intense.
"I'm literally breaking every rule there is… But I need an answer before I go… Was that a date, Maura?" Jane's words rush out in a breathless cascade, and it takes Maura a few seconds to process them.
"The day before yesterday?" Jane adds quickly for clarification.
"I… it certainly felt like one to me," Maura whispers back, her voice barely audible. "But if you don't want—", she's about to voice her uncertainties when Jane interrupts her.
Suddenly, Jane's lips are on hers, warm and insistent, and it feels as though the world shifts beneath them. Overwhelmed and rooted to the spot, Maura's response is delayed, but soon her lips move in harmony with Jane's. She finds herself rising onto her tiptoes, reaching up to meet Jane's intensity. Maura feels the curve of Jane's smile through the kiss, tender and slow, charged with an emotion that sends shivers down her spine. Jane drops her bag, one hand firmly on Maura's hip, her thumb sliding under the T-shirt to caress the soft skin at the waistband of her yoga pants. Her other hand cradles Maura's neck, fingers woven gently into her hair.
When they finally part for air, their foreheads rest together, breaths mingling in the charged space between them. Jane leans in for one more feather-light kiss on Maura's mouth, whispering with a fierce softness, "I have to go."
As Jane steps back into the night, Maura's voice follows her, a plea wrapped in three words, "Please be careful."
After closing the door, Maura leans against it, her heart pounding relentlessly in her chest. The stillness of her home wraps around her, but it does little to soothe her racing thoughts. Slowly, she makes her way to bed, her fingers lingering on her lips, still tingling from the kiss.
As she lies down, a new sensation begins to unfurl within her—a resurgence of hope, like a phoenix rising from the ashes of her previous doubts and disappointments. Maura's heart, emboldened by the night's revelations, soars on newfound wings, eager for the future and whatever it may bring with Jane.
xxx 48 minutes later xxx
"Where have you been?" Frankie demands, his gaze fixed on Jane, suspicion etching his features tightly.
"Had to feed my cat," Jane replies with a nonchalant shrug.
"You don't have a ca—"
"Exactly."
The room bursts into laughter at Jane's dry wit. Korsak, chuckling deeply, shakes his head and chimes in, "I think that means it's none of your business, Frankie."
Frost and Cavanaugh join in the laughter, their chuckles filling the space with a lighter air, diffusing the tension. Jane, still sporting a small grin, claps a reassuring hand on her grim-faced brother's shoulder, softening the moment.
"Start the engines," she commands the pilot, her voice carrying over the continued chuckles as they prepare to board the large cargo plane. The heavy sound of the engines starting up mixes with the laughter, signaling the beginning of their next venture.
Yaay, their first kiss :-). Thank you for all your encouraging reviews on the first two chapters! I am extremely excited to hear what you think about Chapter 3:-)!!
P.S.: I'm not sure what went wrong with the formatting of Chapter Two. Sorry for the large blank spaces that are appearing when reading it online:-(.