#Maura Cheeks

[bookcoversonly]

Title: Acts of Forgiveness | Author: Maura Cheeks | Publisher: Ballantine Books (2024)

[judgingbooksbycovers]

Acts of Forgiveness: A Novel

By Maura Cheeks.

[julieverne]

The first time Jane's not drunk enough to pass it off as a mistake. It's early into their friendship; Maura still asks for Jane's sweats instead of digging them out of a drawer. She's wearing them, her hair still wet from the shower. It's been a rough day, a gross day, one that requires multiple showers. Maura looks sad so Jane hugs her the way she'd hug anyone who'd had stomach liquid land in their hair.

Maura holds her close. Maura is awkward to hug; she stiffens but doesn't pull away. She waits to make sure Jane's not making some sort of mistake, and then she pushes forward too hard, her breath all raggedy like she's trying not to cry, her hands holding Jane too hard, as though Jane will push her away if she lets go too soon, like she's scared it's not real - like she's scared Jane's not real.

And that night, the first time, Maura's wet hair against Jane's chin, her hands finally learning how to relax on Jane's body so she doesn't leave her bruised, Jane feels Maura's pelvis press against her. It's not on purpose, but Jane's breath catches and she pushes back and Maura's breath comes all thin and thready, the warmth of her against Jane's thigh promising worlds Jane can't even imagine and then they're dry humping up against Jane's ancient refrigerator that came with her apartment and Jane comes with Maura with an irritated hum from the overworked appliance, gasping for breath.

Jane has only had two beers. She glances at them wistfully, looking for an excuse, then looks down to Maura's flushed, embarassed face.

Maura's her best friend. Maura's the best friend she's ever had.

"It's okay," Jane says when she can talk, and she feels Maura relax against her. They're still hugging. "It's been a long day. We're probably just frustrated."

They haven't kissed. That would make it something it's not.

+++

The next time Jane is too drunk. Maura finds her between her pain meds and a bottle of whiskey. Jane growls at her when she takes both bottles. Maura sits and pulls Jane against her, holding her. There is a bucket discreetly placed on the floor next to the couch.

"You're poisoning yourself."

"I put you in danger," Jane finally confesses. It's been weighing on her so long.

"You saved my life. Mine and Frankie's too."

"I should have known he was dirty. He should have never gotten near you." Jane's voice is low and raspy and she feels Maura's stomach clench as she speaks. She pulls away to look down at Maura. "I failed you."

Maura's crying. Jane touches her cheek and licks at the moisture on her fingers. She's dehydrated, and she lets Maura hold water to her mouth, lets Maura wipe her lips clear.

"You have never failed me."

Jane wants to kiss her, but they're not like that. She pushes herself on top of Maura and grinds down against her, gasping when Maura's pelvis rises to meet her, watching Maura's face beneath her. She brushes hair and tears away from Maura's face, with her fingers, with her lips.

Maura comes first, gloriously hard against Jane, arching up into her, a stifled little moan that sounds like Jane's name. It's enough to push Jane over the precipice she's been hovering over too long, and she joins Maura in pleasure, noting she's pushed Maura's dress up, her scarred palms brushing over Maura's bare thighs.

Jane collapses atop Maura, too tired and content to move.

"You have never failed me," Maura says again, and Jane feels those soft, strong fingers brushing through her messy hair, feels them on her back as Maura holds her tight enough that Jane wonders if Maura will ever let her go.

+++

The next time they're not drunk. They're at Maura's, and Jane doesn't know why she's not more freaked out about this. It's not technically sex, but it's close enough that she should be questioning herself, trying to figure out if she likes women.

Instead her hand is sliding up the hem of Maura's dress in her spare bedroom; they've avoided bedrooms so far, but here they are. Maura's hands are in Jane's shirt and she whimpers as Jane's fingers make contact with her satin underpants.

They're still not kissing because that would make it something else. Something like commitment, like Jane's heart doesn't break every time Maura has a date. This is new; Jane's never touched a woman like this before, but Maura's hips tilt and Jane can't withhold anything Maura needs. She can figure out the landmarks from here and she uses less pressure than she would for herself because she figures Maura's precious and delicate and whatever and she's right because she feels the pulse as it happens, Maura's hands holding her so tight that it's an effort to breathe, and then Maura's hand is on her, and she's never been so wet; she's almost embarrassed until Maura's eyes meet hers in awe and it's all Jane can do to keep from kissing her for being so sweet and understanding and so, so good at making Jane come.

Maura's hand cups her until she's sure Jane is done. "Sweet dreams," Maura says, and extracts herself. Jane collapses on the bed and wonders if she wants more or less from whatever they're doing.

+++

The next time they're in a shower. Jane fell into a river and Maura went in after her. They got hosed down at the precinct, but there is pond weed and an ickiness that remains. They shower together because they both need a shower and Jane's place is small. Maura touches the bullet wound on Jane's stomach and then gives Jane a knowing look as she slides her fingers lower, where the wet heat of Jane has been waiting for her touch. Jane's legs shake and she has to lean against the shower wall for balance, pulling Maura close and returning the favour. She's so wet - not from the shower, from touching Jane, and that's when Jane starts to wonder what they're doing. She's happy enough to be having mind-blowing sex with the most attractive person she's ever met, but she's not ready to talk about it. Not even with Maura.

She watches with satisfaction as Maura thrusts down against her fingers, grunts with pleasure as Maura bites down on her shoulder to muffle the noise she makes when she comes.

+++

And then Dean is in town. It's so, so awkward. Ma is pushing her. Maura is pushing her. Everyone wants her to be straight. Jane badly wants to be straight and Dean is there.

Jane doesn't even come. Doesn't even come close. She fakes it so he'll stop touching her so wrong. He falls asleep and Jane thinks of Maura's soft, gentle fingers, her fierce determination. The way she looks so pretty when Jane's inside her. Jane cries the way she should have when she put a bullet in herself to buy the woman she loved enough time to save her.

Jane cries because Maura doesn't love her, and Jane's just realised she does.

+++

Maura's mad at her. She throws Dean in her face. They bicker, but when Jane finally gets home, Maura is there.

"Your parents are in the hospital," Jane snipes, but there's no real ire left in her.

"I'm not... I'm not.... not mad. And I don't forgive you. I might never."

"Then why are you here?"

Jane knows; she can almost smell her from here. The air is thick and filled with everything left unsaid.

Maura crosses the room and shuts the door behind Jane, then slams her against it, sliding the deadbolt.

"How many?"

"What?"

"How many orgasms did he give you, Jane? What did he give you that I couldn't?"

"You told me... you chose the dress..."

"And you came when I called." Maura's anger leaves her and she slumps.

"I'll always come for you," Jane admits.

"You've never let me down," Maura agrees.

"You can shoot my dad if you want. It'll make us even."

Maura laughs bitterly and Jane wants to fix this. She takes Maura's chin in her palm and lifts Maura's face to hers. She lets her fingers stroke Maura's soft cheek as she looks into those deeply hurt hazel eyes, glittering gold with tears. She lowers her head so slowly that Maura has plenty of time to move away.

She doesn't. She meets Jane in the middle. They kiss, finally, after three years of not getting around to it. After three years of the most tender, loving sex Jane has ever had.

Maura's lips are so soft that Jane finds herself moaning into Maura's mouth. Maura grasps her like she used to; scared Jane isn't real, scared Jane doesn't mean it. Her tongue should be illegal because Jane's knees buckle when it brushes her own.

Then Maura's sharp teeth are digging into her bottom lip and Maura pulls away, her eyes flashing angrily.

"On your knees," Maura says, and her lips are swollen from Jane kissing them and Jane drops like a rock at the order, her hands already pushing the dress up out of the way, already pulling down what remains between them. She devours Maura utterly; she's drenched and running down Jane's chin, over her lips and tongue. It's better than anything she did with Dean; Jane hasn't been touched and she is throbbing and soaked.

Maura's fingers curl in her hair and she thrusts shallowly against Jane's open mouth. Jane licks her clean, waiting patiently. Maura just retrieves her underwear and leaves without another word. Jane makes herself come quickly once the door closes, tears down her cheeks and Maura on her lips. She slumps and leans against the closed door, holding herself since nobody else will.

+++

Maura forgives Jane. She kind of has to; Jane saved her life and her leg. And Maura saved them both with the coordinates. They forgive each other but what lies between them remains fractured. They make sure they're not alone. They seek out other company.

And then Jane gets a new mattress and Maura is the only person in her life helping her.

"Can I come?" Maura asks, when Jane talks about her dream wedding. Jane rolls onto her side and looks at her. It's okay, being alone with her now. It doesn't hurt like it used to. She knows now she broke them up, knows now there's nothing she can say that will fix things.

"You always do," Jane says without thinking. Maura put her drink down and looks Jane over with a hunger Jane recognises.

"I left you hanging. I owe you one."

"It's okay," Jane says, even though it's not, even though she'd cried on the floor for well over an hour, hoping to hear Maura's footsteps outside, hoping she'd changed her mind. "I always let you down."

"You have never," Maura says, rolling onto her side to face Jane, "and I mean never let me down."

"Never even run around and hurt you?"

Maura doesn't recognise the lyrics. Jane has never been able to RickRoll her because Maura never knows when she's being RickRolled.

"I was mad about Dean. But we weren't exclusive, and I was seeing people too. We never talked about it, did we?"

Jane's hands are shaking. She nods slowly, looking over at Maura. Her voice is low and sexy, and Jane loves when she speaks foreign languages. It's so hot. Maura is so hot, but she's at her hottest when she's underneath Jane.

Jane rolls on top of her so easily that Maura's already thrusting up at her. But this time Jane is leaning down and kissing her. Jane is holding her tenderly. Jane is pulling off her tank top and sliding Maura's buttons undone, she is pressing her bare skin against Maura like she's one of those animals that breathe through their skin and Maura is oxygen to her. Jane checks in with her as her hand crawls down Maura's strong abdomen.

"You know I love you?" Jane says, then shakes her head. "I mean, I do. I love you. I've missed you. I'm really, really into you."

"Not quite," Maura says, and tilts herself up against Jane's questing fingers until they slide home, Maura as always wet enough to take as much of Jane as she can. Jane's palm rubs the little circles that drive Maura wild and her fingertips brush slowly against the wet warmth of her, against the softness that makes Maura sob as she comes in Jane's arms, Jane kissing her gently, brushing her tears away, holding her as she moves against Jane until she stills and pulls Jane closer. "I owe you two."

"You owe me a new mattress; we've ruined this one."

Maura chuckles, and Jane knows everything is going to be okay.

[deanwinchestersbabygirll]

Wishful thinking part 2

warnings// fluff, IMPLIED SMUT, little tiny bit of angst (not much) HAPPY ENDING DON’T WORRY

lol summary// heavily requested part 2 to wishful thinking

Dean x reader

word count// 6520

(Gif from Pinterest)

The days didn't get any easier for Sam since you guys talked. You went back to being oblivious of his feelings, back to being loved up with his brother. Sam swallowed the hurt in his chest and tried to move on, he started having more one night stands, spent less time with either of you alone.... Especially you.

It was a long day of looking for the witch but still you guys couldn't find anything on her.  you were drained, Your head was in so much pain you felt like you were gonna explode, Dean took notice right away wrapping his arm around your shoulders pulling you into his side, you let your head roll against his hard chest as he checked in for a room "no one room, two beds please" the women nodded with a smile "actually dean I'm gonna get my own room again, so just two separate rooms with  one bed please" Sam confirmed to the receptionist 

"Alright Sammy" dean said clapping his back thinking he wanted his own room for another night in the sheets with a pretty lady. Sam rolled his eyes "whatever, I just want my own room" Sam mumbled making Dean laugh "alright ya big baby relax, get your room and... relax" dean dragged out the last word in exaggeration to tease his brother 

Sam just huffed out a forced laugh before grabbing room key from the desk and taking off to his room. Dean chuckled as he lead you both to your own room "alright let's get in here and get you into something a little more comfortable" dean said making you chuckle, to anyone else that would sound like an innuendo, but you knew what dean meant, he wanted to get you in your pyjamas so you could sleep away your headache "yeah I feel like I could sleep for a week after today" you whined dragging your body to the bed, kicking your clothes off as you stumbled through the room 

Dean laughed tossing you your sleep shorts and his black t shirt (you stole for your sleep shirt many moons ago), he kicked off his own clothes par his shirt and boxers getting in next to you tugging you towards him so your back was right against his front, his arms holding you in place, Dean pressed a small kiss on your cheek before turning the lamp off "night sweetheart" he whispered through your soft snores.

You groaned as a bright light burned your eyes disturbing your sleep, you rolled to your side hiding your face in deans chest making him chuckle "stop moving" your voice muffled again this chest "sorry sweetheart, but we gotta get up. Sam's already texted me... he's got a lead on the witch" you head snapped up right away "why didn't you wake me up let's go bank this bitch!" You exclaimed jumping out of bed and getting dressed right away in jeans and a white shirt

"Dean c'mon let's go" you said pulling on your black boots. Dean watched in awe with a smile on his lips "alright sweetheart I'm getting up" he said when you tossed him his clothes. "Alright let's get going" you said headed towards the door, "oh not just yet sweetheart, c'mere" dan gestured for you to come to him his arms open wide.smiling you took the two short steps towards him, he quickly grabbed your hips pulling you close to him before capturing lips in a sweet kiss, you kissed him back right away, parting your lips against his own to let his tongue in, you stayed in this position for a few minutes before dean pulled away "had to get my good luck kiss" he joked leaving your lips with one last peck before grabbing your hand and leading you out to the impala where Sam was already waiting impatiently 

"Alright Sammy whatcha got for me, I'm itching for this one" you said rubbing your hands together menacingly making the younger man smile, he loves how cute you looked when you do that "okay so get this. Maura Jennings is a local. Most people describe her as closed off, rude and aggressive. And every time there's a crime committed, guess who's lurking at the crime scene?" Sam filled you both in while getting into baby, taking off to the suspects house.

"Alrighty, how we going to play this?" You asked the brothers "I'm thinking you and Sammy play FBI, distract her and I sneak in through the back door and find out what she's hiding" dean said handing you your fake badge "oh come on I never do the sneaking around" you whined making him smirk "she'll feel more comfortable talking with a women present, unless she's blind and confuses Sammy as a 6'4 women with a Bob she's less likely to talk long enough for me to snoop" dean said with a laugh at the end "yeah real funny dean, let's just go" Sam mumbled storming off to the house across the street with you following close behind 

"Hey Sam, slow down!" You called after him. Sam turned abruptly at the sound of your angelic voice "sorry just not in the mood for... well Dean today" he confessed with a shrug of his shoulders "ah I know he can take the hair jokes a little far sweetie, but he's just trying to make you laugh... one corny joke at a time" you joked nudging his side. Sam let out a hearty laugh making you smile up at him

"Alright you ready?" Sam asked staring down at you "yeah let's do this" you told him knocking on the door. You waited for a few minutes, no sign of the witch answering "maybe she's out getting ingredi-" Sam was cut off by the front door opening slightly , revealing a disheveled liking women with dark black hair, a disgruntled look on her face wearing a long red robe "what do you want?" She demanded keeping the doors chain locked "hello ma'am I'm agent Maximoff and this is agent Rogers, we're here to talk to you about the recent death of Alice jones, a few key witnesses have mentioned you were one of the last people to see her" "I know nothing about that bitches death! I didn't see her. I don't know where your getting your information but it's wrong I'm not a killer-" 

Sam was placing his arm in front of you as the women snarled at you wanting to guard you from any attack she had planned "ma'am we're not here to accuse you of anything, we're only here to ask you a few questions in relation to our case" Sam assured her, his heart besting a mile a minute ready  for her to have poked any holes in his lie. The women stayed silent as she slammed her door. You looking at Sam confused maybe she wasn't willing to talk at all. You moved to leave her porch when the sound of the door u locking caught your attention "are you coming inside or not" the women scoffed, you shrugged your shoulders at Sam before following her inside to the dark hallway. You just hoped Dean got inside okay.

"You have a very... lovely home Mrs Jennings" she chuckled darkly "it's Ms Jennings actually, Mr Jennings liked the little blonde slams down the road too much" she said before taking a pause "anyway... they got there karma" she's told you and Sam with a laugh "alright, Ms Jennings. What can you tell us about Mr greenway? He was involved in a very serious accident in the grocery store on Wednesday morning, did you see anything that could come across as suspicious?" Sam asked her as he took a seat next to you.

"Oh greenway was a bastard, he had Geraldine- a dear friend of mines heart broken. Did you know he slept with six of his college students, nasty little whores. He got what he deserved" she told you, her lips twisted up in a dark smirk "well that sounds awfully targeted don't you think Ms Jennings?" You questioned, the witch snapped her head in your direction her eyes filled  with fury, "how dare you accuse me of such a thing? I think it's time you both leave now!" She ushered you both up and pushed you toward the door.

You felt a hand reach into your pocket, you stoped in your tracks, the witch let out a shriek when she crashed into your back. You reached into your pocket, pulling out a brown little bag "ah hex bag, bad idea" you smirked unwrapping the bag letting all the ingredients fall to the ground "hunters!" She snarled before taking off 

"Crap!" Sam said, both of you pulled out your guns heading down to follow her "you go left I'll take right" you whispered to him, Sam nodded taking off after the witch. 'Dean better be hiding' you thought to yourself worried the witch will find him "goddamn it!" You said quietly to yourself when you found a dead end with a closet "Y/N" a familiar voice whispered, you whipped your head towards the closet door sighing in relief "thank god, come on we gotta go find Sam. He's with the witch" dean cursed grabbing your hand before taking off in a run towards the direction Sam went. 

Dean and you ran into see the with stood before sam who was spelled to the wall "You think you can come here, inside my home and try and kill me! Who do you think your messing with, boy!" The witch yelled before blowing a purple mist in his face and chanting ' Praecipio tibi ut verum dicas per tres dies proximos' 

"Sam!" You yelled rushing toward him, Dean taking the witch on himself "I have plenty left where that came from." The witch told him trying to hide behind the table from him "yeah, but your not gonna last longer than 3..2..1" dean counted down before pulling the trigger hitting her between the eyes "and he scores" dean chuckled before rushing over to you and Sam 

"He won't wake up Dean.." you told him panicked brushing the hair away from Sam's eyes as you laid his head in your lap "let me see" Dan rushed to his brothers side checking his pulse "alright he seems fine, let's get him back to the motel and figure out what that bitch did" dean and you pulled Sam up wrapping an arm around each of your shoulders "alright Sammy give us a little help here" you groaned out at the dead weight of him as you and dean walked the unconscious hunter outside

"Alright, I'll get the door you hold him" you said giving Dean Sam's full weight. With a little struggle dean and you managed to get Sam in the back of the impala comfortably. "Hey he'll be alright De, we'll start researching that witches incantation right away" you assured him with a hand on his shoulder, he placed his hand a top yours before being it to his lips "I hope so" dean told you quietly before you set off towards the motel 

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

"Alright Sammy, let's get you into bed" dean grumbled hoisting his brother up over his shoulders  like before "I'll get the door" you said thanking chuck that you guys got bottom floor rooms so there was no steps for you and dean to drag an unconscious Sam up. 

Dean laid sam on the bed taking a step back to look at his brother, laying there... breathing but no sign of waking up "I don't like this..." dean confessed sitting next to his brother "i don't either, I promise I'll find out what she did to him. It's my fault this happened to him, we shouldn't have split up." Before dean could argue your wrong you headed towards your and deans shared room to get your spell books 

You wiped the tears from your face quickly, you knew Dean would come after you if you didn't come back soon. You just felt horrible, all you had to do was stick with Sam then you could have stopped her before she spelled him. You dried your tears away, grabbed your books and headed back towards Sam's room. Deans head turned toward you, he immediately took notice of your red eyes, he always does. "C'mere sweetheart" dean rushed towards you pulling you into a warm hug "it's not your fault, Sam and I would never blame you for something like this sweetheart" dean assured you, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your head 

"I know you guys don't, I just- I can't help but feel like it's my fault. I have to find out what she did to him... I just hope it's not serious" you told Dean quietly before breaking away from his embrace, you say on the desk with your books and starting reading looking for the witch's spell.

After a few hours of  not finding anything you were beginning to feel hopeless. Dean stepped out to get dinner but he'd be back soon. You stared at Sam just hoping he'd wake up, thankfully after hours it worked, you watched as he stirred letting out a low groan "Sam!" You rushed over to him "Y/N... what happened?" Sam mumbled as he sat up with a groan "the witch is what happened, she spelled you with something, don't worry I'm still trying to figure out what I was, and when I do I promise I'll fix it" Sam stared at you in awe "I'm not worried, I trust you, your the most intelligent and beautiful women I've ever met" you have him a confused look, where'd that come from? 

"... thanks Sammy, that's really sweet of you to say"  Sam seemed embarrassed before another loving look took over "it's the truth, your beautiful, I hate the fact dean got you first" Sam confessed before slapping his hand over his mouth "what the hell is happening to me??" He questioned worried, why the hell was he spilling his guts to you?

"I think I figured out what she did to you... truth spell?" You told him waiting for his reaction "n-no it's not a truth spell! If it was a truth spell I'd be telling the truth, but I'm telling you the truth..... no I'm telling you the truth, I'm serious, everything I say is the truth-" Sam tried to lie but the spell stopping him, he slammed his hands over his mouth, his face a bright red colour, you had to hold back a laugh not wanting him to feel more embarrassed 

"I'm gonna give dean a call and see if he'll be back soon" you said pulling out your phone 

"Hello" dean answered. "Hey baby, Sam's awake... and I think I know what the witch did" "what is it?" Dean questioned, you could hear the impala roaring to life on his line "truth spell, it isn't fatal and they normally only last for a certain amount of time. My guess with Sam would be three days based on part of the spell, tres dies proximos. He'll be back to his normal Sammy self  in a couple days nothing to worry about" you assured your boyfriend "oh this is gonna be a fun three days" dean said with a hearty laugh on the phone "no, nope, I'm not letting you torture your poor brother in this state" you scolded,  dean moaned down the phone "Aw c'mon princess just a little" you giggled "maybe a little bit but nothing too far" you gave in. Dean chuckled down the phone "that's why we're so good together sweetheart, the same twisted humour" you giggled down the phone "you better  hurry back now" "I'm on my way beautiful" 

"Alrighty Sam, deans on his way now" you assured him as he sat on his bed hand covering his mouth to stop him talking, sam nodded averting his eyes to look at the wall "okay guess your not really in the talking mood" you joked making Sam roll his eyes, "wanna watch some tv while we wait for dean?" Sam just mumbled a 'mmhmm" you giggled at him not wanting to talk and switched on the television, you flicked through some channels before settling on South Park.

You guys got through half an episode when Dean walked in with a bag of burgers and fries, "ah nice choice, good thing the fun hater can't talk you can watch what ya like huh sweetheart" dean said with a laugh, "definitely, now give me my food I'm starving" you told him taking the bag from his hands with a quick kiss to his lips as a thank you

"Sammy come on ya gotta eat, I promise we won't ask you anything" you promised the silent hunter who remained in the bed "I'm not promising anything" dean laughed with an evil smirk resting on his lips. Sam shook his head quickly, sinking back against the bed "dean come on, if your nice to Sam I'll be real nice to you later" you flirted, batting your eyelashes for extra measure

Dean smirked at you with a low chuckle "you know I can never turn that deal down, sweetheart. Consider yourself safe Sammy" Sam swallowed hard having to watch the flirty interaction, he got up and made his way over to where you and dean were sitting together, you on his lap eating your burgers, Sam sat on the only other chair at the table averting his eyes to stare at chicken salad in front of him trying to ignore the hurt in his chest, somehow it was more in's tense with this spell, like all of Sam's senses were magnified. True to his word... more specifically your promise, Dean didn't mess with Sam during dinner, even though it physically pained him not to mess with his brother when he was hit with such a hilarious spell. 

Dean and you ate as quickly as possible trying to get out fast to make good on your promise. Once you finished your last bite you threw the wrappers in the trash and pulled Dean from his chair with a grunt, dragging him to the door"Alright then let's give Sam some space so he can rest" you told Dean who was busy grinning like a kid in a candy store.  "Night Sammy" you called back over your shoulder before closing the door 

"Alright get in there and get your pants off Winchester" Sam heard you say from the now closed door. Sam sighed and turned the volume up as loud as he could without getting any noise complaints and just closed his eyes as tight as he could trying to drown out the sound of your squeals, this was going to be a long three days.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

The next morning you woke to your head tucked into his neck, his arm under your pillow (where he kept his gun his hand always close to it in case there were any intruders through the night), while his other wrapped around your waist protectively. He had his leg entangled with your own under the warm covers. You whined as you opened your eyes taking note of the light littering the room, hiding your face tighter against his neck. Dean let out a gruff chuckle at your actions, he ran his free hand up and down your arm leaving goosebumps in their wake

"relax it's still early, we can stay in bed a little while longer" he assured you, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. "I know but now I won't get back to sleep again" you mumbled into his neck "well let's talk then" you lifted your head up right away to look at him concerned "okay.... Talk about what?" You hurried out

Dean laughed, tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear, something he's always done to calm you down "nothing bad... well I hope it isn't bad" dean told you with a small smile, you nodded your head for him to continue "well you know you and me have been dating a long time-" "six years" you cut in making him chuckle "yeah six years, and I've been thinking...." Dean told you before reaching on the ground for his jeans, he pulled out a deep red small box, you clasped your hand to your mouth, tears filling your eyes in realisation

"Y/N, I'm in love with you and I want to be able to call you my wife. Hell I even want to have kids with you... I have never once thought I would see myself wanting that life... not when I've been hunting and living motel to motel since I was 4 years old, but the day I met you, I knew there was something special there, and six years later... I was right, so what do you say sweetheart, will you marry me?" Dean proposed, opening the box to reveal a beautiful ring with a small but perfect diamond sitting on top "oh my god! Hell yes I'll marry you!" You chocked out through your happy tears

You grabbed the sides of deans face and pulled him into a firm loving kiss, it didn't last long with how much you two smiled against each others lips "here! Put it on me" you laughed out as Dean swiped his thumbs on your cheeks wiping away your tears

He pulled away slightly, taking your hand in his he placed the engagement ring on your ring finger. You sucked in a small breathe "it's so beautiful Dean" you said in awe "someone as beautiful as you are deserves a beautiful to ring to match" he told you with a smirk making you roll your teary eyes "your an idiot" you giggled, Dean smirked before tackle you back down the bed making you let out a small scream "Dean!" You laughed out as he attacked your sides with his fingers making you squirm "I'm sorry! Your not an idiot" you said through giggles

Deans fingers stopped their attack on your sides, you took in deep breaths to calm you heart rate while Dean pulled you into his side, reaching to hold your hand that now sported a beautiful ring "I can't believe we're engaged, this is crazy" you said against his chest, deans chest rumbled as he chuckled "I know its crazy, who's have thought I'd get tied down" he joked slapping his chest lightly "oh please Winchester, I've had you wrapped around my finger since before we started dating, it's about time YOU tied ME down" you sassed to your now Fiancé

Dean chuckled lightly  "I'm glad you said yes" furrowing your eyebrows you look up at him "did you really think id ever say no?" You hated when he thought so lowly of himself. Dean shrugged slightly "I don't know... I mean it's not everyday hunters get married, I just didn't know if you would want marriage... especially with m-" you cut him off by clasping your hand over his mouth, deans eyes widened as he stared down at you with a dumbfounded expression "Dean I love you so much and you right I didn't want marriage, until I knew it would be with you. You're the only man I would ever say yes to. Understood?" 

Dean nodded his rough hand gently pulling your softer one away from his mouth slowly, Dean pulled you closer to him his lips pressing gently against your own in a small kiss "understood sweetheart" Dean whispered against your lips before deepening the now heated kiss, his hand running down your bare side, hiking your leg roughly over his side making you gasp sharply into the kiss, allowing Dean to dominate your mouth with his tongue. 

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Sam hadn't slept much that night, for many reasons, one being how stressed he was with keeping his mouth shut for the next few days so he didn't say something he would regret, another being you and Dean getting the room next to his, making his night a living hell. Sam can deal with a lot, he'll he has no choice when he's on the road living with you two, but this was one of the reasons why he wanted his own room far, far away from yours. It only makes it harder for him to get over you, especially when his dreams involve him pulling those beautiful sounds from you... not dean. 

He finally got up when he heard the morning start up again behind the wall "freaking animals" he mumbled out annoyed. He pulled on his running outfit before speed walking out the room. He wanted to try and clear his head, everything was too much, the damn spell was affecting his own mind. He couldn't even lie to himself let alone anyone else 'I'm in love with her' ... 'no I'm totally in love with he-' "God dammit!" He said aloud as he walked past a women with mid lengthy dark hair, she turned to give him a hard stare with her brown eyes "excuse me?" She demanded her arms crossing across her chest "o-oh I'm sorry I wasn't talking to you ma'am I was just thinking out loud" Sam defended, embarrassed he'd been caught talking to himself

The women's hard state softened as a small smile took over her lips instead of an angry frown "no problem, my names Maddison, and you are..." she pushed "I'm Sam" the giant hunter said sticking his hand out to hers to shake "well it's nice meeting  you Sam, sorry for being harsh, guess you could say I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning" she joked making him chuckle "yeah I get what you mean, my days started out pretty bad too" he confessed, mentally face palming as he couldn't stop himself "really? I'll tell you why my day sucks if you me why your's does... maybe over some coffee?" She flirted making Sam's heart race, he hasn't had this feeling in a while "yeah definitely, I'd love to" he rushed out as he scratched he'd the back of his neck awkwardly "great, I actually know this cafe it's two blocks away, they make the most amazing hazelnut coffee and ...." she rambled on, Sam smiled watching her, he had a good feeling about this girl.

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"Sweetheart, I think Sammy's out, he's not answering the door" Dean called to you from outside the bathroom his, you stepped out from the hot running stream "he's probably just getting food or on his run, ya know Sammy" you yelled out, your voice echoing off the bathroom walls as you washed the conditioner from your hair "yeah your probably right, I'll call him and let him know to bring back some celebratory pie" Dean said as he licked his lips in thought of the tasty pie "tell him to get a whole pie not just a slice this time!"  Dean chuckled "that's my girl!" You rolled your eyes with a smile "yeah, yeah.... Tell him to hurry I'm starving, especially after this morning" you said in a teasing tone as you wrapped a towel around your body, walking out to the room to find Dean sat on the bed, phone pressed against his ear "alright we'll see you then Sammy..." Dean hung up the phone quickly when he saw you enter the room giving you a dopey grin  

"you're so beautiful" he told you, pushing himself off the unmade bed, he took two steps forward to meet you, placing his rough hands on your towel covered waist "well thank you but I'm i still gotta get ready, so don't get any ideas Winchester"you chastised when you felt his hand start to unravel the knot, Dean groaned placing his head between your head and shoulders "oh don't get sad on me now we've had sex six times between yesterday and this morning, your not exactly starved from it" you reminded him

Dean pulled away from his spot against your neck, his plump lips pulled into a sly smirk, "I could never get enough of you my very... very sexy fiancé" he teased, his hands moving from your waist to your ass "well until your incredibly sexy fiancé gets some food  you can just keep in your pants" you patted his chest, moving. Way from his grasp to her dressed into your black jeans and Dean's old Metallica shirt "well I've got news for you" Dean teased sitting on the bed as he watched you change "oh really? Well don't leave me hanging, spill Winchester!" You rushed out taking a seat next to him eager to hear the news

 "well our little Sammy met a girl while he was out on his walk.. said her name is Maddison and... well he said too damn much, but hey what do your expect when your brothers been hit by a truth spell" Dean joked making you laugh "ohhh what did he say?" You questioned eager

Dean shrugged his shoulders a smug smile plastered  on his lips "ah I don't know sweetheart, I remembered just a second ago.... I might be able to remember again i-" you cut off his teasing by rushing forward to press your lips shading his in a deep harsh kiss, Dean groaned his hands roughly grabbing your waist and the back of your neck to take control of the kiss. You pulled away before he could slip his tongue through your lips you pulled back, Dean chased your lips "hurry up and tell me, I'm dying over here" you begged 

Dean chuckled licking his swollen lips "well our little Sammy is on his way back from a date with a girl-" you cut him off with a big gasp "you're kidding? That's amazing- wait, shit what about that truth spell?" You questioned worried this could interfere with him finding a nice girl "don't worry I asked him and he said he's keeping it very under cover with her any time she asked a personal question he changed the subject or ran off to get more coffee" you couldn't help the squeal that escaped your lips "ohh this is amazing! Do you think this could be the girl for him?" You grabbed deans hand tightly

"I hope so sweetheart, I'm just glad he's not into you anymore, that sucked. Didn't want to have to kick my little brother's ass... I would have, but I didn't want to have to" Dean joked, you giggled placing a peck on his lips "yeah yeah tough guy. We're gonna have to tell him about us, you know that right?" You couldn't lie and say you weren't worried about telling Sam that Dean and you were getting married, "...I know sweetheart, we'll tell him when he gets back" dean promised running a comforting hand up and down your back. Deans heart was racing at the thought of telling Sam, not because he wanted to keep it a secret, if anything he wants the world to know... since Sam confessed he was in love with you and it getting brushed under the rug with your denial of Sam's feelings deans been walking on eggshells around the situation because he didn't want to fight with Sam... and he definitely didn't want to loose you

Deans been feeling more anxiety since Sam for a hit with the truth spell, he didn't want anything tho come between you and him. He would never forgive Sam if he drove you away because of him, he just hoped this new girl in his life would change that, and Sam would be happy for you and him, at least they'll find out soon.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

"Hey open up guys" Sam said knocking on the door, a bag of breakfast burritos in his hand and three cups of coffee on the other. Dean was quick to open the door a sly smirk resting on his lips "well how'd it go Sammy? What's this girl like... is she hot- ouch!" He exclaimed in a high pitched voice rubbing his arm "never you mind if she's hot or not... ignore him Sam, tell us what happened?" You plucked the bag of food from his hand quickly,  waiting for his response "well she's very hot actually- sorry I just I can't exactly lie right now, anyways I took her out for some coffee and we got to talking and I think she's a really great girl, in fact were actually going out for dinner tonight" Sam said flustered

Dean chuckled "just dinner?" He teased, Sam rolled his eyes "well dinner and se-" you clasped a hand over his mouth to stop the next word from escaping "your welcome" you smiled at him. Sam was about to thank you when he felt the coldness of a ring on his mouth, he furrowed his brows and gently moved your hand from his mouth, you and Dean exchanged weary looks "wow um a ring... does that mean you guys are... engaged?" Sam ask slowly never turning his gaze from the ring adoring your hand "yeah, we're getting married" you answered smiling at him. Your heart raced as you awaited Sam's reaction 

"Congratulations you guys that's amazing" Sam said pulling you both into a hug, Dean and you shared a look of shock "than you Sammy, are you sure your okay with this... I mean things might  change a little around here" Sam just smiled at you "I couldn't be happier for you both, I really mean it- hell it's not like I can lie anyway" Sam laughed. This was nuts, you were worried for nothing, this was one of the best days of your life "have you guys called Bobby yet? He's gonna be so happy" Sam said pulling back from the hug "not yet...we wanted you to be the first to know" Dean told him wrapping his arm around your waist 

"That means a lot to me you guys, thank you for letting me be a part of this" Dean nodded "of course man, your my brother, hell I'd have told you a few days ago if you didn't get spelled, couldn't risk you spilling the beans on me" Dean chuckled out clapping Sam on the back “Ha ha ha very funny Dean. So what are your guys  thinking? Actual wedding or vegas?” Sam said his lips twisted in a small smile 

“Vegas” “wedding” you both replied simultaneously. You and Dean snapped your heads to each other, your eyes flaming in rage as he cowered in fear under your intense gaze, poor Sam stood still not able to move “vegas? Dean are you joking- please tell me you’re joking?” You demanded  Dean shrugged his shoulders slightly “I’m sorry I didn’t think it was such a big deal, if you want a wedding, I can do that” Dean said quickly, shooting you a small scared smile “oh you’d better Winchester” you warned making him gulp and nod, Sam barked out a laugh watching his brother back down to you “what’s so funny Samuel?” You turned your fury quickly to him “I- I uh just haven’t seen Dean back down to a girl… well ever actually it’s awesome to see” he stumbled out scratching the back of his neck awkwardly 

“Mmhmm” you mumbled pursed your lips tightly and eyes narrowed at both boys, Dean clapped his hands together to get your attention “alright how about we all take a trip to Bobby’s and if we just so happen to fall into a case on the way I won’t be mad” you smiled rolling your eyes slightly at his antics “yeah and I wouldn’t mind a trip to Hawaii” Dean laughed “yeah maybe if a plane wasn’t involved that would be our honeymoon. I’m gonna take our bags out to baby so we can head out we might make it to Bobby’s tonight  if we tail it now” Dean grunted placing both duffels over his shoulders “well I’ll catch up with you guys tomorrow I’ve got my date tonight” Sam capper to Dean as he made  his way out to the parking lot 

You smiled rolling yourself watching him walk out, what a man you’ve got! You thought to yourself. “Hey can we talk” Sam asked breaking your trail of thought, “of course Sammy, what’s up” Sam took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed “I just I wanted to talk to you about this girl, I mean I know it was just coffee and I don’t know if this truth spell is heightening my emotions or what’s happening because yesterday i was still struggling with you and Dean being together- ignore that please, but what i mean is this morning when i met Maddison it was like everything changed and i don’t want to come off to strong and mess this up, this girl is she’s just amazing” Sam rushed out his hands flaying around as he spoke 

You stared at him shocked “I- Sam did you still have feelings for me yesterday?!” You questioned shocked “well yeah it’s not gonna take a few weeks for the feelings to leave , but they’re gone now, I’m genuinely so happy you guys are getting married… I just I don’t want to ruin this” Sam mumbled his gaze directed to the floor as his hands ran through his hair “Sam, the very fact your even worried about messing things up tells me how much you care about this girl, I don’t think your emotions have been heightened, I think you found a nice girl who’s caught your attention, in a good way, I think she could be the one for you Sam the fact your already feeling like this” 

Sam looked up from the ground to make eye contact with you “I think your right Y/N, there’s something about this girl” you smiled patting his shoulder “told you you’d find the right girl for you Sammy” you told him thoughtfully, Sam clasped his hand on top of yours resting on his shoulder “you did, I’m just glad you were right” “Aren’t I always?” Sam laughed nodding his head “usually yeah” you have him a chaste kiss on the cheek “I’d better go before my fiancé comes looking for me- I like saying that … fiancé” you smiled as you spoke “I’ll see you in a few days, soon to be Mrs Winchester” Sam waved at you before the door. 

Once the door was shut Sam laid back in the bed with a deep sigh. For the first time in a very, very long time Sam felt at peace, he didn’t feel a sense of guilt eating at him constantly. He felt he could finally breathe again there was no weight on his chest that would never lift. He never thought he’d feel a love like this with anyone but Jess or you…. Until now with Maddison. 

For once in his life, Sam Winchester was excited about the future.

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IM SO SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT!!! so much has been happening the last few months family wise, we had to move my nephew in and he's been stealing my attention from writing.... mostly because I'm rewatching supernatural with him- VALID EXCUSE ;))))

as always if you have any requests please feel free to send them in :)

ALL MY OWN WORK I DO NOT GIVE CONSENT TO COPY OR PUBLISH ON OTHER SITES, I.E WATTPAD, ETC, WITHOUT MESSAGING TO ASK FIRST. REBLOGS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING.

[valleydean]

Chapter 16 [Read Here]

CHAMPION Part III of Heavyweight a deancas boxing au by valleydean (emmbrancsxx0) read from the beginning | playlist

SUMMARY: Brooklyn, 1933. Dean Winchester, the number one contender, trains to become the next Heavyweight Champion of the World, and this time he won't let anything get in his way. Title holder Castiel Novak has second thoughts about retiring, especially when someone from his past arrives in New York and asks for his help. Meanwhile, a new contender rises to fame and threatens to complicate both of Dean and Cas' ambitions - and their relationship.

CHAPTER PREVIEW:

The MC’s voice boomed through the arena: “Ladies and gentlemen, live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, welcome to tonight’s main event!”

There was a pause for more cheers.

“We have a very special fight for you tonight, and that’s all thanks to the man entering the arena for the very last time in his professional career…”

Castiel flexed and tightened his hands inside his gloves. They were already sweating. He hoped, after he’d won, the crowd wouldn’t be too disappointed to find out that they would no longer be able to brag about having been at Angel Novak’s final bout. Perhaps they’d be satisfied in knowing they’d been there when he announced that he was staying.

“Coming to us from Brooklyn, New York. You know him as the Angel of America. The undisputed heavyweight champion of the world—Castiel Novak!”

“An-gel Nov-ak!” the crowd chanted, stomping their feet. The fanfare of brass instruments rose up from the orchestra.

The curtains were pulled back. Castiel pushed his shoulders upright and walked into the arena.

“An-gel Nov-ak!”

There wasn’t a seat left vacant in the Garden. The crowd undulated from the ringside seats to where the bleachers met the ceiling. The people standing in the pits surged forward and thrust their arms over the barriers to touch his gloves and robe. They waved signs and lit cigarette lighters to get his attention. Press cameras blinded him from every direction.

When he reached the rows of ringside seats, the people sitting close to the aisles grabbed him by the shoulders and shook his gloved hands, wishing him luck. The governor and his wife, the mayor, Congressmen, socialites, gangsters, and celebrities.

“Give ‘em hell, baby,” a familiar, sultry voice said to him while he was shaking Babe Ruth’s hand. He glanced around, finding Meg Masters.

“Meg.” Pleasantly surprised that she was there, he gave her a smile. She planted a possessive kiss on his cheek before he had to move on.

Mick was on the aisle seat in the second row from the front, Balthazar beside him. He clapped Castiel on the back before hugging Michael. Balthazar leaned over them and said, “Do us proud, Cassie!”

He expected to find Dean in the first aisle seat. Instead, Kelly was there, giving him a bright smile. Jack rushed around her and gave Castiel a hug. Castiel put his glove on Jack’s head, chuckling. His buoyancy sank somewhat when he found Dean standing over the seat next to Jack’s. Dean clapped, his eyes on Castiel. He gave Castiel the same phony grin that was usually reserved for press photos. Castiel promised himself that Dean’s smile would be genuine by the end of the night.

Sam was next to Dean, then Eileen, who gave him a thumbs up—and Castiel was surprised to find Maura clinging to Sam’s shoulder as he held her. Jo and Charlie were further back in the row. The end chair had been removed for Bobby’s wheelchair. Castiel thought he spotted Henriksen, Benny, and Rufus in the seats behind Bobby, but it was difficult to see in the shadows. All the blinding lights were focused on him.

“You have lipstick on your cheek!” Jack laughed. That certainly explained the hints of jealousy on Dean’s face. He hadn’t even realized Meg had left a mark behind.

“Oh, I…” He raised his glove, then paused, because he didn’t want to smear red on the leather so soon.

Kelly pulled out her handkerchief and wiped the lipstick off his face quickly. When she was done, she said, “Go. They’re waiting for you. Good luck!”

With one last look at Dean, Castiel moved to the ring. He climbed inside, his team right behind him. As he did, he heard the commentator saying for the people listening over the radio, “Angel Novak has entered the ring for the final time in his career—or is it? He’s expected to make an announcement at the end of tonight’s bout. His coach and promoter haven’t commented on the matter, but analysts speculate that Novak will push his plans for retirement and hold onto the belt for a little while longer. That is, unless Mr. Webb beats him tonight.”

In his corner, Castiel shuffled from foot to foot and shook out his arms, still trying to get loose. His robe fluttered around his calves.

[anthrofreshtodeath]

Looking forward to this prompt like always.

maybe they get slightly jealous while out, so they grab onto their partner's hand to establish their relationship

here it is! I have no idea what I just wrote but, you know, here we go:

—-

The Childhood Cancer Awareness Gala. If anything in Maura’s life is a black tie affair, it’s this. It comes once a year, in May, just as the spring gives way to summer temperatures, and, unfortunately, when the nascent MLB season really starts to take shape. Which usually means she takes a man, a doctor most times, instead of Jane: the person with whom she much prefers to attend these things. Not only is Jane Maura’s best friend - and thus makes it all genuinely more bearable - Jane has all the social skills Maura wishes she did when it came to fellow donors and hot shots. There are celebrities at this thing, for god’s sake. And that makes Maura nervous, especially since Jane so often has about five to eight games to catch up on by the time late May rolls around and refuses to come. Last time Maura had to bring a surgeon. But this year, by some miracle, the Red Sox have an off day on this Tuesday night, the same that the Gala is on. 

And Maura had known this fact for months. In fact, as soon as the regular season schedule was released. That meant that she started her get-Jane-to-the-Gala campaign while snow still raged outside and the year had barely begun. It culminates in the black, strapless gown she wears now, the one showing off her tanned shoulders and her three hundred dollar haircut complete with layers and highlights and the smell of priceless product. There are heels that highlight her calves and make her ass look fantastic; there is a pendant on her neck that draws attention to her perfectly supported breasts. There’s even a diamond ring on her right ring finger, big and belonging once to her mother, because Jane likes to look at things that remind her of tradition. 

And Maura had promised, not with words per se, but quite forcefully, quite convincingly, that Jane’s attendance would be worthwhile. The promise had consisted of some rather pointed modeling in the guest bedroom while Jane sat in a lounge chair and watched, of even more pointed half-states of undress, including dropping the garment in front of her with her heels still on so that she could bend over in the skimpiest pair of underwear appropriate for a platonic home fashion show that she owned. It also consisted of the subtle increase in hand jewelry, answers to Jane’s questions about it being, “My mother gave it to me. She couldn’t bring herself to wear it anymore; she finds such signs of commitment provincial. I vehemently disagree - especially when the signs are so exquisite. Don’t you think?”

Jane had sniffled. She’d stood, looking stiff and stupid as her mouth gaped at the ring Maura held out, before she finally said, “it’s on the wrong hand.”

Maura had chuckled warmly and replied, “for now.”

The stupidity intensified up until Jane mopped her jaw off the floor and excused herself to return upstairs. Maura then understood that she didn’t even need to invite Jane: she just needed to bring the Gala up. 

That happened about two weeks after the ring incident, which was about two weeks after the dress fitting. Maura stood in front of the vanity in her bedroom’s en suite, rubbing a European moisturizer into the skin just over her cheek bones. “You know, the Childhood Cancer Awareness Gala is on the 28th this year,” she said with the most practiced nonchalance as she frowned to get more of the product into her pores. 

Jane had grunted. She leaned against the threshold to the bathroom and crossed her arms, using tox results for their current case as the excuse to be in Mauara’s inner sanctum. Maura had at least given her the courtesy of relaying those lab results before bringing the fundraiser up. “‘S an off day,” Jane said. 

Maura made a curious sound. “Hmm. Really?”

“Yeah,” Jane confirmed. “Want me to tag along?”

Maura pursed her lips so she didn’t smile. Jane isn’t hers. But she knows a secret: Jane wants to be, and so she admits she played a little dirty to have gotten Jane to accompany her.

Honestly, though, that was the nonverbal content of Maura’s promise: go, and becoming mine is a distinct, dirty possibility for you. “I’d like that,” she told Jane. “Do you need something to wear?”

She knew what Jane would say. Well, she knew the answer. Jane ended up saying, “I”ve seen what you’re wearing; I think I can cobble something together.”

Contrary to what even Jane herself might have believed, Maura hadn’t wanted to go shopping for Jane anyway - she wanted it on the table that Jane would be dressing to compliment her. Because that meant Jane in a suit. And Maura is attracted to the Jane she knows, not the Jane she can conjure by draping her in couture.

And so, Jane is here, at the Childhood Cancer Awareness Gala, in May, instead of in front of a ballgame somewhere. Jane is here in a suit, with a very expensive white silk shirt under the jacket, with a sleeker, more understated boot than the aggressive block heel she often wears to work, her hair wild and beautiful and the perfect compliment to her sharp features.

It is, by all accounts as Maura returns from the restroom, a win. A complete victory on all fronts. Except, that is, Jane stands close to Doctor Melissa Henry - world renowned OBGYN and overall knockout - listening intently enough, leaning in close enough, to hear above the sociable din. 

Jane’s long fingers hold her champagne flute by the rim, the drink Maura had procured for her long before the trip to the restroom, and Jane hasn’t touched it. Hasn’t had a sip. Which, of course not, because Doctor Henry is Puerto Rican and curvaceous and a genius. Why would Jane interrupt her spell to imbibe? 

Doctor Henry leans close and says something into Jane’s ear, Jane who turns into the gesture yet again, and suddenly, they are both chuckling. And by god, it’s Jane’s handsome chuckle - the one that crinkles the corners of her eyes and bestows upon her a crooked little grin.

Normally, Maura respects the hell out of Doctor Henry as a leader in the field of women’s medicine. She’s serious and principled and warm… and that’s the damn problem. Maura did a fucking bend and snap to get Jane here (thank Jane’s modern media bootcamp for that particularly relevant reference); she’s not letting go this easily. 

And again, she intends to fight dirty. 

She marches across the crowded ballroom to where the two women stand, where Doctor Henry places a steadying hand on Jane’s shoulder because her heels are tall and her ankles are crossed. A man bumps into a deadset Maura, by accident, but it only fuels her resolve. She continues, gaze forward, back straight, clutch in front of her hips (the ones that sway as she walks), until she approaches Jane and Doctor Henry. Then she stops.

For all her missing of social mores, Maura can synthesize the details of a situation like no other. So just as she approaches, she comes up to Jane’s left, because Jane’s right is occupied with the champagne. And also, coincidentally, Doctor Henry. All for the better, though, because this means that for her next act, the ring on her hand can do all the heavy lifting, even if it’s a mirror image of where it’s supposed to be. 

Her fingers find the ones at Jane’s side, and they slither between them. Once they’re all but entwined, she drags them up, skin brushing as they curl, just before manicured fingers scratch Jane’s palm one time. Then as she fans them back out, down and united again, she kisses Jane’s covered shoulder. Jane shivers and Maura knows it’s because of the metal rubbing on her ring finger. “My mother’s bete noir is here,” she says into the fabric of Jane’s jacket, relishing the delicate scratch against her gloss-softened lips. “The feud is as alive as ever.”

Boom.

Between the touching and the comment just for her, she’s got Jane. She knows she’s got Jane because instead of a statement about how rude it is not to greet the third party, Jane says in that gravel-rich timbre, “she still telling the story about how her daughter styled… who?”

“The Roman Prince of Cerveteri? At least once a function,” Maura replies quickly, all as she turns her gaze on Doctor Henry. “So sorry, Melissa - family issues. You know how it is.”

Family. Issues.

Jane stiffens further, grows warmer; Maura knows there’s blushing even if she can only see Melissa Henry’s straight-out-of-a-catalog face. 

“That I do,” Doctor Henry says. Gracefully she steps away from Jane. Is that a bit of fear Maura sees, too? “Do uh, do you two need a drink? I think I’m headed to the bar.”

Jane smiles with her lips closed and simply holds up her champagne flute. I’ve got plenty.

“I’ve had enough for the evening, but thank you,” Maura answers with a cordial smile.

When Doctor Henry walks away after a nod and a smirk of her own, Jane snorts. “I don’t think she’s coming back,” she says.

“God, I hope not,” says Maura. When Jane, without letting go of Maura’s hand, downs her entire drink and steps close enough for their fronts to touch, Maura honors the nonverbal request for an embrace by wrapping her free arm around Jane’s shoulders. “When you’re here, when you accompany me to these events, you’re mine,” she asserts with a growl of her own.

“I’m yours all the time,” Jane counters. She rests her head in the crook of Maura’s neck because in heels, Maura is tall enough.

Maura squeezes, and laughs lowly. “I know.”

[multifandomfix]

Frosty Reception — Jane Rizzoli

Summary: You’ve been keeping your relationship with Jane under wraps, but when Frost comes across you at the Dirty Robber and starts to flirt, will Jane be able to keep her cool?

Word Count: 849

Warnings: Some jealousy, secret relationship reveal

You walked into the Dirty Robber, excited to meet your friends for a fun evening. You spot your friends at a corner table, and as you approach, you can't help but notice the familiar face sitting at the end of the bar. It's Jane Rizzoli, the detective you've been secretly dating for a while now. You didn't plan on running into her tonight, and from her slightly surprised expression, she didn't expect to see you either.

You try not to let your eyes linger on Jane for too long, lest one of your friends catch you and start asking questions. Besides, Jane was just as entitled to be here as you were. There was no reason you couldn’t share the same space.

As the evening progressed, the conversation dwindled and Frost got up from the bar and approached your table. He started chatting you up, his flirtatious comments making you slightly uncomfortable. You weren’t interested in him, but it's clear he doesn't know about your relationship with Jane. You try to politely deflect his advances, but it was getting increasingly awkward. You try to shoot a look over to Jane, but with Frost in the way, you couldn’t catch her eye.

Jane, however, had been watching the interaction from the moment Frost had excused himself to talk to you. She thought you’d just reject him and that would be the end of it, but he’d been over there for a while.

Finally, Jane couldn’t contain herself any longer. She got up and made her way to your table, intent on dragging Frost away by his ear if she had to. "Hey, Frost, cut it out, okay? They’re out with friends, not to flirt with you.”

The way she spoke was enough to make Frost, back off, but not without a curious look to his coworker. Your friends all give you and Jane curious looks as well. You can feel the heat rising to your cheeks. You feel like Jane's little act has effectively revealed your relationship to everyone at the table.

Maura, ever perceptive, decides to come over and play mediator before Jane’s temper gets the best of her. “Jane, do you know each other,” she broaches, giving Jane the opportunity to come clean.

You exchange a glance with Jane, and she gives you a sheepish but affectionate smile, feeling a little guilty for having made such a scene. It seems like your secret is out in the open now, and you can finally relax, knowing that Jane's jealousy, while a little unexpected, has made your relationship public in a rather unique way.

Deciding to join forces, Jane, Maura, and Frost join your table and the night continues with laughter and shared stories from your relationship now that there's no need for secrecy. As you and Jane steal glances at each other, you can't help but appreciate the unexpected turn of events. The atmosphere becomes more relaxed and the awkwardness between you and Frost dissipates with a simple apology.

"You know, Jane, I was just about to ask if you were ever going to introduce us to your mystery person," Frost grins.

Jane runs a hand through her hair, he’d suspected she’d been seeing someone for weeks and she wouldn’t open up about it. "I guess I was waiting for the right moment.“

Frost, still feeling like he crossed a line, replied with, "Yeah, sorry about earlier. I didn't realize."

"No harm done, Frost,” you chimed in before Jane could rip into him. “It was a bit of a surprise for all of us."

Maura leans in, looking between you and Jane. "How did you two meet, anyway?”

You take Jane’s hand and begin to share your story. "Well, it started when she stole the last hot dog from me at the Red Sox game.”

“That sounds about right,” Frost interjected, sending the whole table into a fit of laughs.

As you continued the story, Jane gently traced patterns on your hand, and you can't help but feel the warmth of her love in that simple touch.

The evening at last winds down, and you leave the Dirty Robber hand in hand with Jane, the weight of the hidden relationship finally lifted. saying goodbye to your friends and hers, you and Jane linger behind, eager to have a bit of alone time.

Walking together under the night sky and streetlights, Jane smiled at you. "I’m sorry I overreacted, but I'm glad it's all out in the open now. I don't want to hide our relationship anymore."

You squeeze her hand and smile back. "Me too, Jane. I want to be a part of your life. All of it."

After a minute Jane let out a groan. “What’s the matter? Something I said?”

“No,” Jane replied. “I just realized this means I’m going to have to introduce you to my mother.”

You swatted Jane’s arm and laughed, not worried at all about the meeting, though you knew Jane would stress about it. “I think that can wait at least until tomorrow,” you soothed. “We’ve had enough excitement for one day.”

For anon

Forever Tag: @baubeautyandthegeek, @ghostsunderstoodmysoul, @immyowndefender, @valencethefriendlychangeling, @crimsonwidow666, @rebelbossheart, @thedailyspiritualist, @orangeisnttheonlyfruit, @woman-simp, @aperol-with-izzy, @leonoralessoem, @ellepossum69, @lakita-fisher, @nclgsticore, @ayanthegreat28, @analuw, @luvlesavyy, @malfoyfeed, @aliciabrower, @bitchr-mkay, @sparrowspixie

Jane Rizzoli: @riveranddoctorsong123, @jona-lea

[vague-homosexual-crimes]

The Dream Thieves moments I will be thinking about for the next week at least:

“I wish you could be kissed, Jane,” he said. “Because I would beg just one off you. Under all this.” He flailed an arm toward the stars.

Oh? My god?? and then they hold each other, cheek to cheek, and he says “and we never speak of it again” I’m distraught

“Ronan’s second secret was Adam Parrish.”Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. He LOVES him.

Ronan and Kavinsky. That’s it. Maggie’s crazy for those two. He just. Killed himself. That’s. What Ronan could’ve been. Almost was. Man. Yeah.

I recall disliking The Gray Man the first read. Not sure why. Not my favorite point of view but I’m incredibly biased but like he’s a cool character. Go Maura and her hot girl summer.

Homophobic Adansey kiss.

Seriously the fight scene and then Adam wandering along the side of the highway. Cabeswater trying to talk to Adam and Adam not knowing what it meant.

Ronan going to the Barn’s again for the first time since Niall died.

[mauricemetsfan]

gives maura a little kiss on the cheek cuz she deserves it :3

I- th-thank you!

[dirtyrobber70]

One of the myriad ways I feel cheated by the Rizzoli and Isles writers is this: Jane was bonkers happy about Maura's bday gift of a session at racing school and we never got to see it. The idea of Jane behind the wheel of a race car in a Nomex jumpsuit and Maura presenting her with a trophy or certificate , or a kiss on the cheek (?) for her participation is definitely in permanent rotation in my Rizzles brain. Any artists out there *cough @miz-chase *cough* @batteryacidbarb - toyed with this idea? Just a thought if you ever run out of inspiration! 😁

[jolieeason]

WWW Wednesday: February 7th, 2024

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme Sam hosts at Taking on a World of Words. The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? Here is what I am currently reading, recently finished, and plan to read from Thursday to Wednesday. Let me know if you have read or are planning on reading any of these books!! Happy…

[julieverne]

Maura kisses Jane when she's had a few drinks.

Not in, like, a gay way. She just looks up at Jane with shining eyes and plants one on her. Sometimes it's followed with a slurred 'I freaking love you', and sometimes it's preceded by it. Jane learns her tells pretty quickly, but she never has the heart to dodge them.

---

The first time was in The Dirty Robber. They'd been drinking after a case, and Frost had joined them. They sat on the same side of the booth so women wouldn't think one of them was with him; they didn't want to ruin his pickup game. Jane hadn't noticed the little flush of histamines on Maura's cheeks. She hadn't noticed Maura leaning against her, so involved with the conversation with Frost about their case that she'd merely slung an arm over her and kept talking. When Frost got up to get another round, Jane looked over, and Maura pulled her in close, hand fisted in the front of Jane's tee.

It hadn't been passionate, it had just been a kiss. The sort that bridesmaids give each other on a hens night, the kind that straight women gave each other when they had good news. Jane had chuckled awkwardly, and Maura pulled away from her closed mouth, looking up at Jane with a grin.

"You're so smart. I can't believe you caught that guy."

"It's your evidence that's going to put him away," Jane said gently, a little unsettled. A compliment and a kiss. It was a little too soft and girly for her, but Maura had always been a little too soft and girly for her. That was part of what she liked about her. Jane had enough rumours about her sexuality flying around the precinct, and this was a cop bar. She looked around, but no one seemed to have noticed. Jane hadn't minded; Maura had nice breath and she hadn't mauled her. It hadn't been gross or anything. It hadn't even been particularly unwanted. Part of her wondered if she should mind, but it was hardly a confession of love or attraction. It was just something drunk straight girls did, wasn't it? Maura reached for her glass, but tipped it over instead.

"You're drunk," Jane realised out loud, tightening her arm around Maura's shoulders, glad Frost hadn't seen the kiss. Even though he'd know there was nothing to it, he would heckle Jane relentlessly.

Frost came back with three drinks, and Jane pulled Maura's out of her reach. "You've had enough to drink," Jane said gently, and Maura pouted, slumping against Jane. Frost chuckled, jumping in where he'd left off, while Jane pointed out pretty women at the bar giving him glances.

---

The next time, Constance was staying over. She'd brought wine, and Maura had had a little more than one glass. Jane had had one; she didn't mind a wine or beer, but she stayed pretty sober. PTSD and drinking didn't mix well; she'd learned that fast after Hoyt. Then there was Tommy and Frank, examples that alcohol addiction didn't look good on Rizzolis. Even Jane was feeling the buzz, though; not too heavy, but enough that she excused herself from the table to get some water. She didn't want nightmares later, and she still had to drive home.

Maura joined her in the kitchen, giggling as she stumbled and Jane caught her.

She looked up at Jane, who held her with one arm around her, holding her by the hip, then she looked at Jane's chest, then back up at Jane, her eyes shining, her smile glorious.

"You always save me," Maura said, her voice so low that Jane had to lean down a little to hear her. Maura leaned up a little and pressed her lips to Jane's, quick and easy. "Thanks," Maura said, her cheeks flushed from wine.

Jane held the glass she'd filled from the sink and held it to the lips that had just touched hers until Maura gave in and drank from it.

"You need this more than me," Jane mumbled, her voice low and amused.

Constance and Angela, at the table, looked away when Jane glanced over at them. It was fine. They knew they were just friends. It wasn't like either of them were homophobic either - Constance had been talking about a queer exhibit she'd defended in West Virginia last month, and Angela had shook her head.

"How can anyone hate love," she'd said, looking over at Jane.

Maura drank half the glass before pulling away, shaking her head. Rather than dirty another glass, Jane finished the water and poured another. Her thumb rubbed the crest of Maura's hip, holding her close in case she stumbled again.

"Am I embarassing myself?" Maura asked, sotto voice. Jane chuckled and drank some more water. She turned to look at Maura, who focused her intense gaze on Jane's eyes, seeking an answer. Jane brought up a hand and used two fingers to brush a lock of hair away from Maura's forehead, tucking it behind her ear, then let those fingers drift onto Maura's cheek.

"You could never," Jane told her. "But you're definitely tipsy."

Maura's brow furrowed. She took the glass from Jane's hand and sipped from it.

"I'm being a terrible host," Maura confessed. "Leaving my guests alone at the dining table."

"They're fine. They both love you."

Maura looked uncertain, and it hurt Jane to see just how much she questioned people's affection for her.

"Everyone here loves you, Maura," Jane told her, and Maura's uncertainty turned into a shy smile. Jane knew she'd gotten through to her. Maura's arm wrapped around Jane's waist and she leaned against her. "Even if you are a lightweight," Jane added, rubbing Maura's back.

---

The next time was a Rizzoli gathering. They usually didn't drink, but Tommy was out of town, so it was just Frankie and Jane and Angela in Maura's courtyard, catching up over Sunday dinner. Jane and Frankie fought over who worked the barbeque, and Jane brought Maura her plate first, sitting beside her. Maura's skin glowed in the dusk light, her smile luminescent in twilight. Jane ducked her head to hide the smile on her face, to hide the way Maura made her smile. Maura, caught up in the silliness of Jane and Frankie, stole Jane's beer, wrinkling her nose at the taste of it. God, she was so cute Jane could barely stand it.

So she didn't complain when Maura hauled her inside to get the fresh berries they'd picked upstate for dessert. Maura paused at the counter, looking up at Jane, and Jane was kind of expecting it this time.

Maura got up on her tiptoes in her flats, one hand on Jane's hip, and she pressed her mouth against Jane's.

"Today was perfect. Thank you."

Jane shrugged shyly; it had just been the usual Rizzoli chaos. Maura was still looking up at her like she was a sunset or a fancy painting that coat more than Jane's condo. "I really freaking love you," Maura added. "And your family. I'm so glad I have you."

"Me too," Jane agreed. She snagged a blueberry, chewed it, then pressed her mouth to Maura's, hoping she tasted as good as Maura always did. Maura's smile was shy but no less beautiful for the blue staining her lips.

---

The next time was after the election. Giovanni had been depressed about his candidate, and he'd joined them for a drink. He'd hinted again at a threesome, but Maura, after a single drink this time, had kissed Jane solidly without flinching.

"I'm not sharing her," Maura said possessively, holding Jane's hand on the table. Jane had rolled her eyes when Frankie and Frost and Korsak gave her raised eyebrows from across the room, but she'd tucked her arm over Maura's shoulders and kissed her temple.

"Never look a gift horse in the mouth," Jane said, shrugging.

"I'm hardly a horse, Jane,"

"Come on, I know you know the origin of that phrase."

"Typically a horse's age can be determined by the length and wear on their teeth. Are you saying I'm too old for you?"

"Christ," Jane said, exasperated. "Everything's an insult to you, isn't it? No, you're not old. You're not a horse. It's just something people say when they have something too good to be true. Something they don't think they deserve." Jane paused to realise the truth of that statement. Jane knew she wasn't good enough for Maura, but that was okay, because they weren't actually dating, just pretending.

Maura's eyes were big and teary, and Giovanni cleared his throat, uncomfortable with Jane's confession.

"I'm not something you need to deserve. I'm not something you need to earn."

"I know, but sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am to have you in my life." Jane wasn't surprised by the sincerity of her statements; she'd never felt good enough for Maura, and she knew she was lucky to have such a good friend. She'd taken in most of Jane's family, and Jane herself, in times of trouble. Maura's mouth trembled, a single tear spilling from her eye, and Jane caught it with the tip of her thumb, cradling Maura's face.

"Youse two are so sweet," Giovanni said. "I'm outta here before I gotta see a dentist." He joined Frost at the bar, and Jane pulled Maura closer.

"Don't cry," Jane whispered.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologise for crying."

"I'm not used to hearing that people - that anyone values me."

"You mean beyond your immense fortune?" Jane joked, and Maura gave her a watery smile. "Look, I know we put on an act for G, but I do value you. Our friendship is the most important relationship I've ever had in my life. I am lucky to have you. Most people don't like dead body talk at dinner, and you're the one that usually starts it. Most people don't like knowing their friends get shot at-"

"I don't like it when you get shot at. Or shot."

"But you haven't - people abandoned me, after Hoyt."

"I'd never." Maura shot Jane an incredulous look that she'd even suspect it of her.

"I know," Jane immediately reassured her. "Look, I'm not good at all the mushy feelings stuff, but I meant what I said. I'm lucky to have you. I don't know what I did right to have you in my life, but I'm forever grateful I do."

Another tear leaked from Maura's eye, and Jane caught that one too. Maura's eyes closed, and Jane let herself cup Maura's face.

"I think I'm the lucky one," Maura said, her voice low. Her eyes opened and she looked at Jane. Jane could see the lonely, neglected child Maura had been, could see the insecure woman she'd initially met. But she could also see the strong, independent Doctor Maura Isles that championed not just herself but Jane. The ire in her voice when she'd chastised a nurse for Jane's empty morphine pump. The way she'd stood between a woman with a knife and Jane. Maura blinked and her expression changed, something impossibly sweet in her eyes before she pressed her mouth against Jane's again. She pulled away with a little smirk, her confidence returned. "You're lucky I love you," she challenged Jane.

Jane let her hand fall from Maura's face, picked up her beer and took a sip, feeling a little regret that it was washing away the feel of Maura against her lips. She looked intently at her beer bottle.

"Yeah, I am," Jane admitted, hearing Maura's triumphant chuckle as a reward.

--

The next time was at Camille's wedding. Jane was wearing a simple dress Maura had chosen for her - one comfortable enough that she wouldn't fidget through the service, but elegant in its simplicity and the way it flattered Jane's lanky form. Jane had danced with Frost, and Cam, and Frankie, and even Camille and Robyn. Maura had been on her feet all night, always someone ready to take the next dance with her, even Angela and Susie. Jane looked over, saw her glowing under the fairy lights, and excused herself from the conversation she was having with Korsak.

"May I have this dance?" Jane asked.

"Only if we swap shoes," Maura said immediately, and a moment later Jane led her over to the chairs, examining Maura's feet. "I'm okay," Maura reassured her, but Jane pulled a band-aid from her purse and covered a blister on Maura's heel anyway, trading their shoes. She rolled her eyes when her toes got pinched.

"Great, it's not like I wasn't tall enough already," Jane complained, but she helped Maura to her feet. The additional couple of inches difference in their heights meant that Maura could rest her head against Jane's chest as they swayed more than danced to the song playing. "Have you had a good night?"

"I've had a lovely night. It makes me mad that they can't get married back home, that the state won't recognise their partnership."

"Sometimes the law sucks," Jane agreed, and Maura chuckled, her hand tightening on Jane's waist. The lights dimmed and Maura pulled back, seeking Jane's face in the darkness. She really had to stretch this time, to kiss Jane. She had a few drinks, but they'd been there for hours. She lingered there a moment this time, then dropped back down, resting her head against Jane's chest again. Jane looked around; the lights were coming up again, someone had plugged in the strand over the wedding arch again. Not that she minded, but they were at a lesbian wedding, and people might get the wrong idea.

"I really, really, freaking love you, Jane. Mostly for swapping our shoes, but also for your other contributions to my personal comfort levels."

Jane chuckled, holding Maura closer. She closed her eyes and felt Maura's head resting over her heart. As lovely a night as Maura might have had, Jane was sure hers had been nicer, because it was ending with Maura.

---

Even Casey being back in Boston didn't deter Maura. They'd come home, giggling and whispering, and Casey had come out, tousled, from Jane's bedroom. Jane liked how she felt with him. She liked that no one questioned their relationship, that no one thought she was too close to Maura. Because she had Casey. He eyed Maura, then sighed.

"Guess I'm taking the couch," he said, resigned, and she loved that he offered, loved him for offering. Loved that he knew Maura came first. She kissed him, then dragged Maura to the bedroom, still giggling.

Maura looked cute in Jane's pyjamas. Jane had bought them specifically for Maura; they had a pattern of crowns on the pants, and the top had the word 'Diva' in gold across the chest, with a little crown tilted over the 'd'. Maura used her toothbrush, then brushed her hair as she watched Jane brush her teeth. The giggles were gone, and the sombre mood had returned; they'd had a rough case, and it had been hard on both of them. Jane was glad Maura was here, because she'd hate to think of Maura all alone in her big bed in Beacon Hill, thinking too much about what she could have done to find the killer sooner so there wouldn't have been a second victim, while Jane lay awake across town in Casey's arms, feeling inexplicably like she'd gone wrong somewhere.

"I should have-" Jane started, seeing what she should have seen earlier. That poor kid would be alive if she'd seen it sooner. Maura took Jane's toothbrush and put it back in the cup. Jane and Maura's shared a cup; Casey's sat on the bench in a travel clip. She turned Jane to look at her.

"It's not your fault," Maura told her sternly.

"I could have done something," Jane said, aware her voice was shaking.

"You know you're not responsible. That awful man would have found some other way to-" Maura shook her head. "I could have-"

"There was no way of knowing." Jane tried to reassure her. "He covered his tracks. We were all taken in by him. I know we both feel like we should have seen it sooner, but you've said it before. Serial killers integrate incredibly well." Maura nodded sadly, and Jane's heart broke a little. Jane was allowed to blame herself, but Maura wasn't. She'd worked long hours, she'd worked tirelessly despite the minute amount of evidence she'd had. That she'd found anything at all was close to miraculous. Jane hugged her, and Maura clung to her, her shoulders shaking. Jane carefully helped her down the hall to the bedroom, sat her down on the bed. She took the left side, forcing Maura onto the side Jane usually slept on. She wasn't making Maura sleep where Casey slept.

"You did everything you could," Jane said, hearing Maura's uneven breathing in the dark. Maura rolled over and found Jane in the bed, hovered over her for a moment, her fingers finding Jane's mouth before her lips did.

"I didn't, but I love you for saying that, even if it's not true." Maura's breath ghosted over Jane's face. Her lips were always soft, but tonight they were salty with the tears that had fallen on them unchecked. Jane found Maura's cheeks in the dark, brushed her thumbs across them.

"How is it not true?"

"I could have found it earlier. He left it there for me. He was taunting me."

"It is so far out of standard operating procedure to check the upper intestines for the momentos of a serial killer. And the fact that the second victim died before we even found the first means there was nothing you could have done. You couldn't have stopped him. We have stopped him, and it's because your brilliant mind found his sick souvenirs."

"I appreciate you saying that."

"Everything that happened was because he was a monster. None of it, not the timing, not the second death - none of it is your fault."

"If it's not mine, then it's not yours either," Maura said, and Jane loved that Maura knew Jane was blaming herself. Maura had stopped crying, but Jane's hands still cradled her face. She pulled Maura down a little lower, too ashamed to ask, too scared to do it herself. But Maura knew her, Maura understood her. Maura placed a gentle kiss of absolution on Jane, and she felt the tension leave them both. Maura tucked herself up on Jane's chest, her hands gripping Jane like a teddy bear.

It was only then that Jane remembered Casey in the other room, the smell of his aftershave on her sheets. Shouldn't she want to be in his arms, after a day like that? He'd understand, wouldn't he? All the self-recriminations, all the things Jane saw on the job. He'd understand.

But he didn't know Jane. Not the way Maura knew Jane. He didn't know how to ease her guilt with a single kiss.

And that made her feel even guiltier.

---

Jane had been checked over by medics before heading to Maura's. She knew Angela was out, and she hoped no one had told Maura what had happened. Casey was gone again, and all Jane had to show for it was an email saying it wasn't going to work out.

It hadn't mentioned Maura.

It hadn't had to.

Maura was at the counter when Jane came in. She turned and stormed towards Jane so angrily that Jane backed up into the door behind her, swallowing.

Maura audited Jane now that she had her trapped, her fingers frisking her like she was a perp, pressing against Jane's ribs to find extra give or bruising, looking for bandages under her shirt.

Jane submitted guiltily to the search, pulling off her jacket and holding out her arm. She'd had a tetanus shot too, which was tender when Maura touched her ass. Barbed wire. She'd been shot at, but it was the barbed wire that got her.

Evidently satisfied Jane was relatively unmarred, some of Maura's ire dissipated. She held Jane's hand and stroked the line of the scar, then lifted her hand to Jane's stomach, where a bullet had gone through her. The other hand trailed up to Jane's throat, where a serial killer had cut her more than once.

Then Maura's lips were on hers, harder and angrier than they'd ever been. A fierce, scared kiss that wasn't the sort a friend would give a friend. Maura pulled away, her finger still on Jane's throat. She kissed the mark on Jane's throat too, the mark that matched hers. When she pulled away, Jane's fingers sought the matching mark, then she gently pressed her lips against the little scar Jane had left on Maura's life.

"Don't you know how much I-" Maura started. Jane pulled away, worried. Maura started to cry, and Jane held her. "Don't you know how much I worry about you?" Maura asked, and it hadn't been what Jane had been expecting to hear.

"I know," Jane reassured her. "I'm okay, I promise." She cradled the back of Maura's head, her other hand rubbing her back as Maura gripped her tightly, her tears wet against Jane's chest. "I came here so you could see for yourself. See? I'm okay."

"Next time you might not be," Maura said fiercely. "No going in without backup. You agreed."

"He wasn't a suspect."

Maura grunted with frustration. Jane ran her fingers through Maura's hair. It hurt when Maura was hurt. But it felt good to have Maura worry about her. It felt good to have that anger aimed at her, because it was easier than all the other things Maura aimed at her. The soft kisses and gentle words. The way she took care of Jane and her family. Maura was too soft and girly for her, and she wished she was softer and girlier for Maura in a way she'd never wanted to be for Casey. She wanted to be the sort of woman who could do Maura's makeup and kiss her in public. She wanted to be the sort of woman who didn't make Maura stay up late worrying about her.

"I never meant to scare you," Jane started. Maura sniffed and pulled away, wiping at her face, pulling away again when Jane reached for her cheeks.

"You have a partner for a reason. How can you expect Frost to watch your back when you take off on your own?"

"I'm sorry," Jane said gently. "He was at lunch, and I didn't think this guy was a threat."

"Can you at least let me know before you do something stupid like that, so I can tell you how stupid you're being?"

"I can try."

"Okay." Maura pouted once more, then gave Jane a weak smile. "Okay."

It was only then that Jane realised that Maura hadn't tasted of wine or beer. She'd been sober. Jane's stomach clenched painfully. It was too real. It wasn't something friends did. Friends didn't kiss - not like that - not sober. She headed for the fridge, grabbing a beer, hoping it would make her feel better. Hoping it would drown out the hope that Maura might actually mean it when she kissed her.

---

Maura smiled when Jane came in after parking the car, but Jane shook her head, serious and quiet. She approached Maura in the kitchen, seeing Maura's uncertainty as Jane advanced on her. Jane kept going until she had Maura pinned against the fridge, the sensor turning the light on, illuminating Maura with a tantalising glow.

Jane lowered her mouth, seeing how Maura's tilted up to hers, then skirted sideways, pressing her lips to the little freckles on the right side of Maura's throat that she'd always wanted to kiss, then around over those collarbones, to the scar she always felt guilty about when Maura didn't cover it in concealer. Maura started to ask a question, but Jane's mouth covered hers and swallowed it. Jane's mouth was usually closed when Maura kissed her; she opened herself up for Maura tonight, and Maura melted between Jane and the fridge. Jane drove on; Maura always had been too soft and girly for her. Jane was used to being forthright and direct, and her lips asked permission that Maura fervently granted, her mouth dropping open to welcome Jane, her hands pulling Jane closer, pressing her hips into Jane, a desperate little whimper escaping from her lungs into Jane's. Jane pulled away, worried she'd hurt her, then saw Maura's plump lips and mildly dilated pupils and flushed chest. She put a hand to Maura's forehead.

"Your temperature is raised," Jane said in wonder. Maura rolled her eyes.

"Did you think I was telling you the signs of female arousal so you'd know when men are attracted to you?" Maura scoffed, pulling Jane back to her, hand on the back of her neck. She matched Jane's energy with her own, hands scrambling at Jane's shirts, with her pants, giving up and threading through Jane's hair, grasping her scalp and making sure Jane didn't pull away.

The front door opened and closed, and Angela coughed as she placed something on the kitchen counter behind them. They pulled apart, flushed and trembling.

"I got takeaway, since you two prefer to eat out," Angela said, taking one bag and heading for the door with a smirk. Jane and Maura stared after her.

"Do you - do you think she knows what that means?" Jane asked finally. Maura shrugged, her attention back on Jane's lips - lips that weren't kissing hers. Lips that should be kissing hers.

Jane pulled away reluctantly.

"I got the rest of my life to kiss you, but that food will be cold by the time I'm done with you."

"How long are you expecting it to take?" Maura asked, following Jane to the food, hiking up her shirt at the back so she could palm her stomach from behind.

"Hmm?" Jane was distracted by dishing out the meals, but also by Maura's hand sliding slowly up her shirt. Maura could be asking how long Jane expected the rest of her life to take, which clearly neither of them knew, or she could be asking how long Jane expected it to take to thoroughly satisfy Maura, which she'd have to budget a few hours for - her lips were so kissable and addictive that she kind of wanted to just do that forever, aware as she was of the building tension as Maura's hand slid lower. Or she could be asking...

"How long until you think you'll be done with me?"

Maura's voice was coy, but Jane heard the question and turned, taking both hands so Maura had to listen to her.

"Just said. Rest of my life. Probably won't be long enough, but I'm never going to be done loving you."

Maura, stunned, freed one hand and pressed it over Jane's heart.

"I meant. You know. The, um. Are we going to?"

"Oh, the sex? When we'll be done having sex? Until neither of us can move anymore, I guess," Jane said casually, squeaking when Maura hauled her out of the kitchen, giving their deserted meal one last longing look before giving up and following Maura up the stairs.

---

Maura kisses Jane when she hasn't had a drink.

In, like, a gay way. She just looks up at Jane with shining eyes and plants one on her. Sometimes it's followed with an 'I love you', and sometimes it's preceded by it. Jane beats her to it more than half the time.

She wouldn't have it any other way.

[luverofralts]

Arkhelios Adventures

"Your Majesty, you're looking well."

Trent and Cindra Siew bowed to their queen. Or at least, Cindra attempted to bow. Her stomach was surprisingly big, making it difficult to bend. Maura stopped her before she could topple over, kissing Cindra on the cheek instead.

"Cindra! Oh my god, you're huge! I didn't know you were pregnant. You should have told me sooner. I could have arranged something to celebrate this good news."

Cindra smiled.

"Well, it's still early. I'm only in my second trimester, so we didn't want to say anything until later."

"It's kind of hard to hide this, though," Trent laughed. "We're having multiples! Can you even imagine? You won't see us at court because we'll be too busy changing diapers."

Maura looked stunned at the news. Twins and multiples didn't run strongly in her family or Ulyssa's, so the news was surprising. She and Ulyssa had had their kids in quick succession, but there had been breaks between caring for a newborn, and plenty of staff to help out. Running a country and a family would be hell without a nanny.

"We did want to surprise you earlier, but then...well, it didn't seem like the right time with all of the tragedy we've seen," Cindra continued. "It will be a blessing to have more Siew-Durants running around the palace. If we have a girl, I want to name her after my sister. I think Lauren would like that. Maybe Alice if we have another girl, to honour Princess Alysiara."

All the air froze in Maura’s lungs at the name of her lost daughter. Everyone said that her loss would become easier to manage with time, but Maura doubted that was true. Each day, she woke and was blissfully happy for about thirty seconds before she remembered that two of her children were at rest next to her mother's tomb. Her day never improved from that moment on.

"That...that is very kind of you to think of," Maura said, her voice tight with emotion. "Your potential daughter doesn't need to stand in my daughter's shadow, as lovely as the thought is. I didn't name any of my children after my mother or half-sister so that they could be themselves and not have to measure up to someone else's legacy. Just think of all the Ewans in the world today because of the fate of poor Prince Ewan Goldman. I won't be offended if you choose to go with another name."

"A middle name then," Trent decided. "We'll think of something special. We still have a lot of time to choose."

"Of course." Maura’s tone was kind but firm. She was happy for her half-brother, but she was a busy monarch and had things still left to do. Trent picked up on the dismissive tone and quickly cleared his throat to signal a change in topic.

"Uh, Your Majesty, I have a follow up on that research you wanted Adrian and I to complete. About your father?"

Maura froze. She had no doubt that Adrian and Trent would find something about her father and his disappearance, but not this quickly. Her heart ached from the roller coaster of feelings this short visit had already evoked in her. She didn't know if she could handle discussing her missing father after thinking about how much she missed Alysiara and Spencer.

"You've found something? Something about his death or Pleasantview?"

Maura’s heart pounded in her chest at the thought. What had they found so quickly, and how badly would it break her heart to hear? Was he truly a political prisoner or had he abandoned Maura and her mother for another family? What if he had amnesia and didn't know if he had a daughter who mourned him? There were too many possibilities to consider, and most of them she wasn't prepared to handle.

"Not about his death, no," Trent replied slowly, producing an envelope from his jacket. "But definitely something about Pleasantview. We're not sure what it all means just yet, but Adrian and I felt that you should know about this now."

Maura took the envelope from Trent's hand and tried not to reveal how nervous she was. A queen was never nervous in front of her subjects, or so her grandmother used to shout at her.

In the envelope, three photos lay neatly together. The first one brought a smile to Maura’s face despite her hesitation.

"Oh, my mom loved that necklace," she exclaimed softly. "I used to beg her to borrow it when I was a kid. It's probably the only thing Lukas hasn't stolen from me. I left a pretty lengthy threatening note in its case just in case they got ideas about it. I wanted to bury it with her, but Ulyssa convinced me not to. Mom always said that my dad gave it to her, and to bury the only proof I have of their love would be a waste when I could remember them with it. I'd almost forgotten what it looked like on her."

Trent looked uncomfortable, as though he was trying to make a difficult decision, but unable to settle on either option. This wasn't lost on Maura, who studied people's expressions as a living.

"What are you hiding? Does this picture have a clue in it? Am I missing something?"

"N-no, Your Majesty," Trent stammered. "That photograph was included in the records we found, but we haven't found anything suspicious about it as of yet. It's only...that necklace belonged to your great-grandmother, Her Majesty Queen Spencer. It's been a part of the royal collection for nearly a century."

Maura felt like she'd physically been kicked in the gut with those words. Her stomach ached and twisted with anxiety, disbelief, and pain.

"No...no, she always said that...."

"We have the records of the necklace's purchase," Trent said kindly, like she was a toddler who had skinned their knee and not the ruling monarch of their country.

The last thing Maura needed was his pity. She had enough of that already.

"So she lied to me, that tracks," Maura spat, furious with the woman she thought she knew. "She doesn't tell me that my dad was declared dead because she wanted a second marriage, and now I find out that she's been lying to me about their relationship too? When has she ever told me the truth? What else has she lied about?"

Maura wanted to clench her fists and scream at the top of her lungs, maybe smashing a few vases for good measure. Of course, she could never do that, even around her half-brother. A proper queen didn't throw fits in front of her subjects, especially one who had a blood connection to the throne like Trent did.

Still, the thought was tempting. Maura had had her conflicts with her mother over the years, and she had never embraced her mother's second marriage or her half-siblings, but she had never thought that their relationship had been this broken. For a brief moment, Maura wished that she could have another short journey to wherever she had encountered her mother in the afterlife. She has so much to say to Queen Cherry, and she hadn't ever looked at the rest of the envelope Trent had handed her. Whenever Maura did die, she and her mother were going to have words.

Maura flipped to the next photograph angrily, hoping that this one wouldn't make her want to rip out her own hair with anger too.

It was innocent enough, though, so was the last photo.

"Her Highness Princess Cherry Siew and His Highness Prince Coby Siew," Maura read on the back of the photo. "On the day of their pregnancy announcement."

Maura stared at the couple in the photo, searching for the truth about her family. Once again, it looked just like any other photo she had seen of her parents. Nothing about it seemed suspicious at all. They both looked excited to be having their first child, but who knew how they really felt. Maura’s mother had already confirmed how little she thought of her husband once Iris had arrived in her life.

"What's the problem with this photo?" She asked impatiently. "I wanted reports and facts, not pictures that I've probably seen on a wall somewhere."

"Well, it's the last day the prince was seen before leaving on a trip to Pleasantview for three months," Trent explained. "They made a pregnancy announcement, and then your father left on an unexplained trip abroad. Your grandmother's journal revealed that she never approved it, and she wanted to exile or execute him for leaving her pregnant daughter alone during her first pregnancy. The Red Queen refused to acknowledge that he was in her country, and tensions rose between the two countries, something the queen was desperate to avoid. So your father had a habit of disappearing in Pleasantview, it seems. There is no explanation recorded for either disappearance, and because of this information,we expect to find more gaps in Prince Coby's schedule. "

"And these were all found together?" Maura asked. "These three photos were in the same archive record? Honestly, this doesn't seem to be interesting enough research for me to even look into. Two photos of my mother smiling for the camera and one of my father? I probably have these upstairs in my study."

"Respectively, no, you don't, Your Majesty. We found traces of sulphur on these photos and on the envelope they were stored in. Stored with them was a piece of paper with what looks like Latin scribbled on it. We've tried getting the Latin transcribed, but no one can read it. The words are too old for modern translation. They had to be written in Old Tredony or older."

"Sulphur?" Maura repeated with horror. "Demons are involved? To leave a trace behind, they'd have to be a Great Demon or at least as strong as one. And to speak a language old enough to be lost to time? What are they doing with my mother's photos? Neither of my parents were demons. I've been tested genetically before; we Siews aren't demonic in any significant way."

"I know, and that's what's troubling about this," Trent agreed. "Those two photos and the strange writing would be significant enough to bring to you in a formalized report, but the last photo is the one I wanted you to see now. I think you'll agree with me that it presents a troubling situation."

Maura nodded quickly and took the last photo from the envelope. She nearly dropped it in shock.

"What the hell does that mean?"

The face standing next to her mother's was ghastly. Terrifying. Something utterly unnatural, and Maura couldn't tell what it meant even after staring at it for what felt like an eternity.

"T-that's my dad?" she whispered in horror. "How did he look like that and not have my mother run in fear? Why did no one question him about this?"

Trent paused, trying to think of kind words to answer his cousin.

"We...Adrian and I did some research. We think we have a strong answer to that, though it still is just a theory. We don't think that those markings were visible at the time the picture was taken. We think that in a split second, one moment in time, the magic disguising the markings faltered, and the camera captured what was hidden underneath. Your father was in several photos of the royal family every year and nothing like this was ever captured on film. It had to be a split second that the camera captured. Otherwise, why didn't it show in any of the other photos of him?"

"You think this is what my father was hiding under magic?" Maura asked slowly, taking the time to absorb this theory and still not fully grasping it. "This was what he truly looked like?"

Trent nodded.

"That's our explanation for it, yes. We can adjust our theory when new evidence is found, but until then, that's the only thing that makes sense."

"Are those marking what I think they are? If they are, no one has seen them and lived to tell about it in decades, centuries even. It can't be. This doesn't make any sense."

Trent nodded gravely.

"Yes, those are the markings of the Pleasantview royal assassin. Your Majesty, do you ever remember your family mention Pleasantview in any way that might be suspicious? Any fights they may have had? I dont remember my mothers mention it at all, aside from court gossip."

Maura shook her head, still staring in disbelief at the photo in her hand.

"I don't remember my father much, and our grandmother took all of her secrets to her grave. I'm sure that she knew more than she let on about this, but she never actually killed him. If she had known about this, she probably would have."

"What would you like Adrian and I to do?" Trent asked quietly. "We're going to look into this further, but if you need anything else, I-"

"I'll speak to Claudia about this matter," Maura interrupted quickly. "Tear the archives apart or whatever you have to do. I want answers, and I want them now. This could be the answer we're looking for about the attacks on us, or it could be nothing but buried family secrets. I need to know which one it is so I can make informed choices going forward. Claudia and I will do what we can in Pleasantview. Neither of you can breathe a word of this to anyone outside of Adrian. If you need to bring in additional help, I will appoint someone to work with you."

"Royal assassin markings from Pleasantview, my father disappearing for years while in Pleasantview...I'm seeing a troubling trend here," Maura continued. "Our great-great grandfather fought a war to keep Pleasantview from invading us, but now I wonder how successful he was. If my father was involved in some scheme, then this all goes back decades."

"We'll get to the bottom of this," Trent promised. "If this had anything to do with what killed Mom and Callista or our prince and princess, I'll kill them myself to keep our family safe."

Maura paused at this declaration. She felt the betrayal of her mother's lies, the all encompassing grief for her children, and the hurt of apparently knowing next to nothing about her father all pile up inside her, threatening to break through her royal composure.

"No," she vowed. "Leave that to me."

[arkhelios-gameplay]

Maura stared at the stranger as she walked up to her, then leaned in and gave her a kiss on each cheek. “So good to meet you,” the woman whispered.

“I’m sorry, who-?” Maura began, but before she could continue, the stranger turned to Evren. He was pale as snow.

“Evren!” the woman said, giving him a kiss on each cheek as well. Evren grabbed the stranger by the wrist. “What are you doing here?” he whispered in her ear, not loud enough for anyone else at the wedding to hear, but loud enough for Maura to wince.

“My invitation must’ve gotten lost in the mail,” the woman said, smiling.

“You weren’t invited,” Evren said.

“Oh,” the stranger said, looking offended. “Well, here I am now, and my bridesmaid dress looks excellent.” She looked out over the wedding audience and struck some poses as if she were in a photoshoot.

[reneesbooks]

Wing 🦅

ask game here!

Wing: share a snippet that you daydreamed about before writing it (or a snippet that you were really looking forward to writing.)

this scene slapped me awake at 3 am if that counts. siblings amiright?

Keelan hears a crash from Maura's room and immediately flings the door open. “Maura?”

Maura is standing over her bookshelf, which has been smashed on the floor, her chest heaving. “We're going to Fierodia,” she says, angry tears sliding down her cheeks. She inhales slowly, pushing her hair off her face. “We need something that can't be found in Raedora anymore.” She laughs mirthlessly, bitterly. “The moons have a sense of humor, it seems.”

“What is it?”

“The final ingredient for the spell. Dragonfire.” She lets out an angry scream, grabbing a vase off her vanity and throwing it against the wall. It shatters. “That fucking prophecy!”

Golden sparks fly off her fingertips and she storms past Keelan, out into the corridor. He chases her, servants fleeing in their wake. She stops at Birdie's old room, the silver birds gazing silently at them from their perches.

She burns the door and steps into the room.

“Maura—” Keelan tries to say, but she has already set fire to the dresser of neatly folded nightgowns. She tears the curtains from the windows and throws them on the burning remains of the dresser. Keelan covers his mouth and nose as smoke fills the room. Tears are still tracking down Maura's cheeks.

Half the room is burning when Maura freezes in front of Birdie's old bed. Her chest heaves with a sudden sob and the fires all go out at once.

“Maura?” Keelan takes a cautious step towards her. “Maura, please tell me you're okay.”

She drifts towards the bed and picks up a stuffed bear nestled against the pillows. She lifts it to her face, pressing her cheek against the soft fabric. “Mr. Bun.” She turns to Keelan, her eyes lost and empty. “I...I gave this bear to Birdie when she was five. He was mine when I was little, but she would always want to play with him. He made her so happy. So I gave him to her.”

Maura sinks to her knees, clutching the bear to her chest and sobbing. Keelan is at her side immediately, pulling her into his arms.

“I miss her,” she says into his chest. “I hate her.” She sobs again, her fingers digging into his back. “I loved her.”

“She loved you so much,” Keelan says. “You were her hero.”

“And what am I now?” Maura curls further into him. “What do I do now, Keys?”

He doesn't know what to say, so he kisses the side of her head and holds her while she cries.

lacuna taglist (ask to be added <3): @serenanymph @lyssa-ink @oh-no-another-idea @lena-rambles @ashen-crest @tragicbackstoryenjoyer @serpentarii @allianaavelinjackson

[anthrofreshtodeath]

I think the OP just turned on the first two seasons of R&I and jotted down this list of prompts 😂

How about a little " hangouts that start to feel more and more like dates" please and thank you.

I do hope this won't be your last prompt challenge!

Sorry this is so late 🫠 but hey, I wrote something!

___

The first time they’d hung out, Jane had brought a giant bag of peanut m&ms and extra butter popcorn. Maura had called it a movie night, after all. It was early on in their friendship, and Jane had been excited when she trotted up to the front door with her snacks in one hand, and a six pack in the other. She’d hiked up her long leg to press the doorbell with her boot, and was in the middle of putting it down when Maura swung the door open.

“H-hi,” Jane said, cheeks ruddy from sheepishness as much as the crisp fall air. 

Maura had smiled, and then looked down. “Can I help you with something?”

Jane held the grocery bag with the food in it. “Thanks,” she said, “sometimes carrying stuff is still, uh, kinda hard.” She didn’t brandish her scars, but their pointed eye contact told her Maura had understood.

Maura then nodded to the beer. “I have a place in the refrigerator where you can put that,” she told Jane. “Come in.”

Jane had whistled. “Nice place you got here,” she commented as she looked up at the high vaulted ceilings and the gleaming marble countertops.

“I rent,” Maura confessed. “I just moved back to Boston… well, when we met, actually. And I am being judicious about where I would like to own. So most of the decor came with the house.”

“I woulda never guessed,” Jane said. She pointed to the fridge, stainless steel, wide, and clean. Maura affirmed. “No offense, but rich suits you.”

“None taken. I am rich,” said Maura, with palms against the fabric of the jeans on her hip. 

Jane would have spit beer out of her mouth if there’d been any. “And humble, too,” she chuckled. Both at Maura’s comment and at the fact that Maura could no longer resist the bag she brought in. Maura rummaged through it with equal parts fascination and disgust. “You good?”

Maura peered up. “Do you really eat all this during one film?”

Jane curled a brow. “No…” she elongated it. “I got it for us to share.”

“Oh!” said Maura, then her face fell. “Oh, that… that’s very sweet. I…”

“You don’t eat any of this junk, do you?” asked Jane kindly. Her eyes crinkled and her lips pursed like she was trying not to laugh.

“Not at all,” said Maura on a whoosh of relieved air. “The hydrogenated oils are-”

“Don’t.” Jane held up her hand, “ruin it for me. But, that’s good to know. What do you like to eat during… films?” she asked with no small amount of humor. But when Maura opened her mouth to answer, Jane stopped her. “No no. You know what? Don’t tell me. I’m your friend; lemme figure you out.”

Maura had blushed and said nothing. But she’d smiled and showed Jane to the living room where they’d be watching what she’d picked out.

___

Subsequent hangouts got easier. Like this one - a long week called for a late Friday night at home. Maura had purchased the townhouse on Pickney about half a year prior, and since Angela moved in not long after, it was the place Jane thought of when she conjured the word home in her mind. And, yes, it was movie night, but a newer venue also called for newer fare - namely, gourmet charcuterie from the deli a few blocks from Jane’s apartment, and a good wine from the Whole Foods in Beacon Hill. Not, y’know, a six hundred dollar bottle a-la Tommy’s FBI debacle the previous week, but something good. 

Something Jane knew Maura liked. 

Something she and Maura had drunk before. And so, balancing everything in one hand, Jane used her key to open the door, and when she heard the muffled voices of a conference call on the second floor - the governor did tend to call Maura late, much to Jane’s chagrin - she set the items on the counter and went to the cupboards to pull out the decanter. She’d peeled off all the horrid labels her mother placed under each shelf when Ian was here, and it’d felt like something she’d had to do.

Strip Maura of the stinging past, restore the present to as it was before him, so that they could move forward into the future. 

Put off by the taste of that experience, Jane pulled out the candles Maura reserved for those truly trying times: decadent spices and citrus that reminded Jane of herself. And she thought it sounded egotistical but she had enough comfort in Maura’s space to own that - she liked the house to smell like that because she belonged there, not because she wanted to mark her territory. Ian’s mountain of medical supplies had felt like the opposite. Felt like a threat. 

Tommy’s bottle of wine had felt more like fumbling in the dark. Like something he wanted and knew he couldn’t have, but had to take a shot at anyway. 

Jane’s bottle of wine, the one she poured into the decanter, and Jane’s candles, which were really Maura’s, the ones she lit to waft up to Maura, to ease her into relaxation on the way down from her call, felt like what a Friday night should be. 

Felt like a well-worn routine. 

To further the routine, she pulled a board out from a cabinet next to the oven, and arranged meats, cheeses, and dried fruits in the pattern Maura liked, the one that seemed most calming. Before Maura, Jane didn’t even know that meat could be arranged in a calming way. After Maura, Jane learned that most perceivable things could bring calm, or bring stress. She’d adapted well, considering. Went for easily identifiable, separate food groups. 

“You’re early,” Maura’s voice roused Jane from her contemplation. She was barefoot, and had changed into yoga pants and an oversized sweater, with her hair pinned up. “Oooh - figs.” She reached over as Jane worked, and their fingers brushed on her way to the fruit. “Thank god autumn is here.”

“Those are all you,” Jane teased, “I’m all about the prashut’ right here.” She lifted the paper thin meat to her mouth and dropped it in. “Things, uh, things go well on your call?” 

Maura shrugged. “The governor is an obstinate man,” she began, “but I know how to bring him down. And explain artfully that Popov is not really my problem, but his.”

“That guy is everybody’s problem,” Jane commented when she pulled a beer from the new, glass-door fridge. “If you need me to forcefully suggest retirement to him, just let me know.”

Maura laughed, bubbly and bright. When Jane returned, Maura placed a hand on her shoulder. “I trust he’d take the hint,” she said.

“I’m good at givin’ hints,” Jane joked. She caught the blush with which Maura stared down again at the spread, and it confused her. She caught the wistful glance toward the wine, aerating in the fanciful glass Jane’d poured it into, and maybe Maura was just hungry. Just tired after a long day and needing a drink to take the edge off. 

“Hmm,” was all that Maura offered in response, like an agreement but about something else.

The something else itched at Jane. “I’ll take this over to the couch,” she said, moving slow, balancing the board in her left hand and nodding toward the living area.

“I’ll bring the wine and start a fire,” said Maura. When she looked up, she smiled softly at Jane, as she often did.

This time, Jane shuddered just before she headed toward the coffee table. 

___

“I heard,” Maura breathed out when she answered the door. 

Jane stood there, still dressed for the work day, just like Maura. This was what hangouts between them sometimes devolved into now - Jane felt worn out, and felt like she looked it, too. Maura looked just as perfect as when she’d started the day, when Jane had waltzed into the foyer a much happier woman in search of her morning coffee. 

Maura had handed it to her, like Maura handed her a beer now. The clock on the microwave read 11:12 PM and she had work the next morning, but Jane wanted to get drunk. She scrunched her face in displeasure, crossed her eyes to be silly and to note her frustration. “Honestly surprised it took this long for Tommy to knock someone up,” she said. When she walked in, Maura hovered close behind. Jane felt Maura-ness all along her back. 

Maura caught Jane’s hand just as Jane went to pop the top of her beer off on the granite. “Don’t ruin my counters,” Maura warned. She took the beer back, twisted the cap, and waited. 

Jane knew what she waited for, too, so she turned around with haste, between Maura’s front and the lip of the countertop. “It’ll give ‘em character,” Jane teased.

Maura rolled her eyes. “And you don’t know that Tommy… knocked someone up,” she continued, the colloquialism familiar to her brain but foreign on her tongue. “It’s just a possibility.”

“I think it’s more likely than my pop doin’ it, at his age,” Jane grumbled. She lifted the bottle to her lips and let the Blue Moon rush down. Cold, bubbly, tangy. Perfect. 

“Well, I know nothing about your father’s sexual health, but given that we can assume he slept with Lydia multiple-”

Jane’s hand flew to Maura’s soft, soft lips. Had they always been this soft? It made Jane’s fingers jittery with the need to move, to touch. She pulled her hand down when Maura stopped talking. “Please, please don’t. Don’t go there.”

Maura put up her hands in surrender. “I ordered a pizza,” she offered a branch of reconciliation. 

Jane sighed. Pizza? Beer? The night, all because of Maura, seemed to be turning around. “Sounds perfect. You know, why can’t Tommy find something like-”

Uh oh. 

This time she stopped herself, not Maura. Something like this? Something easy, something heady, something in a nice home with a beautiful woman who… Jane needed to run. She’d already said too much. But, Jane was trapped.

“Like this,” Maura chanced. She moved closer. Jane’s anxiety wafted toward Maura on a noxious wave of fear and need, but, Jane watched Maura persist. She watched conviction literally light up Maura’s eyes. Increased moisture catching the light over the kitchen island, Maura would have said, but still. Maura unclasped her own hands and opened her arms, not wide out at her sides like a barrier, but palms out, close to her sides like an invitation. “Like you. And me.”

Jane nodded, and then her face crumpled. What in the hell, besides this very reason, was she doing at her friend’s house at 11 at night, drinking beer and sulking because her brother just made all of their lives so much more complicated? Didn’t women call their girlfriends to vent all about life problems as they had a nice night in at their own places, watching shitty reality tv and drinking? Didn’t they send a text saying something along the lines of “OMG my brother’s an asshole and I’m struggling and really need to talk to you about it over coffee tomorrow?” 

They certainly didn’t show up at their friend’s place close to midnight to stand in front of them, soul bare, and blurt out… feelings.

But Maura didn’t really seem interested in what women usually do with their friends either. She knew what they did. So, Jane slumped forward, into the invitation, and Maura caught her.

“I don’t think many people get to find something like this,” Maura began, wrapping her arms around Jane’s tired shoulders and pulling her even closer when Jane sighed. “Do you?”

Jane still held her beer in one hand between them, with the other clutching at the fabric of Maura’s dress between her shoulder blades. “Nah,” she answered. “I guess not.”