So after that episode, I just had to get something out.

I do not own Rizzoli and Isles or its characters.

An hour later, Maura was still attempting to collect herself after her conflict with Hope. She had called Jane almost subconsciously and the brunette had arrived at her doorstep within minutes, gathering her into her arms and leading her to the couch. She had let Maura cry without question, knowing that her explanation would come as her anguish subsided.

When it did, Maura retold her encounter with her mother and half-sister, the remembrance bringing more tears. Jane felt her heart break for her friend.

Maura, spent from crying and feeling mentally drained, allowed herself to be held by Jane. It was something that felt so natural, just the two of them. They didn't have to pretend and their relationship didn't seek a label, it was organic. She sighed as she felt her body begin to relax.

Jane cleared her throat as she toyed with them hem of Maura's shirt.

"I…I know you feel lost, Maura, and I'm not saying it's wrong for you to feel that way. But you're not lost. This is where you're meant to be."

Jane suddenly realized the double-entendre of her words, her arms wrapped around her friend.

"Not…I didn't mean here here, but…God, how do I always manage to screw up what I'm trying to say?"

Maura chuckled through her falling tears.

"You're such a sap at heart, Jane Rizzoli."

Jane brought a hand to her chest, feigning insult.

"Who told you? I have a reputation to uphold!"

They both laughed, but the mood soon fell serious as Jane gently tilted Maura's chin, bringing them eye to eye.

"You belong here. Me and Ma and Frankie, Frost and Korsak, hell, even Tommy- we're your family, Maura. I don't think you know how much we all need you in our lives."

Maura felt something snap inside of her. They'd always been so close, dancing along the edge of something, some precipice that lead to something uncharted and scary but something they definitely wanted. But Maura was tired of being afraid. She had waited to tell Hope of her true identity out of fear, and all that had lead to was heartbreak. But Jane was still here and she was still wanted with her. She still wanted her.

Yes. She was through with being afraid.

"Jane…I'm going to kiss you."

Jane's eyes widened as Maura leaned in, closing the short distance between them. The kiss was brief and awkward, as most first kisses were, but Maura found herself longing for more. Her attraction to Jane was undeniable.

"Maura," Jane breathed.

"I love you. I'm sorry it's taken me this long to tell you. I love you, Jane."

Maura felt, for the first time in so long, that she was in control of her own life. Between Paddy's shooting and her ordeal with Hope and Kaylin, her life had become almost unrecognizable as she kept secrets, spent whole hours crying, and even told the occasional lie. And yet, Jane had always been the constant. She was always there, whether in body or in spirit. The detective had consumed Maura's thoughts as they worked through their fallout from the shooting, and since the incident in the woods, they'd been inseparable once again. But something had definitely changed.

"I…I love you, too, Maur."

Maura smiled, pressing her lips to Jane's once again, now much more self-assured.

"You are my family."

Jane nodded in response.

"I'll never hurt you, Maura. And, hey, if I ever need a kidney, you're more than welcome to fork yours over."

They both laughed, uncertain of where they would go from here, but certain that together, they didn't have to be afraid.