Disclaimer: I don't own R&I.


Chapter 1

Three times.

Three times that Maura almost lost her life in the field of her work. Three times that Jane almost didn't get in time to save her best friend. Three times Jane felt her chest tightened and as if her heart is being ripped out of her chest knowing Maura's in danger. Three times that Maura thought her life would end and not doing the one thing she wanted to do ever since she and Jane became best friends. Three times that fate played with their lives. Three times that they almost lost their chance.


It's frustrating Jane. Their situation right now is frustrating her. A lot. She just rescued Maura, her best friend from the hands of a psycho Dennis Rockmond. And the doctor hasn't recovered from that traumatic event, yet. And now, here they are, trying to make Lydia's baby calm down. Yes, that same fateful night, Lydia left her baby in Maura's doorstep. And Jane fetched the little bundle from the ground not knowing if the baby is her brother or nephew. She was about to use her power to track Lydia down so she can bring the baby back to her but Maura stopped her. Much to Jane's surprise, Maura held the baby and went to her room. Mother and daughter just looked at each other and followed the doctor. They asked her why. And Maura's only response is that the baby is a good distraction from all the events that happened. They let Maura hold the baby while Jane went to the nearest grocery store to buy supplies for the baby.

When Jane came back, the baby was crying hysterically. He must be hungry by that point. Angela and Maura tended to the baby gently. The cry was so loud. Too loud for Jane's ears but her heart shattered into pieces as the cries continued. Jane prepared the baby's milk then handed it to Maura and the doctor started feeding the baby. When the baby started to calm, Angela excused herself and said that she will make tea for them. Now, alone in Maura's room, Jane watched Maura sat on the edge of the bed and fed the baby. A smile was formed in her lips as she watched her best friend. Maura looked natural for it. It felt like she was born for it. And unwanted thoughts came rushing in Jane's mind. What if the baby is theirs? Not wanting to continue this path of thoughts, Jane shook her head and slowly moved forward and knelt in front of Maura.

Maura looked down at her and gave her a dimpled smile. "Hey," Maura whispered.

Jane returned the smile as they are so contagious. "Hey. You okay handling him? Want to switch places?"

Maura shook her head. "No. I'm fine. Just a little sore but I'm okay. I want to keep holding him if it's okay?"

Jane nodded. After all, she couldn't say no to Maura. "Okay. If that's what you want. By the way, you look so natural for it. You know, being maternal."

Maura's eyes lit up and Jane noticed it. Nothing gets past Jane when it comes to her doctor. Her doctor. It's weird to think of it but somehow felt right. Even the little things Maura does, they don't get past Jane. She treasures them all the time.

"Really? But before, you said you don't see me as the maternal type when we were having a mud bath."

Jane grinned. "That was just me being a tease. And that was just us bantering like we normally do. And after all, you made me marinated in the dirt."

Maura playfully rolled her eyes at her best friend's antics. "Clay. How many times do I have to tell you it's clay?"

"Fine. Clay, it is." Jane stood up. "I'll just check up on Ma and bring you the tea okay?"

"Okay. Thank you."

Before she left, Jane leaned forward and kissed Maura on her forehead. What she did surprise them both. Never in their entire friendship did they share this kind of gesture. Jane wanted to slap her face for doing it. Maura wanted nothing more than for Jane to repeat what she did. But neither spoke. They just stared at each other for a while as Maura continued feeding the baby and Jane left the room.


Angela was already sitting on one of the stools while sipping her tea when Jane went down. The younger Rizzoli took a look at her mother and noticed the tiredness in her eyes. Maybe she got tired as it was a long day for all of them. Maybe she got tired taking care of the baby. Or maybe she got tired of all the troubles her family caused. When will it end?

Sighing, Jane walked towards her mother and sat across her. A small smile played on her lips. Angela looked up and met her daughter's gaze. There, she found the reflection of the tiredness she's been feeling. Jane looked exhausted as she was.

"I didn't make you tea because I know you don't like them," Angela said as she slid a cup of tea meant for Maura. "Give this to Maura, will ya?"

"Sure. Did you make me a coffee?"

"No. I want you to rest so no coffee. You can have water instead." Angela smiled slightly then sipped on her tea.

Jane smiled back at her mom. "Nah. It's fine." She sighed then looked back at Angela. "How are you holding up, Ma?"

This time, Angela let out a heavy breath she didn't know she was holding. "I'm okay. Just tired."

"I'm sorry."

Angela frowned. "For what, baby?"

"I'm sorry you have to go through this," Jane replied. But Angela remained silent so Jane continued. "I'm sorry for all the troubles we caused you up until to this day." There was a lump in Jane's throat as she said those words. And Angela could say her daughter was barely holding up before she bursts into tears. Her Jane. Her precious daughter who deserves so much more in this life. Reaching out for her daughter's hands, Angela squeezed them lightly to reassure Jane she's okay. That it's all okay.

"You are all grown up making grown-up decisions. Sometimes you fail, sometimes you succeed. All your success are my treasure. And all your mistakes are my failure. It's what mothers do. They worry for their children even if they are all already grown up. You can't take that away from me because I love you." Angela smiled at her daughter.

Jane didn't realize she just started tearing up. She removed her one hand from her mother's grasp and wiped her tears. She understands her mother. She really does.

"How are you holding up, baby?" Angela asked when Jane calmed down a little.

"I don't know. This is too much. Everything is too much. The baby. Maura. She almost died today. I almost lost her again." Jane whispered the last part.

"What do you want to do, Jane?"

"Keep her safe. Keep Maura always safe." Jane met her mother's eyes.

"Why don't you go back to her? Bring her the tea and just be with her and the baby?"

"That I can do." Jane smiled hesitantly.

Angela stood up and gathered all her things for making a knitted sweater.

"I'll be in the guest house if you need me. Goodnight, sweetheart."

Jane kissed her mother goodnight. "Goodnight, Ma."

When Angela left, Jane remained seated on her chair, wondering what else to do and to think about. She hated the situation she and Maura are in now. Maura is supposed to be resting, right now. Fighting off the trauma of the recent events. And she? She should be right by her best friend's side, comforting her, warding off the negative thoughts of the good doctor, as Maura has always done for her before after some traumatic events, too. Not sitting on the chair in her best friend's kitchen, cowering and trying to escape everything.

Minutes after, Jane looked longingly at the stairs, leading to where Maura and the baby are as she sighed. Finding the courage to go back to the master bedroom, Jane stood up with the mug of tea in her hand and walked back upstairs.


She found the baby resting on the middle of the bed with Maura, half sitting, half lying on the bed. Her head resting on the headboard, eyes closed, lips slightly parted. Jane stopped on her spot and studied the position of her best friend. She looked so serene and relaxed. So peaceful, like she hadn't gone through something horrible earlier this day. If Maura could only stay that way. If only she could make Maura like that way all the time, she would be at ease. She would be at peace. But no. In reality, they are so wrapped up in constant danger. They aren't really safe. And there's no way she could always protect Maura from threats of life and danger. Jane's heart clenched at the thought and she could feel the beginning of tears forming in her eyes. How could this wonderful person be deceived? How could this perfect and lovely person be betrayed? Maura didn't deserve any of that. She deserved nothing but the best life has to offer. And Jane is determined to give her the best.

Slowly, Jane walked towards her best friend, so slow so she won't wake Maura up. She placed the mug on the bedside table.

Maura felt her presence. She was actually waiting for Jane to come back so they could talk. But Jane took a long time downstairs she fell asleep while resting her head on the headboard. She knew Jane was struggling with something especially after the turn of events today. She understood Jane needed space to calm herself and get her acts together. So she let her be for now.

"Jane," Maura mumbled. She tried to open her eyes but were unfocused. Her body must have finally caught up with today's events. She felt tired.

Jane leaned in and kissed Maura's forehead, ever so gently. Maura felt it and it warmed her heart. They didn't care if they're already crossing some boundaries because it felt good and right at that moment.

"I'm sorry." Was the last words Maura heard before she drifted off to sleep.