A/N: This story has been living in my mind for quite a long time now. I started writing it a while ago as well, but I didn't get round to it. This is also my first fic, so I may or may not be terrified at this moment. English is not my first language, so any mistakes on that sense, my own fault :)
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
In spite of having attended several Rizzoli dinners, Maura was sure she had never seen such a crowded dinner table before: there were pans and pots and bowls everywhere forming a rather colorful picture.
It was a Sunday evening at the end of spring and the Rizzolis had invited family and neighbors to celebrate. It wasn't an big posh party, a luncheon or a gala to commemorate some silly award or a loveless marriage and it sometimes still amazed Maura how the Rizzoli family celebrated the simpler things in life. Just that, the good weather finally coming to the city after what seemed to be and endless winter and Maura had grown rather fond of these evenings, with their paper plates and red plastic cups.
For Maura the beginning of the summer also meant good memories. It was around that time last year they had started their relationship. Of course, in all that time neither of them had named it - whatever it was they had going on. For Jane it was a matter of being practical and uncomplicated; but it was different for Maura. Although in the back of her mind she knew it was scientifically impossible she was afraid that if they ever discussed it, it would all somehow disappear; going away as if nothing had happened. So they both kept quiet around it.
"And when is your next Doctor's appointment?" Maura smiled at Frankie, who was holding a half eaten paella dish.
"Not until next month" Frankie and Maura had been talking about his recovery for a while; everything from Doctors to therapy and prescriptions had been covered.
"Well, I'm glad you don't have to see your Doctor as often now, I know it can be quite tiring"
"Oh, there you are! Jane was looking for you earlier." Frankie and Maura turned their heads simultaneously at the voice of Angela, dressed in a floral print blouse and khaki pants.
"Did you have enough to eat? There is plenty more if you are still hungry" She looked at Maura, but didn't give the Doctor time to answer "I hope Frankie is not boring you with his cop stories"
"Ma! Please" Frankie raised his eyebrows.
"Actually" Maura interrupted "We were talking about Frankie, and how he is on his way to full recovery much quicker than expected"
"If that's the case" Frankie received a pat from his mother; a mixture of concern, pride and warning, all in one gesture. "If that's the case, then you better listen to what Maura says"
Maura offered a polite smile "I'm going to go and find Jane"
She scoped the Rizzoli's backyard, some people had started to leave, but the remaining crowd was chatting lively while having some of the deserts. Jane was nowhere to be found, so Maura took the narrow path alongside the house, to the front porch.
"That is pretty impressive!" Maura could discern Jane's voice among a group of kids. She was playing basketball with Max and Leah, the neighbor's kids and Jane's cousin's daughter, Isabella.
"But you wanna learn something really cool?" Jane gave Maura a faint smile as she saw her approaching the group "Then watch this" She picked up the ball and proceeded to do a shot which involved a complicated jump.
The Doctor sat on the porch, amazed at Jane's remaining energy after such a busy weekend. Maura felt like she could go to bed and sleep for two straight days.
"She is way better with kids than she will ever give herself credit for" Maura was lost in her own thoughts when Angela appeared out of nowhere, holding two plates filled with genóise cake; the Rizzoli size portions overcrowding the dishes. Maura smiled to herself, knowing who would end up finishing hers.
"I know" Maura knew.
"And, you know how she goes around saying she doesn't want kids. Sometimes I swear she only does it to irritate me" Angela chuckled, but Maura perceived a hint of sadness in her voice.
Maura's smile was sympathetic. "I'm sure that's not the real reason"
They watched the game for a little while.
"What about yourself, Maura?" Angela's gaze went from Jane and the kids to the Doctor. "Have you ever thought about, you know, kids"
At that very moment, Maura came to the realization that Angela's bluntness had ceased startling her a while ago. She opened her mouth to say something, only she wasn't sure what.
"Ma, come on!" Unnoticed, Jane had made her way towards the two women "Look, If you don't leave Maura alone, she is going to stop coming to these things, Ok?"
"Jane, you know I wouldn't stop coming" On the back of her head Maura knew Jane wasn't being literal, but she couldn't help herself.
"Well, maybe you won't, but I might" mumbled the detective "God, Maura, help me out here" Jane raised and shook her arms in a gesture of frustration.
"Uh, Frank is calling me!" Angela motioned towards the interior of the house "I better go see what he needs" She disappeared into the house, just as she had appeared a few minutes ago.
Jane softly giggled, amused at her mother's lack of creativity and effort when it came to making up excuses; Angela reminded more of herself than she was willing to admit.
"After all this time, I thought the brilliant Maura Isles knew better than to let Angela get in her hair." She half teased, leaning to kiss Maura's head. She needed to get Maura to use her shampoo more often; Jane made a mental note.
Her voice raised "Okay kids, game is over for me" "More and better basket next time"
Amongst several ohhhs and general grunts of disapproval, the Doctor took Jane's hand;
"Come on" Maura patted the vacant place next to her on the step, inviting Jane to sit.
"When you are done with yours" She handed Jane one of the plates "Do you reckon you'll be able to help finishing mine?"
"Do you really need to ask that question?"
Maura simply smiled; and shook her head.