A/N: Well, there's more Jane and Maura in this, and plenty more to come. Be patient.

Jane could barely sleep she was so excited. Yes, she was excited for being able to help her brothers, but it was more than that. And no matter how many times she tried not to admit it to herself, she knew the reason. Maura. She got to see Maura again tomorrow. Even thinking her name made her heart flutter in her chest.

Jane rolled onto her back, the stone floor feeling like ice, but it was exactly what Jane needed to cool her rapidly rising temperature. Each beat of her heart was just anticipating Maura, and realizing that made blood rush through her system faster. Did she…did she like this girl? The words felt strange in her head; not because they felt wrong, but because they were supposed to sound wrong, when in reality, they felt like the most natural thought she'd ever had. Another wave of heat racked her body, and she pressed her palms flat to the floor, desperate to cool herself, to slow her nervous heartbeats.

She then heard the even breathing of her brothers above her and felt herself being yanked back to reality. She let out a slow sigh, closing her eyes and focusing on her brothers' peacefulness. One thing at a time, Jane. Help your brothers, help your mother, then go see Maura. The thought soothed her, enough that she fell into a light slumber.

The next morning, Jane awoke early, quickly packing her bag full of coins until she feared she couldn't even lift it. She then got to work, lighting the fireplace in their kitchen. She waited for the flames to reach high enough to lick the bottom of the kettle before running into the yard and scavenging for any eggs their chickens might have laid. She thanked the heavens and the stars when she found two, quickly dashing back into the house and breaking them over the kettle lid.

She heard the eggs sizzle as they hit the bottom of the kettle and she took a deep breath, knowing how frantic she seemed. After a second or two, she tiptoed back down the hall, past her mother's room and back into her own room. She quietly dug through her brothers' trunk of clothing, picking out their newest set of clothes. Leaving the clothing on top of the chest, she gently pulled the sheet they used for a curtain away from the window before heading back to the kitchen to attend to the still cooking eggs.

She bit at her nails anxiously, a sad realization washing over her. Maura might die. Her chest tightened at the thought. Why had she even approached her in the first place? What good could've come from it? She chewed harder at her nails, contemplating. Maybe she shouldn't go back…maybe she shouldn't get invested. She shook her head, though no one could see. No. Maura was worth it.

Her thoughts were interrupted, though, when her sleepy brothers padded into the kitchen. Tommy rubbed his eyes, plopping down abruptly onto the floor. Jane laughed lightly, getting up and pulling him back to his feet.

"C'mon, buddy," she coaxed, lightly brushing the dust from his pants. "Let's at least keep these clean til school, okay?"

She picked him up and set him onto the small rug beside the fireplace. When she turned to Frankie, he was squirming uncomfortably in the stiff clothing. She grinned, crouching down to his level.

"They'll loosen up," she promised.

He smiled appreciatively at her as she fixed his collar. She then proceeded to serve them their breakfast, always keeping a wary eye on the position of the sun. When they were done, she pushed them gently toward their mother's room.

"Go say goodbye," she encouraged, smiling as they scurried off.

From her spot at the front door, she could hear her mother grumble sleepily as her boys hugged her tightly. And with that, they were off. Jane adjusted her bag with her free hand as she walked, not wanting the coins to jangle as much. Her other hand held Tommy's gently; he had to almost run to keep up with her long strides.

When they arrived at the schoolhouse, Tommy and Frankie sprinted for the steps, dashing past the teacher. She gave a confused look, her eyes following the boys into the school, then drifting toward their older sister.

"Jane?"

"Hey Mrs. Callahan."

"What're you doing here, dear?"

"I know that Pop didn't finish the payment…but he recently sent back enough money to cover it…but he's not here, so I thought I'd give it to you…" Jane explained, her heart pounding at the lies she was spewing, praying they made sense.

The teacher smiled at her.

"Of course, dear."

"He, err…didn't tell me exactly how much he owed, so I just…I brought everything," Jane mumbled, extending the bag to Mrs. Callahan, who took it. She carefully picked through the coins, then handed the still mostly full bag back to Jane.

"I'm glad Tommy and Frankie will be joining us," she said with a smile. "They're very bright kids."

Jane gave a proud smile.

"I know," she said.

"It's that Rizzoli blood," Mrs. Callahan continued, laying a friendly hand on Jane's shoulder.

At this, Jane blushed, her eyes dropping to the ground.

"I feel for you, Jane," the teacher said softly.

Jane shrugged.

"You taught me to read. That's all I've really used," Jane mumbled. "So thanks…"
With a final smile, Mrs. Callahan removed her hand from Jane's shoulder.

"Take care of yourself, Jane Rizzoli," she ordered gently, turning and heading into the school, leaving Jane alone in the empty street.

After a long moment, Jane trudged away, off to do her mother's bidding. First was the local seamstress, a woman Jane had come to know well. She was always ripping her dresses, and Melody was always willing to chat, so they'd connected. Today, however, Jane didn't have time to talk. She dropped the dress on the counter with a smile and a wave, running out as fast as she could.

Next was to buy food. Nothing fancy. Bread, cheese, a few fruits and vegetables. Just enough to get them through the week. And then she was off, almost running to the main square.

Maura sat on stage all day, her anxiety increasing with time as she waited for Jane. She had decided when she woke up to keep Jane at a distance, to push her far away and out of her life. She just…she couldn't bear the thought of wanting to live, when then end of hers was approaching so rapidly.

"Hey!" Jane said brightly as she drew near to Maura.

She immediately noted how the honey-blonde looked more worn today than yesterday. It hurt to see someone so good in a situation so bad.

"Hey," Maura replied flatly, forcing herself to keep her eyes down.

"I told you I'd be back," the brunette said proudly.

"Yeah…" Maura mumbled dismissively.

Jane heard the brush-off this time, her happiness faltering as she stared up at Maura, who seemed quite uninterested in her all of a sudden.

"I-I'm sorry," Jane stuttered, taking a step back. "I just assumed…I didn't—It was stupid of me…"

The pain Maura heard in Jane's voice was enough to shatter her resolve. She lifted her eyes to the brunettes to see hurt and disappointment clouding her beautiful eyes. Jane took another step back, and something broke in Maura.

"No!" she protested, her sudden outburst stopping Jane.

Jane looked up uncertainly at Maura, kneading her hands together nervously as she waited; Maura's brain racked to try and think of what to say, all thoughts of pushing her away erased from her memory. Right then she was just desperate to keep Jane close.

"Stay," she pleaded, sincerity pooling into her hazel eyes.

Neither girl moved, their eyes locked as Jane considered, Maura waiting anxiously. After a few long moments of charged silence, Jane's eyes softened and she re-approached the stage. Maura gave a relieved smile, her whole body relaxing as Jane neared. The smile quickly faded into a confused frown, however, as she got a better look at the brunette.

"What happened to your lip?" she asked quietly.

"Nothing I can't handle," Jane grumbled, coming to a stop as her body pressed against the wood of the stage.

"Because you were clearly in control when you got your lip split open."

Jane frowned; she wasn't used to someone being as stubborn as her, but she liked it. It gave her a chance to…be more than just the tough girl.

"Joe Grant and his gang get their jollies torturing me."

Maura grimaced at the name; she was pretty sure her little sister hung with him. She still hated his very being, that loathing multiplied now that she knew he caused Jane pain.

"Sorry excuse for a boy," Maura assured, her heart skipping a beat at the grin Jane gave her.

"Ain't he?" Jane laughed, but winced as her lip throbbed in defiance.

"Can I…maybe look at it?" Maura asked hesitantly.

Jane shrugged.

"I dunno what good it'll do…"

"Trust me," Maura coaxed gently.

The words sent an insuppressible shiver through Jane's body, but she still hesitated, eyeing the pacing guard warily.

"It's okay. He won't mind," she promised, waving Jane toward her.

After a last moment's hesitation, Jane conceded, hopping up onto the stage. She knelt in front of Maura, who also got up on her knees.

The honey-blonde inspected the wound more closely. The cut was not nearly as bad as it appeared; it was just covered with a fair amount of dried blood, which made the gash seem much larger than it really was.

Although her intentions had been pure, Maura was finding it increasingly difficult to focus; every breath Jane let out, she could feel teasing her lips. She felt Jane's warm body so tauntingly close, yet blocked by so many barriers. She moved her gaze upward until she was sucked into those chocolate orbs. Jane was looking at her trustingly, and yet, she too seemed to have forgotten what they were supposed to be doing. It was so intimate…Them, inches apart, staring deeply into each other's eyes…

Maura carefully lifted her shacked hands from her lap, slowly licking her thumb. Her left hand rested lightly under Jane's chin, her right thumb skating sensuously over Jane's surprisingly soft lip. The move was so slow, deliberate…bold. Jane inhaled sharply, not from the pain, but to silence the moan she felt building in her chest. Their eyes never broke from each other's, but the gasp had startled Maura. She had jumped slightly and lost her balance, swaying dangerously closer to Jane, who also leaned slightly closer, before rocking herself back the same time as Maura.

Jane felt her heart pounding furiously, the anxiety of sitting so still slowly getting to her. Something else sprang to life in her, though, besides anxiety. Hope. Could Maura be feeling what she was? Even a little?

Maura bit her lip to suppress her smile, her dimples appearing. With a final, lingering look in Jane's questioning eyes, the honey-blonde reluctantly sat back on her heels.

"You'll live," she said, relieved that putting space between them had also reduced the tension she felt building in her.

Maura then went to wipe the blood on her dress.

"Don't do that!" Jane exclaimed, catching Maura's hand lightly before it could touch the fabric. "I like your dress. Wouldn't want something like blood ruining it…"

Maura smiled, then wiped it on her dress anyway, creating a long rusty streak across the olive green material.

"Now you'll always be with me," she said quietly.

Jane gave a smile, reaching out and covering Maura's hand with her own. Maura once again felt her pulse quicken, only to feel it melt when Jane whispered "Thank you."

Maura knew she was talking about her lip, not the dress.

"It's the least I could do," Maura replied timidly.

The words made Jane's brow furrow, her eyes once again searching for Maura's. She didn't have the chance to ask the honey-blonde, though; when she opened her mouth, the school bell rang loudly from across town. Jane snapped her mouth shut, giving Maura an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry…I'll swing by tomorrow," she promised as she slid off the stage.

"Or you could…visit tonight," Maura suggested.

"After curfew?" Jane asked, eyeing Maura warily.

"C'mon. What happened to the rule-breaker Jane I met yesterday?" Maura taunted, a grin spreading across her face as she saw Jane's faltering conviction.

Jane looked toward the school, then back at Maura, taking another step away.

"Okay," she agreed.

Maura felt relief flood her body, and she wanted desperately to hug the girl, but the weight around her wrists reminded her that she couldn't. Instead, she waved after Jane, smiling warmly at the brunette. Jane smiled back as she walked, then turned and ran out of sight.

Jane walked quickly to pick up her brothers, fearing that they would be subjected to the same torture she had. When she rounded the corner, though, she was pleasantly surprised at what she saw. Frankie was sitting on the front steps with a girl similar in age. They were chattering excitedly, their arms flailing in emphasis; they both seemed unaware of the chaotic children running and screaming around them. Tommy was one of those running children, playing roughly with a few other boys his age. He was beaming from ear to ear as he tackled one of them, the other jumping on top of him.

"Tommy, Frankie, c'mon!" Jane called, waving them over.

Both boys jumped up, giving quick goodbyes to their friends as they rushed to their sister's side. Jane laughed, scooping Tommy into her arms and smiling down at Frankie.

"How was your first day of school?" she asked as they started walking.

"It was fun," Tommy offered excitedly.

Frankie smiled and nodded in agreement, shyly reaching out to take Jane's hand. The feeling of the small hand in hers made Jane feel…better. She knew how unusual their age differences were. She was 16, and her brothers were 8 and 6. All the other children she knew were similar in age to their siblings, but she never talked about it with her mother. Granted, she never talked about anything with her mother, but still. It was a topic she'd purposefully avoided.

As they neared the street Grant had held her captive on, she felt her feet drag. She lowered Tommy to the ground as she stopped, her eyes frozen on where she had stood. She could still feel Grant's steel grip on her wrists, her ass. Stepping back, she gasped for air, forgetting momentarily how to breathe.

"Y-you know the way from here, right Frankie?" she asked weakly, kneading her hands as she continued to stare at the spot.

"Yeah…where are you going?" he asked as she took another step away.

"If Ma asks, tell her I-I…that Korsak needed me," she sputtered as she turned.

With that, she ran. She ran as far and as fast as she could from that spot. She felt her sobs welling up as she ran, but she forced them down, she forced them away. She didn't even realize where she was running to until she was there, at Melody's door, shaking with fear.

Knocking loudly on the door, she waited in horrible stillness until the door was open. The seamstress answered it, and Jane collapsed into the woman's arms, sobs racking her body until she was sure she couldn't breathe.

Soothing hands held her close, one grasping the back of her neck firmly, the other rubbing gentle circles on her back. Jane continued to weep, her sobs echoing loudly in the hall. Every time she tried to stop, a fresh wave of fear and pain and sadness rushed through her, new tears spilling, her body continuing to shake.

"Shh," Melody soothed, pressing her lips to the top of Jane's head. "I'm here. You're okay. It'll be alright…"

It wouldn't be alright. That was the only thing Jane was sure of.

A/N: Thoughts? Let me know in a review. And tell your friends, neighbors, total strangers, I don't really care who. I just really love writing this.