Sorry this chapter has taken so long, a combination of being ill, reading Calamity Jane meets Maura Isles (which is addictive and I had to force myself to stop) and numerous changes in the story - I just couldn't get it right. But I'm happy with it, and I hope you will be too. A lot happens in this part, hence the extra length, but I had to do our ladies justice. Thanks for all the reviews and follows, but still review this one, I'd love to know what you think. One more chapter after this folks...let's read shall we?

CHAPTER 7

Frankie Rizzoli was having a bad day. A last- minute call into work had meant he now had to work the night shift- on a Saturday, and he was not happy about it.

He'd made plans to go on a date with a very cute cab driver called Kat, who he'd met on a rare night out last week, and she'd seemed very keen to go out with him.

Experience had taught him that not all women were comfortable dating cops- they either felt like they were under scrutiny, or would be nervously waiting for their man to get home safe.

And Kat had said she had a 'thing' for men in uniforms- Man, this sucks!

He'd called her to apologise and they had rescheduled -thankfully she still sounded keen, which at least gave him some encouragement.

He decided he needed something to cheer himself up –and donuts would hit the spot. It was going to be a long, probably busy Saturday night, and he was feeling pissed about having to cancel with Kat. As he made his way along the sidewalk to 'Dennies Donuts' where they'd have his favorite apple flavor, he was feeling grumpy and love-starved.

Like his big sister Jane, he hadn't had much luck in the romance stakes, and he couldn't really understand why, especially on Jane's part. Many a time his co-workers had said they'd like to ask his sister out, and growing up boys were always hitting on her. But, like him, Jane was selective, and wouldn't jump into bed with just anyone- much to the boys chagrin.

It didn't help that she was such a tomboy- into sports and cars- and while now that would seem a lot of men's idea of a dream woman, back then it seemed to threaten a teenage boys image. A girl who knew more about sports and cars than he did? Not cool.

He smiled when he thought that she really wasn't the 'settling down' type- whoever won his sisters' heart would have to be a match to her dominant personality.

It's a shame she can't find a guy more like Maura! She seems so happy when she hangs out with her. She'll never find someone if she's with her best friend all the time!

Frankie thought the world of Jane, almost hero-worshipped her, she had been such a strong influence when he and his younger brother Tommy were growing up. Unfortunately Tommy had lost his way, getting in with the wrong crowd and doing some jail time. DUI into a priest for Christ's sake!

He was proud of all that Jane had achieved- she was such a survivor, such a damn fine detective, and he wanted to follow in her footsteps. He hoped she would find somebody that she could make a life with- he just wanted her to be happy.

As Frankie rounded the corner, Dennies came into view, and it was packed with customers. He waited outside for the long queue to die down, and held the door for two men coming out- he was nothing if not polite- his Ma had taught him well.

As he stood outside, keeping his highly trained cop eyes open for any trouble, he heard a noise over his shoulder. As he turned he felt something hit him hard and fast on his head- he swayed a little, seeing only darkness, and fell to the ground. Janie!

Frankie was on the sidewalk, flat on his back- and out cold.

The phrase ' we need to talk' has many connotations, and generally speaking, in Jane's experience at least, no good ever came from any of them. Jane was already worried, and Maura had only said those four words so far.

She could sense Maura's unease, noticing the way she was fiddling with her ring, and seeing her eyes looking much bigger than usual- sure 'tells' that something was most definitely amiss.

She decided that now probably wasn't the best time to bring up her own little problem.

'' Maura, c'mon sweetie, you're worrying me a little here, what's happened?'' She took Maura's hands in hers and gently rubbed her thumbs over the soft skin, a reflex that made Maura's heart flutter lightly at the contact.

'' Has something happened, is it your Mom? Has Bass hurt himself?'' Really Rizzoli? Bass?

Maura let out a nervous little laugh at that as she replied ''No, Jane, Bass and my Mother are fine as far as I know. Its nothing like that'' She felt herself flush a little as her mind swam with the importance of what she wanted to say…she just didn't know where to start. This now seemed like the stupidest idea she'd ever had.

''Is it warm in here Jane? I feel warm, are you warm?'' She could feel herself becoming more and more uncomfortable and was worried panic might set in. She tried to breathe easily, but found it was anything but easy.

'' No, I'm not warm honey, but I can open a window if you like.'' Jane let go of Maura and jumped off the couch. She slid the window up and said, ''there, that should be better soon, I'll get you some water.'' Heading over to the sink, she was more worried than ever- what on earth had happened?

'' Jane'' Maura called out, '' could I have a beer instead of water?''

I think I might need more than one, oh god, what was I thinking?

At this request Jane was now sure that whatever the problem was, it was serious- Maura never asked for beer, she only really drank it when they watched a game and had pizza- she was a wine lover through and through.

Think I need one too - this could be a long night.

Jane handed a beer to her friend, who gratefully took several long swigs.

'' Whoa there Maura, slow down, you'll give yourself gas!'' She took Maura's free hand in hers again, and could see the pained look on her friends face.

'' Ok, whatever it is, it's making you freak out, and if you're not comfortable telling me, that's fine, I'm still here for you whatever, but I wish you would Maura. I hate to see you like this, you're scaring me.'' And Jane rubbed Maura's hand again. Oh Lord.

This was going so badly for Maura, all the confidence she'd had when she left her house had evaporated by the time she'd got to Jane's apartment. She knew she should just find a way to say it, but this was so big, with so much riding on it, she had to get it right. She needed a way in to stop Jane imagining whatever it was she was imagining.

'' I'm so sorry Jane, I don't mean to scare you, God, I'm really not handling this very well am I?'' It was a rhetorical question but Jane chipped in anyway, still holding her hand.

'' Handling what sweetie? What can be so hard that you can't tell me?''

A horrible thought occurred to her.

''Maura, has someone hurt you, done something to you? Please, you have to trust me, has someone hurt you?'' Jane was starting to panic now as well, and she'd never felt more protective of her best friend or felt more love for her.

'' No! God Jane no, nothing like that!'' She put down her beer and took both Jane's hands in hers. '' Oh I'm sorry if that's what you thought, honestly no, nobody's hurt me. Quite the...the.. opposite.'' She felt her voice crack, all her emotions threatening to tumble out. She grabbed a tissue from the table and gently dabbed her eyes and blew her nose. Why is this so damn hard?

'' What do you mean, quite the opposite?'' Jane asked- she was getting confused now- one minute she was fast asleep on the couch, and now Maura was here, a babbling wreck and making no sense at all.

''Okay, Maura, look, take a deep breath, can you do that for me?'' Maura nodded, and breathed in.

''There you go, deep breaths, in and out…. now, can you tell me what's going on?'' Jane's gaze never left Maura's.

Maura inhaled deeply, and let it slowly out. I can do this, I can do this.

And with all the courage she could muster she finally started to say her piece.

''Jane, you're my best friend'' Jane nodded.

'' And you know that you mean more to me to than anyone? That I love you.'' Jane nodded again, trying hard not focus on her friends lips.

''And you know I'd never do, or say anything that would hurt you?'' Jane nodded again.

''Of course I do Maur, same here.'' she said with a small smile.

Here goes…say it…just say the damn words…

And there was no sound anywhere other than breathing and heartbeats.

'' Well, I've come to realise that, lately... sometimes I think that…maybe we…we could …'' She looked deep into Jane's eyes, now gripping her hands for dear life… '' We could be…''

And Jane's phone went off.

And the moment was gone, and Maura could have cried.

Jane scrambled around to find the phone, making Jo jump up as well, finally finding it on the floor. Dammit! She looked at the screen- it was her Mother. Great timing Ma.

''God, sorry Maur, it's Ma, wait there- don't move !.'' She put a finger up indicating 'stay put'.

And in her head Maura finished the sentence… that we could be more than friends. I'm in love with you Jane.

Jane paced the floor, not taking her eyes off Maura.

''Hey Ma, look I'm in the middle of… something… with Maura…well, not with Maura, but… she's here and….'' Angela cut her off in mid sentence and Jane just listened.

'' Well, is he ok?.…what?…oh jeez,…really?…..which hospital?….ok…we'll be there in twenty…yeh, thanks Ma. Bye.''

Maura heard the word 'hospital' and immediately came out of her daze. She took hold of Jane's arm, and looked up into her dark eyes. Jane looked concerned but also a little confused.

''What's happened Jane, who's in the hospital''

''It's uh, it's Frankie…he's got a head injury.''

'' Oh God, Jane, is it serious? What happened?'' Maura held on to both of Jane's arms, her friend looked like she'd been struck dumb.

''He got hit on the head by a giant donut''

This is turning into one weird night.

At Boston General Angela was sitting by her middle child's bedside, her hand clasping his. He had regained consciousness briefly enough to smile and say 'Hi' to his Ma before drifting off to sleep again.

When Angela had gotten the call from the hospital telling her that Frankie had been rushed in, her immediate thought was that he'd been shot or stabbed.

Panic had quickly set in as she thought she might not ever see her child again, before the caller made it clear that it was nothing that serious- he had a heavy concussion, and a few bumps and bruises but he was expected to be okay.

She'd been given the full story when she arrived- apparently Frankie had been outside a donut shop- just about to go in- when suddenly the giant 'Donut' part of the Dennies Donuts sign overhead had dislodged and come crashing down on him- he really hadn't known what'd hit him.

The sign hitting him had at least spared the others around him, and it could be perceived as an inadvertent act of heroism, but somehow Angela didn't think Frankie would see it quite like that.

When she'd seen her son lying in the hospital bed, head bandaged and with some vicious bruising around his neck and shoulders, she obviously felt for him- any Mother would. But she also couldn't help thinking that it is a little bit funny, and Jane will have field day with this one.

Poor Frankie, you're gonna get some ribbing from your Sister over this!

Less than twenty minutes later Jane and Maura arrived to find Angela sitting in the hallway outside Frankie's room. Angela immediately gave her daughter a big hug, and Maura was next for the treatment. They sat down and Angela gave them the story so far.

Now, whether it was the way Angela told the story, or the gesticulations to illustrate how it happened, she didn't know, but Jane was in tears of laughter by the end of it, and had to look away from her mother.

''I can't believe it, it's just too funny! I mean, thank God it wasn't a shooting or something, but, really? A donut? Frankie felled by a donut? C'mon, it is funny!''

Angela and Maura could of course see the funny side, but Maura said maybe Jane shouldn't go in to see Frankie until she'd calmed down a bit- he'd feel bad enough, with his head pounding like a train - and her laughing at how it happened would only make him feel worse.

''Ok'' she said, ''I'm sorry, I'm not unsympathetic, really, I'm not, I'm just… overtired… and it's been a weird evening.'' she said, glancing over at Maura, who caught her eye and looked away. '' Who wants coffee?'' Jane asked, wiping her eyes.

At this question, Maura jumped up, keen to get away and clear her head.

''I'll go, I could use a distraction…and a trip to the ladies room'' She grabbed her purse and made to go, Jane stopping her by gently taking her arm.

''Thanks.'' she said, leaning in so closely now that Maura could feel Jane's breath against her ear. Lowering her voice so Angela didn't hear, she husked… '' and we're not done…what you were trying to tell me… just so you know…we're not done.''

Maura nodded in understanding. '' Ok'' she replied, and made her way out. Oh God.

Angela looked up, noticing a thoughtful look across Jane's features as she watched Maura leave.

'' We should go in see Frankie soon Jane, let him know we're here. Tommy and Korsak said they'd come visit too. It's the talk of BPD unfortunately.'' Jane smiled at this, and they made their way towards the room. Angela paused as they went in, concern on her face.

'' You ok honey? You've not been yourself lately. Is there anything I can do? Anything I need to know? ''

I don't know if what I think is happening here, is actually happening. I don't think you can help with this one.

Jane let out a sigh, and looked straight at her Mother.

'' No, Ma… nothing you need to know…. c'mon, let's go see Frankie.''

Maura leaned against the sink in the rest room, staring into the mirror. It was obvious she'd been crying, and she needed to clean herself up before going back to the others. She'd been so close, so close to telling Jane how she felt, and fate had stepped in and slapped her in the face.

But Jane's words, so close in her ear, so low and sensual- 'we're not done', kept replaying in her head.

What does that mean? Did I say the words and just think I didn't? Oh, this is such a mess…

She blew her nose one last time, washed her hands and opened the door.

Time to face the music…please don't hate me Jane.

Maura walked out of the restroom, solely focussed on all things Jane, and not on Sergeant Korsak, who felt the full force of their mid-hall collision, but gallantly apologised anyway.

''Oh I'm sorry Doctor Isles, wasn't looking where I was going, sorry 'bout that.'' He looked at her properly and could see she'd been crying.

'' Hey, Maura, you okay…is it Frankie? Dispatch just said he had a head injury…jeez…I need to go to see Jane, she'll be…'' Maura put her hand up to cut him off, realising what he might be thinking.

'' No Vince, Frankie's going to be okay, thank God….no it's just me being emotional… again… I tried to tell Jane something…and it all came out wrong…well, actually only some of it came out…and now Jane must think…well, I don't know what she thinks…oh Vince I've made everything so much worse…''

And the tears came again, and Vince held her again, and when she finally pulled away, Korsak just looked at her and sighed. He knew what he had to do, and glanced around to make sure they were on their own.

'' Maura, you're in love with Jane aren't you?'' She looked down at the floor, not wanting to lie, and nodded. Korsak put his hand under her chin to gently lift her head. He was about to break a confidence, but, given the circumstances, felt Jane would forgive him.

'' Maura, honey, it's ok… I promised I'd keep this to myself, but I don't think I can anymore.'' Maura looked at him quizzically as he continued.

'' You two really are a pair aren't you? Maura…Jane's in love with you too.''

Maura nearly passed out on the spot.

Jane, Angela and Tommy were all in Frankie's room, with Angela holding his hand again. '' A son needs his mother '' she had said. Whilst they all realised how much more serious it could have been, Tommy in particular had a great laugh at Frankie's expense- the great hero - taken out by a donut! Frankie himself had a headache the size of Texas, but even in pain he could see the funny side, he just wished he'd stop going on about it. Idiot.

'' Hey Frankie, you know you could make the TV news on this…the 'and finally' section at the end!… how cool would that be?!'' he said in all seriousness.

'' Oh yeah Tommy, sooo cool!'' Frankie answered '' remind me to kill you when I get out of here.''

Tommy made a' ooh, I'm so scared' face so Angela slapped him hard on the arm. '' Be nice to your brother!'' The nurse stepped in and said it might be time to leave the patient to sleep. He would be allowed home tomorrow, all being well, but he needed to rest.

Maura and Korsak arrived back just as the others were getting ready to leave. Jane, always so observant, noticed something was missing.

''Uh, Maura…coffee?'' she smiled as she said it and Maura thought her heart might leap out of her chest.

''Oh, sorry Jane, I got a little…distracted.'' She said with a slight glance at Korsak. Jane noticed the look- she was suddenly becoming very observant- but gave a little headshake, as she said

''That's ok, we've been told to leave Frankie alone anyway, someone's been over-exciting him'' directing the comment straight at Tommy. He looked innocent as the day he was born – ''Hey, what did I do?'' Jane gave him her famous stare and said '' Shut up Tommy!'' And Tommy did indeed shut up for once. Idiot.

Maura smiled and asked if she could just quickly say 'Hi' to Frankie, and Angela ushered her in under the nurse's radar, then kept guard in case she returned. She stood quietly talking to her youngest son.

Korsak took Jane to one side- Think it's time for Cupid to shoot his last arrow.

''Jane…I spoke to Maura just now, she was a little um…emotional.''

Jane sighed and nodded, and was about to speak when Korsak cut her off.

''That thing she was trying to tell you earlier? It's the same thing you want to tell her…Jane, she's in love with you too. I think it's time you two got your acts together…go get your girl, before I knock your heads together!''

For once, Jane was silent- no comebacks, no wisecracks, just silence. She was feeling a heady a mix of relief, happiness, fear and love and it was almost too much all at once.

She took the man's hand and just said, ''Thanks Korsak…I will… I owe you one'' and he just nodded in reply.

After goodnights and see you tomorrows, the Rizzoli clan and their extended family made their way out of the hospital, relieved that Frankie was going to be okay. Korsak still had the rest of the night at the Bullpen to look forward to, but at least this little episode would give them all something to laugh about, especially Frost.

Angela headed home as well, promising she'd be back in early, and would wait until she could take Frankie home. He could stay at the guest house to recuperate, and still be a part of Family dinner tomorrow, or rather today- it was now well past two in the morning.

Jane and Maura were the last to leave, and they made their way to Jane's car in silence. There was a quiet tension building between them, they could both feel it, but neither woman could find the words to voice it. When they got to the car, Jane was the first to break the silence.

'' Shall we head back to mine? I know it's late but I'm starving…and I could use a beer…I saw you brought some food from Ma… be a shame not to eat some of it at least'' She let Maura slide in the passenger seat, closed her door and scooted round the other side.

''I'd like that Jane…I don't know if I'm more hungry or more tired, it's been such a long day.'' She gave a long yawn and felt herself becoming sleepy.

'' That is has Maura, that it has…and….we still have something to talk about.'' She took Maura's hand in hers, confident this time that the beautiful woman next to her felt the same way. She loved Maura with all her heart, knew beyond any doubt that she always would, and right now, she needed to show her.

She slowly leaned across, paused for a second, and gently placed her left hand on Maura's cheek, rubbing the soft skin with her thumb. They looked into each other's eyes for what seemed an eternity, as if they were only now really seeing each other, and it felt bigger than anything that had gone before, and that whatever it was, couldn't possibly be any bigger.

Jane moved in closer, feeling Maura's slow breaths on her, feeling her own heart beating a little bit faster. Maura's lips slowly met hers and at that moment all thoughts were gone, the world had stopped spinning, and if someone had said the car was on fire neither of them would have felt a thing. There was only Jane and Maura- no one and nothing else. No barriers, no boundaries, no reason to stop. Nothing could end this perfect moment- except the need to breathe.

As if as one, they slowly pulled away, still facing each other, still not wanting the moment to end, but each knowing that actually, it was just the beginning.

'' You okay?'' Jane asked, still looking into Maura's eyes, never breaking the contact.

''God, more than okay Jane, I feel…incredible…I can't believe it's happening…but it's…wonderful. A little scary I think…but wonderful.''

Jane gave a sheepish smile , ''You're incredible Maura, you know that?.. ….I've loved you for so long… I've forgotten that anyone else even exists…and I couldn't tell you. How dumb is that? I couldn't tell you, because I thought I might lose you…if it wasn't for Korsak… I would have.'' Maura took her hands, and kissed her again, just a short one this time.

''You'd never have lost me Jane…we would have found a way…even if we were ninety years old and using walking frames, we'd be together somehow….you know it.'' Jane thought about this for a moment.

'' You're right, it's only taken me over three years to get this far, but the thought of waiting until I was ninety? Nah, no way, even if I had to sky-write it, I'd have told you before then. And I'm going to tell you now, and every day until I'm ninety and beyond…I love you Maura...I always will…you're stuck with me now.'' And the beam on Jane's face told Maura she meant it with all her heart.

'' I love you too Jane… more than I thought possible…and I want to be with you until I'm ninety and beyond… so I guess we're both stuck with each other.'' She looked at her watch, it was now gone three.

'' We need to get home, we're both exhausted and I think I could sleep for a week. Take us home?'' Jane loved how that sounded- 'take us home'- she didn't think her heart could take much more of this. She gave Maura one last kiss, deciding that it could be her new favourite thing to do, and started the engine.

'' Okay, let's go home Maura.'' As they pulled away from the hospital, Maura asked her something.

'' Would you really have written it in the sky?''

''Indeed I would Miss Isles, indeed I would…'Jane loves Maura' in bright pink smoke…nice huh?'' Maura thought it sounded wonderful.

'' Very nice Jane…very nice.''

Five minutes in to the drive to the apartment Maura was sound asleep, and Jane glanced across at her. You're so beautiful.

Ten minutes later and Jane was gently trying to rouse Maura from what seemed to be a coma…how can she be this much asleep?

''Maura…we're here…Maura…wake up sweetie.'' She finally began to stir, but she looked so exhausted she hardly dared make her get out of the car.

''Okay, there's only one thing for it'' she whispered, '' gonna have to carry you up there. Be good practice for when we're married.'' And we will be getting married.

She dashed up the steps, ran up to the apartment and unlocked the door, leaving it on the latch. She then ran back down the stairs to extricate Maura from the car- she was fast asleep again.

Being as gentle as she could, she swung Maura's legs round, slid one arm around Maura's waist, and eased her out of the car. Using all her strength she lifted her up and out, kicking the door gently to close it. You weigh what? Twenty pounds?

She carried her up to the apartment, and then wondered what to do with her. Couch? Bed? Bed, she decided- she needed good sleep, so she pulled the covers back and lowered her onto the mattress. Now came the tricky area of clothing - they may have declared their love to each other but Jane had never undressed a woman, and she wasn't going to start now. Awkward.

Jane removed Maura's shoes and left it at that, she would have to live with a few creases. '' Hell, I do it all the time…don't judge me.'' she whispered. She went to the bathroom, cleaned her teeth, paid a visit to the toilet and washed her hands and face.

Walking back into the bedroom she stood at the door and just watched Maura sleeping. '' You are so beautiful Maura'' she whispered '' I don't know why you picked me, but I'm so glad you did.''

Jane slowly got into bed, and pulled the covers over them, she kissed Maura's cheek, and gently cuddled up to her. She felt a hand come over and take her arm across Maura's waist.

''Night Jane, I'm so glad you picked me. Sleep tight.'' Maura sleepily murmoured. Jane's smile was as wide as Nebraska.

'' Night Maura…mind the bugs don't bite.''

Aw, shucks, think I might even cry a little. Hope you liked it, it took an age to (hopefully) get it right. I'd muchly appreciate any reviews, I can take it! They spur me on, and make it so worthwhile to know you're enjoying it. Only one more chapter to go ( I think) - Rizzoli Family Dinner! This could be interesting...see you at chapter 8.