AN: So sorry for making you all wait. Work piled up. Thank you for all your time, especially to readyreader1227 for proofreading this chapter. Thank you!

I do not own R&I nor the lyrics of the song. Enjoy reading! :)


"Drop-dead gorgeous."

"Check."

"Crazy ass rich."

"Check."

"Knows Jane on her period."

"Double check." Frost said while grinning and scribbling down on a notepad. "Man, they're both tied at this point!"

"Francesco! Are you and Barry betting on your sister's love life again?!" Angela scolded as she makes her way to her son who's sitting on her sister's desk.

Frankie dodged his mother. "You forgot Korsak, Ma!"

"Just be glad your sister's with a suspect kid." Korsak glanced up from his paperwork. "Oh, and double my money on Dr. Isles."

"You men are such clueless creatures." Angela motioned to them as she placed Jane's lunch on her table. "No need for that list. This has long been decided by Janie."

"You know something we don't, Ma?" Frankie asked curiously.

"Let's just say, I know my babies very well." Angela answered wistfully smiling. "I can't wait to plan their wedding." She turned and left the bullpen.

Frost looked at Frankie and said, "I must say, your mother's taking all of this pretty well."

"You're telling me. I think all she cares about now is being able to plan a wedding." Frankie snickered.

~0~0~0~0~0~

'Fight for your fairytale' was Anna's latest post on Instagram. She knew who it was for and couldn't help but smile and be glad that somehow, they had gotten to talk and could look past all these confusing feelings between them. She was the first one to like the post and to send her friend a text.

Thank you, I will. -Jane

It's also for me! Haha. - Anna

"Something funny, Rizzoli?" Cavanaugh asked. They were in the middle of a meeting for the annual ball that morning.

"No, Sir. Just really glad we don't have to wear our uniforms this year." Was all she could think of saying as she placed her phone back on her hip.

"You're not the only one." Cavanaugh agreed. "Alright, that's it. You all know the drill; most of you are off for the night but stay alert. I'll see you all by 20:00."

The homicide team piled to get out of the conference room.

"Hey, Rizzoli. Are you finally wearing your suit?" Crowe hollered at her.

"Yes, Crowe! Since you stole my dress!" Jane retorted. The entire team laughed at the exchange.

"Are you sure you'll go solo, Jane?" Frost asked as they entered the bullpen.

Jane sighed as she took her seat. "Yeah, I just want to be fair Frostie."

"Fair to whom?"

"To myself."

It was just last night that she'd made her decision. She turned both invitations down. It wouldn't be fair to Anna if she'd just be a stand-in for whom she really wanted to be with that night. It also wouldn't be fair for Maura if it was just out of pity for her best friend. They both deserved to be with anyone but her.

The Ball

The men were the first to the assigned table. They were drinking and freely chatting when Frost suddenly stopped talking and just stared at the entrance with his mouth open in mid-sentence. The men all turned their heads towards the same direction and saw Jane just past the threshold. She was a vision in jet black, strapless, taffeta gown with a brush train. It was simple but very elegant. Her face was perfectly framed, her hair in a bun and her make-up light. Her only accessories were her dangling earrings and a black clutch. She scanned the crowd looking for her team.

"That's my sister, you dog!" chided Frankie as he smacked Frost at the back of his head. "Yo, Janie! Over here."

Jane heard Frankie and was about to walk towards them when she heard someone say her name.

"Jane, wait up."

It was Anna. She had just gotten past security and was beaming at her. Anna was wearing a light champagne colored, glittering lace gown that fit the form of her lithe body well. Her brown hair was set in a messy bun, somehow giving more emphasis to her blue eyes.

"Wow! You look gorgeous, Clementine! I should've fought harder for you."

"Please don't start, I'm not drunk yet." The Detective replied. She looked back at her friend, "You're not so bad yourself Banana."

"Thank you, I know!", she said cockily. "So, what do you say we give these boys a show, huh?" She smirked and turned to walk ahead towards their table. It was only then that Jane noticed that the gown was backless and held only by a T-string of what looked like diamonds. She rolled her eyes and followed.

It was almost 8PM and Jane had yet to see Maura. She'd been trying her best to stop herself from glancing at the door every minute. She knew Maura hated being late and couldn't help but be nervous. She knew they'd have to talk tonight.

It was Frankie who saw her first. "Ho-ly shh.." he uttered, his head fully turned towards the entrance. Everyone at their table turned their heads at the same time and saw Maura making her entrance just then. She was wearing an emerald green-strapless gown, with a cowl neckline that showed just a bit of cleavage. Her gown had an angled hem that showed off her well-toned legs as she walked. She wore her hair down but styled perfectly to frame her face. Her look was completed by smoky eyes and luscious red lips. She was breathtaking to say the least. The entire Ballroom seemed to have stopped to stare at her at that moment.

For Jane, it was as if time stopped when she laid her eyes on Maura. She felt her heart spasm uncontrollably and felt butterflies fly amok in her stomach.

Maura was incognizant of the effect of her arrival. She was scanning the crowd looking for one individual. She had only one objective tonight and that was to ensure that a certain Detective got to dance and talk to her before the night was over.

Their eyes met and something unquestionable pulled them towards each other. Maura started to walk towards her best friend but just as Jane stood up, the lights dimmed and the stage was lit up. The host was starting the program. Maura blinked and suddenly she was being ushered towards the Governor's table. She looked back at Jane and mouthed 'later' getting a nod in return.

~0~0~0~0~0~

The team was in a small circle with the Governor when the band started playing and the dance floor was cleared. Officers and guests started filling the floor with their partners and dates for the evening.

"C'mon Rizzoli, for old times' sake," Martinez asked, as he extended his right hand asking Jane to dance.

Jane had no other choice but to accept after the Governor gave her a big smile and motioned for her to join Martinez.

"What are you so happy about?" Jane said with gritted teeth as she was lead to the dance floor.

"I can tell you'd rather be dancing with someone else." Martinez said grinning. "This will be over before you know it. Lighten up a bit."

"How can I when your left hand is moving down my butt cheek?"

Martinez laugh and moved his hand. "I swear that's unintentional. I'd rather shoot myself now than have my ass kicked by you."

This made the Detective laugh. She somehow remembered the good times she'd had with the guy. He was nice, good looking and all, but just really not for her.

Her best friend witnessed it all from across the dance floor. She was talking to one of the big wigs in the government when she noticed Jane being lead to the floor. She had not let her view of her Detective waver since she arrived.

"Makes you want to snatch her away from that beard, right?" Anna asked the honey blonde as she took the space beside her, sipping on her champagne.

"I'm sure Jane wouldn't like that." Maura replied, still not taking her eyes off Jane.

"If it was you, I'm sure she wouldn't mind."

"I'm not really sure what you're implying, Anna." The Doctor looked at the other Italian confused with the comment.

"Are you serious? You really have no clue?!"

Maura felt her irritation rise with the woman all over again. She really wasn't sure what she wanted from her. Isn't she with Jane tonight? Is she implying that Jane would be cheating on her with me?

"I didn't know we were supposed to be guessing something tonight. If you've been talking to Jane, I'm sure she has already shared that I don't feel comfortable guessing."

Anna chuckled at the ME's snarky remark. She could tell she was getting on her nerves. No wonder Jane was so head over heels with this woman. She was feisty and classy at the same time.

"You mind dancing with me?" Anna asked as she placed her flute on the nearest table. "I feel like I have a better chance of not having my eyes clawed out on the dance floor."

"I don't..." The doctor was cutoff as she was swiftly twirled and landed on Anna's arms, headed towards the dance floor.

"Trust me, you want this conversation." Anna whispered in her ears.

She obliged and kept thinking about how it would look like if she were to decline and just leave the woman alone and just said, "Let's not make a scene please."

"So, tell me more about Jane." Anna started.

"My apologies, I'm not really sure what you're aiming at, Anna. Haven't you been friends longer than we have?"

"Okay, let me rephrase that. How much do you know her? And how much are you willing to bet that based on the dagger looks I'm now getting from her, that she'd rather be this close to you right now?" Anna challenged with a smirk.

The honey blonde decided to be blunt and forgo pleasantries. She was tired of the heiress's game. "Do you really think that Jane would cheating on you?! With me of all people?!"

She was surprised to get a chuckle in return. Anna tightened her hold on her and responded. "You really think we're together?"

"Are you not?!"

"Oh honey, you've got all of this wrong."

"I do not appreciate that you're trying to make fun of me. Please stop your games and explain."

The other Italian stopped laughing and just smiled back at the doctor. "Whatever gave you that idea, please erase it from your head. Much to my regret, Jane and I are not in anyway, in a romantic relationship."

"Did you reject her? Is that the reason she got so drunk last week?" Maura was still puzzled but now more worried about her best friend. She really shouldn't have been dancing with this woman if that was the case.

"Will you please stop thinking for a minute and start feeling for a change?! She got drunk because of you."

"What?! I don't...but her post...why?" Maura stopped moving.

"Oh my, I didn't know this could be so tiring." Anna exhaled and said, "Honey, listen. Jane's been in love with you for the longest time. She got so drunk because when she finally decided to tell you, you were still with one of those guys you keep at bay."

Maura knew she should be offended with what Anna implied but she really didn't care. All she cared about now was that she had learned that Jane loves her. Jane's in love with me?

"Judging from your reaction, you really have no clue don't you?" Anna motioned for them to sway with the music again.

"Are you still making fun of me? Why would you say that to me?"

"I'm saying it because it's the truth. Now, my question is, do you love her back?" Anna implored the honey blonde.

The song finished. Maura just looked at Anna and then glanced at Jane and Martinez. Jane was looking back at her, as if she sensed that something was wrong. She started walking towards them.

~0~0~0~0~0~

"Hey, Clementine." Anna greeted. "Maura and I were just talking about you."

Jane looked at her best friend and noticed her unease right away. "Maur, you okay?"

"Jane." Was all Maura could get out at that moment. The information is still being processed by her brain and her heart is barely catching up.

"What'd you tell her, Banana?" Jane demanded while giving her friend a piercing look.

"Nothing she doesn't need to know, Jane. I think, Maura needs to process all of it though." She smirked and signaled for another drink. "Please excuse me, I need to contemplate my actions." Anna left the 2 women alone.

Jane grabbed the honey blonde's right hand to get her to look at her back. "Do you need to sit down, sweetie?" The pet name slipped. Oh, shit!

Maura was still glassy-eyed when she looks back at her. Then the band started playing again, inviting all those present to remain dancing.

"Jane..will you..will you please dance with me?" Is what came out from the ME's lips.

Despite her puzzlement, the brunette led her best friend to the middle of the dance floor again.

You're in my arms, and all the world is calm

The music playing on for only two

So close together, and when I'm with you

So close to feeling alive

"Nice song." Jane uttered as she paid attention to the lyrics. So fitting.

She's startled when she felt Maura lean in closer. She let go of Jane's other hand and placed it on her hips. She then placed her hands behind Jane's neck. With the detective also wearing heels, the height difference is still there.

A life goes by, romantic dreams must die

So I bid my goodbye, and never knew

So close, was waiting, waiting here with you

And now, forever, I know

All that I wanted, to hold you so close

"I never imagined this would happen." The ME whispered.

"What, me dancing?" Jane joked as she looks at her best friend.

"Me. A nervous wreck and unsure of what to say." Maura said as she looks up to her detective.

"Maur..."

"Jane, let's enjoy the music for a bit, okay? I promise we'll talk." She cuts-off and leaned in closer yet again.

Maura closed her eyes as she settled on the crook of Jane's neck. Is it true? She loves me? Jane's in loves with me? I need to know, no more guessing. No more waiting.

So close to reaching, that famous happy end

Almost believing, this one's not pretend

And now you're beside me, and look how far we've come

So far we are, so close.

Oh how could I face the faceless days

If I should lose you now

The lyrics of the song is just settling on Jane. Her heart keeps on beating like an African drum. She's sure Maura can hear it this close. She needs to know tonight. She needs to know how I feel no matter what. I'm done hiding. No more running.

The band finished the song, but the two women remained swaying to their own music. It's the ME who first noticed their circumstance.

"Jane. I think we're starting to be the entertainment." She whispered and began to remove her arms around her best friend.

Jane opened her eyes and looked around. "You know what, Maur? I don't really care." Jane protested and didn't let go of her best friend's right hand.

Maura gave her a smile. "I don't care for them as well. I just want to talk to you in private first." She then leads them to the door for the balcony.

When they stepped outside, Jane tugged on her best friend. "Maur, I know we need to talk, but you're scaring me now."

The honey blonde didn't stop as she glanced around the area. She feels the urgency of their situation but also wants more privacy with Jane.

"Please stop. No one's out to get us. And if it makes you feel better, I have a gun hidden somewhere." The brunette gestured to her gown.

Maura still proceeded to walk towards the end of the balcony. Jane snagged her best friend's other hand to steady her. "Maur, this is far enough." This was when she felt her hands. "Are you cold? Why are you shaking?"

"I'm not cold. It's okay..."

"No It's not. Will you please tell me what's wrong?"

"Jane."

"Is it about, earlier? What did Anna tell you? "

"She...she told me...you're in love with me...is that true?"

I'm going to kill Banana! "Maur...I can explain okay?"

"No, Jane..."

"No, look...I've been meaning to tell you. It's just that I can't seem to find the right time. Each time I try or even think of telling you how I feel, I'm always presented with a reason not to.

"What do you mean?"

"Well...first off, look at you. I mean, would you even consider going out with someone like me? You were freaking engaged with a Fairfield! Then there's Ian who's a Doctor. Then Jack, the Professor then another Doctor, a Chef or a Lawyer. Maur, I'm not saying it's your fault, I'm just saying you deserve to find a match with any of these men. Not some blue collar like me..."

"Jane, I'm not sure why you think that way..."

"Plus. Plus you're not into women. I mean, right?

"Well, I've never..."

"See? I get Maur, I know no matter how much I add up, I'll never measure up to them. I just want you to know...I love you. I'm hopelessly, head over heels in love with you. There, I said it..." Jane paused and looked back at her best friend.

"I know you would need your time to process that. And I get it, you know...Like, I can stay away for a couple of days, weeks even. Just...just don't let it be too long okay? I can't even believe how I survive those days you're away on a conference. But anyway, I mean..Sorry, I need to get this all out...Just please know that I'll wait until you're okay to be friends again okay? We'll...I think even...even if you decide not to stay friends, part of me will always be waiting for you..."

"How long?"

"What?"

"How long have you known?"

"I just poured my heart out and that's what you have to say?!"

"Jane, I want to know since when? When did you realize you have feelings for me beyond friendship." Maura implored her Detective.

The brunette sighed then decided to give in. Nothing left to lose anyway. "Give or take...7 years and 2 months?"

"That's.."

"Your first baseball game, yeah. We had so much fun that day. You were so relaxed and animated that I couldn't even focus on the game because I was watching you. I kept thinking, how can I make her feel that way all the time..."

"That's also the first time I asked you to be my best friend."

"Yeah...I guess you made my decision easier that night. When you decided to keep me as your best friend, because I vowed that for as long as I can, I won't let anyone, or anything make you feel less than that day." Then she chuckled. "Hah! I just realized I was friend zoned early on."

"Jane.."

"It's okay, Maur. I understand. I'm not expecting anything, really. Like I said, I just want you to know and that..uhmm, I understand if you need to go now.' Jane said as she steps away from her best friend.

"Jane, stop! Will you please let me say something too?!"

"Oh, okay. Yeah...sorry." Jane apologized again and started massaging her hands out of nervous habit. She's not sure she wanted to hear this rejection at all.

"7 years and 3 months...That's how long for me. I didn't know then. I…I didn't even realize until this month!" Maura said laughing tensely, but stopped when she saw her best friend's surprised face.

"I was already attracted to you when we first met, but I dismissed any idea further than that, as I may be too odd for you to be even friends with. But, you reached out to me. You started asking me to join you and the team on your night outs and celebrations. You keep on telling them I'm part of the team too and so, I was let in. I'm not sure you know this, but I heard and witness you defend me several times. I was already in awe of how you seem to have this effect on people. They respect and somehow fear you at the same time. At that point, Korsak and Frost already convinced me how loyal and protective you are, especially to the very few people you let in. Then, I was invited to my first Rizzoli Sunday dinner. I was introduced to the rest of your family and it was then that I met Janie too, – this wonderful, stubborn but very loving and dutiful daughter. I was smitten by the end of the evening." Maura stopped talking and clutched Jane's both hands. She was still shaking with nerves and excitement but wanted to make sure her Detective is listening.

She was smiling nervously but she continued. "That day, that night 7 years and 2 months ago, I asked you to be my best friend because I never want to be without you from then on. I'm not sure what I was feeling then or what you felt for me. I just figured, at least I'll have you as my best friend and nothing can top that right? You may not love me romantically but at least I know for sure you love me as your best friend." The ME paused, squeezing Jane's hands.

"So, to answer your previous question, I've had crushes on women but never really had any relationship with any. I never really wanted one, not until I met you. And yes, I was with those men. Maybe I even loved some of them, Ian or Jack but just to an extent. You see Jane, it just dawned on me that maybe, the only reason why I kept on dating them was because I didn't know I could be with you. At the back of my mind, I know I kept on measuring them up with the feeling I get when I'm with you and they always fall short, Jane. They don't even come close." The honey blonde was already crying but still wants to tell her best friend everything. No more waiting she repeated in her mind.

"You asked me before how I'd know if I already met 'the one' and I could not give you any answer. I couldn't answer because I was already with 'the one' for me. How can I tell you that you're IT for me and that I no longer want anyone else? I love you Jane Clementine Rizzoli. I'm in love with you too so please stop tyring to figure everything else and just..."

Her monologue disrupted by Jane's lips crashing on hers. It was the most wonderful feeling they'd ever felt. It was as if they should've been doing that all this time. They held on to the kiss pouring everything in, trying to make up for the lost time. Not even bothered by the rest of the world around them. Jane pulled her ME closer, wrapping her other hand behind Maura's neck. The honey blonde clung to her detective terrified to be the first one to let go.

Maura was about to deepen the kiss, but Jane pulled back. The Doctor's disappointment escaped as a whimper. "Jane."

"Holy,f...wow!" Jane breathed in as she rested their foreheads together. "I didn't know a kiss could be like that."

"Then why did you pull back?"

"Because, Maur if we kept on going, we'll really end up as their entertainment." The brunette gestured towards the ballroom. Anna and their team gathered in a small group, openly observing them. They started cheering and raising their glasses at them when they both glanced their way. Jane even saw Frankie giving Frost some money.


Song: So Close by John McLaughlin (from the movie Enchanted). Your reviews are always appreciated ;)