Disclaimer: I own nothing. All characters and stories belong to TNT, Tess Gerritsen, and Janet Tamaro.

A/N: Another chapter. It's the prelude to Gnocchi Night at the Rizzoli place! How will the family deal with the new relationship? Please review. Thanks. Love, Lawabidingchild.

Jane was awake about a week later. She stared at the sleeping blonde beside her. She was so beautiful. Her hair adorned her head like a golden halo, her eyes were perfectly closed crescents, and her breathing was softly flowing in and out of her nose. Her flesh was always so beautiful. She breathed in Maura's scent and traced the contours of her naked body. Maura didn't stir. The woman was too tired from a night of passionate sex.

Jane sat up, the blanket dropping off half her body, exposing her naked chest. She didn't cover because the only person who would see her like this was Maura. Maura had already seen so much that it wasn't a problem for her. She just wanted to marvel at the doctor's beauty.

Jane glanced at the clock. Seven-thirty on a Friday morning is about right for her. She got up and jumped into the shower. That's when Maura awoke to the sound of a shower spray. Maura groggily sat up and rubbed her arms sleepily. When she heard the shower shut off, she assumed Jane was finishing up what ever it was she was doing. When she was finished musing, she saw Jane exit the bathroom wearing a bathrobe and matting her wet hair with a towel. "Shower's free, babe," she said, walking over to kiss the doctor good-morning.

"Good morning to you, too," greeted Maura sweetly, smiling at Jane as she got out of bed. Jane wrapped her arms around Maura and clasped her hand on Maura's bare breast. "Jane!" she exclaimed, outraged and aroused at the same time. "Not now!"

"Why not?" complained Jane.

"We have to work this morning," Maura reminded her. "I hate being late." It took all of Maura's willpower and energy to pull away from the clingy detective. "Work now, play later."

Jane absorbed the doctor's arousing speech. When Maura disappeared into the shower, Jane cracked the door opened slightly. "Hey, Maur?" called Jane.

"Yes?"

"Um…it's Gnocchi night at my parent's place. I try not to miss it, but I think you should come," Jane invited.

Maura groaned. "You know I'm not good at these social functions."

"I know, Maura, but they love you. They love that you're with me. They'll love to have you."

"I don't know."

"Okay, don't make me make this into an order. I don't want to be accused of ordering my independent-minded girlfriend to my parent's place for dinner."

"But isn't there a rule about it needing to be at least a month before the new flame meets the parents?" asked Maura, still trying to get out of it.

"They already know you. They already know about us. They'll love to have you." Maura was silent. "Please Maura. I'll reward you afterward," bribed Jane.

"Alright, alright," groaned Maura. "I'll put up with Gnocchi night."

Friday came and went. Jane and Maura both had slow days. Jane took the opportunity to help Korsak find some leads on a homicide he was working on and Maura finished her eighth autopsy that week. But the evening came too soon for their liking.

"Maybe we could go home," suggested Maura.

"No, babe," said Jane, parking in front of her parent's place. "We've already arrived here. It's too late to back out. See there's- oh God!"

"What?" asked Maura, peering out the car window. "Oh my goodness."

What both Jane and Maura were seeing was a banner that said WELCOME TO THE NEW COUPLE: JANE AND MAURA. Jane's face flushed to a burgundy color while Maura just flushed pink, no hint of anger in her demure. Maura was completely embarrassed and took refuge in the shoulder of her lover. Jane, however, recognized Frankie's handwriting. "You're not going to kill him, are you?" asked Jane.

"Kill who?" asked Maura.

"Frankie," whispered Jane through clenched teeth. "That's his handwriting."

"Do you honestly think that I would follow up on a death threat?" asked Maura, "besides, you're mother and father probably had something to do with it."

"Yeah," agreed Jane. "You're probably right. Well…maybe not my father." The two of them stumbled angrily out of the car. "Let's go in and give them what-for."

Maura looked a little frightened. Jane's expression softened and she kissed Maura's forehead. "I promise no blood."

Maura chuckled uncertainly. After a minute of studying, Maura just came out with it. "I don't know if I can do this, Jane," confessed Maura.

"It's just like meeting the parents, even thought you already know them. I know it'll be hard," Jane kissed Maura's forehead again, "but I know they love you. And if they didn't, I wouldn't show my face here again. I'd rather be with you." Jane pulled Maura in for an embrace. "I love you, and no matter what happens tonight, I'll be there in the morning." Jane lifted Maura in her arms and kissed her lips tenderly.

"You've always been so family oriented," whispered Maura, "you love them. Why you would leave them is beyond me."

"Because if I'm not allowed to be with you, I don't want to be around them," said Jane, kissing Maura lightly again. "I love you, and I always will. No one's opinion will change what I feel."

"I could kiss you right now," Maura husked.

"Please do," and Maura responded to that order.

"Hey, Janie! Let's go! You can make out with your girlfriend later!" called Angela Rizzoli.

Jane groaned and grabbed her girlfriend's hand. This was going to be a long night.