A/N: Thank you for reviewing, I'm flattered… *s for translations like before at the end of the segment . As always: Rizzoli & Isles belongs to TNT and Tess Gerritson...I own nothing, just love them!


A realist, in Venice, would become a romantic by mere faithfulness to what he saw before him.

(Arthur Symons)


Day 6, 13:12 GMT+1, Venice, Palazzo Venier dei Leioni, Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The detective really tried. She really did, but she couldn't make out a single thing on that painting. The little sign next to it read 'The Poet', but all she saw were shades of brown and grey in a variation of brush strokes. Jane tilted her head hoping something would reveal itself to her from a different angle. Nothing.

"Marvellous isn't it?" Maura put a hand on Jane's shoulder and admired the canvas. The brunette turned her head and looked at her friend in despair.

"Seriously Maur? It seems like a drunken poet ran out of words and just scrambled on a paper. But I can see why you like it, it looks like a scalpel was used to cut it to pieces" she teased.

The art aficionado gaped back at her friend speechless and then pulled her into a hug. "Jane you are amazing." The astonished brunette received another kiss on the cheek and was not sure whether she should be more puzzled by the repeated smooching that day, or by the fact that her comment on the artwork was not met with a scolding. After pulling out of the hug, she raised her hands questionably.

"So why exactly am I so amazing Dr. Isles?"

The utterly excited ME elaborated: "Not only that you are strikingly ravishing, you really do have a beautiful mind. See you just subsumed the idea of analytic cubism. Picasso visually dissected the human form and rearranged the different views of it in geometric fragments. This painting depicts a seated man, totally disarranged if you will. Look"

Maura pointed certain segments of the painting. "Here is the poets head, his shoulders, and there is his moustache. The main point of abstraction is to focus on the structure, not the traditional outward appearance of an object. By putting the fragments together again, seemingly random, a fixed structured array presents itself."

Maura was so overly elated that Jane feared she would hyperventilate. In looking at her beaming friend, the detective realised that nothing made her happier, then seeing the blonde in this state of delight. Even more so if she was causing this happiness, in this case unintentionally, just by being her self. She was responsible that this wonderful, brilliant woman was in exuberant spirits. Maura had a beautiful heartfelt smile written over her face that gave her an aura as if there was not a care in the world. The detective smiled back with a feeling that she had achieved something that was of utmost importance to her, making Dr. Maura Isles happy.


Day 6, 14:44 GMT+1, Venice, Rialto Bridge

Admittedly she liked Venice. There was a savoir-vivre, as Maura called it. And they sold those rollinos at ever corner, which tasted heavenly. She had just finished one roll which contained mozzarella and prosciutto and they were about to cross the Rialto Bridge, when the doctor suddenly came to a stop.

"I have an idea, follow me." The blonde said, taking Jane's hand. They walked into a bar, the detective had found out by now, that everything in Italy seemed to be called a bar, and the doctor was greeted by the waiter. As always she was addressed as 'bella bionda' and ordered something Jane had never heard of.

With a "Due spumanti per lei, ragazze*" two glasses of sparkling wine where placed in front of them at the counter.

Raising an eyebrow detective asked: "Am I such a bad travel companion that you have to resort to drinking this early in the afternoon?"

"On the contrary my dear." the flawless blonde conveyed still in a splendid mood and raised her glass. "We are toasting to you and your introduction to the splendours of art."

"Thank you I guess." the tall women replied, still wondering what had gotten into Maura since they had set foot on the Serenissima.

The blonde took a sip of her spumante her eyes fixed on Jane's. The dark brown eyes looked back at her and once again the doctor was spellbound by her friend. Why was this woman so astonishing? Behind that tough façade there was a loving, kind and amazing personality. Someone who naturally, effortlessly made her feel light, happy and save. She had been on romantic vacation to Venice before, but none of the men had so smoothly accomplished that Maura felt so at ease, so energized, so full of life. Jane had intuitively evoked a feeling of sheer delight in not even one day. If she wouldn't know that it was a scientific impossibility, she'd say it was magic.

The detective's eyes rested on Maura and she could feel warmth and tenderness radiating from them. Once more she was taken by her friend's exquisite features. Those catching eyes, those high cheekbones, the wonderful natural teint of her skin and those perfectly cut lips. How would it feel to touch them, kiss them, taste them…

"Maura?"

"Mhmm, yes Jane."

"Why are you staring at my lips?" the detective asked, slightly blushing.

Being caught on the spot, the doctor opted for not concealing her appreciation. "Your paramedian elevations of the vermilion are spectacular."

Not understanding the medical terms was something that Jane was used to, but paired with a sensual look in her eyes, that was definitely directed at her, was abnormal. It sent a shiver through the detective's body. To calm herself, Jane sipped at her beverage and nearly choked when she saw how Maura let her tongue slide over her own lips. Holy…

"Uhmm, pff, ah, I certainly hope this is not an insult?"

"It is not my friend. Put your glass down." The doctor said, taking Jane's hand that was holding the spumante and directed it to the counter, her gaze fixed on the detective. Maura took a step closer to her and Jane froze. "See…" she whispered, her index finger slowly tracing the edge of the brunette's upper lip, "…this is what I am talking about. They form your cupid bow…" The ME tipped the named spot "…which is right here." Resting her finger on it for a little while, she could feel how Jane's lips slightly trembled. Maura slowly withdrew her finger, running it down from the cupid bow to Jane's lower lip, opening her mouth a little by the motion.

When the tall woman thought that Maura wouldn't be able to top this, she was proven otherwise: "I bet you are a good kisser."

Instinctively Jane covered her mouth with her own hand. It felt like it was burning. She was too delirious to realise how bewildered she looked. Maura on the other hand did notice and thought, smiling: Jane:1, Maura: homerun.

Turning to the waiter, the ME averted: "Il conto per favore.**"


* two sparkling wines for you, girls.

** The bill please


Day 6, 17:12 GMT+1, Venice, Salizada San Moisè

On their way back from the bar, Maura had acted as if nothing unusual had happened. Passing different sights, she had explained them and provided insight on the city's history. Jane on the other hand, was rather disoriented. Since the doctor had caressed her lips, she had trouble focusing on anything surrounding her, but Maura and the touch. The blonde led the way and from time to time Jane would fall back a little, lost in her thoughts.

"Jane you are not listening." the blonde pouted. Even a little angry, Maura was adorable and sexy.

"Oh no, no, I am. I'm just admiring the, uhm, wonderful architecture." Jane tried truthfully considering that with a little stretch architecture would not only refer to buildings. Maura and her attire that had mesmerized the detective in the morning, continued to catch her eye. The close-fitting pencil skirt and blouse emphasised all her feminine charms. She was a dream in white, and much to Jane's disgust this did not go unnoticed by the Italian men. She was smiled and waved at, called after and sometimes even approached by bold admirers. Maura handled it with charm and appreciation. Walking behind her friend, she could see the male heads turning and with each one, Jane got more and more furious.

They were crossing a small bridge when a young man with sleak black hair blocked the doctor's way. "Olala" he mouthed and as soon as Maura tried to continue her path he moved in the same direction to not let her pass him. "Scusate Signorina, aspetti un momento, per favore*" he said smiling. "Se permette mi presento, sono Gianluca.**" He extended his hand to the blonde.

Maura shook it and gave him a friendly look. "Pleasure, Dr. Maura Isles."

"Una dottoressa. Mi piace.***"

Meanwhile Jane had approached them and stood behind Maura, giving the man an evil stare. He seemed to ignore her and continued smirking at the blonde: "Vuoi bere un caffè con me?*4"

Before Maura could reply, Jane cut in: "Non vogliamo! Arrivederci, Casanova.*5"

Maura was startled that her friend hat answered for her in Italian, although she was not quite friendly to Gianluca.

The Italian was also quite surprised to be not getting his answer from the woman he tried to woe and vented his displeasure: "Che cosa vuole? Parlo con lei." *6

"Maura we're leaving" Jane said, but she didn't move. Gianluca picked up on their English and tried to engage in further conversation with the doctor:

"You are ah Americano? I would the really like to take the you to un cafe or un glass of champagne. What you saying?" he further inquired, ignoring Jane again. He laid his hand on Maura's lower arm to emphasize his offer. That was when the detective snapped. She grabbed her friend by the hips, pulled her back and put herself between the doctor and Gianluca. With a wild stare she hissed: "She's with me. Vaffanculo!" *7

Grabbing her hand, Jane pulled a startled Maura behind her and they crossed the bridge.

A thrill of pleasure went through Maura's body. Admittedly she was totally into Jane in protective mode, but guarding her and speaking Italian took it to another level. Her luscious deep voice was arousing as it was, but using this language was more than an aphrodisiac. Maura had to take a deep breath before she could thank her friend: "Jane, thank you, that was, I don't know what to say. Maybe a little harsh towards that gentleman, but certainly effective. I didn't know you spoke Italian?"

The detective waved off. "I don't, but growing up in a Boston Italian family you can't help picking up a little here and there, ya know. And this was no gentleman, Maura, I know that kind, trust me. "

"As opposed to trusting me around you talking Italian…" the blonde stated bluntly.

While Jane tried to figure out whatever that had to mean, Maura had pulled her into the Prada store and charmingly announced: "Let me treat you to an outfit for tonight and then we'll have another spumante, Harry's Bar is just around the corner."


* Excuse me Miss, please wait a moment.

** Allow me to present myself, I am Gianluca.

*** A doctor. I like it.

*4 Would you like to drink a coffee with me

*5 We would not like to. Byebye Casanova.

*6 What do you want, I'm talking to her.

*7 Cursing- something like get lost.


Day 6, 20:45 GMT+1, Venice, Bauer's De Pisis Restaurant

They were seated on the terrace of the restaurant, which offered a view on the Grand Canal. Venice by night was a spectacular sight. Boats were passing by and Maura seemed in a wonderful mood yet again. She sipped at her Aperol Sprizz and closed the menu.

Jane on the other hand was distracted.

"Maur, hey." the brunette whispered, motioning her friend to lean closer to her "Let's pay for that Sprizz thing and leave, the prices are insane. I could feed a whole family at the Dirty Robber for one appetizer here."

"Don't you worry. Have you decided on anything yet?"

When Jane shook her head, Maura took the menu out of her hand. "Then I will. Meanwhile enjoy Santa Maria della Salute. It is a masterpiece by Baldassare Loghena and notice the triumphal arch that serves as an entrance."

She cut her explanation short because the waiter had approached.

"We'll have the lobster salad and the foie-gras terrine, then the wild salmon with the quail egg and the Beef entrecote please. And could you offer corresponding wines with that?"

"Good choices. And I'll send you the sommelier, Dr. Isles." The waiter replied.

"Why does he know your name and who's he sending?" Jane questioned, slightly agitated for she feared someone might be coming on to her friend again.

An amused Maura explained: "Jane, I made a reservation, that's why and the sommelier is the wine expert in a restaurant. So, on a totally different note: I have to say I love that suit on you."

"Thank you, I guess I had no choice, you were a little bossy in there."

"I maybe was, but it was worth the effort." The doctor replied, tilting her head a little and an appreciative smile on her lips. Her friend looked ravishing. They had bought a dark suit with a rather feminine cut, bearing features of a smoking, like the silk collar and the thin top to bottom velvet stripes along the outer seam of the pant legs. It took some convincing to make the detective wear it without a shirt, like it was supposed to. The v-neck went rather low and showed a lot of skin. Maura had been persistent and with an 'anything to make you happy' Jane had finally given in.

"You didn't clean up so bad either. And gosh, we were lucky that they had the matching cocktail dress, bag and heels for you. What would we have done?" Jane countered raising a brow underlining her irony.

"I will not dignify this with a response my friend."

After dinner Maura ordered grappa and espresso. They were both having a really good time and their moods were light. Supported by the consummation of various alcoholic beverages, the doctor finally had the courage to share her promised story.

"So you wanted to know what happened with professor de Beauclairment, right?"

"Most certainly, Dr. Isles. I see you keep your promises."

"Well, one night I went over to her place. Over a dinner and various glasses of wine we discussed my findings on telomere modifications in devitalized carcinogenic cells. I had discovered that…"

Jane cut her off. "Could we please skip the scientific results, I believe they were groundbreaking, but you had me waiting for that story long enough, so please cut to the chase."

A little disappointed Maura did as told: "Ok then. We had earth-shattering mind-blowing sexual intercourse."

Jane's jaw dropped. That was quite reduced and precise. Maura had spelled this out without any sign of discomfort or hesitation.

There was a short silence between the two and while the waiter was setting their order on the table, the blonde continued: "Repeatedly if I may add."

Jane didn't know how much the young man head caught of their conversation and just wished that the ground would open and swallow her up. Opposed to the confessing women, the detective blushed. She didn't know what to say and opted for ripping open the little bag of sugar that had come with the coffee.

"Don't" Maura commanded "It's a cardinal sin in Italy- a real espresso is to be enjoyed without sugar."

"Seriously?"

"The sugar or the sex? I can't quite follow." The blonde teased and fumbled in her newly acquired handbag.

"I guess both." Jane mumbled. She was still not sure how to comment on the whole story. Obviously a new side of the doctor had presented itself. It was no secret to the detective that her friend was always rather pragmatic on the topic of sex, but she never knew that she had also slept with a woman.

Meanwhile Maura had pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one.

"Since when exactly do you smoke? That is unhealthy, remember? Are you really Dr. Maura Isles or did some alien force abduct my friend and replace her with you?" When the words left her lips, Jane was tempted to consider the possibility. It would explain the utterly strange behaviour.

"First of all, there is no scientific proof of any extraterrestrial living organism. Secondly, I smoke rarely, only in Europe and only with a delicious espresso." the blonde stated grinning.

"So, uhm, why did you never tell me you had a female lover?" Jane asked shyly.

Maura took a pull on her cigarette and then simply stated. "You never asked."

Jane looked at her friend unable to process everything that she had heard and experienced today. She couldn't refrain from staring at the doctor's mouth. How she slowly and sensually blew out the smoke that seemed to dance across her beautiful lips before dissolving into the air. She was not sure if she had seen something this sexy and tempting in all her life. What the hell, she had to stop herself. All the things Maura said and did seemed to fuel her strange feelings and desires. It seemed as if she did it on purpose. No Jane, she wouldn't, not Maura.

The detective took her glass of grappa and raised it. The doctor followed suit and proclaimed before she emptied it out.

"To women."


A/N: No worries, this night is not over…hope you enjoyed it. If you're interested check out the painting it's really part of the Guggenheim collection in Venice. And please forgive me, my Italian is a little rusty so it might not be perfect, but I couldn't resist – I'm with Maura on that one ;) . Looking forward to your reviews!