A/N: A new and super long chapter because you guys are awesome. In addition, Ro, first kiss is coming soon but I think everyone will be happy with this.

Disclaimer: Read Ch. 1 and 'Soon' from Thumbelina is not mine, just borrowed it.

"Love is a friendship caught on fire." - Northern Exposure

Ch. 12: Sooner or Later

"Kris, I want to show you this," I whispered to Kris. She nodded before she moved closer to me on the bed. Never had we been like this and yet this was the most intimate moment they were having. I bit my lower lip, opening my shirt and slid it off. I then turned around and showed my back to reveal a scar that ran down my lower back. I watched, as Kris' face seemed to darken as I quietly explained, "It happened about two years ago…"

"Why didn't you show me this earlier," Kris growled.

I looked away and whispered, "I thought you would judge me but I was wrong and-"

"It's ugly…"

"Kris…"

"This makes a difference and I don't really care about you. I was just using you," Kris said quickly as she stood up. Suddenly her face seemed to morph to another face into another familiar face. A face I haven't seen in two years and thought I would never see again.

He laughed at me, "No one would love you…you are simply alone."

No…No…she cares…she's not him. She's not him!

R&I

She gasped awake and felt the sweat run down her cheeks. She looked around before she grabbed the pillow next to her, hugging it tightly before she felt tears run down her cheeks.

"I love you."

My heart pounded against my chest as I felt soft hands, run down my arms. Soft lips were against mine while I wrapped my arms around the waist, pulling them closer. Slowly button by button the shirt was slowly coming off until I was only in my tank top and jeans. "I love you," a soft whisper came to my ear before I looked into their eyes and smiled at them.

"I love you too…"

R&I

"Jesus, not again," she groaned, stepping out of the bed. She ran her hands through her hair before she stepped out of the room and walked down the staircase. She entered the kitchen and immediately was surprised at the sight of her mom was there.

"Kris, you okay," Maura asked in worry.

Kris smiled awkwardly but answered, "Weird dream, Mom. That's all."

Jane's POV

"I feel fat," I mumbled as I looked down at my baggy shirt that hid the large bump that growing bigger within the months. I rubbed my face tiredly as I looked over to see Kris and Maura sitting in the front of the car. "Why can't my stomach grow smaller instead of becoming bigger," I complained to them.

Maura looked over her shoulder, smiling at me. "Jane sweetie, the baby is supposed to grow bigger. It's also the start of your second trimester," Maura explained to me.

"Thank you, Google and also why do I have to sit in the back?"

Kris glanced over and answered swiftly, "Well, you want to sleep sometimes and so nap time is very convenient in the back. Also the doc said that you need to rest because you are starting to show and soon that kid will kick."

I eyed her, "Thanks Kiddo."

"Anytime Ma and anyways, I'm the one who's going to do the heavy lifting. You can just chill and eat the rest of my peanut butter…"

"I'll buy you another jar, Kris. It's not my fault that the munchkin wants your peanut butter."

"Sure Ma, blame the kid."

R&I

"A little to the left, guys," I directed Kris, Frankie, and Tommy. During our time out, Maura took Kris and me to go shopping for the baby's furniture and the first thing we were going to get was the crib. From the store, it was simple to have it carried to the car because the store clerks placed it in the trunk of the car but now when we brought it home, Kris with the guys had to do the hard work. "A bit more to the right," I told them.

"Oh bloody hell," I heard Kris groan.

"A bit more."

"Can we kill her," Tommy complained.

Kris shook her head, "I like to have the kid out first then we can do murder."

I glared at her, "I wouldn't be complaining, Kris. I don't think Gabby would like it." Suddenly the box dropped with Tommy and Frankie losing balance then gained it back while Kris walked around and glared at me. I smirked, as I added, "No fighting in the house." Kris wiggled her nose, eyeing me before she pulled out her pocketknife, cutting the box open. She pulled out the instructions before she released a loud laugh, "What?"

She smirked, handing them to me. "They're in another language," Kris stated.

I glanced down, "It's in Russian." I looked up at Kris, seeing the smirk on her face before I stuck out my tongue at her.

"Oh that's so attractive, Ma."

"It is and I know Gabriella just adores your pouting."

Kris glared at me, opening her mouth to retort before Maura entered the room. "Kris, Gabby is here," she informed her.

Kris pointed at me and gently tapped my stomach. "You are very lucky that you're pregnant and I have company," Kris stated before she walked out. She leaned up and kissed Maura's cheek, walking past her.

Frankie and Tommy placed the crib finally down and wiped the sweat off their foreheads. They released a sigh of relief and followed Kris out to grab a drink while Maura entered the room fully with a suspicious look. I looked at her and raised an eyebrow, "What?"

She crossed her arms in front of her chest. "What did you say to Kris," I questioned her.

"I didn't say anything bad. I just teased her about Gabby that's all."

Maura sighed and leaned against the doorway, "I don't know but I think Kris is trying to understand her feelings for Gabriella."

"What's there to understand? Kris likes her."

"Jane, she just broke up with someone and she's confused."

"Confused?"

"Jane, Kris has been having 'weird dreams' lately and she's been showing signs of arou-"

"Stop," I quickly covered her mouth. She frowned and licked my hand causing me to pull away quickly while I stated, "Please don't say that word when it comes to Kris."

Maura sighed, "They're just friends and we are not sure if Gabriella reciprocates. I'm saying that she does show signs but it could be something else."

"Maura, you are kidding me right?"

"What," she questioned back.

I shook my head and wrapped my arms around Maura's waist. I kissed her forehead and whispered, "Maura, I know you don't like to guess but I'm going to break some news to you. There's a pool on when Kris and Gabriella are going together."

"Jane," Maura said in astonishment.

"It's true and I already placed our bet in."

Maura eyed me then shook her head, "You should be ashamed on betting on our daughter's love life."

I bit my lower lip, "Maybe a little bit but not really." Maura shook her head in disbelief while I leaned in and kissed her cheek gently. She looked up at me and I gave a charming smile while she shook her head. "What," I laughed.

"Don't think your Rizzoli charm is going to get you out of this one, Jane Rizzoli- Isles."

"You can't deny me."

Maura smirked, "You are very confident in yourself." I nodded and I leaned over, kissing down her neck again while Maura groaned softly.

I smirked, "Very hard right?"

"Jane…"

"Maura…"

"JANIE! MAURA! IT'S TIME TO EAT!" We both pulled back in frustration while Maura giggled lightly and kissed my lips. I sighed but gave a light smile and let Maura guide me out of the room.

Maura's POV

I watched as Kris and Gabriella sat next to each other on the sofa. Kris was telling Gabriella a funny story for I could hear the small giggles coming from both of them. I then watched as Gabriella leaned up and kissed Kris' cheek softly causing Kris' smile to expand.

Kris never spoke about why Aaron and she broke up but Jane and I wanted to know badly. I twisted my wedding ring before I took a deep breath. Time to be a mother, I told myself as I stepped away from the counter and walked over to them. "Kris, can I talk with you in the office for a second," I asked her politely.

"Sure, Mom," Kris told me. She stood up, walking off with me toward the office before I closed the door and locked it. She raised an eyebrow as she asked curiously, "Is there something wrong?"

"No," I told her.

"I'm waiting for the hives."

"Kris, please sit down," I told her as I sat down. Kris noticed my serious look before she quietly took a seat. I looked at her for a moment and asked softly, "Kris, do you know what love is?"

"Pardon?"

"Kris, do you know what love is?"

"Do we want a scientific explanation," Kris asked back. I eyed her and she bit her lower lip, shaking her head.

"We never really talked about why you broke up with Aaron," I mentioned softly to her. Kris looked down while she began to rub down her arms. I moved closer to her, "You never told us."

"Do you really want to know?" I nodded while Kris sighed, looking at me for a moment before she answered, "He and I grew apart since he told me he loved me. It was already going to be hard to have a long distance relationship but also, I didn't…I didn't…"

I noticed Kris was starting to tear up. I approached her, wiping the tears gently away as I whispered, "You didn't what?"

"I didn't love him back, Mommy," her voice cracked. She looked away, pulling her glasses off while she rubbed her eyes. "It killed me to tell him that I didn't feel the same but I didn't have that feeling in my heart that I loved him," she explained.

"What is love, Kris? What is love to you?"

"Why are you asking me this now, Mommy?"

I bit my lower lip, holding her close. I kissed the top of her head and answered, "I don't want your heart to jump into another relationship and it becomes broken because it's not reciprocated or it won't last. I don't want you to…to…" I didn't want to finish the sentence but I could feel Kris' intense stare on me.

"You don't want to do what?"

I looked at her and sighed. The subject of sex was never a topic we brought up all the time and Kris tried her best to ask questions even in her awkwardness. But, as I looked at her, I finally answered softly, "I don't want you to make a mistake."

"Mom, I won't make a mistake because I want to know what love is before I even…you know…" she let out a frustrated sigh before she stated in a mature tone, "I won't give up my body or soul until I know my heart is in the right hands and I have their heart back in the same fashion. It…it won't be just…sex…it's…"

"Love," I completed her sentence.

R&I

Kris and I emerged after several minutes to collect ourselves. I watched as Kris resumed her seat next to Gabriella who rested her head on Kris' shoulder while I sat next to Jane and did the same. "Have you thought about names yet," Gabriella inquired to us.

Jane laughed, "We've been working on it. We want to be surprised on the baby's gender."

I nodded in agreement, "I believe Kris has a list in her room or was it on your phone?"

"It's both," Kris answered. She pulled out her cell phone before she scrolled down the long list and stated, "We have about ten names for girls and boys. We need to narrow it down."

"I still insist that we go with Bruce," Jane crossed her arms.

I glared at my wife and shook my head. "I am not naming the baby after Batman, Jane. You refused Gustavo and Michelangelo," I told her.

"Because they sound like old people names."

"They are beautiful names, Jane."

"But I don't want to name my kid after a painter or a scientist."

"Well…"

Kris chuckled softly and whispered to Gabriella, "Thanks for releasing the monsters. This has been the epic debate. It's going to take a bit to get them to come back to reality."

"I heard that, Kris Marx," Jane retorted as she threw a pillow at the young adults. "I should just not have you cook the turkey for Thanksgiving."

Kris smirked, "Ma, I've been cooking the turkey since I entered this house. If my memory serves me correctly, you called me in because you nearly killed Mom's kitchen when you two were not together and I was not adopted yet."

"You will never let that go?"

"Nope."

I noticed Jane frowned while I laughed as well as Gabriella and Kris. I looked at Gabriella before I asked, "Gabby, are you celebrating Thanksgiving with family?"

Gabriella's smile faltered a bit and shook her head. "My family and I are not that close," she explained softly. "I might just eat at home."

"I don't think you should do that. Why don't you join us?"

"Oh Maura, I don't want to intrude."

"You're not," I assured her.

Gabriella smiled at me before she stood up to grab a drink of water. I looked at Kris whose eyes were following Gabriella before she looked back at me and mouthed 'Thank you'. I nodded before I looked up at Jane who kissed my lips softly and whispered, "You're amazing."

"Thank you."

Gabriella's POV- Several days later…

"I loved Thanksgiving with them," I expressed to Judith.

Judith smiled, "Did you have the pumpkin pie Kris made?"

I nodded and I noticed a small smile formed on Judith's face as she placed her t-shirt on. "What," I inquired.

"Oh it's nothing," she assured me. I shrugged and placed my sweater on before I grabbed my bag. We closed our lockers, walking towards the door until Judith asked, "Since you've close lately, how's Jane's pregnancy?"

"She's doing well according to Kris. She went to the appointment and the baby is getting bigger."

"That's good and have you talked with someone about your nightmares?"

"If you mean by, have I told Kris? No, I haven't."

"Girl, I think you should tell Kris about your nightmares," Judith informed as we exited the locker room and began to walk down the hallways of the hospital. I shook my head and suddenly she stopped me, making me look at her. "Gabby, Kris is the expert about nightmares so I would trust her about them."

"Judith, it's not the nightmares that scare me. It's the meaning of them," I informed her. I looked around before I whispered, "I haven't told her about the scar or about him."

"Gabby, Kris can be the most understand person but if you keep a secret from her for a certain amount of time, she won't be."

I gave a surprised look, "Just like that?"

"Kris protects her heart and Gabriella, I'm going to tell you that you went past several barriers that so few have gone through."

"Why does she protect her heart?"

Judith shrugged, "I guess so many have broke it that Kris can't take pain."

"I would never hurt her."

"I know that, Gabby. But I'm just saying that you need to be careful or you'll both get hurt." I sighed leaning against the wall before I heard my cell phone ring. Judith smirked slightly, "Speak of the devil. I'll see you soon."

I nodded before I answered the phone, "Hey Kris."

"Hey, I'm out in the front if you're ready to go."

"Okay, I'll meet you outside." I hung up with Kris and began to walk out, dressed in my casual clothes to see Kris leaning against the Prius. "Where's your motorcycle," I asked her.

Kris gestured to the darken sky. "It looks like it's going to rain and I prefer if you don't get wet," Kris informed me. Always considerate, I smiled before she opened the door for me and I slid into the car.

R&I

We arrived at the local restaurant and took a seat immediately at a booth. Kris sat across from me and handed me a menu before she peered into hers. "Just be careful with both of your hearts," Judith's words still echoed in my head. I looked at her for a moment before I heard a soft laugh, "Do I have something on my face?" I blushed and shook my head while Kris placed the menu down, "So why are we staring?"

I looked at her with my eyes locking onto her blue eyes. "It's nothing," I told her before I looked back into my menu.

"Evening ladies," we suddenly heard and we glanced up to see a young man looking down at us. He held a country drawl in his voice as he smiled at me then nodded at Kris. "So what are two pretty ladies doing here all by themselves?"

"Trying to enjoy some food," I heard Kris mumbled.

The man seemed to ignore Kris' comment but continued to look at me. "Why don't you leave your friend and I can truly show you some good food," he suggested with a suggestive smile.

"I think she would like to stay here," Kris answered quickly before placing her hand over mine. I glanced over to see Kris' blue eyes had darkened, seeming to stare down the man. Her ears seemed slightly red while her face seemed to be the same shade.

"Listen chick, I'm not talking to you and unless it says that this ass belongs to you."

"Actually this ass does belong to her," I quickly told him. Both Kris and he looked in surprise with his jaw dropping and Kris blushing harshly. I took Kris' hand in mine then kissed her hand, "So if you please excuse us?"

"Um…right," he answered before he walked away in defeat.

I looked back at Kris who still had the surprise look. I pulled my hand away while I shyly said, "I'm sorry he was bothering us and -"

Kris shook her head, "It's fine…um good job."

"Thank you." We both stood silent while Kris picked her water and took a large sip from it. I gave a small laugh, which caused her to look up with a curious look before I said to her, "You are very adorable when you are jealous."

Kris smirked with the blush, which was fading, returning to her face. "I don't get jealous," she retorted. "I'm just a bit protective and also you're not property."

"So my ass isn't yours?"

"No," she laughed softly before she took my hand, lifting it up and giving it a small kiss. I smiled while she smiled back and whispered, "I prefer hearts more." She then released my hand before she excused herself from the table for a moment. As I watched her walk off, I touched my hand softly before moving my hand to my lower back, tracing my scar.

I glanced up at the direction Kris went before I sighed; Don't keep a secret for too long, Gabriella. You don't want to hurt her because if you do…you won't be able to live with yourself.

Kris' POV

"Gabriella, it's raining! What are you doing," I laughed loudly as I watched Gabriella step out of the car and started to twirl on the sidewalk by her house.

Gabriella looked at me. "You never danced in the rain, Kris," she asked back.

"Not really."

"You should try!" I watched for a couple more minutes before I stepped out of the car into the rain. She quickly grabbed my hand while I twirled her and I jokingly began to waltz with her. She giggled a bit while I brought her closer to me and dipped her before pulling her back. Her arms wrapped around my neck while I felt my heart pound against my chest again. Why does my heart keep doing that, I wondered.

"You're a good dancer," Gabriella complimented.

"Thanks."

Gabriella and I moved closer while we continued to dance to the music in our heads with the rain soaking us. But each step was worth the smiles and giggles I received from Gabriella. But after a few more moments, I finally pulled back and whispered, "Let's get inside and get dried." Gabriella nodded, pulling back and slowly guided me to the apartment.

R&I

"We sort of figured you wouldn't be home. The storm is really bad," Jane told me.

"Yeah, Gabriella already has a place for me. But I should be home in the morning because we still have that case to handle right?"

"Yup, Frost and Korsak are still tracking the suspect."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Ma."

"Love you, Kiddo."

"Love you too," I reciprocated.

I placed my cell phone down on the coffee table, running my hands over my face and ready to lay down until I heard a soft voice, "I know there's someone somewhere…who's sure to find me soon."

No way, I quickly stood up, walking toward Gabriella's bedroom. I knocked on the door to see that she was not inside but instead I could still hear the singing, "After the rain goes there are rainbows…I'll find my rainbow soon."

It's beautiful, I took a seat at the edge of her bed, continuing to listen to it until Gabriella stepped out and walked across her room wearing a long sleeve shirt and a pair of pants. Her hair was slightly wet but combed with a small smile gracing her face. "Soon it won't be just pretend…" she continued. "Soon a happy ending…Love, can you hear me? If you're near me, sing your song… Sure and strong and soon…"

I wish love could hearr me, I wished inwardly.

My conversation with Maura still ran through my head including what happened at the restaurant. What I told my mother was something I hoped exist because I knew it didn't exist between Aaron and me. My friendship with Gabriella was different from all of the bonds I have made. She made me feel so comfortable and relieved and usually this was a feeling I had with my family only. Not to mention that I keep having those weird dreams that confused me like hell. But it all came back to the question I dreaded, what is love?

I don't know why she even asked. It was not like Gabriella and I were going to get into a relationship. We were just friends after all but why did I get all defensive when that cowboy tried to flirt with Gabriella? Was I jealous? Friends don't get jealous and I shouldn't keep watching her…right?

I continued to watch Gabriella as she casually moved toward her mirror. She was humming now with her back facing me. She's beautiful, my mind pointed out. I shook my head and rubbed my temples in confusion. I glanced back up at her and decided to make my presence known. "Tam simplex et nondum perfectum," [So simple and yet so perfect] I said softly.

Gabriella jumped and quickly turned to see me. She placed her hand over her heart before she released a small giggle. "You scared me," she expressed to me.

"Sorry." I stood up, walking over to her as I said softly to her, "I'm just here to say good night then I'm going to sleep on the sofa."

"Okay, well…wait, how long have you've been there," she inquired. I gave a slight grin and immediately Gabriella blushed and hid her face, "Oh my god, I must have sounded horrible."

"Not at all. You were…I mean, you sang beautifully," I expressed.

"Really," I nodded and Gabriella looked down shyly. We were quiet for a moment until Gabriella quietly suggested, "You don't have to sleep on the sofa if you don't want to."

"It's fine."

"Kris, I bet your back is misaligned because of it. Why don't you…join me in my bed?"

"Why Doctor Rodriquez, I'm not a very easy person to get into bed," I teased a bit.

Gabriella rolled her eyes and instead moved closer to me. Our faces were inches away from each other as she whispered, "I'm not easy either, Detective." She pulled back and winked at me before she slipped into the bed. I glanced back at the door then looked back at Gabriella. I bit my lower lip before I sighed and slipped onto the right side of the bed. Gabriella smiled, "Was that so hard?"

"A little."

We faced each other before Gabriella asked softly, "You said something in a different language? What was it?"

"Latin."

"It's beautiful but what did you say?"

I removed my glasses, looking away from her as I lied, "I said that you looked nice."

"Sure," she giggled. I smiled at her before I adjusted the pillow and began to close my eyes. As I slowly began to fall asleep, I suddenly felt Gabriella shift a bit and moved closer to me. I felt her arm wrapped around while she rested her head on my chest. I tensed a bit until she asked softly, "Is this okay?"

I wrapped my arm around her waist slowly and relaxed a bit. I felt a smile form against Gabriella's face causing me to shift my head and looked down at her with Gabriella. She lifted her head up and looked back at me. Those eyes…god, they're beautiful, I thought. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat and whispered, "Good night Gabby."

"Good night Kris," I suddenly felt Gabriella's lips gently kiss the scar on my neck before she lowered her head back on my chest, falling asleep. I took in a deep breath then released it before taking one more small glance then closing my eyes.

You like her.

We're just friends.

Yet, you want love to come soon? Kris, face the music because you know that these feelings you've been having is different.

We're just friends!

No, you like her and possibly more than you think. Who do you think you're with in those dreams of yours? I opened one of my eyes, looking down at Gabriella's peaceful face and suddenly it hit me like a freight train. Oh shit, I…I…No way.

Love came sooner than you think.

Epiphany! Everyone cheer but hmmm, what's Gabriella scared about with her scar? When will she tell Kris? What names have the Rizzoli- Isles family decided for the baby? Hmm, the answers will come eventually! Please review, PM, comment, give ideas, etc! I love reviews as you know! Also check out 'Adventures of Kris Marx'.