A/N: Holy cow, I am so eternally sorry guys, and I will probably always be apologising for the long breaks between chapters. All I can ask for is your understanding. I want to do this story justice, because you all deserve nothing less, if you have stayed with this story for this long. It still stuns me that people follow this story, and I was reminded not so long ago that I have a duty as a writer to finish the stories I start. And so I finally knuckled down, and wrote, and wrote, and wrote some more. Because once a famous writer said that if your muse has left you, you just have to keep on writing, and it'll come back. And he was right.

I'm back, and I'm writing, and I apologise in advance for the unpredictability of my updates. But I do promise to finish what I started. Thank you. I hope you guys continue to enjoy the story.

The days and night since Christmas Day slipped by, and suddenly it was the eve of a new year. Maura was hard at work, the case they had scored just under a week ago remaining frustratingly unsolved. There was an administrative bungle and some issues in the lab, which led to restricted access to information and a delay in test results. And with each passing day, it felt like the criminals were slipping away.

The 31st of December had been spent working tirelessly in the lab, trying to find the missing links to the case on their hands. Detective Korsak had been and went, clutching a coffee and with the rumpled look of having stayed overnight at the precinct.

Maura sighed, rubbing a temple as she sorted through the files on her desk again. She had managed to see Jane briefly for lunch yesterday; easily the highlight of her week since Christmas. Jane told her about her session with Dr Riley Cooper, and she had told Jane very briefly about her case. She had to watch what she said, talking to a civilian, but it was difficult when Jane asked her extremely astute questions about the case. A few had even set Maura's mind to work, wondering if the homicide detectives had even considered them.

And they had exchanged a kiss as well. Or a few kisses. Maura felt a small smile creep over her face, as she relived their last one. It had been a sweet and chaste, and Jane had been smiling. She could see the almost shy grin on the lieutenant's face in her mind, as she waved goodbye to Maura after dropping her off at the precinct. Biting her lip, Maura glanced at the clock for what could well be the hundredth time that afternoon.

It was almost seven.

The doctor frowned, pulling out the file she had been looking for. Jane had invited her to the Rizzoli family celebrations, or, as Angela had called it "Rizzoli New Year fiesta". Jane had rolled her eyes at that – "we're Italian, Ma, not Spanish" – but afterwards, when they were alone, the ex-soldier had seemed almost timid when she asked if Maura would be able to come by. Maura was torn, knowing that she had this case to get through, but she promised to try and come by at least in time for the final countdown.

As a result, the day had passed in a series of stops and starts, moments of extreme efficiency punctuated by exaggerated slowness as Maura strove to finish as much as she could, so she could make it to the night's festivities. She took a moment to ponder the elasticity of relativity, before redirecting her attentions to the report on hand. If she could finish this, she'd allow herself to leave and see in the New Year.

With Jane.

It was eleven past eleven when Maura pulled up in front of Angela's place. Even from the street, she could hear the voices and laughter bubbling out from house, a powder keg of energy and cheer. She walked up the path to the front door, smile widening with every step. Knowing it was taking her closer to the people she was coming to cherish. And to the person she had come to love.

"Maura! You made it!" It was Frankie who opened the door, smiling. He pulled Maura in for a gruff hug, catching the doctor slightly off guard. But Maura quickly returned the warm gesture, happiness swelling up inside her.

"Of course! I wouldn't have missed it for the world." Maura looked around, but Frankie answered before she could ask.

"Jane's in the backyard. It's pretty stuffy inside."

She nodded, and Frankie grinned. "It's this way."

The younger Rizzoli led her through the packed house, throwing in an introduction here and there, family friends and relatives all bubbling in excitement as the clock ticked closer to midnight. Angela appeared long enough to pull Maura in for hug, and encourage her to eat up and enjoy the night. And then they were in the kitchen by the door leading into the backyard. Frankie stopped.

"I can't ever thank you enough, Maura. For everything." The young soldier gently laid a hand on Maura's shoulder. "Jane is so lucky to have someone like you."

The sentiment was so simply, so genuine, that Maura felt a tightness in her chest. She swallowed. "And I'm lucky to have someone like her."

Frankie smiled. "Don't stay out too long, alright? Don't want you two to catch your deaths of a cold." And with that, he turned back, leaving Maura alone.

Maura pushed the door open, stepping out onto the back porch. Jane was sitting on the top step leading down into the yard. At the sound of the door opening, Jane turned around, eyes lighting up when she saw who it was.

"Maura."

Hearing her name spoken like that made Maura melt. She couldn't hold back the huge smile that crossed her face the moment she saw Jane, and she didn't want to. Taking three steps, she joined the brunette on the stairs, sighing happily when she felt an arm wrap around her waist comfortably. They simply sat like that for a moment, watching the fine dusting of snow that was sprinkling down to dress the world in white.

"You actually made it."

"Of course." Maura turned to look at the beautiful woman beside her. She reached across to cup Jane's cheek. "I wouldn't miss this for the world, Jane."

She could feel Jane's hesitant smile against her palm, and she idly ran her thumb across defined cheekbones. "I know you're busy though."

"Maybe. But I would never be too busy to welcome in the New Year with you."

Maura delighted in the red flush on Jane's cheeks, visible from the lights in the kitchen. Jane screwed her face up in response. "Maura, that's so cheesy."

They both laughed, bathing in the comfort of each other's company. Maura felt a thrill when Jane pulled her closer.

"So… what are you doing out here?" Maura toyed with a strand of dark hair.

Jane shrugged. "It's too loud and stuffy in there. Wanted a bit of a break from it, I guess. And I always came out every year. It's sort of like my own tradition."

Maura tilted her head.

"Ma always likes to make a big event every year for New Year's Eve. All the extended family and stuff come over, and it's always lots of fun. I see some cousins and aunts and uncles that I probably wouldn't really see otherwise, and it's always great just having so much energy in the house. But it always got a little… too much, and I'd just come and sit outside for a bit, just before the clock strikes twelve. Maybe that's a bit weird. Y'know, not counting down the seconds with your family. But I could always hear them. I just… I kinda liked just having a moment to myself. To say bye to the past year. And, I dunno, I guess to promise myself that this year's gonna be even better."

"I don't think that's weird." Maura looked across the yard. "I suppose I did something similar. Mother and Father were usually invited to New Year's parties, and they'd take me along. And it was always wonderful, with beautiful music and good food. But I didn't really enjoy all the posturing that went with the event. So I'd find somewhere for myself and just… watch the stars. It was my own way of seeing in the New Year."

"Huh. Who'd have thought we'd have so much in common?" Jane teased.

Maura laughed, leaning into Jane as they both looked up at the night sky. "I have a question."

"Yes, m'lady?"

"Would you mind if I join you this year?"

"What?"

"To see in the New Year."

"Are you really asking me this question?"

"I'd be ruining your tradition."

Jane shook her head, smiling at Maura affectionately. "I wouldn't call it 'ruining'."

"What would you call it then?"

"I'd say 'improving' it. I wouldn't mind too much if this was the start of a new tradition, y'know."

"Oh really?" Maura smiled, leaning in.

"Yeah. If, y'know, you were interested." Jane leaned in too. "Are you interested?"

"I might be."

"Oh really?

"Mhmm." Their noses brushed against each other, and Maura felt lightheaded at the sensation of Jane's breath ghosting over her lips. "Very interested."

"Glad to hear it," Jane murmured, before their lips connected.

The house exploded in cheers behind them as the clock struck midnight.

The first day of the new year rose bright and cold.

Maura had to return home, to catch some sleep before heading back in to the precinct to continue work on their current case. Jane, with no such commitments, was left help her mother clean up the house a little and relax. She was also able to catch up with her little brother.

They were stretched out on the couch, sharing a beer and watching an old Red Sox game. It was comfortable, an echo of days long past. Things were different now. Tommy wasn't camped out between them, and the innocence of youth was gone. But it was still nice. Remembering.

"It's gonna be a good year."

Jane turned to look at her brother. Slowly, she nodded. "Yeah. It is."

The quiet subsided again, with the odd sip from a beer bottle and the cheers and shouts from the television.

"I'm glad you made it back for the holidays, Frankie."

Jane didn't look at him when she said this, but she felt Frankie lean across and squeeze her shoulder. "Me too, big sis."

They lapsed into easy silence again, the unspoken words sitting between them. They didn't need to be. Jane knew that Frankie understood. She took a moment to be thankful for the people in her life. How lucky she was to have people believe in her when she had stopped believing in herself.

An hour or two passed, and the Rizzoli siblings were engrossed in the game, shouting and cheering with the fans, screaming on the runners as they rounded third base, even though they already knew the final score. It was just like old times. When they weren't shouting at the TV screen, they were trading insults and making fun of each other. One of them led to a high school flashback, and old Sister Winifred. It was the perfect way to spend the beginning of the new year.

It was getting late when Jane realised she should return to her apartment. She had another appointment with Riley tomorrow morning, and she stretched as Frankie turned the volume down on the TV. They both watched some mundane infomercial play, but there was a new heaviness that had been absent for most of the day.

"I'm leaving in three days."

And just like that, reality came back to greet them.

"I know."

Frankie leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "It's only going to be for another two years. Two years, and I'll be back for good."

Jane nodded. They both knew that, but it didn't make it easier. "I know."

"Hey, Janie, I'll be okay. You know I will. How can I not be, when I had the best sister in the world as my role model?"

"Awww Frankie, what a sap." It was hard keeping her voice steady.

"It's true though."

"Damn right it is."

A little of the tension eased out as they chuckled together. Jane turned to look at her brother.

"I'm really proud of you, Frankie." She could see the slight straightening of Frankie's shoulders at her words, see the way he sat up a little taller at the praise. Like old times. It meant more to her than she could say, realising that no matter what happened, Frankie still respected her and valued her praise just as much as before. "You really became the good, upstanding guy I knew you could be. I'm really lucky to have you as my brother."

"Wouldn't be where I am today without you, Jane."

They smiled at each other, before coming in for a tight hug. Jane gripped Frankie's shoulders tightly, taking comfort in the familiarity of it. "I'm gonna miss you, lil' bro."

"I'll be back soon, Janie. And I'm gonna smash you at one-on-one basketball when I get back."

Jane laughed, as a tear slipped free. "You wish."

"There's the Janie I know," Frankie hugged her tighter. "I've always got your back. You know that, right?"

Tears streamed down Jane's face, but she smiled. "I know."

Maura hid a yawn behind her hand, as she signed off on the last report. The results had finally come back with evidence strong enough to take to court. The hearing would happen in three days, but until then, Maura found herself with a rare moment of reprieve from the onslaught of work.

Carefully slipping the report into its appropriate file, Maura decided that she deserved a break. As she headed out to the carpark, she pulled out her phone. She hadn't seen Jane since the New Year festivities three days ago, though they had kept in touch via calls and messages. The doctor knew that Jane had been spending time with her brother before he had to leave again for the army. And today was the day.

The doctor had sent Frankie a care package, and talked to him on the phone. It surprised Maura, how easy it was to feel familiar with Frankie. She had found a fast friend and supporter in the younger Rizzoli, and it meant so much to her. To be accepted without judgement. To be welcomed with open arms.

But now, as she looked down at her phone, she knew that Jane would be hurting. With a few swipes, she held the phone to her ear, waiting.

"Hey Maura."

"Jane. Are you okay?"

A sniffle. "Yeah."

"I can be there in twenty minutes. If you want me to come over."

A pause. "Please."

Maura pressed the buzzer. There was no reply, but the click of the lock told her that Jane had let her in. When she reached Jane's floor, she saw the door had been cracked open. Tentatively, she pushed it open.

Jane was sitting on the couch, staring out the window. Her fists were curled up in her lap, posture upright and military straight. She didn't turn at the sound of the door, still staring ahead when she rasped out, "Hey Maura."

The doctor could hear the strain in her voice. The way it was barely holding itself together. Her heart ached for the woman in front of her, the way Jane wouldn't let herself crumple, no matter how much she wanted to crack.

Maura made her way over to the couch, sitting down beside Jane. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there to see Frankie off."

Jane glanced at her. There was a flash of something in those eyes, maybe gratefulness, maybe relief. Maura wasn't going to coddle her. She wasn't going to ignore the source of pain, but she wasn't going to swoop in and fuss over Jane either. Maura knew Jane wouldn't want that.

"It's okay. Frankie says thanks for the care package. He told me you already talked to him on the phone."

"I did."

Jane nodded, looking out the window again. Maura's eyes were drawn to the hands in her lap. Jane was rubbing at the scars again. She reached out tentatively, taking Jane's hands in her own and gently massaging them. Keeping Jane from rubbing them raw.

"Do you know what he said to me, Jane?"

The brunette shook her head.

"He told me, that he didn't know anyone as strong, or as brave, or as determined as his sister. He said that if there was one thing he had learnt growing up, it was that the only thing that can stop anyone, is themselves. He told me that you were the best teacher he's ever known. You taught him to get back up when he fell down. You taught him to fight for what he wanted. You taught him to be the best person he can, no matter what the circumstances. He told me that you are his hero. And he also told me not to tell you that."

There were tears on Jane's face, but at those words, her lips quirked up for a moment.

"And he asked me. He asked me to please be there for you. To pick you up when you fall. To help you fight when you feel like giving up. He told me not to give up on you, even when you, and I quote, 'are being a stubborn idiot with a stick up her ass'. He asked me to have your back while he was gone. And when he comes back, we'll be the twice the support. He asked me to keep his big knuckle-headed sister in check so that when he gets back, I can be the referee to your one-on-one basketball games."

She looked into dark eyes, seeing the swirl of emotions in them: grief, pain, sadness, nostalgia. But there was a spark of something else. Acceptance.

"And do you know what I said to him?" Maura reached up to stroke Jane's cheek. "I said I'll keep both of you in check when he gets back."

Jane gave a watery chuckle. "And what'd he say?"

"He said he didn't doubt it. He thinks I'd be a terrifyingly good commander."

"He's probably right."

Maura smiled. "I'll be sure to work on it."

Jane leaned in closer, pulling a hand out of Maura's grasp to wrap around her waist as she buried her face into Maura's shoulder. The doctor curled her arm around her shoulders, leaning down to rest her cheek against brown curls. They stayed like that, listening to each other's breathing.

"Thank you."

Maura kissed Jane's hair. "I promised I'd have your back."

She felt Jane sigh, finally relaxing against her fully. Humming softly, Maura began to play with loose strands of hair, finally feeling at peace. She wasn't sure how long it was, when she felt Jane shift against her.

"Maur?"

"Yes?"

"Do you wanna come to a session with me?"