A/N: How long has it been? I apologize for the HUGE delay. A lot of things has been happening and I never got back around to my story that I know many of you love. But I'm back now and I hope all of you are still with me. Go back a chapter if you feel you need a refresher, but I would NEVER intentionally leave you guys. Happy reading!

*TRIGGER WARNING for gun violence*

Bully in Love

Chapter 25

A half an hour had passed since Maura had stormed out of the Rizzoli household, leaving Jane in a haze of confusion. Jane did not feel she was in the wrong for standing up to Joey in order to protect herself and Maura. However, she knew keeping the incident a secret from Maura for months was a mistake. What a mess. Jane was not sure how to fix this one. Should she call? Text? Grovel on her knees at Maura's doorstep? She didn't know.

Angela did not help matters. She only made Jane feel more frustrated about the situation. She did not tell her mother the true nature of the argument, just that she and Maura had a disagreement. Her mother was not completely satisfied with that answer but that was all Jane wanted to share with her.

The brunette sat in her backyard on steps, thinking about the argument. Jane had never seen Maura so angry before and never thought she was capable of making her that upset. She heard the backdoor squeak open but did not bother to look over her shoulder.

"Janey?"

It was Frankie.

"What's up?" She quietly replied.

"Nothin' much. I just got home." The younger boy curiously looked around the backyard. "Where's Maura?"

Jane cringed at Frankie's question and shrugged. "At home, maybe. Hell, if I should know."

Frankie frowned. "Janey, how could she be home if her car is parked out front? Isn't she here?"

This got Jane's attention and she finally looked up with a questioning expression on her face. "What do you mean her car's out front?"

Frankie seemed slightly annoyed that Jane seemed so clueless. "I mean, her car is outside. I figured she was in the house somewhere."

Jane stood to her feet. "Was she in the car?"

Frankie shrugged, confusion etched on his face. "I didn't look. I thought she was the house, like I said."

Jane hurriedly pushed past Frankie and ran through the house. She yanked the front door open and jogged down the steps before looking down the street. Just as Frankie had said, Maura's car was on the street a few cars down. Jane walked over to sporty Lexus and approached the driver's side window. Maura was sitting there with her head down and hands in her lap. She looked sad. Jane took a breath before lightly rapping on the window. Maura was slightly startled out of her thoughts. She glanced up and saw Jane standing there. The blonde quickly wiped at the tears on her face, hoping Jane could notice, but Jane had already seen. Maura turned her car keys, powering on the car and rolled down the window.

"Hi," Maura spoke, sheepishly glancing up at Jane before lowering her eyes.

"Hi. I thought you had taken off already."

Maura slowly shook her head. "No."

They stand there silently for a moment. Jane stuffed her hands in the back pocket of her jeans, not sure what to say. Maura was still here. That had to be a good sign… or was it?

"Get in."

Jane frowned slightly. "Huh?"

"Get in the car, Jane. Please."

Jane went around the car and climbed into the passenger side and closed the door. Silence again. Jane looked over at Maura and saw the blonde fidgeting with her hands.

"Maura…"

Her words were cut short by Maura's lips when the blonde suddenly cupped her face and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. Jane readily reciprocated, closing her eyes. Maura was kissing her with full on passion and Jane felt it all through her body. The blonde painfully squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hold back her tears. She was so relieved Jane was kissing her back, despite how she had lashed out at Jane moments ago. The kiss came to a slow end and Jane was the first to speak. "Okay…"

"Yeah," Maura breathed. She leaned in and placed another kiss on the corner of Jane's mouth. Then kissed the brunette's cheek. "I'm sorry."

Jane shook her head slightly. "You don't have to be sorry. I shouldn't have kept that from you."

"It's okay. I've been sitting here thinking about how I responded to you. I over-reacted."

"I get it though. If I was just finding out that someone came on to you and tried something, and you didn't tell me... I probably be pissed too. And try to go kick said person's ass."

Maura chuckled lightly. "My hero."

Jane stroked Maura cheek with her thumb. "So, you're not mad?"

Maura shook her head. "No. I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself… and us."

Jane let out a breath of relief. "Good. I hate when you're mad at me."

The blonde smiled softly. "I hate being mad at you."

They silently sat their with their foreheads touching for a while.

"You do see the parallel situation in this, right?" Maura said.

"Hmm?"

"Joey liked you and you liked me, yet both of you treated the one you liked so terribly; bullies in love."

Jane had never really thought of that before. "I guess you're right. That's so weird. I was a dumb bully in love."

"And now you're just dumb and in love."

"Hey!" Jane chuckled, leaning back. "Maura Isles, getting quicker by the second with the jokes."

"I try," the blonde sheepishly shrugged.

Jane's smile softened. "But seriously, I'm so glad you finally stood up to me for being a jerk. It made me admit my feelings for you."

Maura gently ran her thumb along Jane's lips before giving her a soft kiss. She leaned back and looked into dark brown eyes. "Look how that turned out."

"Pretty damn, good." Jane smiled before leaning in to capture Maura's lips in a passionate kiss.

Maura ended up having dinner with the family later that evening and now she and Jane were cuddling in the brunette's bed. Maura was resting her head on the brunette's shoulder as they sat up, watching television. One of the characters in the film they were watching began dancing to the music that started playing.

"Can you dance, Jane?"

The brunette raised an eyebrow and looked at Maura. "You think I can't?" She smirked.

"I don't know if you can," Maura answered earnestly. "That's why I'm asking."

Jane pushed off the mattress and stood at the foot of the bed. "Want a demonstration?" The brunette challenged.

Maura smiled, sitting up expectantly. "Please."

"Okay," Jane clapped her hands together. "Prepare for greatness." Jane suddenly jumped into a wide stance and began to roll her hips and shoulders to the music that was blasting from the T.V. behind her. She gyrated her pelvis and jumped up and down several times but always landing smoothly. Maura giggled at the brunette's antics as Jane shimmied left then right and pumped her hands in the air. Though the brunette might have been playing around, she actually had rhythm in her bones. She could move. The song began to die down and Jane ended by laying out sideways on the bed in front of the blonde. Maura smiled and raised an eyebrow at her.

"Well?" Jane asked, breathing a little heavier than normal.

"I'm impressed."

"I figured you would be."

Maura rolled her eyes with a smirk before sliding off the bed. She stood in front of Jane and looked down at her. "What about slow dancing?"

"Slow dancing?"

"Yes, slow dancing with a partner."

"I don't know. Never tried it before."

"Come stand in front of me."

"Since when are you a dance instructor, Ms. Isles?"

"I'm not, but my mother did have me take ballet and ballroom dancing classes between the ages of 7 and 13. I think that qualifies."

Jane lazily got off the bed and stood to her feet. Maura stepped forward into her personal space and loosely wrapped her arms around the brunette's neck. "Put your hands on my waist."

Jane complied. "Okay."

"Are you ready?"

"It should be easy enough, but I'll give it a try," Jane smirked.

"Good!" Maura gave a giddy exclaim. "Okay, so first just move with me." The blonde began to slowly sway side to side and Jane followed. "Good. Now try it with your feet. Just mirror what I do."

They quickly found a rhythm and Maura smiled up at Jane with sparkling hazel eyes. Not losing their pace, Maura began to guide them in a circle. Jane pulled Maura closer into her body without missing a beat. She had to admit this was kind of nice.

"You can slow dance Jane Rizzoli," Maura smiled.

"Surprised?"

"If you had asked me that months ago, the answer would be yes. But since I know you, this display of intimacy from you isn't far-fetched."

"Thanks for breaking it down, Maur."

"You're welcome... Oh!" Maura squealed as she was leaned backwards against Jane's arm into a perfect dip. Jane held her there and smiled down at her. "I thought you never couple danced before."

"I haven't, but I've seen my fair share of movies with dancing."

"I'm very impressed; learning by simulation."

Jane raised the blonde upright and looked down at her curiously. "Simulation?"

"Yes. You learn by sight. Simulation or imitating. According to the text on Behavioral and Brain Sciences, imitation is a sense of acquiring skills by observation and is recognized by it's organizational structure, that it's biological function is to..."

Jane cut Maura's words off with a lingering kiss. They blonde closed her eyes and instantly melted into it. Jane leaned back and smiled. "That's my biological function."

"I hate when you do that."

"Why?"

"Because I tend to lose my train of thought and you know it."

"That's why I do it. It's hilarious."

"Glad you find it amusing."

"I really do."

The night of prom had finally arrived. Frost, Anna, Maura and Jane thought it would be fun to go as a group. The week before the big night, Jane and Frost went tuxedo hunting with Angela. That was an adventure all on it's own; painful to Jane but hilarious to Frost for many different reasons. Angela's criticism became overbearing and Jane must have tried on at least fifteen tuxedos before her mother was satisfied. Frost had only tried on two or three and he was done. He laughed every time Jane was handed a new suit and stomped back into the changing room. Overall, it was not a horrible experience because when she finally found the right one, she thought she looked pretty damn good.

For the evening's special occasion, the four friends were traveling in style. A stretch limo was there mode of transportation. Anna, Frost and Jane had never rode in a limo before and they were super excited for the new experience. Constance rented the limo for the night and was able to have Lars be their personal driver. She wanted someone she could trust. First, he picked up Jane and Frost. That way, both of them could traditionally pick up their dates.

Jane walked up to the Isles' front door as Frost and Anna waited in the limo. Holding her corsage in one hand, the brunette rang the doorbell. She was giddy with excitement and couldn't wait to see Maura. The door soon opened to reveal a beaming Constance.

"Oh, Jane look at you! Very dashing," she smiled as she stepped aside for Jane to come in.

"Thanks," the brunette blushed.

Constance saw how wired Jane was and noticed the brunette fiddling with the corsage in her hands. "Are you alright? You seem nervous."

Jane chuckled. "I am, kind of. I can't wait to see, Maura."

The older woman smiled. "That's sweet dear. She can't wait as well. So, don't be nervous."

"Good. That makes me feel a little better."

Constance smiled kindly and pat Jane on the shoulder. "She'll be down in a moment. I'm just going to help her finish up," she said, before climbing up the steps.

"Okay," Jane nodded. She blew out a heavy breath and began to pace back and forth in the foyer; the heels of her dress shoes echoed in the large space.

Suddenly, movement at the top of the stairs caught her eye. Jane stopped and looked up. Her heart literally stopped at the sight. Maura was wearing a Cerulean blue dress with keyhole detailing, cut out sides with a halter top style that made her shapely arms visible. Maura descended the stairs feeling like loyalty because of the way Jane was appraising her. She also took her time looking her date over. The brunette's black tux made her look extremely sexy and charming. Jane had even straighten out the curls in her hair, making her look even more cleaned up. Maura thought she looked incredible. They soon stood toe to toe with each other in the foyer.

Maura smiled brightly at Jane's speechless state. "Hi," the blonde nervously said.

The brunette swallowed, still in awe of the girl before her. "Hey," Jane softly replied. Her eyes raked up and down Maura's form. "Maur, you look... really really beautiful. I mean... wow."

The blonde blushed lightly. "Thank you. You're not too shabby yourself," Maura said, lightly tugging on Jane's tie. She observed the brunette a little closer and a genuinely surprised expression crossed her face. "Are you wearing lip gloss?" Maura asked in astonishment.

Jane smirked and nodded. "That was your recommendation, right?"

"Yes, but I didn't think you were listening."

"I always listen to you."

Maura smiled, feeling her heart flutter. "You look beautiful too, Jane."

The brunette smiled. "Thanks. This is for you," Jane said, holding up the white corsage.

Maura beamed and delicately held up her hand so Jane could slide the flower on her wrist. The brunette stepped closer and kissed Maura's cheek. "Ready?"

"That's my kiss hello?" The blonde pouted.

"I didn't want to smudge your perfectly applied lipstick."

"You can't. It's non-smear lipstick."

"Oh," Jane smiled, leaning closer. "In that case..."

Maura grasped the lapels of Jane's jacket and met the brunette's lips halfway. They shared a soft lingering kiss and smiled at one another. "Now I'm ready," Maura smiled.

To say they had a good time would be an understatement. It was one of the best nights of their young lives. Upon their arrival they scoped out the place, taking in the elaborate decorations, lights, and music. The four friends danced the night away. At one point, Frost commanded the center of the dance floor and all eyes were on him. Maura, Jane, and Anna cheered him on from the sidelines along with everyone else. They took a couple goofy group photos and separate couple photos. Jane even held Maura in her arms in one of them as the blonde held onto her for dear life. The hors d'oeuvres, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks were good and they indulged in plenty. After leaving the prom establishment, they went to the ice cream parlor and Anna's supervisor hooked them up with free ice cream. They joked, laughed, and talked about nothing as they enjoyed their dessert.

After dropping Frost and Anna off, the limo was making it's way to the Isles' estate. Jane was slouched back against the plush leather interior as Maura leaned her head on her shoulder. Jane looked down at her and smiled softly. "Having a good time?"

Maura sighed happily. "I'm having a wonderful time."

"Good. But you know it's not over yet."

Maura leaned up and looked at Jane. "No?"

"Nope. I want to take you somewhere else."

"Really?"

Jane nodded.

"Where?"

"That's a secret, but I can tell you we need to change out of these fancy clothes first. So Lars is going us off at our houses so we can get changed. I'm being dropped first so I can get some things together, then I'll come pick you up in my mom's car."

"Sounds like a plan," the blonde excitedly replied.

Lars pulled up to the curb of Jane's house. The brunette turned to Maura and smiled. "Alright, I order you to change into something more comfy, Ms. Isles."

"Like skimpy lingerie, Ms. Rizzoli?"

"Ohh," Jane purred, moving in closer to Maura. "Maybe we can save that for a little later."

Maura giggled and pulled at Jane's tie. "Okay," she grinned before placing a soft kiss on Jane's lips. The brunette smiled into the kiss, never feeling happier than she did in this moment. Actually, she always felt this happy when she was with Maura.

"So, I'll see you soon," Jane smiled.

"I'm looking forward to it."

Jane placed her hand on the door handle, but before she opened the door she looked at Maura once more. "Hey." The blonde looked at her. Jane gently grasped her hand and softly smiled. "I love you."

Maura felt the warm fuzzy feeling invade her stomach and smiled. "I love you too."

They shared one more lingering kiss that made their insides turn to mush. When it ended they smiled at one another with stars in their eyes. Maura rolled down the window and waved to Jane as the limo pulled away. The brunette waved back and headed up the drive way with a grin on her face. She felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

"Hey, Jane!"

Surprised the brunette spun around at the unexpected deep voice. From behind some hedges, Joey Grant walked unsteadily into view. He was wearing a tuxedo also, but it was a complete disaster. His jacket was unbuttoned, shirt was hanging halfway out of his pants, and his bowtie was slung around his neck, untied. His eyes were glazed over and he had a mean snarl on his face.

"Grant? What the hell are you doing here?"

"I wanted tah take yah to prom," he slurred.

Jane frowned and looked at him with disgust. "Are you drunk?"

"Nah… no way." He waved off the question with his hand. He took a few steps closer. His bloodshot eyes traveled up and down Jane's attire. "You look niiiice. Like, like a dude, kinda, but nice."

Jane rolled her eyes, growing impatient. "Grant..."

"Did jou have a... gud time at prom with your gurrlfriend?"

"Okay, this has officially become weird. You need to leave, Grant. I've already told you to stay away from me."

"Jane, come on," he said, sloppily spreading his arms wide open.

"Goodnight, Grant," She deadpanned. Jane turned and began to walk towards his house.

"It should have been you and me, Jane!" He called after her.

"Oh, my God, Grant get over it!" Jane shouted, whirling around. "Get over me! Maura and I are in love! I only love her!" She declared.

Grant lowered his head and shook his head sadly. "I know…" he murmured, reaching into the back of his pants.

What he revealed made Jane's blood run cold and her body froze to the spot. A gun. Joey pointed the weapon towards Jane, with shaky and unsteady hands. The brunette's heart was gripped with fear and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. This was really happening, but it felt surreal. Had she really pushed Joesph Grant to this point? She slowly raised her palms and found her voice. "Joey, what are you doing?" Jane calmly asked.

Pain was etched on Joey's face and he continued to point the gun at the brunette. "I w..would have been good to you, Jane." Tears began to form in his eyes.

"Joey, please. You don't have to do this."

"I, I, I do," he stumbled out. "It's the only way. I can't stand to see you happy without me."

"Joey..." Jane tried to steady her voice. "I am truly and deeply sorry that you're so unhappy. But you can be happy. You can. Just... put the gun down... please."

"No," he said, shaking his head. "I can't."

Before Jane could utter another word, he pulled the trigger. The loud bang rang throughout the neighborhood and the force of the shot knocked Jane off her feet. She hard onto her back to the ground. Almost instantly, what felt like fire was burning a hole through her as she gasped for breath. Joey stood their frozen with the gun loosely held in his hand. His eyes were wide with disbelief, not truly grasping what he had just done. The front door of the Rizzoli house burst open and Angela looked outside. She saw Joesph Grant standing on her lawn and then Jane down on the ground, clutching her bloody stomach. "Oh, my God! Janey!" Angela's horrified scream snapped Grant out of his stupor and took off running down the street. "Frank! Hurry it's Jane!"

The brunette felt the warm liquid coating her stomach as her body began to tremble with shock. As her head rested on the cemented driveway, her eyes focused on the stars above. It was such a beautiful Boston night. The pain she was initially feeling began to wane and her body suddenly fell into a relaxed state, as though she were falling asleep. The faces above her were blurry, voices became muffled and as soon as darkness began to encompass her she had only one thought... Maura.

A/N: I'd love to hear from you all since it's been so long. Thoughts?