TITLE: Rizzoli & Isles – Wake Up Call

SUMMARY: Pining over her co-worker for years, Detective Jane Rizzoli is in desperate need of a miracle, or for the object of her daydreams to finally wake up and grasp the meaning behind the none too subtle inferences they've been sharing. The chance comes Jane's way after experiencing a near fatal ending to a case and she finds the courage to set the wheels in motion that result in having her best friend doing a little more than smell the roses along the way. A/U

PAIRINGS: Jane Rizzoli & Original Female Character. Maura Iles & Ian Faulkner.

RATING: M for mature readers.

DISCLAIMER: All characters other than those conjured up by the author's imagination, remain the property of author Tess Gerritsen and television series writers Janet Tamaro, Steve Lichtman & Kiersten Van Home. No copyright infringement to Hurdler Productions, Ostar Productions or Warner Horizon Television is intended. The following story is a work of fiction brought to life for the purposes of entertainment only. No money has been exchanged nor any profit derived by sponsorship.

WARNING: Events follow on from Episode 1 & 2 of Season 3. This tale takes a different course from the television series and features several consensual relationships between women.

A/N: Thank you for the reviews, follows and favourites.

Chapter 38

Friday 19th April

By the time Jane was ready to leave for work, her sides were hurting from laughing so much. Erica walked her to the garage and gave her a long kiss goodbye.

Nestling into Erica's neck afterwards, Jane advised, "We should be done with the interviews this morning, so I hope to be home no later than five thirty."

Ignoring the shivers running up and down her spine, Erica replied, "Good because our flight departs at eight and that will give you plenty of time to get ready."

"Oh, I appreciate the clue babe."

"I'm feeling pretty generous honey. Have a safe day and say hello to everyone for me."

"I will, but before I go, did you notice your mom was a little off after Braxton and Patrick finished their two man comedy routine?"

"She's sore from yesterday's workout. Olive and I are taking her to the pool once the kids leave with Bob and Rae to swim out the kinks."

"Okay and give her an extra hug from me later. She deserves it for putting in the hard yards."

"I will and don't forget to be home on time."

"I won't, love you."

"I love you too."

Jane gave Erica another deep kiss, just because she could. It was going to be gruelling during the interrogations and she needed a dash of love to get her through. Erica was more than pleased to oblige and send her wife to work in a happy mood.

-o-

A questioning glare was directed at Erica when she turned into the long term parking area. "Why are you using this service?" asked Jane.

Erica was all smiles, "Remember when I told you I had originally planned to take you to Italy for a honeymoon?"

With her coronary muscle doing a series of jumps and cartwheels, Jane's eyes brimmed with tears, "Oh my god, I love you so much. How the hell did you manage to convince Korsak to let me take the time off?"

Pulling into a vacant space, Erica turned off the engine and locked eyes with Jane, "Everything was on hold until you and Frost made a case against your two suspects yesterday. If you hadn't, then plans would have been moved back. Vince had a leave form rearing to go and snuck it into the final paperwork you signed before leaving the station."

Reaching across the console, Jane brought their lips together in a slow, heated kiss. Once they broke apart, Jane tilted her head to the side, "How long do we have?"

"We arrive home on Sunday the fifth of May for a total of fifteen days abroad. We'll be back in time for dinner at Maura's with the tribe, and you my gorgeous bride; don't return to work until the Wednesday."

Black eyebrows rose, "The day after our appointment with the IVF Clinic?"

"Yes," replied Erica as she opened her door.

"You are ridiculously brilliant and be totally prepared for my gratitude when we hit Italy."

Tittering at the inference, Erica quipped, "There's always the mile high club honey."

The old Jane would have blushed with embarrassment at the suggestion, but the married, sexually confident Jane squealed with delight, "Why yes there is and I'm eager to make that a reality."

Erica had no comeback for that one and didn't bother commenting. Instead she grinned like a court jester and wished their departure wasn't delayed.

-o-

Jane happily instigated several ventures to the mile high club during the eight and a half hour flight from Logan International Airport to the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome. The couple was pampered in first class by the Alitalia stewards and by the time they arrived at the reception desk at Europcar, Jane was weary and Erica wore an expression akin to a love sick schoolgirl.

Taking care of the rental of a silver Mercedes Class E sedan, Erica quickly ushered Jane to the collection area and stored their luggage in the boot. Jane slept for the thirty five minute drive and woke with renewed vigour when Erica parked outside the Grand Hotel de la Minerve, Pantheon a little after eleven am Saturday local time.

Looking around once her door was opened by a valet, the tussle haired brunette reached for Erica's hand and blurted out, "Holy crap, this is freaking fantastic."

"Wait until you see our suite," recommended Erica while stepping out of the car and slipping the valet several euros. "Grazie," she said to the young man.

"Siete i benvenuti; Godetevi il vostro soggiorno con noi," he replied with a smile. (You are welcome; enjoy your stay with us.)

"Sono sicuro che io e mia moglie sarà." (I am sure my wife and I will.)

Grinning, Jane tossed in, "Sono impressionato." (I'm impressed.)

Taking Jane by the hand, Erica led her to the front desk and after filling out the register and handing over her credit card; she turned to Jane and commented, "How come I have never heard you speak Italian before?"

"There's not a lot of need for it in Boston. Tommy, Frankie and I learnt it as kids while gathering with the families. Pa used to speak it all the time, but ma refused to, especially when they were having an argument."

Walking hand in hand to the elevators, Erica pressed the call button, "I think Italian is kind of sexy."

Beaming, Jane whispered into her wife's ear, "Ti amo." (I love you)

"And that will do it for me," joked Erica as the couple entered the car. Pushing in the correct floor number, the blonde cuddled Jane to her chest, "Our suite overlooks Pantheon Square and we have dinner booked at Fortunato al Pantheon for seven o'clock followed by the opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma (Rome Opera House) on the Piazza Beniamino Gigli."

Jane kissed the underside of Erica's chin, "Sono così innamorato di te." (I am so in love with you)

"Good grief, I should have packed more underpants," growled out Erica as the lift arrived at its destination.

"You won't need them; I intend on making love to you the second our baggage arrives."

Jane was true to her word, and once both women had collapsed from sheer exhaustion, they fell into a contented slumber.

-o-

Jane woke with the security of her wife's arms around her. Opening her eyes, she scanned the room and was agog at the high ceilings, ornate furnishings and classic designs of their Alfieri suite. Never one to have much time for Maura's lavishly styled home or her intricate art collection; Jane suddenly found herself admiring her ancestors' décor and felt an eagerness to explore her heritage. Glancing at her wristwatch, she noted it was only a tad past four in the afternoon.

Not wanting to disturb Erica, Jane slowly lifted the covers and inched to the side of the mattress.

"Where do you think you are going?" asked a husky voice behind her.

"I was going to check out the rest of this place."

"Mmm, okay but don't be long, I would like to cuddle more and chat."

Reclining onto her side, Jane faced the blonde and changed her mind, "It can wait and I'd rather thank you one more time for this incredible honeymoon."

Grinning madly, Erica traced Jane's face gently with her fingertips, "You don't have to and you are amazing honey."

Snuggling into the hand upon her cheek, Jane replied, "So are you. Have you been to the opera before?"

"I've actually been here before and went with mom and dad when I was a teenager. We actually stayed at this very hotel."

"Wow, I am so not in your league."

"Unless you want me to slap your ass, I don't ever want to hear you say that again. We are equals in this marriage and I have never viewed myself as being above another person."

"And this is why I am crazy about you," teased Jane while guiding her hand over Erica's hip.

"Maura has spoken to me about your struggles with the rich and famous, and that is why I eased you into my wealth. I didn't want to scare you away."

"Babe, apart from Maura, you and your family are the only people I know who don't shove their money in other's faces. Yes I used to be uncomfortable around Maura's high society friends and functions, but I learned to accept it. I see how generous you are and I would never fault you for that."

"Okay, so you understand why I see you as my equal?"

"Of course I do and I have been thinking I could use my credit card to donate some money to the homeless shelter Rondo hangs out at."

"I think that's a great idea and speaking of Rondo, will I ever met him?"

"I hope so, but I've still not heard from him for some time."

"Are you worried about him?"

"No, he can look after himself and if something had happened, he would have gotten a message to me through one of his friends. One of Korsak's contacts saw him the other day, so at least I know he is still around."

"Has he been in to pick up food from your mother?"

"Yeah, every second day of the work week like clockwork."

"I am totally changing subject here, but would you mind if I moved your piano to our place?"

Taken aback by the query, Jane's eyebrows knitted together, "Why would you want to do that?"

"Tommy was telling me the other day that it takes up a lot of room and they could use the extra space."

"I'll put it into storage," suggested Jane sadly.

Noting the subtle shift in mood, Erica pressed on, "Why don't you play anymore?"

"I can't bring myself to try again. Every time I've sat down in front of the keys, I either froze or cried."

"Would you mind if Emma learnt on it?"

"Did she ask you?"

"No, she spoke to mom about wanting to learn after they visited Tommy Junior a while back."

"In that case, feel free to move it into the house."

"Thank you, she'll be thrilled and so will I."

"Do you play?"

"I was taught by Colleen."

"Okay, let me get this straight," suggested Jane while leaning back in Erica's arms. "Emma saw my piano at my old apartment and asked to learn how to play?"

"Yes."

"I suppose Colleen will teach her."

"Correct, so it would be helpful to move your piano rather then send Emma somewhere for lessons or to buy another piano."

Jane giggled before speaking again, "I'd like to think I know you fairly well and suspect you have an ulterior motive."

Erica pretended to be shocked, "Crap, you and those darn detective skills."

Jane's reply was laced with laughter, "Did Emma ask who owned the piano?"

"Yes and Lydia told her about you not playing since the whole Hoyt nightmare."

Pursing her lips, Jane allowed an anger to pass over her, "Lydia told a six year old about that freak Hoyt?"

"No, mom stopped her just in time. All she said was you had been hurt by a bad man and no longer played the piano."

"Shit."

"I won't lie to you Jane; Emma idolises you and wants to learn the piano simply because you played. She told mom that if grandma taught her at the house, maybe you would join her one day."

Tears silently absconded from Jane's eyes, "Are you sure that girl is going to be seven in July and not thirty?"

Smiling, Erica pressed her lips to Jane's temple, "She's pretty intelligent and has seen the frown on your face when you rub your palms. I'm sure she intends on asking you about the scars one day, but for now she has her sights set on helping you over the hurdle of not playing your piano."

Burying her face into Erica's chest, Jane wept, "She is such a beautiful soul and I'll talk to her when we get home."

"Sounds like a good idea to me. Would you like to join me in that massive bath in the travertine marble bathroom?"

"Don't be showing off your home renovation knowledge," taunted Jane with a titter. "And I'd rather cuddle here a little longer."

"All right Bossy Boots and thank you for loving my family the way you do."

"Oh babe, they make it easy."

"You are going to be one freaking awesome mother."

"I hope you say that after I give birth and am pissed off due to lack of sleep."

"I have no doubt my opinion will not falter," asserted Erica before covering Jane's smile with her lips.

-o-

Erica was staring across the table at Jane and her thoughts were nothing short of canal. The brunette was wearing a midnight blue, form hugging sleeveless dress and her toned arms and chest were on display. The blonde was mesmerised by the attire and long flowing loose curls framing the perfect physique of her wife.

Looking up from the menu, Jane captured the wanton expression on Erica's face and boldly asked, "Are you undressing me with your eyes?"

"No, just admiring your beauty and how much you affect me."

"I enjoy your flattery, so feel free to continue."

"It's come to my attention that you are nowhere as shy as when I first met you."

"I've matured since then and I know your feelings are honest. You are the only person that has made me feel good about myself. I mean, I have always been confident with my work, but I never could take a compliment. I always felt I didn't deserve it or the person saying the words was only looking for a quick roll in the sack or attempting to tame my so-called wild spirit. You changed all that and I trust your words."

With a slight tilt of her head, Erica confessed, "I never understood why Dean treated you with such contempt and used you for a career gain."

"Turns out he was demented, remember?"

Erica grimaced behind her glass of Brunello di Montalicino, "How could I forget, I have the scars to prove it?"

"I should never have put you in that dangerous situation," lamented Jane before taking a sip of her own red wine and allowing the guilt to subside.

A brilliant smile flooded over Erica's lips, "It led us to where we are tonight and I for one, have no qualms about that. I would go through all the pain again just to be with you like this. I am the happiest I have ever been, you are beyond the best wife ever and you are so hot in that dress."

Chuckling, Jane toasted Erica, "Here's to us and our families."

"Cheers honey and here comes the waiter. Have you decided on what you'd like?"

"I have and I hope he excuses my poor Italian."

Before Erica could reply, the server asked for Jane's order in English.

Pointing to the menu, she answered, "For the starter I'll have the smoked Norwegian Salmon and the rack of lamb for the main. Thank you."

"And for you ma'am?" he asked of Erica.

"I'll take the rucola and shrimp salad with capers and balsamic dressing. For main, I'll have the Danish filet mignon, thank you."

"Excellent choices ladies; can I top up your wine classes?"

"Yes please," indicated Erica with a hand gesture.

Once the waiter departed, Jane burst into laughter, "We travel all the way to Rome and expect to impress people with our Italian and low and beyond, our freaking server is American."

Joining in the mirth, Erica added, "He is probably on a working holiday and we will have plenty of opportunities to dazzle others with our Italian over the next few days."

"I hope so and this wine is delicious."

"It certainly is and so are you."

"I'll let your test that theory later and so far I am really enjoying our date."

"I am glad to hear that and I hope date night becomes just as popular as our weekends away."

"Oh I hope so too babe."

After enjoying their dinner, Erica and Jane attended the Opera House and were enthralled in Verdi's II trovatore, a romantic melodrama considered to be his most tuneful score. Jane's appreciation for a wonderful night began the instant the couple entered the darkened suite.

Erica was undressed in record time by her wife and riding the crest of her first orgasm only minutes later while pushed up against door. Jane was on fire and it was well after midnight before Erica could take control and reciprocate and then some.

As the sun slowly made its presence outside the curtains of the bedroom windows, Jane had Erica's head cradled in the crook of her left shoulder and her right hand fingers were tenderly stroking her lower back.

"You wore me out," acknowledged a yawning blonde.

"I hope you are not complaining?"

"Of course I'm not. I love the way we engage in marathons and don't have to wear jogging outfits or worry about the weather. How about we step out onto the balcony and watch the remaining sun rise?"

Once she stopped giggling, Jane answered, "I'll grab the robes from the bathroom."

"Are you hungry honey?" inquired Erica while moving off the bed.

"I am famished."

"I'll fetch the phone and order room service."

"Okay, met you outside and can I have a request?"

"Of course you can Jane."

"After we eat can we come back to bed?"

"We can and our tourist trips are flexible."

"Thank crap for that because I am in need of sleep."

"I am too, but have no criticisms."

"I don't either, now move it."

-o-

Jane and Erica visited the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Vatican City and a bevy of attractions over the next fourteen days. Their evenings were spent tasting the delights offered by local restaurants washed down with an abundance of vino and beer. Desert always meant love making in their suite's king size bed and Jane had never felt so close to Erica as she did on the day they flew back to Boston.

Erica had been carefree and open during the honeymoon and Jane had listened intently as she shared stories from her youth and early adulthood that had previously gone unmentioned. In turn, Jane had divulged every single detail of her time chasing Hoyt and other cases that have left emotional and physical scars. She also spoke of Maura and Ian and was eager to see them again.

After arriving home and being welcomed back by all and sundry, Jane helped Erica with the washing then played cowboys and cowgirls with the children. Jane was chasing Braxton around the backyard when he suddenly stopped and turned to her.

"Are you going to be my new mommy?"

Jane's chest constricted and she tried to be tactful with her reply, "Why do you ask?"

"We had the big dinner here last Sunday and I heard Lydia talking to my Grandma Claire that you was going to ad … ad. I can't remember the word."

Kneeling, Jane focused on watery eyes, "The word is adopt and yes, your Aunt Erica and I are going to adopt you, Emma and Jacqueline before the end of this year. We planned on speaking with you and Emma soon."

Scrunching up his face, Braxton asked, "So that will make you my mommy and Auntie Erica my momma?"

"Only if you want to call us that; it will be up to you if you do."

"Can I think about it?"

"Of course you can."

With tears precipitously rolling down his face, Braxton gripped Jane's neck, "I told Emma what Lydia said and she cried."

"Crap!" exclaimed Jane before stopping herself for saying uttering another curse.

"That's a bad word," pointed out Braxton with a coy grin.

"Yes it is and I am sorry for using it."

"It okay, I say it when I fall over. You not tell on me?"

Suppressing a giggle, Jane replied, "I won't tell anyone if you don't tell them about me."

Patting her on the back, Braxton agreed to her terms, "Deal."

The jollity dissipated when he whispered, "I miss mommy and daddy."

"I do too Little Man, so do I."

"Is it still okay to cry?"

"Yes and don't let anyone tell you it isn't."

"Deal."

Jane waited for the teardrops to discontinue before kissing Braxton on the crown and telling him to find Emma. Once he was chasing after his sister, along with Bolt and Jo Friday, she walked over to where Erica was standing beside the steps.

Draping an arm around her wife, she began, "You are not going to like this, but Braxton overheard Lydia asking your mother about our plans to adopt the kids."

Shaking her head and tightening her hands into fists, Erica asked, "What the hell is wrong with that woman?"

"We all know subtly is not her middle name and I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault and I suppose Tommy told Lydia after hearing it from your mom."

"That would be my guess. Tommy can't keep his big mouth shut at the best of times."

"What's done is done and would explain why Emma has been quiet around me."

"Braxton told her and said she cried."

"Fuck. No matter how hard we have tried to keep it from the children, someone had to come along and fuck it up. This is precisely why I wanted news of our impending clinic visit kept to ourselves."

Noticing the tears in the blonde's eyes, Jane made an offer, "Do you want me to speak with Lydia this afternoon?"

"What good would it do Jane?" inquired Erica as she watched the kids play on the gym. "She's as smart as box of rocks and wouldn't understand."

"I suppose you are right."

"This has been a real shitty homecoming," whined Erica as she turned and headed inside the house.

Jane's first impulse was to go after her, but her mind stopped her progress. After nearly two weeks of bliss and the chance to step outside the constraints of responsibility, Erica had relaxed greatly. Now she was upset because one person wasn't mindful of their words.

To her relief, Erica rejoined her moments later and embraced her, "I guess we should have that chat with Emma and Braxton now instead of waiting."

"I'll go get them," proposed Jane.

-o-

Emma was swinging her legs over the side of a porch chair with Braxton by her side. She looked up at Erica and said, "I know you and Jane are going to adopt us."

Crouching in front of her niece, Erica nodded, "That was the plan. Do you know what adopt means?"

"I heard some kids talking about it at school and one said you get adopted when you live in an orphanage. I asked Missus Chambers what an orphanage was and she told me it is a place where children live when they don't have any parents. Are you sending me and Brax to an orphanage?"

"No honey. Jane and I will go to Court and ask that you, Braxton and Jacqueline be placed into our full time custody. It's a legal process that will guarantee we will look after the three of you. At the moment we are your legal guardians, but your parents asked us to adopt you after they passed away. You won't have to call us mommy or mamma unless you want to. Jane and I are not trying to replace your mommy and daddy, just make it so we have more of a say in your wellbeing and protection."

Jane saw Braxton was about the cry and stepped in, "What is it buddy?"

"Daddy not say this to me when he visited in my dreams."

"Maybe he wanted to keep it a surprise," reasoned Jane while resting a hand on his shoulder.

"Maybe, but you no send us away?"

"No, Erica and I love you both and would never do that to you."

Erica spoke next, "We love Jac too and you are our family."

Nodding with understanding, Braxton's next question caused Erica's temper to flair again, "What about the baby Jane has growing in her tummy, you have no room for me and Emma?"

Closing her eyes, Erica counted to ten, "Who told you that?"

"Lydia tell Tommy."

Standing, Jane explained, "I do not have a baby in my tummy. Your Auntie Erica and I will have a baby in the future, but not right now. Do you understand?"

"I do and I think Lydia is a blabbermouth," admitted Braxton sans much ado.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Jane laughed, "You may be on to something there Little Man."

Erica on the other hand, reacted differently, "I won't be going to dinner tonight Jane. Can you please make my apologies to your mother?"

Stunned, Jane nevertheless replied, "Yes."

Emma burst into tears and Braxton followed. Erica wasn't too far behind them as she wrapped her arms around them, "How about I make you both a special dinner and we watch a movie afterwards?"

The suggestion made the children cry harder.

Jane leaned over Erica's left ear, "Maura and Ian have gifts for them from their weekend in Vegas and they are eager to give them the ones we bought in Rome."

Straightening up, a dejected Erica remarked, "Okay, Jane can take you to dinner at Maura's and I'll read you a story when you come home."

"Deal," sobbed Braxton.

"Okay," assented Emma while drying her tears. "Are you mad at us?"

"No, I am upset with someone else. I want you to go with Jane now and wash your faces. You will give your grandmothers unnecessary worry if they see you in this state."

Realising Erica wanted to be alone; Jane took the kids by the hand and led them inside. After assisting them with a washcloth, she told them to go pick out an outfit for dinner then called her mother.

After two dial tones, Angela answered, "Hey Janie, how was the honeymoon?"

"We had an amazing time, but you and I need to have a serious conversation later."

There was hesitation in the reply, "Okay … I guess I'll see you soon."

"You will, but Erica won't be joining us."

"Why not, is she ill?"

"No ma, I will talk to you about it when I see you."

"All right and tell Patrick I made his favourite desert."

"I will, bye."

Pocketing her phone, Jane went out to the porch and was disappointed to not find Erica. She went upstairs and checked their bedroom, only to come up empty. Going back downstairs, she went into the living room and asked Colleen if she had seen Erica.

"She's gone for a run love and explained she is skipping dinner tonight."

"Okay."

Returning to the bedroom to change, Jane smiled when she saw the note tucked under her wallet on the dresser drawers. Unfolding the paper, she laughed at the first line:

Jane,

I am a butt head for not sticking around,

but I really don't want to face Lydia or your

mother tonight. We had a wonderful time

away and I want to think about that instead of

the lack of trust shown to you and me. My heart

is aching for Emma and Braxton and it could have

all been avoided, but now we are left with the

clean-up. I love you with all my heart and hope

you understand why I can't be at Maura's tonight.

I will deal with the situation once I cool down a little.

I love you so deeply,

Your cranky wife Erica.

Refolding the page, Jane withdrew her phone and sent a one worded text to Erica: Together

-o-

Erica stopped pounding the pavement and reached for her vibrating phone. Tears filled her eyes when she read Jane's missive. Turning around, she headed for home and hoped she arrived before the others left for Maura's.

As she opened the front door, she was greeted by Colleen, "Jane is upstairs getting ready love. I am glad to see you changed your mind and made it back in time."

"I am too Grandma."

"I'll get the kids organised while you shower."

"Thanks, I won't be long."

Climbing the stairs two at a time, Erica raced into the main bedroom and discovered Jane inside the closet pulling on a tee shirt. Snaking her arms around her wife, she apologised, "I'm sorry and you are right; together we will face Lydia and your mother."

Planting an ardent kiss on Erica's lips, Jane took her time in expressing her appreciation. Minutes passed before the couple separated and pressed their foreheads together.

"I just want to say how pleased I am you came back. I was worried I would tear them new assholes if dealing with it on my own."

"That may still happen, but at least you will have backup."

Laughing with relief, Jane nibbled on Erica's neck, "You are all sweaty."

"Want to join me in the shower?"

"Why yes I do and we can both benefit from some stress release."

"You are insatiable Missus Rizzoli-Campbell."

"I am and we are on a deadline, so move your gorgeous ass."

"You really are bossy, you know that?"

"Shut up, you love it."

"You got me there."

Jane was too busy stripping off her clothes to reply.

-o-