I got some muse back for this story, thank goodness, I hated not knowing what I wanted to write next. Thanks as always for the continuous support. And awesome we made it to chapter 80.


Maura looked up at Frankie as she stitched up the murder victim before putting him in the cold storage, Frankie was hovering and had a frown on his face. "So, what happened?"

"Frankie, I just sent his stomach contents for analysis, there appears to be nothing natural about his death, but I won't know for sure, at least four hours. I'll let you know as soon as I get the results. You can't rush science," Maura looked at him, she's hardly seen Frankie look so serious. "Is there something bothering you, you don't usually hover or rush me."

Frankie frowned and took two steps back, "Sorry. It's just been a really rough morning."

"Care to discuss it with me."

"I'm not sure, I'm still kind of upset about it happening. It's a lot and I wouldn't want to bore you," he sighed and Maura nodded.

"If you want to talk though, you know where to find me, alright Frankie? You're Jane's brother and I want to do anything that I can to help."

"I'll keep that in mind, maybe we can talk when we both go on lunch. I'm still trying to qrap my head about everything," Frankie left the room, and Maura took off her gloves and went into her office to do some paperwork. She was only out of work for a short amount of time but Maura was glad to be back, even though she did miss spending time with Jane,

As if on cue, Maura's phone rang and she seen that it was Jane, she picked up the phone, "Doctor Rizzoli-Isles, how may I service you?" she asked in a cheery tone, causing Jane to laugh.

"Hey, there you go. I miss you."

"Jane I hardly been gone for two hours yet, are the twins and Barry alright?" Maura asked, leaning back in her chair.

"They are bonding, they really like Frost it's cute, seeing Frost actually smile it's a nice sight too. So, does this mean you don't miss me?"

"I always miss you when I'm away from you Jane. So, is the reason Frankie is at work upset have anything to do with Frost?"

She could hear Jane sigh over the phone, "Yeah, just stuff happened and they ended their relationship and pretty much their friendship. I think Frankie overreacted to be honest, it's such a negative Rizzoli trait, our anger gets the best of us. It's not exactly Frost's fault that he was confused in his feelings. After I gave him some advice he seemed to be better."

"You gave him advice, what kind of advice? Maybe you can help me figure out what to say to Frankie if he chooses to talk about this problem."

"Well I told Frost that maybe he shouldn't be with a Rizzoli, he seemed to be more stressed since he got involved with both of them. I don't think you can use that advice though, I think what I said made sense, plus this whole thing had been putting a strain on Tommy and Frankie's relationship."

Maura nodded, "I kind of noticed that as well, I don't do well with tension. I'm sure I can think of something to tell Frankie so him and Barry can at least be friends again."

"Alright, but you can't force Frankie to do anything, he can surely hold a grudge. He was being an idiot and not calmly talking to Frost about what happened. Frost is something special and speaking to him with hostility definitely doesn't help. I wish you luck with Frankie. So how is being back at work?"

"It's been nice, I get to be in my thoughts and no one hardly bothers me down here. It will take getting used to you not coming down here all the time, that was company I always enjoyed."

"Well you get me before and after work, and during when I call you. I hope I didn't call when you were busy."

"You actually called when I took the time to think about you. I was telling myself how much I'll miss spending time with you when I'm at work."

"Maybe fate does exist after all," Jane smiled and Maura shook her head.

"It was merely a coincidence Jane."

"Always the skeptical one, are we? It could have been a coincidence but I'll stick to fate."

Maura laughed at her wife before sighing, "I miss this."

"I know babe, but the more you keep busy the faster you can come home and see your beautiful wife who's been anxious for your return you ever since you walked out the door."

"You know I would have usually found other people's clinginess unattractive, but it works for you. I like knowing that I'm always wanted by you."

"Hey! I'm not clingy, I'm in love, there's a difference Maura," Jane teased. "A huge difference."

"Whatever you have to say to convince yourself that you're not clingy," she couldn't help but tease her back.

"You're going to get it once you come home, mark my words."

"Jane, I'm not scared of you. I should get back to work though, I love you."

"I love you too Maura, I'll be waiting for you."

"Why did you have to make that sound so creepy? I'm hanging up now Jane."

"Bye Maura," Jane just laughed before hanging up on Maura.

Maura's jaw dropped, "She's such a jerk," she put her phone on her desk, shaking her head in amusement. Jane thought Maura was going to get it, it was definitely Jane who was in trouble and she had no idea.

After Jane hung up she wheeled herself into the kitchen where the twins were covered in powdered sugar, "Frost, what the heck happened in here? Looks like a powder bomb went off."

"Um, the mixer got turned on a little too high. No worries though, they're going to help me clean it up."

"You guys better, I don't think Maura would appreciate coming home to a mess."

"We're sorry Jane," the twins frowned.

"Hey, it's okay, just you two be a little more careful, alright?"

They nodded and turned back to the mixer, "Told you she'd be mad Uncle Frost," Kate softly whispered to him.

"I'm not mad, I swear," Jane reassured the kids before hearing a knock on the front door, she sighed and wheeled to go get it. She opened it and there was Tommy. "I swear you have absolutely no life Tommy, come in, but be warned Frost is here."

"I know," he told her. "I wanted to spend time with the twins and I kind of wanted to talk to Frost."

"I already talked to him Tommy, please don't say anything to him, he took so long to genuinely smile. I don't want you to upset him," Jane warned him.

"Wait, so everything is okay then? He doesn't have feelings for me anymore."

Jane eyed her brother suspiciously and then nodded, "Well he realized some things and I fixed it the best that I could. He's going to let go of you and Frankie altogether. He doesn't want romance from you Tommy, and he wasn't jealous, he just wasn't happy with Frankie and we both know how he was with you."

"So Frankie can stop being pissed at me? I told him he had nothing to worry about. I don't have a thing for Frost anymore, it was stressful for him and he needs to not be so stressed."

"Thank God everyone is on the same page, well except for Frankie, but he'll realize it soon enough that you weren't the problem. Okay, you can come in then?" she wheeled over so he could come inside.

"What smells so good in here?" Tommy asked as he came into the house, closing and locking the front door.

"The twins and Frost are making a cake for Maura to celebrate her return back to work. It's kind of a mess in there though, a powdered sugar explosion, have fun with that," she smirked before wheeling over to the couch.

"You're always so smug Jane," Tommy shook his head and headed into the kitchen.

"Uncle Tommy!" the twins greeted him with a hug.

"You know kids, Cookie Monster wouldn't appreciate you throwing sugar around all willy nilly," he wiped off the sugar that got on his shirt.

"Well good thing we're making a cake then," Kate smirked.

"Man you're just as smug as Janie," he patted her head. "Did they have sugar already Frost?" he asked, finally looking at him, having to remember what Jane told him about Frost actually being happy, and he was not going to ruin it for him. No matter how handsome Tommy thought Frost was in this moment.

"Just some cake that got stuck to the edge of the pan when we took it out. I don't want them to have too much, you know how kids can get with sugar, plus we have to make sure the kids don't eat the cake before Maura comes home."

"We?" Tommy asked, raised his brow and Frost nodded.

"Yes, Jane and I, that we," he clarified before turning back to the kids asking what color they wanted the frosting to be.

"Yellow!" they said in unison without giving it a second thought or consulting in each other, causing Frost to laugh.

Tommy sighed and took a beer out of the fridge and went into the living room to sit next to Jane. "Okay maybe I still like Frost," he sipped at his beer. "I think I need help."

"Well I could have told you that, maybe you shouldn't come over when he's here, it could help, distance."

"Did distance help you and Maura?"

"Well me and Maura are much different than you in this situation, distance could never help us, plus just think of how miserable we'd be if we never got together."

Tommy shook his head, "I beg to differ Jane, in any timeline it was meant to be you with Maura. No matter what, it's supposed to be the both of you together."

Jane smiled, "Wow, I didn't know you felt that strongly about me and Maura."

"Well of course I do Janie. It's cheesy but it's true. You guys have always been perfect for each other."

"Thanks, it's always nice to hear. You'll find somebody some day Tommy, I promise, guy or girl, someone will give you everything you want. And no, I'm not talking about Cailin. She's off limits."

"Jane, if she honestly liked me you really want her not to go through with her feelings."

"She just lost Camille, and you're taking advantage of her when she's upset," she shouted, causing Tommy to frown.

"I was just saying, if she liked me enough she wouldn't be off limits, she's a great girl and I'd want her to be happy. And she started things with me, if you must know," Tommy put down his beer bottle. "I don't have time for this Janie, I hope you feel better. Maybe what you and me need is distance," he got up from the couch.

"Tommy, get back here."

"Goodbye Jane," he spoke softly before leaving. Jane groaned, especially when she seen Cailin enter the house, looking confused.

"What was that about?" she asked, immediately sitting down on the recliner. "Did he say something stupid again?"

"When doesn't he do or say something wrong?" Jane sighed. "I probably didn't help, but I was just looking out for you."

"Jane, I don't need protecting, I'm okay, even Hope thinks I'm fine, better than I could be. Why were you looking out for me anyways?" Cailin asked, taking the beer bottle from the table and taking a swig of it. "You weren't drinking this with your meds were you?"

"Of course not, I'm a responsible adult and know not to mix meds with alcohol, I did that in high school once, worse mistake of my life, well one of the worst. Anyways, I was just telling him that he'd find a guy or girl that will give him everything he wants. Then I told him you were off limits."

Cailin eyed the detective, "Wait, you told him I was off limits? I really don't need your help dealing with Tommy, after last night he's the furthest thing from my mind. Why do you care so much anyways?"

"Like I had to tell Frost earlier, you deserve better than being with a Rizzoli."

"Come on not all Rizzolis are bad, you're alright," she shrugged, finishing off the beer.

"I'm flattered, but that's not true. Even Maura deserves better than being with me."

"Jane, you don't mean that. You are the best thing for Maura, I don't like you talking down on yourself like that."

"I'm not talking down on myself, just being honest is all."

Cailin frowned, standing up in front of Jane. "No you're talking down on yourself, is this why you always seem to get in trouble and get hurt? Like your subconscious doesn't want to be here so you keep on putting yourself in danger because maybe there would be this one time and you can eventually slip into oblivion not worried about anyone."

"You're taking things way out of proportion Cailin."

"No, I don't think I am, you get hurt more than an average person does. Do you think Maura would appreciate hearing this from you, because I don't think so. You almost died last time, you almost left Maura and those kids behind, and that family of yours, and me. Do you not know what it did to me when I heard you went into the hospital, where your life could have ended? I couldn't even come to see you because I was scared for you, and you're here talking about Maura deserving more than you, it's crap Jane because you deserve everything you have and you don't seem to appreciate it. I am jealous that you get to be here and be with Maura and be happy, something I always wanted for myself, and you're doubting if you deserve Maura."

"Cailin, can you please calm down?" Jane asked, "I didn't mean it like that."

"No I can't calm down, you just... you don't understand Jane. And you never will because you will always be with Maura, you will always be able to be with the woman you're in love with and I'll be on the sidelines just watching, having this emotion of longing for someone I'm never going to have. You got who you wanted and that's not going to be the case for me."

Jane groaned, rubbing at her temples, "I'm so confused here Cailin."

"I can't do this Jane, I can't continue to live here and see you like this, it tears me apart, knowing you could have died it scared me shitless, and I'm scared of what I came to realize that means. I'm angry that I feel this way about you, angry about all of it, angry that I led Tommy on when he was never the Rizzoli I wanted, I knew what I felt and I let myself get involved with him anyways. You were right to have me off limits to Tommy, I was never in love with him, it was never him," Cailin spoke through her tears, vigorously wiping her eyes. "I'm going back to my house tonight, I can't be here," she hated herself more than she ever did in this one moment.

She went upstairs and Jane just sat there, in complete shock of what Cailin just admitted. "What the hell?" Jane ran a hand through her hair in frustration, she didn't even notice Frost enter the room.

"Did I just hear that correctly?" he asked and Jane frowned.

"Where are the twins?" she asked, avoiding his question, she honestly couldn't believe what she just heard.

"When Cailin started getting upset I took the twins to go feed your tortoise, they are just finishing up," Frost rested his hand on her shoulder. "Are you going to be alright?"

"I just... I do not understand what just happened. She started to react badly to what I said, like worse than you when I said Maura deserves better than me. Maura is not going to be pleased at what Cailin just told me... how she feels about me."

"Is it your story to tell? It seems like Cailin needs to be honest to Maura about her feelings."

"What Cailin needs is help, none of this is okay. She just needs some distance, she's just hurting, she can't really feel this way about me, it's not right."

Frost nodded, "I know it's not Jane, she just needs space, her going back to Hope's is probably the best thing for her. She'll be okay eventually, therapy is supposed to help people."

"Yeah, maybe she'll realize that's the best thing for her. Did you want to try talking to her? I'll go spend time with the twins until you're ready to finish Maura's cake."

"Alright, at least I know she likes to talk to me."

Jane nodded, "That's always a good thing, you are always the best person to talk to about things if conforting is needed," she told him before she wheeled herself into the guest house.


Maura was headed to leave work around time for dinner, she didn't actually get a chance to talk to Frankie about what was going on, she grew worried about Jane's brother. She was packing up her things when Frankie knocked on the door to her office.

"Hey Maura, can we talk before you go?" he asked and she nodded.

"Of course Frankie, please come in," she closed the door as he sat on the couch. "What's up?"

"I've been thinking about it all day and I think I shouldn't have gotten so upset with Frost. But I was a real ass about it and I don't know if I'm worthy for his forgiveness. I was just upset we didn't work out, but I shouldn't have told him we couldn't be friends. I don't know if I can handle not being his friend at least," he ran a hand through his hair.

"Well Frankie, I can tell it's pretty obvious that you're hurting. You seem to know what you want. Do I need to help?" Maura asked and Frankie shrugged.

"It would be nice. How did you and my sister make up, you know the time you guys got mad over the warehouse Paddy thing?" he looked up and Maura bit her bottom lip.

"She had to help save my leg, it took me being in danger for us to make ammends, but I don't suggest that for you. Don't go throwing yourself in front of a car or anything."

"Oh and give my mother a fit, that's not likely, trust me, I won't do anything to harm myself, I seen what Jane being hurt does to people. I guess kissing and making up wouldn't be the best option either?"

Maura shook her head, "No, I wouldn't exactly advise that either. Just be honest with him Frankie, he was a good friend of yours so he could tell when you're hurting, I'm sure of it," she patted his leg. "You could always join us for dinner, I'm sure Frost will be staying for that."

Frankie shook his head, "I don't think I'm ready to see him yet. We both work tomorrow, maybe then would be best. Frost and I wouldn't dare lose our cool at work, Cavanaugh would have both of our asses."

"That sounds like a good idea, you are welcome at our house, if you change your mind," she got up and patted his shoulder. "I already have to worry about Jane, I don't want to have to worry about you as well. I'll see you tomorrow then Frankie, have a good evening."

Frankie smiled, "Thanks, you know Jane is so lucky to have you, all of us Rizzolis are lucky to have you."

"And I'm more than lucky to have all of you guys, you never treated me like I was an outcast to your family."

"You've always been family to us all Maura," he gave her a nod. "Have a good evening Maura," he spoke with a smile before heading to the Dirty Robber, he figured anywhere was better than being at home alone.

When Frankie got to the bar he was glad to see neither Korsak or Tommy there, definitely not Tommy, he looked across the bar and Lydia smiled at him. "Oh, did they leave you in charge tonight?" he asked and she nodded.

"Yeah, it's nice of them to give me my third chance, I seem to be doing much better since your father is no longer in my life."

Frankie sighed, hearing her mention Frank, "Well I'm glad you got away from that tainted relationship, he was no good for you."

"Thanks, it's nice of you to think so," she slid him his usual beer. "So, how's everything been going for you?"

"Honestly, it's been a huge mess, but I'd prefer not to talk about it, if you don't mind." Lydia just nodded and went to go clean some tables. Frankie was left alone for a moment before he felt the presence of Crowe there.

"Hey there Frankie, did you come to celebrate with me?" he asked, with his usual shit eating grin.

"Celebrate what?" Frankie asked, not having time for Crowe's shenanigans.

"Tomorrow I come back to work, suspension is over, Cavanaugh pulled some strings."

"You tamper with evidence and you're hardly suspended?"

"Damn Rizzoli, don't be such a downer. It felt longer than you'd think, having nothing to do, no person to come home to, just me and my lonely self."

"I don't really feel like celebrating anything, Frost and I broke up this morning."

"Oh, you don't say, sorry man that it ended but in your defense I never seen you lasting long with Frost. He's just different, not in a bad way but the only Rizzoli I ever seen a chance of him with was Maura, well before she came a Rizzoli."

"How the hell is that in my defense?" Frankie asked, irritated by the man's words, moreso than normal.

"Because you always go for people not up to your standards," Crowe rested his hand on Frankie's knee.

"Okay, how long have you been celebrating?" he moved the man's hand from his leg, placing it back on his lap.

"I only had a few drinks, but you're not listening to what I said, you always go for people wrong for you."

Frankie sipped his beer, "Yeah I heard you, but I don't know why you're saying this."

"Are you sure you should be a detective then? I'm pretty sure my hand would have given you the explanation of what I meant."

Frankie just laughed at the man, "You're shitting me right?" he noticed the frown on Crowe's face. "I-shit, you're serious?"

Crowe nodded, "Yeah, why would I put myself out there like that? I see you go through so many relationships and they don't appreciate you," he shrugged, getting up from his stool. "Just something to think about Rizzoli," he paused resting his hand on Frankie's shoulder. "Goodnight Frankie," he spoke before leaving the bar, Frankie put down a bill for Lydia on the bar and went after Crowe.

"For how long? You can't just say that and disappear, this has got to be some kind of joke, right? Did Tommy put you up to this?"

Crowe turned to stepped closer to Frankie, looking into his eyes, "Tommy's a tool, why would I help him with anything. I'm being honest Frankie. I shouldn't have said anything but it's the truth."

"Well I call BS on your behalf," Frankie crossed his arms, not expecting Crowe to lean down and press his mouth against his. Frankie didn't know why he reacted, kissing him back hesitantly for only a moment. Crowe pulled back and Frankie wiped his lips. "Shit, you're serious."

"That's what I've been trying to tell you, weren't you listening?"

"You're drunk, you should go home and get some rest, I'll see you tomorrow. We can talk about this when you're sober."

Crowe frowned, "I am sober, but whatever you say and yeah, I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night Frankie, at least realize that I mean that."

"Yeah, goodnight Crowe," Frankie shook his head, watching him walk away. "There's no way in hell," he thought to himself in disbelief, letting his fingers run against where Crowe just kissed him.


Of course Tommy realizes he has the hots for Frost still. And oh Cailin smh, I knew it was coming her confession but I didn't expect her to go off like that it just happened. Um at least our Rizzles a cute phone call. And what just happened at the bar :O