Hello again! Quick A/N before reading: I usually show the character's thoughts in italics, so if you see that, read it in the character's voice (it's sadly what I do when writing) Also, this is starting to build up to the date, so in this chapter there is a lot of talking/texting which I've tried to keep, again in italics, but also flitting between bold and normal typeface. You'll see what I mean when you get there. Anyway, I'll talk more at the end of this chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 14 - Countdown Begins

The next few days passed in a blur as Jane Rizzoli readied herself for her eighteenth birthday. It was currently Saturday. 6 days until her 18th and 7 long days until her date with Maura. She was sure her Ma had also added an extra volume button onto her voice box as Jane's ears had been constantly ringing for the last week. Angela wouldn't stop talking about which cousins were coming this Friday and which aunt had fallen out with who this time. All the while, her Pop wouldn't let her forget he was missing the Red Sox game for the party. At this, Angela would roll her eyes and tell him he'd probably round up all of the male Rizzolis after an hour to watch the game anyway. All Frank could do was chuckle before turning back to his paper. Jane felt as though her whole life was one serious case of déjà vu, as the days seemed to pass again and again, but her party didn't seem to be coming any closer.

Jane would often watch her parents' interactions curiously. Frank and Angela clearly loved each other, despite their constant bickering, and the brunette often wondered how her own relationship would be after 20 years of marriage… maybe to Maura? Calm down Rizzoli, you haven't even been together yet. Smiling at the thought of possibly being with the honey-blonde for that long, Jane's happiness was slowly replaced by a gnawing emptiness, knowing that Maura wouldn't be able to spend the evening with her loud and intrusive family like Jane wished she could.

Maybe one day.

Frank and his two sons left the kitchen, squabbling over who's turn it was to pitch, leaving Jane and Angela alone at the table. Noticing her daughter was without her phone for the first time in a long while, the matriarch took her chance.

"Janie, you wanna talk about your party? Maybe see if you're inviting anyone special?" Angela hinted with a twinkle in her eye, sliding a glass of orange juice across to her daughter. She started to chuckle as Jane's cheeks turned pink.

"Ma, come on, you know this family is not ready for that."

"Maybe not some people, but I am!" Angela insisted, "I really want to see who's got my Janie this happy."

"One day Ma, okay? Just… not at this particular party."

"But you're turning 18 Janie, it's not just any old get together! Are you not celebrating with her at all?"

"I am… seeing her on Saturday instead," Jane all but whispered as her mother squealed at finally getting some details, "and no, I'm not telling you where I'm taking her in case you spy."

"Janie, I would never spy on you! I value your privacy."

"Says the woman who was stood at the window the other night."

"Well… I just happened to be there." Angela sat up straight, knowing full well she had been caught.

"Sure, Ma." Jane rolled her eyes, taking another sip of orange juice.

"I just want to know you're okay Jane, you know that." Angela reached across the table to gently hold Jane's hand with her own.

"I know okay, but I'll let you know in my own time, so I'd really appreciate it if you didn't push."

At that moment, Jane's phone buzzed, signalling two new messages, both from the honey-blonde.

Good morning beautiful 3

I hope you have a good day today, I miss you.

Smiling like a Cheshire cat at the message, Jane typed a quick reply before looking up to see the beaming grin on her mother's face and knew she had to leave before the questions got more intrusive.

"And on that note, I need to work out what we're doing on Saturday!" Jane then gulped the rest of her orange juice before jumping up from the rickety wooden chair and quickly washed her glass in the sink. She kissed her mother on the cheek before exiting the kitchen and grabbing the keys to Frank's truck from the bowl near the door.

"Thanks for the juice Ma, I'll just be a couple of hours." She called back, leaving her mother alone with her thoughts.

As she opened the front door, the weight of Saturday suddenly fell on her shoulders. She'd gone on dates in the past, with Casey and Riley, but looking back they weren't personal enough. Jane had to think big, and she already had a few ideas of where to take the beautiful older woman, but the one thing she was sure of, was that it had to be perfect. She picked up her phone and dialled the one person, outside of her family, she knew she could count on. Luckily, he picked up on the second ring.

"Hey Frost, can I come over?"

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Ten minutes later, Jane was pulling up outside Frost's house in her Pop's truck and the brunette raced to the front door, excited to share the plan she'd came up with on the drive over.

"Rizzoli? You remembered I exist on a weekend?" Frost gasped as he opened the door, pretending to clutch at his chest, which earned him a light punch on his right arm.

"Hey! I saw you at school, not even 12 hours ago," Jane laughed as she followed her best friend through the door.

"True, but normally I'm not the extra-curricular activity you go to these days." Frost said as he wiggled his eyebrows.

"SHHHH!" Jane pushed him into the living room trying to keep him quiet, not knowing if his mom was home, "Dude come on, keep it on the down low."

"Jane calm down, it's just fun watching you squirm."

"I'm so glad we're friends." Jane huffed in response, earning a chuckle from her friend as she sat down next to him on the comfortable grey sofa.

"Yeah yeah, now Jane, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Well… you know my Ma is throwing my party on Friday?"

"Of course I do, she's been talking about you turning 18 for months, I think half of Boston is invited."

"Well, since I can't invite Maura on Friday, I want to take her somewhere special on Saturday, just the two of us. So, we can hopefully… you know" Jane turned in her seat, clasping her hands together nervously as Frost raised his eyebrow.

"Jane, you know you can't go out in public with her right? You might be a legal adult, but you still can't be seen while she's your teacher. You can't just stroll in some place and order a double pepperoni pizza in the hope of getting into her pants afterwards."

"Okay first of all, I wouldn't order a pizza on the first date, that's what I put up with from Casey. Secondly, dude, I'm not just trying to 'get into her pants' she's not Riley, and thirdly, that's where you come in. Your Mom still works at the same place, right?"

"Yeah… but why would… oh! You wanna take her there?"

"Think she'll like it?"

"She'll love it Jane. You know, I never thought you'd be the romantic type." Frost teased, causing a blush to creep up his best friend's neck.

"Maura is worth every mushy thought in the world dear Frost. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon." Jane leaned back with her arms resting behind her head, "Now can we start planning?"

"Sure! MOM? Can you come here a second? Jane needs a favour."

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The rest of that night Jane, Frost and his Mom talked and meticulously planned every detail for next Saturday night. The two friends of course keeping Maura's identity a secret, only telling Camille that Jane wanted to plan something special for someone special. Camille's eyes glinted when Jane told her this and brought her into a tight hug, reminding the brunette she could always talk to her about anything. Jane took a moment to think about how safe she felt in Frost's home, just as she always had. The brunette knew she could never repay Frost and his family for all of the love and support they had shown her over the years, and maybe one day Jane would get the chance to bring home the woman she loved, not only to the Rizzoli household, but to the Frost's as well.

Several pizzas and cannolis later, the trio felt satisfied they had created the perfect plan for Jane's first date with the honey-blonde, now all she had to do was wait. Jane entered the kitchen for a glass of water, relaxing into the feeling of the cool glass against her warm forehead.

"Can I really pull this off?" Jane whispered to herself, not realising Frost's mom had entered the kitchen behind her.

"Jane honey, she's a lucky girl whoever she is, for you to go through all of this effort, are you sure you won't tell me who's captured your heart?" Camille asked the brunette, as she tidied away the leftover pizza boxes.

"I don't want to jinx anything Camille, she's completely out of my league, but I've got a really good feeling about her, she takes my breath away."

"Not even a photo?"

Jane took a moment to think as she scrolled through her phone and frowned.

"I don't actually have one." Of her face anyway.

"Oh sweetie, I'm just nosey. Don't tell me anything, just promise I get to meet her one day?"

"If that was possible, then I'd bring her round as soon as I could, I feel so at home here, I always have."

Feeling that Jane was holding back, Camille placed her hands upon Jane's shoulders and looked deep into her chocolate brown eyes.

"You have always been family to me Jane. Whatever it is holding you back, I can see that she's worth any risk. I've known you since you were so small, and not even last summer were you this happy."

A small blush crept up Jane's neck at the mention of last summer.

"You-er know about that, huh?"

"You know Jane, I've seen many versions of you over the years, especially how you act around different people. You're so strong and loving around your family, but relaxed and full of laughter around my son and your brothers. Last summer, whoever that girl was, she made you happy, but she also let you fall…hard. This time Jane, it is clear to see this mystery girl has brought you up to dizzying heights and you are flying baby girl, just please be careful okay?"

"I promise, Camille. I'm falling for this girl, but I won't be crash landing anytime soon."

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Maura Isles was never the needy type. Although she craved the attention and love of her parents, she had, over the years of isolation, become quite content with her own company. Which is why it was driving her crazy that her girlfriend, had they talked about labels yet? Weren't they meant to do that the other night? Hadn't text her back for hours. Busying herself with catching up on medical journals, responding to e-mails and countless e-vite reminders to her mother's gallery opening, she was glad when her phone finally buzzed at 2pm.

*ping*

I miss you

*call incoming – M 3*

Hey beautiful

I assumed you're okay to talk? You've been quiet today, I'm not disturbing anything am I?

Sorry Maur, I'm just leaving Frost's and realised I hadn't really spoken to you all day.

You never have to apologise for spending time with your friends Jane, you know that. I'm not going to demand all of your attention... At least not all of the time.

Thank you.

For what?

For just being you.

That's why you love me isn't it?

Now now Doctor Isles, you haven't even gone out with me yet… however, that was what I was planning with Frost and his mom.

You've told Frost's mom about me?

Maura started to panic before she heard Jane chuckle on the other end of the line.

Well… not in so many words. She knows you're pretty damn special and can see just how much I want this date to be perfect.

Jane?

Yeah?

You know you're the one who's pretty perfect, right?

Not nearly as perfect as you.

Trying to escape the butterflies in her stomach, Maura decided to switch the subject.

So… can I know anything about this perfect date on Saturday?

I suppose I can tell you one thing… you're going to be swept off your feet Maura Isles.

I can't wait Jane. You've put in so much effort with this, I don't know how I'll ever repay you.

I can think of something…

Maura could hear the smirk in the brunette's voice before she continued.

Oh sweetie… you know not to start something you can't finish. Especially as you're about 5 miles away right now.

Just wait til next Saturday… you'll be finishing again….and again… and again.

….

Maur?

…Is it next week yet?

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Jane had returned home that night to find her father and brothers crowded around the Red Sox game, and her mother was busy in the kitchen as usual. However, instead of settling on the sofa to watch the game, Jane decided to help her Ma with the chores, seeing as her brothers were too absorbed in the game to notice. Angela was surprised her daughter chose to help her, but certainly didn't complain. Every time Jane looked up, she could see her mother was about to burst with questions, but she kept to her earlier word and didn't push her daughter for any more details. She kept the conversation light and directed at Jane's party (and in particular, Aunt Cassie who apparently now wasn't coming after a fight with her husband). After the kitchen was cleared, and some extra dessert had found its way into Jane's hands, she bid her family goodnight, feeling exhausted from all the planning she had done earlier that day. Before she knew it, Jane woke up naturally at 6am.

It was Sunday. 5 days until her 18th. 6 agonising days until her date with Maura.

It was the deepest sleep Jane had had in a long while, and whether it was the first rays of sunlight coming through her curtains (that she had forgotten to close) or the birds singing softly in the trees, but she was suddenly overwhelmed with how happy she was at that moment. Her grades were improving, she had great friends around her, she was only a few days away from being 18 and above all, she was dating (in a relationship with? They really should sort out those labels) an incredibly beautiful woman.

Deciding to make the most of this beautiful Sunday morning, Jane quickly showered, ate an even quicker breakfast and decided to go for a well overdue run to the park while the rest of her family were still sleeping. Jane took a deep breath as she entered the green space she hadn't visited in far too long. Looking around, she noticed she wasn't too far from Maura's. Had she really run that far so quickly? Suddenly, a light bulb went off in her head as she had a crazy idea, she took out her phone and noticed a text had already came through from the very same honey-blonde.

She's awake, Jane thought happily.

I've been thinking…

*ping*

The amazing Doctor Isles has been thinking? That never happens!

*ping*

I'm starting to become quite adept at understanding your sarcasm Miss Rizzoli, although that attitude may cause me to change my initial question…

*ping*

You have my attention…

*ping*

Well I was going to ask what you had planned for today… I am also impressed you are up this early. I didn't wake you, did I?

*ping*

Well it's a Sunday, which means going to church with the overbearing Rizzoli clan and then family dinner at about 3pm with even more overbearing Rizzolis. So, in order to combat that chaos, I've came for a run to clear my mind.

*ping*

Where are you running sweetie? Are you okay? Oh, I didn't realise you were a practicing Catholic? It does sound like a full-on day mi amor, but lovely to spend it with your family… I take it you won't have any free time?

*incoming call J 3*

Hi Jane, sorry I didn't mean to bombard you with so many questions.

Of course you're not, I just realised that it was probably quicker to call, we keep forgetting we can do that.

I don't know how we do, I love hearing your voice.

Yeah?

It makes me feel safe.

How do you have the power to make me blush when you're not even here?

I guess it's a super power, like, urm, Spider-Man!

You've just used 'urm' and a superhero in the same sentence, I'm so proud of you! Well, does that mean my Maura-senses are tingling?

Aren't they always?

Maura!

Sorry mi amor, you're just so easy to wind up.

You know, if you happened to come by Boston Joe's in the next 5 minutes you might be able to do that in person… if you don't mind a very sweaty Rizzoli. I seemed to have been on Maura-pilot this morning.

I would love to, but you know it's risky.

Maur, it's 7.30am on a Sunday, it's a miracle I'm awake, never mind anyone who could possibly know us.

I'll be there in 5

*click*

Not believing Maura would have agreed to meet for coffee, Jane slowly jogged over to Boston Joe's and stretched her muscles. Walking in, she chose one of the more secluded booths in the corner. As she sat down, she realised she definitely should have at least combed her hair this morning, or brought or a towel, or…

*ding*

She's here.

Maura looked around at the coffee shop Jane had invited her to, as the brunette mentioned it was completely empty, apart from a small women's running group who were sat in the far corner, talking to the owner. Maura wasn't used to such a warm and inviting atmosphere in such large business chains, but the number of cosy booths away from the windows indicated why Jane thought this was an ideal place to meet. The honey-blonde still wasn't sure how she got to the coffee shop so quickly, but just knew she had to take any chance to see Jane Rizzoli and speaking of her Italian brunette, the flash of a smile coming from one of the corner booths took Maura's breath away.

Jane Rizzoli stood in a tight-fitting sky-blue tank top, with a black sports bra barely visible underneath. She had paired this with very short black running shorts that looked like they barely covered her firm behind. Her hair was unrulier than usual, pulled back into a high ponytail, but every trademark curl looked in perfect place and Maura couldn't help but beam in her direction, as she took in every muscle on display.

"Hi." The blonde murmured, lost for words at the sight before her.

"I look that bad?" Jane sighed, looking down at her body for the first time.

"You look spectacular, mi amor. Never doubt that, the definition of your muscles is just… god-like."

Maura took a step closer, her eyes darting between chocolate eyes and luscious lips, wanting nothing more than to close the distance between them.

"God-like… I can definitely get used to that." Jane smirked, tensing her muscles as they reached out to hold Maura's waist, then remembered where they were.

Can I… er- hug you?" Jane asked more timidly, looking around at how little attention the running group was paying to the two women in the corner. Maura herself looked around and nodded once she was satisfied that they didn't know anyone. As soon as their bodies touched, both women felt a familiar fire burn between them. Maura not caring in the slightest that Jane was, as she had put it, 'a very sweaty Rizzoli', in fact, she would be lying If she said she didn't like it.

"Dammit Maur," Jane moaned into Maura's neck, the throbbing between her thighs becoming stronger with every second they remained touching, "how do you have this effect on me?"

"You have the same effect on me Jane, only one more week to go mi amor."

"Actually, it's about 6 days, and 9 hours until the start of our date… not that I'm counting of course."

"Of course not mi amor." Maura smiled brightly at the romantic side of Jane, as she broke their hug slowly, both women instantly missing the feeling of being so close. They opted to sit down opposite one another in the booth, keeping some distance just in case, the older woman however kept their hands clasped for as along as possible. What felt like an eternity passed, just gazing happily into each other's eyes, content with simply being together in the same space, before Maura broke their silence.

"How long do we have?"

Jane looked down at her fitness tracker and saw it was already 7:45am.

"Well, it takes me about 15 minutes to run back, then I have to leave for church at 9, so maybe 20 minutes?" Jane took a deep breath, running her hand through the curls escaping onto her forehead.

"Please don't look so sad mi amor, this is more time than we expected to have this weekend."

"I know, I just, I feel obligated to carry out these family traditions you know. When I would much rather be here with you." Jane ghosted her fingertips over Maura's hand and wrist, finding it hard to let go.

"Sweetie, your family always comes first, and I will never try and stand in the way of that. I wish I had such a close bond to my parents, so please don't take it for granted."

Jane just nodded and took a deep breath, again running her fingers through her hair. Maura had noticed this as Jane's tell for being nervous or uncomfortable, so she gently squeezed the brunette's hand reassuring her.

"Reckon we have time for an espresso?" Jane asked, looking at the specials board.

Sensing Jane was uncomfortable with the subject, Maura happily obliged in the change of topic.

"So, you know your coffee, Miss Rizzoli?"

"I'll have you know you're not the only fancy pants coffee drinker in Boston." Jane winked.

"Then I guess I've met my match." Maura stated playfully, as Jane moved from her side of the booth and stood in front of the blonde.

After a quick scan of the room, Jane leant down to capture Maura's lips in a swift kiss, before whispering into her ear, "I can't wait until the day we can be together like this. I've loved every second. You know this could be our thing, Sunday morning coffee?"

"One day Jane… one day." She whispered, watching as her brunette walked over to the counter to order their drinks.

6 days, 8 hours and 30 minutes to go.

A/N: me again! 2 author's notes, I must have been away for a while.

I just wanted again to say I don't own any of these characters (not that anyone thinks I do, but you never know)

A few picky people have told me that I essentially know nothing about the American school system and you are correct as I am English, however, I've tried to use things as best I can from films and tv shows. However, yes some English colloquialisms may have slipped in somewhere, but I'm sure most of you don't mind and won't let it spoil your enjoyment of the story! You get what I'm trying to say (hopefully).

Again, just to mention this is a fan FICTION emphasis on the fiction, yes it's set in a school, but if that doesn't appeal to you then you probably should have stopped reading by now, no one is forcing you to continue, I don't need any negative comments clouding my inbox, you get in the way of all of the lovely ones!

And I'm ending on a high note, THANK YOU to everyone still with me, I know I can't do regular updates as I try and write when I can, you're the best readers and your lovely comments really do make my day. So, with that, our two ladies are nearing their date night, we are nearing Jane being 18, and we haven't had any angst for a while... will that change? Hmmm...

I am totally open to suggestions, or if you want to see any characters be more involved? Let me know! Thank you for reading x