Don't own R&I. Not making money herein. Written in English. Imagine Italian conversation. I am doing my best to learn conversational Italian because what else is there to do during a pandemic? I'm not learning Finnish… I can now say 'io sono qui' and understand what I'm saying. I am here. :) Tu sei qui. You are here. X if you know you know.

Look. I get to play with the characters. They don't always do what YOU think that they should. They don't even do what I think they should. The story comes into my brain from the Muses and I write. If you don't like what they do or how they are acting…I can't help you. Really, I can't. They may be unhealthy and crazy, or perfect and sane but that's how they act in my brain. They may be just humans telling a human story.

I am imagining in this short story, a new and different way for these characters to interact. The series was great and I LOVED it. BUT when Jane put GEEK on a name tag and plastered it on Maura's chest, it felt a little mean to me. Mostly because I'm that geek I guess and that would feel like I was being made fun of. Funny to some, not to others. There were a lot of incidents in the show where it seemed like Jane had no compassion for the way Maura's mind worked. YES! I think that they were in love in the show without being in love in the show. :) I would like to see more understanding and compassion from Jane without losing her fierce fire. I hope I can do that with this story.

ANYWAY, carry on. Fluff ensuing!

In Case You Didn't Know

2.

Jane navigated her rented scooter up the incline to Maura's home. She reminded herself to hold back on the wine later so that she could find her way down safely. The sun was just starting to dip close to the western horizon so she was estimating it was about 8pm. The weather was so perfect that she felt the summer buzz whipping through her skin. She pulled into the drive and parked the Vespa. She had to hand it to Maura. This place was spectacular. It had been abandoned at some point in the past. The only thing that had existed from the previous home when she had bought it, and the land, were the walls. Jane was certain that she had spent millions on rebuilding and styling the property to fit the vibe of the surrounding area.

The outer walls were the color of a dark sunflower. The home's bold color matched the theme for the evening. The path leading up to the door was covered with an arbor that was dense with vines and flowers. The elegant touches only served to reflect the woman who possessed the home.

Jane used the iron knocker on the large wooden door to announce her arrival. She laughed because it was a reminder of past shared times when she had over-done the knocking on the governor's door. She noted before the door opened that her palms were damp from nerves. This situation was definitely out of her comfort zone. She spoke some Italian and could follow a conversation, but she was sure that communication was going to be interesting. Most urban Italians spoke at least some English, but the further you were from Rome or other metro areas the fewer people there were to talk to in her native tongue.

A woman about the same height as Jane pulled the door inward to allow her entry. To say that the woman was stunningly gorgeous was an understatement. Her long hair was a silver gray, but her skin told of years younger. Her bright blue eyes seemed to gaze directly into her soul. She didn't want to jump to conclusions, but if this was Maura's lover, Jane knew that she didn't stand a chance.

Jane cleared her throat. 'Ciao. Sono Jane. Sono un amica di Isebella."

"Ah yes! Jane." The woman held out a hand to sweep her into the room. Jane stepped across the thresh-hold. "Come in. We've been expecting you. I'm Anna. I believe you have met my wife, Rose."

Jane sighed in relief. It honestly hadn't occurred to her to ask Maura if she had someone in her life. She had jumped to conclusions and that was always a bad indicator with her. She needed to be open to the possibility that the beautiful woman didn't live without love. She certainly deserved it. She handed Anna the wine in her hand and held onto the flowers. She nodded at the tall woman. "Yes, I met her this morning. It's so nice to meet you!"

"The same. How was your drive up here?"

"I didn't get lost and I'm here without dying so I think all told it was great. The scenery is so beautiful."

"It really is. Come on. Let's go out to the patio. I'm sure Isebella is anxious to introduce you around." Anna flowed through the house with great intimacy. She was obviously a close friend.

Jane didn't move. "Uuum Anna, before we go can I ask you, does she have a….person?"

The blue eyed woman turned around with a question on her brow. "Like a cleaning person?"

Jane smiled. "No, no. Like a person she's intimate with?"

Anna winked. "Ah! You mean a lover."

A voice came from around the corner. "What was that, darling?"

Anna spoke back to Rose. "Nothing!"

Jane nodded. "Yes that."

Anna smiled. Rose had warned her that Jane might be of the 'deeply in love' variety. She was beautiful enough for the lovely doctor, but was she of the right character? That was yet to be seen. "Not that I know of. Why do you ask?"

To avoid making a fool of myself. "I wondered, so that if she does, I can act …. appropriately."

Anna smiled. Rose was absolutely correct to assume that this gorgeous woman was in love with their friend. It was written on her skin and oozed from her pores. Oh this was going to be interesting. "Jane, relax. We are just friends at this party. There are no lovers here for her tonight. Come! Let's go out. It's a lovely evening!"

Jane noted that the home was decorated in the style of the area. Warm colors dressed the walls and rich fabrics adorned the furniture. It was so much Maura it made her heart ache. Gone were the tribal masks where one could hide. In their place were portraits of the sun and oceans dancing with one another.

She followed Anna through the home making a side note of photos on the shelves. There was only one with Maura in the picture with another person. She was with one person. Her. They were looking at each other laughing about something. Jane's detective mind went to work. Rose told her that Maura never spoke of her so it wasn't likely that this photo had been out for very long or Rose would have known who she was without asking. Maura had put it out today for her to see. Maybe Maura hadn't wanted to remember her until now. She shook her head. The past didn't matter now.

She had really had no idea what she expected when she came here. It had all been on a whim and yet planned out for months. When she had left Paris, she had barely said anything to Maura. She was so ashamed of her actions that day. She had packed and left without a word in the morning. She wasn't sure if it was because she had been afraid to show her emotions or if she was afraid of seeing Maura's. Either way, for that one thing alone she needed to beg forgiveness. That's what brought her here to Italy in the first place; to see her and tell how wrong she had been about so many things.

"Jane!" Maura was dressed in a simple cotton sundress covered in a giant sunflower pattern. She approached the brunette with appreciation in her eyes. Jane's simple sandals, long linen pants and bright golden yellow shirt were perfect for the occasion.

The familiar voice caused Jane's flesh to rise in response. That was new. Jane addressed her in America accented Italian. "Hi, Isebella. These are for you." She handed the bundle of flowers to Maura with a customary kiss on both cheeks. She watched the smile spread across the woman's face and the dimple make an appearance on her cheek. It warmed her from the heart out. This woman.

Maura felt the grin on her face grow so broad. "Perfect! How did you know?"

Jane's answer surprised her; not with the content but the language. "Simple. I asked and Rose was happy to help me. She adores you. I'm sure that they all do."

Maura's mouth dropped open. "You speak Italian? How? Of course I know how, but when?"

The tall dark woman shrugged. "Isebella, I'm Italian. Over the years I picked much of what I know from my grandparents. I have been taking classes the past year and a half so that I could at least understand the conversation."

"I had no idea. Wonderful! Thank you for coming. I wasn't sure if you were serious about joining us." She was being slightly formal so as not to give any impressions other than friendship.

Jane turned brown eyes on her friend. "Isebella….I would not have missed it. I mean come on. You're the reason I'm here after all."

Maura blushed. She dipped her head ever so slightly in acknowledgment. "I'm glad to see you. Let me introduce you around."

Jane turned to her left and caught the view of the sea for the first time. Her breath literally caught in her throat. "Oh my god."

Once again Maura smiled at the tall woman. "It's something isn't it?"

Jane looked at the woman and then back to the sea. She whispered in English so that no one else could hear her. "It is, but if I had to choose between looking at it or you. I'd always choose you."

Maura blushed again. "Okay, you. Come on." She grabbed Jane by the arm and guided her to a group lounging on the patio. "These handsome men are Davide and Pietro. That good looking fellow in the pool wearing the purple trunks is their son Leo." The three made pleasantries as Maura moved on. "You know Anna and Rose. They have a boy and a girl. Chase and Emma. In the pool. These are my neighbors who live just to the south, Georgio and Gianna. They have the two girls, Mia and Mary who are…

Jane finished "...in the pool." Everyone chuckled.

"Yes. They are twins and will be sure to let you know who's who. Finally, this is my dear friend, Gia. She helps me with my gardening and makes a mean ribollita. Her husband is working so she's single for the evening. Gia, will Jean be able to make it later?"

"He said that he would try. We shall see."

"I hope so."

Jane pulled up an open chair. "It's so nice to meet you all."

Anna brought over a bottle and a glass. "Wine?"

"Please."

Davide was the first to address Jane with questions. "So Jane, how is it that you know our, Isebella?"

Jane looked at Maura. She returned the look with a slight panic on her face. Jane wouldn't betray whatever secret she was keeping. "She is a long time friend. I've known her for many years. We actually met in line at a deli near where I used to work." None of it was a lie and if Maura had to answer later, she could save herself the hives.

"And what is it that you do for work?"

"Currently I'm on sabbatical, but I have a federal job."

Maura was surprised by the news. "You're on sabbatical? I didn't know….I…How long?"

Jane shrugged again. "Of sorts and long enough. I'm actually debating if I want to go back. I feel like I need a change of some kind. I'm looking into all of my options. I am in a bit of flux at the moment. I love teaching, so I might opt for instructing school. I really don't know yet."

Maura was taking all that Jane was saying. More questions were coming up. Much had changed over the past 3 years. She was intrigued by the person she saw sitting with her friends. She fit in perfectly with them as if she had known them forever, but that was Jane. Part of her talent as a cop and an FBI agent was fitting in. She could be comfortable at an opera or a ball game. She might not enjoy the opera, but you would never know it. She wondered which part of her was sincere, or just fitting in for her sake.

The appetizer table was spread with meats, cheeses and breads on boards and olives in bowls across the table. Jane pulled a small plate and poured olive oil on it for bread dipping. She pulled a slice and dipped. The burst of flavor in her mouth just about knocked her over. "Holy crap! That's amazing!"

"Are you okay over there?" Davide's voice was filled with amused laughter.

"I'm fine. It's just this….is SO good! This is so good….it's so…"

"Good?"

"Yes! Molto Bene!"

The entire group laughed with her. Maura shook her head. They did like her and it appeared that she liked them. The wine and the food were served while the entire gathering shared stories about family and friends. Jane listened much more than she spoke due to the language barrier, but she loved talking about her family.

Maura learned about how TJ was walking, talking and starting pre-school. Tommy was doing really well with his new construction job. Nina and Frankie were having a second child. Korsak was loving retirement and Angela had finally married Ron. Maura had tried to put out of her mind how much she missed these people and how much she had missed in their lives. They were her chosen family and she felt like she had abandoned them. She took a deep cleansing breath. It had been necessary in her eyes so she had to release the guilt.

"OH! I love this song! Isebella, dance with me!" Jane pulled Maura into her arms without warning.

Maura was surprised, but she acquiesced. She loved dancing. She wasn't sure how she felt about being held in the taller woman's arms and she tried not to think about it. She wasn't thinking but her body was feeling it. The music was soft and slow enough to hold someone close. Jane was holding her closely, but wasn't forcing it.

Swaying gently to the music Maura was suddenly overwhelmed with self-conscious thoughts. What will her guests think about this? She usually didn't care what people would think or say, but this was different. She might have to answer questions explaining who Jane was to her. She wasn't sure who Jane was, how could she answer that? Women in Europe acted differently with one another so dancing together is no big deal, but this felt different. This felt deeply intimate. She was sure that her friends recognized it just as well as she did. It was an intimacy she didn't want to get drawn into. It was an intimacy that had the power to steal everything she had built up over three years to protect herself. She felt herself pulling away from the strong arms that held her lightly.

"Where are you going, Maura?

"Jane, I…I don't want people to talk. I don't want them to get the wrong idea."

"What could they think? Two friends dancing is all that's happening here." Jane wanted to press just a little, but she didn't want this tender woman to feel uncomfortable with her either.

"Jane don't, please." The blond blushed deeply. She didn't want to talk about this. She didn't want the teasing, forceful Jane to come out again. She had ended up living here to escape these kinds of feelings. She had never been able to navigate her emotions well when it came to Jane.

Jane released the smaller woman from her arms but still held one hand. She accepted what Maura was trying to communicate to her, she tenderly acquiesced. "Okay. Okay." Jane pulled her by the hand one time and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "My intent wasn't to make you uncomfortable, Isebella, but maybe you can help me understand this later." She pulled that hand up to her lips and placed a kiss on the back of it. "Just so you know, you look radiant."

Maura was used to Jane's flirtation, but this was a new level even for her. "You are too much, Rizzoli."

"I'm actually aiming for just enough. I'm apologize that I'm making you feel uncomfortable. I just...you radiate so much life here in this amazing place. It's very captivating."

"I'm not exactly uncomfortable, Jane. I don't feel..I am I just…. Not now. Okay? Not now." She felt that wanted the intimacy, but it scared her at the same time. The thought of falling for Jane to have it all go awry, was making her emotions swirl. If she fell and lost again, she was sure that this world she had built would shatter. On top of that, she definitely didn't want her friends thinking that there was more going on than there was, although they likely thought so anyway. She needed to protect herself right now. She needed to feel safe.

Jane's deep, soft voice cut through her fear. She wasn't being her typical insistent self. Her voice was soft, calm and honest. "It's okay, Isabella. I understand. I'm not going anywhere yet. Soon, but not just yet."

The words insinuated that the dark haired woman as going to leave soon. "Soon? You're leaving soon? But, you just got here and you're leaving already?"

Jane frowned. "What? I'm confused. I have to go at some point. I am staying nearby. I'll head out shortly and give you your space."

"Oh. OH. You're not leaving, leaving… you're just. Oh." She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice. She was flustered and confused, but she didn't want Jane to leave just in case she wouldn't have the chance to see her again.

"Oh….what?"

"I thought you were leaving Italy soon. You know that you can stay here. I have more than enough room. And..you could bring your….."

Jane noticed that Maura wasn't letting go of her hand. She pulled her a little closer so only Maura could hear her words spoken in English. "Whoa. Slow down. I appreciate the invitation, Maur, I do, but not tonight. Maybe even not this trip. I want you to have your space to think about things. The evening isn't even over yet. Let's enjoy the time with your friends. I'll go back to my little place and we can start again tomorrow if you still feel that you want to. If you decide it's too much, you let me know and I'll finish my vacation then go back home."

The smaller woman didn't know what to think about what Jane was saying. The idea of her leaving wasn't an option in her heart just yet. She stared up at deep brown eyes. "No. I ….I don't want you to leave. We have…okay. I figured since you are my friend I would invite you to stay. What are you saying? Are you not my friend?" The black and white Maura still existed in the brilliant head.

Jane's tender look softened Maura's fear. "Of course I'm your friend, but you know that we have a past behind us that we need to rummage through. I look around and see that you have a whole world you need to protect…from me. That is until you can find a way to trust me again. Look, I didn't come here to invade your world, Maura. I didn't come to plant a flag or steal you away. I came to absorb this." She swung her arms out to indicate everything around them. "To absorb being around you again. I want to feel your life, Isebella Maura Rizzoli. I want to watch you in your element. I've missed that part of you almost more than anything else. You shine so brightly when you love where you are and what you're doing and the people you're with. You love it here. I can see it in your eyes. They smile now; with genuine joy. It fits you like all of those designer dresses you wear. It enhances who you are. I want desperately to be here with you, but it would be overwhelming to both of us I think. I just want to soak in this place that you love so much, but I think I need to do it a little at a time. Will you let me do that?"

The small scientist felt her heart melt just a little more with those words. This woman before her was saying all of the things she needed to hear and her voice was sincere. Jane wanted to know her again but in a completely different way. Jane was telling her that she was still safe in this space she had made for herself and that she understood that it was one of the most important things to her well-being.

Maura knew that she had to discover how to trust this new person, when she had known the other one for so long. It wasn't that she didn't trust the old Jane. She had trusted her with her life many times and Jane had always been the hero to swoop in and rescue her. Emotionally, Jane was a different breed. She was kind but had a teasing, impatient manner to her that had cut Maura's with a thousand cuts to her heart. No matter what steps she had taken to hide her hurt even from herself, it was still there and it was still real. Maura was difficult to understand and Jane sometimes had no patience to try to figure her out. This person somehow seemed to have figured out something about herself that allowed her to open up to knowing the doctor's differences and embrace them. "Yes. I would love to let you do that." She pulled their hands down still clasped to walk together and join her friends. She felt lighter. She felt like she could breathe for the first time since she had seen Jane standing in the plaza.