A quick update! I can't believe I've given two updates in such close proximity. I know these are short chapters but that's just kinda how I write. I see scenes in my head, and I just write those. Next chapter might be a little longer though! Let me know what you guys think. Mistakes are mine. Xx SW

Chapter 8:

After that day of the picnic, Jane and Maura were inseparable for the rest of the summer. You would scarcely see one without seeing the other in close proximity. Jane taught Maura all about fishing, exploring the woods, and general mischief. Maura tried to teach Jane about being a lady but, much to her chagrin and amusement, the lessons really didn't stick. Despite Jane's lack of competence in that area, Maura was not a quitter so that's why they could both be found in the dining room of the Rizzoli's house. Maura had laid out two place settings of Angela's china and a simple meal that she helped Sipsey make earlier.

Jane was sprawled out in the dining room chair beside her, looking decidedly unladylike.

"Maura, why on earth are there four forks? I am pretty sure one works just fine." Jane poked at the fork closest to her left hand, knocking it out of the perfect alignment that Maura painstakingly arranged.

Maura lightly slapped her left hand to keep her from further damage and reached to fix the wayward fork. "Because, Jane. This one is for salad, this one for fish, and this one for meat. The one at the top is for dessert," she pointed at each fork in turn. "And the knives on the other side correspond to the forks. You start on the outside and work your way in."

Jane just looked on in confusion and barely concealed impatience. "So, this one for the salad?" She reached for the far left. Maura nodded proudly at Jane's choice. But her expression quickly turned to aversion when Jane propped both elbows on the table and leaned over the salad bowl.

"Jane! Elbows off the table! Have you forgotten every lesson I've taught you?" Maura nudged at Jane's left elbow. "And, sit up straight. You don't have a hump back. Keep it up and I'm going to tie you down."

At that, Jane looked up and smirked. "Is that a promise? Because in that case…" she trailed off and added a more dramatic hunch to her shoulders. Maura just laughed and pushed at Jane's shoulder with her hand, horseplaying being one of Jane's summer lessons. Maura was evidently much more of a star pupil than Jane because she seemed to pick up on the lessons faster and they stuck.

Jane laughed and sat up straighter, but not before she cast a sidelong glance at the blonde woman. "Maura, you ain't got plans this weekend right?"

Maura shook her head. "Why?"

Jane shoveled several pieces of lettuce in her mouth and answered around them, "Just wonderin'. Keep your Saturday free okay?"

Maura squinted in suspicion but nodded her assent regardless. "Don't think I didn't notice you talking with your mouth full, Miss Rizzoli. You're worse than a toddler, I swear."

Jane just grinned incorrigibly.

Saturday night rolled around and after dinner, Jane dragged Maura through the front door and down the dirt driveway.

"Jane, why are you constantly taking me places without telling me where we are going?" The two women walked closely, shoulders brushing slightly as they moved.

Jane turned and smirked at Maura. "'Cause I know it drives you nuts and it's fun to see you all huffy." Maura breathed sharply through her nose at Jane's reply. "Yeah, see! Just like that."

Maura laughed in spite of herself at Jane's teasing. Throughout the weeks they had spent time together, she had learned Jane's teasing must have come out of a place of affinity. She never seemed to be laughing at Maura but truly seemed to be laughing with her. And there was no one else that Jane seemed to have a stronger affinity for than Maura. The blonde couldn't say that she didn't like being the object of Jane's attention. While some might call her rough around the edges, Maura found her personality intriguing.

The raven-haired woman was passionate and not afraid to voice her opinion. She was fiercely protective. Emotional when the situation called for it. And she seemed to really enjoy spending time with Maura even though the two were as opposite as the moon and Sun. With each day that passed, Maura could feel herself becoming more and more attached to Jane. Of course, all of the Rizzolis had welcomed her with open arms and made her feel right at home. Something that she had not ever experienced in her own home life. But Jane specifically had a lot to do with that.

Maura thought her feelings for Jane definitely bordered on attraction. How could they not? Despite Jane's insistence on wearing her brother's old clothes, her lithe and tanned figure certainly drew the eyes to her. But it wasn't just physical attraction. Jane was whip smart despite playing dumb at time. She truly listened to Maura. Well, except maybe when it came to the etiquette lessons. Maura let out a small laugh at that thought.

Jane looked at her and questioned, "What are you laughin' at, Maura?"

"Oh, I was just thinking about you," Maura said through a smile.

"And I'm funny? That's not nice Maura!" Jane screeched in faux indignation. She started walking faster but was quickly pulled back by a hand grasping her wrist.

"Nope. You're walking with me Jane Rizzoli." She linked their arms together at the elbow. Looking up, she realized they were approaching The Village.

Jane slowed their pace as they neared the front door. She took a deep breath and bowed before opening the door. Raucous noise spilled out into the quiet night. "Happy early birthday, Maura! Hope you're ready for a real party!" She put a hand on the small of Maura's back and pushed her into the dark bar.