AN: Thank you all for the warm feedback, favorites, and alerts. Oh, and I don't know much about Maine and counties there so I just kinda researched on some place there. So if I said something inappropriate about the place, just tell me. Thank You. Happy Reading :)

Disclaimer: I don't own R&I and the song.

Chapter 19

"I see a mess in the mirror

You see the girl of your dreams

I see the clouds rolling in

You see the sky I can't see

I hear this melody coming out all wrong

You hear a song"

~ You Hear A Song by Cassadee Pope

After they ate breakfast, Jane packed some clothes in her duffel bag for their weekend getaway. She didn't tell Maura where they are going in particular, except for the fact that they are going to Maine. Of course, Maura did ask a lot of questions but Jane gave her discreet answers as possible. She never gave way on what they're going to do in Maine. She just advised Maura to pack some comfortable casual clothes. So when they got to Maura's house, the doctor packed some clothes that are casual and comfortable enough for her.

Before they left the Beacon House, they were interrupted by Angela. And of course, the elder Rizzoli asked where they were going. Jane replied they were going to Maine and Angela didn't ask questions after that. She just gave Jane an approving smile. She knew where they were headed. Maura was still clueless as they began their journey to Maine. She asked questions but Jane still gave her small details. Nothing goes further than that. Then they fell silent throughout the remaining half of their journey. Neither alluded to Maura's confession earlier that day. Though Jane kept on glancing at Maura from time to time and sometimes held the doctor's hands. Maura will just smile in return.

They entered Crescent Lake in Casco Town. It was where Jane and her family used to go when they were young. Sometime during summer, they used to spend at least one to two weeks in there until she was fifteen. They became regular patrons every year and Jane knew well the owner of the cabins they used to stay. Once they entered the town, Jane finally lets Maura know where they were going. She has to rent a cabin anyway.

Maura was amazed at the place. Sure, she went to a lot of beautiful places but this one just felt so good. So home. The cabin Jane rented faces the lake. The place is peaceful and quiet and since it's not yet summer, there are fewer people in the said place. Less vacationer. And the moment was perfect for them, especially to Jane so she could cope up and think of things.

"Do you like the place?" Jane asked from Maura's behind as she slung her duffel bag on her back and pulled Maura's small luggage.

Maura turned to her and smiled brightly. "Yes, I do. How did you know about this place?"

"I'll tell you about it all later. Let's get our things first inside." Jane grabbed one of Maura's free hand as they both started walking towards their cabin. Maura didn't comment the way Jane held her hand but a smile was formed on her lips.

The cabin was not that small and not that big. It is enough for both of them. It was cozy and homey. There's a small fireplace that they can lit up at night. Bookshelves with lots of Old English books. Maura would be fascinated. The place was perfect for a one-night-two-day stay for them. But how did Jane knew about the place? She still has to find that out.

"There are two bedrooms and one bathroom. Would you like to see them now?" Jane asked.

"Yes. I would like to."

Jane led the way and when they reached the hallway, they stopped walking. "So like I said, there are two rooms. You picked one, first." Jane said nervously.

Maura didn't want to. She wanted to be with Jane. Well, not in a sexual way but she wanted to be there for her like old times when Jane is struggling with nightmares or having a bad day. She slowly grabbed Jane's hand and squeezed it lightly to make Jane look at her. And when Jane did, she was again met that huge smile on Maura's face.

"I'll stay with you," Maura said confidently.

Jane let out a heavy sigh she didn't know she was holding. Truth is, she also wanted to be with Maura but was nervous to ask her. Especially when she didn't get to respond to Maura's confession earlier.

Jane nodded and smiled a little. "So which one is our room?"

"Hmm," Maura put her forefinger on her lower cheek like she was really thinking hard. "I say, we pick this room on the right."

"Alright, then. The right one it is." Jane stepped forward and unlocked the door. Once they entered, Maura checked the view from the window while Jane put all their belongings down on the floor.

Maura gasped at the sight. They picked the room with a nice view of the lake. "Look Jane. I could see the lake from up here." Maura excitedly said. She even clapped her hands like an excited kid. Jane thought she was adorable. She smiled at the relaxed sight of Maura.

When Maura gestured for her to come closer, Jane did as what she's asked and looked outside the window. "Good pick of the room, doctor."

"Yeah?"

"Yes." Jane wrapped around her arms around Maura's waist and pulled the doctor closer to her. She leaned her forehead on the back of Maura's head and sighed contentedly. "Thank you for coming with me."

Maura hummed in response. "I really appreciate the invitation. And the place is relaxing by the way." Not breaking the embrace, Maura turned around a little so she could face Jane. "Thank you for bringing me here."

They stared at each other, neither wanted to break the eye contact. But then, Jane closed her eyes and slowly descended her head capturing Maura's lips. The kiss was tentative at first. Shy. Slow. Sweet. But the sweet, shy, and slow kiss turned into a heated passion. Wanting more. Fueling fire. Igniting their desire. When their tongues met, Maura couldn't help but moan and Jane groan. They found their hands exploring the expanse of each other's body. Jane tangled her one hand on Maura's blonde hair while the other slipped inside Maura's shirt roaming the doctor's back. On the other hand, Maura slipped her one hand inside Jane's shirt exploring the soft skin at the back while the other rested on the detective's abdomen.

When they parted, there wasn't enough time from Maura's dizziness from the kiss when Jane moved her lips to her neck. The detective continued giving kisses and she alternated from sucking to kissing. And when Jane reached Maura's sensitive spot, the doctor couldn't help but gasp and threw her head back. She welcomed the invasion on her body.

"Jane..." Maura moaned.

When Jane heard Maura's moan, she immediately stopped, realizing what she had done. Not that she was freaking out or regretting anything. But this isn't appropriate considering Maura's confession. She thought that Maura might think that she's taking advantage of her though Jane knew that Maura isn't capable of doing it.

Eyes wide, mouth hung open, Jane felt the start of the blush crept up her neck. "I'm so sorry Maura... I didn't mean... I mean... I want..."

"Jane..."

"I'm so sorry... please..."

"Jane!"

Then their eyes locked. Maura put a hand on Jane's cheek and smiled. "I'm not mad."

Then the blush became itself known on Jane's both cheeks and Maura thought it's cute. "I don't want you to think that I'm taking advantage of you considering that..."

Maura smiled as she ran her thumb on Jane's cheeks. "I know you won't. But we need to stop. As much as I want to return the favor, I think I shouldn't because you're not ready for it, yet. And we need to stop because I might not be stopping it at all if we start this."

And then Jane smiled. She thought wrong of Maura again. "I guess you're right."

"Annd you still have to tell me how you knew about this place and what we might be able to do here."

"That too. I'll tell you while we walk along the lake."

"You can't tell me here?"

"I can of course. But I want you to see the beauty of the place before the sun sets." Jane smiled sheepishly causing her dimples to show.

Maura nodded. "Okay. Come on then." Maura stepped away from Jane and held the detective's left hand with her right. "Oh, and Jane?"

"Yeah?"

"I think pink is cute on you." Maura grinned.

Jane blushed again at Maura's statement. "Maura!" And Maura let out a laughter while she walked out the door with Jane trailing behind her while their hands are still joined. Later on, Jane joined in the laughter.

Jane knew the place by heart. She led Maura to walk while their hands are joined. They are walking by the lake. The place is calm. There aren't so many people around. The temperature is enough for them not to get chilly. The sun is still up but it doesn't burn their skin. It's almost hours before sunset and Jane wanted Maura to see it.

"When we were young, Ma and Pop used to bring us here for at least two weeks during summer." Jane began. "We used to go here till I reached fifteen years old. Those were the most fun days of my childhood. And I could say for Frankie and Tommy as well. The three of us will bring tents and camp outside the cabin at night. I know it's silly but the three of us like to go camping." There was a smile on Jane's face as she reminisced about her childhood.

Maura looked at their joined hands as she listened to Jane talked. She could tell Jane is relaxed. Maybe going here was a good idea. The place brings good memories to Jane and Maura was glad she agreed on coming here.

"Ma and Pop allowed us to do that as long as we have spray or lotions for mosquitoes because you know they have a lot of those during nights. I remembered one time, we woke up and Tommy was covered with red patches. The mosquitoes must have loved him so much." Jane chuckled at the memory.

"Mosquito bites might have a high possibility of causing dengue or malaria. Those two types of diseases might lead to someone's death if not..."

Jane squeezed Maura's hand a little. "Maur, it was harmless. Yes, Ma was horrified when we woke up but nothing happened. I was just re-telling you our happy moments here."

"Oh. I'm sorry. Go on."

Jane took a deep breath as she remembered another memory while they kept on walking. "During the day, Pop will teach us how to fish. He taught us how to skin them properly and grill them for lunch. It was fun. Simple. Happy."

Maura looked at Jane and smiled at the detective. "Do you think we could go camping someday? Like the way you and your bothers used to?"

"We could try that, yeah. But maybe not this time. Someday when we get back here." Jane stopped walking. She removed her jacket and laid it on the ground. "Come on let's sit here. You can sit on my jacket."

"Jane, you don't have to..."

"Come on, Maur. We both know how you don't want your outfit to get dirty. And I don't want you to go fussing about it." Jane grinned as Maura just rolled her eye. The doctor did as what Jane told. Soon, the two were sitting on the ground, feet dipping on the cold lake. It was soothing as a matter of fact.

"Will it be okay if we watch the sunset first before we head on to dinner?" Jane turned to Maura.

"Of course. I'm not that hungry anyway. So tell me more about your experience here in this place."

"Okay." Jane took a deep breath again. "We stopped coming here when I was fifteen. Before I met you, when I was still in Drug Unit, I used to go here alone after we close a nasty case. You know how Drug Unit works, right?" Jane saw Maura nod. "So, to calm myself and get my head on the game again, I come here to relax. That's how I got close to the owner of this place. He and his family gave me discounts and I can come here at short notice."

"I see. Is that what you did when you asked me to escape?"

Jane smiled then nodded. "I called him when you were taking a bath."

"I can see some connection here." Maura smiled back at Jane.

"The last time I came here was when after my first encounter with...Hoyt. When I was on leave, I stayed here for at least three weeks to forget. It helped. I guess this place is my safe haven."

"Is that why you decided to come here? To forget?"

Jane shrugged. "Maybe. I just know that this place will calm me. And I want you here because both you and this place calm me. And I want you to see the other side of me. You know..." She blushed at her own statement.

Maura grabbed Jane's hand and squeezed it lightly. "Thank you for taking me here. I really appreciate it."

"Maybe this is just my way of apologizing to you. I was an ass. I pushed you away when I shouldn't. I know this won't make up for anything but..."

Maura put her other hand on Jane's cheek and made her look at her. "You already made up for everything when you let me in. When you let me stay with you last night."

The sun is slowly turning from yellow to orange. The color was warm. It illuminated Maura's hair, having the doctor's blonde hair an orange background. It was perfect. She looked perfect. She looked calm and comforting. She looked so serene that Jane could stare at her for hours. Jane made a right decision by coming there along with Maura.

Leaning forward, Jane gave Maura a peck on her lips. "You look perfect."

Maura couldn't help but blush at Jane's comment. She saw sincerity at the detective's eyes. The solemnity. The intensity. And mostly, the desire. Before looking away, Maura flashed her a smile.

"The sun is starting to set. Look."

The sky is starting to turn to orange. The sun was so round and big and it was like smiling down at them. For once, Maura could say that this is one of the best sunsets she had witnessed. Not only the sunset itself but because she's with the person she loved the most.

"You know what I learned from my failed relationships before?" Jane broke the silence.

Maura turned to her. "What?"

"One day someone will walk into your life and that person will make you realize why it didn't work out with others," Jane replied but not looking at Maura.

"That was a good realization."

Jane looked at her and smiled. She grabbed Maura's hand and squeezed it lightly. "It is, right?" Maura nodded. "You know what, the last time I came here I decided that one day I will purchase a small house or cabin in a small town and live there until I die."

Maura quirked an eyebrow at Jane's revelation. "Really? But you're a city girl."

"I know right? Guess some plans changes."

"Why is it that even if I've known you for a long time, sometimes you seemed to be an enigma?"

"Me? An enigma? I don't think so."

"Yes, you are Detective." Maura nudged Jane who in return wrapped her arm around Maura's waist and pulled the doctor closer to her.

They stared at the sunset.

Everything is fine.

They came back two hours after they ate dinner. Laughter, bickering, and nonsense conversation passed between the two women while they made their way back to their cabin. They just stopped laughing when they reached their bedroom.

"Don't tell this to Ma but I think that was the best Italian food I've ever tasted," Jane said as she removed her boots.

Maura made her way to the window after kicking off her heels. She stared outside watching the moon up above. "Well, I think your secret is safe with me. As much as I love your mother's cooking, I can say that that was the best Italian food I've ever tasted."

Jane fake gasped. "You? Dr. Maura Isles, who traveled from one country to another who likes fancy food and things said that the food in a small restaurant was the best Italian food you've ever tasted?"

Amusement in the doctor's face, Maura shook her head at Jane. "You know sometimes fancy things aren't that good. I don't know why. The food we ate was much tastier and richer with taste."

Jane walked towards Maura and stood a little closer behind her. "Guess I need to know their secret so Ma could cook like them."

"And how are you going to do that?" Maura challenged.

"Well, maybe they can talk to my badge and gun." Jane joked.

Maura gasped, completely forgetting the humor in Jane's tone. "Jane!"

"It was a joke, Maur. I wouldn't do that. After all, it could be one of the reasons to look forward to coming here."

"I guess you're right."

Silence.

Maura stared outside watching the night activity down. There were a couple of people having a bonfire. Some are dancing into what Maura could recognize as country music. The night was perfect. Peaceful. The moon shines brightly up the sky as well as the stars.

Maura was busy looking at the nightlife outside she didn't recognize Jane was busy studying her. There was a smile on the detective's lips as she watched Maura observed the outside. She looks so serene. Calm. Peaceful. And beautiful. She knew she loved Maura. She wasn't just given the chance to say it. And she wanted to say it. For long, Jane thought that their strong relationship was just a cause of having a true friend for the first time. Someone accepted her for who she was. Someone who isn't afraid of her and her job. Someone who sees the flaws and scars in her but didn't let go of her. Someone who was always there for her. Yes, she had mistaken it for that. She thought she was just glad she had a best friend like Maura. But now she knows it was more than that. It wasn't just a crush, infatuation or attraction. Jane knew it was love. Maura Isles is Jane Rizzoli's one true love. Her best friend. Her soulmate. And it feels amazing.

"Say it again," Jane whispered.

Maura looked at her and frowned. "What?"

"Say it again."

Dark eyes against hazel eyes. Jane tried to make Maura say it again while the other is still confused about the request of the other. Then it hit the doctor like a ton of bricks. Jane wanted Maura to say those three words that passed her lips earlier that morning in Jane's bed.

Her eyes softened as she fully turned to Jane. Determined that her words will it make it to Jane's head and heart. "I love you." She spoke softly. With full confidence back on, Maura looked at Jane's eyes intently. "I'm in love with you Jane Rizzoli."

And that just did it. Jane leaned down and captured Maura's lips. Unlike from their previous kissed, this one is more determined. Full of want and desire. If their previous kisses were just like tests, this one is more intense. Both couldn't help but moan when their tongues battled for dominance for wanting to taste each other's mouth. Maura circled her arms around Jane's neck and pulled the detective closer. She couldn't get enough of her. Jane pulled away to breathe. When her eyes met Maura's again, Jane couldn't help but smile. She leaned her forehead against the doctor's, eye contact never breaking.

"I don't know why you didn't give me a chance to tell you this but I love you. I do love you, Maura Isles." Jane let out a soft sigh. "I'm in love with you, too."

Maura smiled though there were tears in her eyes. Tears of relief. Tears of happiness as Jane confessed her love for her, too. Maura played some scenarios in her head on how both she and Jane would confess their feelings to each other. And this isn't one of them. But somehow, it felt right. Perfect.

Jane wiped Maura's tears with her thumb while the doctor cupped Jane's cheeks with her hands and pulled the detective to her to capture the other woman's lips in a slow dance of kiss. This time it's more passionate. Relaying the true feelings they have for each other. The true feelings they didn't know they have. Feelings that were deeply hidden layered and masked with what they have known as friendship. And now, it's in the open. Worded. Spoken. There's now no turning back. Only moving forward with their feelings that are now layered in their skin.

Slowly but surely, Jane started unbuttoning Maura's blouse as her lips moved on the doctor's neck. When Maura became aware of Jane's ministrations, her eyes shot open and pulled away immediately.

"Jane..." Maura whispered. Jane looked up but didn't stop unbuttoning Maura's blouse. "If we start this, I wouldn't be able to stop."

"Who said, we're stopping? We're just beginning to start." Jane grinned mischievously. There was a glint in her eyes.

Without saying anything anymore, Maura leaned in started kissing Jane's collarbone up to her neck. When she reached Jane's pulse point, the detective couldn't help but moan loudly. Wanting to hear that noise again, Maura repeated her ministrations. Soon enough, the two found each other down to their undergarments. They hadn't noticed that they slowly removed each other's clothes while kissing, sucking, and licking.

Their eyes met, and they saw desire and lust in each other's eyes. Jane studied Maura's creamy white flesh. There were small freckles adorned the soft skin of the doctor. Jane thought it was pretty.

"Maura..." Jane husked. She leaned forward and began kissing the doctor's neck. Maura weaved her fingers on black curls. She unclasped Jane's bra and soon it fell down on the floor.

One by one, they removed the remaining fabrics they wore. They stood in front of each other, naked. They were in awe. Excitement and fear filled their hearts but they still carried on. Their lips crashed again in a bruising and breathtaking kiss. They slowly walked towards the bed, lips still connected. When Maura's legs hit the bed, she slowly descended on it with Jane hovering above her.

Maura may be the more dominant one of them when it comes to bed. But this time, as for their first time, she wanted Jane Rizzoli to take the lead. She wanted Jane Rizzoli to take her. She wanted Jane Rizzoli to make love to her. And she will submit. Hands caressed each other's skin. Lips kissed the needed spots. Fingers trailed to where they needed the most.

Minutes had passed and moans of pleasure filled the air. Groans of satisfaction passed their lips until their throats ached in dryness. More movements exchanged until they finally reached their peaks and each other's name was moaned from each other's lips. The night is young and they just started making love. Soon, when they regained their strengths, there will be more to come.

For the first time, they felt truly loved.

For the first time, they finally felt safe.

Maura knew she's accepted flaws and all.

Jane knew she will be alright this time.

It was perfect.