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 20

" For all that it's worth, is it worth it?

How did we know without searching?"

~ Ever Enough by A Rocket To The Moon

It was Sunday night at ten when Jane and Maura arrived at the Beacon Hill house. They left Maine later than Jane intended. Maura wanted to explore the place for more time and since Jane couldn't deny the doctor anything, she agreed. So by, six in the evening, they finally left the place, both hesitant. Maura was in awe of the place. She never wanted to leave the place the following day. But both her and Jane's job were demanding. Suspects to catch. Murders to solve. Bodies to autopsy. So reluctantly, they silently said goodbye to the place for now and promised to come back next time and spend more time.

Maura insisted on driving back to Boston but Jane refused. Jane brought here to Maine, so she must also be the one to bring Maura back to Boston. Maura thought Jane's reason was valid and logical so she agreed. Jane drove in silence. And Maura seemed to want silence, too, she just rested her head on the window, stared outside as she watched the scenery outside flashed by her eyes.

As they were driving back to Boston, images of their last night's activity flashed in Jane's mind. She never thought it would happen. It wasn't that she thought they wouldn't engage in such kind of activity, but she didn't expect it to happen in the early stage of their relationship. Hell, she didn't invite Maura for a first date, yet. But somehow everything felt perfect and right. The way Maura shivered and writhed under her touches. The way Maura moaned while Jane kissed her sensitive spot. The way Maura muttered her name out of pleasure. The way Maura looked at her, full of want, desire, lust, and love. God, it was perfect. Everything was exhilarating. Jane didn't know how long she had been daydreaming until she felt a hand on top of hers. She looked sideways and met Maura's beautiful, smiling face. She smiled back. And that smile never left her face until they reached the doctor's house.

They were met by Angela inside the house. The older Rizzoli was glad and happy when she saw the two looking relaxed and at peace. Maura went to her bedroom while Jane remained in the living room with her mother. Maura knew that Angela wanted to talk to her daughter so she gave them space.

"You took her to the Casco Town, didn't you?" Angela asked upon joining her daughter on the couch.

Jane smiled but not meeting her mother's eyes. "Yeah, I took her to the Crescent Lake. The place we used to go to."

Angela nodded. "I'm glad."

There was silence between them. Neither knew what to say next. Sure Angela wanted to talk to Jane but after seeing her daughter when they arrived, she thought there was no point in talking to her anymore. Jane is relaxed. Maura may have talked to her and eased the pain out of Jane. And as for the younger Rizzoli, she doesn't know if she has to talk about what they did in Crescent Lake. Not that she's willing to open up about their last night's activity. No. If she's going to start telling her mother about what they did in Crescent Lake, that particular activity won't be included.

"Did Maura like it there?"

"I love her, Ma."

They said simultaneously.

And they fell silent again. Angela already knew it but somehow she was taken aback by Jane's bluntness. Never in her entire life, she heard her daughter admit to something intimate. Admit her true feelings. And she felt proud of her daughter. For finally voicing it out in the open. All she wanted for Jane is to be happy, loved, and cared for. And with Maura, Angela knew it is possible.

Jane was holding her breath as she looked at her mother. Though she already admitted that there could be something going on between her and Maura, this confession is a different story. Voicing it out means it's true. Voicing it out means it's final. And she for one knew that she rarely admit to her feelings.

Angela was keeping silent, staring at her daughter, with a blank expression. Though inside her head, she was beaming with pride and joy. She's just waiting for Jane to continue. Jane mistook her mother's silence in a different way. She thought her mother changed her mind about her and Maura. And she's getting more nervous the more her mother kept silent.

"Ma? Are you mad?" Jane asked nervously.

Angela moved towards her daughter and cupped Jane's cheeks. "My daughter."

Jane could see her mother's eyes shining with unshed tears. Happy tears that is. But still, Jane frowned at her mother's reaction. "Mom?" Jane rarely called her mother 'mom' when she was growing up. Angela felt Jane is five years old again.

"I'm happy you found someone. I was worried you're going to spend the rest of your life alone."

"You're not mad?" Jane asked timidly. Her eyes downcast.

"Why would I be mad at you? You're in love. You love Maura. And I know that she loves you, too. And I'm glad that it's Maura, you know. At least I know you'll be in good hands."

Jane smiled hesitantly at her mother. She still doesn't know how to make of it. Angela was glad. Jane could see it. Maybe she's not just good at showing her emotions. Especially to her mother.

"Thanks, Ma."

"You know you're my daughter and I want the best for you. But remember that Maura is like my daughter, too. Don't hurt her, Jane. She's a good one." Angela silently pleaded with her daughter. Their eyes locked.

"Ma..."

"I'm not telling you this because I think that you pretty screwing things up when it comes to a relationship. No. I'm telling you this because we both know how you work. The way you keep everything in. And I know you're scared. There would come a time that you'll think of running away when everything becomes overwhelming. But don't, baby. Just don't. Maura is a good one."

"I know Ma. I'm not planning on hurting her. She deserves to be loved and happy. That's all I wanted for her."

Angela patted Jane's cheeks lightly. "You both do. I already said this to Maura before, but I feel like I need to tell this to you, too. The roads ahead before you will not always be smooth no matter you wanted it. Especially in the type of relationship you and Maura have. There will be arguments, disagreements, and fights. That's for sure. But Janie, always keep in your mind why you and Maura wanted this relationship. Why you worked so hard for it. That way, you will get through everything."

For one, Jane did not argue with her mother. The advice was sweet. Warm. Wanted. She smiled and nodded her head. "I'll keep that in mind, Ma. Thank you."

"Now you go upstairs and I'll lock up here." Angela stood, followed by Jane. "I love you both."

"I love you, too, Ma." Jane leaned in to kiss her mother on her cheek before going upstairs in Maura's bedroom.

Jane leaned on the door frame as she watched Maura unpacked her things from the luggage. The doctor looked so relaxed, peaceful, and even prettier though they didn't get enough rest since last night. Their last night's activity was exhausting though wanted. Then they had to get up so early in the morning due to Maura's insistence that they should watch the sunrise. And their morning activities followed. They didn't have any itinerary. Jane just followed what Maura wanted to do with their remaining time. And they still had to go back to Boston.

"Do you think you could finish unpacking before it ticks to midnight?" Jane finally broke the silence.

Maura looked up and saw the relaxed posture of Jane leaning on the door frame. Arms crossed. She gave her detective a warm smile. Her detective. It feels so great to think it. Let alone say it. "I'm almost done."

"Hmm, is that so?"

"Yeah, that so." Maura stood up and walked towards Jane. The detective didn't move an inch. Their eyes locked. Studying each other. Searching something on each other's face.

"Ma talked to me."

"Hmm, what did you two talk about?" Maura softly asked.

"You. Us."

Us. When Jane thought of that one word, she felt her heart skipped a beat. It feels easy. Natural. Somehow it felt like it was meant to be. It feels like she and Maura were destined to meet at one point and be together and struggle in the world that's full of terror and cruelty. And thinking that Jane will not go through these things alone anymore, she felt at ease. At peace.

"What about...us?"

"She actually told me not to hurt you." Jane chuckled. "She gave me a warning, you know. Though I never intended it to do."

Maura's eyes softened. "I'm sure she was just trying to say that we take care of each other. I'm sure there was no harm in what Angela said. You're her daughter after all."

Jane smiled at Maura genuinely. "Hey, it's okay. I get what she said. And yes, she didn't mean for it to be harmful. She just wanted her daughters to be okay. And I understand her. I really do. You matter a lot to her, too. As much as I matter to her. You're the daughter she never had."

"Jane..."

"Maura, my mother loves you as much as she loves me." Jane smiled at Maura reassuringly. "Her advice was wanted. I'm not planning on hurting you." This time Jane moved a little closer to Maura and wrapped the doctor in a hug.

"Thank you. I would do the same you know. I don't plan on hurting you." Maura whispered as she nuzzled her face on the crook of Jane's neck. The detective felt a shiver ran down her spine.

"But Maura, I can't promise that there won't be disagreements. I can't promise you that I won't hurt you. But I promise I won't do it on purpose. You know how dangerous my job is..."

Maura gave Jane a peck on her lips then locked gaze with her. "I don't want you to change. Our relationship should be the only thing that should change. In a better way, I say. You'll do your job. I'll do mine. We will work together like we used to when we were just friends. I know how dangerous your jobs is, but I won't change it any other way."

Then there was silence.

Jane's heart swelled with pride and happiness. She knew she made the right decision. Maura is the one. She understands her. And in return, Jane understands Maura, flaws and all. And like Maura, Jane doesn't want anything to change about the beautiful doctor. Her doctor. She loves all the things that make Maura Maura. Sighing softly, Jane hugged Maura tightly and prepared herself to ask the very question she has been dying to ask when they left Crescent Lake.

"Maur?"

"Hmm?"

"I want to ask you something," Jane said nervously. Maura felt it.

"What is it?"

"Will you go out on a date with me? Like officially our first date?" Jane couldn't meet Maura's eyes. She buried her face on top of the doctor's head. And since Maura was keeping her silence, Jane's nervousness grew. "I know what happened last night should happen a little later but..."

Maura chuckled. Never in their friendship, Maura saw Jane this nervous. "We were basically dating for the last years. We do things together. We spend our free time with each other."

Jane's face fell. "So does this mean that you don't want to go out on a date with me? Is that it, Maura? Because I really like..."

Jane's sentence was cut when Maura pressed her lips against hers. When Maura broke the kiss, there was a smile playing on the doctor's lips. "Yes, Jane. I want to go out on a date with you. Officially."

And Jane's face couldn't get any brighter. The moment she was face to face with Maura, a grin was formed on her lips. She's going on a date with Maura. And Jane couldn't get any happier.

"Really? As in really?" Jane asked eagerly. Happily.

Maura chuckled at Jane's reaction. The detective looked like a kid on a Christmas morning. "Yes, Jane. As in really. But you better make sure to surprise me."

"Yes, Ma'am," Jane replied enthusiastically. But deep inside she's panicking on where she's going to take Maura. A woman who knows everything.

"By the way. Are you ready for tomorrow?" Now, a concern was etched on Maura's voice. Tomorrow they're going back to work. Back to reality. Jane has to face her horrors again.

Jane smiled. A warm smile as she squeezed Maura's hand lightly. "As long as you're there, I will be okay."

Jane entered the bullpen earlier than usual. Well, spending the night and waking up with Maura will make you rush your daily routine and go to the office early. Korsak, who was already at his desk, looked up as he saw an approaching figure. He actually did a double take when he noticed it was Jane. His eyes widened upon realizing that it was indeed Jane. But as he studied the woman he was working with for many years, he noticed that Jane's look was relaxed. Something he rarely sees in the brash detective. Especially it had been a hard week for Jane when they learned that their key witness died. It was one of Jane's downfall. Now seeing Jane relaxed made him believe that everything's okay now.

"Early morning Jane," Korsak said.

Jane turned to him and offered a smile which he returned gratefully. "Yeah. Maura woke me up before the sun even rises. You know how she is." She replied as she sat on her chair.

"I see." Korsak nodded his head.

Silence.

"Uhmm, Maura and I... we went... uh... someplace this weekend. It helped me a lot. You know, clear my head and stuff..." Jane trailed off. "I guess what I'm just trying to say is I'm sorry for being an ass last week."

Korsak understood. What Jane is trying to do was very hard on her. He should give her credit for that. Swallowing her pride and apologizing. It's not really Jane's thing.

"The case we have was hard. And I know how everything is taking its toll on you. And I know you felt responsible for the boy's death." Korsak said. He looked at Jane like a father would look at his daughter.

"I promised I would protect him but I failed." Jane sighed softly.

"You did nothing wrong, Jane. You have a job to do. And there are things we can't control. Especially death."

Jane looked at her scarred hands. "Yeah, but sometimes I could. Especially for those inmocent people."

Korsak smiled at her. " You have a good heart, Jane. And that trait was one of the reasons why you're a great cop."

Jane smiled weakly at Korsak. When he says something like that, Jane know it's true because like her, Korsak rarely says those kinds of things to his colleague and friends. "Thanks, I guess."

"So... you and Maura went someplace this weekend?"

Jane tried to hide the smile that was forming on her lips but failed. Then she thought, why hide it when she really had a great time with the great doctor. "Yes, we went to Casco Town."

"Maine, huh?"

"She loved it there." Jane's smile never left her face.

"I'm glad Doc was there for you."

"She's good. Actually, she's too good for me." Jane muttered and looked down.

"You're good for her, too, you know. You're both good for each other." Korsak commented. Once again, Jane met his gaze.

"You're aware of things, no? I know you notice things."

Korsak nodded. "But it doesn't mean I have to be privy."

Jane smiled at him. After all, Korsak was a respectful person. And he respects Jane's and Maura's privacy. "Thank you."

"You know if Frost is alive. He'll be thrilled about this piece of information. I know he'll support you both all the way. He once mentioned to me that one day you will both come to your senses and see the real thing."

"He knew all along? He knew something that Maura and I weren't aware of?"

Korsak nodded again. "He noticed it when you managed to kill Hoyt in prison. And when you saved Maura from Dennis Rockmond. He knew Jane. He knows you're prepared to kill someone just to keep Maura safe."

Jane smiled weakly at that. "I went to his grave the other day. You know that one day when I left for lunch alone. I asked for his help. When I thought no one seemed to know what's going on in my head."

"He's a good detective. And a good friend."

They were interrupted when an officer came looking for Jane. "Detective Rizzoli, someone is looking for you. There's an old lady down in the lobby demanding to see you."

Jane knew who it was. She prepared herself for this. But the moment the officer told her that there was a lady looking for her, her heart started to beat faster. She looked up at Korsak who just nodded his head in her direction as she stood up and excused herself following the officer.

Jane found Dinah and Maura in the lobby. The two women looked so serious but neither was talking. It looks that only their eyes were communicating. Jane didn't know what was going on but she could sense the protectiveness from Maura. Something primal. Something strong.

Maura and Dinah looked up when they heard someone approaching. Jane was looking directly at Maura with questioning eyes. Dinah struggled with whether she would greet the detective or wait for her to talk.

"Jane..." Maura was the first to speak.

Jane smiled at her. "Hey," She turned her gaze at Dinah. "Someone told me that you were looking for me?"

Dinah nodded. "Yes. I came here to talk. I want to talk to you, detective."

Jane nodded then looked back at Maura. "Do you want to join?" Jane didn't know what made her say it but she had this feeling that she should so she did.

Maura slowly shook her head and smiled at Jane. "I have things to do. But let me know if you need me. Call me."

"Okay," She turned to Dinah. "Will you follow me?"

Jane led Dinah in one of the interview room. They didn't talk. An awkward silence filled the two. Neither know what to talk about anyway. As they passed the bullpen, Korsak saw the two approaching figure. He looked up at Jane and the other detective looked back at her. A hidden signal was passed between the two as Jane nodded at him slightly.

Jane sat across Dinah. The older woman couldn't look as she was ashamed of herself to the Detective who did nothing but to help her and do her best at work. In return, she accused the detective of things. But she was hurt. And her feelings got the best of her that's why she said those things. Guess, you tongue loosens when you hurt and your mind goes blank.

Jane sighed. She knows what Dinah is feeling. And to put the older woman out of her misery, she opted to talk first."Hey, I'm not going to bite."

This made Dinah looked up. She was met with a smiling detective. "I'm sorry." Dinah looked down again. "I'm sorry I said those things."

"You were hurt. It was natural. I can't blame you with that."

"Yes. I was hurt. But that's not an excuse to hurt you, too. It's not like you could protect everyone. I mean, I know you have lots of things on your shoulder. So what I said was inexcusable." Dinah said.

What Dinah said hit Jane home. Yes, she couldn't protect everyone. And she still has this fear that one of the people she loves could be in danger. Especially Maura. But Jane appreciated Dinah's apology as she smiled weakly at the older woman.

"Thank you," Jane sighed softly. "And I'm sorry for your loss."

Dinah smiled weakly and nodded at Jane. "Thank you. He's a good kid. Lost but good."

"I understand. We're doing everything we can to find the person who did this to him."

"I know. And I thank you for that."

"I'm a cop and it's my job. You don't have to thank me." Jane countered.

"But not all cops are ready to solve cases for people just like us." Dinah said.

Jane shook her head. "I don't know why you're putting the word 'just' when you pertain to yourself. You're not a 'just.' Don't look at yourself like that. You're someone and I can say that so far you're one of the few people that I have the good time talking with."

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

"You should." Jane grinned this time.

"Detective Rizzoli, what can you tell me about Michael's case?"

Jane turned into a detective mode that instant. "So far. All I can say is the bullet we found in him is the same bullet we found in our two other suspects."

"So, one person did it?"

"Now, that I can't be sure. We're still investigating on it. But I can say that the same gun was fired at him and with the other two suspects. So far, that's all we have. No identifying marks we found on the crime scene. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I know you're doing your best."

"Thank you."

And there was silence.

"She warned me." Dinah spoke.

Jane frowned. Confused at what she's being told. "Huh?"

"Dr. Isles... she warned me. She told me not to hurt your feelings. She almost begged." Dinah met Jane's gaze who in return doesn't know what to say.

"Maura...she..."

Dinah smiled and nodded. "She cares for you a great deal, detective. I can see it in her eyes when she talked to me. Don't worry. She didn't threaten me. She said it in a polite way. I can say she was worried that I will say nasty things to you again."

"Maura..." Jane whispered. "She's something else."

"She's good for you." Dinah smiled.

"Yeah, way too good for me."

"And you are to her, too. I can say you finally see the other angle in this matter?"

Jane smiled slowly. "I think I just did. I think we just did."

"Good."

She was watching her do her thing. And she couldn't remember how many times she had seen her this way. But she knows, this is the beginning she had seen her in whole new level. Jane leaned on the door frame of the morgue as a smile on her lips formed just by watching Maura meticulously doing her autopsy of yet another body for another case.

Maura was glowing, that Jane is sure. She looks peaceful, calm, and collected while Maura does her thing. Jane could never get tired just by looking at the ME this way. Never. Right after Jane escorted Dinah outside the precinct, she immediately went to look for Maura. She didn't see the blonde in her office so she looked for her at the morgue. And what Jane saw was captivating.

When Maura felt another presence inside the room, she looked up and saw her detective watching her. She smiled as she saw the other woman smiling at her. No words passed between them. There's no need anyway. They know what's running in their minds. Carefully, Maura took her latex gloves off, walked towards Jane and placed her head on the detective's chest as the latter wrapped her arms around her waist with smiles on their faces.

They felt contented.