You all are awesome! Definitely did cheer me up with your reviews and support. Thank you!=) Here's the next chapter!
Jane and Maura stayed true to their word as time went by. Though it did come up occasionally, Jane seldom questioned Maura's activities during the weekends she was home, and in turn Maura tried to schedule more available time for when Jane was off the academy.
Months went by in a similar fashion until the time came for Jane's graduation from the police academy. All of her hard work had paid off: she would be graduating at the top of her class. Maura had just started her second semester of medical school and was as busy as ever.
Graduation day came for Jane, who was a nervous wreck since she would be signaled out amongst her peers when presented with the award for best cadet of her class. She had woken up surprisingly early that morning, rising well before her alarm went off. She figured it was used to half a year worth of ridiculously early wake up calls. Maura lay next to her, arm around Jane's stomach and her leg over the brunette's. It was moments like these that Jane lived for. She thought it a special treat when she managed to wake before Maura so she could see her sleep. She always looked so peaceful and at ease; it was hard to think of a time when she looked more beautiful, then she would open her eyes.
Sensing her partner was awake, Maura stretched slightly, eyes still closed, and snuggled in closer to Jane. "Did you sleep well my love?"
Jane wrapped her arm around the blonde more tightly. "I did, oddly enough. I just couldn't seem to get any more sleep."
"Are you nervous about today?" Maura asked, finally opening her eyes and meeting Jane's.
"Yes, I am," Jane replied with a sigh.
"Why are you so nervous bébé? You're being honored today. You worked hard for this and deserve the distinction. I for one couldn't be prouder of you." Maura reached over and kissed Jane softly.
"Thanks Maur. You know, none of this would've been possible without you. You've been that push I've needed to get through… first with school and now with the academy. I owe it all to you sweetheart."
"You don't owe it to me Jane… you owe it to yourself. You've put in all your hard work and dedication to becoming the best police officer you can be, I've seen that throughout these months. It's like I've told you before, it's all a stepping stone to get to where you eventually want to be my love."
"Right now I can't think of a place I'd rather be more than right here," Jane said as she shifted her weight to rest above Maura's. Yep… this is perfect, right here," she said as she leaned down to kiss her partner and felt Maura's naked skin against her own.
The graduation ceremony was not too large; not many cadets remained at the end of the course. Some couldn't handle the physical activity while others were not able to pass the competency exams. Each cadet was told they could invite up to 7 guests for their graduation ceremony. It worked out perfect for Jane, who only had Maura, Angela and her two brothers who would attend. Though Angela had informed Frank senior, he hadn't made an appearance. It didn't surprise Jane in the least since her father hadn't bothered to attend her high school or undergrad graduations either.
Maura met the Rizzolis and they found the perfect spot together to watch Jane receive her badge and plaque for top cadet. When the time came for her recognition, no smile shone brighter than Jane's, as she was congratulated by her superiors and now fellow officers. A handful more badges were given after hers and the small ceremony was brought to an end.
"My baby! I'm so proud of you Janie!" Angela embraced her eldest in a bear hug.
Tommy and Frankie took their turn hugging their sister too.
"I have an announcement I'd like to make," Frankie said to grab his family's attention.
Tommy and the women turned to look at him expectantly.
"I know this is Jane's day, and we all couldn't be prouder of her. She's worked her butt off for this, and she deserves it. Congratulations Janie!" Frankie went to hug her once more. "I've always looked up to you… as a friend, as an older sister. I've been thinking a lot about this, and after thinking it through from all angles, I've decided to follow in your footsteps and apply for the academy myself. I wanna be a cop too Jane."
"Frankie, that's great!" Jane said enthusiastically. "I'm very happy for you. I know you will do well."
"I got big shoes to fill," he said truthfully. "Thanks for the support sis, means a lot to me."
"Of course we support you sweetheart. I don't know what I'm going to do with two of my children in law enforcement… you two are going to be the death of me with worry, but I will support whatever career you decide to pursue, you know that. I'm so proud of you my children." Angela hugged her three children to her.
Maura stood and saw the Rizzolis interact happily. She too congratulated Frankie and wished him the best of luck. Jane was already starting to give him pointers.
The small family went to dinner to celebrate Jane's big accomplishment and Frankie's big news. Once dinner and a celebratory drink was had (by those who could drink), they went their separate ways, with Angela and the boys returning home and Jane and Maura going to their house.
"Have you been given your assignment yet, Jane? Do you know what schedule you're going to be working?"
"Yeah Maur, we got our assignments just before the ceremony. It's like I expected I'm afraid… I got the night shift for the next 6 months at least. Don't know who I'm going to get as a partner yet though… that part has me a little nervous."
Maura's disappointment was obvious to them both.
"I know you're disappointed sweetheart; I am too. We knew this was more than likely going to be the case. We'll continue to work it out, you'll see… I know that you're still going to have a really tough schedule with school but look at the bright side: at least we'll get to see each other every single day now… hopefully."
"I know it's going to be difficult with the schedules Jane. You're going to be sleeping while I go to school and I'll sleep while you work. I truly do hope that our schedules allow for time together at some point during the day."
"They will sweetheart; we'll work it out. We always do," Jane said as she hugged Maura close.
So what do you all think? Is their time together going to be even less now that they will have completely different schedules? Will it lead to more trouble and jealousy or did our girls learn that lesson already? Thoughts?