AN: Those still interested in this story, thank you so much. it means the world to me.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rizzoli and Isles.

The disappointment the guys felt at not seeing Maura was obvious. They each wanted a chance to express how sorry they were, how happy they were to see her, how much they missed her, and how glad they were that her and Jane were somewhat working things out. On the other hand, they understood. She couldn't avoid them forever so they would just wait. Besides, they all knew she was more than ok in Jane's hands.

Jane had had a lovely evening when weighing out all she did on that day. Everything turned out in her favour, she was ecstatic. She had spent the evening going back and forth between the living room and the bedroom. Everyone was happy, life was brilliant. She thought of Casey from time to time and hoped he was fine, but for the most part her mind was on Maura.

Maura was grateful to have the time to herself without so much worry sinking her. She spent the evening filling in her last journal entry in her Jane-Notebook.

February 19, 2006

….this is the last time I will be writing this. There is no longer any need; you are now here with me Jane. I don't require this type of copying mechanism….

She went on to write how she felt seeing Jane again, and the hurt knowing she was with Casey had caused. After five pages of pouring her heart out, she was finished and closed the book.

It had been almost midnight when everyone left and Jane got to bed. Maura was sporting her cute nighty lying down, listening to music as usual. Jane told Maura all about the night as she changed into her sleep gear.

''What were you writing earlier when I came in?'', Jane pried a bit.

''Nothing''

''That wasn't nothing Maura'', Jane pointed out, non-accusatory though.

''It's just something I did before, but won't be doing again''

''When did you get so evasive?'', Jane questioned, one of her sideways smile in place. She settled into bed while Maura continued staring into the distance.

''After you got back from Mexico, how did you cope with everything that had happened?''

That caught Jane of guard, ''where's this coming from?''

''I'm just asking Jane. I realized I've been very insensitive about your feelings''

''No you haven't'', Jane quickly cut Maura off.

''Yes I have Jane. All we've talked about is how hard it was for me and how hurt I am that you were with Casey. But that's only half of the whole story.''

''Maura-''

''No Jane'', Maura continued, turning to face Jane while balancing her head with her elbow, ''I forgot how hard it was for you too. I neglected the fact that you had your feelings to deal with, and instead of being there waiting to help you when you got back, I ran. And Casey was there by your side, doing something I should have been doing since I claimed to love you so much''

''Maura don't cry''. Jane saw the tell-tale signs of tears emerging.

''I don't make an adequate friend Jane''

''You do''

''Tell me something. Since we talked, have I once asked how you were copying when you got back?''

''That's-''

''Answer me Jane'', Maura looked very serious.

''No''

''Did I ask you how you were feeling?''

''No. but…..'', Jane wanted to go on but Maura was on a completely different path from her.

''Did I ask you details of what that man did to you?''

''No''

''I never asked how it felt to be away from your family, how it hurt to be held captive. Instead of understanding that you needed a friend, and Casey was there, I started thinking about my own feelings'', Maura was getting hysterical and crying already. Jane hadn't prepared for this. The doctor seemed perfectly alright the whole night. That was one of the reasons she didn't want Maura alone, she knew she'd start over thinking things.

''Stop Maura'', Jane reached to try and pull Maura into her, but Maura pushed her away.

''Just tell me Jane, I'm selfish aren't I? The whole time I was thinking about myself and my feeling for you, and that's it. I should have been grateful that when I was out hiding and making sure no one found me, Casey was here making sure you were happy and loved''

''You're right Maura, but please slow down. There are some things you need to understand''

''I understand everything Jane. Don't try to placate me please. Be honest with me, I really would appreciate that''

Jane went quite for a while. She didn't want to say the wrong thing. From experience she had learnt it was better if someone was angry that you didn't say anything than if they were angry you said the wrong thing.

''let's call it even then''

''What?'', Maura asked.

''let's call it even. You ran away, you were selfish. I dated Casey, and then slept with him'', Maura cringed a bit at Jane's words.

''I'm so sorry Jane. You know the last thing I ever want is to hurt you''

''I know. Can I hold you now?'', Jane tried.

Maura smiled and fell into Jane's open arms. Jane was lying on her back with Maura neatly tucked to her side as if they had been doing it for years. Maura began rubbing lazy circles on the other woman's arm as one of her legs went over Jane's automatically.

''What did you do to cope when you got back'', Maura persisted.

''Nothing. I guess I didn't cope''.

Maura let out a loud sigh as she continued with her ministrations.

''It all just happened in a weird way Maura. When I was taken all I tried to think about was how to get away. I didn't want to waste time thinking about everything back here. I thought a lot about how you felt after reading my letter, and whether you loved me in the same way'', she paused a bit, then went on when Maura didn't add anything, ''when I got back I was so happy to see everyone, but you weren't there. Then they told me you had gone and no one could find you. I thought it was ridiculous until I tried myself. Then Casey moved back and he was always around and Ma loved him, and everything was just happening so fast and so slow at the same time. Then they told me what you did and I sort of gave up on looking for you. I'm sorry Maura''

''There's no need to be sorry''

''I tried to put myself in your shoes and I figured if I were you I wouldn't want to come back. And for a short time I thought of putting you out as missing, but then thought better of it. I was scared you'd be angry at me, or that you wouldn't want to come back, or even that you would hate me and never love me again. I was so confused and I missed you so much.

With all hope gone Casey ended up being the next best thing. I wanted to make Ma happy, and she was so happy Maura. I sort of felt like I didn't have a choice, or I kind of owed it to her or something crazy like that. But my heart was always with you Maura, don't you ever forget that ok?''

''I won't'', she responded in a very low voice.

''With all that going on I really had no time to find a way to cope. Things just kept coming and I kept myself busy with work. I didn't want to sleep with Casey. I had to drink as much as I could to get through Valentine's Day. It's no excuse I know. That was a very horrible thing to do. And I feel awful for letting it happen. I don't remember anything anyway, I was completely zonked''

''I'd be a hypocrite to judge you Jane''

''No. You didn't go drinking and sleeping with men''

''Who said I didn't?''

Jane quickly moved Maura from her body to look her in the face. When she saw the smirk on Maura's face she laughed.

''Was that a joke Doctor Isles?''

''I believe so, yes. Was it funny?''

''In this instance, not really''

''So why are you laughing'', Maura asked.

''Because you are funny, not what you said. And you're cute too''

''Will you ever forgive me'', Maura asked soberly.

''Of course. I already have'', Jane answered right away.

Jane pulled the smaller woman into their usual spooning position and kissed her exposed neck. Maura smiled and breathed a sigh of contentment. Jane's lips lingered a little longer and Maura felt an intense feeling she had never felt before. Her heart rate increased exponentially, her nipples hardened instantly and the throbbing between her legs was becoming hard to contain. With Jane's breath still invading her senses, she shifted a little trying to ground herself. That didn't help, because she pushed further into Jane, if that was possible. And on instinct Jane lifted her other leg over Maura's. The doctor's breath caught a little. Jane seemed oblivious to the things she was doing to Maura. The poor woman could hardly breathe.

''What time are leaving in the morning?'', Jane asked

It took a while for Maura to come back to earth, ''our flight is for 9am. Your mom said she'll take us to the airport. You want me to wake you?''

''Please''

''Sure'', Maura chuckled. It was a little strangled though- with all she was already going through.

They fell asleep, Jane feeling peaceful as ever and Maura feeling 'wet' and turned on like no man's business.

The next morning couldn't come soon enough for both of them, for different reasons. Maura had abruptly pulled out of Jane the second she woke up; she couldn't deal with the feelings coursing through her that early in the morning. After getting herself ready she woke Jane up. The detective had pulled a little fight regarding the shopping and repacking Maura had gone through. The smaller woman paid no attention; she was cleaning up and getting breakfast ready. With all their luggage in Angela's trunk and breakfast taken, they set off for the airport.

Check in didn't take them long. Angela gave them both her signature bear hug before they disappeared behind the departing gates. Angela had voiced how uneasy she felt about the fact that they had not bought return tickets, and Jane had laughed asking her if she was afraid they were eloping to never been seen again. She made them swear a million times to call her before she eventually let them go.

Jane breathed a sigh of relief as she buckled her seat in the first class section of the plane. It was now her and Maura, and the feeling was one of absolute bliss. Maura was exhausted from what little sleep she had, and couldn't wait for take-off so she could indulge herself. When the plane was steady and floating in the clouds somewhere, she yarned once again.

''Did you sleep at all last night?'', Jane asked.

''Long after you fell asleep, yes''

''Here'', Jane lifted the large arm rest between them and pulled Maura onto her lap. She fluffed two pillows on her upper thighs as she moved as much as she could against the window, to give Maura enough room to lie on. Maura would have protested, but she really needed the rest. She fit perfectly into Jane's lap and she loved it. Jane left a soft kiss on her forehead as she drifted peacefully into sleep.

The journey to New Zealand was a very long one, with two stop overs. They made it safely, hours and hours later. Jetlag was killing them but the excitement in Jane was enough fuel for the both of them. Jane was surprised when she saw them leaving the city heading instead for the outskirts of town, the villages to be precise.

''Maura, who are you?'', she gaped.

''A village girl'', the doctor laughed.

''Oh my God!'', Jane was in awe.

The taxi dropped them by Maura's cottage and Jane could not for the life of her close her mouth. It was all nothing she expected. It was not Maura AT ALL. But she loved it, and the simple village life suited Maura beyond doubt. Jane's eyes were everywhere, trying to capture everything all at once. The questions were spilling out of her mouth nonstop; Maura didn't know what to answer first. She was amused by Jane's enthusiasm and excitement. She wished she herself had felt the same way when she first got there, instead, Maura had felt lost, alone, and depressed.

The questions and the thrill plummeted when they entered the house.

''Maura!'', Jane questioned, holding up a picture with Maura and a bunch of primary school children.

''I was working at the primary school in this village.''

''You are a teacher?'', Jane looked as if she could die from shock.

''Not a teacher, no. I helped with the children during meal times and after school clubs''

''You know I have been itching to ask why you were wearing that t-shirt with the tiny handprints the day you came''

''Oh Jane, you're funny'', Maura laughed. ''the kids made it for me when I wasn't feeling well''

''What happened?'', Jane asked in a panicked voice.

Maura looked out the window remembering her torturous days without Jane. The detective moved herself and stood right behind Maura with her hands on both of Maura's shoulders.

''What happened Maura?'', she asked again.

''There is a little girl called Jane at the school. They call her Janie.''

Maura didn't have to elaborate for Jane to understand the effect that could have had on Maura back then.

''I'm sorry honey''. She hugged Maura from behind and they tangled their hands together against Maura's stomach. Jane swayed them left and right for a little while, enjoying the feeling of having Maura in her arms. The blonde woman's neck was exposed again (because Maura's hair was shorter and almost always tied in a ponytail), and Jane's lips found their way there again.

God she's started, Maura said to herself. She was working overtime, trying not to turn in Jane's arms and have her way with the brunette. Before she could declare it a lost battle, Jane slid from behind to stand in front of her, never letting her go.

''I don't want us to have a sad time here. I want to create new and happy memories with you during our vacation. Take me anywhere; we will do whatever there is to do ok. It's our turn to be happy Maura. We've been given the chance''

Maura looked into the beautiful eyes staring at her. She wanted to kiss Jane; she wanted Jane to kiss her. She didn't know if she should go for it, if she should ask, or maybe say something. It was all very confusing for her. And it wasn't helping that Jane seemed somewhat clueless, and intent on taking things slow. Maura wanted that- to take things slow, but it was so hard with Jane holding her and looking at her like that.

So they settled in. After making a quick lunch, they sat on the porch relaxing as Maura told Jane all about the life she had created for herself in New Zealand.

''You have literally THREE pairs of heels in your closet'', Jane asked in an almost disgusted tone.

''I hardly wear them these day. With the job I do now, it's almost impossible''

''A crime scene never prevented you from wearing heels'', Jane retorted.

''Well it's just not me anymore I guess. I took a leaf from your book, ''dress normal, and appropriately''. So that's what I do now''.

Jane laughed. ''well you look nice in casual wear. I can't wait to see you at work''.

''We'll go in tomorrow. I'll be putting in my resignation, then you can see me in action'', Maura made a martial arts gesture, or at least what she thought passed as a martial arts gesture. Jane laughed out loud. She loved the woman in front of her to bits, heels or no heels.

''You're resigning?'', Jane asked cautiously.

''Yes. I want to come back home with you Jane''

Jane cried. She didn't have the words to articulate how happy that made her feel. They say tears are words a person can't say.

So the girls had amicably made their way back to being best friends again. In theory, they were more than that though. Before they went to bed they called Angela to let her know they had arrived safely.

The next day came after a much needed rest. Jane was already growing fond of the place, and she hadn't even done or gone anywhere yet. Her answer to Maura was, ''the air is just so different, in a pleasant way''. Maura had just laughed.

They got to the school right before lunch. Maura introduced Jane as her best friend to her fellow workers. The other women just eyed them suspiciously, because the vibe from the two certainly said more than 'best friends'. They hadn't grown close enough to Maura to question her, so they just left it at that.

The headmistress accepted Maura's resignation but asked her to help out for a week with the new person they were going to find to replace her. Maura accepted, it was the least she could do, and it was only going to be breakfast and lunch, so she would be home with Jane by 2pm for that entire week. She surmised Jane could do with a little time to herself as well.