A/N: Kind of short, but let me know what you think. Enjoy!

The walk upstairs was eerily silent as Maura carefully climbed them. Years of late nights at the office seemed to pay off in the way she cautiously avoided each creak in the floor boards with expert precision. By the time she made it to the second floor she could clearly hear her children's voices.

"…but I don't get it," came the childish voice of her son as she inched a little closer to his bedroom door, hesitating in the shadows. Ali's sigh reverberated through the crack between the door and the frame.

"I know. It's just going to take some time."

Slinking even closer, Maura slowly peeked into the room. Jacob had his back against the pillows with Alice facing him as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"But I did give it time. And they still didn't get back together."

"No, that's not what I meant. I mean that it will take time to get used to it… I know it's hard right now, but it'll get easier."

Their mother watched her son bring his knees up against his chest, resting his chin on them. They remained silent for a seemingly endless moment, Jake's face the picture of heartbreaking despair with Ali's contorted in answering sympathy. It was tough to watch, and just as Maura decided she couldn't take it anymore, hand hovering over door knob, his muffled voice sounded.

"I just want us to be a family," he confessed, meek and morose. In that moment he looked even younger and more fragile.

"But, Jake, we are a family."

"No we're not!" He slammed his legs back down on the bed, arms crossing and anger suddenly painting his face red. His mother could feel her heart hammering in her chest. She wanted so badly to run to her son, cradle him in her arms and tell him that everything would be alright. In fact, the only thing that stopped her from doing just that was her daughter's next words.

"Yes we are," she whispered, "You, me and mom. We're a family. Dad too, even though we don't all live together anymore."

Seeming to have lost his steam, Jacob shook his head. "A family is two parents with kids altogether," he sniffled as a rogue tear escaped his eye. "How can we be a family if Dad's not here?"

Alice stared down at her brother, rubbing a hand up and down his arm as he wiped away more tears. At this point, she had been explaining the same thing over and over for the past half-hour. She'd explained to him how their parents no longer loved each other the way they used to, but that they would never stop loving them. He seemed to get it at first, but then he became fixated on this idea of how they could not be in love and still be a family. It was frustrating but at the same time, she could tell he was in a lot of pain.

"Oh, Jake… Remember when you met your friend Danny's Dad?"

Jake swallowed thickly, shoulders hunching over as he eyed his lap. He shrugged before his voice cracked on the word, "Yeah?"

"And you asked Mom how come he didn't have a Mom?"

He only nodded this time, regulating his breathing as he fiddled with the bedding.

"And what did she tell you?"

"That all families are different…"

"What else?"

"And that a family is when people love each other… and that whether it's two people or a hundred people, it's not a family without love."

Ali shared Maura's smile without realizing it as she ran a hand through her brother's hair. "That's right, bro."

"But I just don't get why they stopped loving each other. Does that mean they'll stop loving us one day?"

Just when Ali thought she had this under control, the kid goes and asks that.

"Of course not. Jake, listen. Daddy… he hurt Mom. Really badly."

The boy looked up at her in confusion. "What did he do?"

Behind the door Maura wasn't completely sure that her heart was still beating. She swallowed thickly clasping her hands together. It's not that she didn't want her son to know the entire truth about the divorce. But he was ten. Her precious boy that had yet to be tainted by the world's harsh realities.

For the first time Maura didn't know what she wanted. Should Jacob be told what his father's part in the divorce was or did she want his image of his great father to remain intact?

"He didn't love her like he was supposed to. Not nearly enough. And that made her feel awful."

"Oh," he replied.

Maura released the air clogged in her lungs as she saw her son's solemn face. He almost looked guilty. Ali took his hand in hers.

"Do you remember that time when you went to Mom and Dad's room because you had a nightmare, but ended up coming to mine?"

Maura furrowed her brow in contemplation. She tried to think back to a time when she had ever rejected her son's wishes to join her in bed. Not being able to pull up that memory she focused her attention back in the room.

"Yeah," he nodded. "Dad wasn't there."

"And what did you tell me when you got into my bed?"

Pulling his hands from his sister's he started picking at his bedding again. "Mom was crying."

Maura felt her heart drop into her stomach and she squeezed her eyes shut. The teenager ran a hand through the boy's brown hair. "Yeah." She placed her hand on his shoulder and gave it the tiniest squeeze before continuing. "And you know why Mom was crying? Because Dad wasn't there. She was really lonely. And really sad."

Finally looking up at her, he asked, "She was?" Alice merely nodded and watched as her sibling worked through this new information. "She must have been lonely a lot then."

A tear rolled down Maura's cheek at the realization that she wasn't as cautious as she thought in trying to hide her breakdowns during her marriage. All those nights she'd cried herself to sleep over her ex-husband's absence she thought her kids were fast asleep.

A moment later she watched her daughter pull her legs up on the bed sitting closer to the fervent looking boy.

"She was lonely a lot… Until she met Jane."

The architect's eyes immediately zeroed in on the boy at the mention of her girlfriend's name. There was eventually a hint of a smile on his face.

"She gets all happy and stuff when Jane's around… And blushy..."

They both laugh and Maura had to cover her mouth to keep the sound inside her. "You like Jane, don't you?"

"Yeah." He half-smiled up at her. "She knows everything about sports... And she lets me eat junk food... She came to my last two games. Even the championship one out of town and she said I played really well even though we didn't win."

"See?" his sister said returning his smile. "Jane's awesome."

"Yeah, she's pretty awesome. I think," he paused. "I think Mom likes her too."

"I think she loves her."

"When I think about it, I'm pretty sure Mom loves her too. I mean, I was the one who was scarred for life seeing Mom kiss her. No kid should have to see that."

They both laughed for a second before Alice moved closer on the bed.

"We're on the same page on that one, brother."

"But even before that…" He leaned forward and whispered, "I always thought Jane had a crush on Mom. For, like, ever."

The teenage girl chuckled giving her brother a shove. "You're certainly the smartest kid I know."

At that he blushed. Suddenly his expression turned into guilt as he considered all that had happened that night.

Maura could feel her heart swell with joy watching her children interact like this. They'd always been fond of each other despite how much they teased. Even when Maura was pregnant with Jacob, Alice had sworn to be the best big sister ever.

"Can I ask you something?" Receiving an affirmative nod from the boy she continued. "Why did you run away?"

Maura noticed him shrug in a very Jane-like fashion. "I don't know. I guess I just thought that family was you, me, mom and dad. And when I saw them I thought Jane was trying to take it away… but I really think she's trying to give it back."

That's when the dam broke and Maura's could no longer hold back the tears.

"Jane was so worried about you tonight."

"Really?"

"Of course she was. She probably still is… How would you feel if she was a part of our family?"

While he sat in contemplative silence for a moment Maura subconsciously held her breath. "It's okay. I mean it'll probably be weird at first."

"Because she's a woman?"

His face twisted in misunderstanding before he rigorously shook his head. "No, because of you."

"Me?" she gasped in surprise.

"Yeah. You guys hate each other!"

"Wha-? No, we don't."

"Yes you do! And what happens when she starts coming around more. And making dinner. What about when she moves in and they get married-"

"Whoa! Slow down, slugger. Getting a little ahead of yourself there... And we don't hate each other, we just have a healthy competitive streak. Actually we're friends. You know, ever since I got grounded that last time, she's been teaching me how to box?"

When Jane had come to Maura a week after the incident at the party, offering to teach her daughter some self-defense techniques, she had immediately accepted. Alice however was a bit skeptical until she tried it out and loved the bad ass feeling of it all.

"Really? Do you think she could teach me?"

"Sure. You'd have to ask Mom, first… But you'd never be able to take me." Ali started poking at her brother who quickly indulged her in their game. When their love pats turned into shoves and almost resulted in Alice being kicked off the bed, Maura quickly knocked on the door.

She slowly walked in and stood at the edge of the bed. She first looked at her daughter sporting an understanding smile. Then she turned her attention over to her son who looked a little embarrassed and red around the ears.

"I take it you're feeling better, Jacob?"

"Yeah, a little." When he received a slight shove from his sister he got out of the bed to stand in front of his mother. "I'm sorry for running away. And for the way I acted."

Placing her hand on both of his cheeks, she smiled down at him. "I know, sweetheart. It's okay. I'm sorry for not checking in with… seeing how you felt." They sat side by side on the bed, holding each other. "Do you have any questions for me?"

"Um. Are you and Jane… you know."

Maura's eyes bulged as his hands repeatedly smacked together. "Huh?"

"Dating. I think he means are you and Jane dating, mom." Alice clarified with a smirk on her face.

"Yeah, dating."

"Oh. Well, yes. We are."

He nodded his head and crossed his arms. "When are Jane and Jo moving in then?"

"Uh…well. They-"

"Before you guys get married, right?" On the bed Alice was trying to stifle a laugh but failed. "Oh, and when you guys have a baby can I name him?"

Her entire being was completely flushed with embarrassment. When she had asked if he had any questions she hadn't been expected this. "On second thought, maybe we should wait until tomorrow. I think you've had enough excitement for one night."

"But-"

"Mom's right. We have school in the morning." Maura sighed out her anxiety. Where did her daughter learn to think on her feet so well?

Maura helped her son go about getting ready for bed. She gave him a long hug before kissing him on the crown of his head, whispering promises that he could ask her anything he wanted tomorrow. She found Alice waiting in the hallway as she silently closed the door. When the girl looked up she was surprised to see her mother crying.

"Oh, hey. I was just about to come find you," she told her daughter.

"Mom, what's wrong?"

The older woman waved her hand as if to say nothing "I just…I'm so proud of you, Alice. I don't think I can say that enough."

A smile stretched across the girl's face before she fell into her mother's embrace. Resting her hand on her mother's shoulder she finally released a shuddering breath.

"I'm proud of you too."

Leaning back slightly to see her daughter's face, she looked questioningly down at her tucking her hair behind her ears.

"Me?"

"Yeah. Dad was being a tool and I'm really impressed with the way you've handled him and yourself. With all of this…" she gestured around them at the figurative mess.

Maura could only pull the girl back into her arms holding her tightly. "Thank you, sweetheart. Thank you."

The architect's feet carried her swiftly downstairs, caution long since thrown to the wind. Whoever was banging so loudly on her door had better be the FBI with the wrong address. Her time had been split between making the kids breakfast and reassuring them that despite their emotionally and physically draining night, they were indeed still going to school.

Reaching the door she pulled it open, not expecting to see Jane there. They usually only carpooled when the children were away. And that usually meant Jane had stayed the night.

The brunette stood there with her shades covering her eyes, dark suit adorning her tall body and wild hair framing her face. Needless to say, Maura couldn't help the heat rising up her neck and her bottom lip sneaking in-between her teeth at the sight.

"Jane, what are you doing here?"

"Uh…"

Maura wrinkled her nose and clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "You know I have let you get away with saying that phrase a lot lately." She then noticed the box of donuts and coffee she was balancing in her hands as she shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

Maura furrowed her brows, stepping closer to her girlfriend to take in her troubled features. "Is everything okay?" The taller woman was shifting her eyes from the cars parked in the drive way and into the house. "What is it?"

"I just didn't… are Ali and Jake still home?"

Maura stared at her a bit baffled before slowly reaching out to tug her inside, closing the door behind her.

"They do live here, Jane."

"Right." Jane says with a nod as her eyes searched the front foyer.

"Right?"

The younger woman simply sighed pushing her sunglasses up into her hair with the back of her hand. "I didn't know they would still be here… was gonna see if you wanted to ride in together this morning." She looked down and Maura couldn't help but smile. She's so adorable.

"Are you avoiding my children?"

"No! I mean… well, maybe. I'm just avoiding the drama from last night, but I still wanted to ride in together."

"That's all you came for?"

"Well," Jane began, looking up and behind Maura. "I guess I was wondering how last night went."

"Hm."

"I mean how is little man doing? Is he still pissed? At me." In the moment that Maura raised one eyebrow at the question, thundering footsteps hammered down the staircase. Both Isles children bumbled up to them all dressed and ready for the day.

Jane tried and failed not to flinch when the boy's gaze landed on her. They all seemed frozen as the two brunettes stared at each other. Jane hated this. Jacob was the only Isles she could always count on being happy to see her. She hated that she's possibly lost his trust and would do anything to gain it back again.

"Hey, bud," she greeted.

His face was stoic, putting Jane on edge. "Can I ask you something?"

Her face softened with an earnest reply. "Anything."

"Will you teach me how to box too?"

When the words caught up with Jane's brain, her body sighed in relief as a grin slowly took over her face. "Hm…," she pondered. "How much you got?"

"No fair! Ali doesn't have to pay."

"Of course she does… with hugs."

Suddenly, Jane was being attacked by a grinning little hug monster. He ran full speed from the base of the stairs and plowed into her, wrapping his skinny arms around her midsection. She immediately squatted to his level and put the coffee and donuts down to give him a proper hug.

"Thanks, buddy."

"Sorry I made you worry last night."

"I know you are, but it's fine. Just don't do it again, okay?"

"Okay."

"Promise me."

"I promise."

"You promise what?"

"I promise to never run away again."

"Secret handshake."

They did their secret handshake, which was certainly a secret to Ali and Maura until now.

"Hey, Jane?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad you're here."

"Me too."

Glancing up at her girlfriend with a smile before squeezing Jake once more then patting his back to gently end the embrace, Jane agreed to teach him anything approved by his mother.

The brunette's eyes drifted toward Alice whose expression showed that she wasn't surprised at her brother's reaction at all. "I'm glad you're here too," she admitted and stepped up, taking the box of donuts. "cause I've been craving donuts all morning."

They all laughed.

"I'll get you later for that," Jane threatened.

"I'd like to see you try… I'm going to go eat these." Taking a few steps toward the kitchen and noticing that her brother hadn't moved, she added. "All of them. By myself."

This seemed to snap the boy out of it. He attempted to run after the teenager, but Jane held him back by his shoulder. Throwing another glance at Maura, she kneeled down to look into the boy's eyes.

"Jacob. Are we okay? I mean, what happened last night? You were so upset with me."

He sluggishly shrugged his shoulders. "I guess when I saw you and mom at the door I just thought…that you were trying to take my dad's spot."

Jane smiled and squeezed his shoulder. "No matter what happens between your mother and me, your dad will always be your dad. You know that, right?"

"Well I do now." He said spinning slightly to look at his sister.

"Okay. Um." The brunette looked up to her girlfriend and swallowed. "Is it okay if I date your mom…maybe come around more often? Is that okay with you?" When the boy frowned at her and tilted his head quizzically she rushed on. "I mean because if it's not then-"

Jane stopped. Then what? What if this wasn't okay with the woman's son? She'd gotten the okay from Alice, but what if Jacob wanted them to remain friends. Would she really be willing to give up their relationship?

"But I thought you and Jo were moving in." He said his voice raising in pitch.

Jane only blinked once. Then again. Before licking her dry lips. "Moving in?"

"You know. Like a family." He said trying to hide his huge grin.

"Oh." Jane said feeling suddenly light headed.

"Don't worry." He placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled. "I know you need time to pack your stuff. I'll help carry Jo." And with that he was off. Bounding up to his sister, snatching the box out of her hands and continuing off into the kitchen.

Alice merely suggested to Jane and Maura that they talk about what had just happened and followed her brother leaving behind one adult who was both overjoyed and amused and another who was both excited and immensely confused.

Straightening up, Maura couldn't hold in the light laughter bubbling from her throat. Jane's facial was just too priceless. The brunette joined in handing Maura her coffee.

"Okay. Yeah. You're going to have to explain what the hell just happened."

"I think you've just been accepted into the family." Leaning in Maura grabbed one lapel of Jane's blazer and pulled her closer. She stared into dark brown eyes before she closed the gap and kissed her slowly.

Jane hummed in pleasure before breaking off the kiss. "But I thought I was already a part of this family."

"You definitely are…" Maura kissed her again. "Did you sleep well?"

"No better than if you were beside me, but I managed."

"Good. I know last night was rough on all of us."

"Speaking of which, what was Jacob saying about me moving-…Maura what in the world happened here when I left?"

Maura giggled at the small pout on her lips before placing a chaste kiss there. "I will tell you everything… After breakfast."

Bringing her coffee to her mouth, she took the brunette's hand and led her to the kitchen where her children were rambunctiously fighting over sugar-glazed bread.

It definitely felt like family to her.