Jane squirmed restlessly under the shared blanket in her first-class seat. The truth was, she hadn't thought it all the way through when she'd invited Maura to visit the Rizzoli home with her. Not that she didn't want her there. She wanted Maura with her all the time, and especially wanted her to meet the other most important people in her life. But she had to admit that Maura made her feel different, and that she had changed quite a bit since they'd been together. It was a good change, of course, but she wasn't quite the same person she'd been when she'd left Boston, and she wondered if her family would even recognize her, if there would still be a place there for this new Jane. Maura's Jane.

And Maura. She looked over at Maura, sitting perfectly still with eyes closed, the picture of peace, and she envied her ability to quiet her mind with meditation. Maura was different than the Rizzolis. She came from a different kind of people, she had lived a very different kind of life. No Isles had ever worried about how to pay an overdue utility bill, or how to stretch a week worth's of groceries into two. And it would take every Rizzoli combined, even ones she hadn't met, to match half the stamps in Maura's passport. The worlds in which they had grown up and built their lives could not have been more different. It suddenly seemed strange, the idea of a diamond like Maura in her rough old North End Boston neighborhood. She wasn't so sure anymore that this trip was such a good idea. But it was too late to turn back now. She sighed heavily.

"What's the matter?" Maura asked quietly, eyes still closed.

"I thought you were meditating."

"I was." She opened her eyes to peer at Jane. "And you were worrying."

Jane looked back at her and smiled. "I kind of love that you can do that."

Maura's brow wrinkled. "Do what?"

"You always seem to know when something's bothering me. Even when I don't tell you."

"You never tell me."

"But you always know."

"Are you going to tell me what it is or are you going to make me guess? Because you know how I despise guessing."

Jane shrugged. "Just nerves, I think."

"About what? I thought you'd be excited to see your family?"

"I am, I just... I don't know. I guess I'm still feeling weird. I hope my family doesn't think I've... changed too much."

"We all change, Jane. We're changing all the time. It's to be expected. I'm sure they've changed some as well."

"But not like me," she whispered.

"No, probably not like you." She smiled as Jane looked at her, confused. "You've been through a major life experience; you sold your condo to move across the country, away from friends and family and everything you've ever known, changed careers, traveled Europe... and you fell in love. These things change a person. But it's for the better, don't you think?"

Jane smiled, took the hand that was resting on Maura's arm, and laced their fingers together under the blanket. "Definitely better." She looked down at her lap. "It's just going to take some time for me to get used to it, I guess." She looked back up at Maura. "Thank you."

"For what, Jane?"

"For being here. For coming with me. For keeping me sane."

"I didn't realize I was responsible for your sanity," she quipped.

Jane laughed. "No, I suppose that's too tall an order for anybody."

When they arrived at her parent's home, Jane parked the rental car and turned off the engine. Maura watched her as she hesitated, staring ahead, eyes slightly glazed. She reached a hand to Jane's shoulder, a silent reassurance. Jane took a deep breath and looked at Maura.

"You ready?"

Maura smiled and nodded. But before they could even get out of the car, a very excited Angela Rizzoli came running across the lawn, arms outstretched. Jane got out quickly and hugged her mother, a surprisingly warm, tight hug that she'd forgotten how much she missed. Her worries began to dissipate almost immediately.

"Oh Janie! I missed you so much! I'm so glad you're here!" Angela pulled back to look at her daughter. "You look... amazing! Wow!"

"Thanks, Ma. You look good, too." She turned to Maura. "Ma, this is Maur-"

"Maura Isles!" Angela's eyes widened at the sight of Maura exiting on the passenger's side and she audibly gasped. "In my driveway!" She rushed over to her.

"Good morning, Mrs. Rizzoli," Maura greeted with a polite smile, extending her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Instead of shaking her hand, Angela pulled Maura into a warm hug. "Please, call me Angela! And thank you for bringing my Janie home to me! Even if it's only for the day. I'm so very grateful!"

Angela didn't know which was more exciting, her daughter visiting or meeting a movie star. She led them both into her kitchen, where she had already been busy preparing food, and started yapping about one thing, then another. Jane and Maura simply communicated through glances while they half-listened to Angela's latest gossip.

"What about you, Jane? Tell me about Europe!"

Jane's eyebrows shot up. "Europe?" To her, Europe was Maura. It was the taste of Maura's lips and the softness of her skin. It was the curve of her bare hip and discovering how their bodies fit together so perfectly. But somehow she imagined that wasn't what her mother wanted to hear. "Europe was good. It was, uh... busy. We stayed busy. Lots of hotel rooms. I told you already," she said, shifting the focus away from herself.

"Did you at least get to have any fun?"

Jane tried not to smirk, but failed. She turned her head away from her mother and toward Maura, sharing a look. "Oh sure. Lots of fun."

Maura decided to cut in and steer the conversation slightly. "I told Jane we would visit again sometime when we're not working, so I can really show her the sights."

"I bet you've traveled a lot, Maura" Angela mused. "Doing movies and talk shows and everything."

"Oh, yes. Though it's not quite as exciting as it sounds, I'm afraid. We generally keep a very tight schedule when we're working."

"Yeah, Maura had to pull a lot of strings just for us to be able to come here today."

Angela gave Maura a huge smile. "Thank you again. It means so much to me to have my Janie here!"

"Well, don't get used to it, Ma. You know we have to catch a plane back to L.A. tonight."

"Why do you have to go so soon? Can't you just stay another day?" Angela groaned.

"Ma, we talked about this..." Jane warned.

"I'm sorry, Angela," Maura said apologetically. "I have several upcoming promotional engagements that I am obligated by contract to attend, starting as early as tomorrow. This was something of a last minute trip."

Angela tilted her head. "It's okay, Maura, I understand. I'm just so happy you all came! We're going to have a real Rizzoli family dinner, with my favorite daughter and our very special guest!" Angela was obviously overjoyed.

"Easy, Ma. Your only daughter and my very special guest are going to take a drive."

"But you just got here!"

"I know, but I want to show Maura around Boston a little. We'll just be gone a couple hours, I promise."

"Alright. Have you two eaten?"

They shook their heads.

"Let me pack you a little lunch."

While Jane helped her mother gather food for a picnic lunch, Maura excused herself to the restroom. As she walked down the hallway, she couldn't help but admire the pictures on the walls. Not art, but family photographs. A picture of the whole family, Jane and her brothers, looking to be in their early twenties, smiling on a beach somewhere. A preteen Jane in a softball uniform. Angela in a hospital gown, holding a newborn. Maura smiled to herself. She liked the Rizzoli home. It wasn't large and elegant like hers, but it possessed a warmth and a charm that far outweighed her expensive decor. This was not a house, but a home. It was the kind of home where you watch a baby take its first steps. Where kids play basketball and open presents on Christmas morning. Where you make a family. A small ache bloomed in her chest and she smiled wistfully.

"You ready to go?" Jane called out, poking her head around the corner.

Maura's head jerked in her direction. "Almost."

"So where are we going?" Maura asked excitedly as they pulled out of the driveway. "I read an article recently in Time Magazine in which they compiled a list of popular Boston destinations, such as the Paul Revere House, the Museum of-"

"Nope," Jane interrupted. "We're not tourists. This is my hometown and I'm going to show you my Boston. You've already been to stop number one: the Rizzoli house. I thought next we could go ahead and have our picnic at the public garden, then maybe take a stroll around the Common. What do you think?"

Maura smiled. "That sounds perfect." She looked down at her casual clothes, her best option for disguise, and bit her lip. "I hope no one recognizes me."

Jane stopped at a stop sign and took the opportunity to look Maura over. She took the baseball cap off her own head and placed it on Maura's, stopping only to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and adjusted it so that it partially hid her face. "There you go," she said with a wink, "now you're totally incognito."

Maura leaned over and tilted her head to plant a chaste kiss on Jane's lips. "Thank you."

Jane pressed on the gas and they started moving again. "You know, it kind of sucks that you have to hide with me all the time."

Maura frowned. "I know."

"I didn't think it would bother me, but... I dunno, it kinda does."

Maura paused, trying to find the most appropriate response. "Jane, I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable."

"No Maura, it's not your fault. I get it. I just..." she sighed. "I just don't like it."

"Me either," Maura admitted. "I don't want to have to hide my face to have a picnic in the park with you. I want to be able to walk down the street and hold your hand. I want to put my head on your shoulder and kiss you when I feel like it, and not have to worry about who might see." She looked down at her lap. "But I can't. James says that coming out publicly as being in a lesbian relationship would most likely end my career-"

Jane's eyes grew wide and her voice raised four octaves. "You talked to James about us?"

"Not exactly..."

"What exactly?"

"I asked him hypothetically what his thoughts were on the idea of me being in a relationship with a woman. That's all."

"And when did you two have this little discussion?"

"After Paris."

"Paris?" The steamy recognition hit her immediately. "Ohh, Paris. And where was I?"

"Talking to your mother, I believe. Why?"

Jane sat in silence for a moment, pondering. "I don't know, for some reason I don't like the idea of him knowing about us. I don't really like the guy."

"You don't even know him," Maura countered, mildly amused.

"That too. You know, being with you is pretty damn exciting, and I can't tell anyone." She shrugged. "So I guess maybe I was also going to be jealous if you got to share with someone and I didn't. I mean, who wouldn't want to brag that she gets to have sex with Maura-freaking-Isles?" Jane winked at her.

"Well, if you want to tell someone – someone you can really trust – then I think that would be okay. Just as long as that person can remain very discreet."

Jane smiled, suddenly thrilled by the idea. "Okay. How about two people?"

Maura laughed. "I trust your judgment."

"Good. We're here."

They carried their things from the car and found a quiet area near the trees, which Maura could face without being recognized, and settled down for their picnic lunch. It was a little early, but their bodies were not attuned to the time zone anyway, so it didn't matter much. Angela had made them salami sandwiches and insalata caprese, with a cannoli each for dessert. While they ate, Maura listened, fascinated, as Jane recounted childhood memories that took place in the park, and nearby. She cherished these morsels of knowledge about the woman she loved, storing them in her memory for safe keeping. After they finished eating, they went for a stroll. Jane continued sharing her memories as they streamed blissfully through her mind.

"You miss it, don't you?" Maura asked when Jane finally paused.

She nodded contemplatively. "Yeah, I guess I do."

"Do you consider moving back?"

Jane sighed. "I grew up here. I made a life here. It was a good life... before it all went bad. But now I have a wonderful life with you." She grabbed her hand for just a moment, to get her attention, squeezed it and looked her right in the eye before releasing it. "I want to be wherever you are."

Maura smiled, then grunted in frustration. At Jane's amused look, she sighed and whispered, "I really want to kiss you right now."

"Your rules," Jane teased.

Maura took a moment to consider this. "Would you be ready to come out, as a couple, if it weren't for my career?"

Jane cleared her throat. "I wouldn't know you if it weren't for your career."

"You know what I mean. If I said I wanted to come out publicly, as your lover, would you be ready for that? Hypothetically, of course."

"In this hypothetical world, are you still famous?"

Maura considered again. "Probably not for long after the announcement. But initially, yes."

"This hypothetical world sounds familiar," Jane teased again, attempting to use sarcasm to hide her discomfort. She thought hard, then shook her head. "No, I don't think I'd be ready for that. I don't even know if I would be ready to tell my family yet, much less the whole world. So I guess I'm kind of grateful for our situation, in a way? I don't know, it's so confusing. It would be a lot easier if you weren't famous," she deflected again.

"But then you wouldn't know me," Maura reminded her playfully.

When they finished their walk and left the park, Jane couldn't resist stopping by the precinct to surprise her old partners. As soon as she walked through the door, she was greeted heartily by the officer at the front desk, and nearly every other cop that walked by. Maura watched from a slight distance, silently in awe as Jane was treated like the celebrity for once. It was nice to see Jane so in her element.

"Korsak! Frost!" Jane shouted, throwing up her hand from the center of the small crowd that had gathered around her by the door.

"Jane!" Korsak yelled back, elbowing Frost as they walked. "Told you!"

Jane pushed through to hug them both as the others said their quick goodbyes and went their separate ways.

"It's so good to see you guys!"

"You too, world traveler," Barry replied with a smirk. "When did you get here? I didn't even know you were coming."

"Neither did we, until just a couple days ago," Jane answered, pulling Maura to her side. "Vince Korsak, Barry Frost, meet Maura Isles."

Maura smiled and stepped forward to shake their hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. I have heard quite a bit about you."

"Mostly good, I hope." Vince grinned and lowered his voice conspiratorially. "You know, you're even prettier in person."

"Alright," Jane cut in, smirking at Maura. "Don't give her a big head. So you guys got plans tonight?"

"Dinner at your mom's," Frost answered cheekily.

"What? She already invited you?"

"She always invites us to Sunday dinner," Korsak told her. "Every week since you moved. We make it when we can."

Jane smiled, warmed by the gesture. "I'm glad. You're both gonna make it tonight, right?"

Barry was earnest in his reply. "If you're gonna be there, we wouldn't miss it, Jane."

After driving around town a while longer to show Maura her favorite places, Jane took them back to help Angela prepare the large meal. That pretty much meant doing exactly what Angela told them to do, listening to her stories, and answering her random questions. She was curious about Maura's house, and what it's like to work on a film set, and what celebrities she knows. She wanted to know what Jane's favorite city in Europe was, but didn't get any details at all on why she chose Paris.

"Hey Janie!" Frankie's voice boomed from the front door.

"Frankie!" Jane ran to the front door to greet her little brother, hugging him immediately, then moving on to her father right behind him. "Hey Pop! Oh I missed you both so much!"

"And who's this?" Frankie asked with poorly feigned innocence, looking right at Maura, who had followed Jane at Angela's insistence.

"This is Maura. Maura, this is my dad, Frank Sr. And this here is my brother Frankie."

Maura flashed her movie star smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"Oh the pleasure," Frankie started, trying to be smooth but failing miserably, "is all mine."

"Oh dear God," Jane laughed under her breath.

"Easy Frankie, this one's way outta your league. It's nice to meet you, Maura," their father greeted politely enough, though with little interest. He looked to Jane. "Is the game on?"

"No, but dinner's almost ready. Frankie, you heard from Frost or Korsak?"

"Yeah, they're on their way. Need any help settin' the table?"

Everyone started moving around, grabbing food and plates and silverware, pouring sauces into fine dishes, transferring things to the table. It was controlled chaos. Kind of like a film set, Maura mused. She liked how everyone pitched in to make a team effort, without being asked or told. This must be what family is like. She looked at Jane, who fit seamlessly into the mix, like she was exactly where she belonged, a fish in water. She looked happy and at home.

Frost and Korsak arrived just as the final plates were set on the table, and everyone sat down to eat. Family dinner with the Rizzolis was an experience unlike any that Maura could recall. It was loud and boisterous, and a little crazy, but also a lot of fun. They ate and told jokes and stories – lots of stories – many in an attempt to embarrass Jane in front of Maura. It was silly and comfortable, and Jane was so incredibly happy, it was infectious. By the time they finished eating, the wine and conversation left Maura feeling more relaxed than she had in a long time. These people had no expectations of her, they simply took her for who she was and accepted her as one of their own. She loved it.

Jane was surprised when Maura offered to help Angela in the kitchen, while insisting that she enjoy time with her father, brother, and old partners. As she and the guys wandered into the living room to watch the game, she took the opportunity to pull Korsak aside.

"You're good at keeping your mouth shut, right?" she asked, looking around suspiciously.

He eyed her strangely. "Of course. You know that. Why?"

"I got something I've been dying to tell somebody and I can't tell my mom because she's the Unofficial Boston News and I can't tell Frankie because he'll tell my mom... you see where I'm going here?" He nodded for her to continue. She grinned, stood up a little taller, and pointed to the kitchen. "That woman in there, the gorgeous blonde movie star? We're kind of... a thing."

Korsak raised his eyebrows. "You and Maura Isles? Damn Rizzoli, I didn't even know you were into women and it turns out you're some kind of major stud or something!"

She laughed, amazed at how at ease she felt after she'd said the words out loud. "Not exactly. I've never dated a woman before, and neither has Maura, but we just... I don't know. I can't explain it. She's amazing."

"She's something special alright," he agreed.

"But the press can't find out. Her publicist or whatever is afraid it will mess up her career, and I can't have that on my head."

He waved his hand dismissively. "That's old Hollywood thinking. Things have changed. There's plenty of A-listers now who are out and proud."

"Well either way, I don't think I want to be pushed into the middle of that shitstorm. Paparazzi and all that." She took a long swig of her beer. "Plus what if it did ruin her career? I would be responsible for that and I can't do that to her. I care about her too much."

Vince smiled. "I could tell there was something different from the moment I saw you today at the precinct. You're happy, Jane. And it looks good on you."

Jane smiled back at him, feeling nothing but relief from his implied blessing. "Thanks, Vince. That means a lot. I'm gonna tell Frost too, but just the two of you, alright? No one else can know yet."

He nodded. "I'll go get him and send him over."

"Thanks," Jane said again, knowing Barry would be just as supportive.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Maura was trying to make herself as useful as possible, while not really knowing what she was doing. When it came to dinner parties, she'd always had plenty of hired staff to take care of the cooking and the cleaning.

"Tell me what I can do," she said simply, and Angela directed her to pulling out tupperware for storing leftovers. They stocked the fridge with containers for guests to take home later, and started on dishes together. It was only slightly awkward, both women yearning to get to know the other better, but not knowing where to start.

"So it seems that you and Jane have become pretty good friends, eh?" Angela finally asked.

Maura smiled, choosing her words carefully. "We have become quite close, yes."

"I was really surprised when she said she was going to be traveling with you overseas. Jane hates to fly."

"She did have some trouble at first, but I think she's gotten used to it some."

"She said you helped her with that." It sounded more like a question than a statement.

"I've helped her employ some relaxation techniques proven to combat anxiety."

"Oh." It clearly wasn't the answer she was looking for. Angela was digging for information. What information she was looking for however, Maura didn't quite know, but she remained suspicious. "So what made you ask her to come with you, anyway? She was originally supposed to stay in L.A. right?"

"Initially, yes. But after an incident outside a studio, I felt her instincts were superior to that of my current staff, and I asked if she wouldn't mind accompanying me." Maura almost got lost in her thoughts. "I feel safer with Jane there."

"So it was just the work thing, then? Not because you two were becoming friends?"

Maura looked over at Angela, who was already analyzing her face. "I had Jane essentially promoted on the first day I met her. We started becoming close after that." The conversation was becoming uncomfortable for Maura, so she decided to cut to the chase, while keeping her tone as casual as possible. "Angela, is there something specific you want to ask me?"

Angela didn't expect Maura to be so forthright with her. It certainly wasn't something she was accustomed to. Her eyes locked on to Maura's, studying her even harder now. "Jane's acting different," she said simply.

Maura waited silently for her to elaborate.

"Well I thought maybe you would know why. Is she seeing somebody?"

Maura tried not to freeze solid on the spot. She started getting itchy. "Pardon?"

"Well you're her friend, and she never tells me anything, but she would tell you, right? If she was seeing someone?"

Maura thought for a moment. "We have previously discussed romantic relationships..."

"So is there a man in her life? Is that why she's acting so different?"

"I don't think it's a man..."

"Are you sure? Because she kinda seems like she's... I don't know, like maybe she's in love."

"I'm pretty sure there's no man in her life, Angela. I'm sorry to disappoint."

"Damn!" Angela sighed. "So what do you think it is?"

Maura thought carefully, trying to steer the conversation away from the minefield she was so dangerously treading. "Well, she seems happy, right?"

"Happier than I've seen her in a very long time," Angela commented.

Maura shrugged, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. "So then what does it matter?"

Angela seemed to process this idea for a while. "You know what? You're right! If she's happy, I'm happy, and the rest doesn't matter, does it?"

Maura smiled back at her.

"I'm just really glad she has you as a friend, Maura. Jane's never been that great at keeping friends, but she seems to trust you and that's pretty rare."

Tears threatened to reveal how touched Maura felt by Angela's statement. "I'm glad to have her too," she admitted.

"Jane said that when your tour is up, they'll assign her to someone else. Do you think you'll still be able to stay friends?"

"To be honest, we haven't discussed it. I've considered asking her to come work for me directly, instead of through the agency. That way she could stay on past the tour, but that would be entirely up to her. Either way, I can't imagine losing touch with Jane now that we have become... as close as we have."

Angela just smiled. "That's good to know. I'm sure you girls will work it out. What about you, Maura? Is there anyone special in your life?"

At that moment, Jane came walking around the corner just in time to catch her mother's question. "Ma, don't ask her personal questions like that!"

Angela looked offended. "We were having a conversation, Jane! If it bothers you, butt out!"

"It's not me I'm worried about Ma, it's Maura. And you're not Barbara Walters so stop interviewing our guest!"

Maura chuckled. "It's quite alright, Jane."

Jane looked at her and raised an eyebrow in question. Maura replied with a smirk that told her not to worry.

"To answer your question Angela, yes there is someone very special in my life right now. But," she added, "I'm not ready to talk about it just yet. I'm sure you understand."

"Of course," Angela replied quickly, then turned a smug eye to her daughter. "See Jane? Maura and I have an understanding."

"Oh you do, do you?" she countered playfully. "That's nice, Ma. Why don't you and your understanding new friend come join us in the living room? We only have a couple more hours before we have to leave for the airport, and I'd really like to spend it all together."

"Of course, honey." Angela pulled both her daughter and Maura into a warm hug, sharing all the love they were afraid to admit to, and walked out together.

A/N: My new favorite chapter! I hope y'all enjoyed it a lot, because things only start to get more difficult from here...