The rays of the early sun were peering into the clerestory that could be felt by both bodies occupying the room. The groan that came from the honey blonde could be heard as the brightness was hitting her eyes alerting her it was the morning. She was sighing in annoyance of being woken up and tried to snuggle back in the comfort of her bed. When she did this she realized her head, no half her body was not on top of a mattress but a person. What? How? She questioned and looked up to investigate the unknown person's presence. A familiar mop of wild, raven hair was the first thing she saw as a wide smile grew upon the Princess' face as the events of the previous night clouded her memory. She moved the majority of hair away from the older woman's face as it revealed that she was still unconscious. And what a sight it is. The normally, stony faced, tough archer was bestowing a look of peace and contentment along her facial features. Face was free of worry lines, wrinkles, and stress which was usually present. God she is so beautiful. Maura could not help but stare at this girl in such a rare state but wholly wished to continue their activities they were doing last night. Maura thought about this and blushed but she didn't know why. They had only kissed…..a lot but nothing more. She was not sure of what to do with the new found revelation and neither did Jane, so they did not push one another to move further until it was properly discussed. Maura wanted to talk about it as soon as possible but did not want to wake her love. Yesterday was an emotional experience as Jane had told her about what happened to her and her family. How horrible it was and Maura wished she could erase such terrible memories from the woman's mind. I can't except be there for her whenever she needs someone; to know that she is never alone, not anymore. She also thought about her own past and Jane's part in it. Jane had been with her the majority of her life and she didn't even know it. It was meant to be she thought as she couldn't wait to discuss what to do next.The girl would just have to wait until Jane awoke and they would discuss it then. Then maybe I could kiss her again...oh those lips. She began to lick her lips and reminisce about what occurred prior.

"Do your lips need any more moisture?" A hoarse voice asked breaking the silence within the room. "Must be thinking about me."

Maura was startled by this surprise and looked at the brown eyed woman below her. Jane looked like she was still in a sleepy daze as her brown beauties were half enclosed by her eyelids along with a silly smile that was comical to look at as well as contagious. She looks absolutely adorable, almost childlike.

Maura looked away from her as she rolled her eyes and released a huff. "It's mighty cold this morning and my lips seemed to be dry that's all."

Jane's smile widened at Maura's attempt to deflect. "Uh I don't think so. I would diagnosis your lips got mighty swollen from kissing a certain someone."

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Maura spoke trying to avoid contact with brown orbs. Maura was not sure why she didn't just admit she was thinking about their kisses and wanted to do it again. I'll play this little game with her.

"Oh you know a ravishing stud that you couldn't resist their lips, a common Casanova if you will. Even a princess like you couldn't help yourself."

Maura couldn't believe the how vain Jane was being, but then she had an idea. "Oh yes now I remember! The dark, handsome individual I passionately kissed after you….oh it was heaven!"

The older woman's face changed from smug to complete shock as her jaw had dropped. Maura was giggling at her face but soon felt her body being lifted and then thrown on her back as the lanky woman restrained her arms from moving. Maura was in a daze from what had happened and did not realize Jane's intention until she felt a pair of familiar lips graze her lips slowly and full of passion. She lifted her face up to look at the red faced woman below her. "What do you say about that now?"

Maura could not help but shutter at the tone of Jane's voice along with their current position. She had every intention of giving in and pulling her face into another kiss but wished to unhinge her once again. "Well I say that time you were closer to Casanova's standards."

Jane's look turned slightly dark and unnerved. Anyone else would be afraid of what to expect but Maura knew she would never hurt her. Oh what does she have in store for me? Jane then expressed a suspicious smile as her fingers began to run down her sides in a rush hitting all the sensitive nerves causing Maura to scream in response from the uncomfortable tingling feelings affecting her. "AHHH Jane! Jane stop please! I….I…. haha Jane stop… JANE!"

"Nope not until you tell me that I am better!" she remarked continuing her tickling attack.

Maura tried to close her eyes and control herself not wishing to give into Jane's demands. Though when it became painful and she lacked necessary oxygen she gave in. "Okay! JANE YOU ARE THE BEST KISSER EVER!"

And with this Jane ended her invasion as both heavily breathed in much needed air. "See now was that difficult?" She replied with a smirk.

Maura shook her head as her chest continued to heave. "You….you cheat Jane Rizzoli."

Jane looked at the other woman as her smile widened revealing her dimples. "Yeah well…..I needed a way to find out how you liked our kiss and you didn't answer the right way so I had to improvise. It's your fault really."

The younger woman snorts in response. "Whatever Jane."

The older woman sits up and moved to the side of her friend and begun to pick at her scars. "So honestly how did you feel about the kiss?"

Maura looked at the other woman in shock. She was seeing the vulnerability within the girl. She thinks that I didn't enjoy our kiss. Oh Jane…. The Princess quickly rose up and faced her friend while taking her hands into hers. "Is that was this is about? Are you worried I didn't enjoy the kiss? That I regret it?"

"Well, so much happened last night and it was all emotional….. and I wouldn't have blamed you if you thought it was a mistake." She spoke quietly as she looked down into her lap.

Maura felt her heart plummet as she heard her lover's fears. Without missing a beat she lifted one of her hands onto the other woman's face and brought together their line of vision. She lightly rubbed her thumb along the impending scar and looked into Jane's exposed orbs. Quickly the honey blonde moved her face into a closer proximity. Their lips had begun to caress each other leaving both gasping from the contact. It felt just like the previous night but better because they were not confused by emotions to cloud their judgment; they were real, their love was true. Maura increased pressure as she wrapped her hands around her head burying her fingers within her thick locks while trying to convey all the feelings and emotions in this kiss. The brown eyed woman's tongue suddenly entered the hazel eyed mouth along with grabbing her by her hips and lifting them making Maura straddle her lap. Arousal then tumbled to her core as she accepted Jane's assault and she started to move her hips trying to relieve some pressure that was quickly building. Jane placed her hands on Maura's sides, holding her tightly as she moved her lips along her jaw in an aggressive manner. The honey blonde let out a heavy breath and continued to pant as she felt those lovely lips travel down to her neck, caressing the soft skin underneath. But in a flash the feverish assaulted ceased and both girls' eyes looked upon the other. They were both panting, with crimson faces from both heat and slight embarrassment and eyes full of desire. Jane closed her eyes and rested her head on Maura's collarbone.

"Maur I love you. Please don't let that be the last time I get to kiss you."

Maura then used her hands to wipe the unwarranted hair from Jane's face in order to see the frighten girl's eyes. "I hope that kiss showed how much I not only want but need you. Bug, I need you to kiss me." And with that Jane surged forward crashing their lips together as passion once again was ignited.

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"Well since we established that I think we should further continue exploring it." The teasing Italian said trying to reconnect her lips with her loves. For half past the hour both girls were attached to one another while they continued to kiss and caress one another. The fever that both women experienced was incredible almost nonsensical. Maura could not fully comprehend the feelings she was experiencing. The young Princess only thought that her feelings were ridiculous and would never amount to anything further with the lanky brunette. Now that her feelings were revealed and were equally returned, she was at a loss of what to do. She did not expect this situation to be possible and that Jane would want what she wanted. But what did I want? Well she wanted everything with the other woman. Being able to court her, kiss her, hold her hand, marry her, just to share a life with her. But that wouldn't be possible. People in these types of relationships were unheard of. It could not simply be like it was with a man and a woman together. Maura knew those like Lorena who were like her, the reason why she hid her relationship with Jaquin. Others, even in France would not accept this type of union behind two women. It was prosperous and immoral and would be viewed that way no matter what. Maura feared the ramifications that she and Jane would face if the nature of their relationship were to be revealed. I need to discuss this with Jane, we must find a way to be together and deal with consequences of our choice. Jane must have known what she was thinking as she wrapped her hands around her waist from behind and placed her head upon her shoulders in comfort.

"What's going on in that big brain of yours?" she asked in a gentle tone while looking at the rattled girl before her.

Maura sighed in relief as she felt her lovers' arms around her making her feel safe and warm from the harms of the outside world. She only wished she could stay here for the rest of her life with Jane. She rests her head back and gave her body fully to Jane in order hold her completely. "I….I'm just worried about the effects of our new found relationship. I refuse to be without you but….what will others think? How will they react?"

Jane slightly smiled at the first part but then inhaled a deep breath as she contemplated what the girl was saying. She understood her fears and concerns but she was going to do anything to put the girl at ease. "Well I agree with you. I can't ignore my feelings for you, I've done it the majority of my life and now that I have you I'll never let you go." This caused the honey blonde to grin at her lovers words. "As for your concerns, I think that people, even in the village won't be all accepting in this type of relationship. It's a foreign concept that I think others will not understand but rather oppose against." Maura nodded her head in agreement she just needed to hear Jane's opinion.

"So what do we do?"

"Well I guess we'll have to keep it a secret I suppose. It the best option that keeps us safe."

Maura again nodded. She then turned to look at the raven haired woman. "What if someone finds out? What if someone finds out and attacks us? I heard stories from those I had met in France about people like us and the penalties they suffered from it. Is this worth it including the possible outcomes?" She remarked with a voice that was full of fear. To her it was worth it, every day with Jane would be worth the possible risks. But the one thing she feared was Jane being taken away from her or worse be killed. I need to make sure she is in this for the long run.

The intense eyes found hers as her rough calloused hand found its way to her cheek. "I love you Maura. I know it is scary thinking about all the possibilities that this can go wrong. I am terrified of the things that can happen to us but I can't image having to go back to the way we were. Yes our friendship means everything to me but I just can't pretend my feelings don't exist." She spoke as she grabbed Maura's hands and held them to her heart. "Not with each other. In front of others I can do, but alone I can't contain myself to not express how much I love you." With that Jane pressed her lips onto the unexpected girl.

Maura was surprised by this but quickly adjusted and reacted. It was short but passionate as Maura separated from the other woman's offending lips and placed her forehead upon Jane's. "Ok. We'll keep it a secret from the others but I just want to be with you."

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Clink clank. This sound echoed frequently as a furry of black and blonde locks were whisking all over the place. The brunette stuck the other woman but it was blocked by the shield protecting her. The blonde then stepped a few feet to gain some semblance back concluding what approach to try next, and then quickly moved her sword and swung. They had been practicing this for about 40 minutes. They had just started her on real swords along with shield holding a few days ago and it was straining on the younger woman. It was different compared to Maura's own training and experience with swords and combat. The swords were lighter and she didn't have to hold a heavy, bulking shield. They tried to teach her the techniques to use the sword when attacking and defending along with using the shield for the extra added assistance. Jane and Barry had been a huge help as they continued to contribute their knowledge. Even Casey appeared in some sessions, as his advice was particularly important since he had been in a war before and knew how it was truly like. Maura listened attentively as they offered much information in which she made sure to take into account. This was one of the only activities that Jane actually agreed to do, reluctant. The lanky brunette did not wish to leave her home and just wanted to stay home, with Maura and be able to act the way they wanted to behind closed doors. It had been agreed that they would keep the development of their relationship a secret from the others. It was unsure of what the outcome could possibly be and the risks were not worth it. Maybe one day they would find the courage to do so, but for the time being they were both content to express their affections to one another in the privacy provided mostly at Jane's house. A time like now was where Maura wished they were allowed to express their feelings toward one another as her face was only a few centimeters from Jane's as both had clashed swords and shields held up above their heads. This was unbeknownst by either of them as they were solely focusing on two things; their eyes and their lips. Though they knew they could not indulge in one another, not with Frost and Casey only a few feet away from them. They would both be questioning if Jane and I shared a kiss. Darn why can't they disappear? Maura knew it was rude, to want these two men to leave, since they had helped her with so many things but proving to be quite an inconvenience for the honey blonde and her beautiful brunette. She could not help but feel annoyed and irritable that these two were creating the inability to kiss the woman next to her. But this is what the archer did to her, these feelings of being out of control and simply ungrounded whenever she was around her. It must be the fire and passion that they shared. Whenever they were in public they kept appearances but it did not stop them from the longing stares at one another, especially at their moist lips wishing to connect them together.

Now they were currently in combat trying not to get too distracted by one another's longing stares and facial expressions. But she could see that Jane also struggled with this concept as she saw the lusting glances and intense gazes the brunette was giving her. Oh God this woman is something else. Jane parried Maura's strike and used her shield and pushed it into the princess as Maura's hold began to falter and knock her off balance. Jane ended her advance immediately and went to aid her. Maura adorned a look of irritation while Jane's had a look of sympathy.

"It's fine Jane let's do it again….."

"Hey you took a bit of a hit." The dark voice interrupted. "That's enough let's call it a day."

Maura could not say much as Jane turned and went to Frost and Casey. She must have told them they were finished as they both waved at her and walked off toward the village. Maura was slightly irritated from Jane's choice to end training. She must think she could do whatever she wants because she somehow owns me. When Frost and Casey were out of sight Jane had begun to make her way back to the fuming blonde.

"Jane why did you do that? I said I was fine. You can't just decide what I can and cannot han…."she tried to speak but was abruptly interrupted, but instead this time by a pair of lips.

The kiss quickly turned hungry as both of them were eager as Maura reciprocated the gesture back. Maura had wrapped her arms around Jane's neck and Jane's arms circles along her waist and back pulling her in closer. Wide open mouths, as tongues collided and moans were evenly exchanged in both occupants'. Though Maura's eyes were closed she could feel them roll back as Jane licked her bottom lip and pulled it in between her own. The younger girl was all too eager to completely give herself to one Jane Rizzoli. They continued on until Maura felt her back hit a tree as it created an unexpected halted within their actions. Both women took this opportunity to separate and take a breath and thought of what had just transpired. The honey blonde leaned her cheek onto Jane's as she tried to gain more oxygen and compose herself.

"Jane….what..." She tried to say but had difficulty thinking let alone talking. "You can't change the subject like that. Why did you end our session early?"

Jane smirked widely. "To be able to do that of course. I've been waiting for it all day."

The shorter girl shook her head. "Oh that's why? I thought…."

"That it was because I thought you couldn't handle it?" the dark eyed woman beat her to it. "Well you have repeatedly impressed me Maur and I refuse to underestimate you any longer. But I overestimated myself at being able to resist the urges to kiss you, so I needed them gone."

Maura let out a chuckle and rolled her eyes at the silly brunette. God she's adorable. " Jane Rizzoli you are absolutely insatiable."

A huge grin had shown itself as matching dimples arose as well. "Yes well Lady Doyle you are positively irresistible." She quickly remarks as she decreases the space between their faces. "It's like you put a spell on me that has me captivated by your very essence."

Maura looked away with approaching blush overtaking the blonde's feeling of being grounded. "Jane…..we could be seen" she says breathing loudly as Jane made her way to the expanse along her neck.

"Yes your right my love, let's finish this, but somewhere safe."

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The flowing river provided a calm setting for both women who were currently engrossed in one another to really see. The current position that both women were in was the lanky brunette was on top and hungrily overpowering the beautiful blonde below her. Maura could feel the rapid beating of her own heart and wondered if the beauty above her was having similar symptoms. Yes the change in relationship was relatively new but both women felt it had been going on for a lot longer than that. A life time in the making. Maura could not help but gasp when she felt Jane's lips caress her skin as her hot breathe cascaded down her neck making her shiver at the contact. Jane was an extraordinary kisser that Maura could simply not get enough of. So during these past few days, it had been difficult to have the exuberant Italian quit while she was ahead. But Maura had to keep mindful thoughts and to know when should stop. It was one of those times now, as the brunette was gently lapping her slender neck and she encouraged this behavior by her fist full of raven hair pulling more into her. Maura knew that Jane would be an excellent lover when the time came, and the days that passed, the thought of moving to the next level became that much more apparent to the blonde. Just when she was getting lost in thought a callous hand slightly brushed against her breast creating a burning feeling causing her to gasp.

"Ja….Jane stop." A strong voice lightly rumbled out of her mouth.

The brunette's ministrations almost immediately ceased. Jane then looked up at her princess with a guilty look adorned on her features as she moved back giving them both some space. She looked down and Maura knew that Jane was uncomfortable for her actions.

"Maur I….. I'm sorry….I…I just got carried away." She said remorsefully.

The young woman started to feel guilty as well but because of how she made Jane feel that why. She understood the woman's feelings and actions but needed things to not escalate too quickly.

She moved forward toward her love and lifted her chin with her hand. "Jane it's ok" she began but Jane was refusing to make eye contact. "Honestly it's been harder and harder to stop you. I want to experience everything with you as well. I just think we need to think with clear minds before we advance to that level of intimacy."

Jane finally looked up at her with her dark eyes looking the other woman over. Seeing she was telling the truth a slight smile appeared as a result. "So it's getting harder to resist me now huh?" she remarked playfully.

The blonde rolled her eyes in response. "Oh Jane of course that's all you get from what I said. You are ridiculous."

"You are ridiculous. A moron out of his mind couldn't miss how beautiful you are. Not only physically but by the person you are. How could I not be in love with you?" She said cheerfully wrapping her arms tightly around the slim waist.

The younger girl closed her eyes and shook her head in denial. She had not thought this about herself but Jane told her this on daily basis that it became more realistic. She basked in the woman embracing her from behind and fell into her loving arms. "Oh Jane. I am glad that I have someone like you who loves me so. I could never image someone who loves me wholeheartedly like you do."

"I can't help it Maur. It's natural the way I am with you, showing you how much I adore you. It's like I was born to love you." She whispered sincerely.

Maura didn't notice at first but tears were running down her face as the emotions behind Jane's words were starting to affect her. Her mother was right. She would find someone who would show her how much they loved her by their actions and words. That true love was out there and it was worth everything.

"Oh sweetie what is it? What's wrong? Why are you crying?" a soft voice asks full of concern.

"Because I love you so much it hurts. I fell for the most perfect woman who loves me so completely" she sniffled and tried to rid the tears from her eyes. "You are just what my mother said you would be like."

"Your mother thought you'd fall for a woman?"

"No. A wonderful person that makes me feel like I am the only woman who exists."

"Well to me you are. I have eyes for no one else but you." She quickly replied with a lingering kiss on the side of her head.

Maura had a wide smile from this that it almost hurt. "My mother would have loved you."

"I'm sure I would have loved her too. She did raise the woman I love with everything I have."

The brunette then tightened her hold on her lover and pulled her in between her legs to be as close as possible. Maura rested her head under Jane's chin as she continued to nestle into the woman's warmth. No words, no sounds but the rushing river setting the scene of absolute bliss.

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Hey guys! I am back with this chapter and am soo happy. This chapter was completely full of fluff that my mouth hurts from smiling. Jane is sooo sweet it's too much! Anyway this chapter was more of a filler chapter in order to move on to the next portion of the story. I just wanted some lovely dovey parts before I bring in more drama. It took 20 something chapters to get to this point so I thought you guys deserved some fluff so here it is. Anyway thanks for the past reviews and I hope that the explanation behind Jane's past with her family and when she revealed who she truly was to Maura was what people expected and liked. Alright please again leave feedback and reviews of this chapter or anything else you wish to say about the story. Thanks for those devoted readers that read and follow every chapter of this story. Anyway have a good day guys until next time!

~C.L. 3