This story begins one year after 7x13 Ocean Frank.

Jane has been in DC, and Maura has been keeping a secret…

It has VIOLENCE and it has MATURE scenes. You've been warned…

If you follow the story, it will get to RIZZLES, eventually. But there is a path to get there…

ALERT: if you have not watched the show yet, there might be spoilers – I use references to things that happened across all seasons.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Rizzoli & Isles nor any of the characters from the show. I am writing this purely for entertainment, not profit. Rizzoli and Isles are property of Tess Gerritsen and TNT.

I am not a native English speaker, and I don't have a beta. So all mistakes are 100% mine.

Enough of disclaimers and warnings – read at your own risk. Reviews are always welcome.

Chapter 1

It had been a year since Jane had moved to DC.

She could barely believe how fast time had flown by…

Her month vacation with Maura in Paris had been an awesome time to rest and enjoy, but since then she had been mostly non-stop.

Truth to be told, it was a different type of non-stop… The days in the academy were intense, but not crazily emotional. She was not only teaching the cadets but working also in the refresher for full-fledged agents.

It had been challenging and kept her on her tip toes, because it required some skills of public speech that were not her forte, but she had managed so far to keep the classes engaging and coming back from more, what was way better than she had originally expected.

The hours were much more regular than BPD, she had nights and weekends off on a regular basis, and for sure that was an improvement for her self-care. She was eating better, sleeping better, exercising better.

She also had to do a lot of consulting, in DC and around the country, but she never felt those were her cases. She at least had the decency of behaving well, knowing upfront FBI was not welcome in the local turf.

Personally, she had took the first month of temporary housing assignment provided by FBI to know the area, and after that she had settled in a small apartment that was close by to the academy.

Jane had surfed the ride of a relationship with Cameron. It had been fun: he was a nice decent guy, and she couldn't complain about sex with him, he was considerate and caring for her needs, and creative enough to keep her entertained and pleased. It was the most comfortable and stable relationship she had been into during her entire adult life…

But… And Jane hated to admit the "but…". Beyond the initial chemistry, it became flat. They didn't have a lot of common interests. She never considered moving further on their relationship. She just enjoyed having a friend with benefits. She also never hid her cards and was always clear with him that it was as much as she was ready to get herself into, at least for now, and Cameron seemed okay with it.

Jane missed her family and friends. She had been in Boston four times during that year. She had no way to know if it had been more or less than what she had expected. Her mom had also come visiting twice, and Maura also had been to DC once. But Jane knew she missed her family and friends.

It had been hard to move and start a new life in her 40s. She supposed it would have been different if she had moved out or moved around much younger, or if her circle of friends or her life had not always been Boston-based or BPD based.

Her FBI colleagues were respectful and friendly, but not warm or close.

It was safe. It was comfortable.

But after one year, Jane had only one word to define how she felt: lukewarm.

Maybe that was what real adult life was about… Average, lukewarm. But she missed the rollercoaster her life was before, more times than she cared to admit.

A lot had happened back in Boston during that past year and were the triggers for her visits.

Her mom had moved in with Ron – what had been a surprise only for Angela, since all of them could see how much he really liked her. They had a party and Jane went to celebrate with them. This had happened less than two months since Jane was in DC.

Frankie and Nina got married in a wedding that had been one of the most emotional events of Jane's life. She loved her middle brother, she respected and liked Nina, and they made such a cute loving couple. She couldn't wait to have some nieces or nephews showing up, but it was enough that they had Angela badgering them with the subject. Jane knew it would be just a matter of time. It had been worth her trip to Boston after four months living in DC.

The third time had been for Maura's book debut, and that had matched the Holiday Season. So Jane had went down for the signing, and stayed for Christmas and New Year's. Maura had managed to rework the existing manuscript and finish it during the Paris trip – Jane had never known someone as disciplined as Maura, but at the same time someone who took so much joy in doing what she was doing that it didn't feel like work while they travelled. Jane had been so happy for Maura on the signing night. Maura looked beautiful, and happy, and the reviews to the book were really praising - the book made to the top 10 fiction chart for several weeks in a row. Yes, she had been very proud of Maura. And she would forever save her dedicated and autographed copy of Maura's book as one of her most prized possessions… Maura had dedicated the book to her on the printed page for the world to see: "To Jane Rizzoli, whose relentless detective work forged the investigations depicted in the book – the inspiration is hers; the mistakes are all mine." Maura chose that page to autograph Jane's copy: "To my dear Jane: for never doubting my crazy ideas and for being the best possible friend and the most incredible person I have ever met… Thank you for being by my side, ALWAYS! Love, Maura". The after signing party had been memorable, and all their family and friends had joined in to celebrate, it was a great way to inaugurate the Holiday Seasons.

Finally, the last time had been for Maura's wedding. Jane still had trouble processing the whirlwind of emotions and how fast things had happened. Ian Faulkner had shown up out of nowhere in Maura's life after six years without any news. When Maura texted Jane saying he was in town after just a few weeks of the book launch, early in February, Jane braced herself to see Maura crashing again as soon as he left, the same way it had happened six years ago. But quickly Jane found out that Ian had come back to stay... He had contracted a parasitical disease that required medical care in a big city. It was incurable and thus chronic, but not life threatening. With regular treatment, he could lead a perfectly normal life. But for the constant treatment, he needed to leave behind his nomadic lifestyle and settle for a more urban surrounding.

Maura had been more than ready to welcome him back with open arms. Maura had said all those years ago that Ian was the love of her life, so Jane was not too surprised on how fast things moved. In a few weeks, they had a wedding set. Jane had missed being there for her friend, to make sure Maura was doing the right thing and not blinded by her painful love for a made-up entity from her expectations, and to help her with the wedding plans. Before Ian came back, they texted almost every day, and talked over video a few times a week, but with the wedding preparations it obviously had become harder to coordinate times, and they were lucky if they could connect on video every two to three weeks.

Jane would not lie. She missed Maura terribly. Jane had done everything Maura asked of her for the wedding. She even agreed with the strapless midnight blue for best woman dress Maura had mentioned during Korsak's wedding – and that Jane then had vehemently denied. But Maura had Jane wrapped around her little finger and Jane would agree to whatever Maura asked. She even agreed to walk Maura down the aisle. Maura didn't want Arthur to do it – her relationship with her adoptive father had improved, but not to the point she felt they were close. Jane knew this, but in her mind, what made more sense was just for Ian to walk with Maura from the very beginning, so the invitation had come unexpectedly.

Jane's heart warmed to remember Maura's thoughtful invitation. Jane had arrived home to find a beautiful wooden box. Inside, a bottle of a craft beer Maura knew Jane enjoyed, a beautiful beer glass, and an envelope with Maura's exquisite handwriting. As she opened the envelope, Jane could still sniff the subtle hint of the perfume Maura always wore. Inside, she found the invitation for the wedding, beautifully done, with the date and time Maura had already disclosed to Jane when agreeing on her best woman dress attire. But there was also the handwritten letter:

"My dear Jane,

I have been thinking and I want to be given away by someone who loves me unconditionally.

Someone who knows me deeper than anyone else, who found its way around my walls and façades and masks, and who still kept by me despite seeing the real me.

Someone who always made me feel like a special person for who I am, not for what I do or what I have or how I show up.

Someone who not only stood by me, protected me fiercely, cared for me, cheered for me, but who also shared with me the most loving family I could ever thought of…

Someone who helped me find and become the best version of myself…

Would you consider walking me down the aisle and giving me away on my wedding day?

It would mean the world to me that my best friend, who is also the best woman I know, did it…

Love,

Maura"

There was no way Jane would say no. She replied with a text that read: "My beloved Maura: I would carry you in my arms if you asked me too! You can count on me to walk you down the aisle as you can count on me for everything else in your life, my dear. Lov & miss ya, chugging this beer for your happiness!" That had gotten a rain of heart icons in response.

She would never forget Maura in her beautiful silk charmeuse dress in off-white, with an empire waist and a 20-foot train, just like Maura had dreamed of. Maura had settled to wed in Boston instead of the cliffs of Santorini – Interpol looking for Ian being one of the reasons. But Maura's beaming happiness on her wedding day was enough to bring the Santorini sun into gloomy Boston. Instead of offering Maura her arm, Jane had walked Maura hand in hand through the aisle. Ian had been handsomely waiting by the altar. Jane had picked Maura's hand in hers and kissed her knuckles before putting Maura's hand in Ian's hands and moving to her position as best woman – she preferred that to the proverbial bridesmaid. The wedding had been a dream, everything done with the best taste that was Maura's trademark, and she enjoyed seeing her own family, Maura's biological mom and half-sister, her adoptive parents, and their work family, all coming together to celebrate Maura's special day. It made up for Ian's side, since his parents were long dead, he had no siblings, and his friends were still in nomadic lifestyle.

It had been two months since the wedding, and it had been the last time Jane had been in Boston. Between the honeymoon – Maura and Ian had travelled for ten days – and then getting back to work in an apparent whirlwind of cases, Maura had had no chance to have a video call with Jane. They still texted almost every day, brief hellos, but Jane also had anticipated that would change after the wedding. Maura was now busier than before. And Jane missed talking to Maura.

FBI had different approach for time-off, so HR was pushing Jane to take her remaining time-off days as they were getting one year old and there would be no rollover. She had only a few days left, so she decided for a longer weekend in Boston. It would be great to catch up with her family and friends. But she decided to do it as a surprise. Anyway, she would need a hotel this time, she would not crash on Maura's house as she had done so many times before, now that Maura was newlywed.

Jane booked a simple hotel for the days she would be in Boston, booked a rental car, and got her flights lined up. She was excited and counting down to finally be there.

She landed in Boston a little shy of lunch time. Smiling to herself, she drove the rental car straight to the Dirty Robber.

Angela squeaked in delight seeing her daughter unexpectedly: "Janie! I didn't know you were coming! How are you, baby?" and wrapped Jane in a loving embrace, that Jane returned wholeheartedly.

"I am great, Ma. I wanted to make a surprise, and you are the first one seeing me. So, keep it quiet please until I have a chance to surprise everyone by the end of the day…"

"Of course, I am a vault." Her mom promised. "Are you hungry?"

"I was hoping to catch up on your food!" Jane laughed. And Angela took no time to properly feed her daughter while they chatted about family and friends and how things were with everyone.

Korsak showed up in the middle of Jane's lunch, and she was glad to see how happy, relaxed and healthier he looked.

"Kiddo, I didn't know you would be in town!"

"Nobody did, it is a surprise visit, Vince. Kiki is doing great to you!" Jane teased.

"She is!" he agreed. "Will we be able to grab dinner together?"

"Yes, let's set it, but for now keep it shooshed, I am trying to surprise everyone."

"What are your plans today?"

"I will head to the precinct to see Frankie, Nina and Maura, then will stop by TJs before checking in to the small hotel where I will stay."

"Oh, true, you used to stay with Maura before…"

"Yes, but that was before she was married. I wouldn't be convenient now that she is Mrs Isles-Faulkner." Jane smiled. "I don't want to be the third wheel of a newlywed couple!" she teased.

Vince and Angela laughed. "And they must be very busy newlyweds, we haven't seen Maura around since the wedding." Angela added. "I stopped by the precinct a couple of times just to say hello, but she was super busy at work too…"

Jane waved their goodbyes, promising to text them as soon as she was done with the surprises so they could set dinner and any other dates for the time she would be in town.

She drove to the precinct. Being in the building after a year caused her a pang of longing she had not anticipated. It was thrilling and exciting.

She went up first, entering BRIC and surprising Nina. Her sister-in-law was so focused on a case she almost jumped out of her skin when she heard Jane's throaty voice by her side, before enfolding Jane in a friendly embrace.

"Frankie and Angela didn't mention you were coming…"

"They didn't know. I just showed up today. Where is Frankie?"

"Right here, sis! I heard a familiar voice and had to come to check for myself!" he hugged her tightly. "It is good to see you, Janie!"

"It is great to see you too! Please keep it quiet, I am still going rounds to surprise people." She smiled.

"How long are you staying?"

"Five days. This weekend, Monday and Tuesday. Left over days in FBI cannot be rolled over. It was a last minute decision."

"It was great you came! Have you been to the morgue yet?" Frankie asked.

"No, I am going there next. Ma told me Maura has been super busy…" and Jane made quotation marks signs in the air, with a knowing expression of a double sexual innuendo meaning "… after the wedding." She chuckled.

"That I don't know, Jane." Frankie blushed. "But I know she has been super busy here at work. I barely see her, most of the results are being delivered from Kent or the other technicians."

Jane got concerned. Maura might be overdoing herself. One thing was to be busy at home, enjoying having the love of her life every day only for her. The other thing was to overwork herself.

Again she waved her goodbyes to Frankie and Nina, asking them to keep quiet until later in the day and promising they would set up dates to catch up calmly out of work.

Jane took the elevator down to the morgue, beaming in anticipation of seeing Maura.