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Minor changes and mistakes corrected*

B.

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Disclaimer: I do not own anything from R&I, just the plot and OCs.

Jane's POV

"Yes, Mother, We understand. Maybe soon…Sure, au revoir" I heard Maura say, I knew she was talking to her parents. I entered the kitchen and saw her resting her elbows on the kitchen island and rubbing her forehead, with a notepad by her side.

"Good morning, honey" I said naturally and kissed her temple "So, what's going on" I asked.

"Hello, baby," she said, not lifting her head from the countertop.

I went to the coffeemaker and filled my mug full of coffee "What's this?" I asked her looking at the notepad.

"Oh! Those are the options for tonight's dinner, but I'm still not sure what we should serve" she said frustrated and looking defeated.

I observed her for a few more seconds and sipped from my steamy mug "And you have that sad face because of the diner? What's wrong love?" I worriedly asked, even though I knew what the cause of my wife's sad face was; this was common when her parents cancelled plans or they couldn't make it to certain events. This hurt her, and thus this hurt me too and made me especially angry.

"Part of" she simply said rubbing her forehead once again.

"Part of?" I asked, "What's the other part then?" I finished, I placed my mug on the granite of the countertop and grabbed Maura's hands in mine.

She closed her eyes and sighed loudly "My parents won't be able to make it to tonight's diner" she said sadly.

Even though I knew she would say that; it made me angry hearing her say it "I'm sorry, honey, it sucks" I said and hugged her, holding her tightly for a few seconds before releasing her from my embrace.

"My father said that he is running some errands for the foundation in Tanzania and my mother has a pre-scheduled meeting for this weekend that she cannot postpone" She simply said it was ok for her that her parent wouldn't be on the welcome dinner for Megan.

"That's a bummer, but they'll meet her sometime soon," I said rubbing her back up and down, she just nodded. Disbelief was showing all over her beautiful face. "And… So, what are we having for dinner?" I asked her, trying to lighten the mood.

"I have no idea," She said. "I don't know what she likes; or if she is allergic to certain things. I've thought of a thousand recipes but nothing seems to be the right thing" she said becoming stressed and her breathing was becoming hectic.

"Ok, babe, calm you down," I said, placing my hands on her shoulders "It's a simple dinner, there's no need to make this bigger than what it is. Don't stress, we have a big case at work and we need to leave early, so, I'll call my mother and she'll be taking care of the dinner. Once again, love, Megan is a big girl I don't think she'll have problems with broccoli or green beans" I chuckled and Maura did too.

"You're right, but still, what if she is allergic to any of those things?" she asked worriedly.

"She will say it. Maura, she isn't a baby, if something bothers her, she'll tell us. Let's think positive, ok?" I reassured her and she just leaned onto me. "Can I ask you something?" I asked.

She nodded and pulled away from me, intertwining our hands "There's no need to ask that" she said.

I smiled "Why are you so nervous and anxious, I mean, I'm nervous too but not this much," I said pointing to Maura's nervous, shaky hands.

"I just… I just want to make a good first impression" She said

I looked lovingly at her, her huge heart and compassion, among her ceaseless desire to make this girl feel welcome "I want that too, but I'm sure that being the usual, elegant, loving, caring and smarty-pants Maura, the beautiful person I know and the excellent mother you are to our children, will be more than enough to make her feel at home" I heartfeltly said winking at her.

Her eyes shimmer with tears "I love you so, so much, Jane! I don't know what I would do without you"

I just laughed and hugged her "You are such an amazing person, Jane, I just love you so much" she said, her head present against my neck.

"I'm pretty sure you made me who I am today," I said kissing her head.

She laughed and I asked her "Why are you laughing?"

"You always say that you aren't good at mushy talk, but you're improving my love," she said, laughing and so did I.

"Ok, you know what? Enough of this mushy talk, we have to wake the munchkins up and be ready before we're all late" I said separating from our embrace "I'll go for the kids" I stated while leaving the kitchen.

"Perfect, I'll finish the breakfast" She exclaimed. We did everything like every morning, the kids ate and got dressed on time, Maura took them to school and I headed to work, I needed to be early to be able to finish the things I had left and due to our meeting with Trish and Megan, I will need more time to finish..

Maura's POV

"Today is Megan coming home, mommy?" Lily asked me from the back seat.

I looked at my little girl through the rearview mirror "Yes, sweetie pie. She will be at home tonight" I said to her. I noticed that Lucas resting his head against the window "Are you excited? I can assure you both will have lots of fun with her, she is really nice" I said, reassuring them.

"I am excited, mommy. I want to play with her" she said giggling on her booster seat.

"I bet she will play with you, but don't press her too much. Ok, baby?" I said and she nodded her head vigorously "And you, baby boy?" I ask Lucas, who was unusually quiet.

"I guess I want to meet her" he simply said, not explaining further.

"You guess?" I asked him but he just nodded softly. "Is there anything bothering you"

He shrugged "I don't know I just don't know her and that makes it weird" he explained in a soft voice.

I looked sympathetically at him "Honey, maybe this is new but I'm sure that in a few days everything will feel normal" Even though I couldn't know the future, deep down I knew everything would be just fine.

We arrived at the kid's school and parked the car. We headed towards the elementary school building and left Lucas in his classroom; Lily and I walked the hallways to her kindergarten classroom.

"When we go home will Megan be there?" Lily asked me before entering her classroom.

"Megan, mama and I, will be home around 6 or 7 at night. Nonna Angela will pick you and Lucas up and you'll go home with her, Megan, Mama and I will be home a little later, as I said before. Ok, baby?" I explained and asked the little blonde in front of me.

Lily nodded "Ok, mommy," she said eagerly.

"Bye baby, be good. I love you" I said to her and kissed her forehead before going out towards the car and leaving, going to the station.

After a stressful and busy morning and an even more busy and stressful evening, Jane came to my office around 4 pm fidgeting with her hands "We should get going soon" she said, she was nervous and anxious but her face showed excitement. I was in the same state; we wanted to get over this and started to become a family all together.

"Sure, I'll give this to Susie and I'll be ready," I said with a folder in my hand. I left the room and found Susie in the lab, doing some tests "Hey! Susie, These are the preliminary results from the autopsy of our Jane Doe" I said, giving her the folder and leaving as soon as she finished putting me on board of the result from the test we did on the substance on the victim's tights.

I went back to my office and Jane was sitting on the couch looking intently at the coffee table in front of her. I sat by her side and placed my hand on hers "Everything we'll be perfect once we are done with this" I said in a hopeful voice.

She kissed my cheek, leaving her lips there for a few seconds longer than usual "I know; I just want to get over this. It's excruciating!" she said standing from the couch and inviting me to follow her.

"I know, Baby. But in a few hours will be at home, figuring out the best step to take next and make this whole thing work" I said while I stood from the couch. Jane smiled beautifully and gave me a tender, chaste kiss on the lips. We walked to the parking lot and drove the long way towards the group home. We arrived just before 5 pm. Jane parked in front of the building and when we were both out she held my hand and gave me a soft squeeze, we both looked at each other and walked to the door, Jane pressed the doorbell button, and we waited impatiently for someone to open up the door.

Seconds after Agatha, the Dean of the home, opened the door and greeted us as formally as she had ever done. "Hello, Jane," She said shaking my wife's hands and doing the same with me "Hello, Maura".

We both greeted her as well and entered the building. She guided us towards her office "Sit down, ladies" she said "Trish will be here in a minute with the papers" finished Agatha.

After a few seconds of silence, Jane spoke "So, how have things been doing around?" she tried to break the uncomfortable silence around us.

The woman placed her hands clasped on the desk "Things are ok, everything is in order around here" she said, waited a few seconds and continued "How are things at home… with the news, is everyone handling ok?"

"Yes, the whole family is really open to this change," I said genuinely happy.

Agatha nodded "While we wait for Trish I can give you Megan's academic and medical records" she said and stood from her chair. She went to a file cabinet on one of the sides of the office. She took a few folders and came back to the desk. "I may say that Megan is quite a smart teenager," she said.

She passed the folders and we whipped through. She was right, Megan was an excellent student, she was, according to her last school which was one of the best institutes of Boston, she was at the top of her class; the girl excelled in every single one of her classes.

We kept on reading the records "Ok, Maura, you have to see this" Jane said to me, and showed me one of the pages. I was impressed; the girl was 15 years old and already spoke 4 languages.

"Four languages, Is she an alien or what?" Jane said sarcastically and impressed as well. Her statement made me chuckle a little.

"Her teacher here said that she has never heard her speak in any of those languages, besides English of course, but she often writes in Italian or Spanish…She is not the talkative type of person" exclaimed Agatha.

We nodded and took a look at the medical records; Megan was mostly a healthy girl, she hadn't had many illnesses throughout her life, and the only thing she still has is chronic rhinitis but other than that she was perfectly healthy.

Trish came into the room a few minutes after "Hello, ladies, I'm sorry for the wait, I had a case in court and that held me there" She excused herself and opened her portfolio; she took some papers out and placed them on the table with a pen "This is the forms, just signed them and you'll be free to go home" she said happily.

Jane and I read the forms and signed them "Well, ladies, we're done here. I'll go for Megan, excuse me for a second" Trish said. We stood up and shook hands with both women and disposed to go for her and take her home.

Megan's POV

Last night was long and restless, too many things going on around my head. I was overthinking the situation but I couldn't stop myself from thinking about it. It wasn't easy to come to terms with myself about going to live with the Rizzoli-Isles', But it was even harder to imagine life with them. Everyone eventually knew about my decision and some of the girls weren't exactly happy for me. Most of them had spent a long time here without many opportunities.

"So, today is the day," she said apprehensively.

I sighed and closed the book "Yes, it is" I said, lifting my gaze towards her.

She sighed as well sat on the edge of my bed and started to fumble with her hands; I looked at her waiting for her to say something but nothing came out of her mouth for a few minutes. "I have an interview tomorrow," she said, looking at the wall across the room.

"And you have that face because?" I said confused. She has been here for a while and this was the first time I heard she got an interview. Jannet was a nice girl, kind of mouthy sometimes, but we all are. I always asked myself why she never got any meetings but maybe her file tells otherwise, most of the people reading even a single complaining note would pass that page and look for someone else.

"Because…" She simply sighed, she didn't really know what to say.

"Ok, the last time we had this conversation you told me and quote 'I've been in the system enough to know two things. One, build a wall and don't let anybody in and two, if you can get out of here, do it!' So, why do you have that face?" I asked, looking expectant at Jannet

She waited a few seconds before answering. Her face was distressed and worried-looking; I knew she was trying to come to terms with her jumbled thoughts "Because…Because this will be my tenth foster home" she said, fumbling with her hands.

"And so…" I asked, not understanding what she meant by her statement.

She looked at me and realized that I was too "new" to the system to know many things people learn throughout the years in it. She sighed "When you reach the two-digit numbers you start losing hope" she dryly said.

I was just as confused as before, but I needed a reason for her distress. From what she had told me she has been in for ten years in the system and that time has taught her things I didn't know. "I'm still not getting what you're trying to say" I answered.

"When you've been enough time in the system to be placed in this many homes you… you just lose hope…" she exclaimed, looking at me sad-eyed, She wanted to say more but stopped herself.

"So, The more homes you are in, the more you lose hope," I said at her a little too harshly, and this time the one with the I-don't-understand-face was her "Look, being in a hundred houses doesn't mean you are a problem, it means that those houses were unfit for you, " I said. Her face softened but her concern was still there. "I know you're the one who knows how this works but also you were the one who pushed me to give Maura and Jane an opportunity, maybe you should do the same with this couple…I'm not saying that they'll be perfect but maybe they'll surprise you. Give this a shot," I finished.

She didn't say anything for a while, she was letting my words sink in and I was really hoping she'll accept them "Why are you so sure?" she said a little defiant.

'I should've seen this coming' I thought to myself "My life hasn't been the fairytale you think it was" I said sighing deeply. She saw me and her face showed surprise on her face. I have never really talked about my life to her or to anyone for that matter.

"Having money doesn't mean you have everything. After my parents and sister died I thought that maybe one of the "Many friends" of my family would take me in or at least until I could arrange something, but look where I am… My parents were never at home, when they were, they always were in their offices" I explained "Yes, they were really affectionate but they were working all the time and those moments of affection were really scarce. My sister was 10 years older than me and was on her things and when we were old enough to do things together she went to study in Florida and only saw her in holidays and texted each other" I said sadly, my voice started to lace with the unshed tears in my eyes. I smiled a little remembering "Maybe this sound really stupid but every year on my birthday I wished for the same thing" I said and looked at her "That my parents won't have to work, so they would show up for my next birthday"

Her face showed sadness and empathy "Wh-what did you mean with the wish" she asked shyly.

I laughed softly "On my last five birthdays both my parents were somewhere else doing something work-related. They always tried to compensate me with things but all I wanted was them" I said, fighting the lump that had formed in my throat. "Look, it's no big deal, I got used to it" I played indifferently.

Jannet didn't say anything but placed her hand on my knee until she heard the door opening and voices downstairs "You have everything packed up?" she asked me.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply "Yep" I nodded.

Jannet left to do her chores a while after and I remained sat still in the room waiting for Trish to come to get me. My palms were sweaty and I was beyond nervous. Not much after I heard the noise of heels coming towards the room. I stood and grabbed my bag and suitcase, I checked the surroundings for any forgotten items and then Trish appeared at the door.

"Hey," she said and entered the room "Someone is waiting for you downstairs" she finished smiling.

And nodded with a small smile and went downstairs with my things. When I reached the bottom of the stairs I looked at the clock on the wall, 6:12 pm. Trish patted my shoulder "I hope not seeing you around" she said with a genuine smile on her face.

"My neither" I answered with a similar smile and laughing softly.

"Hey! All jokes aside, I hope you can blend with them" she explained and I nodded vehemently "And I think is time for you to have this" she said pulling my phone from her pocket.

"Oh my god…thanks" was the only thing I could say.

She waved away and I saw Jannet and the others coming from behind "Don't you dare go without saying goodbye" Jannet said. Trish walked toward Miss. Tales office waiting for me to follow,

As soon as I got in the office, Miss Tales spoke "Well, Megan, I wish you the best and I hope the same for your life… And don't see you around her again" She smirked at me. She turned and looked at both women "And for you, I wish you the best of luck" she said to Jane and Maura.

"Luck won't be necessary," Maura said immediately with a small smile.

I was about to grab my suitcase when a hand was placed upon mine "I'll take it" it was Jane attempting to carry it.

"Don't worry" I said.

"Nonsense" she just said winking and carrying it out.

I remained standing for a few seconds, my eyes fixated on the tile floor, until a voice pulled me out of my thoughts "Come on, Honey. Time to go home" I looked up and discovered the nurturing voice came from Maura. I nodded and started to walk when I felt a hand on the middle of my back, my body stiffened but relaxed immediately trying to be as polite as possible, but she must have noticed it, though.

We walked outside and we all said goodbye to Trish on the stairs of the front porch. After they led me to an SUV, Jane placed the suitcase in the truck and went back to the driver's seat "Hope in sweetheart" she said winking at me and opening the door. I looked at her and managed to give her a little smile while I got into the car. I started to feel tense when she hit the road; the whole travel from the group home was relatively long and fairly silent. I was looking at the passing houses and venues through the window. I could notice that Maura was nervous, her face looked worried and Jane's left leg was bouncing throughout the drive. They were just as nervous as I was; I realized this was difficult for everyone involved.

At some point Maura picked up her phone and texted someone, I remembered then that I had my phone in my pocket and checked it. I didn't have battery so I had to wait until we arrived at the house.

After what seemed hours we started to arrive at a pretty well-known part of Boston for me, Beacon Hill. I started to recognize most places around me and even saw the street where I used to live. Not much after we arrived, even though it was dark outside already, the house looked really nice. On the porch were a few people, one guy in his early 30s, a woman in her late 50s and two kids, obviously the kids they mentioned when we met.

The car stopped "Here we are" Maura said looking at me. I smiled as I tried to hide my nerves behind that. They got down and I remained inside until the door and Jane gave an inviting smile. Gathering my things I got out of the car, the young man approached and stretched his hand "Hello, Megan, I'm Frankie, Jane's brother" he presented himself shaking my hand, the older woman did the same and the kids were shy about it, they just said their names and went to hide, the little girl on Jane's arms and the boy behind Maura.

We all went inside the house, and as I expected, it was spotless and beautifully decorated, it smelled like when my mom wasn't working and cooked Italian food for us, that mix between Napoli sauce and fresh basil. So welcoming and home-like.

"Well, I hope you like Lasagna, kid," Frankie said smirking.

I smiled and nodded "Yes, I do" I just answered.

"You'll see, my Ma makes the best lasagna" Jane asserted and patted my shoulder, right after she placed Lily on a chair and we all gathered around the table. Angela and Maura placed the food on the table. The menu consisted of Lasagna, a fresh caprese salad and a mixture of steamed veggies. They all started to pick food to their plates and I was frozen in my seat.

Maura smiled sweetly at me and grabbed my plate filling it with food "Enjoy, Honey" she said, smiling and starting to eat. Everything smelled awesomely delicious but my stomach was in knots. I started to eat out of politeness but I was far from hungry. And as it smelled, it tasted just like my mom's; every bite got harder and harder for it was melancholic for me.

"So, Megan, Jane was telling me that you speak several languages, and she said that one of those is Italian. How did you learn, honey?" Angela suddenly said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Mmm… Well, my mom was Italian and she used to talk to me and my sister in Italian so we could learn at least something" I answered.

"That's nice," she said smiling, she seemed a nice and warm woman. I managed a small smile and began to eat again. The diner ended up being nicer than I thought. The kids joked around and we shared a fairly funny conversation about Disney princesses and Hot Wheel cars, Jane's family was really nice, and both Jane and Maura were too. The evening passed smoother than what I had thought at the beginning, a simple and nice dinner, and no one tried to pry on me or anything, they just joked and talked, just like a normal, loving family would do. I remembered a few of the conversations I had with Jannet before I decided to come to live here.

"So, what do you do in a foster home, how do you behave?" I asked her. We were both sitting in the backyard.

"Most of the time you just do what you're told to, but it depends on the family. Always watch before doing anything, try to imitate their mannerism" Jannet advised me.

I nodded, looking at the big tree that was giving a nice shadow on that warm afternoon "So, anything else I need to be aware of?" I asked.

She thought for a minute "Just, keep to yourself. Try to create as less problems as possible" she simply answered.

"Like?" I kept on asking, I needed to know some of the basics.

"Like if you get sick, try not to be too whiny about it" she exclaimed.

I nodded and looked away; once again my gaze went to the tree.

Pulling me out of my thoughts Angela came to say goodbye, she gave me a hug and kissed my cheek "Bye, Honey, It's a pleasure having you here" She said and I smiled the most genuine smile I've smiled in a while; I can't denied that they were a really nice family. Frankie was leaving too, he said his goodbye and rubbed my forearm before heading to his home.

The kids were put to bed a while ago and Maura thought that it was time to go to bed for us too, the day had been kind of stressful and we all needed the rest. They led my room, which was diagonal to theirs. We entered and the room was big, a full-size bed, dressed with a big purple and beige comforter and at least 8 pillows adorning it, on one of the walls was a big window and the curtains matched the comforter, close the window was a desk and a door, the door led us to a bathroom and a little bit comfortable walk-in closet.

"This used to be the guest room, now it's yours. So, you can decorate it to your taste after" Maura said.

I looked at her "It's perfectly fine as it is" I stated, the room was truly beautiful and didn't need any redecoration.

"You have time to decide if you want to change it, it doesn't have to be now" She exclaimed, smiling at me.

"OK, we'll leave you to rest. Good night" Jane said rubbing my back.

"Have a good night" Maura said and kissed my temple, I stiffed a little to the touch, hoping that she didn't notice.

"Night" I said but I felt the need to at least be grateful "Thanks" I mumbled before I left the room, Jane stopped in her tracks and before she closed the door smiled and winked. When they left I remained alone; I looked at the surroundings and sat on the bed thinking about what the future held for me, for us.

Please leave your comments and reviews, they mean a great deal!

B.

Xoxo...