Rebuilding. They had been growing closer. After burning dates on a winter's night, after he'd had the courage to say the world "love" out loud, after anger bled out and imperviousness dissipated, they'd seen a shift in their relationship. They knew it was there, but each partner was waiting to find solid ground before taking the next step. It was a peaceful time, or as peaceful as their lives could be. Knowing that there was hope for a future gave them each a security that had been missing for more months than they cared to count. Even the squinterns at the lab had made comments in passing about how normal the relationship was becoming again. Sure, this life always had its stresses, but they no longer carried the chasm between them like they had since his gamble on the Hoover stairs.

Broadsky. The sniper who got rid of a problem, then took one of their own. Since the moment he'd realized the young man was dying he was divided. He was heartbroken at the loss of her bright young protégé, but at the same time incredibly grateful they had survived another day. He could see the same battle at war behind her eyes. This night, he knew, was going to be a long journey for rest and survival. He had to keep her in his sight, in his space, under his protection. He would not see rest any other way.

Bedtime. As she made her bed on the sofa, all he wanted to do was hold her and declare the feelings that had long ago taken up residence in his very soul. He wanted her to know exactly how he felt, but the fear of losing her if she wasn't ready was overwhelming, so he settled for simply being there with her, relieved to know they would have another day.

4:47. He'd tossed and turned for more hours than he should, knowing the task waiting with the new day. He knew she was doing the same just a few feet away, if the sofa springs were telling an accurate story. He'd been asleep only long enough for a dream to begin when his subconscious became aware of the doorknob turning. She came in broken, needing the very love he was terrified to give. He settled for helping her understand Vincent's statements, then finally he was able to give this strong, amazing woman the loving hug she so desperately needed.

Rest. It finally came. He enveloped her in his embrace, the "guy hug that was never really a guy hug." She snuggled into him and the weeping slowly stopped as he felt the sandman move through her body. Once he knew she was finally resting, his body joined hers in the world of slumber. Nothing had felt as right to either party in a long time as sleeping with their bodies sharing the heat of one blanket. Dreams did not come for the two hours they were able to enjoy before the sounds of life began to stir in the city around them.

Morning. It came much too soon for the weary partners. However, at such an unexpected moment, in those early morning hours when the world seemed to be in chaos, she found her terra firma. It had been there all along, in those arms that held her like a treasure, in the cadence of the heartbeat that was her alarm for this morning. This morning when she knew the odds were much higher than normal that this particular heartbeat may not continue through the hours this day would bring. At that moment her imperviousness vanished, and she knew beyond a doubt that this heart needed to hear the contents of her heart before facing the danger the day would bring.

BONES

A/N

This story is finished, just editing the last couple parts. It is not a very long story, and probably full of cliches, but I needed to write this for myself. This moment was what led me to Google "Bones season six stories" and helped me find Fan Fiction. This is my way of giving back to the authors here who have given me many hours of enjoyment over the last year. To each one, Thank You.