It's a Thursday night in DC. There's a slight chill in the air because we're right in the midst of the uneasy transition between autumn and winter. Personally, I love the weather. It's just warm enough to warrant walks, while just cold enough for Bones to say extra close when the wind nips at our bodies.

Founding Fathers was slightly busier than I would have expected when we'd first arrived. But as usual me and Bones have outlasted the original throngs of people, including our own Jeffersonian crew.

We're sipping our own drinks after a few rounds of tequila shots and enjoying the companionable silence that we've cultivated over the years.

"Booth why haven't we had sex yet?"

Of course drunk Bones is even more obnoxious than sober Bones. And also louder, because I'm pretty sure what was meant as a whisper has been overheard by the entire bar.

"Booth?"

"Yeah Bones?"

"Why.."

Her voice is so small in this moment, her eyes so open and endearing, I had no choice but to answer honestly.

"Because, it would mean more to me than it would to you."

Her brow furrows deeply.

"What's that supposed to mean, I think as two healthy and active adult individuals it would be equally satisfying for both of us-"

"I don't mean physical satisfaction Bones, I mean for you it would be biology and for me it would be love."

For a second the word hangs in the air between us, four letters have never carried so much weight.

"Wellllll, I love you so how would it not be about love for me?"

For a second I focus on the slight slur in her speech, the adorable quirk of her beautiful lips. It isn't until I consider her actual word that I feel the air leave my lungs. My fingers tingle, my mouth twitches, my heart swells.

"What'd you say Bones?"

"I said, I LOVE YOU"

Ok, so the whole bar surely heard that. I turn on my stool to face her with my arm still secure over her back.

"Wellll" I mimic her earlier slur. "I love you, more."

My hushed tone forces her to lean closer while facing me. I catch the flicker of excitement in her eyes.

"Welllllllll"

Is she doing that to drive me crazy? Nope the hand steadily rising up my thigh is definitely meant to though.

"Bones, I don't think-"

"Stop thinking Booth, I'm the genius remember?"

Her smirk appears and my mouth twitches again. I can't take it anymore. It's all too much, her words, her lips, her eyes, her teasing. My mouth is on hers in a second.

A puff of surprise leaves her lips.

"Boothhh"

I can hear her smile and open my eyes to catch a glimpse.

"It's impossible to truly measure love, so let's call it a tie."

"Works for me Bones, works for me."