Well here's a little story I've had done for awhile. The first chapter is a little short, but they do get longer. Please let me know what you think.

Chapter 1

Temperance Brennan was an expert on many levels. From her forensic work, best selling author, and of course loss, she dominated many areas. Loss came natural to her; she understood it. Not like many people who questioned and demand answers. She watched people drift into her life and leave just as easily. Staying was what she had a hard time understanding, but this loss was hard even for her.

Every little girl wishes for a big brother; someone to protect them. Temperance had that. Russ was big brother material from the first sight of his little Tempe. She adored him. That was why this was so much more difficult; much more difficult than the first time.

Russ had left her shortly after her parents. Two blows no teenager should endure. The pain she felt when her parents left doubled as she watched Russ walk out of her life too. He was her protector. So why did he leave her? She could never really understand.

Sitting on the front pew, she began tracing circles in the red crush velvet upholstery. She was trying her best to ignore the opened casket that was just a few feet in front of her. If she looked into that casket, she would have to admit that he was gone. Gone in the biggest since of the word. She always dreamed that he would come back and rescue her from the nightmare life of foster care. She always had that hope. But if she saw him now, she would have to accept that he would never come back. Never. She hated that word.

Sitting ever so still, she began to feel like that kid again. She just couldn't understand how he could leave her. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, but she refused to acknowledge them. As long as she could keep her focus on those tiny mundane circles, she wouldn't have to admit that once again she had been left behind.

A tear dropped deepening the red color of the upholstery. She continued with her circles. She could feel someone standing behind her, but she was unwilling to look. She was crumbling into a thousand pieces, but it was her stubborn will that would see her through this, so she thought.

Booth placed his hand on her shoulder. He knew she wouldn't look up. He knew she couldn't. Breaking wasn't something she did easily.

His heart began to splinter as he saw her finger pause and yet another tear dropped widening the ring of the darker color. She took a jagged deep breath as more tears fell onto the upholstery. Booth moved around the pew to sit beside her. He scooted in and wrapped his arm around her. Her forehead rested against his shoulder as the tears came more freely. All he could do was hold her.

He rubbed his hand up and down her back trying to console her in anyway possible. He knew that nothing could ease the pain, but at least she wasn't alone. Thinking of her facing this alone conjured up a vast array of emotions.

She sat up and brushed the tears from her face.

"Thanks," she sniffled, "Sorry about that."

"You have no reason to be sorry," he said as he wiped away a tear she had left behind.

She gave him a half smile, which he returned. She glanced at him, but soon turned her gaze back to seat of the pew. He knew she was searching for what to say, but the words just wouldn't come.

The silence was interrupted as the funeral director approached the pair.

"Excuse me," his words were filled with sympathy, "If you are ready, we can begin the procession out to the gravesite."

She tried to maintain eye contact, but the growing pool of tears was making it an impossible task. She bit her bottom lip and nodded, but no words. The man gave an understanding look to Booth.

"Let her take all the time she needs," he said as he turned to walk away.

Booth watched her as she did her best to compose herself before turning his way.

"I'm fine," she said noticing the concern in his eyes, "Really. You don't have to stay."

"I'm staying," he stated.

Secretly she was hoping he would, but didn't want to make him feel obligated. It wasn't fair to tangle him up in the messed up world of the Brennan family

"Have you said good-bye?" he asked placing her hand in his.

She nodded her head no.

"I can't," she whispered, "If I do, then…"

She couldn't finish. She turned her head and closed her eyes hoping with every fiber of her being that this wasn't happening.

He gently pulled her face back to him.

"If you do, then you'll have to admit that it's real," he said, "If you don't, then it will still be real and filled with regrets."

"I can't," she said as tears slipped down her check, "I can't."

"I'm right here," he soothed.

Hesitantly, she stood up holding a firm grasp to Booth's hand as he stood beside her. Talking a deep breath, she took the first step in her long journey to good-bye.

Well, should I continue? Whatcha thinking? C'mon give me something, please. :)