My new challenge fic: to write BB in 100 different situations. Basically these are going to be 100 different events in the evolution of the relationship between Booth and Brennan, beginning with them as partners and friends, but not yet together. I'm going to try to update at least once per day, but probably multiple times on weekends.
Spoilers for this chapter: 2x11 Judas on a Pole.
Chapter 1—Promise
Hours after the rest of the squints had gone home, Booth finally forced Brennan to leave the diner. She had easily masked her out-of-control emotions while her colleagues were present, even joining in the celebration of Zach's doctorate, but as soon as they were gone she began to drown her sorrows in alcohol.
The two of them had sat in the diner, not speaking, as Brennan downed glass after glass while staring at the table. Booth had watched her, studying the way she drew pictures in the water on the table, worrying about her and knowing he wouldn't leave her alone tonight.
He knew he couldn't force her to talk about what had happened earlier that day, but he hoped she would talk to him about it in her own time, although he doubted she ever would. She was a very private person who bottled up her emotions to protect herself. Now that her family had left her again, he knew she probably wasn't going to open herself up to anyone for a long time. While they sat there in silence, he silently cursed her family for their terrible timing. They had been getting closer and opening up to each other more with each passing day, but now, she would re-erect her walls to be stronger and higher. He couldn't let her block him out. He was going to have to show her he was worthy of her trust, but he was at a loss of how to do it.
When she could no longer sit up straight, Booth knew it was time to get her home, no matter her response. With an arm wrapped tightly around her waist, he almost had to carry her out of the restaurant as she leaned heavily on him, unable to walk straight. He helped her into the SUV, having to reach across her small frame to buckle her in because she couldn't coordinate the buckle. Within minutes she had fallen asleep against the window, snoring softly.
When they had arrived at her apartment, he debated for a moment about waking her, but then decided against it. Brushing her hair away from her face, his hand lingering on her cheek, he unbuckled her and carried her sleeping form upstairs, cradling her close to his body. Giving a nod of acknowledgement to her neighbor in the hallway, he silently entered her apartment, trying not to wake her in fear of getting his ass kicked.
Placing her body gently on the bed, he took off her coat and shoes before tucking her in. As he placed a kiss on her forehead, she reached out for his hand and opened her eyes. "Stay with me tonight, Seeley?" she asked, her tone pleading with him.
Her request had nearly broken his heart, having to see his strong, self-reliant partner and best friend begging him to stay when her father and brother had walked out of her life for the second time. He knew he couldn't deny her anything tonight, and so he quickly removed his shoes and suit, leaving him in boxers and a muscle tee to crawl into bed beside her.
He held her close, their fingers laced together with his arms wrapped around her body, knowing it was inappropriate as partners and especially because he had a girlfriend. It didn't matter to him, though, because he couldn't leave her alone after everything she had been through.
She settled back against his chest, looking over at him as if to convince herself he was really there, her eyes reflecting her broken heart and swirling emotion. Turning away from him again, she whispered, "I don't know what I would do if you ever left me, Booth. I don't know…" her soft voice trailed off as sleep overtook her, her face muscles relaxing as her breathing evened out.
Rubbing small circles on her stomach, he gently kissed her neck, whispering softly, "I'll never leave you, Temperance. I promise, I'll never leave you."
