Moments and Second Chances

I don't own Bones

Season 2

It had been a year since she had been at the Jeffersonian and she couldn't wait. She knew Sully was a mistake. She had known after a month at sea that she didn't love him. In fact, she had always known. The only thing that kept her from heading home when they reached Lisbon was her pride. She couldn't return to the Jeffersonian after another failed relationship. She reasoned that Sully would make this relationship work; the only thing she needed to do was give him time. If she were really honest with herself, she knew the reason why it wouldn't work. She could never fall in love with Sully. She was already in love with another man and in the end Sully accepted that fact.
Yesterday at the dock……….

"Are you sure about this Tempe?" Sully said.

"Positive Sully. I'm sorry we didn't work out but I have to be completely honest with myself. I have to give this a shot." Brennan says.

"I still love you. But, I have to ask?"

"Ask what?"

"If you loved him as much as you say you do why did you go away with me?"

"I was scared he didn't feel the same about me as I felt about him. Then he told me to go. He told me to be happy and for the longest time I tried. I fooled myself into thinking that if I just gave us enough time I would fall in love with you. I'm sorry for leading you on." She says looking down at her feet.

"No, I'm sorry Tempe. I saw how much you two cared about each other and I still tried to get in-between you. I was selfish and for that I'm truly sorry."

"It's okay Sully. I was the one who left with you. I ran away from my own feelings. I'm sorry for what I did. I still care about you Sully but I have to follow my heart for once."

"I understand Tempe. But, I have to warn you. It's not going to be easy for you."

"What do you mean?"

"Have you ever heard of the saying, 'You can't go home again'."

"Of course, I can go home again. I still have my apartment and furniture Sully."

"No, Tempe. I'm saying a year is a long time and you left him for another man. You're only allowed a certain number of moments before you miss your chance. You and Booth had something but, you gave that up the moment you sailed away with me."

Tempe's eyes begin to water.

"No Sully, I don't accept the moment hypothesis. I'm going to go back there and everything will be okay. I will be accepted and everything will be like normal."

Sully gives her a look. He gives her one last hug knowing it will be his last. She was leaving him but, he didn't have the heart to break it to her.

"Goodbye Tempe. Promise me you'll talk to Angela before you go back to work. Okay."

"Bye Sully. Have a good trip to the Bahamas."

With that Sullivan sailed away a second time, only this time he wasn't coming back.

As Brennan strolled her way into the lab, she was assaulted by familiar noises. All around her scientists were milling about doing everyday things and it made her smile. As she looked around she wondered, "How could I ever leave this place."

"My thoughts exactly Dr. Brennan." A sheepish looking Jack Hodgins says to her.

"Hi Hodgins, Keeping out of trouble." She says to him while giving him a heartfelt hug.

"Of course not. Someone's got to live it up around here."

They both make there way to Brennan's office when a loud squeal silences the lab. In a matter of moments Angela darts out of her office and gives Brennan a hug.

"Bren, you're finally home. How was Australia? Did you meet any hot guys? I love your tan."

"I missed you to Angela. I'll tell you all the details at lunch. Where's everyone else."

"Well Cam moved back to New York, Dr Goodman is off for the week, and Zach is out on a case."

"Really Zach is out in the field. Yeah, him and Booth are partners now. Booth's even teaching Zach self defense techniques and small arms training."

Brennan's eyes widen as she takes a seat in her office.

"Booth's giving Zach a gun?"

"A lot's changed sweetie. There have been a couple of close calls where Zach has had to hold a firearm on a suspect, and lets just say both Booth and the suspect were scared Zach would shoot them. I think Booths just trying to cover his yummy behind."

As they were talking they heard a pair of voices making their way onto the platform. Brennan recognizes the voice and quickly moves out of her office.

"Come on Zach, it's just a double date and she's pretty hot." Booth says with a raised voice.

"No Booth, I have work to do and what does her body temperature have to do with anything."

"Listen Zach, it's my Tracy's sister and I would consider it a favor. Also, we're partners and I would do it for you if you asked."

"But, you have a girlfriend agent Booth. That wouldn't be good for your relationship."

"Geeze, you need to get out more. Come on Zach, I've met her and you two would have a lot in common."

"I don't see what we could have in common."

"She's a genious and she's working on George Washington University's solar car project."

Zach instantly looks up, "Fine, we'll set a date for after this case is finished."

"Sweet. I've met her Zach and I promise she's as socially awkward as you are."

Brennan had heard their entire conversation and froze. Girlfriend? Oh god. What if I'm too late? What have I done?

Booth turns around and sees her frozen in place.

"Bones?"

"Hi Booth."

He quickly runs to her and envelops her in a bone crushing hug.

"I've missed you Bones."

"I've missed you too Booth."

"Alright squint squad, everyone at Wong Foos in an hour dinneer is on me. Come on Bones lets catch up." He says as he's dragging her to his SUV.

Angela looks at her friends retreating back and says, "Some things never change." She says to Hodgins. Then she sighs.

"Unfortunately, some things do."

"Why didn't you tell her about Tracy?" Hodgins says.

"She had to come back on her own What good is knowing about Tracy if she didn't make up her mind about Sully?"

"I guess your right but still, I wouldn't want to be her right now. "

What did you guys think. Did the chapter run a little long?