A/N: This is just one of the few scenarios buzzing in my head after the bedroom scene last week. I have another one to put out taking a different view. The one thing I didn't write was Booth and Bones having sex. I think in their minds it would have been tacky and disrespectful to Vincent. So enjoy.
Then What Happened?
Temperance Brennan logically posited that a few hours didn't make a big difference. But her emotions were telling her something else. Last night, Booth had called her logical and she'd smiled at what she considered to be a high compliment. It was an astute assessment on his part and perfectly true.
Yet her logic, her independence and her usual detachment were no match for the overwhelming sorrow, fear and loneliness. She hadn't known what she expected from Booth when she burst into his bedroom.
After the relief of not being shot, Bones had to admit her defenses weren't just down, they were shredded. Booth soothed those churning emotions without ever crossing the line into carnal. It wasn't the time for that kind of physical release. However, facing Angela as Hodgins' footsteps faded, Bones felt on display and reluctant to share something unfamiliar-a sense of intimacy with a man. Being that close to Booth wasn't simply physical, it did something to her emotions.
Angela drew out details gently and with a growing sense of amazement. Bones admitted to finding a solace and peace that had long eluded her. Including her sexual and non-sexual liaisons, she couldn't remember ever spending time nestled in a man's arms and listening to him murmur reassuring words.
Their exhaustion had finally claimed them for a few hours of sleep. Bones told Angela that she woke up to find herself still in Booth's arms. Somehow, Bones expected to wake up alone in the bed. Having Booth there left her confused but comfortable.
To Angela's repeated inquiries about what would happen next-Bones could only shrug. They had to find the sniper and she had to hold her focus to help ensure Booth's survival.
When the call finally came to her to proclaim "Mission Accomplished", a smile broke out on Bones' face. She knew Angela noticed it and the warm looks Booth exchanged with Bones later that evening outside the Jeffersonian as they bid a final goodbye to Mr. Nigel-Murray.
Angela's look of approval morphed into one of surprise when Bones did the reaching out physically to Booth. It was so out of character for the stoic scientist. The two women locked eyes and Bones did a mental shrug. Logically, she couldn't explain why she had to touch Booth. However, once she wrapped her hands around his strong, solid forearm she felt a sizzle and a sense of connection.
There weren't many times in her life when she'd experienced contentment. It was here in her simple gesture and in the look of happy surprise on Booth's face. The two of them had come through this emotional fire stronger and more committed.
Bones decided she could get used to being cherished as Booth gently turned her back toward the Jeffersonian Institute and toward their future.
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The End
