The Morning After Epilogue(s)

I'm not a big fan of the fics that push them into certain situations, however, since this is an epilogue and given the circumstances of the rumors for the show itself, there will be at least three different versions of this epilogue. One is my version. Two and Three are just a bug that will not stop bothering me.

Epilogue One

Standing in the kitchen with a hot cup of coffee in his hand he smiled as he thought about the last few years. Four years of being her partner and friend, and a year of being her…boyfriend seemed so juvenile, but they were in a relationship, an honest and solid, committed (or as committed as she'd agree to) relationship. He wished he could change her mind about that, he'd love to get married, to start a family. To show her that not all families had to be disbanded as she had known for her childhood. But he knew her too well, knew that that was almost impossible.

Or he thought he did. A few nights ago Angela asked him when he was going to try to convince her of the idea of marriage. He had told her that no matter how much he wanted to, he didn't think she was ready. Angela laughed, "It's been six years since you've met. In the four years of your partnership you changed her, or in the very least made a huge impact on her. And know that you're dating, she's even more human," she laughed at the word, "I love her don't get me wrong, but you've made a difference." Turning to leave the room she said over her shoulder, "So what's the harm in asking? All she can do is say no, or tell you she'd have to weigh the pros and cons and then kiss you."

Standing there now his free hand touched the pocket in his sweatpants, outlining the square box there, as he chuckled at the events of last night…

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"Why haven't you talked about marriage yet?" The question was blunt, to the point and completely random; but it was Brennan.

Booth's eyes widened, "Uhm, I guess I just didn't think I'd get a good response." He then smiled, "That and I didn't really want an anthropology lecture on why it's an archaic ritual."

Brennan smiled at him, "Okay." She turned back to the television.

Booth stared at her in disbelief, "Do you want me to ask you?"

Reaching into their shared popcorn bowl, she shrugged, "Only if you want to take the risk."

Again he was confused, "Only if I want to take the risk into marriage? Or the risk of getting your answer?"

She got up and smiled, "Figure it out." Bending over she kissed his lips, "I'm going to bed, limbo cases in the morning."

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What had that meant? He was still wondering if he should ask, because he didn't want to push her into something she didn't believe in. His fingers still toyed with the velvet box while wondering what exactly he should do with it.

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She wandered into the living room and saw him standing bare-chested in the kitchen clutching something in his pocket. She studied him further, watching as the muscles in his arm moved as his hand and fingers played with the something in his pocket.

At that time he turned and upon seeing her he smiled. She smiled back walking toward him to get a cup of coffee. He kissed her forehead and touched her shoulder, moving his hand from his pocket. Her eyes glanced down and noticed it was square shaped. The conversation between them last night came back to her. Her eyes found the floor and then raised to his, questionably, giving him a half smile. He grinned and shook his head.

In that moment Booth knew she knew what was in his pocket, and she knew he knew.

The only question was would he or wouldn't he?

She stood there with her coffee in hand, as did he, staring into each other's eyes for what seemed like a life time, but was honestly a few minutes. She smiled at him and laughed at the shyness of the moment. "I have to get to the lab." She was at the doorway to the hall when she turned to him and smiled, "Take today to figure out the answer, and tell me your decision tonight…" walking away he heard her say, "or ask it."

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Random ending, but I like this one because it's left up to you whether he asked, and then if he did, what did she say? Tell me what you think…there are TWO more coming.