Catching up with Reality

Bones Fanfic- I don't own em'. Sure wish I did.

Post Hero in the Hold. Reality finally catches up with Brennan….does she run?

Brennan/Booth (DUH!)

I take a deep breath and slowly release it as I close my eyes. My mind drifts back to the helicopter. I remember pulling him to me. I remember holding on to him like there was no tomorrow. I remember him placing gentle kisses on my temple while sobs ripped through my body. IT was in that moment that I realized my reality had finally caught up with me.

So here I am, three days later, making my way to the labs. The guards were a bit taken aback by my appearance. Normally my attire screamed "Dr. Temperance Brennan", but today I was simply Tempe. Dressed in a pair of well-worn jeans, some Red Chuck Taylors, a gift from Booth last Christmas, and a tee that said "I 3 Bones" on the front. The later was a gift from Parker and possibly one of the best gifts I had gotten in a long time. My hair is down and curly, having lost the battle with my flat iron. And for the first time in a long time, I have been forced to wear my glasses. It's amazing what crying for two days straight can do to the human eyes. My messenger bag is slung over my shoulders and I'm nervously tapping my leg with a simple white envelope. A simple white envelope that has my reality safely secured within its creases.

As I get closer to the labs, I begin to hear the familiar voices of those who have become my family over the years. I instantly hear HIS voice. I haven't seen him since that day at Arlington, but I did make a point to call and check in on him all the while giving him the space he asked for.

I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. The scene before me is just another reminder of why I'm happy to be alive. Booth, Angela, Hodgins, Cam and Sweets are all gathered on the platform. They are smiling and laughing and telling funny stories. Agent Blondie is there too for what ever reason, but it's clear that she is merely an outsider who has been granted permission to observe.

"It's good to see you Dr. Brennan."

I slightly jump at the sound of Clark Edison's voice.

"It's good to see you Clark"

I can tell he is slightly shocked by my use of his first name.

"You headed up to the platform?"

I asked the question already knowing the answer. He nods his head and I let him lead the way. Sweets is the first from the group to notice my presence.

"Dr. Brennan! It's really good to see you!"

I simply nod. I instantly make eye contact with Booth. It's habit. I can tell he is taking in my appearance. Angela swears Booth is a failure when it comes to giving me the once over without anyone noticing. I can't seem to find my voice. I look at the envelope in my hand and am reminded as to why I have come here today.

I slowly approach the table that everyone is gathered around. I step between Agent Blondie and Hodgins. I place the envelope face down in the middle of table directly in front of Booth. Both he and Cam instantly become worried.

"Bones"

"Dr. Brennan"

They both speak at the same time, each with a sense of urgency and fear. I can't help but giggle. I suspected this would happen. They think I want to leave.

"It's not my resignation."

Almost immediately they relax. Booth flips the envelope over. The front of the envelope has one word, Seeley. I give him a reassuring smile and make my way off the platform.

"What is it?"

Agent Blondie's question stops me in my tracks. I turn around at look at Angela. I can't help but give her a 100-watt smile. I then risk glancing in Booth's direction. It's important that I choose my words carefully.

"It's my reality. It finally caught up with me"

With that, I exit the plat form and make my way out of the building and to my car. It's a beautiful early spring day in DC, excellent weather for driving with the top down.