Ever since it was out in the open, things weren't so great between them.
He loved her. She loved him. It was as pure and simple as that. It wasn't a difficult thing to understand, neither was it hard to process. So what could bring on the change between them?
They weren't ready to be together. This was by mutual agreement. A proposal by not one, but both, of them.
Why? That's because once you discover the person you love returns it, it'll change the whole dynamic between both of you.
Couples keep secrets from each other. That's a fact. And there's no one else in the world they can trust enough to tell their secrets to.
When you love someone and they love you back, the immediate instinct is to take it slow. Unless, of course, you're a pair of hormonal teenagers who immediately spout nonsensical lines of the I-love-you (insert shy grin here) I-love-you-too (insert shy grin and hand-holding here) variety reminiscent of an extremely badly-written movie.
However, even adults, who are generally more rational, have to be cautious when it comes to their urges. And they do not have the added risk of making their parents get heart attacks when they blurt out news that they're having a child.
Every brush of an arm, every dart of the eye, every simple touch or look that will passed by unnoticed will be taken note of, analysed, and re-analysed.
No more hugs. Hugs are dangerous. If hugs are to be allowed, they must be in public and be stiff and guarded. A simple act like that could lead one to become so relaxed to the point one becomes inebriated until one throws herself at her partner. Males are generally thought to be susceptible to any form of stimulation, so both their brains will be partially clouded.
And this does not bode well for a relationship where one of them has to be level-headed enough to prevent anything from happening that will make them even more awkward then they already are.
They used to celebrate a case with a large stack of paperwork and Thai food at his apartment. However, they hold the celebrations at the Jeffersonian now. The paperwork and Thai food still remain, occasionally to be joined by a few pints of beer.
Celebration is an occasion where one or many become so delirious with happiness they group together to sing karaoke or drink alcohol. They have learnt that these two combined with Hodgins do not go well together, but it is not relevant to this topic.
No place with a bed or some sort of seat that can be doubled as a spot for napping/sleeping does well for the whole keeping-our-hands-off-each-other thing they have worked so hard to preserve since the truth about them came to light in their eyes. No matter whether it is situated in a public or private place, the rule still applies.
This is why their celebration takes place on the second floor of the Jeffersonian, not Brennan's office. There is a table and a sofa, not to mention lockable doors and blinds.
Who knew the knowledge of one simple fact could bring so many changes to their lives?
They did.
And sad to say, they didn't mind it one bit.
Because to know that you're loved... That's just enough.
For now.