So, this is for the Bones Secret Santa 2014 exchange. This is a present for Dukefan 1982. The wishlist was Booth & Brennan spending time together before throwing themselves into the case after he got out of jail.


A Time For Healing

Booth paused as they exited the prison. For the first time in what felt like forever, he was a free man. He took a deep breath to steady himself. Brennan noticed this, and she put a hand on his arm. He covered her hand with his, not being able to quite muster a smile, but wanting to show his appreciation all the same. He let her drive, as he had no idea where home was now. It was quiet, but just having her next to him helped some.

He watched out the window as they drove, taking care to notice the path she took. He had the ghost of a smile on his face, as she hadn't let go of his hand. And that's what he really needed right now. He needed something to anchor him. He needed her to anchor him.

They got to the place that they were now calling home, and Booth couldn't help but be a little happy. She had done so much to make it home for both of them. He could see the things she'd gotten to appeal to his taste, could see decorations from the Mighty Hut that had survived. He felt an actual smile form on his lips, and he walked over and hugged her tightly.

She hugged him back. He put his face in the crook of her neck, pressing kisses to her neck and shoulder. He just held her tight, needing to be reassured that this was real. She rubbed his back and ran fingers through his hair, knowing exactly what he needed right now.

He wanted to get into the case, to work, but he needed a little time. He needed a bit of time just with her. And she could tell. She brought him over to the couch, and they just held each other for a while. Words were whispered to each other, I love yous and reassurances.

And it was enough. For now. Until they could put things behind them and move on, he could deal with what came. Because he had Brennan.

"Thank you," he mumbled against her lips as he kissed her.


I'm sorry it's on the shorter side, but I haven't written Bones fanfiction in a really long time. But, I like how this turned out, and I hope you enjoyed it, too.

-Angela Leigh (AL)