-Chapter Two-

Brennan left Booth at the bar, as he was out-cold. She headed back to her and Sully's table.

"I need to give him a ride home." She stated, an apologetic look on her beautiful facial features.

"No problem. I understand completely." He reassured her.

"I'm sorry about this…"

"Don't worry about it, rain check?" He asked, completely understanding.

"Rain check?" Brennan repeated.

"It's a figure of speech, it means to reschedule." He explained, slightly grinning at her lack of expressions.

"Oh… in that case, yes. Tomorrow night?" She asked.

"Uh… I can't. I have a meeting for work that's definitely going late, how about Thursday (A-N: the day after tomorrow) night?" He asked hopeful.

"Sure." She replied smiling. "I'll pay for tonight." She continued, adding her offer.

"No, I got it." Replied Sully.

Sully helped Brennan haul the, now, semi-conscious Booth to his car. They loaded him in the second row, then drove to the Jeffersonian, where he helped her transfer him to her car. Once he was in, she thanked Sully for the help, then rolled on to the ball of her feet, planting a kiss on Sully's lips. He replied, putting his arms around her. They broke off and headed to their respectful vehicles.

She opened the door and got in. Booth was awake and staring at her as he got in. She wasn't aware that he'd seen her and Sully making out. The emotional pain and jealousy he felt watching that was excruciating.

"Hey." She said when she saw he was awake. He mumbled something in return.

She started the car, backed out, and headed towards the exit of the garage. She pulled out and joined the flow of traffic. She made her way across D.C., heading towards the area where both she and Booth lived. She pulled up to a stoplight. She took advantage of the wait to look at Booth. He looked miserable, she guessed it was partly the alcohol, but knew that a good deal of it was there before.

Booth felt the eyes on him and turned to face her. She frowned. His eyes were dark and stormy. The usual spark was gone, instead there was a dull, depressing tinge on his eyes.

"What's wrong?" She asked her voice full of worry. He starred at her for a few second before responding.

"Nothing…" He mumbled dishonestly.

"That's not true Booth. Were partners, remember? You can tell me anything." She replied, perplexed why he wasn't being open with her.

"The… the war." Booth was able to say. The light turned and the car started moving again. She glanced at him, she could tell he wasn't lying, but not telling her everything either.

She thought about what that meant. Could that really mean that my hypothesis is right? Why else wouldn't he tell me what was wrong if it wasn't about me? Do I want my hypothesis to be right? No, come on Brennan, he's your partner. He is attractive though, attractive, protective, physically fit, healthy; he is a prime choice for a mate… Calm down slut, you already have a boyfriend… Do I really like Sully? Yes. She answered herself. Her mental battle continued the two voices in her head yelling at each other.

She pulled up behind a long patch of congestion and one again took advantage of the stopped/crawling traffic to look at Booth. He seemed deep in thought. He opened his mouth as to say something but stopped.

-----------------------------------------------------

It continued like this all the way to his apartment. She pulled into the nearest space to the door as she could. She shut off the engine, pocketing the keys as she did. She walked around to his side and helped him out. He was able to walk… kind of. He leaned against her, and she leaned against him as she guided him to the elevator. By leaning on each other, like an arch, they were able to support themselves, though Brennan was doing most of the work as Booth was to inebriated to focus on walking.

They got off the elevator and Brennan helped him down the door to his apartment. She felt his pockets, feeling the keys in his suit's pocket. She reached in and yanked them out then unlocked the door. She opened it and led him inside, closing the door behind them. She guided him to the couch, and helped him sit down. She stayed standing, and stretched her back and shoulders. It had been hard supporting Booth, who had to weigh twice as much as her. She went to get him a glass of water from his kitchen.

When she came back he was gone. "Booth?" She called out, but when she heard gagging and choking coming from a door down the hall she went to check on him. He was hunched over the toilet, his body protesting the amount of alcohol he'd drunk that evening. She waited outside and waited for him. He came out a few minutes later, walked right passed her and almost fell through a door he had opened. Brennan followed him. She realized it was his bedroom. He tried taking off his tie, failing horribly. She walked in started undoing it for him.

He was able to undo his dress shirt and upon taking it off, revealing a heavily muscled torso and upper arms, covered only by a rather tight white under shirt. Brennan stared at his muscular body, definitely noticing the effects of the exercise and weight regiment instilled in him by the Rangers.

He pulled off his shoes and dropped down on top of the duvet. He lifter his legs and dropped them down on the bed. Meanwhile his left hand flattened the pillows while his right arm supported him. After he had arranged the pillow, he dropped down on it.

Temperance didn't really want to speak to Booth. She was afraid she'd give her thoughts away. She left his room and started opening doors as she passed by them. She eventually came across a small closet where she found a bucket. She walked back into his room, setting the bucket down next to his head.

"If you need to throw up, use this." She instructed. He nodded.

"Ok then. Good night Booth." She turned to leave.

"Temperance." Booth said, clearer than anything else she'd heard him say all night. She Involuntary shivered at his use of her first name. She turned around.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks. I appreciate it." He slurred 'appreciate' rather badly, but she understood him.

"You've done so much more for me." She said. She thought about how many times he saved her life. So did he.

"Good night Temperance."

"Good night Seeley."

She locked the front door behind her.

-----------------------------------------------------

Review please. Comment. Whatever. Read. Please.