"Everyone says that…" Brennan squirmed, trying to free herself from his grasp, "They tell you all the things you want to hear then they leave you. Men are all the same." She spat, "They only want one thing."

She was not as receptive to his declaration as he had hoped but Pops had always told him 'a good woman is worth fighting for' and this woman was just short of amazing. She blew every other woman he met out of the water. For the most part there were very few secrets between the partners and one thing he was sure of was Temperance Brennan had a very distorted view on love, romance and all things she deemed illogical. But if he had not witnessed what was next with his own eyes he would have never been able to believe it. Temperance Brennan had cracked.

"They tell you they love you… that they want to be with you forever…" She lightly sobbed, "but the truth is it does not matter how smart or pretty you are, you are just another mark on their bedpost. You fall for them on accident, they assure you they feel the same but in the end it is just a bunch of lies. All you felt for them was fake, all a façade on their road of conquests. " Suddenly she stopped her ramble, looking up at him and willing the worlds to finally flow but all she found was silence, "Booth…" she finally whispered, "why can't they love me? What did I do wrong?"

A shiver was sent down his spine at the complete vulnerability his partner was displaying. Normally when it came to anything emotional or anything that could not be defined and placed in a box, she would shut off from the outside world and hide behind her scientific ramblings. But the woman before him was the completely innocent, defenseless Temperance that was never given a chance to grow. And in that moment his heart longed to protect her ever closing up again. He knew he loved her; he always had and always would. In his eyes she was perfect.

"I may not be able to answer why all those men did those things to you but I do know one thing I only want you to be happy, Bones. That is all I ever wanted from you." He ran a finger down her face, flying back against the door in a rush as she pushed against him with all her might. He could feel his body tense and the bruises begin to form, lightly wincing at the pain but he knew the pain was worth healing the shattered soul beneath the tears. He knew he would never again be able to look into those eyes the same, he knew this was the turning point. She would never again just be his partner, she was his life.

"No you don't. You just want sex, to serve a primal need. You are just like Sully." She attempted to stand but suddenly feel into a heap on the floor, thrashing in defeat. "You may be sexually stimulating but your desires are the same."

"My desire is to… well, we will discuss that at a later date. Let's just say my desires may be the same but my intentions are much more long term. Sully was an idiot for what he did. I would never have made that mistake."

She shivered as his words imprinted on her soul. It didn't matter what had happened, he always had a way of soothing her soul and calming the raging fears within.

"How about we get you dressed before someone comes in. You don't want anyone to see you naked, do you?" He spoke lightly, slowly leaning toward her careful to give her the space she needed yet fill the desire to be as close to her as she would let him.

Suddenly the realization she was naked and cold, very cold hit her. It was a normal response for any warm blooded man to at least glance at a naked woman before them but Booth eyes' hadn't even wandered from her face. The intensity of the glowing orbs made her heart sink as she felt completely vulnerable and scared. His eyes slowly raking over her features, etching the beauty of her face into his memory forever. He blinked once, then crouched down beside her, holding her gown up, and covering her very pale form.

"I can dress myself!" She barked, snatching the thin fabric from his fingers.

She tried to pull the fabric over her body but every time was unsuccessful. It seemed as though the clothing was going to win the battle tonight.

"Need some help?" He lightly snickered at the sight before him. Her head was popped out of an arm hole and although the gown was very large, it covered very little of her skin.

She eyed him once then sighed. It was clear she was not in a state to be able to dress herself. Apparently she had drank more then she had thought.

"Just don't touch me." She snapped, pulling the fabric off her body and placing it his hands.

"I'll try not to." He whispered softly.

He inhaled sharply at the sight before him, she looked so perfect, so majestic, absolutely stunning.

"Are you going to dress me or gawk at my features?"

With a slight nod and smirk, he twisted the fabric beneath his fingers. Within moments the gown draped softly over her features. He ran his hand down her side, suddenly stopping at her waist and waiting for her hand to make contact with his face.

"So did I do good?" He looked up at her, gripping her tightly around her waist. She didn't even flinch.

"An ape can dress itself, Booth." She frowned at his obvious sorrow, "But yes, you did wonderful."

He briefly smiled then stood, turning back toward the door.

"I will be outside if you need me…" His voice wavered as he clenched the doorknob to keep from falling.

"Uh… Booth…" She mumbled lightly, trying to stand but only managing to sit up against the wall.

"Yes, Bones?" He beamed but refused to turn around, letting her see the mess he had instantly become.

"I think I would like it if you would stay… in the room… with me… as I get examined." She looked down and away, unable to feel anything except the haunting guilt that dripped from her every word. She was ashamed.

"So you're scared to be alone at the doctor's office?" He teased.

"Knowing how much alcohol I consumed and my lowered inhibitions I believe my fear is adequate. If you have a reason to leave then I understand and will be able to handle myself with adequate assurance. I just believe that it would be beneficial if I had someone I knew in this room as opposed to a nurse who may not know how I act when I am drunk…" She fumbled through her words, trying to convince him to stay without admitting her real motives for keeping him there. After the emotions she had just displayed, she could not rationally find a reason but deep down she knew she needed him.

"That seems reasonable." His cold words stung as the tears started to flow down her checks.

Booth slowly walked across the room and sat in the chair across from the examining table, refusing to even glance at her.

"Booth…" Brennan beckoned and his eyes instantly shot up, he knew that sound, she was crying. "Can you help me up?" She pleaded, falling back into a heap.

He lunged down at her, catching her before her head slammed back against the cold wall. Her arms flung around his warm body and held on for life. He gracefully picked her up and carried her to the table in one swift motion.

"Bones, you are going to have to let go…"

"No!" She pouted, tugging in his shirt, "Stay with me…"

"I am. I will be in the chair across from the table. I am not leaving this room." He whispered softly, comfortingly soothing her hair down.

"No, Booth. Never let me go." She looked up at him and his heart shattered as her eyes flickered with long held emotions. He knew that look and how serious that singular moment was for them, "Never leave me… don't let me be just another one of your conquests." She mumbled lightly, pushing her head farther and farther into his chest.

"I love you, Seeley." Her voice was so faint he barely could hear the words coming off her lips. As her nails dug further into his flesh he knew those were words she had long since held at bay, pushing them further and further down until they were barely recognizable, were finally freed. Her one secret was finally released. She had always loved him; she was just as scared as he was.

"I know you do." He whispered, pressing his lips on her head, trying to sooth the storm he knew was raging deep inside. A single tear rolled down his check and came crashing down on her hair, sparkling against her dark auburn hue, "I have always known you have…"