Life, as Brennan had learned, never actually returned to normal. It assimilated a new version of normal, it got worse or it got better… never returned to its original state. She was good with the current state of normal with Booth somehow. She would at some later date study the whole Catholic practice of confession because right now, she was seeing its virtue.
Booth had felt deep guilt at his actions. She had felt deep regret at hers. Perhaps he was correct and they were both so screwed up, metaphorically speaking that they should indeed come with warning labels. They had been angry that morning. They had laughed. They had both felt like crying at some point that day but Brennan felt refreshed and ready for just about anything facing her right now.
Booth looked less energetic than Brennan but still not bad, all things considered. His curiosity got the better of him… He just had to keep pressing on. "Bones, do you really not understand how I ended up with Hannah or is it just one of those 'I don't know what that means' things?" She thought for a few moments about the last few months and how she had felt regarding his relationship with Hannah. She recalled how she felt when he told her he found someone. Her minds eye led her to the dancing on the gymnasium floor, before they left for different parts of the world. She saw the deep sea diver and Tessa, both in various stages of dress. It was clear. Hannah didn't matter. She held no significance in their relationship. If the truth be known, the only true loss Brennan had suffered at the hand of Hannah were her sunglasses. She made a mental note to write Hannah to get those back.
"I sincerely don't know why you were with Hannah but I am certain that it is irrelevant. You were convinced that you would find someone that night outside the Hoover… mere seconds after you asked me for a commitment. It is highly probable with your excellent physical stature and remarkable bone structure that you would have found a woman when you were so adamant about finding one! I would be very concerned if every woman you came across had found you less than desirable." She gave no indication that she was being facetious but Booth couldn't help but laugh.
"My own Father thinks your homosexual, you know." She couldn't hide the twinkle in her eye as Booth burst out in defense of his sexuality. "Bones, I am NOT gay. Not that there is anything wrong with…. You know what… forget it!" His frustration was apparent but she wasn't going to let her little bit of fun get them off track. He blushed slightly when he saw her smile.
"I'm merely stating a fact, Booth. You left the Hoover with the sole purpose of finding a woman. It was inevitable that you would find one." She wasn't accusing him nor did he feel that he was being attacked so he decided to just lay it out there for her. "I wanted someone to love me." Brennan gasped. She was stricken with his honesty. "I never denied loving you", she said softly.
"You never admitted it, either Bones. You waited until I found someone. I would have looked like an idiot if I had dropped her and went running after you. I shoved her in everyone's face!" A pregnant pause held the space, but he continued, "I guess this is where you blame me for never telling you I loved you."
"There is no blame, Booth. No blame for you and none for me. We won't get anywhere with it, nor is it merited. Your original assessment stands. We are fucked up." She reached out and took his hand into hers.
"I don't need to be 'cured' and you are not required to cram yourself into the stereotypical mold of the perfect life. We found each other as imperfect persons. We can surely find a way to co-exist with those imperfections." Her brows were furrowed and her head slightly tilted. Historically, this is when Booth most frequently fantasized about kissing her, but his mind couldn't have been further away. Her words had reached him. That afternoon, at 3:30 pm, Seely Booth found love.
Author's note: Your reviews have been wonderful. Thank each of you. The readers stat's have been very humbling. We are very close to the end of my season 6 reset. I hope you enjoy the rest of the ride!
I think this is probably an excellent place to say that I don't own Bones or any of its characters but it certainly is fun redirecting the characters into a place where I can enjoy them again!