Still AU. The title says it all. No more drama. Enjoy the reading.

Will be posting the last chapter soon.

A/N: I do not own any of these characters

SAFE

"Are you okay Agent Booth?" asked the nurse as she checked once more Brennan's vitals.

"I'm fine. Actually... more than fine now. Thanks." he replied giving her a smile.

The woman smiled back and told herself that under different circumstances she wouldn't have had second thoughts about flirting with this amazingly looking man. His well defined biceps showing from his rolled up sleeve were certainly more than an appeal to her but the way he kept his gaze fixed on the woman lying next to him meant that he only had eyes for her.

"And how's your son?" She inquired concerned.

"Oh... he's going to be fine. The psychologist is positive he'll get over this mess alright." as he said so he gently caressed the child's head resting on his chest and tears started to fill his eyes.

"Well, everything seems under control here. Now Agent Booth I'll leave you all some time to rest. Guess you deserve that. Make sure to keep Dr. Brennan's arm still and you keep still too, OK?"

"Roger that."

"You making fun of me young man?" teased the nurse.

"Never in the world." he said trying to suppress a giggle.

"That would not do you know?" - She went on enjoying the game - "after what we've done against all our hospital regulations to keep the three of you together."

"You're an angel Mrs. Stevens. If I wasn't stuck in here I'd certainly give you a huge kiss."

She blushed. "Guess you would... now keep quiet and get some rest. I'll be back soon to make sure you've been a good boy."

Before she left the room the nurse glanced at the trio and smiled. Nobody had had the courage to say no to this man's demands. He simply would not leave them alone, not after what they had been through. And sincerely, she said to herself closing the door, she totally agreed with him.

Booth kept his eyes fixed on Brennan. She looked so pale. His heart ached to see her like that, still unconscious from the medical treatment she'd been given. But she was tough, she had just proved that and she would recover soon. The wound dressing on her forearm was impressive and he dreaded to think about the long scar that would be a constant reminder of her kidnapping.

He felt her move her hand and tightened the grip on their intertwined fingers. She moaned and tried to pull her hand away.

"Easy there Temperance." he softly told her to make her turn to him.

She recognized him and smiled.

"Welcome back."

"Seeley... what...?"

"Don't move... see? We're joined..." he stated pointing at the tubing of the transfusion.

"Oh... you..."

"Yes, Temperance. You lost quite a lot of blood and... - he continued - your blood group is the rarest there is. You are special in that too."

"Yes, I'm AB-"

"When I got here they said they didn't have enough of that so I said they could give you mine. I'm a universal donor. They found my RH to be compatible with yours plus I'm clean. They test us regularly."

"How can I thank you?" she whispered tears starting to fall silently on her cheek.

"Oh Temperance... what?... How am I ever going to thank you for what you've done for me, for us."

"How's he?" she asked looking at the child sleeping peacefully by his father.

"He seems okay. He said you were playing a game..."

"He's amazing you know? I never thought such a small kid could be that smart."

"Do you feel like telling me about that Temperance?"

"Yes."

"Before you start... how are you feeling? The nurse will kill me if anything goes wrong with this."

"I'm fine, I think my body is adjusting to your blood quite well."

He felt his heart swell in his chest. He wanted to kiss her, hold her tight, keep her forever in his arms. But all he could do was reach out with his left hand and softly caress her cheek. They stared at each other in awe for a long moment.

She sighed. "I wasn't sure about what to do you know?" she started.

He nodded.

"Would he understand? Could he be smart enough to help me through that? I had to take the risk and trust him. So I told him we would be playing a game, a tough one. The prize would be going back home to his mum and dad. We had to make the bad guy turn really bad. Make him so mad he'd hit me in the face. Then he would fake a seizure... I swear I thought he was having that for real. So I had the bastard cut the ropes and we started to fight. He was quick though... I misjudged him... and..." she looked at her forearm. She turned her head and saw he was crying.

"Temperance I'm so sorry... will you ever forgive me?"

"For what? I have nothing to forgive you Seeley. Did they get him? I tried to tied him up as best as I could considering the state of my injury."

"They did. You did great. He was still tied up in the basement. Temperance Brennan you are something!" He kissed his fingers and gently placed them on her lips lingering there. She reached out putting her hand on his. They didn't need to say more.


"Well Dr. Brennan I see you're back with us. How are you?" said Mrs. Stevens approaching the patient monitor next to Brennan's bed.

"Fine, thanks. A bit dizzy but fine really."

"You're quite a strong girl, Doctor. And I real Lara Croft from what I heard."

"I don't know who that is." she replied puzzled.

Booth chuckled amused. "She sure is!"

"How about you Agent Booth?"

"I'm good. Thank you."

"I see you have followed thoroughly my prescription Agent Booth. Might get you some ice-cream tonight."

"Apple pie instead? Ice-cream for Parker."

"Ok then, apple pie it is. You Dr Brennan?"

"I don't like apple pie. A fruit salad?"

"Fine. There's still another thirty minutes to go. You two can manage to lay still a little longer?"

They nodded in unison.

B&B

"Dr. Brennan" - said the nurse entering the room - "there's someone who's been waiting outside for quite a while now. Shall I let her in? If you feel like it, of course."

"Who is it?" she asked

"Parker's mother." said the nurse.

Booth got up and opened the door to let her in.

"Hi Rebecca. How's Parker?"

"He's in the playroom with Agent Foster. And some other kids. He's fine, I'm taking him to the psychologist later on. Do you mind if I talk to her alone Seeley?"

"Of course not. I'll leave you then. He walked to the bed and gently placed a kiss on Brennan's forehead. - "I'll be right there."

She smiled at him.

"So Dr. Brennan I..."

"Please call me Temperance. There's really no need for formality."

"Okay Temperance. Can I sit here?" She asked pointing ay the chair next to her bed.

"Sure."

"I wanted to thank you for what you've done for Parker... for me... I don't know if I could have survived if... - she started sobbing and Brennan quickly took her hand. "He's all I have... of him... and though I never wanted to marry him I can't deny he's the best father I could have wished for my son."

"Why didn't you want to marry him?" she had to ask her though she already knew.

"I knew it wouldn't have worked, I couldn't force him, even if he wanted to. There has always been someone else in his heart, you know?" she said holding her gaze.

Brennan lowered her eyes, color rising slightly in her cheeks.

"I know you've been together, Temperance. And I can see you still love him too."

Brennan looked at her bewildered.

"I'm a woman, it shows, believe me. Don't miss your chance Temperance. The chance to feel complete. You both deserve that."

The two women stared at each other overcome by emotion.

Rebecca leaned down and embraced Brennan.

"Thanks to you... my life is still complete." said Rebecca before leaving the room.