Author's note: It took me all day to write this (very very very long) chapter. And now it's finally ready to be posted, like I promised. After all, a promise is a promise. I have to warn you though. Temperance will probably be even more OOC in this part. I blame it on the talking skull. °lol° Also I'd like to mention that I don't have any experience with writing adult scenes. I gave it a try. If it sucks, you can always tell me in a review. If it doesn't suck, review anyway. °lol° Oh yes, my comment on nature worshipers isn't meant to offend anyone. I love nature. :-)

Disclaimer: I have a lot to disclaim here. I do not own Bones. I do not own any poems by Edgar Allen Poe. There's also a slight reference to The Mummy. (a cookie for whoever finds the reference) Obviously, I don't own The Mummy. I'd be rich then. I also don't own Kaye Styles and his music.

Thank you's: My dear reviewers, you made me incredibly happy! Howdylynn, I hope this is soon enough for you. moonofmathmaticalwisdom, Temperance was indeed a bit OOC. But like I said, I blame it on the talking skull. °lol° sidleidol03, °lol° just imagine his reaction if he accidentally turned on the hot water … I hart Booth, did you know that you're good at writing reviews? Correction, you're the best at writing reviews. You always make me smile. Bella-mi-amore, thank you. I always try to describe every single detail. It's my way of trying to suck the reader into my story. Amasayda, thank you! That's all I have to say. EternalConfusion, more kisses in this chapter but no cold shower. Let's say he won't need it. :-)

Song list: Gimme the mic, I love to party, Don't you know and One of a kind are all sung by Kaye Styles. My personal favourite is Gimme the mic. It makes me want to party.

- Week 1: Saturday (part II) -
----------------------------------------

Temperance got up when Booth exited from the bathroom. He disappeared into the kitchen. Ten minutes later Temperance re-emerged from the bathroom and followed Booth's trail. When she entered the kitchen, she immediately froze. What the?! Seeley Booth was standing at one of her counter tops, cutting some fruit into small blocks while keeping an eye on the bacon and eggs in the frying pan.

Her eyes travelled to the table. A box of cereal, a carton of milk, a basket filled with bread, another basket filled with fruit, jam, cheese, some yoghurt and - partially hidden - two plates, two cups, two forks and two knives. She stared at the food displayed before her, unsure what to say. Booth threw the chopped up fruit in a bowl and placed it on the table, shoving it between the cereal and the yoghurt.

"Booth?"

He turned around and shot her his trademark charm smile. "Good morning, princess."

"Why is half my fridge on the table?"

"That's breakfast."

"That's not breakfast. That's lunch for an entire army!"

"I wasn't sure what you'd like so I decided to put everything suitable on the table."

"A cup of coffee would've sufficed."

"You can't possibly last an entire morning on a cup of coffee. Now sit down."

He practically pushed her down on a chair and went to retrieve the frying pan. He sat down after having divided the bacon and eggs between their plates. Temperance stared at her plate.

"You don't expect me to eat this, now do you?" she asked, the sarcasm coming through loud and clear.

"Temperance, stop complaining and eat."

She rolled her eyes and grabbed her fork. It wouldn't hurt to give it a try. Besides, the eggs smelled too good to let them go cold. She carefully brought a forkful to her mouth. Booth watched her actions from the corner of his eye. Please let her like it. Then he saw her eyes lit up and quickly shoving some more into her mouth. He couldn't help but grin. Touchdown for me.

Having finished the last piece of egg, Temperance leaned back satisfied. She noticed the amused look on his face. She rolled her eyes and gave him a smile.

"Fine, I'll admit it. Your bacon and eggs were quite good."

"Quite good?"

"Fine! It was delicious! Satisfied?"

"Not until you try some of my fruit salad."

"Booth, I couldn't possibly …"

But he was already filling her plate. With a sigh she picked up her fork and ate a few pieces. Booth kept staring at her until she was finished.

"Well?" he questioned.

"It was refreshing. Very tasteful."

"You have to try it with some yoghurt."

"Booth …"

He went to the fridge and came back with two small bowls filled with yoghurt and fruit blocks. He placed the bowls on their plates. Booth grabbed a spoon and started eating. Temperance followed his example. He was halfway through his bowl when he noticed Temperance's intense stare.

What?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Nothing." She turned her attention to her yoghurt and started poking the fruit blocks with her spoon. "It's just that …" She looked up. "Do you know when the last time was I had a decent breakfast?"

"I'm guessing it wasn't yesterday morning."

"It was right before my parents disappeared. From then on the only thing I needed was a cup of coffee. I refused to have breakfast with my foster families. It felt like I betrayed my parents. Breakfast on Sunday mornings was a sacred ritual for them." She gave Booth a nostalgic smile.

"What about your brother? Didn't he try to …" Booth trailed off.

"He tried but I refused to co-operate. It brought back too many memories."

"And uhm …" He cleared his throat. "What about your boyfriends?"

A small laugh escaped her. "There weren't many men who thought of making me breakfast. They were only interested in spending the night and running away in the morning. The ones who actually tried to stick around in the morning, were quickly disappointed by me. I didn't consider them special enough to share the sacred breakfast ritual with."

Booth felt his heart flutter in his chest. She considered him better than her ex-boyfriends. He reached across the table to take hold of her hand.

"And now you're here …" she quietly said.

He brought her hand to his mouth and gently kissed the back of her hand. A shiver ran down her spine. The touch of his lips reminded her of the kiss they had shared earlier that morning. He stroked her hand with his thumb while locking eyes with her. He didn't say a thing, only showing his understanding with his actions.

So what are you going to do on your work-free Saturday?"

"There are probably hundreds of things I could do but I honestly don't know."

"Why don't you call Angela to have lunch?"

"Good idea. I think I'll do that."

Temperance gave him a smile. When was the last time I smiled this much?

---°---

"You look good, sweetie."

Temperance smiled at her best friend who was sitting across the table. They were having lunch in some fancy diner. Angela was happy to see that her friend didn't look pale anymore. The dark circles had disappeared too.

"A good night of sleep can do wonders." she answered.

"You sure that it's just a night of sleep and not something else?" Or someone else.

Temperance looked down at the salad on her plate. "Ange …"

"Ok, I get the hint. You want to change the subject."

Temperance looked up and nodded. They ate on in silence. Soon they had both finished their food and were sipping their drinks.

"This has been a strange week." Temperance started. Angela nodded in approval. "That strange dream made me realise how cold my life was. I'm feeling better now, though."

Angela preferred to keep her mouth shut. Temperance was opening up to her without any encouragement which meant she wanted to share something important.

"I'm confused, Angela." Brennan's brows furrowed in concentration. "I understand now that I've locked myself up a long time ago. I thought that since skeletons don't talk, they couldn't hurt me. But they did. They alienated me from the real world." Temperance took a sip from her drink. "The only problem is that I don't know how to get to the real world." She sighed. "It's like I'm standing before an enormous door and I can't get through. I have to open the door to step into your world and leave the land of the dead behind. But the door is locked."

"Looks like you need a key." Angela stated.

"A key …" Temperance repeated. "A key … That's it, Angela! He's the key. He's my key!"

Booth was her key, she was sure of it. He was there for her when she needed him. He dragged her out of the lab from time to time to have a drink. He pointed out when she was being insensitive. He bothered to explain all the pop culture references she ran across. A blush crept to her cheeks when she remembered the previous nights. He stayed to comfort her and help her sleep. He didn't run away when she revealed her biggest secret. He cared enough to make breakfast for her. And oh yes, he was one hell of a kisser! Temperance felt her toes curl when she remembered the taste of his lips. No-one had ever kissed her like that before.

"Earth to Brennan! What do you need a key for?"

"To open the door!" Temperance exclaimed. "To be able to travel to the world of the living."

"Well, who's your key then?"

She opened her mouth to give an avoiding answer but she was interrupted by her mobile phone.

"Brennan."

"Hey Bones."

"Hi." She couldn't help but smile.

"Got any plans for this afternoon?"

"Not really."She felt him smile at the other side.

"Well, where are you now?"

"Many's Diner."

"What a coincidence."

Then nothing more but a long beeping sound. She stared at her phone. He hung up on me! It wasn't until a large hand was placed on her shoulder that she noticed the sudden change in Angela's expression.

"If that isn't our sexy FBI agent!" the artist exclaimed.

"Booth?" Temperance asked, turning slightly around.

Booth grinned. "Hey Angela." He turned to Temperance. His grin was replaced by a tender smile. "Bones."

She returned his smile. Booth wanted to lean down and kiss her but he couldn't do that. Not with Angela around.

"So Booth, it's not that I mind having a stud at our table but why are you here?" Angela asked.

Without tearing his eyes away from Temperance, he answered "I'm here to whisk Bones away."

"Is that so?" the artist answered, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yeah, for a picnic." Booth added.

"Really? Well, be my guest. Whisk her away!"

"Angela!" Temperance interfered. "Who says I want to go with him?"

"Oh please, don't try to fool me." She made a move with her hands like she wanted to shoo them away. "Have fun, sweetie. Do everything I would do."

Temperance shot her a pointed look but allowed Booth to help her to her feet. He winked at the artist to thank her and dropped a couple of dollar bills on the table to pay Temperance's lunch. The pair turned around and made their way to the exit, Booth's hand resting on Brennan's lower back. Angela watched them walk away, a dreamy and very satisfied look on her face.

"I wish I had such a knight in shining standard FBI issued body armour." she sighed romantically.

---°---

He helped her sit down on the blanket he had just laid out on the ground. Temperance leaned against the tree behind her while taking in their surroundings. They were at the local park, in the middle of a large lawn. Booth sat down beside her, his elbow touching hers. Temperance stretched her legs. They watched and old couple walking by. A bit further a group of children were playing with their dog. A young woman with a buggy was sitting on a nearby bench. Everything around them oozed out peace and calm. There was a comfortable silence between them.

"Are we going to sit here all afternoon?"

"Yup."

Booth slid down until he was lying on his back. He put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. He let the peaceful sounds of their surroundings wash over him. In his head he slowly counted to three.

"Booth …"

That didn't take long. "There are some books in my bag. Help yourself."

"Thanks."

She reached over him to grab the bag. She pulled out a rather large book. It was a collection of poems by Edgar Allen Poe. It surprised her to find that kind of literature in Booth's bag. She leaned back against the tree, flipping the book open. On the inside was an inscription. For my beloved son, Seeley Booth.

"My mother gave me that book for my twelfth birthday." he commented. "It was her way of teaching me something about famous English literature." He shifted his body until his head was lying in her lap. He stretched his legs and crossed his ankles. He clasped his hands together on his belly. "Go to page 75 please."

Temperance flipped through the book until she was on the right page. "It's a poem."

"Yeah, it's The Raven. I'm sure you heard of it before. Read it out loud please."

Temperance rolled her eyes but started reading anyway. "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary, over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore …"

Booth closed his eyes and let her voice invade his mind. He felt at peace, sitting here with the woman he loved. Too soon the poem came to an end.

"And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor, shall be lifted – nevermore."

Temperance glanced down. "You want me to read another one?"

"Go ahead."

She flipped through the pages until she found what she was looking for. She cleared her throat and started reading. "Thou wast all that to me, love for which my soul did pine …"

---°---

An hour later Temperance put the book to the side. Booth opened his eyes and looked up at her, flashing her a lopsided grin. He sat up straight and removed his shoes and socks. Temperance watched him roll up the legs of his trousers. He did the same with her shoes, socks and trousers. Then he jumped to his feet.

"Time for something different." he said as he pulled her to her feet as well. He took a few steps forward. When he saw that Brennan wasn't following, he grabbed her hand and tugged at it. "Walk with me, Bones."

They walked a couple of yards barefooted. Temperance sighed and pulled her hand out of Booth's grasp.

"Booth, what's so special about this?"

"Don't ask questions, Bones. Just feel the earth mould to the shape of your feet. Feel the grass tickle your toes. Feel the warmth radiating from the sand."

"I feel ants devouring my feet …"

"Bones! At least give it a try. Connect with the earth."

"Hmm …" she sighed.

They walked another yard.

"Booth, I really don't see wha …"

"What does the earth mean to you?" he interrupted.

She sighed again. "Dead people are buried in it. For me, it's a synonym for the underworld. I think you call it hell."

Booth stopped walking. "Wrong, Bones. The earth is the mother of life. It feeds both plants and animals. It's solid. It supports us." He grabbed her hand again. "Yes, we burry our loved ones in the earth. It's our way of giving them back to what originally created them."

"Earth to earth. Some sort of dust to dust, ashes to ashes."

He smiled and gave her hand a squeeze. "I'm impressed. For once you didn't analyse every single word."

A deep blush decorated her cheeks. Unintentionally she had ignored her inner scientist. So this is what it's like to let your heart rule over your head. They returned to their blanket.

"Booth, are you sure you're Catholic and not some weird hippie-like nature worshipper?"

Booth just chuckled and pulled her body close to his.

---°---

As the sky slowly turned to a rich tone of pink, Booth got up. He told Temperance he was going to get the basket with dinner from the car. She watched him walk away, admiring the way he carried himself. She propped herself up on her elbows and stared at the sky. Her gaze travelled to the grass at her feet. The earth supports us. It's a source of life. She got up and took a few steps forward. It's solid. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the soft caress of the grass. The sun slowly sank lower. She tilted her chin up a bit and felt the last sunrays spill over her face.

Suddenly a pair of arms encircled her waist. She was pulled flush against someone's chest. A familiar scent tickled her nose. A smile tugged at her lips. Booth. She opened her eyes.

"Enjoying the sunset?" he whispered in her ear.

She nodded and covered his arms with her hands. He let his chin rest on her head. They watched the sunset for a moment. Temperance turned around in Booth's arms.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she said.

"Very beautiful." he answered, gazing at her.

"Stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?"

"You know …" she gestured between their mouths.

Booth leaned in closer. "Like I want to kiss you senseless?"

Her eyes widened slightly. "Yes."

"Are you afraid I might kiss you in public?"

Temperance could only nod. A great part of her wanted to feel his lips on hers again but her other half didn't want it to happen in front of strangers. In her opinion kissing in public was the next step towards a serious relationship. And she didn't know if she was ready for that. Booth saw both doubt and longing swim in her eyes. He gave her a lopsided grin and dipped his head, firmly planting his lips on hers.

A barely audible moan escaped her. Booth tilted his head slightly to the side to deepen the kiss. He let his tongue trail along her bottom lip. Temperance threw her arms around his neck to pull him closer. She parted her lips and felt Booth's tongue immediately invade her mouth. He pulled her flush against his body. A shiver ran down his spine when their tongues touched. He groaned. His brain stopped working, it only registered how she felt and tasted. They pulled back when the need of oxygen became too urgent.

"Let's go back to our spot. I'm starving." he said, resting his forehead against hers.

"Good idea."

They made their way back to their blanket, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist.

---°---

The sound of a loud persistent knock echoed through her apartment. Who could that be? Temperance thought, walking over to the door. She unlocked and opened it. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the huge bouquet of lilies in front of her.

"Good evening, Temperance." a muffled voice said from behind the flowers.

"Booth?" she hesitantly questioned.

The bouquet of lilies moved a bit to the side. Booth's face appeared. He gave her his charm smile. "You said you liked lilies so I decided to bring you some."

"They're beautiful!" Temperance exclaimed.

She took the bouquet from his arms and buried her face in the flowers to hide her trouble. The scent of lilies filled her nose and nearly made her cry. No one has ever bothered to give me my favourite flowers. She looked up to thank Booth but once again his face was hidden. This time he was holding a bouquet of big yellows flowers. Her mouth fell open.

"Booth!"

"But then I saw these sunflowers. They always brighten my day, like you do. It seemed more than suitable to give you a bouquet."

She brought her hand up to cup his face. Tears were glistening in her eyes. She mouthed a silent thank you. He tilted his head to kiss the palm of her hand. He handed her the bouquet of sunflowers and reached to something hidden at his left foot. Temperance gasped when she saw a bouquet of red roses appear.

Booth shrugged. "The lady at the flower shop said you can't possibly show up at a girl's door without roses if you want to ask her out."

Temperance just stared at him. "You're asking me out?"

"Well, yeah …" he shrugged again. "Put those flowers in some water and grab your coat. I'm taking you out to this new club."

---°---

"Bones, stop staring at me. It disturbs my concentration."

She shook her head. "Sorry. I was lost in my thoughts."

He smiled at her. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

"I was musing about the last couple of days. I've hardly worked. You've made me breakfast, took me to the park for a picnic, showered me with flowers, … It's all new to me."

"It's nothing, really. I enjoyed doing those things for you."

"I never thought I'd say this but you're making me feel alive." He raised his eyebrows. "Can't you see, Booth? You're the key!"

"Funny you mention that …"

He pulled up at a parking spot in front of a rather crowded building. The Key a large sign read. He turned the engine off and got out. Temperance hopped out of the car before he had the chance to open the door. With his hand possessively placed on her lower back he led her past the doorkeeper into the club. Come to me by P. Diddy was booming out of the speakers. There was a bar to their left, a dance floor in front of them and a stairs on their right. The stairs led to a space filled with comfortable couches. Booth ordered their drinks at the bar and made his way to the lounge area with Temperance at his side. They sat down. Temperance tried to say something but the music drowned out her words. So she brought her mouth to his ear.

"Why are we here?"

"You'll see." he shouted back.

Five minutes later the music stopped. Booth made his way over to the railing, pulling Temperance with him. He pointed at the fairly large stage on the other side of the dance floor. A man with a microphone appeared.

"What's up!" he shouted. "Are you ready for our next performer? He's 25, black and from Belgium. He's been the warming up act of Christina Aguilera. I give you … Kaye Styles!"

Temperance gave Booth a questioning look. He smiled. Of course she doesn't know him.

"I know you like rap. But the idea of listening to how some idiotic prick swears he's gonna pump someone's motherfucking ass full of led didn't quite appeal to me. That's why I brought you here. Kaye Styles raps but in a different way. The display of alpha male tendencies for you, meaningful lyrics for me. Good compromise or not?"

Temperance didn't have the opportunity to answer. A heavy beat blasted from the speakers and invaded the club.

Gimme the mic and I will make you feel alright
Just gimme the mic (and I will make you feel alright)
Just gimme the mic and I will make you feel alright
Just gimmi the mic

Booth bopped his head to the rhythm of the music. He took a swig from his beer. From the corner of his eye he saw Temperance tilt her head and listen to the music. Her foot started tapping to the rhythmic beat. He couldn't hold back a grin. She likes it. Then the next song came on. Temperance's face lit up.

"This one reminds me of my time in the Middle East." she shouted. She moved her hips and clapped her hands to the music.

I've been waiting such a long time,
looking out for you
But you're not near, what's another year?

I love to party, get down in the club oh lady
Move your body close to mine (yeah you look so fine)
I love to party, get down in the club oh lady
Move your body close to mine

Booth grabbed her hand and took her downstairs, onto the dance floor. Temperance resumed her clapping and the swaying of her hips. Booth joined her. They danced together, imitating the clapping sound in the song with their own hands. Soon the song came to an end. A sensual beat immediately followed.

My girlfriend
Real shit real shit real shit (stepped up in the club like woa woa)
Real shit real shit real shit (won't you dance for me)

I'm like don't you know, what I came to do
Stepped up in the club, kept my eyes on you (my girlfriend)
Wanna get down with you, freaky freaky bounce with you
So baby girl, holla if you want me to

He placed his hands on her hips and guided her closer to him. Temperance wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. Gazing at him she grinded her lower body against him. They were soon caught up in their sensual dancing. When the music faded away, Temperance leaned in.

"Meaningful lyrics, right?"

Booth flashed her a sexy smile as he pressed his forehead against hers. His hands travelled from her hips to her lower back. He placed a quick chaste kiss on her lips.

"Just wait until you hear his other songs."

She's a one of a kind lady
When you look in her eyes
She's a one of a kind lady
I was caught by surprise
She's a one of a kind lady
When you look in her eyes
She's a one of a kind lady
Always on my mind

They were barely moving now. Temperance saw Booth's lips form the lyrics and she could hear his voice faintly coming through. She absorbed every word of the song. In reality Kaye Styles was singing the song but for her, it seemed like Booth was singing it. She felt her heart swell with emotion. He considers me special. She dragged his head down and captured his lips.

"Let's go home." she whispered.

---°---

The door slammed against the wall as they stumbled into the living room. She removed his jacket. He dragged his lips from her mouth to her neck.

"Please stay." Temperance choked out.

He kicked out his shoes and removed his shirt before pulling her back against his chest. His hands slid under her T-shirt, caressing every inch of naked skin he could reach. Soon her T-shirt was lying on the floor. Her shoes followed. He pressed his mouth against her neck, nibbling her skin. His hands fiddled a minute with the zipper of her jeans. Moments later her trousers were flying across the room. He hungrily shoved his tongue in her mouth, enjoying her taste. His fingertips danced over her spine. He abandoned her mouth to lick the sensitive spot behind her ear. Temperance gasped.

"I'll take that as a yes."