Chapter eight

Someone was touching me. I slowly became aware of voices talking, maybe to me, I couldn't tell. Hands were on my face, they felt cold and comforting.

I could hear my name whispered softly, the hands caressing my cheeks. Forcing my eyes open, I turned my head so I could see who this person was. Everything was blurred, and my head started to spin from the movement. Fighting back the nausea and pain, I smiled up at her.

"Bones," I whispered. "How did you…" my voice trailed off as my eyes fell on the blonde man from the apartment next door. He was staring, star-stricken at Brennan. So, I guess I should be glad he had come to our rescue, but something about the way he eyed her annoyed me.

What made me feel better though, was the way she was ignoring him, focusing all her attention and worry toward me. Her beautiful blue eyes were turned on me, and I could see all the love compassion burning in them.

"Help will be here soon, it's going to be okay," she whispered. "Ted called for backup, he also untied me," she added, shooting the blonde an appreciative look. He swooned, and I had to smile at the goofy grin on his lips. He was obviously a fan, which made me think of the redhead I had rendered unconscious, just before managing to pass out myself.

"What did… did he hurt you?"

Brennan shook her head. "He was just… strange," she said. "He wanted to keep me as some sort of pet. He said he wanted to watch me," she frowned, obviously recalling the days she had been captured. I wanted to hold her and comfort her; no matter what she made it sound like, I was certain she was upset and afraid. Reaching out a hand was about as much as I could manage though. She took my hand, holding it tight.

"I'm okay," she whispered as if she'd known what I had been thinking. "I'm more concerned about you at the moment. You look horrible."

"Thanks for that Bones," I mumbled, suddenly feeling too weak to even talk. I knew I was on the verge of losing consciousness again. It had happened way to many times lately, and I had gotten used to the feeling. But I refused to give in to the darkness now. I couldn't scare Bones like that again. She had been through enough already. I had to stay strong, for her.

But I realized she had learned to interpret the signs as well. I could see it in her eyes long before she spoke. The fear radiating off of her just made me want to fight even harder.

"Booth, what's wrong? How are you feeling?" her voice was trembling with held back emotions. "Stay with me," she begged. "The ambulance will be here soon."

I was fighting in a losing battle; but I just didn't want to admit it, to give up.

Gazing up at her with tired eyes, I saw Ted laying a hand on her shoulder. She flinched.

"I'll go check if they're on their way," he said and stood. Brennan nodded stiffly. "Thanks."

The flinch stayed with me, reminding me that she was not okay. Thousands of possibilities went through my head. What if that bastard had done something to her that she didn't want to tell me?

"Bones," I whispered.

"Yes?" she leaned closer so she could hear me.

"What did he do, honestly?"

She just shook her head. "Nothing."

I couldn't know whether she was telling the truth or not, but let the subject drop for now. This was something we would have to talk about later, I was sure of that.

"Bones," I said again.

"No," she said. "I don't want to talk about it, okay?"

"But… I wasn't… I just…" my voice trailed off and I sighed weakly. "Hey," I whispered, needing her to look at me. "I love you," I finally said.

She stared at me, eyes wide. She opened her mouth to speak but I cut her off.

"It's not the fever; I know you're gonna say it's the fever talking, but it's not. I really love you. I've wanted to tell you now for so long, I can't wait I can't risk missing the moment again, I love you," once I was finished I was exhausted, suspecting that maybe it had been the fever making me ramble like an idiot. But I didn't care. I had said it, finally. It felt good.

"Oh Booth," she whispered at last. A small smile was playing on her lips as she leant down to place a kiss on mine. She pulled away almost as fast, but her hand lingered on my face. I leaned into her, letting my eyes close.

XxxxX

When I opened them again, Bones wasn't there. Panic shot through me and I tried to sit up, only to be pushed down by a strong and firm hand.

"Bones?" I asked. "Where is Bones?"

"Dr. Brennan is in the waiting room."

"The… what?" it wasn't until then I actually paid attention to the man next to me, immediately recognizing his as Dr. Green. I sighed, realizing it meant I was back at the hospital.

How could I have missed everything? Last thing I remembered was Bones' kiss and her hand against my cheek, then everything was blank. Had I passed out after all?

"I need to see her," I once again tried to sit.

"No," Dr. Green said firmly. "You are not going anywhere. You almost got yourself killed last time you left this bed. You should be glad you're still alive."

I stared at him. He wore a grim, almost annoyed expression on his face. I frowned, not understanding what it meant. Then, his words truly dawned on me; had I risked my life? But surely it had been worth it, if I hadn't done anything Bones would still have been tied to that bed. Well, I realized now, that of course I could have let the FBI handle it, but it wouldn't have been the same. Bones meant too much to me, I couldn't just leave her with someone else and hope she would be alright.

Still looking at him, I suddenly realized his left eye was swollen and purple. I stared as the memory of punching him slowly came to mind. The bruise was placed exactly where my fist had hit him. I cringed, wishing he would just go away. I didn't need this guilt, I felt bad enough already.

Averting my eyes, I remained silent as the doctor did his thing. Feeling his hands on my body, I closed my eyes again, hoping that when I opened them he would be gone and Bones would be back, by my side.

XxxxX

TBC