Well, we're almost to the end! The last chapter will be up later today!

24 hours later

She heard the voices all the way down the hall. "What part of 'I'm leaving' don't you understand?" She smiled to herself. Booth was definately not the best patient. Of course, she wasn't either.

Once they had gotten him to the hospital, and she convinced herself that he would really be okay, she had gone home, and literally fell into bed, sleeping for twelve hours straight. She hadn't seen him since then.

She paused in the doorway of his room. The nurse was flustered, trying to get Booth to see the sense in staying in the hospital.

"I'm fine. I don't need to stay here." He winced as he tried to put his shirt on over his bandages.

Brennan walked into the room. "What are you doing, Booth?"

He looked up, a smile crossing his face. "Hey, Bones. Thank God!" He glanced over at the nurse. "Get me out of here!"

"Mr. Booth, you really should stay here at least one more day." She looked at Brennan. "Maybe you can talk some sense into him." She turned and walked out, disapproval on her face.

Booth looked at Brennan. She looked a lot better than she had the last time he had seen her, exhausted and afraid. He had hated to see her like that. It had nearly broken his heart. She shouldn't have had to go through that. She had had enough pain and sorrow in her life. His need to protect her flared up in him again. He wanted to hold her in his arms, and never let her go, to protect her and keep her safe.

Brennan walked over and sat down in the chair beside the bed. "She's right, you know. You really should stay here a little longer."

"Bones, not you too?! If it were you, would you stay?" The look on her face answered his question. "See!" A whine crept into his voice. "I just want to get out of here."

He sounded like Parker when he wanted something. She couldn't help but smile at the image.

He looked at her. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing." She shook her head.

"Come on, Bones, tell me! Please?!" He flashed his charm smile. She could never resist that smile.

"I was just thinking that you sound just like Parker when he doesn't get his way!"

"I do not!" He laughed along with her. God, he loved her laugh. She hadn't had a lot to laugh about lately. He was going to change that.

She stopped laughing, and looked at him. "Booth, did Cullen tell you...?"

"I know. He told me everything. Kenton, Wesley, my apartment." There was a flash of pain in his eyes. "I guess I'll have to go there soon, see what survived the fire..." His voice trailed off.

"Listen, Booth, seeing that you are determined to leave the hospital today, and you can't go home yet, why don't you stay with me for a while." Seeing the look on his face, she stumbled over the words. "I mean, well, that is, I have an extra room. You're welcome to saty with me as long as you need."

"Bones, you don't have to do that. I can find someone to stay with. I don't want to be a bother."

Her expression softened as she looked at him, sitting there, concern for her in his eyes. "You won't be" she said softly. "I want you there."

She got up and walked over to the door. "I'll go and find your doctor and try to persuade him to discharge you."

He watched her go, his mind running through the last 24 hours. Seeing her run into the room, the look in her eyes when she saw him. He hadn't been surprised to see her there. He had known she would come. He had been terrified. He knew she could take care of herself, but he also knew that he was a distraction for her. Then it was over. He couldn't forget the look in her eyes, the kiss. Especially the kiss. She hadn't brought it up, and he hadn't either. She would when she was ready. Maybe by then he would have his thoughts together. Maybe he would be able to tell her, to say the words that would either destroy their friendship, or bring them closer together.

One more chapter to go! Thanks so much for all your kind reviews!