Yikes! After I promised to update more often, here I am posting after almost two weeks have passed! I am very sorry - but at least I finally got it out here for you. As always, I really hope you enjoy it, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

TEN

The truck dropped them off at the head of the course, re-loading with those who'd run out from the base, and those who hadn't made it through, before peeling away and spraying them in a hail of grime. At Brennan's gasp of surprise, Booth smiled indulgently at her. "If that little bit of mud bothers you, maybe you should sit this out. We're about to take a mud bath."

"I'm not sitting anything out," she retorted crisply, "I just think that there's no need for him to drive like a lunatic. That ride out was highly uncomfortable."

"Yeah, well, that's the Marine's equivalent of a limo ride – those amphibious vehicles aren't known for their smooth rides." He motioned for her to follow him. "C'mon, let's go sign in and watch for a few minutes. We can stretch some more after that. We probably have another forty-five minutes or so before we go."

They wandered through small groups of soldiers in fatigues. Mingled in among them were slightly older-looking men, most in grey sweats. Bursts of cursing and shouting rattled across the clearing, both from those on the course and those encouraging them. Blood and sweat flowed in abundance, and Marine medics were omnipresent, bandaging and icing the less lucky participants. The more fortunate among them were coated liberally in mud, but were smiling and laughing at their achievement.

Fascinated, Brennan took in everything as they made their way to the check-in area. Every single aspect of the maelstrom surrounding her demanded her attention. Suddenly, she realized that she had yet to see a single female. She began to search the clusters of people, looking for several minutes before she spotted a small unit of extremely fit-looking women in olive drab. "Are those the only women here?"

He looked over, noting the insignias and ranks. "Marine Combat Development. You won't see many women here, Bones," he continued when she glanced curiously at him. "This course is a bitch, even for the guys." After registering, he guided her further up the hill to a better vantage point.

"But surely, mere physical strength isn't all that's required on this course. Mental acuity, speed, agility, all would factor in the type of performance given."

"Yeah, but muscle's a big plus here. Upper-body strength is critical for the rope climb and the walls, and other spots as well. Here." Placing his hands on her shoulders, he turned her firmly away from him. "Watch them. You're at a disadvantage, because you've never done this course before."

"I've done things like this, Booth…"

"Doesn't matter. You've never done this before. This is to the military what the bar is to lawyers. Except the lawyers don't wind up bleeding and injured afterward. You don't just come out here and pass the first time. It's not like anything you've ever seen. And it's long, longer than anything you're used to, I guarantee it. Now pay attention."

She sighed at his bossiness, but knew he was right. She was at a physical disadvantage. She had to use her brain. She had to use everything she possessed. She spent the next twenty minutes studying the obstacles and participants with clinical detachment, shooting off terse questions to Booth now and again when she required more information. Even the sight of several men falling or failing to complete didn't disrupt her intense concentration.

When he finally dragged her away so they could begin their warm-up exercises, she was very quiet, and he stole a glance at her. "Changing your mind?" He knew better, but he had to ask. He wasn't about to let her go out there unless she was sure.

"Not a chance." Eyes dancing, head tipped to one side, she regarded him with light amusement. "Are you trying to get me to quit? Believe me when I tell you that that would be a complete waste of your time."

"Well, I just want to make sure that you aren't having second thoughts." He threw her an insolent grin. "Believe me, I can't wait to go head to head with you. This should be very interesting."

"I agree." She knew perfectly well that he was toying with her. Although she might be oblivious to most subtleties, she was much savvier where he was concerned. Determining the best course of action to take, she stretched for another moment, and then rolled to her back. "Can you help me?"

He paused mid-lunge. "With what?"

"My glutes. Will you help me stretch them?" Braced on her elbows, she sinuously curved one slim leg above her head and waited patiently, her fiery eyes glued on him. Triumph flared in her when he froze, swallowing noticeably. "Booth?"

Realizing he was gulping like a flounder, he hastily stood and walked to her, gripping her ankle. God, he was a hopeless case. Flounder was right. He always seemed to flounder when he was around her. Carefully, he pushed her, first one leg and then the other, unable to look away as he hovered over her. Every time he leaned forward, her lips parted slightly. She'd closed her eyes, and staring down at her like this was beginning to affect him. She looked just like she'd looked that morning when he'd accosted her in the bedroom. Maybe if she opened her eyes it wouldn't be so ridiculously arousing. "Is that enough?" Oh God, please let that be enough, he thought weakly when her lids lazily lifted. Seeing her eyes was most definitely not better. She shouldn't look at him like that in public. "Bones."

The corner of her mouth twitched once. "What?"

"Was that enough stretching? Are you good?" His mouth dried up completely as she gracefully kipped up, standing in one fluid motion.

With them both in sneakers, their true difference in height was revealed, and she stepped close, staring up at him. "Yes, I believe that I am good. Thank you." She slowly switched her hips and strolled away. It was so much fun, playing with him like this. She never would have thought so before, but lately she was finding it difficult to resist. Bending at the waist, she worked her upper body, but stopped abruptly when she felt the heat of his body behind her. Slowly straightening, she twisted, glancing innocently at him.

He moved another inch closer, until their breath mingled. "You started it."

She smiled beguilingly, arching one delicate brow. "So?"

"I just want to make sure we're both clear on that." Leaning in, he smiled dangerously, his eyes dark and hot. "So there are no misunderstandings when I finish it." Pleased with her quick tremor, and the flash of surprise in her eyes, he smiled again and moved a short distance from her. Two could most definitely play that game. As a matter of fact, the game was way more fun with two.

The sound of their names being called snapped them out of their momentary sexual haze, and they jogged slowly over to the small line of participants waiting to start the course. The marine who'd summoned them waved them closer. "Booth and Brennan. Couple of things before you start. Course is slippery, got a lot of mud today."

"No problem, corporal." Booth took a moment to flick his gaze over the course again. "Heard the bear claw's doling out the shit today."

"Yeah, it is. Got problems everywhere, though." All business, he focused on them, reeling off the standard spiel. "If you have any trouble overcoming an obstacle, you may try it again, but must step aside for those coming up behind you. If you injure yourself, call for the medics. They're standing by all along the course. If you cannot overcome an obstacle, you may continue around it and attempt the rest of the course. However, your run will be marked as incomplete. Any questions?"

Brennan stepped forward. "Are the runs timed?" She glanced up briefly as a transport helicopter powered slowly over and past them, the whup-whup-whup of the rotors so strong she felt it in her chest.

He turned to her, yelling to be heard over the noise. "All runs are timed. If you successfully overcome all the obstacles, your time will be given to you before you load on the transport for the ride back to the muster zone. If you return on foot, you can call the base for your times tomorrow. You're up in five. Pay attention – if you miss your start time, you will not be given another. Good luck."

She glanced at Booth as the soldier moved briskly to the pair waiting behind them. "He was very serious."

"Well, first, he's a marine, and second, this is serious business. People get hurt here, all the time." He tried to ignore the electricity crackling in the air, but it was no use. It was the memories of this place, of other places like it, other situations that had demanded this much physical exertion. He felt it every time he came here. And it was only more intense with Bones next to him. His competitive nature, strong to begin with, was kicking into overdrive. He could feel it in every muscle, every inch of skin. "You ready?"

"I'm ready." The couple before them started the course, and she knew they would be starting any moment. "Good luck, Booth."

He smiled warmly at her. "You too, Bones. See you at the finish line." The starter motioned them forward, and they took their places at the line.

"Sixty seconds to start."

She took one last look at him, aware before she did that he'd be looking back at her. Their eyes locked, unblinking, as they each silently acknowledged the current running between them.

"Thirty seconds…"

His smile was sharp and hungry, and she knew hers was the same.

"Ten seconds…nine…eight…seven…"

They turned as one and focused on the course. She tried not to look through each obstacle to the next - Booth's voice was loud inside her head. One at a time, Bones.

"Go!"

They broke together, sprinting to the first obstacles, several low parallel logs. Her height served her well, and she sprang over them without much effort. The high bar was next. With her running start, she was able to spring up to it, swinging back and forth once before flipping her legs up and over in a backwards somersault. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Booth muscling his way over the bar. Still side by side, they dashed to the next set of logs, these higher than the last. Slapping her hands on them, she vaulted them cleanly and kept running. Her heart was pounding, her lungs working hard, but she'd never felt so alive, not ever before. Pay attention. Don't get distracted.

She was doing just as well as he'd expected – she had perfect form so far, and was using her impressive coordination to her advantage. But the bear claw was next; now they'd see what was what. Grunting, he pushed off the last beam and gripped the metal bars, hissing as the stress sang up his arms. He swung his way down the bars to the attached timbers, kicking his leg over and standing on the steeply angled logs. To his shock, she was slightly ahead of him, nimbly picking her way down the incline. He kicked it into high gear, slipping once but recovering quickly. The wall was next, and he made up valuable time there, easily powering his way over.

She cursed viciously, struggling with the wall and finally clearing it. She hadn't expected that to be so hard. The next set of parallel logs was much higher, and she used her momentum, keeping her motions fluid and economical. He was slightly ahead of her, and she raced after him to the double metal bars. She'd need every bit of speed in order to jump high enough to hit the first bar. She grabbed it tightly, yelling from the effort as she swung one leg over and reached for the next, higher bar. The drop was huge, and the shock of the landing stung her ankles. No time, no time. She ignored the brief throbbing and sprinted after Booth, hopping over another set of low logs and approaching the rope. She'd worried about this one, and had taken her time studying it. Wrapping the rope around her leg, she began to quickly shimmy up the rope. She was doing a good job. Then she spotted Booth out of the corner of her eye and snarled. He was doing better, climbing the rope arm over arm, his muscles bunching and straining with the effort. She redoubled her efforts, ignoring the ache in her hands, the throbbing in her arms.

He tapped the top of the frame and quickly descended, taking a moment to check on Bones. She was nearly to the top, and he knew once she tapped she'd be down the rope in a flash and hot on his heels. His feet touched the ground and he ran full-out, panting, to the next set of parallel logs. I really fucking hate these logs. He could hear her coming, and he pushed harder, ignoring the machine-gun pounding of his heart. Another set of double bars was coming; he'd gain some ground there. But he hadn't counted on her learning curve, and she was more graceful this time, clearing it much more quickly. He gained a little more room at the next wall, and lost it at the second bear claw. They hit the barbed wire crawl almost simultaneously, but he knew she'd be through it before he was. Her smaller frame would serve her well, and he knew from experience that she was as slippery as an eel. Grimacing as the muck coated him, he clawed his way toward the out. He didn't even feel the bite of the barbs on his back as he scrambled after her, using the long distance to the last obstacle to gain back what he'd lost. The last wall and the run to the finish solidified his lead, and he finished several seconds before she did, roaring across the finish several yards ahead of her.

Blowing like a racehorse, he continued walking, passing the medic checkpoint before flopping to the dirt and rolling onto his back. The ground thumped under him as Bones collapsing by his side, heaving frantically. Neither was able to speak, and they lay motionless, both completely spent. After a few minutes, he struggled to his feet and held his hand out to her. "C'mon, gotta keep moving."

She stared up at him for a second before nodding, and gamely struggled past her exhaustion to grip his fingers. Several more moments passed in silence while they began the long trip down the return trail to the parking area. The din faded as they left the course behind, and the forest closed in around them.

She peeked at him out of the corner of her eyes. "You were better than me."

A snort of tired laughter escaped him. "Yeah, just, and I've been coming here for years. Jesus, Bones, I'm gonna bring you with me from now on. You really pushed me. Damn."

"I was slow at the walls, and on the rope." She felt her lips purse. "I could've gained a few more seconds on the logs."

He regarded her mutinous expression with astonishment, chuckling weakly. "Are you actually going to pick apart your performance? You've got to be kidding me. You were incredible out there, Bones! Your balance is ridiculous, and you're quick as a cat."

Sheepishly, she smiled at him. "I'm sorry – thank you. I can't help it. I hate losing."

"Well, you won't have to worry about that for long. Now that you have some experience on the course, you're only gonna get quicker. Meanwhile, I had to tear strips outta myself just to beat you." He twisted his upper body, wincing.

"What? Booth!" She grabbed his arm, spinning him and lifting his shirt. The wounds weren't very deep, but they were red and painful-looking "Why didn't you stop at the medic stand for treatment?"

"Relax, they're just scratches. It's not a big deal." He twisted again and grabbed her wrist, pulling her along the trail. "I've had worse, believe me." Grinning, he lifted his eyebrows at her. "I've had worse from you, come to think of it." His laughter rang out in the clearing as her mouth dropped open. "C'mon, we should keep moving."

Still concerned for him, she frowned, but nodded in agreement. They set off at a relaxed pace, each enjoying the comfortable silence. Within thirty minutes, the parking and outbuilding were in view, and they walked the rest of the way, Booth pounding on the door once again.

"So, you made it back alive! Shit – you two are more mud than man. Did you kick his ass, Dr. Brennan?" Reggie waved them inside and handed them each a bottle of water. "Tell me you schooled this cocky bastard."

Sighing heavily, she shook her head and swigged some water. "I'm sorry, Reggie, he beat me."

Noting her downcast expression and sad tone, Reggie misunderstood and hastened to commiserate with her. "That's okay, Dr. Brennan. You'll make it all the way through the next time. You have to get your feet wet the first time you're out there."

Booth beamed with pride. "No, dumbass – she made it."

"What?" Eyes wide, Reggie looked from one to the other of them in disbelief. "You made it all the way through, the first time?" When she nodded, he treated her to another spine-snapping hug, laughing merrily. "Goddamn, Booth, you really do have yourself a winner! I didn't say anything before you started about how difficult the course was because I didn't want you to be discouraged, but damn!" He straightened away from her. "This calls for official recognition. Stay here."

She stared after him in confusion as he strode down the hall and disappeared around the corner. "Where is he going?"

"He just needs to get something." Knowing full well what was coming, Booth smothered a smile and idly picked at some mud on the back of his hand. Soon the sound of rapid footsteps could be heard, and Reggie burst back into view, holding a large lump of cloth in one hand.

He stopped in front of Brennan and held out the mysterious package. "For your first successful completion of The Yellow Brick Road, this token is given to you as a reminder of your accomplishment." Removing the fabric wrapping, he placed a large yellow brick in her hand.

Booth laughed again at the look of consternation on her face. "Everyone gets one when they complete the course for the first time. Mine's at home somewhere. Congratulations, Bones."

Smiling, she stared at her gift and then back at Reggie. Stepping forward, she wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you, Reggie."

"You're welcome, Dr. Brennan. Congratulations." He turned back to Booth and clapped him on the shoulder. "So, numnuts – am I gonna see you next month?"

"As always, Reg. Gotta keep up, you know." His breath whooshed out during one last embrace. "Alright, get off of me, don't get all weepy. I promise I'll write."

"Listen, you jackass." Eyes fierce, Reggie stuck a finger in his face. "Don't come back again – unless you bring Dr. Brennan with you. You hear?"

He rolled his eyes and pursed his lips. "Don't worry – she'll be here. Isn't that right, Bones?" he asked as he swung to her. He saw a brief startled look sweep across her face, followed by a happy little grin.

"Yes. I would very much like to come back and improve upon my performance. Thank you very much for everything, Reggie. I had a very good time." She shook his hand, and finally they took their leave, piling wearily into the truck. As Booth turned toward the interstate, she looked intently at him, fiddling with her brick and watching him silently until he noticed where her attention lay.

He wasn't sure what she was thinking – he couldn't read her face, for once. That was very unusual for him. "Everything okay, Bones?"

As she continued to study him, little by little a beautiful, full smile spread over her face, warming her countenance and lighting up the interior of the truck. "Everything's just fine, Booth." She paused, then smiled an even wider smile and laid her hand on his leg as she had earlier in the day. "Thank you. I really did have a wonderful time. And I will beat you next time. That's a promise." When he returned the smile, she slid her hand further up his leg, nestling it comfortably against him and ignoring his answering groan. "Now, I suggest you hurry – we have a dinner date, and I'm just filthy. I think a nice, steamy, hot shower is in order. Don't you? After all, you did say we weren't finished…"

He looked away from her, stepped on the gas hard enough to snap both of their heads backward and growled through gritted teeth. "I couldn't agree more, Bones. I couldn't agree more.

She smiled and gave him an indolent squeeze.

Okay. I'M tired, and I didn't even do the darn course! I'd much rather just watch. Well, I'd much rather just watch BOOTH, if I'm being perfectly honest...