Dear all, thank you again for your very nice reviews. I love them!

This chapter is pure fluff.. hope you don't mind. It is also a tribute to the scene of the show that has made me falling in love with Booth and Brennan. Hanson's touch had been magic there.

Well, here we go.

Grev

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Chapter 9

December 5th Washington D.C.

It was early morning, and still pitch black outside. It was one of those december days when the sun hardly rises and you can only expect a gloomy grey to be your companion.

Frost and ice was covering all objects outside, grass, cars and pavement.

But it was all lost to Seeley Booth, because he has been spending the last few hours sitting on the most uncomfortable chair in the world, in the most tedious and plain waiting room ever.

Did everything had to be so damn white and sterile? He had also spent a couple of hours in the chapel, and THAT was a comfortable place, with dim light, warm carpet on the floor, wooden seats that gave a reassuring squeak when you were sitting. A few candles burning, giving away warmth and that soothing yellow light all around.

And he could pray. In silence, without beeps of medical machines or the loud tik tak of the waiting room huge wall clock. Why did they think putting one of those big loud thing in a hospital waiting room was a good move? It was not a train station, it was a place where people were already counting the seconds in their heads filling each one with anguish and despair. Yes, he definitely found the chapel a place to escape that anguish and find some hope instead.

After a long prayer, he just sat there, feeling all his exhaustion, and just thinking about her. Mainly of how wonderful she was and how much he loved her. She was the first. Probably the only one. He had never loved anyone the way he loved her, because it was not only a matter of attraction, of liking the person and getting along very well. This was what he had had with his previous relationships, Rebecca included.

And it was also not just a matter of trust. It was a deep, deep understanding of each other. She was the most unskilled person in that area and still she had been the only one, ever, to see him behind his mask of cheerful, confident and reassuring alpha male. She had seen his real essence, she had known his worst sins, and not only did not run, but she has found a weird and particular way to lighten the burden of his pain, to tell him he was ok. He would never tell her, but he loved the way her brain remained logic and rational. Any other religious person, if he had poured out all the count of his kills, would have felt the wrong in his actions, would have seen the sin, and then, after that, they would have offered compassion or forgiveness. The same ones he could not give to himself.

But she didn't. She didn't judge, that was her wonderful strength. She just saw him, the man, and not the sin, because she simply didn't believe in sins. She didn't need to offer forgiveness, nor understanding and not even compassion. She just stayed by his side. She just told him that she wanted to stay by his side because whatever he had done in the past, she knew who he was.

And when Brennan hurt him, believing his brother's words, she had found a way to get back to him and fill his heart with pride at her words. No other woman could undo him and then remake him up even better like she did.

When did it happen? When did she place that strong and powerful spell on him?

The first moment they met and he saw her, Booth had found her extremely beautiful and something more, like she was an exotic and mysterious fruit that he really wanted to taste. That she was like no other, that was clear since the very first look.

But their conflictual working relationship had been frustrating for him, at least at the beginning. Until, until he got the glimpse of her generous, intense but bruised heart. And then she bewitched him.

It was still so vivid in his memory, that magical moment in which he surrendered to her power, where she had touched him deeply in his soul and so intimately that any other sexual relationship he had seemed empty and cold. They were drinking at Wong Foo, at the end of a bad case and just after he had shot a man. Right there, he had felt horrible, dirty, not a man anymore, He was a killer, he brought death to the world. What kind of human being was he?

He had felt alone, with his thoughts, remorse and sense of guilt, he had even almost forgotten she was there. But then she had touched him, yes, she had touched the beast and transformed him back into a man. She was magic and she didn't even know it. He chuckled at the thought.

And Booth remembered how badly he had wanted her, right there. E remembered realizing he wanted her more than he had wanted any other woman. And not only to take her to bed. He had wanted to get to know this special and weird creature, who was there, hand on his arm, giving him the warmest and most sincere smile he had ever got. The best gift ever because he had rarely found people as honest and true as she was. No games with her, just the naked truth. And she believed that it was enough and to his surprise, it was. He needed it, the truth.

When he had tried to approach her offering another drink, she had moved back, removing the physical contact and put up again her defensive wall.

He had felt ashamed, because she was right. She offered and demanded honesty, and he was not giving it back to her. Tessa was still waiting for him at home, and he knew that he was so confused about what he was feeling for Brennan and what he wanted from her, that she had been right to ask him for more sincerity. He had to leave her, feeling sorry and defeated. And he also remembered, vividly, that the evening with Tessa had been embarrassing painful because there was no connection, love or understanding between them and it had become so annoyingly clear. And it had been the first time he had been missing her, been missing her touch and warm smile, missing her soothing power on his heart. As scared as he had been at the thought to be in her power, he had also rejoiced for the life he had felt within him, the rage disappearing for the first time in years.

Booth also remembered the first time he got her in his arms and the sense of sorrow which pervaded him when he had to let her go at the end of the dance.

He was happy he could be there for her when she needed him, holding her when she was the one losing her identity and facing the pain of her past.

What a road they had walked together, how changed they were and how much they owed to each other. She was his savior and he hoped to be hers.

For a long time, probably too long, he had been afraid to love her, to let his feelings speak. Because he was afraid to lose her, or hurt her or simply not believing he deserved her.

But now, now he considered all these fears foolish. She demanded, needed and deserved the truth. And the truth was that he loved her, with all his heart, his body and soul.

Booth took out her picture, the one of her and the baby taken in Afghanistan. It was still there in his wallet.

There she was, his amazing and achingly beautiful Bones, with that spark in her eyes. Probably it was the main reason why he loved her: that spark of life.

The one she had when he was looking at him, when she could put some human remains to rest in peace and get justice, the one she had when she could actually get some pop culture references.

He was terrified by the outcome of this surgery, he was frightened at the idea of the risks and possibility that she died.

But Booth was also concerned by the lack of that spark. He had been at war, he knew why. He knew too well how difficult it is to get over the trauma and violence you had to witness, if you ever can get over it.

She had been held captive, she suffered physical and emotional distress, she had fought and she had been stabbed. Maybe she was even losing now a part of her body and you didn't need to be a psychologist to understand how painful must be to lose the ability to procreate.

And there was still the mystery of the woman dead by her side when they found her. No details in the report: had she been shot? Had she been killed by Brennan? Or something else happened?

His anxiety was mounting and increasing by the minute with all these overlapping thoughts. But while sending a last prayer he only concentrated on the surgery, on the fact that he wanted her to be safe. Whatever else was going to be dropped on their shoulders, they were going to face it. She was tough and strong. He was too. And they were finally together. Much more than in a purely geographical sense. He could finally offer himself and his heart, honestly, no fears withholding, no insecurities pulling him back. And it seemed she was ready too, to accept and give back, at least to make the first step.

He went back to the waiting room, deciding that he has been away long enough and that maybe the surgery was ending soon.

Beside the three squints, who looked lost in their own thoughts, also Max and Russ had now joined the group. He exchanged a smile and a nod of the head to greet the second, while Max came towards Booth and squeezed him in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Booth, for taking so good care of her"

"I love her Max, don't thank me. I can't live without her, so I'm being pretty selfish in all this"

They shared a smile of understanding. Two real men don't dwell too long on feelings and thanks you's while together. But finally Booth could be sincere with her father as well. Why hiding the truth to the ones who loved her now that he had finally discovered how good it made him feel?

"You are giving her back what I have once taken from her" Max said, looking Booth in the eyes for an extra second, before he went back to his seat. In the end they were very similar, the two men. Tormented by similar sense of guilt, both feeling they had a life to make amend for. Both loving that same woman with all their hearts.

Another hour passed before a doctor finally came out. She reassured that Brennan was doing fine and the surgery had been successful. Relief and smiles spread in the group.

The doctor then asked to talk in private to Booth.

"Agent Booth, I would like to keep you informed on the current prognosis of Doctor Brennan."

They entered the ICU unit and stopped just outside the room where Brennan had been brought in.

"We have been successful in repairing the damage of the blade in her uterus. We are very confident that she is out of danger and that the chances of rupture and bleeding are minimal.

As for the organ functionality, we have re-sutured the rip and we expect a proper healing."

"Are you saying that Doctor Brennan will be able to have children?" Booth asked hoping he had understood well.

"The current status of the wound and of our micro sutures give her good chances that she'll be able to carry out a pregnancy in the future. Of course, she would have more risks than average, let's say, like a woman who has already had a couple of c sections. And of course I would absolutely discourage her from getting pregnant in the next 12 months. But otherwise, with some extra precautions, I would not see why Doctor Brennan could not be able to have children." The doctor was smiling now. "I am sure she will want to know when she wakes up, and you can give her the good news before we brief her in with the details, Agent Booth".

He smiled back, a full, complete smile that reached his eyes.

"When is she waking up?"

"She should any moment now, you can just go in and stay with her. We would like to move her from ICU to her room in the afternoon. She has been in bed and drugged in an out of surgery already for too many days. I also suggest that you help her to get up and move around a bit as soon as she can. It will help the healing".

"Thank you doc, I'll do."

And in a moment Booth disappeared into the ICU.

Brennan was already awake, fixing the ceiling. Looking still drowsy probably from the anesthesia. But smiling when she saw him coming.

"Hey" Booth talked with the sweetest voice, his hand immediately again on her head and her still dirty ruffled hair "how are you feeling?"

"I feel so tired and weak" her smile had vanished and a worried look had darkened her eyes "could you talk to the doctor?"

Booth's chest got tighter at her vulnerability and fear. But it felt good knowing that he could give her reassuring news.

"Yes, Bones, I talked already to the doctor and the surgery has been successful. They believe you are out of danger and they count on moving you to a room in a few hours. And they are positive that they have saved your uterus and that you can probably have children" They both smiled, and shared a long intense look.

Brennan grasped his hand and held it so tight that it even surprised Booth. She looked weak but her grip was strong.

"Thank you Booth" She told him looking serious and directly in his eyes "thank you for risking and daring, and taking me here. I would have probably lost it if I had stayed in Kabul, if you had not come to take me back and arrange everything. Thank you" The last words just whispered with a voice broken by emotion.

"Well, you know, you have named a baby after me, this is the minimum I could do to get even".

She smiled, the smile she only gave to him and to his cocky attitude. But then her forehead furrowed. "How do you know?.." He kept smiling.

"Ah, of course. You know, we got the news that you were asking for classified information about the mission."

"You did?" He was actually not expecting that.

"Yes, the other men were even thinking that I was in danger, imagining a spy wanting details of my location to kill me.. but I told them that it was only you".

"What do you mean 'only me'?" Yes, he loved that they were playing again.

She did not stop smiling. "You know, only an over protective nosy alpha male partner on the other side of the world still wanting to know I am ok". Her smile was sweet and her twinkly eyes were really taking his breath away.

"Did you mind?" He asked softly.

"No, it made me happy. It made me feel you cared. Where I was, what I was doing. It's something I missed in my life for so long. I love having it again… someone who cares." She was serious now. Her frankness and sincerity struck him, positively. He simply nodded.

And she added "Thank you for caring". Booth could not contain himself anymore and just leaned in and kissed her. When their lips detached, he just stayed close to her, his forehead against hers, their noses grazing each other.

"I think we should talk about this, right?" There was a new insecurity in her voice, and Booth understood it. Brennan didn't know where to go from here, relationships being something completely unknown to her.

And she was asking him because after tearing down her defensive walls and admitting to him what she was feeling, she was also trusting him to lead the way, for once.

"Yes, Bones, we need to talk about this" He kissed here again, and then looked her straight into her eyes. "But first things first. Your health and recovery now, Angela, Jack, Cam and your family are out there, waiting to say a brief hallo to you." He caressed her cheek. "And I'll stay by your side as long as you want me to. We'll have plenty of time to talk about us."

She closed her eyes enjoying his caresses "I really want to take a shower".

"As soon as you are out of ICU and in your room you'll be able to" He chuckled. "Actually I need a shower too".

"You must be exhausted Booth, you should just go home and rest. I'll be fine, I can see you later".

He was really not liking the idea of getting separated from her. It was stupid, she was safe, in D.C., in a hospital where doctors and nurses were taking care of her. There were her family and friends out there who were going to stay with her. Still, even a few feet from her, not being able to see her made him restless. How could he have survived all those weeks while she was in Afghanistan?

He forced himself to be rational. He did need a shower and some sleep. And maybe she also needed some time to rest as well.

Brennan seemed to sense his inner conflict and just repeated with a smile "Go Booth, go home and get some rest. I'll do the same. I'll be here waiting for you. Ok?"

She also struggled to raise her head but she could pass the chain out and handed Booth his medal back. "You see, now you'll have something that will make you think of me while you are not here" Her smiled erupted in a laugh, dimmed down by her abdominal pain when she did so. He held his medal, and laughed with her.

"You know, thank you for giving it back to me. But I'm thinking of you just a little too much" His eyes displayed not only joy but also a tiny bit of lust, betraying the nature of some of his thoughts about her. She didn't miss it and she loved it. God, her face was half swollen, her hair messy, she was dirty and stinky all over… still this gorgeous man was fantasizing about her. The rush of adrenaline and another couple of exciting hormones gave her an energy and a sense of well being she had been missing since the injury.

This man was not only healing her soul and her heart, her body too. She invited him for another kiss and just added "If we are lucky, next time you kiss me I'll be smelling better".

He ran his hand delicately along her cheek to complete a caress and then he left.

Booth went home and felt relaxed and happy. But it was a totally new concept of the word happiness. It was more like perfection and excitement and joy all in once. The adrenaline wearing down anyway, left him really tired so after a quick shower he just fell flat on his bed and fell asleep smiling at the thought to see his Bones very soon.

In the hospital, after a quick visit by her friends and family, Brennan laid down relaxed and fell into an easy and restoring sleep. She was also smiling thinking that she was going to see her Booth very soon. Her father remained by her side, holding her hand and enjoying having her back.

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I am planning another 2-3 chapters to end this story. Just a couple of extra turns and then we'll get there.

I am already working on another idea but I promise I'll finish this fiction before I even publish the new creature.

As usual, I am kindly asking you to let me know if you liked it or not. And yes, the end of "Man in the SUV" was really magic for me. I got hoocked at episode 2.. eheheh

Happy sunday to all.

Grev