Okay, here's a long chapter to make up for the last one. Thank you for not killing me...no cliffhanger this time.

Brennan was out of the SUV even before it had stopped completely. She saw several people helping to pull the girl from below the pier. She was crying hysterically, but she seemed otherwise unhurt.

"Seeley!" Kaitlyn cried out, trying to twist around and see her savior. Brennan rushed past them to where she thought they were pulling him to safety as well. Her heart stopped as she saw Nate on the ladder, lifting her partner's unmoving body to the waiting arms of more agents on the pier.

"Booth!" she rushed over, but several agents blocked her path as a paramedic worked on him. She managed to work her way around them with a few sweeping moves and plenty of yelling. She fell to her knees above his head as the paramedic pumped on his chest.

"Bag!" he called out, and the other man pumped the air into his lungs.

"Come on, Booth," she whispered, brushing his short hair back from his forehead. Nate stood behind her wrapped in a towel, talking quietly with one of his drier counterparts.

"He was holding her up," he told the other man. "Even underwater he was holding her up. He saved her life." Brennan let out a combination laugh and sob as Booth's body shuddered violently. They quickly rolled him onto his side as he coughed and water poured from his lungs. After several agonizing seconds, he rolled onto his back and took a shaky breath, shivering in the cold air.

"We got him, get a stretcher and blankets!" The paramedic who had been pumping on Booth's chest jumped up and sprinted back to the ambulance to pull the gurney out. Brennan placed her hands on either side of his head, using her thumbs to wipe away the salt water from his face. She smiled as his eyes opened, her heart racing as his gaze locked with hers. She could make out the beginnings of a smile on his upside-down face, and he took another shuddering breath.

"Bones? The girl?" he asked quickly.

"She's fine," Brennan said quietly, "You kept her above the water, Booth. She's cold and scared, but she's okay." He closed his eyes then, taking a deeper breath. When he didn't open them again, she glanced up at the paramedic worriedly.

"He's fine," he reassured her. "His body's just exhausted." She backed up as they lifted him onto the stretcher and followed them to the ambulance. They made to argue as she climbed in with him, but the fierce look on her face kept them quiet. She studied her partner's face the entire way to the hospital, his hand held firmly in her own. As her body began to come down from her adrenaline high, she felt tears sting her eyes. She could have lost him today, but here he was.

They reached Anne Arundel Medical Center moments later and Brennan was pushed out of the way as nurses worked over him. She sat in the waiting room forever as they pumped the remaining water from his lungs and hooked him up to different monitors. She filled out as much of the paperwork as she could, listing herself as the emergency contact. She called Angela, letting her know what had happened.

"He…" she trailed off as she tried to describe what had happened when she arrived. "He kept the girl above the water, even while completely submerged. He took a lot of water into his lungs, and he wasn't breathing when I got there."

"Sweetie, he's alright now," Angela tried to comfort her obviously distraught friend. "Why don't you get a cab and go home. Get a shower and something to eat. I'll get the boys and we'll come pick you up and take you back up there." Brennan looked back at the Trauma Room doors and sighed.

"Alright, but we're in Annapolis. It'll take me thirty minutes to get home, another ten to shower and eat."

"We'll pick you up in an hour," Angela said firmly before hanging up. Brennan realized she couldn't argue with the dial tone and put her cell phone back into her jacket. As she walked toward the exit, her phone beeped again, indicating a text message. She pulled it back out and furrowed her brow as she read the message. Suddenly, her eyebrows shot up and she quickly dialed Cullen's phone.

"Cullen," he answered.

"It's Dr. Brennan," she said, "Booth's phone just came back on. Just sent me a text message; the same one he tried to send earlier. I'd guess his phone's set to resend incomplete messages."

"We can track where that phone is now," Cullen said. "Thank you, Dr. Brennan." And he hung up. Brennan pocketed the phone again and sighed deeply. Hopefully this would all be over in a few hours.

She told the desk nurse that she would be back in an hour and to call her if anything changed. As she made her way toward the exit, she saw Nate waiting in the lounge and moved over to him.

"Booth's phone resent the message to me," she said, "Cullen's got the techs tracking it now. I'm going to go home for a few minutes, get a change of clothes and a shower. I'll be back in an hour and a half. Do you need anything?" She had grown fond of the man in the short time she'd known him; he cared about people like Booth did. It was easy to see why the two men were friends. He shook his head, but his eyes never left the trauma room doors. She squeezed his forearm in support before stepping out to hail a taxi.

Her eyelids felt heavy as she watched the scenery roll by. After what seemed like hours the cab pulled up to her home and she paid the driver quickly before walking briskly to her door.

The hot water cascaded down her body and only here did she let her tears fall. His heart had stopped, he wasn't breathing; if they had been any later he'd be dead now. She couldn't get the image of his motionless body lying on the pier out of her head. A pounding on her front door pulled her from her thoughts and she quickly shut off the water and dried off, throwing her robe on.

Angela stood at the door flanked by Hodgins and Zach. Temperance was pulled into a fierce hug by her friend as the two men stood awkwardly in the hallway.

"Come in," she said, stepping back and allowing them in. "I'll be just a second; I need to throw some clothes on." She left them in her sitting room as she rushed back to her bedroom and threw on a pair of jeans and dark blue Jeffersonian sweatshirt. Grabbing a scrunchie from her nightstand she hastily pulled her hair into a ponytail before grabbing her keys and phone. Mere moments after leaving her guests in her living room she blew past them toward the door.

"Let's go," she ordered, and they all jumped from their positions on the furniture.

"Wait, sweetie," Angela called and Brennan paused with her hand mere inches from the doorknob. She turned back ready to explain to Angela why she needed to be there when Booth woke up only to find the artist rummaging through her kitchen cupboards

"Angela?" she questioned. Her friend emerged with a box of graham crackers, a couple of bags of chips, and a six pack of cola. She tossed them into the massive bag that she swore was her purse (not a black hole) and joined the trio by the door.

"Just gathering essentials for an all-nighter," she told them. "Hospital food is usually horrible." A genuine smile crossed Brennan's face as she locked the door behind them. She automatically led them to the parking garage only to stop abruptly at the door.

"I left my car at the Jeffersonian," she said dejectedly.

"That's okay," Hodgins said, "I drove." The gleam in his eyes was troubling as he led them to his car.

"What is that?" Brennan asked as she eyed the small red vehicle.

"That," Hodgins pointed, "is an original Cooper. It's European."

"I'd guessed from the placement of the steering column," she replied. "It looks unsafe."

"Just get in," Angela said finally, shoving Brennan into the back before climbing in beside her. Zach sat awkwardly on the left side of the car as Hodgins started the engine and drove off toward Annapolis.

She walked back into the waiting room to find Nate still in the same chair. She took the seat next to him and laid a hand on his forearm.

"Any word?" she asked softly, and he shook his head. They sat in silence for a few more minutes until Brennan took a deep breath and caught his stare. "Thank you," she said quickly. "For saving him, I mean," she said. He offered her a small smile in return and moved his hand over hers to offer some comfort in return.

"He saved my life, once," Nate said after a few moments. When Brennan didn't say anything, he took that as invitation to continue. "It was our first real assignment, we were still recruits. But they needed us, so the top trainees were given temporary badges and assigned to the SAC." Brennan found herself only mildly surprised that Booth was top in his class; he was one of the best agents she had ever seen. She tuned back in as she realized Nate was still talking. "We were on two man teams, and I was the designated leader. We were supposed to approach the scene from the rear, but Seeley pipes in with one of his gut feelings." Brennan let out a small laugh, and Nate returned the smile. "I see you're familiar."

"Very," she shook her head, allowing him to continue.

"Anyway, he puts up this big fuss, saying the perps probably had the rear trapped, but I didn't listen. The man was a Ranger, for Christ's sake. Why didn't I listen?" he still seemed a little upset, but Brennan attributed that to their current situation. Nate took a breath and kept talking. "We walked a few more yards when I felt something on my shin. I looked down and realized I had walked right into a trip wire. An alarm sounded and the shooting started. Seeley dragged me down with him and rolled away, searching for the source. We got back up and took up defensive positions, and he was in his element. He was so calm, collected…probably from his Army days." Brennan nodded again. "I'm not even sure how he…one of the guys had come out to investigate and stepped on a branch. The alarm was still ringing, so I have no idea how he heard. He damn near tackled me and shot as we fell, hitting the guy right between the eyes." Brennan clenched her jaw, remembering all too well how good of a shot Booth really was. The image of Farid Masruk lying on the floor of the Hamilton Cultural Center flashed through her mind, and she gave a small shiver.

"He got a medal," Nate finished his story, "When we graduated." Brennan nodded and realized his large hand was still covering hers; but he seemed to be drawing strength from her rather than offering comfort. "I didn't keep in touch like I should have," he said sadly. "I got sent to Chicago, and he was here. But I should have called more often. We saw each other every now and then," he told her, "He even flew out to Chicago once for a case. We talked on the phone every now and then. He called me before Parker was born," he smiled a little, "Said he wanted me there. So I came. You know what he did?" Brennan shook her head slowly. "He named me Parker's godfather. We hadn't spoken in months, hadn't seen each other in a year, and I'm the man's choice for godfather. After that I called every week, talked to Rebecca sometimes, just to check in. Gradually, it became once a month, but I never missed a birthday. I'm an only child, see, so I don't have nieces and nephews to dote on," he chuckled. "Oh God," he said suddenly, "Someone should call Rebecca."

"Booth's fine," she told him, "He'll be back to his annoying self in a few days. We shouldn't worry her."

"She should still know," Nate said, standing. "I'll call…I haven't spoken to her in a while anyway." The space next to her seemed larger without him beside her, and she leaned back in her seat. She noticed Angela and the others had sat a few seats away, so she moved over to them. Angela was munching away on graham crackers while Zach flipped through a magazine. Jack seemed wrapped up in whatever news show was on the television so Brennan just sat back in the uncomfortable chairs and waited. Nate returned a few moments later with his jacket on and keys in hand.

"I'm going to get Parker," he said. "This is Seeley's weekend, and Rebecca's going out of town. She shouldn't have to cancel her plans, so I told her I'd watch him until Seeley gets released. I'll be back. If he…" Nate trailed off and motioned toward the front desk.

"I'll call you," she promised, and he was gone. As soon as he was out the door a doctor emerged from the Trauma Room and moved over.

"Seeley Booth?" he called, and both Brennan and Angela jumped to their feet.

"Yes," Brennan moved over to him while Angela grabbed the boys.

"He'll be fine," the doctor started. And though Brennan had known rationally that he was fine, hearing the doctor say the words lifted a weight from her chest. "He took in a lot of water, but mainly he's just fatigued. He was mildly hypothermic from the water, causing even more exhaustion. He'll sleep it off and we can release him tomorrow. He'll be physically weaker for a day or so, he may have trouble lifting things. The muscles in his arms showed evidence of great physical exertion." Brennan nodded, remembering how he'd held the girl above water while he himself was drowning.

"How's the girl…Kaitlyn?" she asked, recalling the name on the report.

"Her parents have been contacted," the doctor confirmed, "I can't really share too much, but she's fine, other than being a little cold and very tired." Brennan nodded again.

"When can we see him?"

"He needs to rest," the doctor said and continued before the woman could interrupt. "However, I will allow you in to see him briefly, but only for a short time." Angela put her hand on Brennan's shoulder and pushed slightly. Brennan shot her friend a thankful smile and followed the doctor to room 142. He had an IV giving him fluids and he was covered in multiple blankets. His face was paler than usual, but he was otherwise healthy.

"Only a few minutes," he warned, and left them alone. She moved forward and sat in the chair next to his bed, suddenly unsure of what to do. He looked infinitely better than the last time they had been in this same situation. She reached out and squeezed his hand, only a little disappointed when he didn't squeeze back. The doctor said he'd be asleep for a while, she told herself. She resisted the urge to look at his chart and simply stared at his face.

Sitting there, Brennan didn't know whether or not she should try talking to him. She knew he wasn't in a coma, but he was sleeping deeply. Even if he could hear her, it was doubtful his brain could do anything with the information. She tried to imagine what he would do if their positions were switched, and she didn't have to think long; he would talk to her. She scooted forward a little and readjusted her grip on his hand.

"Booth…" she trailed off and frowned. "Seeley…" she tried again, but shook her head once more. "Nate went to go get Parker," she tried starting with some facts, hoping to get her tongue untwisted. "I didn't know you made him Parker's godfather. But I guess we don't talk about stuff like that." It sounded lame to her own ears, but she continued anyway. "The others are here, too," she said, "But the doctor made them wait outside. He said I don't have a lot of time. Kaitlyn's fine, Booth, you saved her life. She's cold and tired, but her parents are on their way." She thought about what else he would be happy to hear about and nodded absently to herself. "Mather got sloppy, Booth," she said. "He turned your phone back on and your last incomplete text message resent itself. The FBI is tracking him down now," she said. "He'll be behind bars in a matter of hours." The door opened and the doctor stuck his head in.

"Miss…Agent Booth needs his rest," he said quietly, and she stood up. After only a second's hesitation, she channeled Booth once more and leaned over to place a quick kiss on his forehead.

"Get some rest," she told him. "I'll be outside." As she came back to the waiting room, Angela grilled her about Booth's condition. After being reassured he was fine, she sighed in relief and sank back down into the chair.

"You don't have to stay, you know," she told them. "I'm sure your beds are more comfortable than these chairs."

"Are you leaving?" Angela offered.

"No, I'm staying," she answered definitively.

"Then we're staying." Brennan just smiled, thankful to have such wonderful friends. She grabbed a magazine from near Zach and flipped through it, not really comprehending. Just as she remembered to call Nate about Booth's condition, the doors opened.

"Dr. Brennan," she heard Nate calling her from across the room, and she looked up and smiled. Nate was holding Parker in one arm, looking completely comfortable but very odd. The boy was small – he was only five after all – but he looked even smaller compared to Nate. As he approached them, Brennan stood and offered Parker a small smile. Nate set him on the ground, but Parker clung to his leg.

"Hey Parker," she tried, wondering if the boy even remembered her from Christmas. Nate nudged the boy forward.

"Parker, this is Dr. Brennan," Nate introduced, and she saw recognition flash in the boy's eyes, but he stayed close to Nate.

"Daddy says you're his partner," Parker said.

"That's right," Brennan answered, moving to kneel in front of the boy as she spoke.

"Is Daddy okay?"

"He sure is," she smiled. "He's sleeping now."

"Can I see him?"

"I don't think so, buddy," Nate interjected. "We just stopped by to check in, then we're going back to my place."

"No! I want Daddy!" he yelled, gaining the attention of nearby patrons. Brennan reached out instinctively and squeezed the boy's shoulder. She had dealt with many scared children during her time in the foster system. Being one of the older kids usually meant she was responsible for calming down her fair share of frightened children.

"Parker, you're Daddy's sleeping right now and we can't wake him up. If we do, it will take him longer to get better. You should go with Nate and get some rest. I promise you can see him tomorrow." She looked into the brown eyes so like Booth's and saw trust in them.

"Promise?" He held out his pinky finger and she looked at it curiously. Nate chuckled and leaned down.

"He wants you to pinky swear," he explained, but that just made Brennan more confused.

"I don't know what that means," she told him, and Parker laughed.

"Daddy said you knew everything! Look, you just take your pinky," he grabbed her hand and pulled her pinky out. "Then you wrap it around mine," again he demonstrated. "Then you promise."

"Well then," she smiled at the boy and tightened her hold on his pinky. "I promise you will see your dad tomorrow. But you have to go with Nate tonight. Promise?" she still held onto his pinky, and was rewarded when his face split into a grin so much like his father's.

"I promise I'll be good." He pumped their hands up and down a few times then let go, moving to stand beside Nate again. Brennan got to her feet, completely ignoring Angela's goofy grin. She said goodbye to Parker and Nate as they walked away, smiling and waving back as Parker turned and lifted his hand up.

"That was the cutest thing ever, and I have a picture," Angela declared. Brennan whirled around and was presented with a well-timed phone photo of her and Parker pinky swearing. He had a huge smile on his face and she was smiling back, and just past the phone Angela was beaming.

"Ange…" she sighed, but trailed off when she realized there was nothing she could do. Running her hands through her hair, she paced a little before turning back to her team. "It's almost ten," she said, not really knowing where to go with that statement.

"I already told you, Bren," Angela cut her off. "You're staying, so we're staying. We like him too, you know," she smiled, earning a small one in return. Brennan nodded, looking at her team in appreciation, knowing Booth would feel touched that they were here.

"I'm exhausted," she said finally, and Angela plopped down in a chair beside Hodgins. Brennan took one opposite her and laid her head back against the wall. Within moments, images of Booth's lifeless body faded from her mind as she drifted off into a fitful sleep.

Alright, we're nearing the end. So what do you think? I just had to get Parker in here somewhere - he's the cutest thing ever. I wish there was more of him on the show. His "Merry Christmas Bones!" was enough to make me squeal. What can I say, I'm a sucker for cute and adorable.