Disclaimer: Bones and its affiliated characters do not belong to me. I mean no copyright infringement.

Rating: T

He Called Me Baby

Chapter 11: Destinations ~ Part 2

(Published July 7, 2010)

Brennan's POV

He's searching the room for someone. He knows I'm here. There's no way out of this. Well, he'll have to come to me since I'm not giving him any wrong ideas. I turned around and started listening to the group of people nearest to me. All are interns working at earning their doctorate's degree and they are overly thrilled to speak with me. At least they didn't screech like Daisy. It didn't take long to feel a hand on my shoulder and a low sultry voice in my ear. Who does he think he is? I stepped away from his annoying touch before turning around.

"Hi Tempe. I've been looking forward to this day. A whole year working by your side. I hope you're not still mad at me about the Maggie Schilling case. I was only doing my job." Michael looked a little too smug.

"First of all, it hasn't been decided who will be working with whom. Secondly, you may have been doing your job, but it was without integrity. And lastly, do you really think I would ever forgive you for having sex with me to get inside information?" Ugh! The end of that tirade was too loud. This is going to be an interesting beginning. "If you'll excuse me, I have more important people to converse with."

B&B&B&B&B&B

What a relief to get out of there. I didn't think I would survive. Between Michael staring at me all evening and Ms. Wick started following me around and screeching with every new group of people out of excitement. She was exuberantly happy with showing off that she works with me at the Jeffersonian. I have the worst headache. It won't take me long to fall asleep tonight.

Her last coherent thought was remembering falling asleep in the protective, loving arms of Seeley Booth.

B&B&B&B&B&B&B

Booth's POV

I'm in good shape. I work out just about every day. I shouldn't be this exhausted. Why do I have to feel so damn old? These kids (and that's what they are – kids) can run circles around me, but thankfully they don't know it. We leave tomorrow and it can't come soon enough. With Bones gone, I just can't stay here surrounded by the familiar landscape of home. I'm ready to move on, whatever that means. I don't know. I'm hoping it means that Bones and I will be moving on with a future together when this year is done. Somehow I will make it. My heart already aches. Maybe a quick email will help me relax.

She's already sent a message! With tears in my eyes, I open it. It's short but sweet. And she ended it with "missing you". Normally, Bones would say that isn't possible since it's only been a day. She doesn't know how open and how big her heart really is.

My dear Bones,

I know it's only been a day, but I sincerely miss you like crazy. I think you have a great idea about opening the matching gifts at the same time. We will be leaving for Afghanistan, tomorrow. However, it's never with certainty at the time I will get settled at base. Please, please, please do not worry if you don't hear from me for a couple of days. I haven't forgotten what you said at the airport. I know how your mind works. *wink* As long as I'm able, I will always be here for you. I will never intentionally leave you. I will do everything in my power to stay safe.

With every email I write this year, I will be giving you a message of encouragement. It would make my heart swell if you would write each one down in your journal for the difficult days we know will inevitably come from time to time.

Today's encouragement: You have a heart of gold. ~ It's open, caring, and ever growing with love, empathy, concern, encouragement, and understanding… just to name a few attributes of your open heart.

Take care of yourself, get enough sleep, and don't forget to eat! I can imagine your eyes rolling. LOL! I will be thinking of you as I fall asleep tonight… just as I do any other night. Imagine me with my arms around you all cuddled up in bed ready to sleep. I will kiss the top of your head and close my eyes.

Dreaming of you,

Booth

Author's Note: I have a few surprises that just may keep our couple busy. A few hints to things you may learn in future chapters:

The gifts from Jared & Padme will come soon And they are so sappy sweet!

An island retreat – the night life of tourists

What is Michael up to?

How do Booth's encouraging messages affect Brennan?

Things aren't always what they seem to be…. Has a crime been committed?

When did Sully return to the FBI? Why would he be in the Maluku Islands?

Does Booth have a reason to be jealous? How does he react?

What are the rules of "friends with benefits"?

What to do with Kathy and Andy? Does their need to be a change?

Keeping in touch with home: Pops? Parker? Sweets? Cam? Zach?

PS… Nothing is written in stone (except the gifts, of course). I just thought I would throw out some teasers as I continue to brainstorm the year ahead for these two.