A/N: Thanks to cathmarchr for her help as beta for this and the next chapter - we're sure you've read her wonderful fic, but if not RUN now and check it out :)


~o~ Chapter Twelve - Those Stumblin' Words That Told You What My Heart Meant ~o~

Cam orders her two colleagues to her office, but it is Angela who speaks first, as she closes the door behind them. "You know?"

Cam nods. "I suspected and… now I know."

Angela looks despondent. "Me and my big mouth."

"Oh come on," Hodgins soothes, sliding an arm around the artist's shoulders in a gesture just slightly more affectionate than Cam expects from the former-lovers. "It's not like we all wouldn't have worked it out eventually."

"Don't beat yourself up about it," Cam agrees, eyeing Hodgins' arm long enough that he drops it abruptly. "I talked to Seeley at the wedding, I saw them dance. I'm guessing that's the night it all… came together."

Angela grins, grabbing Cam's arm. "It was! You spoke with Booth? That must have been one hell of a pep-talk - you go, girl!"

Cam shakes her head with a wry smile. "I take no credit – the way he was talking, it must have been Dr. Brennan that made the first move."

"Man," Hodgins sighs, "now I gotta kiss both of them."

Angela gives him her best 'WTF?' face while Cam perches on the edge of her desk.

Hodgins shakes his head and Cam blinks. "Oo-kay… so where exactly are they?" she asks, eyes alight.

Angela literally bounces. "Hawaii. Oh it's so perfect!"

Cam chuckles. "Wow. Good for them." After a moment she shrugs. "So now what? We all know something Booth and Brennan hoped to keep secret. What do we do about that?"

"We take it to the grave," Hodgins professes solemnly.

Angela rolls her eyes. "Or we keep our lips zipped until they come back and tell everyone in their own time," she amends, in slightly-less dramatic terms, then turns to Cam. "I should tell you that we're not the only ones to know."

Cam frowns. "Who else?"

"Sweets."

"What? How come?"

"Booth told him."

"He what? Why?"

Hodgins speaks up. "Hacker."

Cam's eyes grow wide. "Ohhh. Okay, hang on."

She sticks her head out of her office and spots the psychologist leaving the platform – and, crucially, he's alone. "Dr. Sweets!" she bellows. "A moment of your time!"

Lance feels, for some reason, that he is entering the lion's den as he shuffles into Cam's office, eyeing its other occupants warily. "What's going on?"

Angela raises an eyebrow. "She knows."

"She knows?" he asks. "You mean she knows the… thing? The big thing there is to know?"

"Yes, Sweets."

He nods. "Wow, okay." Then his eyes grow wide. "Just to be clear-"

"Oh for heaven's sake," Cam groans. "I know about Booth and Brennan and them being together and their romantic island getaway and all of it."

Sweets nods. "Okay."

"What about Daisy?" Cam asks him. "Have you told her?"

Sweets shakes his head. "Noooo… but, now that you all know… maybe I could…" he trails off under the weight of everyone's glare. "Okay, so that's still a no." He crosses his arms and pouts. "You know, she is my wife."

Angela flickers a loaded look at Hodgins and he sees her resolve weaken. "Maybe Sweets should be allowed to share," she says. "I mean she's gonna find out some time." Her eyes widen. "And she does have major connections for cake… in say, a celebratory capacity?" She turns to Sweets, "That cake at your wedding was orgasmic!"

Sweets blushes. "Trust me, I know."

Hodgins pulls a face. "Ewww, man. Did not need to go there."

"Guys!" Cam shouts, raising a hand. "Let's stay on point. No-one is telling anyone else – this has got far enough out of hand as it is. So, Dr. Sweets…" She turns to him. "Where does Hacker think they are this week?"

Sweets smiles. "Booth told him you sent all the squints on a forensics training thing." He chuckles. "And he totally bought it."

"I …" Cam trails off and pinches the bridge of her nose. "So what you're telling me is I'm Booth's alibi, and I didn't even know it? Thanks a bunch, Seeley."

"But it'll all be okay," Angela reasons. "They're flying back on Friday evening and no-one will have any clue where they've been. We just need to keep it between ourselves until then."

"Okay," Cam says. "Everyone keeps it zipped. No talking about them at all – and if we need to, we do it in private." She directs the last of this to Angela with a pointed look.

Angela giggles. "Hodgins and I were using a code. We were calling them the love birds."

Cam makes a face. "Oh, wow, okay… because that's original."

Hodgins raises an eyebrow. "We were gonna go with the Latin name, but we kinda thought it was inappropriate."

"Why, what is it?" Sweets asks, already smiling in anticipation.

Hodgins grins. "Let's just say they belong to the genus Agapornis."

Cam rolls her eyes with a chuckle.

Angela grins, "I think it's very appropriate."

"Do you think Hacker will let them stay partners?" Hodgins asks Sweets suddenly.

The psychologist purses his lips. "I think that is exactly what Booth is worrying about," he tells them. "But I think it's unfounded. Hacker is not likely to split them up. They have the highest solve rate of like, anyone." His pride is obvious and Angela smiles affectionately.

Cam nods but frowns. "Even if he gets vindictive?"

Angela laughs. "Because he had a thing for Brennan? Please, as if anyone who ever met her and Booth didn't know they were destined to be together."

There is a collective murmur of agreement before Angela goes on, "You know, I'm kind of insulted they thought they could keep this from us."

"They told you," Cam points out.

"Only after I guessed something was going on," Angela says.

"They only told me in case Booth's boss found out," Sweets adds.

"And I only know because Angela can't keep her trap shut," Hodgins adds, to a dig in the ribs from the owner of said trap.

Cam's eyes narrow. She sees the potential for something here. "Okay, hands up who saw this coming from a bajillion miles away," she says.

At the unanimous show of hands she nods. "Would it be really mean to have a little fun at their expense when our little Ag… Aga…?" She looks to Hodgins.

"Agapornii," he chuckles.

Cam nods. "Yeah them – when they return?"

"Like what?" Angela asks, her eyes dancing.

"I'll think of something," Cam assures her. "Now get back to work, everyone. And not a mention of those Agapornii." She sighs as she follows them through the door. She has an autopsy to supervise.

As they leave her office and split in several directions, Lance watches them go. "We're not actually going to call them that, are we?"

~o~

They'd been to the local island market which had proven surprisingly well-stocked - lush with fresh catch-of-the-day fish, vegetables and fruits, even pasta and herbs. Along with the wide variety of grocery items, there were stands displaying the wares of local jewelry- and textile-makers, as well as the typical touristy fare. So they'd spent several hours and brought back enough to stock their fridge and cupboards for the next few days, assuring them even fewer interruptions in the all-too-swiftly-approaching end to their private time together.

After a quick lunch, they actively decide-not-to-decide anything and spend the afternoon on the beach just relaxing and enjoying one another. It's something that proves more difficult than either of them care to admit.

It's hard to do nothing.

But if Seeley Booth has to do nothing, there is no one else he'd rather do nothing with. Just watching her face, her sunglasses in place, hands gesturing elaborately as she puts forth yet another argument. Heaven.

"Booth, it's impossible to do nothing. I mean, take us, right now. We're laying on a beach, we're talking-"

"You're talking, I'm watching."

"See?"

"What?"

"That's your not nothing. Watching. Listening. To me."

Her self-satisfied smirk, proves to be too much - plans begin forming in his mind. Just a bit more talky... "Bones, they've made entire television shows about nothing."

"Impossible! Unless the characters simply sit in a room and stare at a blank wall... well, even then, they'd be staring. There's no way..."

"Okay, us right now. We're 'doing' nothing." Air quotes.

"You mean physically?"

"Yes, we're just laying here, fully relaxed. Yes, conversing, but still. Doing nothing."

"Well... maybe."

His eyebrow arches. Could it possibly be this easy? Concession from Temperance Brennan after only, - he reflexively looks at his wrist for his watch, which of course he's not wearing, but... wow. Normally, out-logic-ing the Queen of Logic herself is like an all-day event.

It unnerves him and instantly puts him on alert, former plans be damned. "That's it?"

"Well, I would much rather be doing 'something'." Her own well-manicured air quotes appear in the warm, salty breeze. And then she's rolling towards him, fingertip coming to rest on his bottom lip, tracing across the light stubble on his unshaven chin, and following an invisible path lower, lower. Lower.

"This is your idea of 'something', then?" He smirks and doesn't bother to repress the light shiver that passes through him at her touch.

"I believe I've successfully proven this is the best kind of 'something', Agent Booth." She licks her lips and leans in playfully brushing hers against his, before pulling back and capturing his bottom lip in that way she knows drives him crazy. And just as he's responding, his arms moving to pull her into him, she jumps up, grabs his hands and starts pulling. "One more swim, then it's me, you and 'something' for the rest of the night."

"You're on, babe." It'd never been as easy to do 'nothing' or 'something' or 'anything' in his life as it was with her.

As they enter the warm waves, he pulls her close and asks, "Bones? What are your thoughts on 'anything'?"

"With you. I'm always up for 'anything'." She laughs as they wade out deeper, then wraps herself around him, allowing him to manage the both of them against the rhythm of the waves.

"I'll keep that in mind." He smiles, kissing her and turning his back to the surf, shielding her from the pounding Pacific.

~o~

An hour later, they're reclining in the large whirlpool tub, washing away the sweat and sand of the day in a relaxing swirl of bubbles and massaging jets. Her back to his front, his arms secure around her waist, lips at her ear. His whispered "I love you" makes her smile - so content, so damn happy.

"Do you remember when you told me how sometimes, on vacation, you think about not going back home?"

"Yeah, I remember."

"I think I finally understand what you meant by that."

"I'm glad. I feel the same way."

She turns her head and they share a sweet kiss, one full of longing, full of if-I-could-make-that-happen-for-you-I-so-would. She rotates slightly, her head on his shoulder, hand resting at his waist. "Did you think that back then? About not coming back?"

"About not coming back to work with you?" Upon her nod, he raises his fingers from the water and cups her chin to look at him. "Never, Bones. From the beginning, I knew it was gonna be you and me."

"I think... maybe, I did, too." So many times she'd run or hidden or denied, so many missed opportunities stream unbidden into her thoughts. "I'm sorry, Booth... I..."

Whether they be tears or drops of water from their current environment, made no matter to him as he kissed her cheek, her eyes, every part of her he could reach. "No more being sorry, Bones. Not from either of us. C'mere..." He helps her turn fully to face him, sitting up straight to allow her to straddle him, the water streaming into their sides, the bubbles encompassing them in the center of the tub.

"You taste like salt again." He brushes her damp hair off her cheek and away from her face.

"Must be sea-water." She gives a small smile, but the sheen in her eyes won't allow her lie. Not like he will.

"Of course." He kisses her deeply, his lips and tongue tingling with the words he needs to say, the assurances she needs to hear, hoping he can organize them in a way she'll accept, but just the same trying to send them to her through this intimate connection. Through his love.

She gasps as she feels him fully engage in this; them; his mouth devouring hers, it's like she can feel the energy pouring from him into her. And she responds, with vigor, giving as well as receiving... this love, this overwhelming, so powerful force that she never believed in, that has patiently laid dormant for so long. Like a loyal canine, just waiting for her to acknowledge it - to feed it, to adore and nurture it... and up until now, each time he'd nuzzled, she'd pushed him away.

But now. Now, she is... she is with him and yet thinking about...

She surprises him when she pulls him into position and sheaths him deep inside her. His groan, along with a throaty expletive, echoes through the room. His eyes had reflexively closed and upon re-opening, she's blessed with his beautiful face, clearly showing her the passion, the love he's feeling... for her. "So beautiful. So damn perfect."

She is feeling so much, too much, more than she's ever felt. Every time with him, she thinks it can't get any better, any bigger, any more. And it always does. Always. Does.

He caresses her beneath the water, her waist, her thighs, her back as she moves over him, above him - soft kisses, softer murmurs, gripping his arms - slowly building, climbing. The ache so deep inside her, constant for years now, soothed and acknowledged and urged to heal.

"I love you, Temperance... I love you." Holding her tightly as he feels her near the edge, he drinks in the sight of her and gasps, "Love you so much."

At his words, the pure adoration dripping from his voice, she loses that last tenuous hold on her control and shatters against him.

He watches her as long as he can until his head falls to her shoulder and he grips her hips, holding on through her spasms. She's breathing long and full against him, whispering in his ear and kissing his neck as she begins to move for him - fast, hard, with purpose and love, the water in the tub splashing against the sides and onto the tile floor surrounding them.

"Booth," she whispers against his jaw, sucking on his neck before cupping his head and drawing his attention. "Look at me, baby."

Hearing her call him that. Oh. His hands are flexing against her hips, helping her fight the buoyancy of the water as he thrusts in perfect counterpoint. His brow is tight with concentration, but he forces his eyes open at the sound of her voice.

"Look at me, Booth. Look at me, loving you."

He comes inside her hard and fast, her name on his lips, pure love in his heart.

~o~

The cool and effortless strains of Stan Getz float on the ocean breeze, filling the room with sax as they prepare dinner together, chopping and sautéing, nudging and laughing - loving.

Over their plates at the small dining table, Brennan can't help but smile and sigh. And Booth can't help but notice.

"You happy, Bones?"

She takes a bite of fresh pineapple-mango salsa. "Mmm... yes."

He nods and forks more steaming rice and mahi-mahi from his plate. And when he lifts his head, chewing, he catches her watching him, with this look. And all he knows is he wants to see it forever.

"How are we going to tell everyone? About us." And he's surprised not to hear anxiety in her voice, surprised not to see an ounce of hesitation in her eyes. And he wonders when he's going to learn not to be surprised by her. Hopefully never.

"Well," he takes a sip of his water, clears his throat and sits back in his chair. "I'd like to tell Parker first. Parker and Rebecca. If you don't mind."

"Not at all, that makes complete sense. I'm sorry you weren't able to let them know before we left."

Booth reaches across the table, palm up and waits for her to give him her hand. "It's definitely something I want us to do together." After linking their fingers, he adds, "Preferably, as soon as we get back."

"I'd like to tell my father and Russ soon as well."

"Your dad will be fine, he's been asking me if I'm gay for years," he chuckles. Then off her confused look, "Never mind."

"And I'd presume we'd need to inform our respective work parties next."

"Those that don't already know." He smiles and shakes his head. "Or that Angela hasn't already told."

"Or Sweets."

"Sweets knows better."

"Well, I don't think Ange would...What?" She wipes her mouth with her napkin as he continues to stare at her, smiling.

"Nothing. You're beautiful."

"And you're easily distracted." She takes a drink and he's suddenly on his feet and across the room. "What are you doing? Are you finished eating?"

He pulls open a drawer to a side table and lifts out a small package delicately wrapped in tissue paper, then returns to her side. He takes her hand, pulling her to stand, then sits in her chair and pulls her down to his lap.

Kissing her cheek, he gives her the gift. "Got ya a little something, Bones."

"Booth..." She looks deep into his eyes, looking for a reason, watching how the corners crinkle with his smile.

"Just open it."

She looks down and slowly begins to peel back the layers of paper, finding a small flat box inside. Lifting the lid, she reveals a beautifully handcrafted necklace - a delicate chain adorned with beads in vibrant yellow, blue, orange-red. They remind her immediately of the tropical flowers from the marketplace.

"The Bird-of-Paradise."

His smile widens and he gently taps her nose. "Exactly. This particular design is called 'Pumehana'. Ask me what it means."

She feels her eyes begin to prick, but nods and humors him just the same. "Tell me what that means."

"Warm-hearted. Warmth. Affection."

She rests her hand on his cheek, thumb stroking. "I love you."

"I know, baby." He kisses her gently. "You show me every day."

~o~

A day since making a secrecy pact with her colleagues regarding porny love birds, Cam is just swallowing the last bite of the disappointing salad she chose for lunch when her phone rings. She lifts the receiver. "Dr. Saroyan?"

"Awkward!" Angela's voice fills her ear. "Awkward, awkward – mucho awkward!"

"What is awkward, Angela?"

"Hodgins and I are at the diner," the artist tells her.

"And, what? They ran out of pie?"

"And we just saw Hacker."

"Oh no, Angela – what did you say?"

"Oh god, hon, I blanked! I couldn't think of one good reason we were here and Booth and Brennan were still on the forensics thingy."

Cam groans, resting her head in her hand. "What did he say?"

"He uh… he said he was going to call you – I'm really sorry, Cam, I didn't know what else to do!"

Cam sighs. "It's okay, Angela. I'll deal with him. Thanks for letting me know."

"Okay… ooh, Hodgins is bringing me ice cream, we'll see you soon."

Cam hangs up and taps a finger to her nose, wracking her brains to think up an excuse. She jumps when her phone trills again almost instantly. "You'd better appreciate this, Booth," she mutters, taking a deep breath before answering.

"Dr. Saroyan."

"Dr. Saroyan, it's Andrew Hacker here."

"Assistant Director Hacker, how nice to hear from you."

"Oh please, Dr. Saroyan, call me Andrew. We are counterparts, as it were."

"Okay," Cam grimace-smiles, grateful he can't see. "Then you must call me Cam."

"Cam! Great! Okay."

"So… what can I do for you, Andrew?"

"Ah yes, well you see I had been reliably informed by my Agent Booth that he was attending a forensics work-shopping event with your good selves, but I have just had the immeasurable pleasure of Miss Montenegro's company at the Royal Diner and she didn't seem to know anything about it."

"Oh."

"Can you explain?"

"Yes, well… uh… the uh… the week is primarily for those scientists directly… um… directly assisting law enforcement and their… their partners," Cam tells him, dropping her head into her hand. So lame.

"And are there many of those at the Jeffersonian?"

"Um… no, no - not at the Jeffersonian but, uh… it's a national thing and there are many others who… do the same thing as Booth and Brennan."

"I was led to believe they were something of a rarity," Andrew protests. "Something of a unique entity. Am I to understand that I am not the only one benefiting from such an arrangement?" He is being playful, Cam can tell, but nevertheless she feels it is best to reassure him.

"I'm sure Booth and Brennan lead the way," she gushes. "Many others have since followed in their footsteps, however." Where am I getting this crap?

"Indeed," Hacker chuckles. "Well, good. That's all cleared up then."

Cam blows out a quiet breath of relief. "I'm glad. They'll be back at the weekend."

"Good, good. And you – any plans for the weekend?"

Cam's eyes widen. "Um… possibly."

"I was just thinking, like I said, we are counterparts, though one of us definitely has the monopoly on good looks." He chuckles and Cam winces. "Perhaps you'd like to get a drink sometime?"

"Um… I'm very flattered, Andrew, but I'm actually seeing someone right now."

"Oh, you are?"

"Yes." There is a long silence that is not the least bit comfortable. Cam feels the desperate need to fill it. "He's a gynecologist," she blurts, slapping a hand to her forehead. What am I thinking?

Andrew chuckles. "Okay… well, not yours I hope? That might be awkward?"

"Um yes… no, not mine." What? "That um… would be awkward, yes."

Andrew sighs. "A little like this conversation. So I shall leave you to your work. Thank you very much for your time, Dr. Saroyan. I know you must be busy."

"Not at all," she assures him.

"Good-bye."

She places the phone down and collapses, her forehead to the desk in front of her. One thing is now clear. Booth and Brennan owe her. BIG time.

TBC…