Here we go. Just remember…a few chapters ago you really loved me. Let's keep going with that feeling.

Chapter Twenty-One

Brennan stood near the front of the blocked-off area that separated the rescue team from the rubble of the Hoover building, trying to use every ounce of pull she had to find out what the hell was going on. She was just about to get into the face of the Justice Department representative who seemed to be in charge when movement at the entrance of the building drew her attention.

Booth.

She knew that walk anywhere.

A sob escaped her throat in relief and thankfulness as she tried to catalogue every inch of his body, not seeing any obvious injury. In her frantic inspection, she failed to notice what Booth had cradled in his arms as he navigated the mess in front of the building. When her eyes settled on the body he was carefully carrying from the hell behind him, a painful wail ripped from her chest and she ran towards Booth, ignoring the yelling and threats from the emergency personnel who were trying to stop her. Booth heard her yell and they locked eyes, emotions flowing between them in waves. He shook his head at Brennan as she reached him, and she placed one shaking hand on his face even as she looked down at her best friend, cradled in Booth's arms.

"Bones…" Booth's voice was thick with tears. "I didn't…I-" His eyes were wide and shocked.

"I know. I know, Booth." She soothed his face again. "Let's set her down, okay?" Brennan reached for where Booth's hands were wrapped around Angela, and found that she couldn't pry his fingers open. "Booth…honey. You need to let her go. You've brought her back to us, it's okay to set her down. Alright?" She soothed him in a quiet voice that belied the screaming anguish she was feeling.

Booth finally nodded and moved to lay Angela's body down on the stretcher a paramedic had rolled over to them. Realizing that there was nothing medically he could do, the medic stepped back and left them, moving to help his colleagues as they worked on Sweets a few feet away.

Brennan dropped to her knees next to the stretcher, leaning over to smooth the tangled hair back from her friend's bruised forehead. "Oh, Ang…I'm so sorry." A sob broke from her throat as she fought to hold it together. A hand fell on her shoulder, rubbing softly.

"I'm so sorry, Doc." Gunn moved to kneel next to her. "We didn't know she was even in the building, we-" He stopped as he choked up. "We would have done anything to…"

Nodding, Brennan turned to embrace her partner, burying her face in his neck. "I know, Richard." She pulled back and looked at him closely. "But I still need to thank you."

Gunn looked confused. "For what?"

Brennan turned her head, staring directly at a heartbroken Booth. "Bringing him back to me."

~B&B~

Brennan walked slowly towards the family section, trying not to let her face betray her devastation. When she reached the barricade, she watched her friends briefly, taking in these last moments before she had to deliver the news that would rock them all to their cores.

Feeling her eyes on him, Hodgins looked away from his discussion with Max and took in Brennan's face. His stomach clenched painfully as he stepped towards her.

"Dr. B? Did you hear something?" He started to reach out for her hand, sucking in a pained breath when she flinched, breath hitching. "Oh God…Is it Booth?"

Slowly, Brennan shook her head. Suddenly, as if she had actually spoken the words aloud, Hodgins knew. "No."

Nodding imperceptibly, she moved to grab his outstretched hands. He held them up, keeping Brennan from getting any closer. "No. You are not allowed to tell me that. I won't hear it." His voice was measured, but climbing in desperation. "No, Temperance. Angela isn't-" The rest of the group gasped as one, all looking to each other in shock.

"I'm so sorry, Jack." Brennan's voice broke and the tears began anew. "I can't-I mean, I don't…" She reached her hand out again, and this time Hodgins took it, gripping so hard it was almost painful. Brennan relished it, letting the pain focus her. "Please." She pulled him lightly, watching sadly as his eyes glazed over in realization and he made to follow her.

Brennan looked over the rest of their family and indicated that they should all follow as she led Hodgins over to the triage area. When they were in view, Daisy began sobbing as she saw first Angela lying there so still, and then Sweets being worked on near the ambulances. She moved quickly to Sweets' side, at a loss as to whether she should hug him. He held his hand out and took hers tightly, nodding. "I'm okay, Daisy. I'm alright." He teared up as she dropped to her knees and embraced him lightly, sobbing.

Janie walked slowly over to where her son stood, looking lost. They held each other, both shaking in relief and horror at what was happening around them. Erik met Gunn halfway and they embraced tightly, Erik reaching over Gunn to grab Booth's hand and pull him to them. The three stood there for a moment, then separated reluctantly to watch Brennan lead Hodgins to where his wife lay.

For long moments, Jack stood there staring down at Angela's face, thankfully unmarred by serious injury. He brushed a hand along her cheek, muttering something in Italian before sliding his fingers down to lightly touch her wedding ring. He sighed, looking up into the sky. Then before anyone else knew what was happening, Booth was next to Hodgins, catching him deftly before he hit the pavement.