Morning Light

A thin golden streak of early morning light came to rest across his face. She sat up in the bed and watched him. Focused on the regularity in the rise and fall of his chest. His face was peaceful as he slept, and she was glad that, at least for now, he didn't seem haunted by the dreams. The night had shaken them both, but in the light of day there was once again hope. She honestly for the first time in weeks felt a sense of life. Being in this house with so many that loved her, cherished her, made it hard for the night to win. His face had always been a beacon for her, she had just forgotten for a little while.

The instincts of a sniper had him awake as he sensed her watching. At some point during the night sleep must have taken him after all. A miracle for which he was grateful. For a moment the two, tousled in sleep, just watched each other. From the open balcony doors they could hear the call of seagulls searching for an early fish breakfast. It took every ounce of self control not to crawl into the bed beside her. To feel the warmth of her touch, but as always he refrained. His greatest fear was losing her and that included pushing her away. He was still biding his time, waiting for the right moment to make his move, just like in his blackjack days.

"Morning there Bones." Booth decided to go the playful route, anything to break the silence. "Are you feeling up to a little sunbathing breakfast today?" He took the moment to move closer and perch at the foot of her bed. Although no part of his body was in contact with hers the proximity helped him find equilibrium.

"I don't know Booth; last night was a bit overwhelming. Maybe I should spend some quiet time just relaxing this morning. I feel so much better; I just don't want to push too much. I can't go back…" Her voice trailed off burning with tears. His had found hers, intertwining their fingers, offering her all the strength he had in him.

"Whatever you want, I am here." He smiled at her. "I won't force the sun-worshiping, but breakfast is a non-negotiable. Although I am guessing in a place like this you have your choice of dishes." Once again it was like the house had ears. In that instant the bedroom door opened and a young housemaid came swiftly in with a small silver serving cart. "Mr. Hodgins told me to deliver a full breakfast promptly at 8 a.m. but I wasn't to wake you. I wasn't sure how to accomplish both. Seems that is not an issue as you are already up." She was obviously relieved by this revelation. Without another word she left as quickly as she had arrived.

Booth rose from his position and went over to analyze the contents of the silver domed dishes. "Eggs, pancakes, bacon, oatmeal, toast, fresh fruit, a veritable feast! What's your poison Bones?"

Before Brennan could answer another brisk knock at the door produced Cam. It was starting to feel like Grand Central Station in her room. "The housekeeper said that you two were awake. I thought I would come up and check on Brennan. How are you feeling today? I must say your color had definitely improved. Booth would you excuse us for a moment while I examine her?" Cam could feel both Booth and Brennan tense at the suggestion; such an outward demonstration of co-dependence and affection was new for them. Cam wondered if it would last after the dust on this fiasco settled. She needed Brennan alone, so she gently escorted Booth outside the room. "Go for a walk, get some air, we will be a while." He stood in the doorway, still trying to stay, as he heard the metallic click of the lock.

Pacing in the hallway like an expectant father, he waited. What could Cam possibly be doing, saying or examining? He wished he had grabbed the carafe of coffee from the trolley before he got punted from his room. At least he could worry caffeinated instead of in a hazy half consciousness. So wrapped in trying to imagine what was going on behind closed doors, he never felt his friends enter the hall. Angela strode past him quickly, briskly knocked on the door and was swept inside. Booth stood in shock, what was going on that Angela was needed? WHAT THE HELL WAS GOING ON! Sweets and Hodgins flanked him to his left and his right, both trying to somehow to help him calm down.

As if by magic there suddenly appeared a full coffee service, Booth didn't even remember seeing any of the household staff. Their efficiency was slightly unnerving but appreciated nonetheless. He chugged the coffee, which was as expected outstanding. The dark rich liquid was a salve to his brittle nerves although the deep gulps singed his throat. Booth had always found coffee to be calming, he knew it was supposed to be a stimulant but to him it allowed focus. Someone once told him that it was a significant sign of having ADD, but that sounded about right to him. Sitting still had never been a forte of his, on the move is where he felt in control, and so he continued to ramble up and down the corridor.

Hodgins looked to Sweets for some answers, some psychological observation or words of wisdom that could help. Sweets merely sat on small bench in the hall and watched, fat lot of help he was. "Booth man, I wouldn't worry. It is just women folk doing girl things I am sure. She wouldn't be calling Angie in if it were a medical issue; she would be requesting Sweets assistance. Just chill, you saw her this morning; didn't she seem better to you?"

A simple nod was all the response Hodgins got. Booth feared that if he opened his mouth all the pent up ramblings would come spilling out. A deep calming breath and another cup of coffee finally had Booth able to look at Hodgins as he slid down sitting on the floor adjacent to her door. "Yeah, she seemed better. Her sleep seemed more peaceful last night. I think she almost smiled this morning, but she still looks really sick and she was fighting me about coming downstairs. I can't help but worry that last night was hard for her. I hate that my issues are making it worse for her. I can't believe I was so panicked. I feel like an idiot."

His friend sat beside him. "You fear was valid, as much as we hate to admit, there is still danger. It is obvious that you care for her, no one is going to judge you for it, especially her." They both stared ahead silent in their waiting.

At long last the door creaked open and Angela stood in the doorway looking at the three men. Sweets remained to one side, deep in concentration, as Hodgins and Booth both shot up from their position on the floor staring at her like desperate puppies. They were adorable. "I thought Cam told you to go out and take a walk Booth." Everyone knew full well that there was no way he would have followed that directive. Angela smiled as she watched Booth try to maneuver around her to get back into the bedroom; his desperation would have been comical if she didn't feel so bad for the man. She gradually stepped aside indicating his presence was welcome again and we went speeding in. She stood there wondering if these two had finally admitted to themselves that they were head over heels in love.

All of his breath left his chest as the sight. She was sitting up on the sofa directly underneath a stream perfect sunlight setting aglow her auburn hair that fell in loose curls around her shoulders. A pale pink cotton sundress brought out the natural rosy quality of her skin, masking the pallor of recent illness. But it wasn't the light touch of makeup expertly brushed across her face that made her positively radiant, it was her smile. It was more then he could ever have hoped for, as he swept her in his arms and swung her around, laughter filled the room. God bless woman folk and their girly things.

But laughter is an ephemeral thing. It is usually in the happiest of moments when guards are let down, and precautions are forgotten. As he drove toward the shore, he hoped they were relaxed and enjoying their artificial paradise. It always makes it more fun when the horror comes unexpectedly.