Another short chapter, I seem to have a lot of those! You all have been simply awesome, and I thank you so much for your comments!
Brennan sat on the sofa, legs curled up beside her, her head resting on Booth's chest. His arms were around her, one hand stroking her hair. The TV was on low, but neither was watching, both caught up in their own thoughts.
Booth felt her stir, and he sighed, dreading the words.
"It's getting late. I should go." She sat up slowly.
"You don't have to go, Temperance."
She sighed. "Booth..." She stood up, looking around for her shoes, and slipped them on.
Booth stood with her, then slipped his arms around her and pulled her close. She never stayed the weekends he had Parker. "Please..."
"We've been over this before. This is your time with Parker. I shouldn't be here every minute. And besides..."
"Parker loves you, Bones. He loves spending time with you."
She shook her head. "I know, but..." She didn't finish the sentence, just reached up and pulled his face to hers, kissing him. He kissed her back, running his hands up her back, entwining them in her hair. She broke the kiss, looking up at him.
He stroked her cheek with his hand. "Temperance, what you said before to Parker, about the baby..."
"I hope it didn't upset you, Booth."
He smiled at her. "Of course it didn't upset me, Bones! It...I just want you to know, it meant a lot to me."
"It meant a lot to me too, Booth. It's how I feel."
He leaned down and kissed her lightly. "I love you."
"I love you too." She pulled reluctantly out of his arms, and turned to go.
Booth fought the urge to ask her again to stay. "Bones..." She turned. "I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
She smiled at him. "Of course. Have a nice morning with Parker."
He watched her as she walked out, closing the door behind her. He stood for a minute, missing her already, then turned and walked back to his empty bed.
BBBBBBBBBB
Brennan unlocked her apartment door, and walked in. She took off her jacket and threw it on the sofa, then walked into the bedroom. She quickly undressed and slipped under the covers.
She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep. She couldn't sleep without his arms around her, his kisses, his touch. She was afraid that she was becoming too dependant on him, but her dependance on him didn't feel confining. It felt...right. For once in her life, she felt whole. She wasn't alone, she didn't have to do everything for herself. She didn't have to be strong every second of every day.
She always left him when he had Parker. She knew he didn't want her to go, and he didn't understand why she did. She knew it was stupid, but she didn't want Parker to wake up and find her there. She didn't want him to come to expect her there, because if there ever came a day when she wasn't... Not that she wanted to leave. She was happier with Booth than she ever thought she could be, but she knew she wasn't the best at relationships. Children needed stability, and she didn't want to hurt Parker.
She rolled over and closed her eyes, willing sleep to come.